24th JANUARY, 2025 A.) Industrial Clusters and Clean Energy Infrastructure WHY IN NEWS - A report released by the World Economic Forum (WEF) highlights the role of industrial clusters, including Gopalpur Industrial Park, Kakinada Cluster, Kerala Green Hydrogen Valley, Mundra Cluster, and Mumbai Green Hydrogen Cluster, in promoting economic growth and clean energy infrastructure. Background Industrial clusters are geographically concentrated areas where interconnected industries, companies, and institutions collaborate to drive economic growth. These clusters benefit from economies of scale, shared risks, and demand optimization, offering unique advantages based on their location, context, and member composition. Details Role of Industrial Clusters: • Provide economies of scale, reducing production costs. • Enable shared risk among industries. • Optimize demand aggregation for resources like clean energy. • Enhance collaboration driven by local context and member expertise. Challenges to Clean Energy Infrastructure Development: 1. Green Premium Issue: o Example: Green ammonia production costs in 2023 were nearly three times higher than production using fossil fuels. 2. Fragmentation in Standards, Certifications, and Policies: o Example: There are 34 certification schemes globally for hydrogen and its derivatives, leading to inefficiencies. 3. Other Issues: o Lack of strong market demand for clean energy solutions. o Gaps in governance, data protocols, and regulatory controls, hindering coordinated efforts. Industrial clusters can act as drivers of clean energy transformation, but overcoming these challenges is critical for sustainable infrastructure development.   B.) National Girl Child Day WHY IN NEWS - National Girl Child Day, celebrated annually on January 24, is an initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development to promote awareness about the rights, education, health, and nutrition of the girl child. Background • The day focuses on promoting the position of girls in society and ensuring a better standard of living for them. • It emphasizes the importance of education, health, and nutrition for girls while raising awareness about their rights. Key Schemes for Girl Child 1. NPS Vatsalya Scheme (2024): o A pension scheme for children aged 0 to 18 years. o Parents can deposit a minimum of ₹1,000 per month, with no maximum limit. o The account, managed by parents until the child turns 18, can later be converted into a regular NPS account or a non-NPS scheme. o Regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory Authority of India (PFRDA). 2. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP): o Launched in 2015, it completed 10 years on January 22, 2024. o Aimed at addressing the decline in Child Sex Ratio and empowering girls. o Provides 100% central assistance to states for improving nutrition, school attendance, and infrastructure for girls. 3. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (2015): o Part of the BBBP campaign, it helps parents save for their daughter's education and marriage. o Open to parents of girl children aged 10 years or younger. o Allows annual deposits between ₹250 and ₹1.5 lakh for 15 years. o The account matures after 21 years, providing long-term financial security. 4. CBSE Udaan Scheme (2014): o Launched by CBSE under the Ministry of Education to address low enrollment of women in STEM fields. o Provides free tutorials for students of classes 11 and 12 to prepare for engineering entrance exams like JEE. These initiatives aim to empower the girl child, ensuring access to education, financial support, and opportunities for a brighter future.   C.) PM JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan) WHY IN NEWS - The PM JANMAN scheme, launched on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (15th November 2023), focuses on accelerating tribal development by addressing critical needs like housing, health, and livelihoods. Background • Aims to bridge developmental gaps in tribal areas through 11 critical interventions implemented by 9 line ministries/departments. • Part of the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST). Details Key Features of PM JANMAN: • Objective: Address disparities in tribal regions by: o Constructing pucca houses. o Deploying mobile medical units. o Establishing health and wellness centres. o Setting up Van Dhan Vikas Kendras. • Budget Allocation: ~₹24,000 crore for three years (2023–24 to 2025–26). • Focus on rural development, PVTG hostels, and drinking water supply. Challenges Faced by PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups): 1. Structural Discrimination: o Perceived as "primitive" and often labelled as "hostile." 2. Land Alienation: o Loss of land and forest resources, leading to bonded labor. o Poor implementation of the Forest Rights Act (2006) denies land rights. 3. Health Issues: o High infant and maternal mortality rates, malnutrition, and anemia. 4. Educational Barriers: o Education systems fail to align with tribal cultural knowledge. Initiatives to Support Tribal Development: 1. Article 275(1): Provides grants-in-aid for tribal welfare from the Consolidated Fund of India. 2. Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA): Enhances socio-economic conditions in tribal-majority villages. 3. Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAAGY): Aims to transform tribal-majority villages into model villages. About PVTGs: • Among the most marginalized tribal communities. • 75 identified PVTGs are spread across 18 states and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. • Criteria for Identification: o Pre-agricultural level of technology. o Low literacy levels. o Economic backwardness. o Declining or stagnant population. PM JANMAN and related initiatives aim to uplift tribal communities, especially PVTGs, by addressing socio-economic disparities and ensuring their holistic development.   D.) Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) WHY IN NEWS - India’s Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) progresses with plans to deploy a manned submersible capable of reaching depths of 500 meters, with the ultimate goal of 6,000 meters, marking a significant milestone in deep-sea exploration. Background • Launched in 2021, DOM is a flagship five-year program aimed at unlocking ocean resources and advancing India's capabilities in marine technology. • The Ministry of Earth Sciences is the nodal agency. • DOM is one of the nine missions identified by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC). • India also launched its Manned Ocean Mission Samudrayan in Chennai for deep-sea explorations. Details Aim: • Harness critical minerals, rare metals, and marine biodiversity from the deep ocean while addressing climate and energy challenges. Key Pillars of the Mission: 1. Development of Deep-Sea Mining Technologies: o A manned submersible (capacity: 3 persons) designed to operate at depths of 6,000 meters. o Equipped with sensors and tools for mining polymetallic nodules. 2. Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services: o Utilizes ocean observation systems and models to monitor and predict oceanic changes. 3. Exploration and Conservation of Deep-Sea Biodiversity: o Promotes technological innovations to study and conserve unique marine ecosystems. 4. Deep-Ocean Survey for Minerals: o Focuses on identifying multi-metal hydrothermal sulphides along the Indian Ocean mid-oceanic ridges. 5. Energy and Freshwater Harvesting: o Exploring innovative ways to derive energy and freshwater from oceanic resources. 6. Marine Station for Ocean Biology: o Establishes an advanced facility to boost research in ocean biology and blue biotechnology. Significance: • Resource Unlocking: Provides access to critical materials like polymetallic nodules and rare earth elements essential for high-tech industries. • Climate Impact: Enhances understanding of ocean climate change and its global implications. • Strategic Positioning: Strengthens India’s role in global deep-sea exploration and blue economy leadership. DOM represents India's commitment to sustainable ocean exploration, technological advancement, and tapping into the vast potential of marine resources.   E.) 76th Republic Day Celebration: "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas" WHY IN NEWS India prepares to celebrate its 76th Republic Day under the theme “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Legacy and Progress), reflecting on the core values of the Constitution as enshrined in the Preamble. Background The concept of “constitutional patriotism”, first introduced by German social theorist Jürgen Habermas in the 1990s, has gained a distinct interpretation in India. The Preamble to the Indian Constitution embodies the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, making constitutional patriotism a unique expression of loyalty to democratic principles. Key Takeaways from the Preamble 1. Opening Words: “We, the people of India” Represents the sovereign will of the people. Contrasts with populist movements that often misuse the term "the people" to justify undemocratic actions. Implies constitutional mediation to safeguard against tyranny and ensure a balanced approach to governance. 2. Core Terms in the Preamble Sovereign It signifies supremacy of power, with the state claiming absolute authority and tolerating no power above it. It also ensures internal integrity, preventing threats of insubordination within the nation. Sovereignty is expressed through Parliament, representing the will of the people via universal adult franchise. Socialist This term was introduced through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976). Dr. B.R. Ambedkar opposed its inclusion, arguing that it might limit future governments' flexibility. The term reflects the government's commitment to reducing inequality and ensuring distributive justice. Secular Secularism does not negate religion but ensures equal respect and treatment for all religions. It reflects India’s dedication to religious harmony and neutrality in matters of faith. Republic The term implies that the head of state is elected, distinguishing India from monarchies like the United Kingdom. It reinforces India’s identity as a democratic republic. 3. Judicial Interpretation of the Preamble Keshavananda Bharati Case (1973): This landmark Supreme Court ruling declared the Preamble as part of the Constitution. It introduced the “Basic Structure Doctrine”, ensuring that the fundamental features of the Constitution cannot be altered by amendments. Berubari Union Case (1960): This earlier ruling held that the Preamble was not part of the Constitution. However, it was overruled by the Keshavananda Bharati judgement, which acknowledged the Preamble's integral role in constitutional law. Significance of the Preamble The Preamble serves as the vision statement for the Constitution, guiding legislative, executive, and judicial actions. It ensures a progressive, inclusive, and secular democracy, fostering harmony and justice across India’s diverse society. Conclusion As India celebrates its 76th Republic Day, the theme of "Swarnim Bharat" underscores the nation's journey of legacy and progress rooted in the ideals of the Preamble. The celebration reaffirms India’s commitment to constitutional values and its democratic ethos.   F.) Integrated Financial System Report: Addressing Fragmentation in Global Financial Systems WHY IN NEWS – A recent report emphasizes the need for an integrated financial system and provides key recommendations for policymakers to address global financial system (GFS) fragmentation. Fragmentation of Global Financial Systems Meaning Fragmentation refers to the degree of differences across jurisdictions in: • Prices of economically identical or similar assets. • Restrictions on the free movement of capital across borders. It leads to increased tariffs, economic sanctions, and export controls, hampering cross-border investments and collaboration. Recent Trends in GFS Fragmentation 1. Economic Statecraft o States increasingly use economic tools such as sanctions, quotas, and tariffs to achieve foreign policy and domestic objectives. 2. Rising Multipolarity o The US dollar’s share in global reserves declined from 71% in 1999 to 58% in 2024, signaling a shift toward currency diversification. 3. Geopolitical Events o The COVID-19 pandemic caused supply chain disruptions. o Countries adopted industrial policies like "Made in China 2025" to boost domestic resilience, contributing to fragmentation. 4. Weakening Global Governance o Since 2019, the WTO Appellate Body has been unable to issue rulings, leading to the rise of regional trade blocs over global trade frameworks. Issues Associated with GFS Fragmentation 1. Macroeconomic Impact o Global output may decline by 5% of GDP in the short term due to inefficiencies and trade restrictions. 2. Impact on Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs) o EMDEs face reduced access to capital and investments, forcing reliance on non-regulated alternatives outside international systems. 3. Impact on Financial Institutions o Institutions face reduced capacity for financial intermediation and increased exposure to risks such as credit, currency fluctuations, and insolvency. Key Recommendations for Promoting GFS Integration 1. Upholding Rule of Law o Enforce respect for property and financial ownership rights to ensure fair and consistent treatment across jurisdictions. 2. Standardization of Regulations o Harmonize regulations governing cross-border capital flows, services, goods, and data to encourage seamless integration. 3. Regular Stress Testing o Conduct stress tests to evaluate and mitigate the negative externalities caused by financial fragmentation. Promoting global financial integration is crucial to enhancing economic stability, fostering equitable development, and addressing the challenges posed by a fragmented global financial system.