Current Affairs – January 28, 2025

{GS2 – IR – Issues} US Interest in Acquiring Greenland

• Context (IE): Trump has revived his interest in acquiring Greenland, a move rejected by its authorities, though not unprecedented in US history.

Strategic Importance of Greenland for the US

• Geopolitical Location: Greenland’s position between Europe and North America allows the US to monitor and counter missile threats from adversaries like Russia, China, and North Korea.

• Rich in Rare Earth Minerals: Greenland is rich in valuable minerals vital for technology and defense, crucial for securing supply chains against China’s dominance in the market.
• Arctic Access: As global warming opens Arctic shipping routes, Greenland is key for asserting US presence and controlling access to the Arctic region, countering Russian and Chinese influence.
• Military Infrastructure: Greenland hosts critical US defense facilities, including the Pituffik Space Base, enhancing the US’s global strategic military capabilities.

Historical US Efforts to Acquire Greenland

• Trump’s Proposal (2019): Trump suggested buying Greenland as a “large real estate deal,” but Denmark rejected it despite the US military’s presence there.
• 1946 Attempt by Truman: President Truman offered $100 million to Denmark for Greenland and even considered swapping parts of Alaska, but the offer was unsuccessful.
• 1867 Proposal: The US State Department explored acquiring Greenland for its strategic location and resources, but no formal action was taken.

US Territory Acquisitions in History

• Alaska Purchase (1867): The US acquired Alaska from Russia, adding 1.5 million sq km of land, which later became the modern state of Alaska.
• Louisiana Purchase (1803): The US bought over 2 million sq km of land from France.
• Danish West Indies (1917): US bought the Danish West Indies and renamed them US Virgin Islands.

{GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} At 75: Evolving Interpretation of Article 21

• Context (TH): India celebrates 75 years of its Constitution, spotlighting Article 21, which upholds the right to life and personal liberty as a cornerstone of justice.

Constitutional Foundations of Liberty

• Preamble: Ensures liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship.
• Article 19: Protects freedoms of opinion, speech, and expression.
• Article 21: Guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, forming the essence of constitutional justice.

Evolution of Article 21 Over 75 Years

• Narrow Initial Interpretation in A.K. Gopalan Case (1950): Limited “personal liberty” to physical freedom and upheld restrictive state laws.
• Expanded Interpretation:
  • Kharak Singh Case (1963): Expanded personal liberty to include privacy.
  • R.C. Cooper Case (1970): Linked personal liberty with Article 19 freedoms.
  • Maneka Gandhi Case (1978): Redefined Article 21 to include dignity and fair procedures.
  • Olga Tellis Case (1985): Recognized the right to livelihood as part of personal liberty.
  • Puttaswamy Case (2017): Declared privacy a fundamental right linked to dignity.
• Association for Democratic Reforms Case (2024): Struck down the Electoral Bond Scheme for violating the right to information.

• Progressive Rights: Inclusion of privacy, health, clean environment, and education under Article 21, ensuring meaningful existence.
• Recent Improvements: Under Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna (since November 2024), resolutions have risen by 16%.

Current Challenges to Personal Liberty

• Preventive Detention Laws: Detention without trial based on vague justifications, seen in cases like Bhima Koregaon and anti-CAA protests. SC urges sparing use (Jaseela Shaji Case, 2024).
• Arbitrary Arrests: Stringent laws like UAPA and PMLA lead to prolonged custody, undermining the presumption of innocence.
• Censorship and Expression: Media censorship and internet shutdowns restrict freedom of expression. India leads in internet shutdowns, affecting marginalized communities.
• Targeting Activists: Harassment through raids, restrictive laws, and license cancellations weakens civil society’s role.

{GS2 – Polity – IC} Reflecting on India’s 75 Years of Democracy

• Context (IE): Celebrating 75 years of the Indian Republic is an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s journey, challenges and aspirations under its Constitution.

India’s Transition from Colonial Rule

• Birth of a Republic: India emerged from colonial rule to establish its Constitution, securing universal adult suffrage amid sectarian violence.
• Democratic Vision: The Constitution guaranteed freedoms, equality, dignity, and fraternity, envisioning social justice and equitable resource distribution.

Major Achievements Over 75 Years

• Life Expectancy: Increased from 32 to 75 years.
• Agriculture: Became a top producer of food grains globally.
• Literacy: Improved from 12% to 75%.
• Infrastructure: Significant strides in power generation, roads, and connectivity.
• Economy: India now holds the position as the world’s fifth-largest economy.
• Space Milestones: Chandrayaan-3’s successful soft landing showcased India’s technological advancements.
• Political Stability: Demonstrated enduring stability compared to neighboring countries & older democracies.
• Digital Revolution: Significant advancements in banking, education & retail through technology.
• National Aspiration: Progress in fulfilling the Constitutional promise of dignity and equality for citizens.

