GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Kerala's maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is the lowest in India, standing at 19 maternal deaths per one lakh live births. However, this figure has been steadily increasing. Interestingly, this rise in MMR is not due to an increase in maternal deaths but rather because the number of live births in the state has significantly decreased. The state's fertility rate has dropped, leading to fewer births, which in turn raises the MMR when calculated per 100,000 births.

Key points:

• Decline in Births: Kerala used to have 5 to 5.5 lakh live births annually. The most recent data shows a sharp decline, with only about 3.93 lakh births recorded. This drop in the total number of births (denominator) makes the MMR appear higher, even though the actual number of maternal deaths has not increased significantly.
• MMR Calculation:
  • Kerala's MMR is calculated based on both sample surveys (e.g., the Sample Registration System or SRS) and actual estimates from the Health Department. According to the SRS, Kerala’s MMR is 19, but the Health Department’s estimate puts it higher, around 29.
  • The state had initially aimed for an MMR of 20 by 2030, but the decreasing number of births means that target is unlikely to be achieved. The MMR in 2024-25 may have already risen to 32.
• Fertility Rate and Demographic Changes:
  • Kerala’s fertility rate has been steadily declining for years. In 1987-88, it achieved a replacement level fertility rate (2.1 children per woman), meaning the population could be maintained. However, the rate fell below 2.1 in 1991 and has hovered around 1.7-1.8 children per woman for years. In 2020, the fertility rate reached 1.5, and it could drop further to 1.35.
  • The state’s population is aging, and there are fewer young people having children, largely due to migration (many young adults leave for education and jobs abroad), changing attitudes towards marriage and childbirth, and economic factors.

Reasons behind the fall in the fertility rate 

• Delayed marriages:The increasing age at marriage and delayed childbearing also contribute to the problem. Many women are either choosing not to marry or have children, or are having children later in life, which affects fertility.
• Women’s workforce participation: An increase in female literacy and women’s workforce participation leads to busy lifestyles in urban areas and high stress jobs. It leads people to not consider having children at all.
• Other factors: The decline in fertility rates is also influenced by factors such as extreme shifts in the global distribution of live births due to:
  • improved female education
  • increasing usage of modern contraception methods

Impact of Low Fertility:

• Social and economic challenges: Low fertility rates are part of a broader trend where fewer children are born, impacting the state's demographics. As a result, Kerala is facing a shrinking younger population, and in the next 10 years, the elderly population will outnumber children.
• Labour Shortage Concerns:The fear of a looming labour shortage due to declining fertility rates is unlikely to materialize in the near future, as the total fertility rate in many states is stabilizing above replacement levels.
• Labour Mobility and Skills Development:Instead of focusing on population growth, addressing labour shortages can be achieved through improved mobility, skill development, and reducing state-imposed barriers on interstate migration.
• Women in the Labour Market:Despite improvements, India's work participation rate for women remains low compared to other developing economies, and demographic changes present an opportunity to improve women’s skills and integrate them into the labour force.
• Challenges for the Elderly:The rising number of elderly workers poses a challenge to the labour market. While many elderly individuals continue working due to household survival needs, the focus should be on relieving them from strenuous work and providing suitable employment.

India and Indonesia, two important maritime neighbors, are strengthening their ties, highlighted by the visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India later this month. Subianto has been invited to be the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day on 26th January 2025, a prestigious honor that India reserves for countries with whom it shares strong and close relations.

Key Points on the Historical and Current Relations:

• Historical Ties: The relationship between India and Indonesia dates back centuries, with deep cultural and religious influences. Indian religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, along with Sanskrit language, greatly influenced Indonesia, particularly from the 1st to the 14th centuries.
  • Indonesian kingdoms, like the Srivijaya Empire (7th to 13th century) and the Majapahit Empire (1293-1527), were heavily influenced by Indian culture, literature, and religion. These empires maintained maritime trade routes with India.
  • The stories from Indian epics, particularly the Ramayana and Mahabharata, also have a significant place in Indonesian art, drama, and folklore.
• Ties Since Independence:
  • India and Indonesia, both large nations from the Global South, have shared goals of political sovereignty and economic self-sufficiency since gaining independence.
  • In 1955, the Bandung Conference in Indonesia, hosted by President Sukarno, was a significant event aimed at promoting cooperation between newly independent nations of Africa and Asia. It also laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which sought to keep countries out of Cold War politics. Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, played a key role in this movement.
• Trade Relations:
  • Indonesia is India’s second-largest trading partner in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region.
  • Bilateral trade between the two nations has grown substantially from USD 4.3 billion in 2005-06 to USD 38.84 billion in 2022-23 and USD 29.40 billion in 2023-24.
  • India is the second-largest importer of coal and the largest importer of crude palm oil from Indonesia. India also imports minerals, rubber, pulp and paper, and hydrocarbons.
  • India has invested about USD 1.56 billion in 7,292 projects in Indonesia between 2000-2024, with around 100 joint ventures operating there.

