Current Affairs - February 2, 2025 Current Affairs

WHO recommends bringing daily sodium intake below 2g per person to reduce the risks associated with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The guideline focuses on using low-sodium salt substitutes (LSSS) that reduce sodium chloride content and incorporate potassium chloride. This approach aims to lower sodium consumption while promoting healthier vascular function, especially since high sodium intake is linked to conditions like hypertension, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases. However, it excludes certain groups such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with kidney disease due to the risks of high potassium levels.

In 2017, the FDA approved the first gene therapy for blindness caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene, marking a major breakthrough in the treatment of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). This approval has opened the door to gene therapies for other genetic eye disorders, with over 50 clinical trials currently underway. Gene therapies and RNA-based therapies are emerging as promising treatments, offering hope to patients with conditions like Stargardt disease and Leber congenital amaurosis, and expanding options for addressing inherited vision loss.

Nirmala Sitharaman has made history by presenting her 8th consecutive Union Budget on February 1, 2025. This sets a new record for the highest number of back-to-back budget presentations by any finance minister in India's history. Her tenure also marks the first budget under the Modi 3.0 government and reflects her significant role as India’s first full-time woman Finance Minister, continuing her impactful career in the country's financial landscape.

The King of Bhutan visited India to enhance the bilateral relationship between the two countries, particularly focusing on economic and cultural cooperation. During the visit, key outcomes included strengthening cooperation on Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan, support for sustainable economic projects like the Mindfulness City, and progress in hydropower cooperation, such as the Punatshangchhu-II project. Additionally, the inauguration of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Darranga in Assam is expected to improve cross-border connectivity, tourism, and economic activities between Bhutan's eastern region and Assam.

The Ordnance Clothing Factory (OCF), Avadi, executed India's first defence export order to the Republic of Suriname. This marks a significant milestone in India's defence exports, which have seen substantial growth, rising from Rs 2,000 crore in 2014 to over Rs 21,000 crore in 2023-24. Suriname, located on the northeastern coast of South America, has historical ties with India dating back to the colonial period when Indians were brought as indentured labourers. The order includes advanced military gear like lightweight camouflage uniforms and ballistic helmets to enhance soldier mobility.

The study on the impact of coal mining dust on plants, particularly how it harms plant stomata and reduces carbon absorption, was conducted by the University of Southampton in collaboration with NIT Rourkela. The research found that the dust, which can affect vegetation up to 30 km from the mine, significantly reduces carbon uptake in plants and obstructs their stomata, leading to poor plant health and ecosystem damage. The study highlights the broader environmental and ecological consequences of coal mining dust on plant life and carbon cycles.

A study published in the European Journal of Human Genetics revised the migration timeline of the Nicobarese people to the Nicobar Islands. Previous estimates suggested they arrived over 11,000 years ago, but the new study, using advanced DNA analysis, corrected the timeline to approximately 5,000 years ago. The study also revealed that the Nicobarese share genetic links with the Htin Mal community of Southeast Asia, supporting the theory that their ancestors migrated from Southeast Asia rather than South Asia.

Solan district is located in Himachal Pradesh and lies in two distinct agro-climatic zones—sub-tropical low hills and sub-temperate mid hills. These zones influence the region's agricultural practices, which currently rely on hybrid seeds, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides. However, these methods contribute to environmental degradation and increased production costs. The state is now transitioning to natural farming, focusing on sustainability, climate resilience, and improving soil health, with practices like Jeevamrit and mulching.

In the Union Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced a significant reform where individuals earning up to ₹12 lakh will not be required to pay any income tax under the new tax regime. This move aims to provide relief to the middle class and stimulate economic growth by increasing disposable income and encouraging higher consumer spending. Additionally, salaried individuals have a slightly higher exemption limit of ₹12.75 lakh, considering the standard deduction of ₹75,000.

According to a study published in the journal Science, India's tiger population has increased by 30% over the past two decades. This rise is considered a major conservation success, with the tiger count rising from 1,411 in 2006 to 2,967 in 2018. The increase is attributed to effective conservation efforts, including the establishment of protected areas, land-sparing strategies, and strong legislative support. The recovery also highlights the potential for human-wildlife coexistence in areas with effective conservation management.

India has recently added four new wetlands to the Ramsar List, bringing the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 89. These include Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand, Sikkim’s first Ramsar site, a wetland in Gujarat, and another in Northeast India. This expansion highlights India’s ongoing efforts to conserve important wetlands, which are vital for biodiversity and the health of local ecosystems. The addition of these sites marks a significant milestone in the country’s environmental conservation journey.