Challenges in Fulfilling the Constitutional Mandate

• Implementation Gaps: Inequalities persist in access to education, healthcare, and employment despite constitutional guarantees.
• Caste Discrimination: Societal issues like manual scavenging highlight the need for deeper reforms.
• Wealth Inequality: A small minority holds a disproportionate share of national wealth.
• Gender Disparity: Persistent gaps in education, employment, and social rights for women undermine equality.
• Overburdened Judiciary: Slow justice delivery and limited infrastructure with judges handling 60–150 cases daily.
• Digital Exclusion: Geographic limitations, low spending capacity, and limited digital literacy exclude millions from essential services.
• Climate Change Concerns: Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and extreme weather events disproportionately affect agriculture, public health, and marginalized communities.
• Systemic Discrimination: Persistent inequalities and societal barriers hinder dignity and fraternity for marginalized groups.
• Inequality in Prosperity: Emphasis on gross wealth instead of individual well-being & societal harmony.

Way Forward

• Judicial Reforms: Expand court infrastructure, increase judge strength, and introduce affordable, fast-track justice mechanisms.
• Bridging the Digital Divide: Improve rural internet connectivity, provide affordable digital solutions, and enhance digital literacy for underserved communities.
• Addressing Climate Change: Focus on sustainable development policies and prioritize disaster mitigation for vulnerable groups.
• Fostering Dignity and Fraternity: Eradicate systemic discrimination, promote equal opportunities, and implement inclusive policies to uplift marginalized communities.
• Societal Well-being: Shift focus from gross wealth to individual dignity, equality, and harmonious societal growth.

{GS3 – Agri – Fertilisers} Nano-Urea: Impact on Crop Yield and Protein Content

• Context (TH): Study on nano-urea’s impact on rice and wheat raises concerns over its long-term viability, revealing decreased protein content and yield despite claims of reducing fertilizer use.

Importance of Urea in Indian Agriculture

• Crucial Role in Agriculture: Urea is a key nitrogen fertilizer in India’s agricultural economy, vital for growing staple crops like rice and wheat.
• High Demand: India requires approximately 350 lakh tonnes of urea annually, with 40 lakh tonnes imported to meet the demand.
• Subsidized Prices: Urea is heavily subsidized, costing farmers ₹242 for a 45-kg bag, while its actual price is around ₹3,000.
• Government Expenditure: In 2023-24, the Indian government spent ₹1.3 lakh crore on urea subsidies to make fertilizers affordable for farmers.

What is Nano Urea?

• Nano-urea is a liquid solution containing 4% nitrogen (20g N) per 500 ml bottle, introduced as a more efficient substitute for traditional urea.
• It is essentially urea (nitrogenous fertiliser) in the form of a nanoparticle. it has a desirable particle size of about 20-50 nm and more surface area.
• The liquid nano urea produced by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) is an alternative to conventional nitrogen (N) fertiliser.
• Application Method: Unlike conventional urea applied to the soil, nano-urea is sprayed directly on the plant leaves, purportedly enhancing nitrogen absorption.
• Cost and Benefits: A bottle of nano-urea costs ₹260, slightly more than a 45-kg bag of urea, and is intended to reduce overall urea consumption, leading to savings on imports.

Claimed Advantages

• Nano Urea is produced by an energy-efficient, environment-friendly production process.
• Increased availability to crop by more than 80%, resulting in higher Nutrient Use efficiency.
• While conventional urea has an efficiency of about 25 per cent, the efficiency of liquid nano urea is as high as 85-90 per cent.
• Helps in reducing the country’s subsidy bill.
• Reduces the unbalanced and indiscriminate use of conventional urea, thereby minimising soil, water, and air pollution.
• Provides a targeted supply of nutrients to crops as Liquid nano urea is sprayed directly on the leaves (foliar fertilisation) and gets absorbed by the plant.

Recent Findings: Concerns Over Efficacy

• Protein and Yield Reduction: Punjab Agricultural University found that the application of nano-urea resulted in a 35% decrease in rice protein content and a 24% reduction in wheat protein content.
• Root Development Issues: The trials also showed a reduction in root length and dry weight, which hindered nitrogen uptake from the soil, further limiting crop growth and yield.
• Dependency on Soil Nitrogen: The plants in the study were primarily relying on nitrogen from the soil, as nano-urea was ineffective in providing sufficient nitrogen through foliar application.
• Ineffectiveness of New Formulations: Alternative formulations of nano-urea with 8% and 20% nitrogen content also failed to improve yields in trials, casting doubt on its overall effectiveness.

{GS3 – Envi – CC} US Withdrawal from Climate Pacts

• Context (TH): US withdrew from the Paris Agreement in 2021, marking its third exit from climate pacts.

