Weekly Current Affairs (15 Jan- 21 Jan, 2024) Latest

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15th JANUARY, 2024

Economic Divide in India’s States

1. Economic Gap in India:
   • Wealthier states are in the south, west, and northwest.
   • Poorer states are in the north, center, and east.
2. Per Capita Income Divide:
   • In 2019-20, per capita income in wealthier states was 2.5 times higher than in poorer states, increasing from 1.7 times in 1990-91.
3. Manufacturing Gap:
   • Manufacturing gap increased; per capita income in wealthier states was 3.6 times higher in 2019-20, up from 2.4 times in 1990-91.
4. Services Gap:
   • Service sector gap widened, with the SDP ratio rising from 2.0 to 2.9, mainly due to significant growth in IT companies in wealthier states.
5. Infrastructure Disparity:
   • Despite comparable infrastructure, lower-income states, especially in Gangetic and eastern regions, lag in per capita power availability.
6. Shift in Investment:
   • Shift from public to private sector investment; concentration in wealthier states.
7. Labor Force and Industrial Growth:
   • Lower-income states, especially in north and central regions, have lower urban labor force participation and fewer workers with regular income, affecting industrial growth.
8. Organized-Sector Factories and Wealth:
   • Higher-income states host 75% of organized-sector factories and 87 out of 91 richest Indians.
9. Higher Education Disparity:
   • 70% of engineering seats are in higher-income states, indicating an imbalance in access to higher education and high-tech industries.
10. Steps to Bridge Gap:

• Essential to boost entrepreneurship and skill development in poorer states.
• Upgrade power infrastructure in Gangetic and eastern regions.
• Expand access to technical education.

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RBI’s New Regulatory Framework

1. RBI’s New Regulatory Approach:
   • RBI (Reserve Bank of India) is adopting a new regulatory framework.
2. Focus on Self-Regulation:
   • Emphasis on self-regulation within banks and financial institutions.
3. Role of Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs):
   • Promoting Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs) for various financial sectors to handle risks and ease regulatory burdens.
4. One-on-One Discussions:
   • RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das is engaging in discussions with bank CEOs to quickly identify industry trends for informed regulatory actions.
5. Dual Level of Self-Regulation:
   • RBI aims to encourage self-regulation at two levels: within individual entities and across the entire industry.
6. Empowering Entities with Information:
   • The idea is that banks and financial groups, with more information, can promptly and effectively manage risks.
7. Framework for SRO Recognition:
   • RBI is developing a framework to recognize SROs in various financial sectors (e.g., banking, fintech) to handle sector-specific regulations and standards.

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About Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs):

• SRO is a non-governmental organization.
• It establishes and enforces rules and standards for industry members.
• Aims to protect customers and promote ethics, equality, and professionalism in the industry.

16th JANUARY, 2024

Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI)

1. Formation of Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI):
   • Danish government, along with A.P. Moller–Mersk and other partners, is collaborating to create the Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI).
2. Joint Global Goal for Carbon Neutrality:
   • The alliance supports a shared global goal for carbon neutrality, in alignment with the Green Strategic Partnership (GSP) between India and Denmark established in 2020.
3. Purpose of GFAI:
   • GFAI aims to enhance collaboration between Denmark and India in the sustainable energy solutions sector.
4. Focus on Green Fuels:
   • The primary focus is on advancing the green fuels sector, particularly green hydrogen, through innovation and partnerships.
5. Promoting Sustainable Energy Growth:
   • GFAI seeks to promote sustainable energy growth in India by creating an ecosystem that fosters collaboration among businesses, government entities, research institutions, and financial stakeholders.

