08 January 2025 : (The Hindu Analysis) Daily Current Affairs

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1. GDP growth projected to fall to four-year low at 6.4%

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 1)

Topic: Indian Economy

Context

• The National Statistics Office (NSO) has forecasted India’s real GDP growth for the fiscal year 2024-25 at 6.4%, marking a four-year low compared to last year’s growth of 8.2% for 2023-24. The economy observed a growth rate of 6% during the first half of 2024-25 and is anticipated to experience a recovery, achieving a growth rate of 6.8% in the latter half.

Sectoral Growth Trends

• Agriculture: Growth is projected to significantly increase to 3.8%, up from 1.4% in 2023-24.
• Public Administration, Defence, and Other Services: These sectors are expected to grow by 9.1%, a rise from last year's 7.8%.
• 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

• The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), a key indicator of new investments, is expected to grow at 6.4%, a decline from 9% in the previous fiscal year.

Economic Challenges and Budget Implications

• Restoring economic growth to 7% or above, as observed in previous years, remains a primary challenge for the Union Budget 2025-26. The Reserve Bank of India has updated its growth forecast for the fiscal year, now predicting growth at 6.6%, a reduction from the earlier forecast of 7.2%. Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry projects growth for 2024-25 to be "around 6.5%," revising its prior estimate of 6.5% to 7%.

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Reasons and Way Forward:

The slowdown in India's GDP growth for 2024-25 can be attributed to several factors:

• Global Economic Slowdown: A downturn in the global economy has adversely affected India's exports and foreign investment, contributing to the decline.
• Weak Domestic Demand: Sluggish consumer spending and low private investment have weakened domestic demand and, subsequently, economic growth.
• Manufacturing Slowdown: The manufacturing sector, crucial for economic growth, is facing a slowdown due to weak global demand and domestic issues.

Way Forward: To regain momentum towards a 7%-plus growth trajectory, the following measures can be implemented:

• Boosting Investment: Promoting private investment through strategic policy reforms and enhanced infrastructure development is essential.
• Reforming Labor Markets: Labor market reforms to increase flexibility and productivity could enhance employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity.
• Improving Ease of Doing Business: Simplifying business regulations and reducing bureaucratic obstacles will foster entrepreneurship and attract foreign investment.
• Focus on Exports: Diversifying and promoting export-oriented sectors will strengthen economic growth and create additional job opportunities.
• Addressing Rural Distress: Tackling the challenges faced by the agricultural sector and improving rural incomes can bolster domestic demand and fuel economic growth.

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2. How curiosity-driven research into a worm won four Nobels

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Topic: Science and Technology

Context

• This article highlights the pivotal discoveries made with the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a vital model organism instrumental in understanding genetic regulation, programmed cell death, RNA interference, and gene expression.

Caenorhabditis Elegans: Caenorhabditis elegans is a small, 1-mm long, transparent nematode that serves as a fundamental organism in scientific research.

• It thrives in soil and sustains itself on microbes, making laboratory cultivation straightforward.
• The adult worm comprises 959 cells and 302 neurons, presenting a simplified model for exploring development and neuroscientific principles.
• Thanks to its simple anatomy and short lifespan, this worm is extensively employed in genetics and developmental biology.
• The sequencing of its complete genome has yielded profound insights into genetic functions.
• Its transparency allows for direct observation of cellular processes and monitoring of molecular activities.

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Researches that led to Nobel Prize:

Genetic Regulation & Programmed Cell Death (2002)

• Sydney Brenner, H. Robert Horvitz, and John Sulston identified the genetic control over organ development and the mechanisms of programmed cell death. Their research is essential in comprehending diseases, including cancer, where the regulation of cell death is often compromised.

RNA Interference (2006)

• Andrew Fire and Craig Mello uncovered the process by which double-stranded RNA silences specific genes through RNA interference. This discovery has led to powerful genetic research tools and has paved the way for innovative therapies targeting gene expression in cancers and genetic disorders.

Green Fluorescent Protein (2008)

• Osamu Shimomura, Martin Chalfie, and Roger Tsien created the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), enabling the visualization of proteins in living organisms. This groundbreaking tool has transformed biological research, facilitating real-time observation of molecular interactions within living cells.

MicroRNAs (2024)

• Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun identified microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate gene expression by silencing targeted genes. The role of miRNAs in managing developmental and disease processes has significantly enhanced our grasp of genetic regulation and opened new avenues for diagnostics and therapies in genetic diseases.

