UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 February 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 February 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 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 February (2025)
• Naxalism
Naxalism
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• AI in Governance
AI in Governance
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• BIMSTEC Youth Summit
BIMSTEC Youth Summit
• International Criminal Court (ICC)
International Criminal Court (ICC)
• The South Coast Railway Zone
The South Coast Railway Zone
• National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)
National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)
• SRY Gene
SRY Gene
• Study on Chandrayaan-3’s Landing Site
Study on Chandrayaan-3’s Landing Site
• Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
Mapping:
• Cook Islands
Cook Islands
• Namibia
Namibia
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 February 2025
#### GS Paper 3 :
Naxalism
Syllabus: Naxalism
Source: PIB
Context: Security forces eliminated 31 Naxalites in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, marking a major success in the government’s mission to make India Naxal-free by March 31, 2026.
Understanding Naxalism:
• Definition: Naxalism refers to Left-Wing Extremist (LWE) movements inspired by Maoist ideology, advocating armed rebellion against the state.
• Reasons Behind Naxalism: Land Disputes & Exploitation: Marginalized tribal communities face displacement due to mining, industrialization, and lack of land rights. Economic Inequality: Lack of basic infrastructure, employment, and access to education fuels discontent. Political Alienation: Weak governance and failure to integrate tribal areas into mainstream development policies. Weak Law Enforcement: Poor police presence in remote areas allows Naxals to establish control. External Support: Naxalite groups receive funding, arms, and training from sympathizers within and outside India.
• Land Disputes & Exploitation: Marginalized tribal communities face displacement due to mining, industrialization, and lack of land rights.
• Economic Inequality: Lack of basic infrastructure, employment, and access to education fuels discontent.
• Political Alienation: Weak governance and failure to integrate tribal areas into mainstream development policies.
• Weak Law Enforcement: Poor police presence in remote areas allows Naxals to establish control.
• External Support: Naxalite groups receive funding, arms, and training from sympathizers within and outside India.
Key Security Measures Taken So Far: (Source: Ministry of Home Affairs Annual Report)
• Administrative Actions
• Ban on CPI (Maoist) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, restricting its operations and funding. Creation of NIA LWE Division to fast-track prosecution of Naxal cases. Strengthening Inter-State Coordination for intelligence sharing and joint operations.
• Ban on CPI (Maoist) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, restricting its operations and funding.
• Creation of NIA LWE Division to fast-track prosecution of Naxal cases.
• Strengthening Inter-State Coordination for intelligence sharing and joint operations.
• Welfare & Development Initiatives
• Special Central Assistance (SCA): ₹3,450 crore allocated to develop critical infrastructure in 25 most-affected LWE districts. Road Connectivity Projects: Over 5,148 km of roads built to improve access to remote areas. Skill Development & Employment: Establishment of 48 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 68 Skill Development Centers (SDCs). Financial Inclusion: Opening of 2,796 bank branches and 4,903 post offices in LWE-affected districts.
• Special Central Assistance (SCA): ₹3,450 crore allocated to develop critical infrastructure in 25 most-affected LWE districts.
• Road Connectivity Projects: Over 5,148 km of roads built to improve access to remote areas.
• Skill Development & Employment: Establishment of 48 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 68 Skill Development Centers (SDCs).
• Financial Inclusion: Opening of 2,796 bank branches and 4,903 post offices in LWE-affected districts.
• Military & Strategic Countermeasures
• Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in high-risk zones. Fortification of 250 Police Stations in LWE-affected states to ensure better security. Counter-IED Operations to tackle landmine threats, reducing security force casualties. Use of UAVs and Helicopters to track and neutralize Maoist strongholds.
• Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in high-risk zones.
• Fortification of 250 Police Stations in LWE-affected states to ensure better security.
• Counter-IED Operations to tackle landmine threats, reducing security force casualties.
• Use of UAVs and Helicopters to track and neutralize Maoist strongholds.
Progress and Impact
• Sharp Decline in Naxal Incidents: 48% reduction in violent incidents (from 1,136 in 2013 to 594 in 2023).
• Fewer Casualties: 65% decline in deaths (from 397 in 2013 to 138 in 2023).
• Shrinking Naxal Influence: Maoist violence is now limited to 25 districts, down from 76 districts in 2013.