California, particularly Los Angeles, is currently experiencing devastating wildfires, notably the Palisades and Eaton fires. These fires have destroyed tens of thousands of acres and thousands of buildings. Normally, California's wildfire season occurs during summer, from June to October, but this year's fires broke out in January, during the coldest winter months.

When is California’s Wildfire Season?

• Wildfires in California usually occur between June and October.
• Due to recurring droughts, California now faces a much longer fire season, with more fire-prone days. In fact, the state now experiences 78 more "fire days" than it did 50 years ago, making wildfires a year-round issue.
• Common causes of wildfires include arson and sparks from power lines.

What Caused These Wildfires?

The exact cause of the current wildfires has not been determined. Investigators are looking into various potential ignition sources.

• Common Causes: Lightning is the most frequent cause of wildfires in the U.S., but it has been ruled out in this case since there were no lightning strikes in the affected areas.
• Possible Causes: The two likely causes are either intentional fires (arson) or sparks from utility power lines.
• Drought Conditions: Southern California, where the fires are happening, has been experiencing severe drought for months. While 9% of California was drought-free as of December 2024, the rest of the state has been dry, creating the perfect conditions for wildfires.
• Climate Change: Climate change has worsened the frequency and intensity of wildfires, contributing to longer seasons and larger areas being burned.
• Wind and Dry Conditions: The Santa Ana winds, which are dry, hot winds common in the region, have made the situation worse. These winds, which can gust up to 100 mph, dry out vegetation, making it highly flammable. In this dry environment, even a small spark—like from a cigarette, vehicle, or power line—can ignite a fire.
  • These winds blow when high pressure builds over the Great Basin — the area between the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada — and pressure is low over California’s coast. The difference in pressure triggers powerful winds that move from the Basin’s inland deserts east and north of Southern California towards the Pacific Ocean.
  • As the wind comes down the mountains, it compresses and heats up, and its humidity falls — sometimes to less than 10%. The hot, dry wind dries out forests, and fuels wildfires.
  • Santa Ana winds are a natural part of California’s climate pattern, and usually blow from October to January.
• Embers, or firebrands: These winds don't just fan the flames and push the fires through the natural world. They also carry embers. These embers, or firebrands, are the leading cause of structure loss in wildfires.
• Hills and canyons: The area's hilly landscape also raises the risk posed by wildfire. 
• Flammable Materials: Los Angeles also has many flammable materials like dry vegetation, low-hanging power lines, and wooden telephone poles that further increase fire risks.
• Previous Incidents: Santa Ana winds were responsible for other significant wildfires, including the 2018 Woolsey fire, which caused three deaths and destroyed 1,600 structures.

Prayagraj is hosting the Maha Kumbh (Poorna Kumbh), the world's largest religious congregation, held every 12 years. The 45-day Maha Kumbh, happening after a gap of 144 years, started at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati rivers 

