Daily Current Affairs 2025  

01/12/2025

WhatsApp Email Facebook Share

CA-01/12/2025

 
Why in news?

• Protosticta sooryaprakashi, known as the Kodagu shadowdamsel, is a newly described species of damselfly from the Western Ghats region of India. It was formally described in 2025 based on specimens collected from banks of the Sampaje River and in the high-altitude forests of Agumbe in Kodagu District, Karnataka. 

About

• Discovery: The species was formally described in 2025.
• Location: It is found in Karnataka, India, specifically in the Kodagu district and surrounding areas of the Western Ghats, including along the banks of the Sampaje River and in the high-altitude forests of Agumbe.
• Naming: The species is named in honor of Dr. Sooryaprakash Shenoy, an eminent botanist and Head Scientist at the Dr. Shivaram Karanth Nisargadhama in Pilikula, Karnataka, who dedicated his life to biodiversity conservation in the Western Ghats.
• Characteristics:

• Males are distinguished by a prominent sky-blue marking on the prothorax (the segment behind the head) and a dark brown to black body.
• A unique feature observed under microscopic examination is that the tips of the male's reproductive organ are shaped like a duck's head.
• It is described as being smaller and more delicate than its close relatives, making it the thinnest member of the damselfly family.
• It has a unique blue spot on its neck and at the tip of its body.

• Habitat: The Kodagu Shadowdamsel is a shade-loving insect, typically found in low-light habitats such as areca nut plantations and adjacent areas along river banks, or in dense, shaded forests. Unlike dragonflies, which prefer sunny areas, damselflies like this species favor cool, shaded environments.
• Ecological Significance: Entomologists consider the presence of the Kodagu Shadowdamsel to be an indicator of a healthy ecosystem with minimal pollution, as it requires pristine environmental conditions to breed.

Significance
The discovery of Protosticta sooryaprakashi highlights the rich and often hidden biodiversity within the Western Ghats. Entomologists suggest that the presence of this damselfly indicates a healthy environment with low pollution levels, as it requires pristine conditions to breed.
 
   
Why in news?
Ramban Sulai Honey has recently gained significant national attention after PM Modi highlighted it in his Mann Ki Baat radio program. 
 
About

• Ramban Sulai Honey is a premium, organic honey produced in the Ramban district of Jammu and Kashmir, primarily from the nectar of Sulai flowers (Plectranthus rugosus) by bees like Apis mellifera.?
• Ramban Sulai Honey received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2021, supported by NABARD.
• Recognized for its health benefits, it offers immuno-modulatory, hypoglycemic, anti-diarrheal, and bronchodilator effects.
• It is promoted under the "One District One Product" scheme by the Indian government.

• Light golden to white/amber color with medium viscosity and a naturally sweet taste featuring subtle floral undertones reminiscent of Kashmir's forests.?
• Harvested mainly in August-October, especially in the Banihal block, with a long shelf life and no additives.?
• Rare variety, sometimes harvested every 3-4 years due to Sulai flower's limited blooming cycle.?

 
   
Why in news?
The tribe is highlighted by PM Modi in his "Mann Ki Baat" program regarding their traditional honey extraction practices, which, appreciating the tribe's natural farming and honey production techniques.

• Location: Primarily in Noklak District, Nagaland, India, and northwestern Myanmar (Lahe, Leyshi, Hkamti areas).?
• Etymology: "Khiamniungan" derives from "Khiam" (water), "Niu" (great), "Ngan" (source), meaning "source of great water/river," linked to Zungki and Chindwin rivers.?
• Origin and Migration: Traced to Khiamniungan Nokthang near Lengnyu Village; four migration waves formed Pathso-Peshu, Thang-Wolam, Nokhu, and Lahe-Leyshi-Hkamti groups.?
• Society: Traditional village led by eight roles including N?kpàu (chief), P?tsh? (peacemaker), ?mp?u (priest); now mostly Petche, Sonlang (blacksmith), Ainloom remain.?

•  The traditional social structure was based on the clan system, with four major clans today: Tshui, Lam, Chio, and Meya.

• Culture: Features Pou (grand building with log drum), bright red/blue attire with cowrie ornaments, gourd drums, bamboo flutes; Pou as key social institution.?
• Language: Patsho Khiamniungan (Sino-Tibetan); Thang dialect taught in schools.?
• Festivals:
  • Tsokum Sumai (October harvest): Week-long with sacrifices, feasts for bountiful crops; includes Sumai Jemthao (beer brewing), Janglao (community feast).?
  • Miu Sumai (May 5): Marks sowing season start, strengthens family ties.?
  • Khaotzaosey-Hok-Ah (January): Rest festival with rice beer, log drum rituals, folk dances for harvest thanks.?
• History: Called "Kalyo-Kenyu" by British; Christianity from 1947, led to social changes.?
• Economy: Farming, particularly jhum cultivation (slash and burn agriculture), is a primary occupation. They also traditionally practiced cliff-honey hunting.

