Current Affairs 01 February 2025

Content:

1. Economy’s fundamentals robust amid ‘strong downsides’: Survey
2. SC leaves decision on VIP darshan at temples to States.
3. Study finds microplastics in city’s groundwater.
4. India’s tiger population rose 30% over two decades, recovery boosted by strong legislative framework’.
5. UIDAI notifies new rules for Aadhaar authentication
6. Indigenisation an urgent task for India’s electric mobility transition’
7. Survey Snubs AI Impact on Workforce, Says Skilling Could Put Indians Ahead

Economy’s Fundamentals Robust Amid ‘Strong Downsides’ – Survey

Context: The Economic Survey 2024-25, presented in Parliament, provides an assessment of India’s economic performance and outlines key challenges and opportunities for the coming fiscal year.

Relevance:GS 3 (Indian Economy)

Growth Projections & Economic Fundamentals

• India’s GDP growth is projected to be between 6.3% and 6.8% in 2025-26, compared to an estimated 6.4% in 2024-25.
• The Survey notes strong economic fundamentals, with positive trends in investment, output, and disinflation, but highlights potential external risks.
• Growth estimates align with the IMF’s projection of 6.5% growth between 2025-26 and 2029-30.

Investment & Demand Trends

• Urban demand remains uncertain, showing mixed trends in Q3 of 2024-25.
• Government capital expenditure (capex) has slowed down, impacting overall investment momentum.
• Private sector investment remains subdued due to:
  • Domestic political uncertainties
  • Global economic volatility
  • Overcapacity issues
• Despite these challenges, the Survey highlights “green shoots” in capital formation, suggesting a temporary slowdown.

Long-Term Growth Aspirations & Challenges

• The ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ goal requires a sustained 8% GDP growth over the next decade.
• The investment rate must increase from 31% of GDP to 35% to achieve this target.
• The Survey outlines policy measures needed to accelerate growth beyond the current trajectory.

Urgent Indigenisation in EV Sector

• India must prioritize indigenisation of raw materials and technology in the EV sector.
• The government needs to be cautious about imports, as the global auto industry reduces dependence on China.
• Strengthening domestic EV supply chains is crucial for a successful transition to electric mobility.

SC Leaves Decision on VIP Darshan at Temples to States

Context:
The Supreme Court of India refused to entertain a petition challenging the preferential darshan (VIP darshan) system in religious places.

Relevance:GS 2 (Polity & Governance)

Observations by the Supreme Court

Background:

• The petition argued that granting special access to VIPs based on financial status or influence violated the fundamental rights to equality, dignity, and freedom of religion.
• However, the Court held that this issue should be left to the discretion of State governments rather than being adjudicated under Article 32 (which deals with the enforcement of fundamental rights).

 Takeaway :

• No need for special treatment: The Bench, led by CJI Sanjiv Khanna, remarked that VIPs should not receive preferential treatment for temple entry.
• State responsibility: The Court ruled that States, not the judiciary, should regulate temple management and decide on such matters.
• No bar on government action: The dismissal of the petition does not prevent authorities from regulating or taking necessary steps regarding VIP darshan practices.

Analysis

Legal Perspective:

• The Supreme Court’s refusal to interfere aligns with its consistent stance of non-intervention in religious affairs, unless a clear constitutional violation is evident.
  • Religious institutions in India often have autonomous management bodies, and courts have traditionally avoided micromanaging their day-to-day operations.

Equality & Social Justice Concerns:

• The preferential treatment of VIPs in places of worship raises ethical concerns, as temples are meant to be spaces of equal spiritual access.
  • Wealth-based discrimination in darshan queues contradicts constitutional ideals of equality (Article 14) and religious freedom (Article 25).

Practical Implications:

• While VIP darshan systems exist to manage crowd control and facilitate dignitaries, the lack of uniform regulations leads to arbitrary implementation.
  • A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), as suggested by the petitioner, could ensure fairer access while maintaining temple administration efficiency.

Future Course:

• State governments and temple boards may now be urged to self-regulate or create balanced policies ensuring that both VIPs and ordinary devotees have reasonable access.
  • The Court’s stance leaves room for legislative or executive intervention, should widespread public discontent arise over this issue.

