08 JAN | Daily Current Affairs :GDP growth projected to fall to four-year low at 6.4%GDP growth projected to fall to four-year low at 6.4% And More

GS PAPER 1

Indian Economy

The National Statistics Office (NSO) projects India’s real GDP growth for 2024-25 at 6.4%, a four-year low, compared to 8.2% in 2023-24.

• The economy, which grew 6% in the first half of 2024-25, is expected to rebound with a 6.8% growth in the second half.

Sectoral Growth Trends

• Agriculture: Growth is expected to rise significantly to 3.8% from 1.4% in 2023-24.
• Public Administration, Defence, and Other Services: These sectors are projected to grow by 9.1%, up from 7.8% last year.
• Manufacturing: Growth is estimated to slow down sharply from 9.9% in 2023-24 to 5.3% in 2024-25.
• Mining and Quarrying: Growth is expected to dip to 2.9% from 7.1% in the previous year.

Investment Growth Concerns

• Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), an indicator of fresh investments, is projected to grow at 6.4%, down from 9% in 2023-24.

Economic Challenges and Budget Implications

• Reviving the economy’s growth to the 7%-plus levels seen in preceding years is identified as a key challenge for the Union Budget 2025-26.
• The Reserve Bank of India has revised its growth projection for the full year to 6.6%, down from the earlier estimate of 7.2%.
• The Finance Ministry now expects growth for 2024-25 to be ‘around 6.5%’, revising its earlier range of 6.5% to 7%.

Reasons and Way Forward:

• Reasons for Decline in India’s GDP GrowthGlobal Economic Slowdown: The global economic slowdown has impacted India’s exports and foreign investments, contributing to the decline in growth.
• Weak Domestic Demand: Consumer spending and private investment have been sluggish, affecting domestic demand and economic growth.
• Manufacturing Slowdown: The manufacturing sector, a key driver of economic growth, has experienced a slowdown due to various factors, including weak global demand and domestic challenges.

Way Forward

• Boosting Investment: Encouraging private investment through policy reforms and infrastructure development is crucial for reviving economic growth.
• Reforming Labor Markets: Implementing labor market reforms to enhance flexibility and productivity can boost employment and economic activity.
• Improving Ease of Doing Business: Streamlining business regulations and reducing bureaucratic hurdles can encourage entrepreneurship and attract foreign investment.
• Focus on Exports: Diversifying exports and promoting export-oriented sectors can boost economic growth and create jobs.
• Addressing Rural Distress: Addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector and improving rural incomes can boost domestic demand and economic growth.

USPC Mains PYQ : 2020

Ques : Define potential GDP and explain its determinants. What are the factors that have been inhibiting India from realizing its potential GDP?(150 Words /10 marks)

GS  PAPER 2

Science and Technology

The article explores the groundbreaking discoveries made using Caenorhabditis elegans, a model organism.

• It has helped in understanding genetic regulation, cell death, RNA interference, and gene expression.

Caenorhabditis Elegans:

• Caenorhabditis elegans is a 1-mm long, transparent nematode commonly used in scientific research.
• It inhabits soil and feeds on microbes, making it easily cultivated in laboratories.
• The adult worm has 959 cells and 302 neurons, providing a simple model for studying development and neuroscience.
• It is widely used in genetic and developmental biology due to its straightforward anatomy and short lifespan.
• The complete genome of C. elegans has been sequenced, providing valuable insights into genetic functions.
• Its transparency allows scientists to directly observe cellular processes and track molecular activities.

