Current Affairs 10 January 2025

Content:

1. Wildfires rage out of control near Los Angeles, killing at least two; 70,000 asked to evacuate
2. 2024 Confirmed as Warmest Year on Record (Copernicus Report)
3. Freshwater Fish Species at High Risk of Extinction (IUCN Report)
4. Why a third of India’s 716 Eklavya Model Schools for tribal children remains ‘non-functional’
5. India releases compilation of 10,000 human genomes from 83 population groups
6. Decoding India’s growth slowdown

Wildfires rage out of control near Los Angeles, killing at least two; 70,000 asked to evacuate

Key Developments

• Deaths & Evacuations:
  • At least 2 fatalities reported.
  • 70,000 residents ordered to evacuate their homes.

Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management)

• Affected Areas:
  • Pacific Palisades:
    • Largest wildfire, over 5,000 acres burned.
    • 1,000+ structures destroyed in this affluent neighborhood.

• Eaton Fire:2,000 acres burned near Pasadena (Altadena area).2 fatalities reported.

• Hurst Fire:500 acres burned in Sylmar, northwest of Los Angeles.

Challenges in Firefighting Efforts:

• Fierce winds are hindering containment.
• All three fires remain 0% contained.
• Significant injuries reported among residents who ignored evacuation orders.

Government Response:

• California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Tuesday.
• President Joe Biden planned to visit a Santa Monica fire station for a briefing from fire officials.
• Emergency responders are conducting door-to-door evacuations to ensure compliance with orders.

Impact on Residents:

• Traffic chaos during evacuations, with roads jammed and some residents abandoning vehicles to escape the fires.
• Residents remain on high alert as gusty winds are expected to persist.

Political Angle:

• Donald Trump criticized Governor Newsom’s environmental policies for contributing to the disaster in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Current Situation:

• Officials warn the danger isn’t over yet.
• Continued risk due to weather conditions, including strong winds that may further spread the fires.

2024 Confirmed as Warmest Year on Record (Copernicus Report)

Key Highlights

• 2024: Warmest Year on Record
  • Global temperatures rose 1.60°C above pre-industrial levels.
  • Global average temperature: 15.10°C (0.72°C above the 1991-2020 average).
  • Surpassed 2023, the previous record holder.

• Milestone in Climate Change:
  • First calendar year where average global temperature exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
  • The warmest day on record: 22 July 2024, with 17.16°C global average temperature.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment)

Regional Impacts

• Europe:
  • Warmest year on record with an average temperature of 10.67°C.
  • 1.47°C above the 1991-2020 average.

• Arctic:
  • Temperatures 1.34°C above the 1991-2020 average.
  • Fourth highest on record.

• Oceans:
  • Sea surface temperature: Record high of 20.87°C.
  • 0.51°C above the 1991-2020 average.

Climate Indicators (2024)

• Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) levels:
  • Reached 422 ppm (parts per million).
  • Increase of 2.9 ppm compared to 2023.

• Methane (CH₄) levels:
  • Reached 1897 ppb (parts per billion).
  • Increase of 3 ppb compared to 2023.

• Atmospheric Water Vapour:
  • Increased by 5% above the 1991-2020 average — a record high in 2024.

Human Impact

• 44% of the globe experienced ‘strong’ to ‘extreme heat stress’, a 5% increase from previous years.
• Unprecedented heatwaves and heavy rainfall events caused widespread disruptions.

Statements from Experts

• Carlo Buontempo (Copernicus Climate Change Service):
  “Humanity is in charge of its own destiny, and how we respond to the climate challenge should be evidence-based.”
  
  
• Samantha Burgess (ECMWF):
  “We are now teetering on the edge of passing the 1.5ºC level defined in the Paris Agreement.”

Key Takeaways

• Climate crisis is escalating rapidly with multiple records broken in 2024.
• Urgent need for swift and decisive climate action to limit global warming.
• Paris Agreement’s 1.5ºC limit is at risk of being permanently breached.

Freshwater Fish Species at High Risk of Extinction (IUCN Report)

Findings

• 25% of freshwater species (decapod crustaceans, fishes, odonates) are at high risk of extinction.
• 4,294 species out of 23,496 assessed species on the IUCN Red List are threatened.
• 89 confirmed extinctions and 178 suspected extinctions since 1500.

Relevance: GS 3(Environment)

Geographic Hotspots for Threatened Species

• Lake Victoria (Africa)
• Lake Titicaca (South America)
• Sri Lanka’s wet zone
• Western Ghats, India

These regions are home to unique freshwater biodiversity, including endemic species.

Causes of Freshwater Species Decline

• Agriculture (pollution, water extraction)
• Invasive species
• Dams and water management
• Climate change (direct and indirect impacts)
  • Direct: Changes in temperature and flow regimes, severe weather.
  • Indirect: Amplification of other threats like invasive species and water demand.