Conclusion:
The Supreme Court’s decision to not intervene respects the autonomy of religious institutions while subtly endorsing the principle that VIP culture in temples should be reconsidered.

Study Finds Microplastics in City’s Groundwater

Context:
A first-of-its-kind study, commissioned by the Delhi government and conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), has detected microplastics in groundwater across all 11 districts of Delhi.

Relevance:GS 3 (Pollution)

Important Findings

Microplastics in Groundwater:

• Detected in groundwater samples across all 11 districts of Delhi.
  • Indicates severe plastic pollution and potential health risks.

Microplastics in the Yamuna River:

• Found in both Yamuna’s water and soil samples from its banks.
  • Suggests contamination of groundwater through leaching.

Health Risks from Microplastics:

• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defines microplastics as plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter.
  • UNEP’s 2021 report ‘From Pollution to Solution’ links microplastics to genetic changes, brain development issues, and respiratory problems, especially in women.
  • Microplastics have been detected in human organs and even in newborn placentas.

Challenges in Water Treatment:

• Existing treatment systems cannot filter out microplastics, making them a major public health hazard.
  • Microplastics can absorb toxic chemicals, making them even more dangerous.
  • There are currently no official standards or safe limits for microplastics in drinking water.

Concerns & Next Steps

Lack of Transparency:

• The Delhi government has not yet released the report publicly, despite its potential role in guiding policy decisions and further research.
  • Experts urge the government to share findings to facilitate scientific collaboration and mitigation strategies.

Future Study & Data Collection:

• The study’s next phase is underway, with post-monsoon data currently being analyzed.
  • Final results are expected to be submitted later in 2024.

Implications & Analysis

Public Health Risk:

• Contaminated groundwater is a direct threat to Delhi residents, as many rely on borewells for drinking water.
  • The lack of proper water filtration mechanisms exacerbates the problem.

Environmental Impact:

• The Yamuna River’s pollution is seeping into groundwater, indicating long-term ecological damage.
  • Plastic waste management needs urgent improvement to prevent further contamination.

Policy & Governance Issues:

• The delay in releasing the study findings raises concerns about government accountability.
  • Regulatory standards for microplastics in drinking water must be established to address health risks.

Conclusion:
The detection of microplastics in Delhi’s groundwater signals a serious environmental and health crisis. Given the absence of safe limits or effective filtration systems, the Delhi government must publicly disclose the report, strengthen waste management policies,

India’s Tiger Population Rose 30% Over Two Decades, Recovery Boosted by Strong Legislative Framework

Context:
A new study, published in the journal Science, found that India’s tiger population has increased by 30% over the past two decades.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment )

Key Findings

Tiger Population Growth:

• India is home to 70% of the world’s wild tiger population (as of July 26, 2024).
  • The tiger count has steadily increased over the years:
    • 2006 → 1,411
    • 2010 → 1,706
    • 2014 → 2,226
    • 2018 → 2,967

• This 30% rise over two decades is a major conservation success, achieved through a scientific balance of land-sharing and land-sparing strategies.

Factors Behind Tiger Recovery:

• Protected Areas & Land-Sparing:85% of breeding tigers thrive in human-free protected areas.These areas act as source populations, allowing tigers to disperse via corridors into multi-use forests.Tigers now coexist with over 66 million people, proving that coexistence is possible.

• Legislative Support & Governance:Strong conservation laws played a critical role:Wildlife Protection ActForest Conservation ActNational Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

• Economic & Socio-Cultural Factors:Higher tiger recolonization was seen in areas with better economic conditions and lower dependence on forests.Conversely, tiger populations declined in regions with high poverty and armed conflict, such as Naxal-affected areas in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Challenges & Concerns

Loss of Potential Habitat:

• 157,000 sq km of potential tiger habitat remains devoid of tigers due to:
  • Habitat degradation
  • Socio-political instability

Human-Wildlife Conflict:

• As tigers expand into multi-use forests, conflict with human settlements remains a concern.

Long-Term Conservation Needs:

• Ensuring genetic diversity and protecting corridors for tiger movement is essential for sustaining the population.

Conclusion:
India’s 30% increase in tiger population over two decades is a global conservation success story. This was made possible by a strategic mix of protected areas, legislative action, and community engagement.