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Quantum Gates

1. Quantum Gates in Quantum Computing:
   • Quantum gates are essential components in quantum computing.
   • They manipulate quantum bits or qubits, the building blocks of quantum information.
2. Operations of Quantum Gates:
   • Quantum gates perform operations on qubits, allowing the creation of quantum circuits.
   • These circuits execute complex calculations by manipulating the unique properties of qubits.
3. Qubits vs. Classical Bits:
   • Unlike classical bits in traditional computers (which are either 0 or 1), qubits can exist in superpositions of both states simultaneously.
4. Implementation of Quantum Algorithms:
   • Quantum gates enable the implementation of quantum algorithms.
   • Operations include the application of quantum logic gates like Hadamard gates, CNOT gates, and others.
5. Construction of Quantum Circuits:
   • Quantum gates are used to construct quantum circuits, similar to classical circuits in traditional computers.
6. Role in Quantum Algorithms:
   • Quantum gates play a crucial role in implementing quantum algorithms.
   • Examples include Shor’s algorithm for integer factorization and Grover’s algorithm for unstructured search problems.
7. Exploration in Quantum Machine Learning:
   • Quantum gates are being explored for applications in quantum machine learning algorithms, showcasing the potential of quantum computing in various fields.

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India-Maldives Relations

1. India-Maldives Relations:
   • Recent developments indicate a shift in India-Maldives ties, with Maldives expressing a desire for the removal of Indian troops.
2. Move Towards China:
   • Since the election of President Mohamed Muizzu, Maldives has been leaning closer to China, evident in a recent joint statement between China and Maldives.
3. Proposal for Troop Removal:
   • Maldives has proposed the removal of Indian troops by March 15, fulfilling an election promise. However, India has a limited military presence in Maldives.
4. India’s Impact on Neighbors:
   • India holds significant military, economic, and strategic influence over its neighbors.
5. Factors Contributing to Anti-India Sentiment:
   • Internal factors in India, such as expansionist rhetoric, religious issues, illegal migration concerns, social media behavior, and calls to boycott smaller neighbors, may contribute to anti-India sentiment.
6. Utilization of Power Rivalries:
   • Smaller countries like Maldives often leverage rivalries between major powers like India and China to their advantage.
7. Importance of Diplomacy:
   • India needs to engage with the political leadership and people of Maldives. Diplomacy is crucial, as not every country will always support or agree with India.
8. Caution Against Overreaction:
   • As a regional power, India should avoid overreacting to Maldives’ concerns, as emphasized by External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar.

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17th JANUARY, 2024

India’s multidimensional poverty

1. NITI Aayog’s Discussion Paper:
   • NITI Aayog has released a discussion paper titled ‘Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06’.
2. Significant Decline in Multidimensional Poverty:
   • India has experienced a noteworthy reduction in multidimensional poverty, dropping from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23, a decrease of 17.89 percentage points.
3. Population Escaping Poverty:
   • About 24.82 crore people in India have escaped multidimensional poverty in the last 9 years.
4. Top States:
   • Uttar Pradesh leads with 5.94 crore people escaping poverty, followed by Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.
5. Rate of Decline:
   • The paper highlights a faster decline in the poverty headcount ratio from 2015-16 to 2019-21 (10.66% annual rate) compared to the period 2005-06 to 2015-16 (7.69% annual rate).
6. Improvement in Indicators:
   • All 12 indicators of Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) show significant improvement throughout the study period.
7. Prospects for Single-Digit Poverty Rates:
   • India is on track to achieve single-digit poverty rates by 2024.
8. SDGs Achievement Ahead of Schedule:
   • India is likely to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1.2 (reducing multidimensional poverty by at least half) much earlier than the target year of 2030.