Regional Extinctions

• United States: 22 species
• Mexico: 15 species
• Philippines: 15 species (all endemic to Lake Lanao)

Impact on Ecosystem Services

Freshwater ecosystems cover less than 1% of the Earth’s surface but support:

• 10% of all known species globally.
• One-third of vertebrates.
• Half of all fish species.

They provide essential ecosystem services:

• Nutrient cycling
• Flood control
• Climate change mitigation

Major Threats Identified

• Pollution
• Overharvesting
• Dams and water extraction
• Climate change

The report highlighted that threats to tetrapods (amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals) and freshwater species differ. Conservation plans must address these differences for effective outcomes.

Urgency of Action

• Lack of data on freshwater biodiversity is no longer a valid excuse for inaction.
• IUCN’s Catherine Sayer: Freshwater biodiversity must be protected for both nature and people.
• 2025 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi (October 9-15) aims to set conservation targets aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and SDGs by 2030.

Takeaway

The report emphasizes urgent, targeted actions to address threats to freshwater species. Integrated water management practices and species-specific conservation efforts are crucial to prevent further biodiversity loss.

Why a third of India’s 716 Eklavya Model Schools for tribal children remains ‘non-functional’

The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) scheme was launched in 1997-98 to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in remote areas from Class VI to XII. However, despite efforts and significant budgetary allocations, a third of the 716 approved EMRS remain non-functional.

The dropout rate among students, particularly from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), highlights the persistent challenges in ensuring universal access to education for tribal communities.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance ,Education )

Issues with Eklavya Model Schools (EMRS)

a) Infrastructure Gaps

• 240 schools are non-functional due to land issues, lack of hostels, and basic facilities.
• Many existing schools lack drinking water, electricity, functional toilets, and internet access.
• Only 53.9% of schools have internet access, limiting modern learning tools.

b) Teacher Shortages and Retention Issues

• EMRS face acute shortages of teachers, particularly subject specialists.
• Many teachers are recruited on deputation or contractual basis, leading to inconsistent quality.
• Lack of local recruitment results in language barriers, as many teachers are unfamiliar with tribal dialects.

c) High Dropout Rates Among PVTGs

• Dropout rates increase from Class VII onwards, with only half the students enrolled in Class XII compared to Class VI.
• In Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh, the enrolment of PVTGs is far below the 5% quota.
• Economic pressures force many tribal children to take up daily wage work instead of pursuing education.

d) Socio-Economic Barriers

• PVTGs face extreme poverty, landlessness, and migration for work, making school attendance challenging.
• Illiterate parents struggle to support their children’s education.
• Lack of awareness about the importance of education leads to lower enrolment.

Key Statistics

Reasons Behind the Dropout Rates

a) Economic Pressures

• Poverty and migration force many tribal children to work instead of continuing education.
• Seasonal migration disrupts the academic continuity of tribal students.

b) Language Barrier

• Medium of instruction is often bilingual (regional language + English), making it difficult for tribal students to comprehend.
• Teachers are not fluent in local tribal languages, causing communication gaps.

c) Entrance Exam Challenges

• Admission to EMRS is based on competitive exams, which PVTG students find difficult to clear.
• The lack of preparatory resources puts them at a disadvantage compared to other ST students.

Policy Gaps and Governance Issues

a) Ineffective Implementation of PVTG Quota

• The 5% PVTG quota remains underutilized in most States.
• States like Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Chhattisgarh have failed to achieve even half the allocated quota.

b) Lack of Monitoring and Accountability

• The National Educational Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), set up in 2019, has limited capacity to oversee operations.
• State-level coordination is poor, with inconsistent reporting on school performance and enrolment data.

c) Budget Utilization and Allocation

• While budget allocations for tribal welfare have increased, funds remain underutilized due to poor execution.
• The Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) and other schemes have not adequately addressed secondary and higher secondary education gaps.

Potential Solutions

a) Improving Infrastructure

• Prioritize functional infrastructure in existing schools before approving new ones.
• Ensure access to clean drinking water, electricity, and internet in all schools.

b) Local Teacher Recruitment

• Recruit teachers from local communities to overcome language barriers.
• Offer incentives and permanent positions to retain teachers in remote areas.

c) Revising Admission Process

• Modify the entrance exam pattern to make it more inclusive for PVTGs and first-generation learners.
• Provide preparatory support for tribal students to help them clear entrance exams.

d) Strengthening Awareness and Community Support

• Community outreach programs to promote the importance of education among tribal families.
• Ensure parent-teacher engagement to reduce dropout rates.

