NATIONAL UPDATES:
Unused Cess Funds for Construction Workers in India: The issue of unutilised cess funds for construction workers has gained attention following a Right to Information (RTI) response from the Union Labour Ministry. The response revealed that welfare boards across various states have failed to allocate amount of cess collected from employers, amounting to ₹70,744.16 crore. This situation raises concerns regarding the welfare of millions of construction workers in India. The utilisation of cess funds has been alarmingly low. For example, Maharashtra has collected ₹19,489.25 crore in cess over 19 years but has allocated only ₹13,683.18 crore. This discrepancy suggests possible cess evasion by builders and employers. The lack of accurate data on construction projects further complicates the situation.
Forest Fires in India: Forest fires in India have reached alarming levels. Recent data reveals that over five fire seasons, the country faced more than 1.1 million incidents. The period from November to June sees a surge in these fires, impacting ecosystems, wildlife, and local communities. As global attention shifts to wildfires in places like Los Angeles, India grapples with its own silent crisis. Several factors contribute to the increasing frequency of forest fires. Unsustainable exploitation of resources and rising human activities are threats. The collection of tendu leaves and mahua flowers in central and eastern India is a major cause. Shifting cultivation practices also affect around 4.35 million hectares of forest land. While fire can play a natural role in forest regeneration, the negative consequences often overshadow these benefits.
India Faces Water Storage Decline: Recent reports indicate decline in water storage across major reservoirs in India. The Central Water Commission (CWC) has brought into light that water levels have decreased for the twelfth consecutive week. This decline is attributed to deficient post-monsoon and winter rainfall affecting a large portion of the country. Current data shows that the total storage in 155 major reservoirs has fallen to 66 per cent of their total capacity. This situation raises concerns about water availability for various sectors. As of now, the water storage in the major reservoirs stands at 119.505 billion cubic metres (BCM) out of a total capacity of 180.852 BCM. This figure is higher than last year’s storage levels and the average of the past decade. However, the ongoing deficiency in rainfall poses a serious threat to future water supply.
Madhya Pradesh Enforces Liquor Ban in Religious Towns: Madhya Pradesh has recently taken step towards prohibition by banning liquor sales in 17 religious towns. This decision, announced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, coincides with the 300th birth anniversary of the revered Maratha ruler Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. The towns affected include Ujjain, Orchha, and Maheshwar, among others. This move aims to address long-standing concerns regarding alcohol consumption in holy areas while navigating the complex socio-economic landscape of the state. Madhya Pradesh is home to traditional brewing practices, particularly among tribal communities. Many view prohibition as an infringement on their cultural identity and livelihood. This resistance poses a challenge to the state’s efforts to enforce a blanket ban on alcohol sales. Political leaders must balance the cultural significance of local practices with the objectives of public health and safety.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
Increasing Frequency of Multi-Year Droughts Worldwide: Multi-year droughts (MYDs) are increasingly common and severe, as brought into light by a recent 40-year study. The research indicates that these droughts have expanded globally, impacting ecosystems and water supplies. This trend is linked to climate change, which exacerbates drought conditions. The study, conducted by a consortium of researchers from various institutions, analysed data from 1980 to 2018. The research showed that the global land area affected by MYDs has increased by approximately 50,000 square kilometres annually. The most affected regions include temperate grasslands. The study identified the ten most severe MYDs across various continents, with notable occurrences in central Chile, the western United States, and parts of Australia.
UNICEF Report on Climate-Related School Disruptions: Recently, the United Nations Children’s Agency, UNICEF, released report titled “Learning Interrupted – Global Snapshot of Climate-Related School Disruptions in 2024.” This report marks that at least 242 million students globally faced disruptions in their education due to climate events throughout 2024. This figure is considered conservative due to data limitations. The report spans 85 countries and identifies 119 distinct climate hazards that led to these disruptions. UNICEF’s report stresses that children are particularly vulnerable to weather-related crises. Approximately one billion children live in countries facing extremely high risks from climate and environmental shocks. The report puts stress on the urgent need for action to protect children’s education from the escalating impacts of climate change.