 
   
Why in news?
Recently, this orange has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which is expected to help revive its cultivation and boost the local economy.

About

• Darjeeling Mandarin Orange (Citrus reticulata Blanco), locally called "suntala," is a premium variety grown in Darjeeling and Kalimpong hills, West Bengal.?
• Granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag on November 24, 2025, by GI Registry; registered proprietor is Darjeeling Organic Farmers Producer Organisation (DOFPO), Mirik.?
• Third GI product from Darjeeling region after Darjeeling Tea (2005) and Dalley Khorsani chili.?
• Known for thick bumpy aromatic skin, juicy saffron-orange pulp, excellent sugar-acid balance, almost seedless, sweet with unique aroma; called "Champagne of Oranges."?
• Grown on ~930 hectares; 2016 production in Darjeeling-Kalimpong: 15,000 metric tons; affects ~4,000 farmers.?
• Cultivation declined over 15 years due to virus/pest attacks; previously exported to Europe; GI tag aims to revive orchards and economy.?
• Climatic needs: 600-1500m elevation, frost-free tropical/subtropical, 100-120 cm annual rainfall, 10-35°C temperature, medium/light loamy soil.?
• Major cash crop historically; GI to ensure authenticity, register farmers as authorised users, boost market value domestically/internationally.?

 
   
Why in news?
The bamboo shrimp (Atyopsis spinipes) has been rediscovered in India after 72 years. Researchers confirmed its presence in Karnataka and Odisha. It is known for its unique filter-feeding technique using fan-shaped appendages, had not been scientifically confirmed in India since its first documentation over seven decades ago.?

• Scientific Name: Atyopsis moluccensis (also Atyopsis spinipes or similar species).?
• Common Names: Bamboo Shrimp, Singapore Flower Shrimp, Wood Shrimp.?
• Native Habitat: Fast-flowing freshwater streams in Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka).?
• Size: 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long as adults.?
• Lifespan: 1-4 years with optimal care.?
• Appearance: Tan-brown to red/blue colors; changes with mood/environment; fan-like appendages for filter-feeding.?
• Feeding: Filter-feeders; capture suspended particles (microalgae, detritus, crushed flakes) in strong currents.?

   
Why in news?
Recently Svalbard is in highlights for several important updates and ongoing issues in the Arctic region. These include the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in arctic foxes

Key facts

• It is a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, located midway between mainland Norway and the North Pole.?
• The total land area is about 61,022 km², with Spitsbergen as the largest island.?
• Svalbard is home to unique Arctic wildlife, including polar bears, reindeer, Arctic foxes, and various seabirds.?
• The archipelago has seven national parks and 23 nature reserves protecting two-thirds of its area.?
• Discovered by Willem Barentsz in 1596, it became Norwegian territory through the 1920 Svalbard Treaty.?
• It is governed by a governor appointed by Norway and is demilitarized; the treaty allows signatory countries equal rights to resources.?  

Avian influenza
Commonly known as bird flu, is a viral infection caused by influenza A viruses that primarily affect birds but can occasionally infect mammals like cows and humans.
 
   
Why in news?
The National Board for Wildlife's Standing Committee has approved a proposal to redraw the Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) boundaries, expanding it slightly but reducing the buffer zone. This move could potentially enable the reopening of over 50 marble, dolomite, limestone, and masonry mines around Sariska that were shut down by a Supreme Court order in May 2024. 
 
About Sariska Tiger Reserve

• Location: Alwar district, Rajasthan, India, part of the Aravalli hill range and Northern Aravalli leopard and wildlife corridor.
• Area: Approximately 1,203 sq km total; about 881 sq km as core tiger habitat and 322 sq km as buffer zone.
• History: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958; became a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1978–79; declared a national park in 1982.
• Tiger Status: Tigers were locally extinct by 2004 due to poaching; successful reintroduction began in 2008 with tigers relocated from Ranthambhore; current population estimated around 20–30 tigers.
• Habitat: Dry deciduous forests, scrub-thorn, grasslands, rocky terrain of Aravalli hills; semi-arid climate with hot summers and monsoon rains (~700 mm annually).
• Biodiversity: Besides tigers, home to leopards, striped hyenas, caracals, sambar, chital, nilgai, wild boar, and over 200 bird species including peafowl and raptors.
• Conservation Challenges: Mining activities, livestock grazing, human villages inside buffer areas, and traffic threaten habitat and prey availability.
• Significance: First tiger reserve globally to successfully reintroduce tigers after local extinction, showcasing a major conservation achievement.

