Context: A three Supreme Court judge Bench headed by Justice Surya Kant said the Dam Safety Act, 2021, was “existing on paper” after the State of Kerala argued that “nothing has been done”, including the constitution of a National Committee on Dam Safety. Dam Safety Act, 2021: Need and Features The Salient features of the Dam Safety Act: Problems with the Act: UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Prelims Q. On which one of the following rivers is the Tehri Hydropower Complex located? (2008) (a) Alaknanda(b) Bhagirathi(c) Dhauliganga(d) Mandakini Ans: (b) Exp: Mains Q. Suppose the Government of India is thinking of constructing a dam in a mountain valley bound by forests and inhabited by ethnic communities. What rational policy should it resort to in dealing with unforeseen contingencies? (2018) Q. What do you understand by Run-of-river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project? (2013)
National Green Hydrogen Mission
Context: “The country launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023. Our aim is to make 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen production annually by 2030. As a first step, two green hydrogen hubs will be set up, out of which one is in Visakhapatnam,” PM said. The National Green Hydrogen Mission The National Green Hydrogen Mission is a program that the Government of India launched on January 4, 2023. Green hydrogen can be produced using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. It can replace fossil fuels in transportation and industry, and provide a reliable source of energy. Other Initiatives Related to Renewable Energy Green Ammonia UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims: Q. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce one of the following as “exhaust” (2010) (a) NH3 (b) CH4 (c) H2O (d) H2O2 Ans: (c)
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Context: India’s first commercial utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) will be launched in Delhi. Key Highlights: Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) A battery energy storage system (BESS) is a collection of batteries that stores energy from a power plant or grid, integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind, stabilizing the grid, reducing carbon emissions, and providing backup power during
Joint Parliamentary Committee
Context: At the first meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on two Bills on conducting simultaneous polls. Joint Parliamentary Committee A joint parliamentary committee is formed in case a motion is adopted in one house and then supported or agreed upon by another house. It can also form a joint parliamentary committee by making a joint representation to the presiding chiefs of both houses where they can correspond with each other and form such a committee. What is a motion? A motion in Parliament is a proposal put forth by a member of Parliament with the intent of discussing or changing the course of the law. Parliamentary proceedings and motions are the very roots of a practice allowing legislators to debate all the topics of great public concern. ONE NATION ONE ELECTION
Greenland
Context: President-elect Donald Trump has reignited interest in Greenland, proposing it as a valuable strategic addition to the U.S. territory. While the idea may sound audacious, it has sparked discussions about the island’s value, strategic significance, and feasibility of such a purchase. Greenland Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, the largest of two within the Kingdom. It is one of the Overseas Countries and Territories of the European Union, and its citizens are European Union citizens. The capital is Nuuk, and it lies between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. Greenland is the world’s largest island, and the location of the northernmost point of land, Kaffeklubben Island off the northern coast. Greenland is a significant geographical feature for a number of reasons, including its size, location, and natural resources: Greenland is an autonomous Danish dependent territory with having self-government and its own parliament. It is technically part of North America, but has been politically and culturally associated with Europe since the 9th century.
Make America Great Again (MAGA)
Context: There is a big battle brewing between Trump and his advisor Elon Musk, who support H-1B visas, and the MAGA (Make America Great Again) group that wants jobs to go to Americans. What is H1B Visa? MAGA (Make America Great Again) “Make America Great Again,” abbreviated as MAGA, is an American political slogan officially popularized by Donald Trump during his presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2024. It refers to Trump’s political base and generated widespread clamor as a pop culture phenomenon. Originally used in the 1980 campaign of Ronald Reagan, the slogan has been denounced as racist and dog-whistle politics.
