Weekly Current Affairs 23 December 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

INS Nirdeshak: Indian Navy’s New Survey Ship Commissioned

Why in News?

• The Indian Navy is preparing to officially commission its latest survey ship, INS Nirdeshak, on December 18, 2024, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. This significant event will be graced by the Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri, Shri Sanjay Seth, as the Chief Guest. The commissioning of this vessel is a crucial step in enhancing India's naval capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• Ship Specifications: INS Nirdeshak measures 110 metres and has a displacement of approximately 3,800 tons.
• Power and Efficiency: The ship is powered by two diesel engines, which contribute to its effective performance.
• Indigenous Manufacturing: Over 80% of the ship's components are sourced from India, showcasing the Navy’s commitment to self-reliance.

Additional Details

Operational Role:INS Nirdeshak is the second vessel in the Survey Vessel (Large) Project, focusing on various functions such as:

• Mapping sea floors
• Aiding maritime navigation
• Supporting diverse naval operations

Endurance and Performance: The ship boasts a range of over 25 days at sea and can achieve speeds exceeding 18 knots, making it well-suited for extensive surveys and enhancing India's maritime presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

The commissioning of INS Nirdeshak represents a significant enhancement of the Indian Navy's capabilities, especially in conducting marine surveys and fostering international cooperation. This ship is set to play an important role in bolstering India’s strategic interests in the region.

Russia to Introduce Visa-Free Travel for Indian Tourists in 2025

Why in News?

• Discussions between Russia and India have led to the proposal of visa-free travel for Indian tourists, expected to begin in spring 2025. This initiative aims to facilitate easier travel for tourists and enhance bilateral tourism relations.

Key Takeaways

• Visa-Free Travel: Russian officials are negotiating a visa-free travel agreement with India.
• E-Visas: The introduction of e-visas in August 2023 has already benefited Indian travelers.
• Tourist Increase: The number of Indian visitors to Russia has significantly risen, particularly for business purposes.

Additional Details

• E-Visas Popularity: Since the launch of e-visas, about 9,500 have been issued to Indian citizens in 2023, making up 6% of all e-visas issued by Russia. The processing time is only four days, facilitating quicker travel.
• Visitor Statistics: In 2023, over 60,000 Indians visited Moscow, marking a 26% increase from the previous year, mainly for business or work-related reasons.
• Existing Visa-Free Arrangements: Russia currently allows visa-free travel for citizens of China and Iran, a successful initiative that may pave the way for similar arrangements with India.
• Global Mobility: Indian passport holders already enjoy visa-free access to 62 countries, and the addition of Russia would further enhance their travel opportunities.

The move towards visa-free travel for Indian tourists is a strategic effort by Russia to boost tourism and strengthen ties with India, reflecting a broader trend of increasing global mobility for Indian citizens.

Moldova Joins International Solar Alliance

Why in News?

• On December 17, 2024, Moldova officially became a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. This membership underscores Moldova's dedication to advancing sustainability and renewable energy initiatives. The formal signing of the agreement took place in New Delhi, with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi executing the necessary documents.

Key Takeaways

• Moldova's membership in the ISA illustrates a commitment to renewable energy and sustainability.
• The ISA aims to mobilize over USD 1000 billion for solar energy projects by 2030.
• India's leadership is crucial in promoting renewable energy in developing nations.

Additional Details

• International Solar Alliance (ISA): An international treaty-based organization focused on enhancing solar energy deployment and addressing challenges related to technology, financing, and scaling solar initiatives.
• The ISA's headquarters is in India, and it has seen growth in membership, including Armenia, which became the 104th member last month.
• India has initiated various renewable energy projects, such as solarizing government buildings and providing energy solutions to healthcare facilities in different countries.
• Notable projects include solarizing Malawi's Parliamentary building and establishing solar-powered cold storage in Seychelles.
• The ISA also emphasizes capacity building by offering technical training to experts from member countries.

