UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 January 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 January 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents 

GS Paper 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 January (2025)

1. UDISE+ 2023-24 Report

GS Paper 3:

2. Environment Summits of 2024

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. India Foreign Policy Tools

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Fighter Jet Generations

2. Year of Reforms

3. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

4. India Meteorological Department

5. Incineration

6. Nitrate Contamination

Mapping:

1. Saraswati River

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 January 2025

GS Paper 2 :

UDISE+ 2023-24 Report

Syllabus: Education

Source:  ET

Context: The Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+), a data aggregation platform under the Ministry of Education, has released its 2023-24 report.

About UDISE+:

• What it is: A comprehensive database for school education in India, launched to collect, analyze, and track data at the national level.
• Ministry: Ministry of Education, Government of India.
• Aim: To ensure transparency, monitor progress, and identify gaps in education through accurate, student-wise data collection.

Key data insights:

• Enrolment Drop (Overall):

• Enrolment Drop by Category:

Issues in Indian Education:

• Access and Retention: High dropout rates, particularly at the secondary level, hinder consistent student progression.
• Marginalized Communities: Significant enrolment declines among SC, ST, OBC, and minority groups indicate systemic inequities.
• Infrastructure Utilization: Uneven utilization of school infrastructure, with some states underusing resources while others face shortages.
• Quality of Education: Gaps in teacher training and availability reduce learning outcomes and student engagement.
• GER Decline: Gross Enrolment Ratios for marginalized groups have declined across foundational, preparatory, middle, and secondary levels.

Way Ahead:

• Policy Implementation: Strengthen NEP 2020 initiatives to achieve universal Gross enrolment ratio (GER) by 2030 and integrate skill-based learning.
• Inclusive Education: Ensure equitable access to education for SC, ST, OBC, and minority students through targeted programs.
• Teacher Training: Focus on enhancing teacher quality and bridging gaps in the student-teacher ratio.
• Infrastructure Optimization: Optimize school resources to align with enrolment trends and improve access.
• Monitoring and Data: Leverage student-wise data tracking to identify dropouts and allocate resources efficiently.

Conclusion:

The UDISE+ 2023-24 report highlights critical gaps in India’s education system, including declining enrolment and inequities in access. By focusing on inclusive policies, quality education, and infrastructure optimization, India can work towards a more robust and equitable education system.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 January 2025 GS Paper 3:

Environment Summits of 2024

Syllabus: Ecology

Source:  TH

 Context: In 2024, global environmental efforts faced a series of setbacks as key UN climate summits failed to deliver impactful resolutions.

2024 Climate Summits:

• Biodiversity (Colombia): Failed to finalize financing mechanisms for sustainable land-use practices, falling short of the $700 billion annual goal.
• Climate Change (Azerbaijan): Divisions over fossil fuel transition and inadequate funding pledges for developing nations.
• Land Degradation (Saudi Arabia): Lack of consensus on a legally binding drought protocol.
• Plastic Pollution (South Korea): No agreement due to opposition from nations reliant on plastic-based economies, favouring recycling over reduction.

Role of Youth in Environmental Pacts:

• Youth-led Litigation: Cases like Held v. Montana in the U.S. and Ridhima Pandey’s petition in India showcase youth challenging inadequate climate policies.
• Advocating Human Rights: Emphasizing climate inaction as a violation of rights, demanding systemic, science-based reforms.
• Global Movements: Young activists highlight intergenerational equity, inspiring governments and communities to prioritize sustainable policies.
• Courtroom Success: Landmark rulings in Canada, the Netherlands, and Germany highlight the potential of youth advocacy to shape policies.

Reasons for Summit Failures:

• Divergent Priorities: Developing nations demand greater financial and technological support, while developed nations cite domestic constraints.
• Economic Pressures: Global crises like inflation, geopolitical conflicts, and post-pandemic recovery divert attention and resources.
• Lack of Consensus: Disagreements on accountability frameworks and operational mechanisms stalled progress.
• Inequitable Commitments: Wealthier nations failed to meet financial and emission reduction targets.

Road Ahead:

• Climate Finance: Wealthier nations must honour commitments to fund and support developing countries.
• Integrated Strategies: Address interlinked issues like biodiversity loss, land degradation, and pollution alongside climate action.
• Accountability Mechanisms: Robust frameworks to track commitments and enforce agreements.
• Youth Inclusion: Amplify youth voices in policymaking to ensure equity and innovation in solutions.
• Focus on Implementation: Shift from pledges to actionable and measurable outcomes.

Conclusion:

The failures of 2024 highlight the need for urgent, unified global action on environmental issues. Empowering youth, ensuring equitable financial commitments, and prioritizing collaborative strategies can pave the way for meaningful progress.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 January 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

India Foreign Policy Tools

Context: India’s foreign policy has evolved over decades, drawing from its civilizational ethos and adapting to modern global challenges.

