Current Affairs – February 09-10, 2025

Table of contents

{GS1 – Geo – EG – Mineral Resources} Potash Discovery in Punjab

Context (IE): Punjab announced the exploration of potash mining in Fazilka & Sri Muktsar Sahib districts.

What is Potash?

Potash refers to potassium-bearing minerals primarily used in fertilizers.
The names caustic potash, potassa, and lye are frequently used for potassium hydroxide. In fertilizer terminology, potassium oxide is called potash.

Forms of Potash

Sulphate of Potash (SOP): Premium fertilizer, chloride-free, used for high-value crops (fruits, vegetables, leafy plants).
Muriate of Potash (MOP): Contains chloride, used mainly for carbohydrate-based crops like wheat.

Usage

In India, over 90% of potash is used in agriculture to enhance crop yield and soil fertility.
Agricultural Importance: One of the three essential nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium – NPK) to improve crop yield, enhance plant growth, and strengthen disease resistance.
Industrial Applications: Used in the production of glass, soap, and as a water softener. (Potash soap is a soft soap made from the lye leached from wood ashes)
Food Processing: Acts as a preservative, acidity regulator, and stabilizer in processed foods.

Source: Britannica

Potash Reserves in India

Total Reserves: As per National Mineral Inventory (2020), India has 23,091 million tonnes of potash resources, with Rajasthan contributing 89%.
- Punjab: Mining blocks at Kabarwala (Muktsar Sahib), Sherewala, Ramsara, Shergarh, and Dalmir Khera (Fazilka) covering 18 sq km.
- Rajasthan: Largest reserves in the Nagaur-Ganganagar basin (districts of Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Churu, Bikaner, Nagaur).

Exploration History

GSI conducted surveys in Rajasthan between 1974-1991 and later in Punjab from 2017 onward.
First potash deposits in Punjab confirmed in 2019.
India has not yet started potash mining; all requirements are met through imports.

Significance of Potash Mining

Reducing Import Dependency: India imports 50 lakh tonnes of potash annually, making mining crucial for self-reliance.
Boost to Fertilizer Industry: Indigenous production will support domestic fertilizer manufacturing and price stability.
Economic Benefits: Mining activities will generate employment and contribute to state revenues through royalties.
Strategic Importance: Securing local potash resources aligns with India’s food security and agricultural sustainability.

Challenges in Potash Mining

Delayed Exploration: Despite substantial reserves, mining has not commenced due to feasibility studies and regulatory approvals.
Land Acquisition Concerns: Farmers in Muktsar and Fazilka fear land acquisition; the government assures zero impact through advanced drilling systems.
Environmental and Social Impact: A comprehensive assessment is underway to ensure minimal ecological disruption and social acceptance.
Regulatory Hurdles: While the central government controls mineral auctioning, state governments benefit from mining royalties, requiring coordination for faster execution.

{GS2 – Governance – Laws} Gujarat’s Disturbed Areas Act

Context (IE): The Surat district collector sealed a property citing violation of the Disturbed Areas Act.

What is the Disturbed Areas Act?

A law in Gujarat to control communal polarization and maintain demographic stability in specific areas affected by past communal riots. It seeks to control improper clustering of specific communities through property transfers.

Areas Covered Under the Act

Areas with a history of communal violence, primarily in districts like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Anand, Amreli, Bhavnagar, and Panchmahals.
Gujarat government continues to extend the Act’s jurisdiction to additional areas, such as extending its application in Anand for five more years in January 2025.

Key Provisions of the Act

Under this Act, district collector designates an area as ‘disturbed’, typically due to communal tensions.
Any transfer of immovable property in these areas requires prior permission from the collector under Section 5 (a) and (b) of the Act.
The seller must submit an affidavit confirming the voluntary sale and a fair market price.
The Collector conducts an inquiry before either approving or rejecting the property sale.
Violating the Act results in imprisonment (up to five years) and fines.

Amendments and Strengthened Powers (2020)

The amendments granted the Collector enhanced authority to scrutinize property transactions for potential communal clustering.
The state government can now review the Collector’s decisions, even without an appeal being filed.
Violation penalties were raised from six months to three to five years in prison.

Legal Challenges to the Act

The term “improper clustering of persons,” is argued to be unconstitutional.