 
   
Why in news?
Norovirus cases are surging across the United States, with test positivity rates doubling to nearly 14% in recent weeks compared to 7% in August. Wastewater data shows a 69% nationwide increase since mid-October, particularly in states like Louisiana, Michigan, Indiana, the Northeast, and Midwest.?

About Norovirus

• Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, affecting people of all ages.
• It causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever.
• Symptoms generally start within 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last 1 to 3 days.
• Transmission occurs via the fecal-oral route, through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or close person-to-person contact.
• It is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in crowded environments like nursing homes, schools, hospitals, and cruise ships.
• There is no specific antiviral treatment; management is supportive, focusing on hydration to prevent dehydration.
• Good hand hygiene and disinfecting contaminated surfaces are key preventive measures.
• Norovirus can survive on surfaces for long periods and is resistant to some common disinfectants.
• Vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of severe illness.
• Norovirus outbreaks are common in colder months but can occur year-round.

 
   
Why in news?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asserted its constitutional authority to scrutinize citizenship for the purpose of maintaining electoral rolls. This clarification comes in response to challenges from opposition parties regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
 
ECI's Constitutional and Statutory Basis
The ECI's power to assess citizenship for electoral purposes stems from:

• Article 324 of the Constitution: This article grants the ECI plenary powers for the superintendence, direction, and control of elections.
• Article 326 of the Constitution: This article mandates that Indian citizenship is a prerequisite for voter registration.
• Representation of the People Act (ROPA), 1950: Sections 16 and 19 of this Act disqualify non-citizens from electoral rolls and require voters to be ordinarily resident in their constituency. The SIR exercise is conducted under Section 21(3) of ROPA, 1950.

Limits on the Union Government's Powers

• The ECI clarified that the Union Government's powers regarding citizenship are limited, primarily to cases of voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship, as outlined in Section 9 of the Citizenship Act, 1955.
• The Centre's jurisdiction in this regard is confined to determining if an individual has acquired foreign citizenship and whether their Indian citizenship should be terminated.
• The ECI argues that other aspects of citizenship, beyond the voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship, can be examined by other authorities, including the ECI itself.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

• The ECI emphasizes that the SIR process is not a citizenship screening exercise or a "de facto NRC" (National Register of Citizens).
• Instead, its sole purpose is to ensure the accuracy and purity of electoral rolls, which is essential for conducting free and fair elections, a basic feature of the Constitution.
• The ECI denies claims that the SIR shifts the burden of proof onto electors, describing the process as voter-friendly.

Citizenship Provisions in the Indian Constitution

• Part II of the Constitution, Articles 5 to 11, deals with citizenship.
• The Constitution does not contain permanent and detailed provisions for citizenship; it primarily identifies those who became citizens at the time of its enactment.
• Article 11 specifically empowers the Parliament to make laws regarding the acquisition and termination of citizenship.
• Based on this power, Parliament enacted the Citizenship Act, 1955, which has been amended multiple times.

Key Citizenship Acts and Amendments

• Citizenship Act, 1955: This act lays down the conditions for acquiring citizenship, such as by birth, descent, registration, and naturalization.
• Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA): This act aims to provide an accelerated pathway to Indian citizenship for persecuted religious minorities (Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians) from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who arrived in India by a specified date. The residency requirement for naturalization has been relaxed for these groups.

 
   
Why in news?
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has once again awarded India's national accounts statistics, including its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures, a "C" grade in its 2025 Article IV Staff Report. This grade signifies that the data has "some shortcomings that somewhat hamper surveillance," indicating methodological or coverage-related issues that hinder effective economic analysis.

Key Concerns and IMF's Assessment

• Methodological Weaknesses: The report points to "some methodological weaknesses" that impact the reliability and interpretation of India's GDP numbers.
• Outdated Base Year: A significant issue is the continued use of the 2011-12 base year for calculating GDP, which may not accurately reflect the current economic landscape.
• Discrepancies in Measurement: The IMF noted "sizeable discrepancies" between different approaches to estimating GDP, such as the production and expenditure methods.
• Lack of Seasonally Adjusted Data: The absence of seasonally adjusted quarterly data was also identified as a limitation.
• Inflation Data: India's Consumer Price Index (CPI), the main inflation measure, received a 'B' grade, indicating broader adequacy but still with shortcomings, particularly an outdated consumption basket and weight structure.

