Daily Current Affairs – 07 January 2024

These current affairs today are a part of our daily current affairs. We cover a wide range of topics from state, national, and international news that are relevant and important for competitive exams. Our team prepares today’s current affairs after going through many newspapers, such as The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, PRS, etc.

Scroll down for current affairs of 7th January, 2024.

Released By The Central Statistics Office, The Estimates Indicate A Growth Rate Of 7.3%

• Growth Projection: 7.3% for FY 2023-24.
• Previous Year’s Growth: 7.2%, showcasing resilience.
• Government Initiatives: Driving growth through increased spending.

Key Sectors:

1. Construction: 10.7% growth.
2. Mining: 8.1% growth.
3. Financial Services, Real Estate: 8.9% growth.
4. Gross Value Added (GVA): Projected at 6.9%.

• Nominal GDP Growth: Estimated at 8.9%.
• Global Economic Landscape: Positive outlook amid global uncertainties.
• Inflation Challenge: Consumer prices rose by 5.55% in November.
• Central Bank’s Forecast: Revised to 7%, indicating resilience.
• Strong Performance: 7.6% YoY growth in September quarter.
• Outlook for FY 2024-25: Continued growth driven by government initiatives and business resilience.

Scheme Approval: “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” scheme approved by the Union Cabinet.

• Duration: Spans from 2021 to 2026.
• Budget: Rs. 4,797 crore allocated for the scheme.

Sub-Schemes Included in this program: 

“ACROSS” – Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services.

“O-SMART” – Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology.

“PACER” – Polar Science and Cryosphere Research.

“SAGE” – Seismology and Geosciences.

“REACHOUT” – Research, Education, Training, and Outreach.

Objectives of PRITHvi Scheme:

• Enhance and maintain long-term observations of Earth’s systems.
• Develop modeling systems for weather, ocean, and climate predictions.
• Explore polar and high seas regions for new phenomena and resources.
• Develop technology for sustainable oceanic resource utilization.
• Translate Earth system science knowledge into societal, environmental, and economic benefits.

MoU Approval: Union Cabinet approves MoU between ISRO and MRIC for Joint Small Satellite development.

• MoU Signing: In Port Louis, Mauritius, on Nov 01, 2023, under the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication, and Innovation.
• Cooperation Framework: Establishes cooperation for joint satellite development and use of MRIC’s Ground Station.
• Impact: Facilitates joint satellite development, involving Indian industries for potential employment.
• Continuous Support: Mauritius Government’s support for ISRO’s ground station crucial for launches.
• Implementation: Joint satellite realization expected in 15 months; cost: Rs.20 crore, funded by India.
• Space Cooperation: Longstanding cooperation since the 1980s; ground station established by ISRO.
• Agreements: Follows agreements in 1986 and 2009, with the latter governing current cooperation.
• Initiation: Collaboration initiated from MRIC’s interest; MEA requested ISRO discussions.
• Signing Event: MoU signed during Minister of State’s visit to Mauritius for ‘Aapravasi Diwas’ event.

ISRO conducts successful test of “100W class polymer electrolyte membrane Fuel Cell based Power System (FCPS).”

Tested on PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) launched on PSLV-C58.

Key Features:

• Operates on polymer electrolyte membrane technology.
• Classified as “100W class” system, ideal for the space station.
• Generates power and pure water.

Space Application:

• Suitable power source for space station needs.
• Generates 180W power during the test on POEM.

Fuel Cell Operation:

• Utilizes hydrogen and oxygen gases.
• Produces electricity directly, emitting only pure water and heat.
• High efficiency and emission-free.

Data Collection and Implications:

• Test provides valuable data on fuel cell system performance.
• Sets stage for potential use in future space missions.
• Highlights versatility for broader societal applications.

Energy Demand Update:

• India experiences decline in energy demand in December.
• Power consumption drops by 2.3%, first decline since April 2023.
• Diesel consumption falls by 7.8%, petrol sales decrease by 1.4%.
• Jet fuel sales grow by 3.8% due to air travel.

Overall Energy Landscape:

• Despite decline, car sales remain healthy.
• Government anticipates consumption growth exceeding 8% recorded in 2022-23.

TATA Memorial Office & AI in Cancer Detection:

TATA Memorial Office pioneers the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for cancer detection from medical scans.

Significance of the Initiative:

• AI technology is a new ally in the battle against cancer.
• The initiative holds immense importance for healthcare advancements.

Groundbreaking Efforts:

• TATA Memorial Office is at the forefront of integrating AI into cancer diagnosis.
• Focus on Impact, Methodologies, and Implications:
• AI’s role in cancer detection is a game-changer for early diagnosis and treatment.
• TATA Memorial Office showcases how technology integrates with medical scans for cancer identification.
• The initiative hints at the future direction of medical diagnostics.
• AI’s involvement in healthcare is likely to reshape diagnostic processes.