Foreign Policy Ideas for the 21st Century:

• Viswamitra Model:
  • Concept: Aimed at achieving a global leadership role by balancing strategic alliances and independent decision-making.
  • Approach: Leverage India’s civilizational ethos while focusing on economic growth, technological innovation, and military modernization.
• Tightrope Balance:
  • Concept: Maintain strategic autonomy by balancing relations with major powers like the U.S., Russia, and China.
  • Approach: Navigate regional conflicts and global competition without aligning fully with any bloc.
• Soft Power Diplomacy:
  • Concept: Use cultural, historical, and spiritual assets to build goodwill globally.
  • Approach: Promote yoga, Ayurveda, Bollywood, and Indian languages; strengthen ties with the diaspora to enhance India’s global influence.
• Humanitarian Diplomacy:
  • Concept: Extend India’s role in global crisis management and developmental aid.
  • Approach: Provide disaster relief, medical aid, and capacity-building programs in developing nations; showcase India as a responsible global leader.

Relevance for UPSC:

• GS Paper II (International Relations): Questions on India’s bilateral/multilateral engagements and evolving global role.
• Essay Paper: Topics on soft power, non-alignment, or India-China relations.
• Case Studies in Ethics: Application of diplomacy and negotiation techniques in conflict resolution.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 January 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Fighter Jet Generations

Source:  IE

 Context: Unverified images of what is being termed as a Chinese sixth-generation fighter aircraft have gone viral on social media.

About Generation in Fighter Jet:

The concept of “generations” in fighter jets classifies them based on technological advancements and the era of development. Each generation reflects significant innovations in speed, stealth, avionics, and weaponry, shaping the future of aerial warfare.

Generations of Fighter Jets:

Nations with 5th Generation Fighters:

• United States: F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II.
• Russia: Sukhoi Su-57.
• China: Chengdu J-20.
• India (Developing): AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft)

Insta links:

Year of Reforms

Source:  PIB

 Context: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’ to transform India’s Armed Forces into a technologically advanced, combat-ready force.

About Year of Reforms:

• What it is: A year-long initiative by the MoD to implement transformative reforms in India’s defence sector.
• Aim: Modernizing Armed Forces for multi-domain operations, enhanced jointness, and improved defence preparedness.
• Declared by: Ministry of Defence.
• Key Features:

• 1. Integration and Jointness: Focus on establishing Integrated Theatre Commands for operational efficiency.
  2. Emerging Technologies: Prioritize AI, robotics, hypersonic, cyber, and space domains for futuristic capabilities.
  3. Simplified Acquisitions: Streamline procurement processes for faster capability development.
  4. Defence Export Focus: Position India as a global defence exporter by fostering R&D and public-private partnerships.
  5. Veterans’ Welfare: Optimize welfare measures for veterans while leveraging their expertise.
  6. Collaboration: Enhance civil-military coordination and facilitate technology transfer between defence and civil industries.

Insta links:

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

Source:  DD News

 Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) until 2025-26, allocating ₹69,515 crore.

About Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana:

• Launched in: 2016 by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• Objective:

• • Provide insurance coverage for crop losses caused by natural calamities.
  • Stabilize farmers’ income and ensure continuance in farming.
  • Promote modern agricultural practices and encourage credit flow to agriculture.

• Premium rates:

• • Kharif crops: 2% of the sum insured.
  • Rabi crops: 1.5% of the sum insured.
  • Commercial/horticultural crops: 5% of the sum insured.
  • Balance premium subsidized equally by the Central and State Governments.

• Area-based approach:

• • Coverage is implemented on a notified area basis for major crops.
  • Unit of insurance: Village/Village Panchayat level for major crops.

• Beneficiary coverage:

• • All farmers growing notified crops with insurable interest.
  • Voluntary participation from Kharif 2020.

• Risks covered:

• • Yield Losses: Due to natural calamities like hailstorms, cyclones, droughts, floods, and pest attacks.
  • Prevented Sowing: Claims up to 25% of the insured sum for adverse weather.
  • Post-Harvest Losses: Coverage for up to 14 days for drying crops.
  • Localized Risks: Hailstorm, landslides, and inundation affecting specific farms.

• Key features:

• • Technology Use: Satellite imagery, drones, remote sensing, and AI for yield assessment.
  • YES-TECH Initiative: Technology-based yield estimation to reduce dependency on crop-cutting experiments.
  • No Upper Limit: Government subsidy without a cap.
  • Ease of Reporting: Farmers can report crop loss within 72 hours via the Crop Insurance App.

Insta links:

India Meteorological Department

Source:  TH

Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875, has played a critical role in weather forecasting and climate services in India for nearly 150 years.