Conclusion

The Eklavya Model Schools hold significant potential to address educational inequities among tribal communities. However, the high dropout rates and non-functional schools highlight the need for systemic reforms in infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and policy implementation. Addressing language barriers, economic pressures, and social challenges is crucial to making these schools more accessible and effective for tribal children, especially those from PVTGs.

By focusing on localized solutions, community involvement, and better governance, India can move closer to its NEP 2030 goals and SDG targets for inclusive education.

India releases compilation of 10,000 human genomes from 83 population groups

The release of the Genome India database, comprising 10,000 human genomes from 83 population groups, marks a significant step forward in India’s biotechnology and healthcare research. This initiative aims to map out India’s genetic diversity, which can play a crucial role in advancing precision medicine and improving disease treatments tailored to the population’s specific needs.

Relevance: GS 3(Science and Technology )

Overview of Genome India Project

India’s Genome India project aims to compile and provide a reference database of human genomes for research on diseases and drug therapy. With representation from 2% of the country’s 4,600 population groups, the database includes 10,000 genomes housed at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), Faridabad, Haryana.

Features of the Genome India Database

• Population Representation: Includes 83 population groups, providing a diverse genomic resource from across the country.
• Genetic Variants: Initial analyses identified about 27 million variants, of which 7 million are rare and not found in global reference databases.
• Allele Frequency: Certain population groups show higher frequencies of specific alleles, contributing to the understanding of genetic diversity and health risks.

Potential Applications

The Genome India database holds immense potential for:

• Disease Research: Understanding the genetic underpinnings of common and rare diseases.
• Precision Medicine: Tailoring healthcare interventions based on the genetic makeup of individuals.
• Drug Development: Identifying genetic factors that influence drug efficacy and adverse reactions, leading to more effective treatments.

 Ethical and Privacy Considerations

• Data Sharing: Researchers can access the data by submitting proposals that are reviewed by an independent panel.
• Anonymity and Privacy: Data will be coded numerically without referencing castes or tribes to ensure privacy and avoid discrimination.

Strategic Implications for India

• Boost to Biotech Economy: The database is expected to enhance India’s biotechnology sector, contributing to biotech-based manufacturing.
• Global Collaboration: Researchers worldwide can now access India’s genetic data, leading to collaborative research on global health issues.
• Expansion Potential: While the current dataset represents a small fraction of India’s population, there are plans to expand the database to include one million genomes, providing a more comprehensive view of the country’s genetic diversity.

Challenges and Future Prospects

• Cost and Scalability: Expanding the database to one million genomes would require significant resources, both in terms of funding and technology.
• Diversity Gaps: While the project includes 83 population groups, India’s diversity is vast, and capturing the full extent of genetic variation across the entire population remains a long-term goal.

Conclusion

The Genome India project is a pioneering effort that promises to drive forward precision medicine, biotechnology, and global research. With the potential to transform healthcare in India, this project provides a genetic blueprint that can be leveraged for more targeted clinical interventions. Though a small portion of India’s population is represented, expanding the database will unlock deeper insights into the nation’s genetic landscape and contribute to advancing global health.

Decoding India’s growth slowdown

GDP Growth Slump:

• India’s projected GDP growth for 2024-25 is 6.4%, down from 8.2% in 2023-24, falling below the earlier forecast of 6.5-7%.
• Nominal GDP growth is estimated at 9.7%, lower than the 10.5% forecast in the Union Budget.

Relevance: GS 3(Economic Development)

Data Discrepancies:

• Experts highlight flaws in India’s GDP estimation, citing reliance on the volatile Wholesale Price Index (WPI) rather than the Producer Price Index (PPI), distorting real GDP calculations.
• Discrepancies between GDP by activity and GDP by expenditure complicate accurate monitoring of India’s economy.

Private Investment Issues:

• Despite tax cuts, private corporate investment remains sluggish, failing to spark the expected economic revival.
• The Union Budget’s focus on private corporate capex to fuel growth contradicts the decline in private investment observed in GDP estimates.
• The lack of private investment-led growth contrasts with the UPA era, where private investment played a significant role in boosting economic expansion.

Sectoral Slowdown:

• Data reveals a broad slowdown across sectors such as manufacturing, mining, power, and services (including retail trade, transport, and finance).
• The only sector projected to grow at a faster pace in 2024-25 is public administration, underscoring the importance of public spending in sustaining growth.

Fiscal Strain:

• Tax revenue growth has been slower than expected, with only 56% of the target achieved by November 2024, disrupting budget plans.
• The fiscal consolidation path could lead to reduced public spending, worsening the economic slowdown.

Recommendation for Revenue Mobilization:

• The current revenue strategy needs reworking, with a focus on increasing taxes on wealth and profits to boost capital expenditure (capex) and welfare spending.

Conclusion:

• A revised approach to tax policy is crucial to address the economic slowdown, especially to support capex and public welfare initiatives.