UIDAI Notifies New Rules for Aadhaar Authentication

Context:
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has amended the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Rules, 2025, outlining a process for private entities to gain access to Aadhaar authentication.

Relevance:GS 2 (Governance)

Changes in the Amendment

Approval Process for Private Entities:

• Private firms cannot directly access Aadhaar authentication.
  • They must route their request through a Union or State government Ministry/Department.
  • The concerned government authority will review the proposal and forward it to UIDAI for approval.

Removal of Earlier Language:

• The 2020 version justified Aadhaar authentication in the “interest of good governance” and for preventing leakage of public funds.
  • The 2025 amendment removes this language and focuses on Aadhaar authentication “in the interest of the State.”

Potential Use Cases for the Private Sector:

• Hotels: May use Aadhaar authentication for better guest verification.
  • Healthcare Industry: Can potentially leverage Aadhaar for secure patient authentication and record-keeping.

Implications

• The new rules create a structured approval process for private firms seeking Aadhaar authentication.
• While ensuring government oversight, the move also expands potential Aadhaar applications beyond public welfare to private-sector services like hospitality and healthcare.
• Concerns over privacy and security remain as private firms gain access to Aadhaar authentication under government supervision.

Indigenisation an Urgent Task for India’s Electric Mobility Transition

Context:
The Economic Survey 2024-25 underscores the urgent need for India to indigenize technology and raw materials to successfully transition to electric mobility.

Relevance:GS 3 (Technology)

High Import Dependence in EV Sector:

• Electric vehicle (EV) production in India relies heavily on imports, especially from countries with which India has large trade deficits, notably China.
  • The government needs to balance short-term incentives for EV adoption while reducing import dependency.

China’s Dominance in Critical Minerals:

• China controls a major share of the global supply chain for EV battery materials:
  • Nickel: 65% of global processing.
  • Cobalt: 68% of global processing.
  • Lithium: 60% of global processing.
  • Rare Earth Minerals: 63% of global mining and 90% of global processing.
  • Lithium-ion batteries will remain dominant in the near future, growing at a 23% CAGR until 2030, further reinforcing China’s strategic control.

India’s Critical Mineral Shortage:

• The Ministry of Mines has identified 33 critical minerals essential for economic security.
  • 24 of these minerals are at high risk of supply disruptions.
  • India needs to develop domestic sources for mineral extraction and processing.

Role of Public Transport in EV Transition:

• The government prioritizes public transportation as a key driver of electric mobility.
  • Investments in efficient, reliable, and safe public transport will aid in:
    • Reducing fossil fuel dependence.
    • Meeting Net Zero targets.
    • Lowering reliance on imports.

Implications

• The EV transition in India requires a strategic push toward domestic production of critical minerals and battery technologies.
• While China remains dominant, India must ramp up local processing capabilities, explore new mineral sources, and strengthen public transport electrification to ensure energy security and economic sustainability in the EV sector.

Survey Snubs AI Impact on Workforce, Says Skilling Could Put Indians Ahead

Context:
The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a potential job augmenter rather than a job displacer, provided appropriate skilling measures are implemented.

Relevance: GS 3 (Technology, Employment)

Key Takeaways

AI’s Impact on Jobs:

• While AI may replace certain jobs, skilling initiatives can help workers stay ahead of technological disruptions.
  • AI can be leveraged to augment employment rather than diminish it.

Concerns Over AI Adoption:

• AI development is dominated by a few large companies, raising concerns over monopolization and job concentration.
  • Engle’s Pause Effect: Historical technological shifts have led to long-term unemployment before job markets stabilized.

India’s Workforce Challenge:

• India needs to create 7.85 million non-farm jobs annually by 2030 to meet workforce demands.
  • Human-AI collaboration can aid employment in scientific research and other sectors.

Government’s Role:

• Labour markets are already shifting in anticipation of AI’s impact.
  • The public sector must take charge of course correction and policy interventions to ensure AI benefits are widely distributed.

Implication

• The Survey sees AI as a net positive, but warns that without proactive government intervention and upskilling initiatives, AI’s benefits could remain concentrated, leaving many workers vulnerable.