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Kachchhi Kharek: Geographical Indication (GI) tag from Gujarat

1. Kachchhi Kharek and Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:
   • Kachchhi Kharek, the indigenous date variety from Kutch, Gujarat, has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
   • It is the second fruit from Gujarat to be granted this recognition, following Gir kesar mango.
2. Historical Presence:
   • The cultivation of Kachchhi Kharek dates in Kutch is believed to have a history of around 400–500 years.
3. Unique Harvesting Method:
   • Unlike other countries, Kutch dates are harvested at the khalal stage due to their inability to withstand moist weather.
4. Distinctive Cultivation in Kutch:
   • Kutch is the only place globally where fresh dates are economically cultivated, marketed, and consumed without waiting for them to become soft and dark.
5. Khalal Stage Characteristics:
   • The khalal stage occurs when dates have matured, accumulated sucrose, turned red or yellow, but remain crisp.
6. Seedling-Propagated Palms:
   • The date palms in Kutch are seedling propagated, making each palm unique and representing a wide range of characteristics.
7. Scale of Date Palm Cultivation:
   • Kutch is home to around two million date palms, with 1.7 million being seedling-origin palms of indigenous varieties.
   • Kutch accounts for over 85% of total date palm cultivation in India.
8. Significant Date:
   • The information was reported on January 18, 2024.

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18th JANUARY, 2024

Samavesha Project

1. I-STEM Launches Samavesha Project:
   • I-STEM (Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map) has introduced the Samavesha project at IISc., Bengaluru.
2. Online Portal for Researchers:
   • Samavesha operates through an online portal, linking researchers and industries with scientific institutions.
3. Equipment Leasing for Experiments:
   • The platform enables researchers and industries to connect with institutions possessing necessary equipment, allowing them to lease it for experiments.
4. Objective of Capital Expenditure Reduction:
   • The initiative aims to reduce capital expenditure for researchers, industries, and startups by avoiding duplication of resources at the national level.
5. Access to Cutting-edge Infrastructure:
   • Samavesha provides access to cutting-edge research infrastructure for new-age researchers, startups, and industries across the country, fostering innovation.

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Kashmir and Ladakh are without snow this winter

1. Low Rainfall and Snowfall in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh:
   • Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, key tourist destinations in India, have experienced minimal rainfall and snowfall this winter.
2. Rainfall Deficit:
   • Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates an 80% rainfall deficit in December and a 100% deficit (no rain) in January.
3. Impact on Tourism:
   • The lack of precipitation has led to a decline in tourist numbers this season.
4. Reasons for Low Snowfall:
   • Reduced western disturbance events and rising temperatures are attributed to the decline in snowfall, indicating the impact of climate change.
5. El Niño Event:
   • Scientists suggest that the ongoing El Niño event in the eastern Pacific Ocean may also contribute to the observed conditions this year.
6. Concerns for Tourism and Climate Change:
   • The lower snowfall levels raise concerns for tourism, and the situation is linked to broader climate change patterns affecting weather events in the region.

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MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Application

1. MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Application Launch:
   • The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently launched the MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Application.
2. Purpose of the Application:
   • The application is designed to capture the entire MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) fund allocation cycle, aiming for greater convenience and accessibility in monitoring the scheme.
3. Benefits of the Application:
   • The MPLADS e-SAKSHI app is expected to revolutionize the way Members of Parliament (MPs) engage with and manage development projects in their constituencies.
4. Convenience and Accessibility:
   • The application offers convenience and accessibility, enabling MPs to propose, track, and oversee projects at their fingertips.
5. Real-time Access for Decision-making:
   • Real-time access enhances decision-making processes, allowing MPs to respond swiftly to emerging needs or issues.
6. Streamlined Communication:
   • The application facilitates streamlined communication between MPs and relevant authorities, promoting a more efficient exchange of information.
7. Transparency Promotion:
   • MPLADS e-SAKSHI promotes transparency by providing MPs with instant updates on the status and progress of their proposed projects.

