Current Affairs – December 31, 2024

{GS1 – MIH – Organisation} All India Muslim League

Context (IE): All India Muslim League (AIML) completed 118 years.

In pursuit of their divide-and-rule policy, the British authorities encouraged the aristocratic elements to establish political power to safeguard the separate interests of Muslims.
Founded in 1906 in Dhaka (present-day Bangladesh) under the leadership of the Aga Khan (the First President of AIML), the Nawab of Dacca, Khwaja sali mullah Bahadur, and Nawab Mohsin-ul-Mulk.
At its founding, the League was mostly a collective of elite Muslim men. Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who joined the League in 1913, was then in Congress.

Significant events involving Muslim League

Strained Relations Between Muslims and the Government

After the Morley-Minto Reforms, the gulf between the Muslims and the government has become steadily wider. This was because:
- Revocation of Partition of Bengal in 1911.
- The government rejected establishing the University of Aligarh in 1912.
- Refusal of Britain to help Turkey in the Italian and Balkan Wars.

Lucknow Pact, 1916

In December 1916, the Congress under Bal Gangadhar Tilak and the Muslim League under Muhammad Ali Jinnah signed the Lucknow Pact. Both parties demanded further constitutional reforms as a step towards self-government.
The pact called for more Indians in the provincial and central legislatures and the central and provincial executive council. The Congress agreed to separate electorates.

Delhi Proposals (1927)

Members of AIML decided to give up separate electorates (agreed to joint electorates) if their four proposals were accepted:
- The Separation of Sind from the Bombay Presidency.
- Reforms in the North-West Frontier Province and Baluchistan.
- One-third seats for the Muslims in the Central Legislature.
- Representation based on population in the Punjab and Bengal (Muslim-majority provinces).

Division within AIML (1927)

Later, some of the members of AIML opposed the joint electorates for Muslims. This led to the division of AIML into two groups in 1927:
- Those who supported the joint electorates were led by Jinnah (known as Jinnah League).
- Those who opposed the joint electorates were led by Sir Muhammad Shafi (Shafi League).

Lahore Resolution (1940)

During its general session in Lahore (1940), the AIML passed a resolution (Pakistan resolution) demanding a measure of autonomy for the Muslim-majority areas of the subcontinent.
March 23 is observed as Pakistan National Day to commemorate this resolution.
The resolution also demanded that in other parts of India where the Muslims are a minority, adequate, effective, and mandatory safeguards shall be specially provided in the constitution for them and other minorities to protect their religious, cultural and other rights and interests in consultation with them.

{GS2 – MoSPI – Initiatives} Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24

Context (IE | IE): The survey, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), presents insights into household spending patterns across rural and urban India.

Key Findings

Overall Consumption Trends

Rural Spending Growth: Monthly per capita consumption expenditure rose by 9.3%, reaching ₹4,122 in 2023-24, up from ₹3,773 in 2022-23.
Urban Spending: Increased by 8.3%, reaching ₹6,996 in 2023-24, up from ₹6,459 in 2022-23.
Narrowing Rural–Urban Gap: Spending differences reduced to 69.7% in 2023-24 from 71.2% in 2022-23 and 83.9% in 2011-12.

Consumption Inequality

Gini Coefficient Improvement: Declined in rural areas from 0.283 (2011-12) to 0.237 (2023-24) and in urban areas from 0.363 to 0.284 over the same period.
Top 5% spending reduced across rural and urban regions compared to 2022-23.

Food vs. Non-Food Expenditure

Food Expenditure

Increased Share: Rural food expenditure rose to 47.04% in 2023-24 from 46.38% in 2022-23; urban share grew to 39.68% from 39.17%.
Beverages & Processed Foods: Highest spending share — 11.09% (rural) and 9.84% (urban).
Milk & Milk Products: Second highest — 8.44% (rural) and 7.19% (urban).
Vegetables & Cereals: Significant contributors, with rural areas prioritising cereals and urban areas emphasising fruits.

Non-Food Expenditure

Rural: 52.96% share, with major spending on conveyance (7.59%) and medical expenses (6.83%).
Urban: 60.32% share, driven by housing, rent, and miscellaneous services.

State-Wise Consumption Patterns

Higher-than-Average Spending: Western, Northern and Southern states like Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
Below-Average Spending: Eastern and Central states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.