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3. Climate Change Disrupts Global Water Cycle: Rising Extremes in Floods, Droughts, and Precipitation

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 23)

Topic: Environment

Context

• This article explores the significant disruptions to the global water cycle attributed to climate change, as detailed in the 2024 Global Water Monitor Report.

Analysis of the news:

Climate Change and the Water Cycle

• Climate change is severely affecting the Earth's water cycle, resulting in more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, and storms. The findings of the 2024 Global Water Monitor Report, prepared by an international research team, highlight these disruptions and their extensive consequences.

Understanding the Water Cycle

• The water cycle encompasses the continuous movement of water in solid, liquid, and gaseous forms across the Earth’s surface, atmosphere, and subsurface. Driven by solar energy, key processes such as evaporation, transpiration, condensation, and precipitation are vital for regulating water availability and weather patterns critical for sustaining life on our planet.

Impact of Climate Change on the Water Cycle

1. Intensified Evaporation and Precipitation: Rising global temperatures are leading to elevated rates of evaporation, which increases atmospheric moisture. Warmer air retains 7% more moisture for every 1°C rise in temperature, resulting in more intense and frequent precipitation events.
2. Droughts and Dry Soil: Enhanced evaporation rates deplete soil moisture, rendering soils less capable of absorbing rainfall when it occurs. This creates a cycle of drought and surface water runoff, further diminishing soil moisture retention.
3. Projected Trends: By the end of this century, global temperatures are anticipated to rise by 2.6–3.1°C, worsening disruptions in the water cycle. The IPCC forecasts long-term shifts, including more severe droughts and extreme rainfall events.

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Key Findings of the 2024 Global Water Monitor Report

1. Disasters and Economic Impact: In 2024, water-related disasters resulted in over 8,700 fatalities, displaced 40 million people, and incurred economic losses totaling $550 billion.
2. Increased Extremes: The occurrence of record-dry months has risen by 38% compared to the baseline period of 1995-2005. Additionally, instances of record-breaking rainfall have increased, with daily rainfall records occurring 52% more frequently since 2000.
3. Regional Trends in Water Storage: Many arid regions are experiencing persistently low terrestrial water storage (TWS) values, although some areas in Africa have reported increases.
4. 2025 Projections: Drought conditions are likely to deteriorate further in northern South America, southern Africa, and parts of Asia, while flooding risks are expected to escalate in regions such as the Sahel and Europe.

Conclusion: 

• These findings underscore the urgent necessity for global initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change and adapting to its effects on the water cycle. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving water management strategies are critical to countering the escalating risks posed by these disruptions.

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Facts

1. The latest science on climate change

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Context

• A recent study indicates that the global community may have already exceeded a 1.5°C increase in temperature, which is a significant concern. This analysis reveals accelerated impacts of climate change, encompassing weakened ocean currents, challenges faced by forest ecosystems, and an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters.

Global Temperature and Climate Threshold: Current assessments suggest that the world may have reached a critical warming threshold of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This conclusion stems from an examination of atmospheric gases captured in Antarctic ice cores over the past 2,000 years, indicating that 2023 has already experienced a warming of approximately 1.49°C. Historically, temperature evaluations have been benchmarked against the period from 1850 to 1900, during which warming was recorded at about 1.3°C.

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Impact on Ocean Circulations and Ecosystems: The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), which plays a vital role in shaping climatic conditions across Europe, has diminished by 15% since 1950 and is approaching a critical point of slowdown. Similarly, the ongoing fourth mass coral bleaching event raises concerns that global coral reefs may have reached an irreversible tipping point.

Wildfires and Droughts: The consequences of global warming are intensifying wildfire occurrences, with climate change implicated in 13% of fatalities attributed to toxic wildfire smoke throughout the 2010s. In 2024, the Amazon experienced its most severe drought to date, with ongoing drought and heat stress posing a significant threat to the rainforest's viability, potentially leading to a transition into degraded forest areas.

Forests and Carbon Sequestration: A study published in 2024 highlights that global forests are absorbing less CO₂ than in previous analyses, signaling a reduced capacity for these ecosystems to alleviate climate change effects.

Volcanic Eruptions: Additionally, climate change may increase the likelihood of volcanic eruptions, as the accelerated retreat of glaciers in Iceland diminishes pressure on the Earth's crust.

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2. Eyeing green legacy, Biden declares new national monuments

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 15)

Context

• President Biden has officially designated two new national monuments in California—Chuckwalla and Sattitla—aiming to secure environmental protections for revered lands and establish a significant conservation legacy.