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19th JANUARY, 2024

Kerala Rehabilitation Project

1. Kerala’s Rehabilitation Project for Gulf Returnees:
   • The Kerala government launched its first-ever rehabilitation project to assist individuals returning from Gulf countries, benefitting nearly 7,000 returnees.
2. NoRKA Department Project:
   • The project, named NoRKA Department Project for Return Emigrants (NDPREM), was initiated by the Department of Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs (NoRKA).
3. Objective:
   • NDPREM aims to help Gulf returnees establish self-employment ventures with the support of leading financial institutions.
4. Context of Initiative:
   • The initiative was a response to Saudi Arabia’s implementation of the “Nitaqat” (naturalization) law in 2013, raising concerns among expats about potential job losses.
5. Transformation of Returnees’ Profile:
   • The schemes implemented under NDPREM have benefited around 7,000 Gulf returnees, transforming their profiles.
6. Role of Industrial Changes:
   • Recent changes in Kerala’s industrial landscape have played a crucial role in involving distressed returnees in the retail sector.
7. Economic Integration and Local Benefits:
   • These schemes ensure the economic integration of returnees into society, with the local economy benefiting from their engagement.
8. NoRKA Business Facilitation Center:
   • The introduction of the NoRKA business facilitation center has yielded promising results, assisting non-resident Keralites and returnees in starting businesses in the state.
9. Expansion Plans:
   • The state is considering expanding the loan scheme to include additional sectors and enhance the value addition of products, with the aim of extending support to more returnees.

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C4IR: Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution

1. World Economic Forum’s Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in Hyderabad:
   • The World Economic Forum (WEF) has agreed to establish its Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) in Hyderabad.
2. C4IR Initiative:
   • C4IR stands for the Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution, an initiative by the World Economic Forum.
   • The purpose is to focus on leveraging technological progress for human-centric transformation in industries, economies, and societies.
3. Telangana Government Agreement:
   • The agreement between the Telangana government and WEF aims to use technology for improvements in the life sciences and healthcare sector.
4. Healthcare Focus:
   • C4IR’s focus is to provide advanced healthcare services to small towns and villages, utilizing the potential of technology.
5. Fourth Industrial Revolution:
   • The Fourth Industrial Revolution represents the current environment where disruptive technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming the way people live and work.

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PM Modi visited Veerabhadra Temple in Lepakshi

1. Prime Minister’s Visit to Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi:
   • The Prime Minister recently visited the Veerabhadra temple in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh.
2. Special Ritual for Ayodhya Ram Temple:
   • The visit is part of the Prime Minister’s completion of an 11-day special ritual for the consecration of the idol of Lord Ram at the Ayodhya Ram temple.
3. Significance of Lepakshi:
   • ‘Lepakshi’ in Telugu means ‘Rise, oh bird’ and is named in honor of Jatayu, the legendary bird from the Ramayana.
4. Connection to Ramayana:
   • According to the Ramayana, Lepakshi is believed to be the place where the wounded Jatayu fell during his fight with Ravan.
5. Preservation of Goddess Sita’s Footprints:
   • The Lepakshi temple is believed to have preserved footprints of Goddess Sita.
6. Veerabhadra Temple:
   • The Veerabhadra temple in Lepakshi is dedicated to Virabhadra, a fierce incarnation of Lord Shiva.
   • The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, with additional shrines for Ganesha and Durga.
7. Vijayanagara-style Architecture:
   • The temple exhibits Vijayanagara-style architecture with intricate carvings and paintings on visible surfaces.
8. Fresco Paintings:
   • Vibrant fresco paintings in bright colors depict scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas.
9. Divyakshetra:
   • According to the Skanda Purana, the temple is a significant divyakshetra, a pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva.

