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Current Affairs – January 24, 2025

Table of contents

{GS1 – MIH – Personalities} Parakram Diwas: Honoring Subhas Chandra Bose

  • Context (IE): Parakram Diwas, celebrated on January 23, honours Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary. Bose inspired youth with his courage and contributions to India’s freedom struggle.
  • Inception: Declared in 2021. The first event took place at Victoria Memorial, Kolkata.

Subhas Chandra Bose: A Revolutionary Leader

Source: Subhas Chandra Bose

  • Birth and Early Life: Born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Orissa.
  • Cuttack is known as the Silver City by witnessing its Tarakashi (silver filigree) craft.
  • Education: Bose completed his schooling in Cuttack and later pursued higher education at Presidency College, Kolkata & Cambridge University in the UK, preparing for the Indian Civil Services exam.
  • Joining the Freedom Struggle: In 1921, Bose resigned from the ICS and joined the INC, driven by his passion for India’s freedom.

Bose’s Leadership in INC

  • Congress Presidency: Presided over the INC in 1938 Haripura and 1939 Tripuri Session, advocated for Swaraj as a national demand and opposed the Indian Federation under British rule.
  • Formation of the Forward Bloc: After resigning as Congress president in 1939, Bose founded the Forward Bloc to unite radical-left elements within the party.
  • Ideological Conflict with Gandhi: Despite deep respect for Gandhi, Bose disagreed on several ideological grounds, notably on non-violence and the pace of achieving independence.

Bose’s Ideological Divide with Gandhi

  • Differences in Approach: While Gandhi advocated for non-violence, Bose believed in using force and modern technology to liberate India.
  • Respect for Gandhi: Despite their ideological differences, Bose acknowledged Gandhi as the “father of the nation” in 1944.

Indian National Army (INA) and Azad Hind Government

  • INA Formation: Established in 1942 with Indian POWs, the INA aimed to liberate India from British rule. Bose took charge of the INA in 1943 and revitalised it, commanding 12,000 soldiers.
  • Call for Liberation: Bose’s iconic “Delhi Chalo” slogan rallied the INA to march towards India, reaching Imphal and Kohima before retreating in 1945 due to Allied counterattacks.
  • Azad Hind Government: With Japanese assistance, Bose formed the Azad Hind Government in exile and led the INA’s operations against British forces in Southeast Asia.

Key Contributions to India’s Independence

  • Inspiration and Leadership: Bose’s leadership galvanised the Indian freedom movement with his calls for immediate action, differing from Gandhi’s approach of non-violence and passive resistance.
  • Military Strategy and Diplomacy: Bose sought foreign alliances (Soviet Union, Germany, and Japan) to support India’s struggle and reorganised the INA to fight British forces.

Theories on Bose’s Death and Disappearance

  • Plane Crash Theory: It is widely believed that Bose died in a plane crash in Taipei on August 18, 1945, with reports confirming his death due to burns and shock.
  • Investigations and Commissions: Several committees were formed post-independence to investigate Bose’s death:
    • Shah Nawaz Committee (1956): Concluded Bose died in the crash.
    • G.D. Khosla Commission (1970): Also affirmed the death in the crash.
    • Manoj Kumar Mukherjee Report (2006): Questioned the crash theory but lacked conclusive evidence to support the theory of Bose being alive.
  • Declassification of Files: In 2015, West Bengal declassified 64 files on Bose, followed by the central government in 2016, but none provided conclusive evidence of his survival after 1945.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Issues} Hidden Dangers of Rhodamine B

  • Context (TH): Rhodamine B, a synthetic dye used in textiles & other industries, has raised health concerns due to its presence in food products like cotton candy, leading to health interventions worldwide.

What is Rhodamine B?

  • Known for its bright pink hue, it is commonly used in textiles, paper, leather, and scientific research.

Health Risks

  • Carcinogenic Risks: Linked to DNA damage and cancerous growths.
  • Animal Studies: Tumors were observed in the liver and bladder after prolonged exposure.
  • Cancer Risks: Synthetic dyes, including Rhodamine B, may induce DNA damage and tumour growth.
  • Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may suffer from allergic reactions or skin pigmentation changes.
  • Vulnerable Groups: Children and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk.