• Increased Surrenders: A large number of Maoist cadres abandoning violence and reintegrating into society.
Challenges in Eliminating Naxalism:
• Guerrilla Warfare Tactics: Naxalites use forests, landmines, and surprise attacks, making counterinsurgency difficult.
• Tribal Distrust of Authorities: Decades of neglect have led to deep-rooted resentment, which Maoists exploit.
• Political & Ideological Support: Urban sympathizers continue to fund and justify the movement.
• Infrastructure Sabotage: Maoists target schools, roads, telecom towers, and other government projects to halt development.
• Limited Economic Alternatives: Lack of sustainable employment and education keeps Naxal ideology alive in affected regions.
Way Forward:
• Sustained Military Action: Security forces must continue targeted operations while improving intelligence networks.
• Community Engagement: Tribal populations should be involved in governance to build trust and cooperation.
• Focused Development Initiatives: Government should accelerate road, telecom, and employment projects to integrate remote areas.
• De-radicalization Programs: Skill training and education campaigns should be launched to prevent youth recruitment.
• Political Will & Coordination: Stronger inter-state and central-state collaboration will ensure a unified approach against LWE.
Conclusion:
A balanced approach of military action and socio-economic upliftment is necessary to completely eradicate Naxalism by 2026. The recent success in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh, signals a step closer to achieving a Naxal-free India while ensuring peace, security, and prosperity in the affected regions.
• What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (UPSC-2020)
• Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE. (UPSC-2018)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 February 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
AI in Governance
Context: The AI-powered National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has led to 10 times increase in grievance calls, showing how AI is improving consumer services.
• The resolution time for complaints has also dropped from 66 days in 2023 to 48 days in 2024, making the system faster and more effective.
Key Benefits of AI in Governance:
• Quicker Complaint Resolution: The AI-powered NCH handled 1,55,138 calls in December 2024, compared to just 12,553 in 2015. Monthly complaints resolved increased from 37,062 in 2017 to 1,12,468 in 2024.
• Better Problem Solving: AI studies consumer complaints to find patterns and helps the government fix common issues quickly.
• More Efficient Services: Over 1,038 companies are now actively resolving complaints through AI, leading to faster results.
• Predicting Future Problems: AI can identify repeating problems and help policymakers take action before they get worse.
• Stronger Consumer Rights: Digital complaints increased from 54,893 in FY 2023-24 to 68,831 in FY 2024-25, showing more people trust AI-driven services.
Relevance in UPSC exams:
• GS Paper 2 (Governance & Social Justice): AI’s role in improving public services and accountability.
• GS Paper 3 (Science & Tech): How AI is used in governance, cybersecurity, and data analysis.
• Essay & Ethics Paper: AI’s impact on better governance, fairness, and digital inclusion.
• Case Studies: AI-driven grievance redressal systems as an example of good governance.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 February 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
BIMSTEC Youth Summit
Source: BS
Context: The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports officially inaugurated the first BIMSTEC Youth Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, focused on promoting cooperation and developing leadership abilities among the youth from BIMSTEC nations.
About BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025:
• Origin: BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025 was conceptualized or proposed during the 4th BIMSTEC Summit (Held in Nepal).
• Host: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
• Organised by: The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Ministry of External Affairs, with the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Young Indians (CII YI) as the knowledge partner.
• Theme: ‘Youth as a bridge for intra-BIMSTEC exchange’
• Aim: The Summit provides a platform for young leaders from BIMSTEC nations to engage in discussions on regional cooperation and emerging challenges.
• Key Features & Functions: Leadership & Skill Development: Focus on training youth in AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and digital technologies. Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Proposal to create a regional startup network within BIMSTEC nations. Youth Policy & Governance: Sessions on policy discussions for regional youth empowerment. Cultural & Heritage Exchange: Promoting mutual cooperation through cultural engagements and visits like Dandi Kutir. Sustainable Development & Digital Growth: Discussions on technology, climate resilience, and economic sustainability. Viksit Bharat @2047: India’s vision of a developed nation by 2047, chaired by Raksha Khadse.
• Leadership & Skill Development: Focus on training youth in AI, robotics, cybersecurity, and digital technologies.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Proposal to create a regional startup network within BIMSTEC nations.
• Youth Policy & Governance: Sessions on policy discussions for regional youth empowerment.
