Daily Prelims Notes 10 January 2025

Daily Prelims Notes

10 January 2025

Table Of Contents

1. Tirupati temple stampede: what is the Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival, what went wrong
2. India Launches ‘Genome India’ Database
3. Rescue Efforts in Assam’s Rat-Hole Coal Mine
4. Is India open to the idea of dual citizenship?
5. India to Sign Mining Pact with Mongolia
6. Decoding India’s Growth Slowdown

1. Tirupati temple stampede: what is the Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival, what went wrong

Sub : History

Sec: Art and Culture

Context:

• A tragic stampede occurred at the Tirupati temple on January 8, 2025, resulting in the deaths of six people. The stampede happened as thousands of devotees gathered to collect tokens for the darshan of Lord Venkateswara during the Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival.

About the festival:

• Vaikuntha Ekadasi is a highly auspicious festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped in the form of Lord Venkateswara at the Tirumala temple.
• On Vaikuntha Ekadasi day, Sri Malayappa Swamy, procession deity in the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, accompanied by Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, is taken out in a grand procession in a golden chariot, blessing the devotees who gather along the temple streets.
• It falls in the Tamil month of Dhanur (usually in December or January) and is believed to mark the day when Lord Vishnu opens the Vaikuntha Dwara (the gate to heaven) for devotees.
• The festival was traditionally observed for one day but has expanded into a 10-day event due to the increasing number of pilgrims.

Vaikuntha Dwara and its Significance:

• The Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple at Tirumala has a special entrance known as Vaikuntha Dwara near the sanctum sanctorum, opened only on Vaikuntha Ekadasi.
• It is believed that anyone who passes through the Vaikuntha Dwara on Vaikuntha Ekadasi attains Vaikuntha, the heavenly realm of Lord Vishnu.

About Tirupati temple:

• The Tirupati Temple, also known as the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, is one of the most famous and revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world, located on Tirumala Hill in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Tirumala hills are part of Seshachalam Hills
• The temple is dedicated to Venkateswara (also known as Balaji, Srinivasa, or Govinda), a form of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared on the earth to save mankind from trials and troubles of Kali Yuga.
• It is part of the Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trust, which manages the temple and its operations.
• The temple’s origins trace back to at least 2,000 years ago, with references in ancient texts such as the Vishnu Purana and Varaha Purana.
• It is an example of Dravidian architecture, which is characterized by pillared halls, pyramidal roofs, and gopurams, and is believed to have been built around 300 AD.

2. India Launches ‘Genome India’ Database

Sub : Sci

Sec : Biotech

Why in News

• India has unveiled the ‘Genome India’ database, a groundbreaking compilation of 10,000 human genomes from 83 population groups.

Genome India Database:

• The database includes 10,000 human genomes, representing 83 population groups from India.
• These groups constitute approximately 2% of India’s 4,600 population groups.
• Housed at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) in Faridabad, Haryana. Open to researchers worldwide, subject to adherence to data-sharing and privacy policies.
• Identified 27 million low-frequency genetic variants, including 7 million unique variants not found in global reference databases.
• Highlighted population-specific alleles (different versions of the same gene), which could have implications for targeted healthcare.
• Applications:
• Precision Medicine: The findings pave the way for personalized treatments and interventions.
• Disease Research: Focused on understanding disease risks and improving clinical outcomes.
• Aligns with similar genome databases worldwide, such as those in the USA and Europe.
• Unlike other databases, the Indian initiative emphasizes population-specific insights without caste or tribe classifications.
• Recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a step toward bolstering India’s biotechnology economy and biotech-based manufacturing.

What is a Gene?

• A gene is a segment of DNA that carries the instructions for producing specific proteins or functional molecules. Found on chromosomes within the cell nucleus.
• Determines hereditary traits, including physical characteristics and susceptibility to certain diseases.

What are Alleles?

• Different versions of the same gene found at the same locus (position) on a chromosome.
• Types:
  • Dominant Allele: Expressed when present (e.g., brown eyes).
  • Recessive Allele: Expressed only when both alleles are recessive (e.g., blue eyes).

• Responsible for genetic diversity. Used in studying hereditary diseases and genetic traits.

What is a Genome?

• The complete set of DNA in an organism, including all its genes.
• Contains approximately 20,000–25,000 genes spread across 23 pairs of chromosomes.

What is DNA Profiling?

• A forensic technique used to identify individuals by analysing unique patterns in their DNA.
• Applications:
  • Criminal investigations and paternity testing.
  • Identifying remains in disasters or wars.
  • Research in population genetics and genealogy.
• Uses short tandem repeats (STRs) to differentiate DNA samples.
• Governed by privacy and ethical guidelines under laws like India’s DNA Technology Regulation Bill.

