Published on: January 11, 2025

Snippets : 10-11 JANUARY 2025

Snippets : 10-11 JANUARY 2025

  • Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru, and other institutions have discovered a new ultra-diffuse galaxy forming 430 million light years away in the Leo constellation. The galaxy is located at the end of the tidal tail of galaxy NGC 3785, which was formed due to gravitational interaction with a neighboring galaxy. This discovery provides insights into galaxy evolution and the formation of ultra-diffuse galaxies, which are less bright and massive than typical galaxies like the Milky Way.
  • A report by Bengaluru-based NGO Hasiru Dala, titled Nagara Pravaha, highlights the need for community-led flood mitigation efforts, particularly among vulnerable waste picker communities. The report suggests long-term solutions such as flood-resistant housing designs and community engagement, citing examples of proactive measures taken by waste picker communities, including constructing stormwater channels and digging recharge wells. Experts emphasize the importance of sustainable infrastructure and community involvement in addressing urban flooding.
  • Kempegowda International Airport (BLR Airport) has surpassed 40 million passengers in a calendar year, solidifying its status as a “large airport” under Airports Council International (ACI) standards. In 2024, the airport recorded 40.73 million passengers, a 9% increase from 2023, with expanded connectivity to 75 domestic and 30 international destinations, and notable growth in cargo operations, handling 4,96,227 metric tonnes, a 17% increase from 2023.
  • Mandya is set to become home to Karnataka’s first Moodalapaya Yakshagana training centre, courtesy of the Karnataka Sangha. The centre, recognized by Mysuru-based Dr Gangubai Hanagal University of Music and Performing Arts, will offer a 10-month diploma course starting February 8, with eligibility restricted to those between 18 and 40 years old who have passed their SSLC. Classes will run from Saturday to Sunday, with free food and accommodation provided, and a certificate awarded upon completion. Interested individuals can call 94481 94456 for more information.
  • The Department of School Education and Literacy has extended the Child Care Leave (CCL) facility to female teachers working in aided primary schools, following a similar extension to high schools in January 2024. Although the order was issued in November 2024, officials have yet to implement it, and the department’s director still needs to frame rules and issue a separate circular regarding CCL, as per teachers working with aided schools.
  • Multilingual actor Kishore has been named the ambassador of the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes). The festival is scheduled tp be held from March 1 to 8.
  • India’s GDP growth is expected to decline to 6.6% in 2025 from an estimated 6.9% in 2024, marking three consecutive years of sub-7% growth after an 8% rise in 2023, according to the UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects report. Growth for 2026 is projected at 6.7%, reflecting a return to pre-Covid trends following the pandemic-driven pent-up demand surge. Factors contributing to the slowdown include sluggish private investment, possibly influenced by high interest rates, and weaker manufacturing activity, which dragged GDP growth to 5.4% in July-September 2024. The National Statistics Office (NSO) forecasts GDP growth at 6.4% for the fiscal year ending March 2025, down from 8.2% the previous year, though second-half improvement may raise the figure to 6.5%. Despite this deceleration, India remains the fastest-growing major economy, while global growth is projected at 2.8% in 2025, with risks such as geopolitical tensions and elevated borrowing costs impacting vulnerable countries.
  • Residents of Champu Khangpok, India’s only natural floating village in Manipur, will soon receive identity cards, enabling them to benefit from government schemes . The village, home to around 400 fishermen in 134 houses, has been excluded from these benefits due to a lack of identity cards. A recent enrolment camp, organized as part of the National Fisheries Digital Platform, aims to address this issue and empower the residents, who rely heavily on traditional fishing practices and are deeply connected to the Loktak Lake’s ecosystem.
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) plans to establish a fourth assembly line to accelerate production of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), aiming to compensate for delays caused by General Electric’s (GE) failure to deliver F-404 engines, which has stalled the manufacturing of Tejas Mk-1 for the Indian Air Force (IAF), struggling with dwindling squadron numbers. GE, which has a backlog of 26 engines, has assured delivery of the first engine by March 2025, with plans to ramp up production. HAL currently operates two assembly lines in Bengaluru and one in Nashik, each capable of producing eight aircraft annually, with the first Nashik-built Tejas expected by March. A second Nashik line is planned but will require 1.5 years to establish after consistent engine supply begins. The Defence Ministry’s 2021 deal with HAL for 83 Tejas Mk-1 aircraft at ₹45,696 crore depends on GE’s timely delivery of 99 engines. Despite HAL delivering 38 out of 40 initial Tejas aircraft since 2016, IAF’s fleet remains critically low at 31 squadrons against the sanctioned 42, set to dip further with the MiG-21’s phase-out. Using reserve engines, HAL has completed the first LCA Mk-1A, now undergoing trials and expected to feature at Aero India 2025.