US Engagement with Climate Treaties

• First Withdrawal (2001): Under President Bush, the US exited the Kyoto Protocol due to economic concerns and the belief that it unfairly exempted major polluters like China and India.
• Second Withdrawal (2017): President Trump withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement, arguing that it harmed US interests and empowered top polluting nations.
• Rejoining (2021): President Joe Biden re-entered the Paris Agreement within days of his presidency, signaling a shift back toward global climate commitments.

US Stance on Climate Agreements

• Historical Emissions: As the world’s largest emitter until 2006, the US has historically avoided binding emission cuts, prioritizing economic concerns over climate obligations.
• Developed vs. Developing Countries: The US opposes emission policies burdening developed nations, urging developing countries to also reduce fossil fuel reliance.
• Global Leadership Role: Despite withdrawing from agreements, the US maintains significant influence in climate discussions, often participating as an observer and continuing negotiations.

Reasons for US Withdrawals

• Economic Impact: The US has argued that climate agreements, particularly the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement, pose a threat to its economy by limiting industrial growth and energy production.
• Fairness Concerns: Concerns about the perceived unfairness of emission reduction targets, citing exemptions for major developing economies.

Current US Emissions and Climate Commitments

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The US has made minimal progress towards meeting its 2030 emissions reduction targets, achieving only about one-third of the 2030 goal as of 2022.
• Biden’s Targets: President Biden’s administration increased US emission reduction goals to 61%-66% of 2005 levels by 2035, aiming to lead by example in climate mitigation.

Impact of US Withdrawal on Developing Countries

• Climate Finance Loss: US exit from the Paris Agreement has disrupted climate finance, especially contributions to the Green Climate Fund intended to help developing countries adapt to climate change.
• Reduced Global Ambition: The US withdrawal may lower ambition in some developing nations, but unmet global emission targets diminish its overall impact.
• Renewable Energy Investment: Private sector investment in renewable energy from the US has increased significantly since 2017, demonstrating a shift in focus despite the US withdrawal.

US Energy Policy

• Oil and Gas Expansion: The US remains a major producer of oil and gas, with production surging under both the Trump and Biden administrations.
• Fossil Fuel Dependency: Despite climate commitments, the US continues to prioritize fossil fuel production, with a focus on fracking and oil drilling.
• Coal and Fossil Fuels: The US has historically supported anti-coal positions in international climate negotiations, distinguishing itself from major coal-dependent economies like China and India.

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Missile Systems Showcased at Republic Day Parade 2025

• Context (TH): The Republic Day parade showcased key missile systems, highlighting India’s advancing military strike capabilities with enhanced range and lethality.

BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles

• Feature: High-speed, precision-guided missile system.
• Purpose: Primarily used for anti-ship and land-attack missions.
• Speed: Mach 3
• Range: 290-450 km.
• Significance: Demonstrates India’s advanced capabilities in long-range, high-speed missile technology.

Pinaka Multi-Rocket Launch System (MRLS)

• Upgraded Version: Increased range to 75 km from 37 km (300 km under development).
• Features: Fires 72 rockets in 44 seconds.
• Operational Use: Inducted in the Army with four regiments in service; six more on order.

Pralay Quasi-Ballistic Missile System

Quasi-Ballistic Missile: A missile that follows a non-typical ballistic trajectory, making it harder to intercept.

• Type: Quasi-ballistic missile for conventional strike roles; first conventional ballistic missile in India.
• Range: 150-500 km.
• Range: Flexible, capable of striking before contact battle begins.
• Development Status: Trials completed, induction expected for Army and Air Force.

Sanjay Battlefield Surveillance System

• Joint Development: Bharat Electronics Ltd. and the Indian Army.
• Purpose: Provides surveillance and early warning capabilities.
• Induction: Battlefield surveillance operational across brigades, divisions, and corps by October 2025.

BM-21 Grad MRLS

MRLS (Multiple Rocket Launch System): A system capable of launching multiple rockets in quick succession, ideal for saturating targets.

• BM-21 Grad: Range 20-40 km; indigenously upgraded to 40-90 km, used for quick and extensive strikes.
• Historical Relevance: Proved effective during the Kargil War.
• Platform: Upgraded from Ural-3750 to Ashok Leyland super stallion platform for better mobility and payload capacity.

Also refer to Ballistic Missile vs. Cruise Missile, India’s Missile Systems

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Corpse Flower

• Context (IE): The corpse flower named “Putricia” was recently at the Royal Botanic Gardens of Sydney for the first time in 15 years. IUCN Status – Endangered.

Why is it named Corpse Flower?

• The corpse flower (Amorphophallus titanum) is native to Sumatra, Indonesia.
• Its name comes from the Indonesian phrase “Bunga bangkai” and its scientific name translates to “titanic misshaped penis“ in Ancient Greek.