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20th JANUARY, 2024

Bamboo Composites Brief

1. Technology Transfer at IISF 2023:
   • At the India International Science Festival (IISF 2023) in Faridabad, technology related to ‘Bamboo Composites Brief’ was transferred to a prominent materials manufacturing company.
2. Bamboo Composites Definition:
   • Bamboo composites are materials that combine bamboo fibers with other substances, creating versatile composite materials.
3. Attributes of Bamboo Composites:
   • These composites utilize bamboo’s strength, flexibility, and sustainability, making them suitable for applications in construction, furniture, and various industries.
4. Quick Maturation of Bamboo:
   • Mature bamboo can be used for bamboo composites in just 3-4 years, contrasting with teak wood that takes 30-40 years to grow.
5. Properties of Bamboo Composite:
   • The resulting bamboo composite product shares similarities with teak wood but exhibits improved durability, dimensional stability, high strength, density, etc.
6. Applications, Especially in Aerospace:
   • Bamboo composites have various applications, especially in aerospace, due to their unique properties.
7. Fast Harvest Cycle:
   • The technology has the potential to yield future products similar to wood but with a harvest cycle ten times faster.
8. Contribution to Sustainable Goals:
   • The technology can attract micro, small, and medium enterprises, startups, etc., contributing to achieving sustainable goals such as Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Swasth Bharat Abhiyaan, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.

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Khelo India Youth Games 2023

1. Khelo India Youth Games 2023 Inauguration:
   • The Prime Minister inaugurated the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
2. PM Credits Reforms for Sports Success:
   • The Prime Minister credited various reforms by the Union government for India’s success in sports.
3. Economic Opportunity in Sports:
   • Emphasizing that sports offer a significant economic opportunity, he predicted that India’s sports-related industry would be worth at least ₹1 lakh crore in the coming years.
4. India’s Sporting Talent:
   • The Prime Minister highlighted India’s vast pool of sporting talent and expressed readiness to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
5. Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG):
   • KIYG is an annual national-level multidisciplinary sports event held in India and is part of the Khelo India Programme.
6. Reviving Grassroots Sports Culture:
   • The Khelo India Programme aims to revive India’s grassroots sports culture by establishing a strong framework for all sports, with the broader goal of making the country a great sporting nation.

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21st JANUARY, 2024

Regulation of Coaching Centers, 2024 Guidelines

1. ‘Regulation of Coaching Centers 2024’ Guidelines:
   • The Department of Higher Education of the Union Ministry of Education has released guidelines titled ‘Regulation of Coaching Centers 2024’.
2. Purpose of Guidelines:
   • The guidelines address concerns such as student suicides, fire incidents, lack of facilities, and teaching methodologies reported in coaching centers.
3. Assistance for Students:
   • The guidelines aim to assist students in any study program, competitive examinations, or academic support.
4. Qualification of Tutors:
   • Only tutors with a minimum qualification of graduation are eligible to teach at coaching centers.
5. Prohibition of False Claims:
   • Coaching centers are prohibited from making false claims about ranks or marks to attract students.
6. Focus on Mental Well-being and Fair Practices:
   • The guidelines prioritize mental well-being, fair practices, and inclusivity in coaching centers.
7. Age Restrictions and Student Enrolment:
   • Coaching centers are prohibited from enrolling students below 16 years of age. Student enrolment should occur only after completing secondary school examination.
8. Holistic Development and Counseling:
   • Coaching centers are advised to focus on co-curricular activities for holistic student development and provide career guidance and psychological counseling for mental well-being.

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The Ayodhya Ram Temple: Nagara Style of Architecture

1. Design of Ayodhya Ram Temple:
   • The Ram temple in Ayodhya is designed in the Nagara style of temple architecture.
2. Emergence of Nagara Style:
   • The Nagara style of temple architecture originated around the fifth century CE during the late Gupta period in northern India.
3. Comparison with Dravida Style:
   • Nagara style is contrasted with the Dravida style, which also emerged during the same period but in southern India.
4. Key Features of Nagara Temples:
   • Nagara temples are constructed on a raised plinth, with the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) being the most sacred part where the deity’s idol is placed.
5. Distinctive Shikhara:
   • The most distinguishable aspect of Nagara style temples is the towering shikhara, resembling a mountain peak, positioned over the garbha griha.
6. Additional Components:
   • Nagara temples include a circumambulatory passage around the garbha griha and one or more mandapas (halls) along the same axis. Elaborate murals and reliefs often adorn the temple walls.
7. Architectural Characteristics:
   • The Nagara style is known for its unique architectural elements, setting it apart from other temple styles in India.

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