Current Affairs 8 January 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz8 January, 2025 International Affairs 1. Earthquake Context: A devastating 7.1 Scale earthquake hits China’s remote area of Tibet, 75km from Everest region. It resulted in killing of at least 126 people. Earthquake and Causes 2. Undersea Domain Awareness Context: India and the US agreed to co-produce sonobuoys in the U.S. for Undersea Domain Awareness for the Indian Navy. Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) is a maritime aspect that encompasses the underwater sector, including security, sea lines of communication, coastal waters, and maritime assets. It is motivated by military requirements and geophysical activities relating to human well-being, because monitoring these activities can help to minimize the effects of natural disasters and protect the environment. Key Highlights: 3. Indonesia Joins Brics BRICS National Affairs 1. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Context: Over 3,000 delegates from across 70 countries have arrived in Odisha ahead of 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Pravasi Bharatiya Divas or Overseas Indian Day is an official celebration in India since 2003, marking the Overseas Indian contributions to the nation’s development as well as on the occasion when Mahatma Gandhi returned to Mumbai from South Africa in 1915. 2. Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022 Context: High Court of Karnataka has struck down the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022, which were framed for promoting generation, purchase, and consumption of green energy. Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022 The Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022 were notified by the Ministry of Power (MoP) on June 6, 2022. The rules aim to promote the use of green energy, including energy from waste-to-energy plants, and to reduce emissions. The rules are intended to: The most recent amendment was the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2023. 3. University Grants Commission’s Change in Higher Education in India The University Grants Commission (UGC) has made several changes to higher education in India, including: Pros and Cons National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) 4. Bharatpol Context: Bharatpol and systems introduced under the three new criminal laws will empower Indian law enforcement agencies to “bring fugitives to justice”, Union home minister Amit Shah said. Bharatpol Portal 5. Impeachment Of Judges Context: The Allahabad High Court on Tuesday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) petition against the impeachment motion submitted in the Upper House of Parliament over the communal speech delivered. Impeachment of High Court Judge Appointment of Judges Previous Year Questions Mains Q) Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgment on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (2017) Prelims Q) Consider the following statements:(2019) (1) The 44th Amendment to the Constitution of India introduced an article placing the election of the Prime Minister beyond judicial review (2) Supreme Court of India struck down the 99th amendment to the Constitution of India as being violative of the independence of the judiciary Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 6. Tokenisation in Digital Personal Data Protection Rules Context: The child verification system proposed in the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules to ensure that minors do not use social media platforms or age-restricted online services without parental consent has been formulated in consultation with the tech industry, Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister. Tokenisation in Online Identity Verification Breach of Right to Privacy? 7. AI Governance in India Context: The Union government panel, group, or home for the set AI framework has suggested forming an inter-ministerial committee of the government which will emphasize putting AI legislation into practice and governing the emerging environment of AI. Key recommendations Core Principles of AI Governance: IndiaAI Mission 8. Thorium Based Fuel Context: Nuclear power has been in the news with NTPC announcing a partnership with the US based Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) to develop thorium based fuel for use in nuclear reactors. Thorium Thorium is slightly radioactive metal that can be used to create nuclear fuel. It is available more than uranium and can be used in most reactor types. Thorium fuel has some advantages over uranium, including: Thorium as Fuel Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE) is a US-headquartered company that develops nuclear fuel to address climate and human development challenges. Some Important Nuclear Power Plants in India Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) 9. Microsoft to invest $3 bn in India! Context: Microsoft Chief Executive Satya Nadella announced with an investment of $3 billion that will expand capabilities in cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Cloud Computing Cloud computing is the delivery of computing resources, like storage, servers, databases, and software, over the internet. It allows users to access these resources on-demand, without need to purchase and maintain their own physical infrastructure. Example and Application 10. Beta-blockers can Lead to Hypokalaemia! Context: Beta-blockers, drugs prescribed commonly to people suffering from irregular heartbeat and hypertension among other ailments, can lead to dangerously low potassium levels or hypokalaemia, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has warned. Beta-blockers Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are a class of drugs that slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure. Hypokalaemia Hypokalaemia, or low potassium, is a condition where there are lower than normal levels of potassium in the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps carry electrical signals to cells in the body, and it is essential for the proper functioning of nerve and muscle cells. Banking/Finance 1. National Statistics Office (NSO) Context: According to projections from the National Statistics Office (NSO), India’s real GDP is likely to grow by between 6.4 and 8.2 percent during the financial year 2024-25. The National Statistical Office (NSO) The National Statistical Office (NSO) is the nodal agency for statistical activities in India. The NSO was formed by merging the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and the Central Statistical Office (CSO). The NSSO was established in
India’s Economic Growth Outlook 2024-25
Context: The National Statistics Office (NSO) released the First Advance Estimates (FAE) for India’s national income for the financial year 2024-25, forecasting a 6.4% growth rate. Key Highlights: Impact on the Fiscal Management of the Government Challenges to Growth in the Medium Term
The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
Context: The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) provides one years personal accident insurance to those aged 18 to 70 years, with a cumulative enrollment of 475.9 million. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) is an insurance policy that provides financial assistance in case of accidental death or disability due to:
Cooperative Banks
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released drafts for revised formats of the financial statements, the balance sheet and profit and loss account, for cooperative banks to enhance norms governing regulated entities. These forms were notified in 1981. Cooperative Banks Cooperative banks are financial institutions that are owned and operated by their members, who are also the bank’s customers. They are based on the principles of: Features Examples Financial Regulatory Bodies in India