• Cultural & Heritage Exchange: Promoting mutual cooperation through cultural engagements and visits like Dandi Kutir.
• Sustainable Development & Digital Growth: Discussions on technology, climate resilience, and economic sustainability.
• Viksit Bharat @2047: India’s vision of a developed nation by 2047, chaired by Raksha Khadse.
About BIMSTEC:
• Established: 6 June 1997 (Formed under the Bangkok Declaration as BIST-EC)
• Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh (Permanent Secretariat since 2014)
• Founding Declaration: BIMSTEC Declaration (2004)
• Member Countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand
• Current Secretary-General: Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey (India)
International Criminal Court (ICC)
Source: TH
Context: The International Criminal Court (ICC) is in the spotlight after U.S. President imposed sanctions for investigations that threaten the ‘national security’ of Washington and its allies, which include Israel.
About International Criminal Court (ICC):
• Established: It was established in 2002 under the Rome Statute.
• Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
• Jurisdiction: Prosecutes individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression
• Members: 125 countries; major non-members include the U.S., China, Russia, India, and Israel
Working Procedure:
• Referral Mechanisms: Cases can be referred by member states, the UN Security Council, or initiated by the ICC Prosecutor
• Complementarity Principle: Acts only when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute
• Investigation & Trial Process: The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) examines referrals, gathers evidence, and initiates prosecutions Judicial Divisions oversee pre-trial, trial, and appeals proceedings Registry handles administrative functions
• The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) examines referrals, gathers evidence, and initiates prosecutions
• Judicial Divisions oversee pre-trial, trial, and appeals proceedings
• Registry handles administrative functions
Functions & Powers:
• Prosecutes individuals for grave international crimes.
• Issues arrest warrants for those responsible for human rights violations.
• Cooperates with nations and organizations for legal assistance and enforcement.
• Ensures justice when national courts fail to act.
The South Coast Railway Zone
Source: IE
Context: The Union Cabinet recently approved splitting the Waltair Railway Division. This division is one of the highest revenue zones for Indian Railways. The split will create the new South Coast Railway Zone (SCoR).
About South Coast Railway Zone (SCoR):
• Established in: 2025 (approved by the Union Cabinet on February 7, 2025).
• Headquarters: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Jurisdiction: Covers parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, including key divisions like Vijayawada, Guntur, and Visakhapatnam.
• Reason for Bifurcation: The government implemented this to meet the goals of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. It aims to improve logistics, boost industrial growth, and enhance tourism in the area.
About Waltair Railway Division:
• Earlier under the East Coast Railway.
• Generates high revenue because of freight traffic from mining and steel industries in Odisha and Chhattisgarh.
• The government split Waltair Railway Division into two parts: One part is now Visakhapatnam Railway Division, added to the new railway zone. New Division: The second part will be a new division. It will have its headquarters in Rayagada, Odisha, under the East Coast Railway.
• One part is now Visakhapatnam Railway Division, added to the new railway zone.
• New Division: The second part will be a new division. It will have its headquarters in Rayagada, Odisha, under the East Coast Railway.
Additional information:
• The Indian Railways have 70 divisions under its 17 zones. Recent addition is Jammu Railway division. If you include Metro Railway and Kolkata India has 19 zones in total.
• Recent addition is Jammu Railway division.
• If you include Metro Railway and Kolkata India has 19 zones in total.
• Each zone has a General Manager (GM) in charge. A Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) leads each division.
National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)
Source: News on Air
Context: The Cabinet has extended the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for three more years, till March 31, 2028. The extension aims to improve the working conditions of sanitation workers and eliminate manual scavenging.
About National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK):
• What it is: A government body working for the welfare of Safai Karamcharis (sanitation workers)
• Established in: 1994 under the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Ministry Under: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• Aim: Ensure the social, economic, and working condition improvement of sanitation workers and eliminate manual scavenging
• Headed by: Chairperson (Rank: Minister of State), Vice-Chairperson, and five members
• Powers & Functions of NCSK: Recommends welfare programs to eliminate inequalities for Safai Karamcharis Monitors the implementation of social and economic rehabilitation schemes. Investigates complaints of scheme violations, unsafe working conditions, or discrimination. Evaluates safety standards in sanitation work and makes recommendations. Takes suo motu action on issues affecting Safai Karamcharis. Advises governments on policy and legal measures to safeguard sanitation workers. Oversees compliance with the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013. Monitors Supreme Court directives, including compensation for sewer deaths (₹30 lakh per fatality).