About Kumbh Mela

• The Kumbh Mela is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, held at four locations in India:
  • Haridwar
  • Prayagraj (also known as Allahabad)
  • Ujjain
  • Nashik
• Types of Kumbh Mela
  • Maha Kumbh or Poorna Kumbh: Held every 12 years at each of the four locations. It is the grandest of the Kumbh Melas, attracting millions of devotees.
  • Ardh Kumbh: Held every 6 years, at Prayagraj and Haridwar. It is a smaller version but still highly significant.
• The word "Kumbh" means "pitcher" or "pot." The story behind the Kumbh Mela comes from Hindu mythology.
• • According to the myth, gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the ocean to obtain amrita (the elixir of immortality). During this process, Dhanvantri, the god of medicine, emerged holding a pitcher of amrita.
  • To prevent the demons from getting it, the gods' leader, Indra’s son Jayant, ran away with the pitcher.
  • As Jayant fled, some of the amrita spilled at four locations—Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik.
• These locations are believed to have gained spiritual significance due to this myth. As the gods and demons fought over the pot for 12 days, each day for them was equal to a year for humans.
• This is why Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years, corresponding to the relative positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter in the sky.
• The festival's large-scale organization is often attributed to Hindu philosopher Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, who established periodic religious gatherings at these four river banks.
• The rivers associated with the Kumbh Mela—Ganga (Haridwar, Prayagraj), Kshipra (Ujjain), and Godavari (Nashik)—are considered sacred in Hinduism.

Astrological Significance

• The timing of the Kumbh Mela is determined by astrological factors. The festival is celebrated when Jupiter is in specific zodiac signs and when the Sun and Moon align in certain constellations.
  • Haridwar: When Jupiter is in Aquarius (Kumbh Rashi), and the Sun and Moon are in Aries and Sagittarius.
  • Prayagraj: When Jupiter is in Taurus, and the Sun and Moon are in Capricorn.
  • Ujjain and Nashik: When Jupiter is in Leo, and the Sun and Moon are in Cancer.
• The position of these celestial bodies is believed to have special power, making the Kumbh Mela a spiritually significant event for pilgrims.

In 2025, the Gangasagar Mela is being observed from January 10 to January 18. The festival typically starts a few days before Makar Sankranti and concludes shortly after.

About Gangasagar Mela 2025

• The Gangasagar Mela, also known as the Gangasagar Snan or Gangasagar Yatra, is an annual religious festival held on Sagar Island in the state of West Bengal.
• Sagar island is the biggest island in the Sundarbans archipelago, with a population of over two lakh people. 
• It is known as the second biggest pilgrimage gathering in the world, following the Kumbh Mela.
• The annual fair runs on the holy river Gangotri banks for two months (January - February),
• Located at the confluence of the Hooghly River and the Bay of Bengal, the mela draws thousands of devotees seeking spiritual blessings.
• Gangasagar Mela is celebrated on the banks of the Ganges on the sacred day of Makar Sankranti by dipping oneself into the river and then offering prayers at the Kapil Muni's temple.
  • Located about 130 km south of Kolkata, Kapil Muni temple holds a sacred and intense story behind the actual paavam beliefs being secretly followed today.
  • Sage Kapil Muni, son of Kardam Muni, was one of the blessed incarnations of Lord Vishnu. At the time, King Sagar was conducting a huge prosperous Ashwamedha Yaga to win over the world. So Indra deva, the lord of the heavens, stole the sacrificial horses and hastily tied them in the patal lok(below the earth) beside Kapil Muni's Ashram out of jealousy.
  • On finding the horse in Kapil Muni's Ashram, the king's sons mistook Kapil Muni as the thief and blamed him for the same. Kapil Muni was infuriated with the false blame and cursed the boys for reducing them into ashes. Later Bhagirathi, the only grandson of King Sagar, meditated for years, convincing the holy river Ganga to flow down towards the Bay of Bengal over his ancestors' cursed mortals to pour salvation into their souls.

Eight fishermen from Rameswaram and Thangachimadam in Tamil Nadu were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and poaching near the Neduntheevu islet.  

About

• The India-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) was established through a Maritime Boundary Agreement in 1974, which defined the boundary in the Palk Strait between the two countries.
• This agreement was based on the principles outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• Under UNCLOS, maritime boundaries are typically determined using the equidistance principle.
• This means that the boundary line between two neighboring countries is drawn at an equal distance from their coastlines, creating a midpoint between them.
• The purpose of this boundary is to establish the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), territorial waters, and other maritime zones for each country.
• This helps in clearly defining the rights and jurisdiction of each country over the resources in these areas, such as fishing, shipping, and offshore resources, to avoid conflicts or disputes over the use of these maritime areas.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) aborted docking the two satellites (Chaser and Target), part of the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) docking, marking the third postponement of this crucial mission

What is Docking?