Researches that led to Nobel Prize:

• Genetic Regulation & Programmed Cell Death (2002)
  • Sydney Brenner, H. Robert Horvitz, and John Sulston discovered how genes regulate organ development and programmed cell death.
  • Their work revealed the genetic mechanisms that control cell death during development.
  • This research is crucial for understanding diseases like cancer, where cell death regulation is disrupted.
• RNA Interference (2006)
  • Andrew Fire and Craig Mello discovered how double-stranded RNA silences specific genes through RNA interference.
  • This mechanism prevents certain genes from producing proteins.
  • Their work created powerful tools for genetic research and opened doors for therapies targeting gene expression in diseases such as cancer and genetic disorders.
• Green Fluorescent Protein (2008)
  • Osamu Shimomura, Martin Chalfie, and Roger Tsien developed the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) to track proteins in living organisms.
  • GFP enabled scientists to visualize cellular processes in real time.
  • Their discovery revolutionized biological research, providing a key tool to study molecular interactions within living cells.
• MicroRNAs (2024)
  • Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun discovered microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate gene expression by silencing specific genes.
  • miRNAs control various biological processes, including development and disease regulation.
  • Their findings advanced our understanding of genetic regulation and opened new possibilities for diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches in genetic diseases.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques : Discuss the significance of Caenorhabditis elegans in advancing our understanding of genetic regulation and programmed cell death. How have its discoveries impacted medical research? (150 Words /10 marks)

GS PAPER 3

Prelims Fact

A recent study suggests the world may have already surpassed 1.5°C of warming.

• The study highlights accelerated climate impacts, including weakening ocean circulations, forest struggles, and intensified natural disasters.

Global Temperature and Climate Threshold

• The world may have already reached 1.5°C of warming above pre-industrial levels, a critical threshold for irreversible climate impacts.
• This is based on an analysis of 2,000 years of atmospheric gases trapped in Antarctic ice cores, suggesting 1.49°C of warming in 2023.
• Traditionally, scientists measured temperatures against a baseline from 1850-1900, where warming was around 1.3°C.

Impact on Ocean Circulations and Ecosystems

• The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), crucial for European climate, has weakened by 15% since 1950 and may be nearing a critical slowdown.
• The ongoing fourth mass coral bleaching event raises concerns that the world’s reefs may have passed an irreversible point.

Wildfires and Droughts

• Global warming is exacerbating wildfires, with climate change contributing to 13% of deaths from toxic wildfire smoke in the 2010s.
• The Amazon faced its worst drought in 2024, with drought and heat stresses threatening the rainforest’s survival, potentially transitioning it into degraded forests.

Forests and Carbon Sequestration

• A 2024 study found that forests globally are absorbing less CO₂, indicating their diminished role in mitigating climate change.

Volcanic Eruptions

• Climate change could also trigger more volcanic eruptions, as rapid glacier retreat in Iceland reduces pressure on the earth’s crust.

GS PAPER 4

 Prelims Fact

Biden designates two new national monuments in California, Chuckwalla and Sattitla, securing environmental protections for sacred lands and leaving a lasting conservation legacy.

Places in news:

• Chuckwalla National Monument
  • Located near Joshua Tree National Park in southern California, the Chuckwalla National Monument spans 624,000 acres.
  • It will be protected from drilling, mining, solar farms, and other industrial activities.
  • The area holds cultural and spiritual significance for Native American tribes that have inhabited the land for millennia.
  • The designation safeguards the land’s unique beauty, canyons, and wildlife for future generations.
• Sattitla National Monument
  • The Sattitla National Monument, covering 224,000 acres, is located in northern California, bordering Oregon.
  • Like Chuckwalla, it will be shielded from industrial activities, ensuring its preservation.
  • The area is known for its diverse landscapes and ecological importance.
  • The designation reflects efforts to conserve important natural and cultural resources for long-term environmental sustainability.

In News : Year End Review 2024: Ministry of Tribal Affair

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements various initiatives to enhance the socio-economic, educational, and cultural development of tribal communities.

• This article explains these key programs and achievements.

Key Initiatives and Achievements of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Increased Budget Allocation:

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has seen a significant increase in its budget, particularly for the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST).
• This enhanced funding supports a variety of initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic status of tribal communities.

Key Programs Launched:

• Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: Aimed at addressing gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood in tribal villages.
• Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN): Focuses on improving the quality of life for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) through targeted support.
• Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY): Aims to provide essential infrastructure to villages with significant tribal populations.
• Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM): Promotes tribal entrepreneurship by supporting businesses focused on locally produced goods.