Source: nytimes

Key Characteristics

• Flower can grow up to 3 meters tall, featuring distinctive phallic spadix that emits an odour resembling rotting flesh.
• Has unpredictable blooming cycles, typically flowering once every decade, though some may bloom more frequently. Its distinctive smell serves a crucial purpose in pollination by attracting carrion insects.
• The corpse flower’s odour is a complex blend of volatile compounds, including dimethyl disulfide (garlic), dimethyl trisulfide (rotting meat/cabbage), 3-methylbutanal (ripening cheese), and various sulfurous compounds.
• Currently, only about 300 corpse flowers remain in the wild, with approximately 1,000 in cultivation.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Punjab’s Official State Bird: Northern Goshawk

• Context (IE): Punjab wildlife department declares Northern Goshawk as the official state bird.

• Earlier Punjab had declared “Eastern Goshawk” as the state bird. However, there is no bird named “Eastern Goshawk”; the Eastern Chanting Goshawk (Accipiter rufiventris) is a species native to Africa and unrelated to Punjab.

Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

• Scientific Classification: The Northern Goshawk is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae, found across the Northern Hemisphere.
• Physical Characteristics: Medium to large raptor with a broad, rounded tail and powerful wings, primarily grey with a white underside and streaks.

Source: IUCN

• Habitat: Prefers semi-forests and barren lands, now rarely sighted in Punjab due to declining population.
• Cultural Significance: Linked to Sikh history as a companion of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru.

• Conservation Status: IUCN: LC | CITES: Appendix II | Now classified as “rare” in Punjab.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Sthala Vriksha

• Context (DTE): Sthala vrikshas, sacred trees symbolising humanity’s deep connection with nature, face conservation challenges as traditional knowledge of their selection and placement fades.

• The term “sthala vriksha” derives from Sanskrit, meaning “tree of the place.”

Baobab Tree, Nath Temple | Source: DTE

Significance of Sthala Vriksha

• Sthala Vriksha are considered sacred entities, often believed to embody the divine presence.
• Many temples revere sacred trees, known as sthala vrikshas or temple trees, treating them as holy as the presiding deity. These trees often predate the temples themselves and are integral to local culture, offering spiritual, ecological, and medicinal benefits.
  • E.g. 3,500-year-old Vanni tree at Magudeshwara Temple (Tamil Nadu) and a 300-year-old baobab near Nath Temple in Shirala (Maharashtra).

Categories of Sacred Trees in Indian Tradition

• Tree worship in India falls into three categories:
  • Kalpa Vriksha: Mythological wish-fulfilling trees.
  • Chaitya Vriksha: Sacred village trees offering protection.
  • Sthala Vriksha: Temple trees worshipped for blessings and cultural significance.

Literature Reference

• Hindu literature mentions sacred temple trees like Chitra vriksha in texts such as the Padma Purana, Matsya Purana, and Sangam works (Agananuru and Purananuru).
• Sthala vrikshas were mentioned in the Tevaram composed by saint poets Appar, Sundarar, & Sambandar. Scholar Vasudha Narayanan views sthala vrikshas as symbols of a broader ecological presence.
• Epics like the composed by saint-poets Appar, Sundarar, and Sambandaremphasise the cultural and spiritual importance of trees, often comparing them to the wish-fulfilling kalpa vriksha.

Challenges for Preservation

• Loss of traditional knowledge regarding tree selection and placement.
• Urbanisation leads to deforestation and ecosystem imbalance.
• Limited data hinders effective conservation efforts.

Tamil Nadu has documented temple trees extensively since the 1950s. Using GPS to track these trees could support preservation efforts. Maharashtra initiated the practice of designating trees over 50 years old as heritage trees.

{Prelims – In News} The Kiswah

• Context (IE): For the first time in history, the complete Kiswah will be displayed outside Mecca at the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, opening on January 25.

What is Kiswah?

• The Kiswah is the intricate black cloth that covers the holy Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site in Mecca.
• It is a symbol of faith, tradition, and artistic excellence.
• It features detailed embroidery with silk, gold, and silver threads. It weighs over 1,000 kg and is changed annually on the first day of Muharram and the Old Kiswah is carefully preserved in government warehouses. The parts may be distributed to museums or presented as diplomatic gifts.
• High-quality silk, gold, and silver threads are used to create the intricate patterns and Quranic verses.

Historical Evolution

• Pre-Islamic Era: First complete covering by Yemen’s King Tabu Karab Aswad.
• Islamic Period: Prophet Muhammad covered it with Yemeni cloth after Mecca’s conquest (629-630 CE).
• Colour Changes: Evolved from white-and-red stripes to white, then red, yellow, green, and finally settling on black during the Abbasid era.
• Production History: Egypt was the official producer until the 1920s.
• Modern Era: Since 1927, manufactured at the Kiswah Factory in Saudi Arabia (King Abdulaziz Complex).