• Docking in space refers to the process of bringing two spacecraft together while in orbit, so that they can connect and operate as a single unit.
• This process is especially critical for missions where separate modules or spacecraft need to be joined in space to complete a task.
• This technology is essential for a variety of advanced space missions, including:
  • Human spaceflight missions, such as sending humans to the Moon and later bringing lunar samples back to Earth.
  • Building and operating a space station, such as India’s planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
  • Satellite servicing missions, where one spacecraft can dock with another to perform maintenance or refueling.
• Currently, only three countries— the United States, Russia, and China— have successfully demonstrated the ability to dock spacecraft in space.
• For ISRO, mastering this technology is essential for future missions, including its planned human spaceflight missions and its goal of returning lunar samples from the Moon.

Ahead of the Aero India 2025 event, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) reached an important milestone by successfully conducting the engine ground run of the full-scale demonstrator for its Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) – Warrior.

What is CATS?

• The Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) is a new initiative by HAL aimed at creating an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can work in coordination with manned aircraft.
• The system is designed to function similarly to the American XQ-58A Valkyrie and the European Wingman, where unmanned drones complement and support manned aircraft in various missions.
• The CATS - Warrior drone will be paired with existing Indian Air Force aircraft like Tejas, AMCA, TEDBF, Su-30 MKI, and Jaguar, which will serve as the control stations.
• This concept allows unmanned drones to perform critical tasks without putting human pilots at risk.
• The main functions of the CATS - Warrior include:
  • Reconnaissance: Surveillance and gathering intelligence.
  • Attack: Engaging enemy targets.
  • Protecting Manned Aircraft: Absorbing enemy fire to shield the manned platforms.
• The CATS - Warrior has a combat radius of 350 km, but it can operate at distances of up to 800 km if it is not required to return to base.

India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the Draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, marking a significant step in regulating personal data. This follows the passage of the DPDP Act, 2023, after extensive revisions to the earlier Personal Data Protection Bill.

Positive Aspects of the DPDP Rules

• Principles-Based Framework: The draft rules focus on simplicity, reducing "consent fatigue" compared to the complex GDPR requirements, making consent easier for users.
• Sector-Specific Exemptions: Industries like education and healthcare are allowed to track and monitor children’s data without strict parental consent, ensuring targeted interventions.
• Business Autonomy: Unlike the EU's prescriptive regulations, India’s rules allow businesses to design their interfaces as long as relevant information is published, promoting innovation.

Concerns with the DPDP Rules

• Data Localization: The rules impose localization requirements on large data handlers, which could deter investment and create regulatory inconsistencies.
• User Requests and Fees: The rules lack clarity on handling excessive or fraudulent user requests for data processing information, leaving businesses vulnerable.
• Protection of Trade Secrets: There is uncertainty regarding the government's potential access to sensitive business data, risking exposure of trade secrets.

Future Outlook

• Limitations of Notice and Consent: As IoT, AI, and 5G grow, the reliance on notice-and-consent becomes insufficient, and India must explore alternative privacy frameworks.
• Reputation Management: Data protection is essential for business continuity, with breaches costing companies millions, making compliance a critical investment.
• Consultation and Refinement: Further public consultations will help refine the rules, ensuring flexibility and a balance between privacy and business innovation.

Practice Question:

Q. Examine the implications of the Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025 on privacy, business interests, and data localization. How can India balance individual rights with technological growth?

The Draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025, has sparked significant controversy due to its provisions regarding the selection of Vice Chancellors (VCs). It seeks to centralize control over universities, potentially undermining the federal structure and state autonomy in higher education administration.

Provisions on Vice Chancellor Appointments

• Centralized Control over VC Selection: The draft regulations propose vesting powers for VC appointments solely with the Chancellor (typically the Governor), removing state governments’ involvement in the selection process. A search-cum-selection committee, with nominees from the UGC and university bodies, would recommend VC candidates.
• Impact on State Autonomy: This proposal has raised concerns over the undermining of state autonomy in managing higher education institutions, as states would no longer play a role in selecting university leadership, a critical function for local governance in education.
• Potential Consequences for Non-Compliance: Failure to adhere to the draft regulations could lead to serious consequences, such as exclusion from UGC funding and debarment from participating in UGC schemes, exacerbating tensions between state and central authorities.