Other Initiatives:

• Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): The government has expanded the number of EMRS, which offer quality education to tribal students. Key achievements include:
  • Inauguration of 40 new EMRS by the Prime Minister.
  • Recruitment of teachers and support staff for these schools.
  • Organization of cultural and literary festivals for students.
• Scholarships for Tribal Students: Various scholarship schemes are available to support tribal students across different educational levels, including:
  • Pre-matric and post-matric scholarships.
  • Overseas scholarships for higher education.
• Aadi Mahotsav: An annual tribal festival that celebrates and showcases the rich cultural heritage of tribal communities across India.
• Support to Tribal Research Institutes: Financial assistance is provided to Tribal Research Institutes for research activities aimed at preserving and promoting tribal languages and cultures.
• Forest Rights Act: Significant amounts of forest land have been distributed to tribal communities under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
• Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: November 15th is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas to honor tribal freedom fighters and recognize their contributions to India’s independence.
• Focus on Healthcare: The government has launched the Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission to address the health challenges faced by tribal populations.

Additional Initiatives:

• Training programs in semiconductor technology for tribal students.
• Support to voluntary organizations working for tribal welfare.
• Healthcare improvements aimed at enhancing the well-being of tribal communities.

USPC Mains Practice Question

Ques : Examine the role of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in improving the quality of life for tribal communities in India through its key initiatives and programs. (250 Words /15 marks)

GS PAPER 5

Editorial Analysis

 Context :

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) introduced two transformative reforms: accelerated and extended degree programmes.This summary seeks to explore their advantages, challenges, and implications for India’s higher education system.

Introduction to New Degree Programmes

• The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced two transformative reforms in Indian higher education: accelerated and extended degree programmes for undergraduate students.
• These programmes provide students with the flexibility to complete their degrees faster or over an extended duration, deviating from the traditional rigid framework.

Advantages of the New Programmes

• Enhanced Autonomy and Flexibility:
  • Students can customise their academic journey based on individual needs, aligning with the multidisciplinary approach of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
  • The reforms aim to produce graduates proficient in their fields while equipped with soft and creative skills, fostering innovation.
• Career and Skill Benefits:
  • The accelerated programme allows students to enter the workforce earlier, gain professional experience, and save on tuition fees.
  • The extended programme enables exploration of diverse subjects, internships, research, skill development, and personal pursuits alongside academics.
• Global Alignment and Mobility:
  • These programmes align with international education standards, enhancing mobility for Indian students domestically and globally.
  • The introduction of a flexible credit system allows students to progress at their own pace, tailoring education to career goals.

Challenges of the New Structure

• Depth and Rigour Concerns:
  • Accelerated programmes may lead to superficial learning due to compressed teaching schedules, compromising educational quality.
  • Extended programmes might reduce academic urgency, with some students taking unnecessarily long to complete their degrees.
• Impact on Technical Education:
  • Engineering programmes, requiring in-depth theoretical and practical learning, may face challenges in maintaining rigour under accelerated formats.
  • Reduced time could hinder hands-on experiences such as lab work, internships, and problem-solving exercises critical for technical competence.
  • Extended programmes could increase financial burdens on students, deterring those with limited economic resources.

Practical Challenges in Implementation

• Institutional and Administrative Overhaul:
  • Substantial restructuring of curricula, teaching methods, and administrative systems is required, posing difficulties for resource-constrained universities.
  • Effective systems for tracking student progress, credit transfers, and evaluation need to be developed.
• Equity Concerns:
  • Students from underprivileged backgrounds may struggle without adequate guidance and support, potentially increasing dropout rates.
• Digital Divide:
  • Increased reliance on digital education could exacerbate inequities among students lacking access to digital infrastructure.
• Faculty Training:
  • Teachers must adapt to new pedagogical models through professional development to support flexible, interdisciplinary learning.

Way Forward

• To overcome these challenges, strategic planning, adequate investment, and timely recruitment of faculty and staff are essential.
• Inclusivity and robust administrative frameworks are critical to ensuring equity and accessibility for all students.
• If implemented effectively, these reforms could create a dynamic higher education system aligned with market needs, contributing to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.