Jan 30th 2025 Current Affairs

Index:

1. PM Surya Ghar Scheme – Rooftop Solar Installation Scheme

Context:

The PM Surya Ghar Scheme was launched with a budget of ₹75,000 crore to promote rooftop solar installations in Indian households.
Officially launched on February 15, 2024 following the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya by PM Narendra Modi.
Target: 1 crore households to install rooftop solar panels.

Current Progress & Challenges

5 lakh households have installed rooftop solar panels so far (8.5% of the target).
20 lakh applications were received via the Surya Ghar portal, but only 5 lakh were completed as of October 2024.
Government aims to meet the 1 crore target within the next 2-3 years.
Delays due to rain-related issues, but the government is working to ensure 12 lakh households get covered in the financial year 2024-25.

Subsidy Structure

The government provides subsidies for rooftop solar panel installations:
60% subsidy for systems up to 2 kW.
40% subsidy for additional capacity between 2 kW – 3 kW.
Subsidy cap at 3 kW.
Subsidy rates based on benchmark prices:
₹30,000 for a 1-kW
₹60,000 for a 2-kW
₹78,000 for a 3-kW system or higher.

Government Initiatives & Renewable Energy Growth

India’s renewable energy capacity has grown significantly:
52 GW (2014) → 220 GW (2024) (200% increase).
Daily installations increased from 3,000 to 9,000 per day.
Grid-connected solar power tariff has reduced 80%:
₹10.95 per unit (2010-11) → ₹2.15 per unit (2024).
India is emerging as a leader in affordable renewable energy.

Key Points

The PM Surya Ghar Scheme is a major initiative under India’s energy transition strategy.
Aims to promote solar energy adoption, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and achieve energy security.
Highlights India’s commitment to sustainable energy, climate change mitigation, and decarbonization.
The scheme supports affordable clean energy, reducing electricity costs for households.
Challenges include slow implementation, weather-related delays, and logistical hurdles.

2. Russia-Syria Relations & Military Base Retention

Context

Russia held “frank discussions” with Syria’s new de facto leader, Mohammed al-Jolani (Ahmed al-Sharaa).
The talks were aimed at ensuring Russia retains its two military bases in Syria.

Key Developments

Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was toppled by Jolani’s militant group in December and fled to Russia.
Jolani’s demand:
Requested Moscow hand over Bashar al-Assad.
Called for compensation, reconstruction, and recovery aid to rebuild trust.
The Syrian news agency SANA reported that Damascus also wants Russia’s backing, similar to what was given to Assad during Syria’s civil war.

Russia’s Strategic Interests in Syria

Russia has been a key ally of Assad during Syria’s civil war, providing troop and air support against Syrian rebels.
It aims to retain two critical military bases:

Naval base in Tartous (Russia’s only Mediterranean naval base).
Hmeimim Air Base near Latakia.

Geopolitical significance:
Losing these bases would weaken Russia’s regional power projection in the Middle East.
Maintains Russia’s presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Kremlin’s Response

Russia declined to comment on the demand to return Assad.
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not confirm whether such a request was made.

Implications for Global Geopolitics

Middle East power balance:
If Russia loses influence in Syria, it could alter power dynamics in the region.
Possible greater Western influence through the US & NATO allies.
Russia’s declining influence?
Syria has been a key Russian stronghold.
The situation reflects Russia’s challenges in maintaining global influence post-Ukraine war.
Impact on Syria:
Ongoing civil war and political instability.

Possibility of new alliances and foreign intervention in Syria’s future governance.

3. Kumbh Mela Stampede – Crowd Management & Governance Failures

Context

A stampede occurred at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on January 29.
This is the third such incident in recent months, highlighting India’s record of deadly religious gatherings.

Causes of the Stampede

Uncontrolled surge of devotees at the bathing ghats.
Lack of proactive crowd management measures despite prior knowledge of high attendance.
Prioritization of VIP visitors over the general public.
Failure to regulate traffic leading to congestion.
Inadequate fire safety, infrastructure, and emergency response mechanisms.

Scale of the Event & Government Estimates

100 million people were expected to attend the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya.
By 10 a.m. on January 29, around 36 million people had already completed the ritual.
Despite road closures, the surge overwhelmed the system, leading to chaos.

Governance & Administrative Failures

Delayed official response:
The Uttar Pradesh government was slow in announcing the casualties (30 dead, 60 injured).
This deviated from standard disaster response protocols, raising concerns over transparency.
Comparison with past failures:
Similar opacity was observed during the second COVID-19 wave (March 2021), when bodies were seen floating in the Ganga.
Pattern of recurring stampedes:
6th major stampede at the Kumbh Mela in the last 70 years.
Kumbh Mela is held every 3 years at one of four locations:
Prayagraj, Haridwar, Nashik, Ujjain.

Crowd Management & Technological Interventions

Use of aerial surveillance and mobile tracking to monitor movement.
The government aimed to manage a temporary population twice the size of Uttar Pradesh’s (200+ million) during Kumbh Mela.
Temporary district (65 km²) around Triveni Sangam:

The confluence area itself is only 1 km in diameter, requiring constant crowd monitoring.

4. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)

Context:

Launched in 2005, MGNREGS is a social security scheme aimed at providing employment opportunities and ensuring livelihood security for rural households.
The scheme guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

Key Objectives:

Enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment.
Create durable assets such as roads, canals, ponds, and wells.
Reduce rural-urban migration by providing rural households with employment opportunities within their vicinity.
Promote social inclusion and ensure the involvement of marginalized communities.

Implementation and Challenges:

Implemented by the Gram Panchayats; works include water conservation, afforestation, and rural infrastructure development.
The efficacy of the program is directly linked to the enthusiasm of the implementing government.
Budget allocations have been a challenge, with allocations decreasing from 3.2% of the GDP in FY21 to 1.78% in FY25 (BE).
Issues like wage delays and Aadhaar-based payment system challenges impact the scheme’s success.
Need for wage adjustments to match inflation rates to ensure adequate support for rural workers.

Impact and Benefits:

Provides sustenance to both rural workers and migrant labor returning to their rural homes post-lockdowns.
Helps in the creation of valuable village assets such as irrigation canals, rural roads, and water conservation facilities.

As a demand-driven exercise, it ensures disposable income for the village poor, contributing to the rural economy.

5. India-China Diplomatic Thaw: Key Developments and Analysis

Context

India and China have experienced strained relations, particularly following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which resulted in significant military and diplomatic tensions. Recent initiatives indicate a mutual effort to improve bilateral ties.

Recent Developments

Resumption of Direct Flights: After nearly five years, India and China have agreed to resume direct air services. Officials from both nations will negotiate the framework for these flights, aiming to enhance people-to-people connectivity and economic interactions.
Exchange of Journalists: Both countries have committed to facilitating the exchange of journalists, promoting better mutual understanding and accurate representation in media.
Border Patrol Agreement: In October 2024, India and China reached an agreement to resume border patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), aiming to de-escalate tensions and restore pre-2020 patrolling rights in regions like Depsang Plains and Demchok.
High-Level Meetings: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first formal bilateral meeting in five years during the BRICS summit in Russia, signaling a potential thaw in relations.

Analysis of Official Statements

The official statements from both countries highlight areas of convergence and divergence:

Convergences:
Commitment to Peace: Both nations emphasize the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility along the border areas.
Economic Cooperation: There’s a mutual recognition of the benefits of economic collaboration, with a focus on enhancing trade and connectivity.
Divergences:
Border Disputes: While India stresses the need for clear demarcation and adherence to the LAC, China’s statements are more focused on managing differences without explicitly addressing demarcation.
Strategic Intentions: India’s statements reflect concerns over China’s regional initiatives, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, whereas China emphasizes broader regional connectivity without addressing specific Indian apprehensions.

Implications for India

Strategic: The resumption of border patrolling and high-level dialogues may reduce immediate military tensions, allowing India to focus on other strategic priorities.
Economic: Renewed air connectivity and journalist exchanges could boost bilateral trade and tourism, contributing positively to India’s economy.

Diplomatic: Engaging with China through these initiatives may enhance India’s standing in regional and global forums, showcasing its commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes.

6. ISRO’s 100th Launch: Journey So Far & Upcoming Ventures

Introduction

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) celebrated its 100th successful launch, marking a major milestone in India’s space journey.
Established in 1969 under Vikram Sarabhai, ISRO has become a global leader in space technology and exploration.

Journey So Far: Major Achievements
Early Years (1970s – 1990s)

Aryabhata (1975) – First Indian satellite.
SLV-3 (1980) – First indigenous satellite launch vehicle, placed Rohini Satellite (RS-1) in orbit.
PSLV Development (1990s) – Became India’s workhorse for satellite launches.

Milestones in Space Technology (2000s – 2010s)

Chandrayaan-1 (2008) – India’s first lunar probe; discovered water molecules on the Moon.
Mangalyaan (2013) – First interplanetary mission to Mars; India became the first nation to reach Mars in its first attempt.
PSLV-C37 (2017) – Launched 104 satellites in a single mission, a world record at the time.

Recent Achievements (2020s – Present)

Chandrayaan-3 (2023) – Successfully landed near the lunar south pole, making India the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon.
Aditya-L1 (2023) – India’s first solar observatory mission.
Gaganyaan (Planned for 2024-25) – India’s first human spaceflight mission.

Upcoming Ventures
Human Spaceflight Program

Gaganyaan Mission (2024-25) – India’s first manned space mission with three astronauts.
Vyommitra – A humanoid robot to be sent on a precursor mission before human astronauts.

Lunar & Planetary Exploration

Chandrayaan-4 – A possible sample-return mission from the Moon.
Mangalyaan-2 – Advanced Mars mission in planning.
Shukrayaan-1 – Venus exploration mission to study the planet’s atmosphere and surface.

Commercial & Global Collaborations

NISAR (NASA-ISRO SAR Satellite) – Joint Earth observation satellite with NASA.
SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) – A cost-effective solution for launching small satellites.
Private Sector Collaboration – Encouraging startups like Agnikul & Skyroot in space technology.

Significance of ISRO’s Achievements

Self-Reliance in Space Technology – Reduced dependency on foreign agencies.
Boost to Economy – Commercial satellite launches generate revenue.
Scientific & Technological Growth – Advancements in Earth observation, communication, and space exploration.
Geopolitical Influence – Strengthens India’s position in global space diplomacy.