Controversies Over VC Eligibility Criteria

• Non-Academics as VC Candidates: The draft allows non-academics with a decade of senior-level experience in industries, public administration, or policy to be eligible for the VC post, a proposal met with criticism for potentially appointing individuals with political loyalties instead of academic expertise.
• Balancing Academic and Leadership Qualities: Despite criticism, it is argued that non-academic leaders, such as former President K.R. Narayanan, have brought valuable perspectives to universities, and academic credentials alone do not guarantee effective leadership or visionary decision-making.
• Concern over Politicization: Opponents fear the inclusion of non-academics could lead to politically motivated appointments, undermining the integrity of university administration, despite some historical examples of successful non-academic contributions to academia.

Proposed Changes to VC Tenure and Reforms

• Extension of VC Tenure: The draft suggests extending the VC tenure from the typical three years to five years, a change viewed positively by some as it provides greater stability in university leadership and enables long-term planning.
• Need for Federal Balance: The centralization in the draft has raised calls for reform to eliminate government interference in university governance, with advocates arguing for true autonomy for universities, especially in administrative functions beyond funding.
• Call for Removal of Anti-Federal Provisions: The UGC is urged to reconsider anti-federal clauses in the draft to ease concerns and ensure that universities remain independent, with a focus on excellence in education and leadership.

Practice Question:

Q. Critically analyze the implications of the Draft UGC Regulations, 2025, on the federal structure and autonomy of higher educational institutions. What reforms would you suggest to ensure effective governance and leadership in universities?

A recent tragic incident in Assam’s Dima Hasao district brought attention to the dangers of rat-hole mining, with nine workers trapped underground, and only four bodies recovered after six days of rescue operations. This incident highlights the persistent issue of unsafe mining practices in India’s northeastern states, despite multiple efforts to ban the practice.

Recurring Tragedies from Rat-Hole Mining

• Fatal Mining Practices: Rat-hole mining, a dangerous and illegal method of coal extraction, has resulted in numerous fatalities over the years. The recent tragedy in Assam adds to a series of fatal accidents, including the 2018 Meghalaya incident where 15 miners died, underscoring the ongoing risks of the practice.
• Previous Failures in Enforcement: Despite the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banning rat-hole mining in 2014, the implementation of the ban has been largely ineffective. Meghalaya’s legislative resolution in 2015 requested exemption from central mining laws, allowing illegal mining to continue unchecked.
• Political Inaction: The reluctance of political authorities to fully enforce the NGT order has perpetuated the hazardous practice. State governments, backed by political forces, have failed to take significant steps to curb the mining activity, often overlooking safety regulations.

Government’s Role and Accountability

• State Government Responsibility: In 2022, the Minister of Mines stated that state governments are responsible for enforcing rules against illegal mining, including rat-hole mining. However, this passing of responsibility has not proven effective in stopping the practice or ensuring safety for miners.
• Economic Incentives for Miners: Rat-hole mining persists due to higher wages compared to government schemes like MGNREGA, especially in the northeastern states where coal layers are thin. This economic incentive keeps miners in dangerous conditions, despite the risks involved.
• Political-Bureaucratic Nexus: A strong nexus between local politicians and bureaucrats often leads to the overlooking of illegal mining activities, allowing them to operate without intervention. This lack of accountability has been a significant factor in the persistence of rat-hole mining.

Urgent Need for Action

• Implementation of NGT Order: There is a critical need for political will and strong action to enforce the NGT ban on rat-hole mining. Addressing the issue requires comprehensive efforts, including the strict implementation of laws and penalties for violations.
• Risk to Miners’ Lives: The recurring tragedies underline the urgent need for reform in the mining sector. Without effective regulation and enforcement, further loss of life is inevitable. Immediate steps must be taken to protect the lives of those working in these hazardous conditions.
• Political Commitment to Safety: A genuine commitment from political leaders, backed by administrative reforms, is essential to eliminate rat-hole mining and ensure the safety and well-being of workers. This is critical before more lives are lost in avoidable accidents.

Practice Question:

Q. Examine the challenges in enforcing the ban on rat-hole mining in northeastern India. What steps should the government take to address the issue of illegal mining and protect the lives of workers?