Space Missions For 2024

Aditya-L1 Mission:

• Aiming for the Lagrangian point, L1, by January 6, 2024.
• Expected to provide insights into the Sun.

XPoSat Mission:

• India’s first scientific satellite dedicated to studying X-ray polarization.
• Launched on January 1, 2024, focusing on celestial X-ray sources.
• Utilizes Indian X-ray Polarimeter (POLIX) and X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT).

NISAR Mission:

• Joint NASA-ISRO mission launching in January 2024.
• Aims to map the entire planet in 12 days.
• Provides data on Earth’s ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation, etc.

INSAT-3DS:

• Meteorological satellite set for launch on January 10, 2024.
• Positioned in geostationary orbit for continuous communication.
• Crucial for weather forecasting and environmental monitoring.

Gaganyaan-1 Preparation:

• 2024 focuses on tests and uncrewed flights as a preparation for the 2025 Gaganyaan mission.
• Marks India’s readiness for human spaceflight.

Mangalyaan-2 (MOM-2):

• India’s second mission to Mars.
• Studies Mars’ landscape, atmosphere, and magnetic field.
• Follows the success of Mangalyaan-1.

Shukrayaan-1:

• Venus Orbiter Mission set to launch in 2024.
• Explores Venus’ atmosphere, geological activities, and unique characteristics.
• Key to understanding Venus’ sulfuric acid clouds and potential biological processes.

Proba-3 (ESA Project):

• Launching aboard ISRO’s PSLV launcher.
• Involves two spacecraft observing the Sun’s corona in unprecedented detail.

Global Space Ventures in 2024:

• Artemis 2: Lunar flyby with a crew of four.
• Europa Clipper: Launching on October 10th, targeting Jupiter.
• VIPER & Lunar Trailblazer: Lunar exploration mission searching for volatiles.
• JAXA MMX Mission: Exploring Mars’ moons Phobos and Deimos with sample-return.
• Escapade: NASA’s interplanetary mission to monitor Martian space weather.
• ESA’s Hera Mission: Studies Didymos-Dimorphos asteroid system.

Active Mission Flybys in 2024:

• Juno: Close flyby of Jupiter’s moon Io on February 3rd.
• Lucky Mission: Second Earth flyby on December 13th.
• BepiColombo: Conducting fourth and fifth flybys of Mercury on September 5th and December 2nd.
• Parker Solar Probe: Completing seventh Venus flyby on November 6th, closest perihelion on December 24th.

Biodiversity Credits Overview:

• Introduced at CoP15 of CBD.
• Financial tool for funding biodiversity conservation, restoration, and sustainable use.
• Comparable to carbon credits, emphasizing preservation rather than offsetting.

Key Goal:

• Draw private investments for initiatives aligned with KMGBF and CBD agreements.
• Biodiversity Credit Alliance:
• Objectives include garnering support and raising awareness among stakeholders.

Implementation and Initiatives:

• Ocean Conservation Commitments (OCCs):
• Launched in September 2023.
• Linked to Niue’s Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area (127,000 sq km).
• Available for purchase, attracting investments from NGOs and private donors.

Wallacea Trust:

• UK-based organization committed 5 million biodiversity credits.
• Indicates growing interest from research-oriented entities.

Challenges and Uncertainties:

• Regulatory Frameworks: Need for clear regulations governing biodiversity credits.
• Pricing Structures: Challenges in establishing fair pricing benefiting both buyers and sellers.
• Conservation Impact: Ensuring biodiversity credits genuinely contribute to conservation rather than corporate interests.

Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announces ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’ recipients for 2023.

• Awards ceremony on January 9, 2024, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with the President of India presenting honors.
• Award recognizes contributions to sports promotion and development by corporate entities, Sports Control Boards, NGOs, and sports bodies.
• Online applications invited for sportspersons, coaches, and entities through a dedicated portal.
• Selection Committee, led by Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary (Sports), GoI, reviews numerous applications.
• Awardees for 2023: 1. Identification and nurturing of budding/young talent: Jain Deemed to be University, Bengaluru 2. Encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility: Odisha Mining Corporate Limited.

Slums In India

Within the discourse of the Indian Parliament, the topic of slums has consistently held a significant position.

Nationwide Statistics:

• Slums are present in 65 percent of Indian towns, and one in six urban Indians resides in these informal settlements.
• Andhra Pradesh leads with 36.1% of its urban population residing in slums. Other states include Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, and Haryana.
• Maharashtra, housing Dharavi with nearly 1 million inhabitants within just over 2 square kilometers, stands out

.

Insufficient Infrastructure:

• Among the 63% of Indian slum households lacking proper drainage, 44% rely on open drains, and almost 19% lack any drainage connection.

Future Projections:

• Over the next decade, urban areas in India are anticipated to host 50% of the population, a significant increase from the current 28%.
• This surge in urban population is expected to result in a substantial and disproportionate growth of slums.