Shifts in Consumption Patterns

Decline in Staple Spending: Reduced sugar, salt and cereals spending.
Increase in Beverages & Processed Foods: A growing trend over the years.
Dynamic Spending on Fruits & Vegetables: Rural areas show increasing spending on fresh fruits; Urban spending on milk products declined in 2023-24.

Implications and Interpretations

Rise in food inflation during 2023-24 partly explains the increased share of food expenditure.
Income and Wage Growth: Rural nominal wages grew by 5.2% over the last five years, but real wages declined by 0.4%, indicating limited purchasing power growth.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Transgenders} Transgenders’ Birth Certificates

Context (IE): Karnataka HC upheld a transgender woman’s right to update her name and gender on her birth certificate under the Transgender Persons Act 2019, overriding older restrictive laws.

Karnataka HC Ruling

Special Law Prevails Over General Law: Applied the principle of “generalia specialibus non-derogant,” affirming that specific laws like the Transgender Persons Act override general enactments.
Directive for Compliance: Registrar to issue corrected birth certificates based on identity certificates.

The Registration of Birth and Death Act of 1969 governs birth and death registration in India.

Relevant Provisions under Transgender Persons Act, 2019

Certificate of Identity: Allows transgender individuals to affirm their gender identity legally (Section 6).
Section 7: Post-sex-reassignment surgery, individuals can obtain a revised identity certificate.
Update Across Official Documents: Mandates reflecting revised identity and name on all official records, including birth certificates.
2020 Rules: Clearly list birth certificates as eligible for changes under the Act’s provisions.

Restrictive 1969 Act Provisions: Allows changes in birth certificates only for errors, fraud or incorrect entries (Section 15).
Failure to Harmonize Laws: Older general laws (1969 Act) and newer specific laws (2019 Act) lack alignment, causing inconsistencies.
Inconsistent Implementation: Authorities often miss prescribed timelines for updating records.
Limited Awareness: Officials and transgender individuals lack knowledge of rights and procedures.
Resistance from Older Laws: Hesitation to align older enactments like the 1969 Act with the 2019 Act.
Dual Identity Problem: Document discrepancies lead to a “dual life,” causing harassment, missed opportunities, and social stigma.

Impacts of Dual Identity:

Social Stigma: Amplifies discrimination and mental stress.
Legal Obstacles: Limits access to benefits, employment and services.
Harassment Risks: Increases exploitation and abuse vulnerability.

Way Forward

Amendments: Amend the 1969 Act to explicitly incorporate provisions for transgender identity changes.
Accountability Mechanisms: Introduce monitoring systems to ensure timely and accurate implementation of identity updates.
Social Inclusion Measures: Promote campaigns for societal acceptance and reduce discrimination against the transgender community.

{GS3 – S&T – AI} FREE-AI by RBI

Context (TH): RBI has constituted a committee to develop a Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI) in the Financial Sector to ensure the ethical use of AI.

It is an eight-member committee chaired by Professor Pushpak Bhattacharyya from IIT Bombay.
The Committee will assess the current level of adoption of AI in financial services globally and in India.
It will recommend an evaluation, mitigation, and monitoring framework and consequent compliance requirements for financial institutions, including banks, NBFCs, FinTechs, PSOs, etc.

Initiatives by India to Promote Ethical Use of AI in the Financial Sector

MuleHunter.ai: The Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) developed this AI/ML-based solution to detect and mitigate money mule accounts used for financial fraud.
Regulatory Sandbox Initiatives: RBI introduced this framework in 2019. This initiative allows FinTech companies to test innovative financial products in a controlled environment under regulatory supervision.
National Strategy on AI (NSAI): It was released by NITI Aayog in 2018. It aims to harness AI for inclusive growth and outlines a roadmap for adopting AI in various sectors, including finance.
Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: The act outlines principles such as data minimisation, lawful data collection, and accountability, ensuring that personal data is handled responsibly.

{GS3 – S&T – Space} SpaDeX Mission

Context (IE | TH | DTE): ISRO successfully launched its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission on December 30, 2024, aiming to make India the fourth country to demonstrate orbital docking.