Moldova's entry into the ISA reflects a growing global interest in renewable energy solutions and collaborative efforts towards sustainable development. The ISA's initiatives not only enhance energy access but also promote the effective implementation of solar projects across member nations.

SLINEX 2024 Naval Exercise

Why in News?

• SLINEX 2024 is scheduled to occur from December 17 to 20, 2024, off the coast of Visakhapatnam. This exercise is organized by the Eastern Naval Command and involves the naval forces of India and Sri Lanka, aiming to enhance maritime cooperation between the two nations.

Key Takeaways

• SLINEX started in 2005 as a bilateral naval exercise.
• The primary goal is to strengthen the maritime relationship and enhance mutual trust and collaboration in maritime security.
• The exercise consists of two distinct phases: the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase.

Additional Details

• Structure of the Exercise: The Harbour Phase will take place from December 17 to 18, focusing on professional and social activities to improve mutual understanding among naval personnel.
• Sea Phase Activities: Scheduled for December 19 and 20, this phase will include joint exercises such as Special Forces operations, gun firings, communication drills, seamanship practices, navigation exercises, and helicopter operations.
• Participating Vessels: India will be represented by the Indian Naval Ship INS Sumitra, a patrol vessel from the Eastern Fleet, accompanied by a Special Forces team. Sri Lanka will contribute the SLNS Sayura, an offshore patrol vessel, along with its own Special Forces team.
• The exercise emphasizes the commitment of both nations to promote a secure and rules-based maritime environment, enhancing regional security and stability.

In conclusion, SLINEX 2024 serves as a significant platform for India and Sri Lanka to enhance their naval cooperation and reaffirm their commitment to maritime security and stability in the region.

What is Mirror Bacteria?

Why in News?

• Recent advancements in synthetic biology have sparked significant concern among scientists regarding the emergence of mirror bacteria. These synthetic organisms possess molecular structures that are the reverse of those found in nature. A coalition of 38 scientists from nine different countries has raised alarms about the unprecedented risks these organisms could potentially pose to humans, animals, and plants.

Key Takeaways

• Chirality: The property of asymmetry in molecular structures critical for biological functions.
• Risks of Mirror Bacteria: Potential disruption of natural molecular design leading to harmful pathogens.
• Scientific Concerns: Acknowledgment of the potential for catastrophic outcomes.
• Funding and Oversight: Need for stringent oversight in synthetic organism research.

Additional Details

• Chirality: This concept refers to the unique 'handedness' of molecules, which is essential for all known life forms. For instance, DNA and RNA are made up of right-handed nucleotides, while proteins consist of left-handed amino acids. This handedness is crucial for proper molecular interactions and biological functions.
• Potential Risks: The introduction of mirror bacteria could lead to the emergence of harmful pathogens, with unpredictable effects on ecosystems and human health. Scientists argue that the risks associated with these organisms are often underestimated and need urgent attention.
• Scientific Consensus: Initially skeptical, many scientists now recognize the severe potential consequences of mirror bacteria. Jonathan Jones, one of the report's authors, highlighted that while the chances of failure may appear low, the possible repercussions could be devastating.
• Funding Concerns: The 300-page report discusses both the feasibility and hazards of creating mirror bacteria. Some laboratories are interested in these organisms for advancing biological research and drug development. However, the scientific community advocates for strict oversight and suggests avoiding funding for projects aimed at creating mirror life due to the associated risks.

In conclusion, the emergence of mirror bacteria presents significant challenges and risks that require careful consideration and oversight. The scientific community urges caution and a reevaluation of the potential dangers before further research is permitted.

What is Boltz-1, an AI Model for Predicting Biomedical Structure?

Why in News?

• In December 2024, MIT scientists unveiled Boltz-1, a groundbreaking open-source AI model designed to advance biomedical research and drug development. Boltz-1 has demonstrated performance that matches AlphaFold3, a proprietary model developed by Google DeepMind, in the task of predicting protein structures.