Mayurbhanj’s Red Ant Chutney gets GI Tag

• The tribal people in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district were granted a geographical indication (GI) tag for Similipal kai chutney on January 2, 2024.
• Products like food, drinks, and crafts tied to a specific region or created using traditional methods can be protected as intellectual property through the GI tag.
• Darjeeling tea was the first Indian product to receive a GI tag in 2004.
• Indigenous people in Mayurbhanj district venture into nearby forests to collect kai pimpudi, or red weaver ants.
• They sell these ants at local markets and fairs, earning Rs 400-600 per kilogram due to high demand.
• Similar red ant chutneys are also found in states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, where Adivasi communities embrace diverse food practices based on local resources.
• The chutney gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic and was considered for its potential health benefits.
• The red ant chutney in the region is renowned for its medicinal and nutritional properties.
• Red weaver ants, scientifically known as Oecophylla Smaragdina, are usually feared for their painful stings, causing blistering on the skin.
• The red ant chutney gained global recognition when Chef Gordon Ramsay, during his 2018 documentary on Indian food, sampled and appreciated the chutney, ultimately including it in his menu.

North India’s First Biotech Park in Kathua

• Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, highlighted India’s leadership in biotechnology and mentioned Kathua, home to North India’s first Biotech Industrial Park, as a growing startup hub.
• The Biotech ecosystem in India is rapidly expanding, with over 6,500 startups and 75 Bio-incubators established by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) – Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
• India’s BioEconomy has experienced remarkable growth, surpassing $100 billion and reaching $137.2 billion in 2022, contributing $11.4 billion monthly to the national GDP.
• Dr. Singh emphasized India’s goal to be a top 5 Global Bio-manufacturing Hub and among the top 10 biotechnology destinations globally.
• The number of Biotech Startups has grown significantly from around 50 in 2014 to over 6,756 in 2022, playing a pivotal role in the country’s future economy.
• As India progresses, the focus is on sustaining and scaling up innovators and enterprises, creating an enabling ecosystem for national and global impact.
• Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the importance of recognizing startups for their societal contributions and emphasized the progress made in nurturing talent and providing opportunities for startup growth.
• The emerging Biotech ecosystem in Jammu, particularly the Biotech Park in Kathua, is facilitating industry-academia collaborations and nurturing an innovation ecosystem in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

Alvaro, the First Cyclone of 2024, Hit Madagascar Near Morombe on January 1.

• The cyclone is the first for the 2023-2024 season in the southwest Indian Ocean, which lasts from late October to May.
• Over 16,100 people are affected, with at least five reported deaths and 8,400 people displaced; however, the actual toll might be higher.
• Madagascar faced severe storms in January and February 2023, including tropical storm Cheneso, which killed 33 people and affected 90,870.
• Alvaro has impacted nearly half the number affected by Cyclone Freddy in 2023, which displaced 19,000 and caused 17 deaths.
• The worst-hit regions are Atsimo-Andrefana, Haute Matsiatra, and Menabe.
• Evacuation and drainage challenges in areas like Morombe contribute to difficulties during heavy rain.
• Alvaro highlights Madagascar’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters, emphasizing the need for improved early warning systems.
• Existing systems in Southern Africa, including Madagascar, are insufficient, leading to loss of life and economic hardships.
• REPRESA, launched in July 2023, is an international project aiming to enhance community readiness in Madagascar and southern Africa against tropical cyclones.
• Co-led by the University of Bristol, Eduardo Mondlane University, and the Global Change Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand, the project runs from June 2023 to November 2026.
• Experts from the University of Reading will work on strengthening flood forecasting and early warning capacity in vulnerable communities in Madagascar.

Himachal Pradesh to Promote a Clean and Green Energy State by March 31, 2026.

• Government offices are now barred from buying petrol or diesel vehicles; only electric vehicles will be purchased.
• Individuals donating three bighas of land for a solar power plant construction will receive Rs 20,000 per month.
• The state aims to develop six highways as green corridors to encourage electric vehicle use.
• A 50% subsidy will be given for electric vehicle purchases in Himachal Pradesh.
• Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu emphasizes a clear vision for a significant shift towards electric vehicles.
• The state government plans to contract e-taxis under the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Startup Scheme, providing a 50% subsidy to youth.
• Himachal Pradesh is the first state to prohibit petrol and diesel vehicle purchases in government departments, demonstrating a commitment to environmental protection.
• The Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation’s diesel buses will transition to e-buses, running on long routes.
• Various types of e-buses are being phased into the Himachal Road Transport Corporation fleet.
• The government is working on e-vehicle charging stations to support the growing use of electric vehicles.
• Environmentalist Kulbhushan Upmanyu commends the government’s initiative to promote electric vehicles, reducing environmental damage from traditional vehicles and addressing the dangers of climate change.

Today’s Current Affairs MCQs/ GK Quiz 7th January 2024