{GS2 – Polty – Bodies – Statutory} National Commission for Safai Karamcharis

Context (PIB): Union Cabinet approved extension of National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for three years until 2028 with an estimated expenditure of ₹50.91 crore for the extended tenure.

About NCSK

Established: First constituted in 1994 under National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993.
Objectives: Improve working conditions of sanitation workers; Facilitate socio-economic upliftment; Aim for zero fatalities in hazardous cleaning.
Current Status: Since the Act lapsed in 2004, NCSK functions as a non-statutory body, with tenure extensions granted via government resolutions.
Parent Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE).

Mandate and Functions of NCSK

Policy Recommendations: Suggests programs to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities, and opportunities of Safai Karamcharis.
Monitoring & Evaluation: Assesses implementation of rehabilitation schemes for sanitation workers.
Safeguarding Rights: Investigates complaints and takes suo-motu cognizance of non-implementation of schemes.
Health & Safety Oversight: Monitor working condition, health, wages & safety of sanitation workers.
Reporting: To Central & State Govts regarding challenges faced by sanitation workers.

Role under the MS Act 2013

Implementation Monitoring: Ensures compliance with the Act’s provisions.
Handling Complaints: Investigates violations and recommends actions to authorities.
Advisory Role: Suggests policy measures for effective execution of the Act.
Suo-motu Actions: Takes initiative on non-implementation of the Act.

Challenges Faced by Sanitation Workers

Hazardous Working Conditions: Exposure to toxic gases, manual handling of waste, leading to health risks like respiratory issues and skin diseases (eczema, dermatitis, etc.).
Exposure to Health Risks: Workers handle sewer water and sludge with bare hands, leading to chronic illnesses such as leptospirosis and hepatitis.
Inadequate Protective Gear: National Safai Karamchari Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC) Report – 65% of sanitation workers across India do not receive protective equipment.
Fatal Accidents: The work involves entering dangerous manholes and drains. Around 472 deaths were recorded from 2016 to 20 (Safai Karmachari Andolan Report).
Social Stigma: Many sanitation workers belong to marginalized communities and face systemic discrimination.
Lack of Recognition: Many workers are excluded from benefits under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (PEMSR).
Caste-Based Discrimination: Many workers come from marginalised communities, perpetuating poverty and limiting job opportunities.
Child Labour from these families often work from a young age, contributing to a cycle of poverty.
Lack of Social Security: Limited access to healthcare, insurance, and financial support mechanisms.
Casual and Low-Wage Employment: Irregular jobs with low wages and no job security.

Government Initiatives for Sanitation Workers

NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem): A joint initiative by MoSJE and MoHUA promoting mechanized cleaning and ensuring safety training for workers.
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0: Focuses on occupational safety and welfare of sanitation workers, encouraging Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to improve working conditions.
MS Act 2013: Legal framework for banning manual scavenging and ensuring rehabilitation of affected workers.
Social Welfare Schemes: Financial aid, skill development programs, and education benefits for dependents of sanitation workers.

Way Forward

Strict Enforcement of MS Act 2013: Ensure complete elimination of manual scavenging and rehabilitation of affected workers.
Strengthening Mechanization: Promote machine-based cleaning to eliminate human involvement in hazardous tasks.
Skill Development & Alternative Livelihoods: Training programs to help workers shift to safer and dignified employment.
Better Social Security: Provide health insurance, pension schemes, and financial aid to sanitation workers and their families.
Community Awareness & Inclusion: Address social discrimination and improve integration of workers into society.

{GS3 – Envi – CC} India’s Changing Climate Strategy

Context (IE): India has shifted its climate policy to prioritize economic growth and adaptation over strict emission cuts, citing global inaction and unfulfilled commitments by developed nations.

Challenges in India’s Climate Policy

Coal Dependency: Coal remains vital for energy needs, and restrictions could slow economic growth.
Global Climate Inaction: Developed nations’ failures reduce India’s incentive for aggressive decarbonization.
Technology Constraints: Lack of domestic capabilities; dependence on foreign clean energy supply chains.
Slow Nuclear Growth: Despite agreements like the India-US civil nuclear deal, progress in nuclear energy expansion has been sluggish.