Global Actions Against Rhodamine B

  • United States: FDA banned its use in food products in January 2025.
  • European Union: Classified Rhodamine B as a substance of high concern, banned in cosmetics.

India’s Response

  • Tamil Nadu (Feb 2024): Banned cotton candy after detecting Rhodamine B in samples.
  • Karnataka (Mar 2024): Prohibited Rhodamine B in street foods, with severe penalties for violators.
  • Other States: Puducherry and Himachal Pradesh also implemented similar bans.

Way Forward

  • Informed Choices: Encouraging consumers to make informed decisions about safety of food products.
  • Regulatory Action: Governments must strengthen food safety norms and regulatory enforcement.
  • FSSAI’s Role: Need for the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to improve testing and public awareness.
  • Public Education: Leverage digital platforms for awareness of harmful additives in food.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Issues} Norovirus & Campylobacter in GBS Cases

  • Context (IE): Recent ICMR findings link norovirus and campylobacter bacteria to some GBS cases, with blood and stool samples testing positive, suggesting potential infectious triggers.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

  • GBS is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the body’s peripheral nerves.
  • Symptoms: Muscle weakness, tingling, paralysis, difficulty breathing, and loss of reflexes.
  • Often triggered by infections, such as viral (eg- norovirus) or bacterial (eg- Campylobacter) infections.
  • Diagnosis: Through clinical evaluation, lumbar puncture (CSF analysis) & nerve conduction studies.
  • Treatment: Plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to reduce immune system activity.
  • Vaccine: There is no specific vaccine for GBS; vaccination against infections that trigger GBS, like influenza, may reduce risk.

Norovirus and Campylobacter Bacteria

  • Norovirus: Major cause of acute gastroenteritis, causing diarrhea and vomiting across all age groups.
  • Campylobacter: Known for gastrointestinal infections, causing diarrhea, cramps, and fever.
  • Both are identified as potential contributors to GBS.

Also refer to Norovirus.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Issues} Snakebite Envenoming in India

  • Context (TH): Despite being the largest producer and consumer of antivenoms, India faces high mortality rates from snakebites, accounting for almost 50% of global deaths.

Snakebite Envenoming in India

  • Prevalence: India records 3-4 million snakebites annually, with around 58,000 deaths.
  • Main Culprits: 90% of bites are caused by the ‘big four’ snakes– common krait, Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, saw-scaled viper.
  • High Mortality Rate: India has the highest mortality rate, making it the “snakebite capital” of the world.

Antivenoms

  • Antivenoms are life-saving medicines derived from antibodies produced by animals (primarily horses) injected with venom.
  • Manufacturing Process: Venom is extracted from snakes and used to immunize horses, triggering the production of antibodies. These are then purified and formulated into antivenoms.
  • Targeted Treatment: Antivenoms neutralize specific toxins in the venom, such as hemotoxins, neurotoxins, and cytotoxins, thus preventing fatalities.

Challenges in Accessibility

  • Geographical Barriers: Remote rural areas often lack nearby healthcare centers with antivenom supplies, leading to delayed treatment.
  • Limited Coverage: Current antivenoms primarily target the ‘big four,’ leaving other venomous species like king cobras untreated.
  • Cultural and Social Factors: Superstitions & cultural practices delay medical intervention in rural regions.
  • Economic Constraints: High production costs make antivenoms less accessible to economically disadvantaged populations.
  • Storage Issues: Cold storage requirements are unmet in rural areas, causing degradation of antivenoms.

Innovative Solutions and Future Developments

  • National Action Plan: The NAP-SE aims to halve snakebite deaths by 2030.
  • Synthetic Antivenoms: Researchers are working on recombinant DNA technology to create animal-free antivenoms, increasing safety and efficacy.
  • Diagnostic Advancements: Portable venom-detection kits and rapid diagnostic tools ensure precise treatment and timely administration of antivenoms.
  • Role of Irular Community: The Irular people, skilled in venom extraction, ensure a steady supply of venom for antivenom production.