Places in news:

Chuckwalla National Monument

• Situated near Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California, Chuckwalla National Monument encompasses 624,000 acres.
• The area will be safeguarded from drilling, mining, solar farms, and other industrial activities.
• This land holds cultural and spiritual significance for Native American tribes that have resided in the region for centuries.
• The new designation preserves the area's distinct beauty, canyons, and diverse wildlife for the benefit of future generations.

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Sattitla National Monument

• Covering 224,000 acres, Sattitla National Monument is located in Northern California, near the Oregon border.
• Similar to Chuckwalla, this area will be protected from industrial exploitation, ensuring its continued preservation.
• Sattitla is celebrated for its varied landscapes and ecological significance.
• The designation underscores ongoing efforts to conserve vital natural and cultural resources, contributing to long-term environmental sustainability.

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3. Study Reveals Sex-Specific Brain Differences in Newborns, Highlighting Neurodiversity at Birth

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 23)

Context

• The article discusses a study that identifies sex-specific differences in the brains of newborns.

Analysis of the news:

Sex-Specific Brain Differences at Birth

• A study published in Biology of Sex Differences reveals that male and female infants show distinct differences in brain composition at birth, with boys having larger brains and more white matter, while girls have significantly more grey matter linked to learning, speech, and cognition. 
• These differences may arise from prenatal brain development and influence subsequent neurological diversity.

Key Findings of the Study

Brain Composition Differences:

• Boys: Larger total brain and intracranial volumes, with more white matter aiding communication between brain regions.
• Girls: Larger grey matter volumes in areas related to memory and emotional regulation.

Significance of White and Grey Matter:

• White matter consists of long nerve fibers that facilitate communication within the brain.
• Grey matter, critical for cognition, memory, and learning, showed notable volume differences in girls, especially in regions associated with speech and emotion.

Biological and Developmental Implications

• Prenatal Development: The observed differences suggest that prenatal brain development is influenced by biological sex-specific factors, which interact with environmental experiences post-birth to shape neurological diversity.
• Neurodiversity: These differences are average variations and do not indicate superiority or inferiority. They underline the importance of understanding neurodiversity, particularly in conditions like autism, which is diagnosed more often in males.

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Research Methodology

• The study analyzed MRI scans of over 500 newborns (236 girls and 278 boys) within 28 days of birth, as part of the Developing Human Connectome Project.
• Brain regions were examined after controlling for variables like birth weight and total brain volume.

Broader Implications

• Understanding Developmental Disorders: Insights from this study could aid in exploring the neurological basis of conditions such as autism, which shows sex-biased prevalence.
• Neuroscience and Education: The findings may contribute to tailoring educational strategies and interventions by acknowledging inherent neurological differences.

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4. Recurring Crashes of ALH Helicopters Spark Safety Concerns and Call for Design Overhaul

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 23)

Context

• The article examines the safety concerns surrounding the HAL Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) following a series of crashes.

Analysis of the news:

About ALH Dhruv helicopters:

• Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv is a multi-role and multi-mission light utility helicopter in the 5.5-ton weight class, intended for both military and civil operators.
• It is developed indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• The ALH choppers are operated by all three Indian defense forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with the Indian Coast Guard.
• The major variants of Dhruv are classified as Dhruv Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III & Mk-IV. 

Recent ALH Mark-III Crashes

• Porbandar Incident (January 2025): An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mark-III of the Indian Coast Guard crashed during a training sortie, killing all three on board. This marks the second fatal crash of the ALH Mark-III in four months, following a similar incident in September 2024 during a medical evacuation mission off Porbandar. Additionally, a non-fatal ALH crash occurred in Kochi in March 2023.

Safety Concerns Raised

• Investigation and Grounding: Boards of Inquiry have been constituted to investigate the crashes, focusing on flying controls and transmission systems. The entire fleet of around 300 ALH helicopters has been grounded for safety audits.
• Design Issues: Previous crashes highlighted flaws like weaknesses in the booster control rods, affecting control. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has initiated corrective measures, including replacing older components with more durable materials.
• Call for Independent Review: Concerns over the ALH’s safety record have prompted calls for independent inquiries by military aviation veterans, pointing to recurring design and operational issues.

Key Design Elements of HAL ALH

• Development Objective: Initiated in 1984, the ALH Dhruv was designed as a multi-role, multi-mission helicopter to replace the aging Chetak and Cheetah fleets.
• Indigenous Manufacturing: Most components, including the airframe, are manufactured in India, though critical systems like Shakti engines were initially developed in collaboration with foreign partners. Over time, indigenisation has increased.
• Certification and Performance: The ALH Dhruv is certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), confirming compliance with international standards. However, recurring crashes raise concerns over long-term operational reliability.

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