Tamil Nadu’s Iron Age Discovery Reshapes Global Metallurgical History: Recent archaeological findings have reshaped our understanding of the Iron Age in India. A new study indicates that iron technology in Tamil Nadu dates back to the early 4th millennium BCE. This discovery challenges previous beliefs that placed the onset of the Iron Age in India between 1500 and 2000 BCE. Traditionally, the origins of iron technology have been attributed to the Hittite Empire around 1300 BCE. The Tamil Nadu findings challenge this notion, indicating that advanced iron smelting occurred much earlier in South India. Experts believe this could lead to a reassessment of other archaeological sites, including those from the Harappan civilization.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
INS Sarvekshak Completes Hydrographic Survey in Mauritius: The Indian Navy’s INS Sarvekshak has successfully concluded a major hydrographic survey in Mauritius. This survey covered over 25,000 square nautical miles. The formal handover of the survey results took place on January 23, 2025. High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Anurag Srivastava, presented the fair sheet and nautical charts to President Dharambeer Gokhool. This event marks milestone in India-Mauritius maritime cooperation. INS Sarvekshak is equipped with advanced hydrographic survey tools. These include sonar systems and various survey boats. The ship also houses a helicopter and a Bofors 40 mm gun. Its operational versatility enhances its role in maritime surveys and security.
SANJAY Battlefield Surveillance System: The SANJAY system was recently launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on January 24, 2025. This Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army. It integrates ground and aerial battlefield sensors to create a comprehensive surveillance picture. This innovation marks advancement in military technology. Effective surveillance is crucial for understanding terrain, infrastructure, and troop placements. SANJAY provides a unified platform for data collection and analysis, facilitating rapid response to threats. It transforms how commanders engage with both conventional and sub-conventional operations.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Microplastics Impact Brain Function and Blood Circulation: Recent studies have revealed alarming vital information about the effects of microplastics on brain function. Research published in *Science Advances* indicates that microplastics may obstruct blood circulation, leading to impaired cognitive abilities. These findings stem from experiments conducted on mice, denoting the urgent need to understand the implications for human health. The study used advanced imaging techniques to observe microplastics in the mouse brain. Researchers tracked the movement of these particles in real-time. They found microplastics lodged in the blood vessels of the cerebral cortex, which is crucial for cognitive functions. Immune cells were seen engulfing the microplastics, causing blood vessel obstruction and impairing blood flow.
ISRO’s 100th Launch: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to mark milestone with its 100th launch. Scheduled for January 29, 2025, the GSLV-F15 mission will deploy the NVS-02 satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This mission enhances India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC), an independent regional navigation satellite system. The initial IRNSS satellites faced issues, including malfunctioning atomic clocks. These challenges necessitated replacements before the end of their operational life. The new generation of satellites aims to address these issues. They are designed for a longer lifespan of 12 years. Despite criticisms regarding underutilisation of NavIC services, recent advancements have been made. The development of user receivers has progressed since 2017. New mobile devices are now capable of receiving NavIC signals, expanding its practical applications.
India To Launch First Human Underwater Submersible: Recently, India announced the launch of its first human underwater submersible by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to enhance the blue economy and is aligned with the country’s broader goals in space exploration, particularly the Gaganyaan mission. The submersible will initially operate at depths of up to 500 metres, with plans to reach 6,000 metres by the following year. While the mission faced delays due to the pandemic, there is optimism about its progress. The initiative reflects India’s determination and innovative spirit, positioning the nation as a leader in scientific exploration.
BANKING AND FINANCE
Unified Lending Interface (ULI) Pilot: The Unified Lending Interface (ULI) was launched by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to streamline the lending process. Since its pilot inception in August 2023, ULI has facilitated the disbursement of ₹38,000 crore across 7.5 lakh loans. This platform aims to revolutionise credit delivery by connecting lenders with diverse data sources through a single interface. India’s embrace of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) facilitates transparency and efficiency across various sectors. ULI is important component of this infrastructure, aiming to break down data silos that hinder effective credit delivery. By integrating diverse data sources, ULI enhances the overall digital ecosystem for financial transactions.
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