Key Takeaways

• Boltz-1 promotes global collaboration in scientific research by being open-source.
• The model aims to improve the efficiency of predicting protein structures, which is crucial for pharmaceutical development.
• It was developed by a team led by Jeremy Wohlwend and Gabriele Corso at MIT.

Additional Details

• Importance of Proteins: Proteins are vital for numerous biological processes, and their three-dimensional structures are essential for the creation of new drugs.
• Advancements Over Previous Models: Boltz-1 builds on the high standards set by AlphaFold2 and AlphaFold3, which improved prediction accuracy through machine learning and diffusion models.
• The entire model, including its training processes, remains open-source, allowing researchers worldwide to contribute to its development.
• The development of Boltz-1 took four months, during which the team faced challenges with the extensive Protein Data Bank but achieved comparable accuracy to AlphaFold3.

The MIT team plans to further refine Boltz-1 for quicker predictions and encourages researchers to utilize the model and share their findings through platforms such as GitHub and Slack. The model has been praised by experts, including Mathai Mammen and Jonathan Weissman, as a transformative tool for medical research. Supported by organizations like the U.S. National Science Foundation and the Cancer Grand Challenges programme, Boltz-1 is expected to significantly impact healthcare and scientific discovery.

Goa Assembly ST Reservation Bill 2024

Why in News?

• The Lok Sabha recently engaged in discussions regarding the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes (ST) in the Goa Assembly Bill, 2024. This debate was prompted by concerns over the delayed 2021 Census and the government's preparedness to complete it effectively, especially given the lack of apparent progress.

Key Takeaways

• The Bill empowers the Census Commissioner to determine the ST population in Goa.
• Introduction of the Bill was made by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal in August 2024.
• The Election Commission will utilize Census data for adjusting Assembly seats and reserving seats for STs.
• Goa's ST population increased significantly, from 566 in 2001 to 149,275 in 2011.
• The inclusion of Kunbi, Gawda, and Velip communities in the ST list in 2003 contributed to this demographic growth.

Additional Details

• Census Delay: Prominent MPs, including Pratima Mondal and Supriya Sule, expressed support for the Bill but highlighted concerns regarding the Census delay. They emphasized the necessity of completing the Census for precise delimitation of Assembly seats.
• The Census budget was criticized for being inadequate, with only ₹1,000 crore allocated against an estimated requirement of ₹12,000 crore, raising doubts about the Census's feasibility and timeline.
• Nationwide Census Call: Kirsan Namdeo pointed out that this is the first Census delay in 150 years, advocating for a comprehensive population count, suggesting a nationwide Caste Census to better understand demographic dynamics.
• Members of the ruling alliance defended the government's actions, asserting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to improving the welfare of tribal communities across India.

In conclusion, the Goa Assembly ST Reservation Bill 2024 aims to address representation issues for Scheduled Tribes in light of demographic changes, while concerns about Census execution and funding remain prominent in discussions.

Mandatory MFA and E-Way Bill Updates in 2025

Why in News?

• Starting April 1, 2025, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) will become mandatory for all taxpayers utilizing the revised E-Way Bill and E-Invoice systems. This change is part of a broader effort to bolster security and ensure compliance within tax-related processes.

Key Takeaways

• MFA will be phased in, starting January 1, 2025, targeting taxpayers with annual turnover exceeding ₹20 crore.
• From February 1, 2025, the MFA requirement will extend to those with turnover above ₹5 crore.
• All other taxpayers must comply with MFA by April 1, 2025.

Additional Details

• E-Way Bill: An E-Way Bill is required for transporting goods valued over ₹50,000 and can be generated through the GST Common Portal.
• E-Invoicing: This involves uploading invoice details to the Invoice Registration Portal (IRP) to obtain an Invoice Reference Number (IRN). Without a registered invoice, input tax credit (ITC) claims are invalid.
• New regulations for E-Way Bills will take effect from January 1, 2025, including restrictions on generating bills for documents dated beyond 180 days from the generation date.
• The maximum extension for E-Way Bills will be limited to 360 days from the original generation date.