  • The Department of Skill, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood has proposed converting government-run polytechnics into Government Tool Room and Training Centres (GTTCs) to address the low employability of engineering and polytechnic passouts. Minister Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil emphasized that GTTCs offer practical knowledge and hands-on experience, whereas engineering and polytechnic courses are theory-based, resulting in 100% placement for GTTC students. He suggested revising the curriculum to 60% practical and 40% theory. IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge endorsed this view, highlighting that only 26% of engineering graduates in India are employable, and stressed the need for government and industry collaboration to address the skill gap.
  • The 217th iconic flower show for Republic day at Bengaluru’s Lalbagh Botanical Garden, themed around Maharshi Valmiki, is set to begin on January 16, expecting over 10 lakh visitors, with 25 lakh flowers, including 85 varieties, decorating the Glass House, featuring a 15 feet tall floral tribute to Valmiki, alongside replicas of his Nepal house and Dandakaranya, and floral tributes to poets and authors inspired by the Ramayana.
  • Bengaluru is set to house the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) first Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL) in South India, which will be hosted by the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI). This laboratory is part of seven proposed IRDLs being set up across the country and will enable quick testing of infectious disease samples, in-depth research, and improved medical institution capabilities. The lab will focus on capacity building in bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology, and will also improve diagnostic accuracy, identify and treat infections, and research new strains. This development is expected to significantly enhance disease surveillance activities in the state.
  • The minister for Skill, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Dr Sharan Prakash Patil said that state government will be setting up a Skill Park in Ballari. The minister said the skill park will come up at a cost of Rs 300 crore and sought suggestions from industries on skills needs to be concentrated on.
  • The 129-year-old iconic Attara Kacheri, or the old Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mysuru, is set to transform into a state-of-the-art museum, “Mysuru through the Ages,” showcasing the city’s history, architecture, heritage, and cultural evolution. The museum will feature literature, rare photographs, digital exhibits, traditional artworks, and a sound and light show projected onto the building’s facade. The project, detailed in a DPR submitted by the state tourism directorate to the union ministry of tourism, includes restoring the colonial-style building while adding an art precinct, thematic gardens, and a war memorial. The initiative will also include a tourist arrival center with shops, cafes, and promotional videos of Mysuru’s attractions. Plans for the surrounding area include a ‘vista street’ with beautification of Krishnaraja Boulevard, a historic artifacts garden with laser light shows, and open-air exhibition spaces. Constructed in 1895 during Chamaraja Wadiyar X’s reign, the building—once home to 18 public departments—boasts Corinthian and Tuscan pilasters, high-ceilinged rooms, and a wrought iron crown atop its pyramid-like central block. Once part of a 92-acre Gordon Park, the site is now reduced to 2 acres, with much of the land repurposed by the University of Mysore. This adaptive reuse project aims to make the heritage structure a centerpiece of Mysuru’s cultural tourism.
  • The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has introduced a new module allowing banks and financial institutions to apply for e-khata, facilitating the sale of mortgaged properties under the Securitisation, Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act (SARFAESI), 2002. This move addresses challenges faced by banks following the government’s mandate of e-khata for land transactions and registration of deeds from October 1. The application process involves logging into the citizen module, identifying the property, uploading required documents, and completing eKYC. After verification, the Assistant Revenue Officer will review and process the mutation, issuing the e-khata, which will enable banks to register the sale certificate at the sub-registrar’s office in favor of the purchaser
  • Krishna Ella, co-founder and executive chairman of Bharat Biotech International, was earlier this week conferred the India Fellowship of the Indian National Science Academy for 2025. It is the first time that the INSA has awarded fellowships to representatives from the industry.
  • In preparation for Mahakumbh 2025, Prayagraj has created around 56,000 sq. meters of dense forests in just two years using the Miyawaki Technique, a revolutionary method developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki that involves planting trees and shrubs close together to accelerate growth, resulting in plants growing 10 times faster.
  • The Henley Passport Index 2025 has revealed a drop in India’s ranking, falling from 80th to 85th among the world’s most powerful passports. The index, established in 2006 by London-based Henley & Partners, ranks passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access visa-free, using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and enhanced by the firm’s research team. Covering 199 passports and 227 destinations, the index assigns a ‘visa-free score’ to each passport. In 2025, Singapore continues to hold the top spot, allowing visa-free travel to 195 destinations, while Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to 57 destinations, sharing the 85th rank with Equatorial Guinea and Niger. EU nations, including France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, share third place with Finland and South Korea, granting visa-free access to 192 destinations. Fourth place is occupied by seven EU countries offering visa-free travel to 191 destinations, while Belgium, Portugal, Switzerland, the UK, and New Zealand share the fifth spot with visa-free access to 190 destinations.