Way Forward

  • Research and Innovation: Investment in research to develop region-specific antivenoms and synthetic alternatives can enhance effectiveness.
  • Infrastructure Development: Strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure, including cold storage facilities, is essential to improving antivenom availability.
  • Public Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about timely treatment and available medical options can reduce fatalities.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} 10 Years of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

  • Context (IE): Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, marked its 10-year anniversary with notable achievements in improving gender indicators.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

  • Objective: Address declining child sex ratio and prevent sex-selective abortion.
  • Type: Centrally sponsored scheme with no Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) or capital asset creation.
  • Implementation: Jointly managed by Ministries of Women & Child Development, Health & Family Welfare, and Education; later expanded to include Ministries of Skill Development.

Achievements of BBBP (As compared to 2014)

  • Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB):
    • Improved from 918 to 930.
    • Highest state gains: Rajasthan, Haryana.
    • Declines observed in Odisha and Karnataka.
  • Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): Number of female live births per 1,000 male live births; Indicator of reduced gender discrimination and curbed female foeticide.
  • Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): Increased from 75.51% to 78%.
  • Institutional Deliveries: Rose from 61% to 97.3%.
  • Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): Dropped from 130 deaths per lakh live births to 97.
  • Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Reduced from 39 deaths per 1,000 live births to 28.
  • Under-Five Child Mortality Gender Gap: Decreased from 7 points to 2 points.
  • Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): Percentage of children enrolled in a specific education level compared to the official age group population; Measures accessibility and inclusiveness of education for girls.

Associated Missions and Portals

  • Mission Shakti: Sambal focuses on women’s safety & security; Samarthya for women’s empowerment.
  • Mission Vatsalya: Child protection and development priorities.

{GS3 – Envi – RE} Karnataka HC Strikes Down Green Energy Rules

  • Context (IE): Karnataka High Court struck down central and state green energy rules, citing a lack of authority under the Electricity Act, 2003.

Key Provisions of the Struck-Down Rules

  • Central Rules: The Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022, were passed to allow consumers to purchase green energy through open access markets.
  • State Rules: Karnataka Regulatory Commission framed regulations based on the central rules to enable the purchase and distribution of green energy.
  • Authority of the State Commission: The Electricity Act, 2003, explicitly grants powers to regulate “open access” to the State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
  • Exclusion of Central Government: The court ruled that the central government cannot override the Act’s provisions using residuary powers to frame rules related to open access.

Rationale Behind the Verdict

Legal Basis Behind Striking Down Green Energy Rules

  • Electricity Act, 2003 State Commissions are mandated to regulate renewable energy generation, grid connectivity & electricity sale, with central govt excluded from directly administering open access.
  • Naresh Chandra Agrawal vs ICAI: Rule-making body cannot exceed the scope of authority granted by the parent statute.
  • Kerala State Electricity Board vs Jhabua Power Ltd: State Commissions are guided but not bound by state or central directions.

Issues Highlighted by the Court

  • Violation of Delegated Powers: Central govt exceeded its delegated authority by framing rules beyond the Electricity Act’s scope. Central rule-making cannot alter substantive rights under the Act.
  • State Autonomy: State Commissions have exclusive jurisdiction over open access and renewable energy regulation within their territories.

Implications of the Ruling

  • State-Centric Regulatory Framework: Reinforces the role of State Electricity Regulatory Commissions in renewable energy governance.
  • Reduced Central Overreach: Limits the central government from encroaching on state jurisdiction in electricity distribution and open access.

Way Forward

  • Respect Central Government’s Authority: Central government should respect its limits under the Electricity Act and avoid conflicting rules with state mandates.
  • Promote Cooperative Federalism: Encourage cooperative federalism to align state and central renewable energy policies.
  • Empower State Regulatory Bodies: Empower State Electricity Regulatory Commissions to regulate renewable energy markets effectively.
  • Develop State-Specific Green Energy Frameworks: Create state-specific frameworks to promote green energy while complying with legal provisions.