• Recommends welfare programs to eliminate inequalities for Safai Karamcharis
• Monitors the implementation of social and economic rehabilitation schemes.
• Investigates complaints of scheme violations, unsafe working conditions, or discrimination.
• Evaluates safety standards in sanitation work and makes recommendations.
• Takes suo motu action on issues affecting Safai Karamcharis.
• Advises governments on policy and legal measures to safeguard sanitation workers.
• Oversees compliance with the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.
• Monitors Supreme Court directives, including compensation for sewer deaths (₹30 lakh per fatality).
• How the Commission Works? Field Visits: Members travel across the country to assess the living and working conditions of Safai Karamcharis. Grievance Redressal: Receives complaints and works with authorities for resolution. Proactive Monitoring: Takes Suo motu action based on media reports or petitions. Policy Recommendations: Suggests welfare measures and rehabilitation plans to the government.
• Field Visits: Members travel across the country to assess the living and working conditions of Safai Karamcharis.
• Grievance Redressal: Receives complaints and works with authorities for resolution.
• Proactive Monitoring: Takes Suo motu action based on media reports or petitions.
• Policy Recommendations: Suggests welfare measures and rehabilitation plans to the government.
SRY Gene
Source: TH
Context: Recent studies from Italy and the USA report rare cases where biological females carried the SRY gene, challenging conventional understanding of sex determination.
About Baby Sex Determination:
• What is Sex Determination? Sex determination is the biological process that decides whether a baby develops as a male or female, influenced by genetic and hormonal factors.
• Sex determination is the biological process that decides whether a baby develops as a male or female, influenced by genetic and hormonal factors.
• Role of Chromosomes in Sex Determination:
• Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, including one pair of sex chromosomes: XX (female) or XY (male). Egg cells always carry an X chromosome, while sperm cells carry either X or Y. If a sperm with an X chromosome fertilizes an egg, the baby is female (XX); if a Y-carrying sperm fertilizes the egg, the baby is male (XY).
• Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes, including one pair of sex chromosomes: XX (female) or XY (male).
• Egg cells always carry an X chromosome, while sperm cells carry either X or Y.
• If a sperm with an X chromosome fertilizes an egg, the baby is female (XX); if a Y-carrying sperm fertilizes the egg, the baby is male (XY).
About SRY Gene:
• What is the SRY Gene? The SRY (Sex-determining Region Y) gene is found on the Y chromosome and acts as the master switch for male development. Function: It activates a cascade of genes that trigger the formation of testes in the embryo, which then produce testosterone, promoting male characteristics. SRY Absence: If the SRY gene is missing or non-functional, the embryo develops female reproductive structures by default.
• The SRY (Sex-determining Region Y) gene is found on the Y chromosome and acts as the master switch for male development.
• Function: It activates a cascade of genes that trigger the formation of testes in the embryo, which then produce testosterone, promoting male characteristics.
• SRY Absence: If the SRY gene is missing or non-functional, the embryo develops female reproductive structures by default.
• How SRY Gene Influences Sex Determination? Normal Process: If the SRY gene is present and functional, the embryo develops into a male; if absent, it follows the female pathway. Rare Exceptions: Sometimes, the SRY gene translocates (moves) from the Y chromosome to the X chromosome due to mutation. This can lead to: SRY-Positive Males (XX): Individuals with an SRY-bearing X chromosome develop as males but remain sterile. SRY-Positive Females (XX): In exceptional cases, females carrying the SRY gene develop normally due to biased X chromosome inactivation, preventing the gene’s function.
• Normal Process: If the SRY gene is present and functional, the embryo develops into a male; if absent, it follows the female pathway.
• Rare Exceptions: Sometimes, the SRY gene translocates (moves) from the Y chromosome to the X chromosome due to mutation. This can lead to: SRY-Positive Males (XX): Individuals with an SRY-bearing X chromosome develop as males but remain sterile. SRY-Positive Females (XX): In exceptional cases, females carrying the SRY gene develop normally due to biased X chromosome inactivation, preventing the gene’s function.