3. Rescue Efforts in Assam’s Rat-Hole Coal Mine

Sub: Geo 

Sec : Eco Geo

Why in News

• Eight miners have been trapped inside a rat-hole coal mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district. Rescue operations face significant challenges due to stagnant and murky water levels.

Incident:

• The coal mine is located in the Kalamati area near the Meghalaya border, about 30 km from Umrangso and 110 km from Haflong, the district headquarters.
• The mine is a rat-hole coal mine, characterized by narrow tunnels making it difficult for divers to navigate with equipment.
• Stubborn Water Levels: Water level in the 90-metre pit remains constant at 29 metres, despite continuous pumping. Connection to an external water source (possibly a nearby reservoir or the Kopili River) is suspected.
• Equipment Limitations: Air tanks and gear cannot navigate the mine’s narrow branches.

What is Rat hole mining:

• It is a method of extracting coal from narrow, horizontal seams, prevalent in Meghalaya.
• The term “rat hole” refers to the narrow pits dug into the ground, typically just large enough for one person to descend and extract coal.
• Once the pits are dug, miners descend using ropes or bamboo ladders to reach the coal seams.
• The coal is then manually extracted using primitive tools such as pickaxes, shovels, and baskets.

Kopili River:

• The Kopili River originates from the Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, near Umsawnongkharai.
• Drainage Basin: Lies primarily in Meghalaya and Assam.
• Major Tributaries:
  • Umrang
  • Langkri
• Flows through Meghalaya and enters Assam, forming part of the boundary between Dima Hasao and West Jaintia Hills. Joins the Brahmaputra River as a tributary.
• Runs through key districts such as Karbi Anglong, Nagaon, and Dima Hasao in Assam.
• Houses the Kopili Hydroelectric Project, a significant energy source in the region. The dam is operated by North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO).

Based on the Geological Survey of India’s (GSI), coalfields in the northeastern region of India:

4. Is India open to the idea of dual citizenship?

Sub: Polity

Sec: Constitution

Context: –At an event in December, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said there are a lot of challenges in providing dual citizenship to Indians settled abroad. He pointed out that the Overseas Citizenship of India drive is a step towards meeting the demand and added that the debate on dual citizenship is “still alive”.

Constitutional Provisions:

• Part II of the Indian Constitution, under Article 5 to 11 deals with citizenship.

Some of the articles in Part II include:

• Article 5: –Defines citizenship at the time of the Constitution’s commencement.
• Article 8: –Defines the rights of citizenship for certain people of Indian origin who live outside of India.
• Article 9: –Defines that people who voluntarily acquire citizenship of a foreign state are not to be considered citizens.
• Article 11: –Gives the Parliament of India the power to regulate citizenship rights by law.

Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI):

The Government of India introduced the concept of Overseas Citizenship of India through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955, in 2005.

Eligibility: –

• A person who was a citizen of India at any time after the commencement of the Constitution (26.01.1950).
• A person eligible to become a citizen of India on 26.01.1950.
• A person belonging to a territory that became part of India after 15.08.1947.
• A child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of such a citizen.
• A minor child of the above-mentioned persons.
• A minor child whose both parents or one parent is an Indian citizen.
• A spouse of foreign origin of an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder, with a registered marriage subsisting for at least two years before applying.

Exclusion:

• Individuals whose parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other country specified by the Central Government are not eligible for OCI registration.

Features of OCI:

• OCI is not equivalent to dual citizenship.
• OCI citizens are of Indian origin but they are foreign passport holders and are not citizens of India. India does not allow dual citizenship but provides them certain benefits under Section 7B(I) of the Citizenship Act, 1955 to the OCIs.
• As per norms, a foreigner of Indian origin or a foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or foreign spouse of an OCI can be registered as an OCI. OCI card is a life-long visa for OCIs to stay in India
• The Ministry issued a notification specifying that OCIs require special permission for “missionary, Tabligh, mountaineering or journalistic activities.”
• The MHA had said that OCI card holders can lay claim to “only NRI quota seats” in educational institutions based on all-India entrance tests such as the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), the Joint Entrance Examination (Mains), Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced) or other such all-India character tests.
• So far about 37.72 lakh OCI cards have been issued by the Government of India
• It provides certain privileges like a lifelong visa to visit India, exemption from registration with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), and rights to purchase property in India, except agricultural land.
• OCI holders cannot vote, hold government positions, or contest elections in India.