{GS3 – IE – Securities} Sebi’s ‘When-Listed’ Platform *

  • Context (IE): SEBI plans a “when-listed” trading platform to curb grey market activities, enhance transparency, regulate informal trading, and protect investors.

Grey Market Trading

  • Grey Market: It is an unofficial market where securities are traded before officially listed on stock exchanges, often driven by speculation.
  • Unofficial Pre-Listing Trading: Grey market involves speculative buying and selling of IPO shares before official listing, operating without formal regulation.
  • Premium Fixing: Operators set a premium on shares post-IPO closure based on market speculation.
  • Settlement: Transactions settle on the official listing day, with gains or losses determined by the opening price of shares.

‘When-Listed’ Platform

  • Purpose: SEBI’s “when-listed” platform aims to reduce grey market trading by allowing shares to be traded between the IPO allotment and official listing, making this activity regulated.
  • Rationale: Currently, unlisted shares are traded in the grey market, a non-regulated space, creating potential for risk and volatility.

Benefits of the ‘When-Listed’ Platform for Investors

  • Regulated Trading: Investors can sell shares in a legitimate market instead of relying on grey market.
  • Transparency and Security: The official platform eliminates the risks of informal, non-transparent trading, ensuring that Sebi monitors all trades.
  • Stability in Market Sentiments: By reducing speculative grey market activity, the platform could lead to more stable price movements upon official listing.

Challenges and Considerations

  • Grey Market Start: Despite Sebi’s actions, grey market activity starts even before the IPO announcement, which still needs to be addressed.
  • Investor Protection: Experts believe SEBI needs to protect retail investors further by regulating the grey market from the announcement stage of an IPO.

{GS4 – Sports Ethics} Role of Spectators in Shaping Sportsmanship

  • Context (IE): The Border-Gavaskar Trophy emphasises spectators’ need for ethical conduct.

Lessons Offered by Sports

  • Sports instil values like resilience, self-control, and handling defeat with dignity.
  • Teachings emphasise responsible conduct during victory and learning from losses.
  • Victory fosters unity, as seen in India’s cricketing triumphs.
  • Defeat demands maturity, reflected in the grace of athletes like Tendulkar and Neeraj Chopra.

Role of Cricket in India

  • Cricket unites people across age, gender, class, and religion, fostering collective joy.
  • Iconic moments like India’s 2011 World Cup victory symbolised national unity and pride.
  • Players like Sachin Tendulkar inspired generations & influences beyond the field.

Psychology of Sports Crowds

  • Collective Behavior: Spectators often act irrationally, as described by crowd theory, and social pressures impact their reactions to events.

Crowd Theory in Ethics

  • Propounded by French sociologist Gustave Le Bon in his work The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind (1895).
  • Le Bon argued that individuals in a crowd behave differently from when they are alone, often abandoning personal ethics, becoming more suggestible, and driven by collective emotions.
  • The theory suggests that ethical behaviour may be compromised in group settings due to the loss of individual responsibility and the influence of the crowd’s emotions.
  • Obsession with Results:
    • Society prioritises outcomes over efforts, fostering aggression and ignoring values.
    • Education systems & workplaces reinforce a results-driven mindset, overshadowing effort & ethics.

Need for Ethical Spectatorship

  • Spectators influence the morale of players, highlighting the need for fairness and respect.
  • Ethical behaviour includes celebrating responsibly, accepting defeat gracefully & valuing effort over outcomes. Gandhi’s philosophy and deontological ethics emphasise valuing efforts over mere results.

Challenges in Spectator Behavior

  • Results Fixation: Over-emphasis on victory leads to hostility in defeat.
  • Immature Reactions: Negative responses, like booing, undermine sportsmanship.
  • Group Dynamics: Crowds may exhibit irrational behavior, affecting the spirit of the game.

Measures to Foster Ethical Spectatorship

  • Promote Values: Encourage fairness and respect for players.
  • Educate on Sportsmanship: Highlight the significance of collective behavior and effort.
  • Role Models: Athletes and coaches should exemplify humility in both success and failure.

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