• SRY-Positive Males (XX): Individuals with an SRY-bearing X chromosome develop as males but remain sterile.
• SRY-Positive Females (XX): In exceptional cases, females carrying the SRY gene develop normally due to biased X chromosome inactivation, preventing the gene’s function.
Study on Chandrayaan-3’s Landing Site
Source: TOI
Context: A recent study by ISRO’s Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) has estimated the region around Chandrayaan-3’s landing site, Shiv Shakti Point, to be 3.7 billion years old.
Summary of Recent Study Findings:
• Age Estimation: The study determined the age of the Shiv Shakti Point region to be approximately 3.7 billion years, using crater distribution and morphological analysis. This age aligns with the emergence of microbial life on Earth, providing a comparative timeline for planetary evolution.
• The study determined the age of the Shiv Shakti Point region to be approximately 3.7 billion years, using crater distribution and morphological analysis.
• This age aligns with the emergence of microbial life on Earth, providing a comparative timeline for planetary evolution.
• Geographical Context: The landing site is surrounded by three large impact craters: Manzinus (3.9 billion years), Boguslawsky (4 billion years), and Schomberger (3.7 billion years). These craters have significantly influenced the terrain through ejecta deposits and secondary cratering.
• The landing site is surrounded by three large impact craters: Manzinus (3.9 billion years), Boguslawsky (4 billion years), and Schomberger (3.7 billion years).
• These craters have significantly influenced the terrain through ejecta deposits and secondary cratering.
• Rock Distribution: The Pragyan rover encountered numerous rock fragments, with higher concentrations near a fresh crater 14 km south of the landing site. This fresh crater, less affected by space weathering, provided valuable insights into the region’s geological activity.
• The Pragyan rover encountered numerous rock fragments, with higher concentrations near a fresh crater 14 km south of the landing site.
• This fresh crater, less affected by space weathering, provided valuable insights into the region’s geological activity.
NOTE: You don’t need to memorize everything in this article. From an exam perspective, make note of 3 impact crater names, which are highlighted in the article.
Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
Source: TH
Context: Madhya Pradesh’s Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary is set to become India’s second cheetah habitat, with six to eight cheetahs from South Africa expected to arrive before summer 2025.
About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary:
• Location:
• Situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, along the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border. Covers 368 sq. km and lies within the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest ecoregion. Divided into two parts by the Chambal River, forming a diverse habitat.
• Situated in northwestern Madhya Pradesh, along the Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan border.
• Covers 368 sq. km and lies within the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forest ecoregion.
• Divided into two parts by the Chambal River, forming a diverse habitat.
• Habitat & Climate:
• Climate: Semi-arid, with hot summers and moderate winters. Vegetation: Northern tropical dry deciduous forests and scrublands, providing ideal open grasslands for cheetahs. Key Flora: Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash trees.
• Climate: Semi-arid, with hot summers and moderate winters.
• Vegetation: Northern tropical dry deciduous forests and scrublands, providing ideal open grasslands for cheetahs.
• Key Flora: Khair, Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, and Palash trees.
• Fauna: Rich Biodiversity
• Herbivores (Prey for Cheetahs): Chinkara, Nilgai, Spotted Deer. Carnivores: Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, Jackal (managed to prevent conflicts).
• Herbivores (Prey for Cheetahs): Chinkara, Nilgai, Spotted Deer.
• Carnivores: Indian Leopard, Striped Hyena, Jackal (managed to prevent conflicts).
• Unique Features of the Sanctuary:
• Designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA). Prehistoric Rock Art & Human Settlement: The Chaturbhuj Nala rock shelters, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), feature prehistoric cave paintings depicting early human life, including hunting scenes with spotted animals resembling cheetahs. Once a Cheetah Habitat: Oral traditions and local folklore suggest that cheetahs once roamed the region before their extinction in India in 1952.
• Designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
• Prehistoric Rock Art & Human Settlement: The Chaturbhuj Nala rock shelters, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), feature prehistoric cave paintings depicting early human life, including hunting scenes with spotted animals resembling cheetahs.
• Once a Cheetah Habitat: Oral traditions and local folklore suggest that cheetahs once roamed the region before their extinction in India in 1952.
• Why Gandhi Sagar is Suitable for Cheetahs?