  • The long-awaited ban on nimesulide is now officially in place in India after scientific researches confirmed its toxic impact on the endangered vultures. It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is widely used to relieve pain and inflammation.
  • Recently, the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) signed a Multi-Donor Trust Fund with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to mobilize $100 million for high-impact solar energy projects. GEAPP, an alliance of philanthropists, governments, technology, policy, and financing partners, works to transition economies to a clean energy, pro-growth model that promotes universal energy access, inclusive economic growth, and climate goals. It aims to reduce 4 gigatons of carbon emissions, expand clean energy access to one billion people, and create 150 million jobs. Key initiatives include the Multi-Donor Trust Fund, which supports ISA with governance, fundraising, and energy transition expertise; DUET, a grid digitalization program integrating smart sensors for real-time data to reduce energy losses; and ENTICE 2.0, a platform to scale innovative energy solutions, expand India’s startup ecosystem, and achieve sustainability goals, building on the 2023 launch of ENTICE.
  • Bengaluru has emerged as India’s top city for working women in 2024, securing a City Inclusion Score (CIS) of 47.15, as per a report by workplace culture consultancy Avtar. The city improved from its 2nd place ranking in 2023 to clinch the top spot, surpassing Chennai, which scored 46.31. Other cities such as Mangaluru (ranked 24th), Belagavi, Hubballi-Dharwad, and Mysuru were also included in the survey. The CIS is derived from two components: the Social Inclusion Score (SIS), which includes factors like city livability, safety, women’s employment, and empowerment, and the Industrial Inclusion Score (IIS), which focuses on inclusive organizations and career enablers. Bengaluru’s CIS of 47.15 is bolstered by an IIS of 81.33, ranking first in this category, though its SIS of 36.72 indicates areas for improvement in social inclusion, particularly regarding safety and empowerment. In the broader rankings, Chennai secured the 2nd position, followed by Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune, and other cities in the top 10. The Ease of Living Index for Bengaluru stands at 66.7/100, indicating strong livability across quality of life, economic ability, and sustainability factors. Additionally, South Indian cities dominate the rankings, with 16 out of the top 25 cities coming from the region, including eight from Tamil Nadu and three from Kerala.
  • Madikeri, Karnataka, has been recognized as India’s cleanest city with PM10 levels recorded at 32 micrograms per cubic meter, according to a study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). The study assessed the impact of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) on pollution reduction across the country, revealing that 25 cities in Karnataka met National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). While 61 cities reported some reduction in pollution, many cities still exceeded NAAQS, with 206 out of 253 cities surpassing standards in 2024. Karnataka outperformed other states, with 21 out of 25 cities meeting the PM10 standards, leading the nation’s list of cleanest cities
  • The draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules (2025) aim to protect citizens’ rights under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, balancing regulation and innovation while ensuring the protection of personal data. Key features include the establishment of a Digital Data Protection Board, which will function entirely through a digital platform and app, allowing citizens to submit complaints and have them adjudicated without needing to be physically present. The rules also provide adequate time for stakeholders, from small enterprises to large corporations, to transition and comply with the new law, allowing data processing based on previous consent until systems are adapted. Citizens can submit feedback on the draft rules via the MyGov portal until February 18, 2025, with structured interactions organized for various stakeholders, including civil society, industry, and government organizations. The rules emphasize minimal compliance burdens for data fiduciaries, digital compliance, and awareness initiatives to educate citizens on their rights regarding personal data. After considering all feedback, the final rules will be placed before Parliament for approval. Key aspects also include consent-based data processing and simplified compliance through digital platforms, minimizing regulatory prescriptions.
  • The Anji Khad Bridge, located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, is a significant milestone in Indian Railways’ engineering history, being the country’s first cable-stayed rail bridge. Part of the Udampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project, it aims to enhance regional connectivity and foster economic growth. The bridge spans a total of 725.5 meters and features a 193-meter-high main pylon. Designed to withstand winds up to 213 km/h and accommodate trains running at speeds up to 100 km/h, it includes a 120-meter approach viaduct, a 38-meter bridge at the Katra end, a 473.25-meter cable-stayed portion, and a 94.25-meter central embankment. Built in the challenging Himalayan terrain, the project faced geological and seismic challenges, with site investigations by IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi ensuring structural safety. The bridge employs 96 cables and a hybrid foundation at the Katra end for slope stabilization. Advanced construction techniques, including DOKA Jump form shuttering and pump concreting systems, were used, with international collaboration from ITALFERR (Italy) for design supervision and COWI (UK) for proof-checking. The bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity between the Jammu region and Kashmir Valley, boosting tourism and local economic growth. It is ready for use, pending final inspection by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).
  • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBAGR) has officially recognized the Gaddi as an indigenous dog breed from the Himalayas. Named after the Gaddi shepherds of Himachal Pradesh, the breed has traditionally been used to guard flocks of sheep and goats against predators, including powerful ones like the Snow Leopard. Often referred to as the ‘Indian Panther Hound’ or ‘Indian Leopard Hound,’ the Gaddi is primarily found in the Himalayan region. It is the fourth indigenous breed to be recognized by ICAR-NBAGR, following the Rajapalayam (Tamil Nadu), Chippiparai (Tamil Nadu), and Mudhol Hound (Karnataka). The breed is known for its distinctive appearance, predominantly black with occasional white markings, and features a massive, arched neck to protect it from predators. Its medium stature, robust, muscular body, and harmonious build make it well-suited for guarding flocks. The recognition ensures the maintenance of the breed’s purity and highlights its significance among indigenous breeds.
  • La Niña conditions were officially declared on January 9, 2025, by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), with below-average sea surface temperatures recorded along the central and eastern Pacific Ocean in December 2024. La Niña is a phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which has three phases: El Niño (warm phase), La Niña (cool phase), and neutral. These phases occur irregularly every 2-7 years and significantly impact global weather patterns. La Niña is characterized by strengthened trade winds pushing warmer waters to the western Pacific, while cooler waters replace the displaced warm waters in the eastern Pacific. In comparison, El Niño is marked by weakened trade winds and warmer waters in the eastern Pacific, while the neutral phase sees cooler eastern Pacific waters and normal wind activity. La Niña generally brings increased rainfall and lower temperatures to regions like India, unlike El Niño, which results in reduced rainfall and higher temperatures. The previous La Niña occurred from 2020 to 2023, followed by the recent El Niño in 2023-2024. The current La Niña is forecasted to be weak, with the Nino 3.4 index unlikely to drop below -0.1°C. The delayed emergence of La Niña, caused by warmer-than-usual ocean temperatures for over a year, may lessen its impact. Typically peaking during the northern hemisphere winter, La Niña has limited time left this season to fully manifest its effects.
  • In January 2025, wildfires erupted across Los Angeles, resulting in 10 fatalities, displacing over 130,000 people, and destroying numerous homes. Several factors contributed to the severity of these fires. First, the region experienced unusually wet winters in 2022 and 2023, leading to a surge in vegetation growth, followed by an exceptionally dry winter in 2025, which turned the vegetation into dry kindling. Southern California recorded negligible rainfall since October, with Los Angeles airport reporting only 0.03 inches of rain since October 1, marking the driest start to the water year since 1944. Additionally, the seasonal Santa Ana winds, which blow from the Great Basin deserts toward the coast, became particularly strong this year. As these winds descend over the Sierra Nevada and Santa Ana mountains, they lose humidity, heat up, and accelerate, exacerbating the fire’s intensity and spreading it rapidly. Climate change has further aggravated the situation, as rising global temperatures have extended and intensified wildfire seasons, with peak burn periods now occurring earlier. The combination of past wet seasons, current dryness, and strong winds created the perfect conditions for a winter wildfire. The fires’ severity highlights the growing impact of climate change on extreme weather events, underlining the increasing vulnerability of regions like California to such disasters.
  • India has launched the “Genome India” project, releasing a compilation of 10,000 human genomes representing 83 population groups, accounting for approximately 2% of the country’s 4,600 population groups. The database, housed at the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) in Faridabad, Haryana, aims to serve as a resource for future research into diseases and drug therapy. It is globally accessible to researchers and is designed to support investigations into human health and genetics. The database includes around 27 million low-frequency genetic variants, 7 million of which are not found in other reference databases. It focuses on precision medicine, disease risk analysis, adverse drug reactions, and population-specific genetic diversity. Researchers must submit proposals for access, with adherence to data privacy and sharing policies, and all data is anonymized to ensure privacy, with no classifications based on caste or tribe. The project holds strategic significance, contributing to targeted clinical interventions, advancements in precision medicine, and strengthening India’s biotechnology economy. While the current scope of the project is limited to 10,000 genomes, there is potential to expand to 1 million genomes for deeper insights into India’s genetic diversity, though costs remain a limiting factor. The project promises significant benefits for healthcare, enhancing disease research, improving drug development, and fostering healthcare equity through more personalized treatment plans.