Person of Indian Origin (PIO):

• Background: The PIO scheme was launched earlier to provide benefits to foreign citizens of Indian origin.
• Recent Merger with OCI: In 2015, the PIO card scheme was merged with the OCI card scheme to streamline benefits under a single category. Existing PIO cardholders were asked to convert their cards to OCI.

5. India to Sign Mining Pact with Mongolia

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco Geo 

Why in the News?

• India is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mongolia in the area of geology and exploration. This collaboration aims to tap into Mongolia’s rich deposits of copper and coking coal, which are critical to India’s industrial growth.

Context and Key Points

• Significance of Mongolia’s Resources:
  • Copper and Coking Coal Deposits:
    • Copper is essential for power, construction, and EV industries.
    • Coking coal is vital for steel production, and Mongolia offers superior-grade coal compared to other suppliers.
  • India heavily depends on imports for both resources to meet rising demand.
• Approval of MoU:
  • The Indian government has approved the draft MoU, which is expected to be signed soon.
  • The agreement will foster bilateral ties and enhance India’s access to critical minerals.
• Corporate Interests:
  • Indian companies, including Adani, Hindalco, and Vedanta, have expressed interest in sourcing copper from Mongolia.
  • These firms are exploring opportunities to meet domestic demand through Mongolian resources.
• Preferred Supply Routes:
  • India prefers the Vladivostok (Russia) route for importing resources, despite the longer distance.
  • Avoiding Chinese routes reflects India’s intent to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on China.

Conclusion

• This agreement represents a significant step towards securing critical resources, bolstering India’s industrial capabilities, and deepening its strategic ties with Mongolia while reducing dependence on traditional suppliers.

Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC)

The Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) is a sea trade route that connects Chennai Port in southern India with Vladivostok Port in Russia’s Far East. It passes through the Sea of Japan, the South China Sea, and the Malacca Strait.

It aims to enhance trade and strategic ties between the two countries by offering a direct shipping link through critical maritime regions.

6. Decoding India’s Growth Slowdown

Sub: Eco

Sec: National Income

Why in News?

• The National Statistics Office (NSO) released the first advance estimates of India’s GDP for 2024-25, indicating a decline in real GDP growth to 6.4%, lower than the previous year’s 8.2%, which highlight concerns about economic slowdown, data reliability, and the effectiveness of fiscal policies and private investments in driving growth.

Context:

India’s growth trajectory faces challenges due to structural issues in private investments, fiscal strains, and data discrepancies in GDP estimation methods.

A re-evaluation of revenue mobilization strategies is needed to sustain economic recovery and enhance public welfare spending.

Key Points:

GDP Growth Estimates:

• The first advance estimate (FAE) for 2024-25 projects real GDP growth at 6.4%, lower than the 8.2% recorded in 2023-24 and below the Economic Survey’s projected 6.5%-7% range.
• Nominal GDP growth is estimated at 9.7% (lower than the Union Budget’s 10.5% projection).

Reasons for India’s Growth Slowdown

Declining Private Investments:

• Private sector investment growth slowed to 6.4% in 2024-25 (from 9% in 2023-24).
• Despite corporate tax cuts in 2019, private investments in capital formation remain subdued.
• Public sector investment grew faster than private investments (6.6% vs. 6.3%).

Issues under Sectoral Growth:

• Quarterly Gross Value Added (GVA) shows a decline across most sectors in 2024-25
  • Agriculture: Cyclical fluctuations.
  • Manufacturing: Double-digit growth in 2023-24 now declining.
  • Mining, power, construction, and trade sectors also exhibit a slowdown.
• Public administration, defense, and other services are the only sectors with an expected GVA increase, emphasizing the critical role of public spending in sustaining growth.

Fiscal Stress and Budget Challenges:

• Budget challenges:
  • Tax revenue mobilization lags behind projections:
    • April-November 2024: Only 56% of net tax revenue targets achieved.
    • Capex spending: Less than 50% of budgeted amounts for 2024-25.
  • Non-tax revenue boosted by ₹2.11 trillion surplus from RBI, achieving 78% of the target by November 2024.
  • Fiscal consolidation plans (reducing fiscal deficit to 4.9% in 2024-25 against 5.6% of GDP in 2023-24) may face hurdles due to slowing tax revenues and growth.

Recommendations to boost growth:

• Revenue Mobilization Strategy:
  • Increase taxation on wealth and profits to enhance capital expenditure (capex) and welfare spending.
• Addressing Data Accuracy:
  • Adopt the Producer Price Index (PPI) for GDP calculations to improve reliability.
• Boost Private Investments:
  • Incentivize investment in machinery and intellectual property to drive productive growth.
• Maintain Public Spending:
  • Sustain public capex to mitigate economic slowdown and support critical sectors