• Open savanna-like habitat, resembling African cheetah ecosystems. Prey base management: Spotted deer and Nilgai introduced to maintain sufficient food supply. Low predator density: Leopards population is actively controlled to reduce competition, ensuring cheetah survival.
• Open savanna-like habitat, resembling African cheetah ecosystems.
• Prey base management: Spotted deer and Nilgai introduced to maintain sufficient food supply.
• Low predator density: Leopards population is actively controlled to reduce competition, ensuring cheetah survival.
• First Cheetah Reintroduction Site in India:
• Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh: Hosted first cheetah translocation from Namibia (8) and South Africa (12) in 2022-2023. Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary now selected as second cheetah habitat to expand the species’ range and ensure long-term conservation.
• Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh: Hosted first cheetah translocation from Namibia (8) and South Africa (12) in 2022-2023.
• Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary now selected as second cheetah habitat to expand the species’ range and ensure long-term conservation.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 February 2025 Mapping:
Cook Islands
Source: FT
Context: New Zealand has raised “significant concern” over the Cook Islands’ plan to sign a strategic partnership deal with China, citing a lack of prior consultation.
About Cook Islands:
• Region: The Cook Islands are in Polynesia in the South Pacific Ocean. They have 15 islands spread over a large area.
• Terrain: The islands are a mix of volcanic islands and coral atolls, with lush landscapes, lagoons, and coral reefs.
• Capital: Avarua, situated on Rarotonga Island, serves as the political and economic hub of the Cook Islands.
• Highest Point: Te Manga (652m) is the tallest peak, located on Rarotonga, featuring steep volcanic slopes and dense vegetation.
• Relationship with New Zealand: Political Status: The Cook Islands is a self-governing territory. It is in free association with New Zealand. This means it governs itself but keeps strong ties with Wellington. Citizenship: All Cook Islanders hold New Zealand citizenship, allowing them to live, work, and travel freely in New Zealand. Support from New Zealand: New Zealand gives financial aid, defense help, and manages foreign affairs for the Cook Islands. This strengthens their long-standing partnership.
• Political Status: The Cook Islands is a self-governing territory. It is in free association with New Zealand. This means it governs itself but keeps strong ties with Wellington.
• Citizenship: All Cook Islanders hold New Zealand citizenship, allowing them to live, work, and travel freely in New Zealand.
• Support from New Zealand: New Zealand gives financial aid, defense help, and manages foreign affairs for the Cook Islands. This strengthens their long-standing partnership.
Namibia
Source: DD News
Context: Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s first democratically elected president and a key figure in the country’s independence struggle, passed away at age 95.
• He was widely regarded as the “Founding Father of Namibia” for leading the nation to freedom from South African rule in 1990.
About Namibia:
• Location: Namibia is situated in Southern Africa, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
• Capital: Windhoek, the capital and largest city of Namibia
• Neighboring Countries
• South Africa (South) Botswana (East) Zimbabwe & Zambia (Northeast) Angola (North) Atlantic Ocean (West)
• South Africa (South)
• Botswana (East)
• Zimbabwe & Zambia (Northeast)
• Angola (North)
• Atlantic Ocean (West)
• Geographic Features: Deserts:
• Deserts:
• Namib Desert: Runs along the western coast, one of the oldest deserts in the world. Kalahari Desert: Stretches across eastern Namibia, extending into Botswana and South Africa.
• Namib Desert: Runs along the western coast, one of the oldest deserts in the world. Kalahari Desert: Stretches across eastern Namibia, extending into Botswana and South Africa.
• Namib Desert: Runs along the western coast, one of the oldest deserts in the world.
• Kalahari Desert: Stretches across eastern Namibia, extending into Botswana and South Africa.
• Mountains
• Brandberg Mountain: Namibia’s highest peak (2,573m), located on the western plateau.
• Brandberg Mountain: Namibia’s highest peak (2,573m), located on the western plateau.
• Brandberg Mountain: Namibia’s highest peak (2,573m), located on the western plateau.
• Rivers:
• Kunene, Okavango, Mashi, Zambezi, and Orange River (forming the border with South Africa)
• Kunene, Okavango, Mashi, Zambezi, and Orange River (forming the border with South Africa)
• Kunene, Okavango, Mashi, Zambezi, and Orange River (forming the border with South Africa)
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