India’s New Climate Argument

Economic Growth as a Shield: India asserts that rapid economic growth is the best defense against climate change. A stronger economy enables better resilience and adaptation.
Global Efforts Falling Short: Despite commitments, global emissions are rising. Developed countries have failed to meet targets and climate finance commitments remain unfulfilled.
Immediate Benefits of Adaptation: Adaptation provides direct, local benefits by strengthening infrastructure, water management, and disaster resilience.
Reduced Global Pressure: U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement (2025) and focus on fossil fuel production weakens global climate action, easing international pressure on India.

India’s Energy Strategy

Balancing Growth and Clean Energy: Economic expansion must align with low-carbon pathways to remain competitive in global clean energy markets.
Indigenous Manufacturing: Scaling up clean energy manufacturing and technology is crucial to reducing dependence on foreign supply chains.
Nuclear Power Expansion: India targets 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047, focusing on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to accelerate deployment.
Renewable Energy Push: Besides nuclear, solar, wind, and hydrogen energy need aggressive expansion to meet clean energy targets.

Economic Survey 2024-25: Strategic Roadmap

Development First: India should attain developed nation parameters by 2047 before prioritizing net-zero goals by 2070.
Modeling China’s Strategy: China prioritized economic growth, allowing emissions to rise while building the world’s largest clean energy sector. India aims for a similar trajectory.

Way Forward

Accelerate Renewable Energy Deployment: Increase investments in solar, wind, and hydrogen energy to strengthen India’s energy independence.
Develop Indigenous Clean Energy Technologies: Strengthen domestic manufacturing to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
Enhance Adaptation Measures: Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, water conservation, and disaster preparedness.
Leverage Economic Growth for Climate Goals: Use economic expansion to drive technological innovation and clean energy adoption.

{GS3 – IE – Banking} RBI Repo Rate Cut: Impact on Economy

Context (IE): RBI has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 6.25%. This is the first rate cut in five years, following a two-year period of maintaining it at 6.50%.

Repo Rate (Repurchase Agreement or Repurchasing Option) is the interest rate at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) loans money to commercial banks.

Rationale Behind the Repo Rate Cut

Stimulating Economic Growth: Encourages borrowing, investment and spending to boost economic growth.
Inflation Under Control: With retail inflation at 4.2%, RBI has room to cut rates without significant inflationary risks.
Global Monetary Trends: Aligns with other central banks adopting accommodative policies.
Reducing Lending Costs: Lowers banks’ cost of funds, enabling them to offer cheaper loans.
Boosting Employment: Increased credit availability helps businesses expand, leading to job creation.

Impact

External Benchmark Lending Rate Reduction: Interest rates on repo-linked loans will drop by 25 bps.
Marginal Cost of Fund-Based Lending Rate Impact: May lead to gradual reductions in loan costs.
Higher Liquidity: Increased borrowing can enhance liquidity and consumption in the economy.
Lower EMIs: Home, vehicle, and personal loan EMIs will decline, easing financial burdens.
Cheaper Business Loans: Encourages investment in expansion, technology, and infrastructure.
Boost in Consumer Spending: Affordable credit boost purchases of homes, vehicles & consumer goods.
Growth in Real Estate and Auto Sector: Lower mortgage and auto loan rates stimulate demand.
Improves Stock Market Sentiment: Reduced rates can improve investor confidence and market performance.

Concerns and Potential Risks

Inflationary Pressures: Increased money supply and spending may drive prices higher.
Lower Interest on Savings: Decline in deposit rates may reduce the appeal of savings and fixed deposits.
Rupee Depreciation: A lower rate environment may cause capital outflows, weakening the currency.

{GS3 – Infra – Initiatives} New South Coast Railway Zone

Context (IE): Union Cabinet approved the creation of the South Coast Railway Zone, fulfilling the 2014 Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, to enhance operational efficiency and regional connectivity.

South Coast Railway Zone

South Coast Railway (SCoR) is the 18th railway zone of Indian Railways.
Jurisdiction includes parts from East Coast Railway (ECoR) and South Central Railway (SCR).
Headquarters: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
Waltair Division split into Visakhapatnam Division (SCoR) & new division at Rayagada, Odisha (ECoR).