Mission Objectives

Goal: Demonstrate rendezvous, docking, and undocking technologies using two small spacecraft, SpaDeX A (Chaser) and SpaDeX B (Target).
Duration: 2 years, focused on key technologies, including electrical power transfer & in-space robotics.
Launching Details: Launched by ISRO’s PSLV–C60, placing two 220-kg satellites in 475-km circular orbit.
Docking Process: The spacecraft will execute precise manoeuvres to reduce the distance from 20 km to 3 m, achieving docking. Post-docking, electrical power transfer will enable sustained future operations.

Technological Advancements for SPADEx Mission

POEM (PS4 Orbital Experiment Module): The fourth stage of PSLV will be repurposed to test critical in-orbit technologies, including docking and power transfer, essential for SPADEx missions.
Robotic Experimentation: Robotic arms will be validated for satellite servicing.
SpaDeX A (Chaser) is equipped with a high-resolution camera for monitoring and imaging, whereas SpaDeX B (Target) carries a multispectral payload, radiation monitor and other scientific tools.
Biological Research: SPADEx will support biological studies on plant growth and bacteria, green propulsion systems and artificial intelligence labs in microgravity.

Significance of Docking Technology

Enhanced Indian Position: Only the US, Russia & China have successfully demonstrated space docking.
Precision and Coordination: The SpaDeX mission demonstrates India’s ability to control spacecraft at high velocities, which is essential for future deep space missions.
Self-Reliance: The mission showcases India’s growing space capabilities, moving closer to autonomous space operations.
Future Applications: Docking is crucial for heavy payload missions, Bharatiya Antariksh Station assembly, Chandrayaan-4’s re-entry and sample return, and the proposed Indian Space Station.

Challenges

Complex Docking Procedures: The docking process involves precise manoeuvres at high velocities, requiring exact timing and control.
Technological Testing: Validation of new technologies such as power transfer and robotic arms poses a significant challenge.

{Prelims – In News} Chillai Kalan

Context (TH | TOI): Kashmir Valley experienced its coldest winter night in five decades, with temperatures dropping to -8.5^oC, marking the start of Chillai Kalan.

The name “Chillai Kalan” comes from the Mughal era in Kashmir, when Persian was the official language. “Chila Kalan” is a Persian word where “Chila” means to stay indoors.
International Pheran Day is celebrated in Kashmir on December 21, marking the start of Chillai Kalan.
The sun is hardly seen during this period, so Kashmiris rely on the traditional fire pot called ‘Kanger’ for warmth. Despite the harsh winter, this period benefits farmers, especially apple growers.
The cold wave continues even after Chilai Kalan in Kashmir with a 20-day-long ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day-long ‘Chillai-Bachha‘ (baby cold).

{Prelims – PIN} Dr.Vikram Sarabhai

Context (IE): On December 30, the 52^nd death anniversary of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai was observed.

Legacy and contributions of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai

The establishment of the ISRO was one of his greatest achievements. He was also Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.
Dr. Sarabhai in setting up the first rocket launching station in India. This centre was established at Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) near Thiruvananthapuram.
Dr Sarabhai started a project to fabricate and launch an Indian Satellite. As a result, the first Indian satellite, Aryabhata, was put in orbit in 1975 from a Russian Cosmodrome.
Vikram Sarabhai’s dialogue with NASA in 1966 led to the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) launch between July 1975 and July 1976.
In 1974, the International Astronomical Union at Sydney decided that a Moon Crater BESSEL in the Sea of Serenity would be known as the Sarabhai Crater.
Awards: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Medal (1962), Padma Bhushan (1966), and Padma Vibhushan (1972, posthumous).

He was referred to as ‘Mahatma Gandhi of Indian Science’ by the Former President APJ Abdul Kalam.

{Prelims – S&T – Defence} Bayraktar Akinci

Context (IN): Turkey has tested firing of supersonic missile from the Bayraktar Akinci drone.

Bayraktar Akinci is a high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) manufactured by the Turkish defence company Baykar.
It is capable of conducting operations that are performed with fighter jets. It carries electronic support systems, dual satellite communication systems, air-to-air, collision avoidance & synthetic aperture radar.
It is equipped with dual artificial intelligence avionics, which supports signal processing, sensor fusion, and situational awareness in real-time. It can also be used in air-to-ground & air-to-air attack missions.
Other Features: Error-Resilient System Architecture, Cross-Redundant Ground Control Station, precise auto take-off and Landing with built-in Sensor Fusion, and Fully Autonomous Take–Off and Landing Independent of Ground Control Systems.