India's Response and Future Plans

• India's government has argued that significant upgrades are already underway. New GDP and Consumer Price Index (CPI) series are expected to be introduced in February 2026, which India believes will merit a higher rating.
• These updates aim to address concerns regarding the base year, methodology, and coverage of key economic statistics.
• While India's national accounts received a 'C' grade, its overall rating across all data categories remained a 'B', similar to the previous year.
• This suggests that while GDP data has specific issues, other statistical domains are considered broadly acceptable.

IMF Grading System

• A: Fully adequate for surveillance.
• B: Broadly adequate but with some gaps.
• C: Noticeable shortcomings that somewhat hamper surveillance.
• D: Serious issues that significantly hinder analysis.

Context and Significance

• This assessment comes at a time when India reported a stronger-than-expected GDP growth of 8.2% for the July-September 2025 quarter, the highest in six quarters.
• The IMF's critique, however, has revived debates about the credibility and interpretation of India's economic data.
• Experts suggest that the IMF's feedback should be viewed as a prompt to further enhance the country's statistical framework.

 
 
Why In News 
Assam Group of Ministers (GoM) has recommended Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six communities: Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Matak (or Motok/Muttack), Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes (Adivasis).?
 
Key Recommendations

• The GoM proposed a three-tier ST classification in Assam: existing ST (Plains) with 10% reservation, ST (Hills) with 5% reservation, and a new ST (Valley) category for these six communities to protect current ST rights.
• This structure requires special parliamentary legislation for statutory recognition, with separate quotas, rosters, and vacancy registers for state jobs and education.
• These communities, currently under Other Backward Classes (OBC) and forming about 27% of Assam's population.

Significance of ST Status Recommendation for 6 Assam Communities

• Recognizes historically marginalized communities by granting them Scheduled Tribe status, enabling access to constitutional benefits.
• Introduces a three-tier ST classification (existing ST, ST Hills, ST Valley) to protect distinct tribal identities and ensure targeted reservation benefits.
• Allows these six communities to compete for reserved seats in education and government jobs under ST categorization, enhancing socio-economic upliftment.
• Offers legal protection through special legislation, preserving indigenous rights and promoting inclusive development.

Concerns Raised

• Existing ST communities fear dilution of their reserved quota and rights due to inclusion of these six large communities under ST category.
• The addition could lead to reduced opportunities for original tribal groups in education, employment, and political representation.
• Legal and administrative challenges in operationalizing the three-tier system with distinct rosters and reservations at state and central levels.

 
   
Why in news
Recent fossil discoveries of teeth and jawbones discovered in the Afar region of Ethiopia in 2009 have confirmed that the Burtele foot belongs to Australopithecus deyiremeda, a species that combined ape-like and human-like features and likely had a diet focused more on trees, shrubs, fruits, and leaves than Lucy's species.

Key Findings and Significance:

• Species Identification: The Burtele Foot has been identified as belonging to the species Australopithecus deyiremeda. This species, first identified only a decade prior to the definitive linking of the foot fossils, exhibits a combination of ape-like and human-like traits.
• Unique Morphology: Unlike the foot of Australopithecus afarensis* (the species of the famous "Lucy" fossil), which has a non-opposable big toe adapted for efficient bipedalism, the Burtele Foot possesses an opposable big toe. This feature is similar to that of modern apes and suggests an adaptation for tree climbing.
• Varied Locomotion: The presence of an opposable big toe, along with other foot bone structures, indicates that Australopithecus deyiremeda was bipedal but likely walked differently than Australopithecus afarensis*. Evidence suggests they may have pushed off with their second toe rather than their big toe while walking upright.
• Coexistence of Hominin Species: The Burtele Foot provides strong evidence that at least two closely related hominin species, Australopithecus deyiremeda and Australopithecus afarensis*, lived contemporaneously in the same region of Ethiopia. This challenges the idea of a linear progression in human evolution, suggesting instead a "toolbox" of different adaptations and lifestyles among early hominins.
• Ecological Partitioning: Recent research, including the analysis of teeth and jawbones found near the Burtele Foot fossils, suggests that these coexisting species may have had different diets, potentially allowing them to avoid direct competition for resources. Australopithecus afarensis had a broader diet, while Australopithecus deyiremeda*'s diet was more limited to shrubs and trees.

The study of the Burtele Foot has significantly deepened our understanding of a poorly understood period of human evolution, highlighting the complexity and diversity of our ancient ancestors.
 



   
 
 

Download Pdf