The implementation of these updates is aimed at enhancing compliance and curbing tax evasion. Rajat Mohan, Senior Partner at AMRG & Associates, emphasizes that the new stipulations regarding document validity and E-Way Bill extensions will help mitigate risks associated with backdating or forward-dating transactions. Taxpayers are advised to align their compliance processes with these regulatory changes.

Delhi and Bengaluru Lead in India’s Crypto Investment

Why in News?

Delhi and Bengaluru have emerged as key players in India's cryptocurrency investment landscape, significantly contributing to the national investment portfolio, particularly in the Layer-1 category. A recent report reveals that these two cities collectively accounted for 30.5% of the country's overall crypto investments, reflecting their growing influence in the sector.

Key Takeaways

• Delhi-NCR is the leader in crypto investments, contributing 20.9%.
• Bengaluru follows with 9.6%, while Mumbai ranks third with 6.5%.
• These three cities alone represent over 36% of India's total crypto market.

Additional Details

• Performance of Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities: Pune has shown remarkable performance, with 86% of its investors reporting positive returns. Cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, and Botad are also witnessing significant growth in crypto adoption. Notably, Kolkata and Botad have entered the top 10 cities for crypto investments for the first time.
• Investor Preferences in 2024: Indian investors have demonstrated a clear preference for blue-chip and large-cap tokens due to their stability. Layer-1 tokens attracted 37% of investor interest, while DeFi tokens garnered 17%. In Bengaluru, blue-chip investments led at 38%, with large-cap tokens at 30%. The under-35 age group constitutes nearly 75% of crypto investors, and women account for 11%, indicating a growing participation of females in the market.

The cryptocurrency investment landscape in India has seen substantial growth in 2024, with investors increasingly diversifying their portfolios to include various asset types, including meme coins and DeFi tokens. This trend marks a significant shift as crypto adoption expands beyond major metropolitan areas into smaller cities.

Russia Develops mRNA Cancer Vaccine, Offers It For Free

Why in News?

• On December 20, 2024, Russia announced a significant advancement in cancer treatment with the introduction of a new mRNA vaccine. This innovative vaccine is set to be made available to patients at no cost by early 2025 and has shown promising results in pre-clinical trials, indicating its potential to inhibit tumor growth and prevent the spread of cancer.

Key Takeaways

• The mRNA cancer vaccine aims to be available for free to patients by early 2025.
• Pre-clinical trials indicate effectiveness in suppressing tumor growth and preventing cancer metastasis.
• Artificial intelligence has significantly accelerated the vaccine development process, reducing the time needed to design personalized vaccines.

Additional Details

• Vaccine Development: The utilization of artificial intelligence has transformed the traditional approach to developing personalized cancer vaccines, cutting down the design time from several hours to just 30 minutes to an hour.
• Types of Cancer Vaccines: There are two primary categories—therapeutic vaccines aimed at treating existing cancers, and preventive vaccines designed to reduce the risk of developing certain cancers, such as the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer.
• The introduction of this mRNA vaccine could significantly impact cancer treatment, offering new hope for managing tumor growth and preventing cancer recurrence.

The development of this mRNA cancer vaccine by Russia represents a potentially transformative step in oncology, emphasizing the importance of innovation and research in improving cancer treatment outcomes both nationally and globally.

EPFO Introduces ATM Withdrawals for PF Savings

Why in News?

• The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched a groundbreaking initiative allowing members to withdraw their provident fund (PF) savings directly from ATMs. This significant change is designed to streamline the often cumbersome and lengthy withdrawal process, making it easier for individuals to access their funds.