About India Meteorological Department (IMD):

• What it is: The IMD is India’s national weather service agency responsible for meteorological observations, forecasting, and research.
• Established in: 1875, following critical weather events like the 1864 Calcutta cyclone and monsoon failures in 1866 and 1871.
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
• Ministry: Under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• History:

• • Origins: Began with provincial observatories in the 18th century (e.g., Madras Observatory, 1793).
  • Centralization: Unified meteorological services under a central authority in 1875.

• Functions:

• • Weather Forecasting: Short-term and long-term predictions for agriculture, aviation, and disaster management.
  • Cyclone Warnings: Specialized cyclone prediction for the Indian Ocean region.
  • Data Collection: Operates regional and state-level meteorological centres and over 700 observatories.
  • Climate Research: Studies climate change impacts, extreme weather, and monsoon dynamics.
  • Sectoral Services: Supports aviation, shipping, fisheries, and flood management with real-time data.

Insta links:

Incineration

Source:  TH

Context: Spill-free trucks carrying 337 tonnes of chemical waste from the Bhopal gas tragedy are set to reach Pithampur, where the waste will be incinerated within three to nine months.

About Incineration:

• What it is: Incineration is the controlled combustion of waste in high-temperature furnaces to reduce volume, neutralize hazardous materials, and recover energy.
• Procedure:

• • Combustion: Waste is burned at temperatures exceeding 850°C for complete destruction of toxins.
  • Energy Recovery: Heat from combustion generates steam, which powers turbines for electricity production.
  • Exhaust Gas Cleaning: Advanced systems like scrubbers and bag house filters remove harmful pollutants from emissions.
  • Ash Residue Handling: Bottom ash is recycled or landfilled, while fly ash is treated with chemicals before disposal.

• Advantages:

• • Energy Generation: Produces electricity and heat from waste combustion.
  • Space-Saving: Reduces landfill dependency in densely populated areas.
  • Pollution Control: Modern systems ensure minimal environmental impact by capturing emissions.
  • Resource Recovery: Produces materials like paving bricks and activated carbon.
  • Safe Disposal: Effectively neutralizes hazardous materials.

• Limitations:

• • Harmful Emissions: Releases dioxins, furans, and other toxins if not properly maintained.
  • Health Risks: Linked to respiratory issues and carcinogenic effects near poorly managed plants.
  • Air and Water Pollution: Residual ash and flue gases can contaminate the environment.
  • High Costs: Advanced incinerators require significant investment and maintenance.
  • Inefficiency with Moisture: Wet waste in India reduces calorific efficiency.

Insta links:

Nitrate Contamination

Source:  TH

Context: Excess nitrate contamination in groundwater poses a serious health hazard, particularly in India, where over 440 districts report unsafe nitrate levels as of 2023.

About Nitrate:

• What it is: A naturally occurring nitrogen compound essential for biological processes, but harmful in excess.
• Sources:

• • Natural Sources: Soil organic matter decomposition.
  • Anthropogenic Sources: Overuse of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, improper sewage disposal, and livestock waste.

• Causes of Nitrate Contamination:

• • Agriculture: Leaching of fertilizers into groundwater.
  • Poor Waste Management: Improper disposal of human and animal waste.
  • Industrial Effluents: Discharge of untreated nitrogen-rich wastewater.

• Impacts of Nitrate Contamination:

• • Health Hazards:
    1. Causes methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome) in infants.
    2. Linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and endocrine disorders.
  • Environmental Toxicity:
    1. Disrupts aquatic ecosystems through eutrophication.
    2. Contributes to soil degradation and water toxicity.

• State-Wise Contamination: Rajasthan (49%), Karnataka (48%), Tamil Nadu (37%).

Insta links:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 January 2025 Mapping:

Saraswati River

Source:  TOI

Context: A sudden geological event in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan caused water and gas to erupt during tube well drilling, igniting debate about the resurfacing of the Saraswati River.

About Saraswati River:

• Origin and flow:

• • Originates from Kapal Tirith in the Himalayas, near Kailash, flowing southward towards Mansarovar.
  • Passes through Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, with traces seen near Badrinath, Uttarakhand.
  • Saraswati river is also known as Guptagamini river.

• Historical Context:

• • Mentioned in the Rigveda, particularly in the Nadistuti Sukta hymn, as a “perfect mother and supreme goddess.”
  • Played a vital role in the Harappan Civilization, with numerous settlements along its course.

• Ghaggar-Hakra River System:

• • Believed to be the remnant of the Saraswati River.
  • The Ghaggar originates from the Shivalik Hills in Himachal Pradesh and flows through Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
  • Post the Ottu barrage, it becomes the Hakra River, which dries up in the Thar Desert.

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