Divisions under South Coast Railway

Vijayawada Division (from SCR).
Guntur Division (from SCR).
Visakhapatnam Division (part of former Waltair Division, from ECoR).

Waltair Division Split

Visakhapatnam Division (SCoR): Includes railway sections like Palasa-Visakhapatnam-Duvvada, Kuneru-Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam Steel Plant-Jaggayapalem (approx. 410 km).
Rayagada Division (ECoR): Covers Kottavalasa-Bacheli, Kuneru-Theruvali, Singapur Rd.-Koraput, and Paralakhemundi-Gunpur (approx. 680 km).

Significance of Waltair Division

First railway zone to surpass 200 million tonnes of freight loading for five consecutive years.
Revenue Generator: Major freight traffic hub due to mining and steel industries in Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Reasons for Creation

Legal Mandate: As per Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, Indian Railways was to examine a new railway zone for Andhra Pradesh.
Operational Efficiency: Enhances railway operations in Andhra Pradesh and nearby regions.
Industrial and Agricultural Support: Improves logistics for industries, agriculture, and ports like Visakhapatnam and Krishnapatnam.
Tourism Boost: Supports travel to cultural sites, including Tirupati.
Political Factor: Move coincided with TDP’s return to power in Andhra Pradesh as part of NDA alliance.

Also refer to Dedicated Freight Corridors

{GS3 – S&T – AI} India’s AI Leadership and Global AI Governance

Context (IE | TH): AI is transforming industries, economies, and geopolitics. India must actively engage in shaping AI safety regulations and secure its leadership in AI innovation to remain competitive.

Global AI Developments

US Investment in AI: The Stargate initiative aims to create 100,000 jobs and establish dominance in AI and semiconductor research.
China’s AI Growth: DeepSeek, a cost-efficient AI model, competes with OpenAI using fewer resources.
Export Controls on AI Hardware: The US AI diffusion rule places India under Tier II, restricting access to advanced GPUs.

AI, Geopolitics and National Security

AI as a Strategic Tool: Nations leverage AI for military, cybersecurity, and surveillance, making access a national security concern.
Defense Applications: AI-driven cybersecurity and defense solutions are crucial for national security and technological sovereignty.

Global AI Safety Efforts

International AI Safety Institutes: Formed in 2024 to set AI safety standards, but India is not a member, limiting its influence.
Seoul Statement of Intent: Nations pledged global AI safety cooperation, but India remains excluded.
Risks of Non-Engagement: Without active participation, India risks losing access to AI advancements and regulatory influence.

India’s AI Strengths

Largest AI Workforce: India has 420,000 AI professionals, surpassing major global tech hubs.
Highest AI Adoption: 92% of Indian enterprises use AI, the highest adoption rate globally.
Expanding AI Market: The AI market is valued at $17 billion, with over 240 AI startups in healthcare (e.g., Niramai), language AI (e.g., Sarvam AI), and accessibility (e.g., BHASHINI).
Robust Digital Infrastructure: Platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, and DPI enable AI-driven financial inclusion and digital payments.

Way Forward: Path to AI Leadership

Establish a National AI Safety Institute: Create a regulatory body for responsible AI development and ethical deployment.
Develop Sovereign AI Models: Train AI on Indian data to eliminate biases & enhance linguistic diversity.
Expand Multilingual AI: Build AI models supporting 22+ official languages for broader accessibility.
Achieve AI Hardware Independence: Invest in semiconductor manufacturing and AI hardware infrastructure to reduce foreign dependence.
Promote Open-Source AI Innovation: Encourage cost-effective, collaborative AI development for widespread accessibility.
Strengthen AI Research and Startups: Prioritize cutting-edge research and support AI startups by reducing regulatory barriers.
Secure Tier I AI Status: Advocate for unrestricted AI diffusion access and global partnerships to enhance India’s AI ecosystem.
Ensure Ethical AI Governance: Establish guidelines for transparency, fairness, misinformation prevention, and data privacy.
Develop Cost-Effective AI Solutions: Follow ISRO’s model of low-cost, high-impact AI innovation for scalability.
Support AI Startups: Reduce regulatory barriers and facilitate global market access for Indian AI startups.
Implement a Mission-Driven AI Strategy: Adopt a long-term national vision with urgency to secure AI leadership globally.