Key Takeaways

• The new ATM withdrawal facility benefits salaried employees, retirees, and beneficiaries.
• Salaried employees can withdraw up to 50% of their PF balance in emergencies.
• Retirees can access their full PF balance at age 55 or withdraw 90% a year before retirement.
• Beneficiaries can claim insurance amounts up to ₹7 lakh.

Additional Details

Requirements for Accessing Funds:Members must complete several steps, including:

• Activating their Universal Account Number (UAN).
• Linking their Aadhaar and bank accounts.
• Ensuring their Permanent Account Number (PAN) is current for tax purposes.
• For beneficiaries, linking a bank account to the deceased member’s PF account and verifying necessary documentation is required.

Digital Integration: This initiative supports the government's goal of fostering a digitally inclusive financial environment, enhancing the efficiency of PF-related services.

The integration with platforms like Digilocker and Umang allows for easy access to records and claims.

The introduction of ATM withdrawals marks a significant step towards improving access to PF savings for millions. By eliminating bureaucratic barriers, this reform aims to facilitate immediate access to funds, thereby simplifying financial management for users.

ISRO Launches XPoSat for Cosmic Research

Why in News?

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has marked a significant milestone by successfully launching the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) on December 21, 2024. This launch enhances our understanding of black holes and neutron stars, showcasing ISRO's commitment to advancing space exploration.

Key Takeaways

• XPoSat is ISRO's first satellite dedicated to studying X-ray polarization.
• The satellite was launched using the PSLV-C58 rocket, demonstrating ISRO's operational excellence.
• It is equipped with two main instruments: POLIX and XSPECT.

Additional Details

• XPoSat: This satellite is set to operate for approximately five years and aims to investigate around 50 cosmic sources within the energy range of 8-30 keV.
• Instruments: POLIX, developed by the Raman Research Institute, and XSPECT, created by the U R Rao Satellite Centre, will measure X-ray polarization for long-term observations.
• Launch Vehicle: The PSLV has a strong track record, previously utilized for missions like Chandrayaan-1 and the Mars Orbiter Mission. Notably, ISRO executed a unique maneuver during this launch, firing the fourth stage of the rocket twice to adjust its altitude from 650 km to 350 km.
• Additional Payloads: The mission included ten other payloads, such as the Radiation Shielding Experiment Module and an amateur radio satellite called BeliefSat, highlighting ISRO's innovative spirit.

This launch exemplifies ISRO's dedication to enhancing our understanding of the universe and fostering technological innovation through satellite missions.

Eastern Maritime Corridor Boosts India and Russia Trade

Why in News?

• On December 21, 2024, it was reported that India has become the largest buyer of Russian oil, surpassing China. This shift coincides with the establishment of the Eastern Maritime Corridor, which has significantly improved trade between India and Russia by introducing a new sea route from Chennai to Vladivostok.

Key Takeaways

• The Chennai-Vladivostok route covers approximately 5,600 nautical miles.
• This new route has decreased transit times by up to 16 days, allowing shipments to arrive in just 24 days.
• Key commodities transported include crude oil, coal, liquefied natural gas (LNG), fertilizers, and containerized cargo.
• India's imports through this route mainly consist of crude oil, coal, coke, vegetable oils, and fertilizers.
• Exports to Russia from India include processed minerals, iron and steel, tea, and marine products.

Additional Details

• Maritime Route Efficiency: The transit time from Vladivostok to Chennai is now around 12 days, compared to 40 days via the older route from Mumbai to St. Petersburg.
• Impact on Trade Dynamics: By mid-2024, India had solidified its status as the largest buyer of Russian oil, with shipments of Urals crude reaching a four-month high in October.
• The strengthened ties with Russia are expected to reduce Russia's dependence on China and foster increased cooperation in military and nuclear technologies.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin is anticipated to visit India in 2025, signaling the importance of this growing partnership.

In summary, the establishment of the Eastern Maritime Corridor has not only streamlined trade routes between India and Russia but has also positioned India as a significant player in the global oil market, enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation in various sectors.