UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 January 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 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 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 January (2025)
• Indian Diaspora
Indian Diaspora
GS Paper 3:
• California Wildfires
California Wildfires
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• India Road Infrastructure Growth
India Road Infrastructure Growth
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Z-Morh Tunnel
Z-Morh Tunnel
• Animal Welfare Board of India
Animal Welfare Board of India
• ICEGATE systems
ICEGATE systems
• Genome India Project
Genome India Project
• Future of Jobs Report, 2025
Future of Jobs Report, 2025
Mapping:
• Blue Flag Certification
Blue Flag Certification
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 January 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Indian Diaspora
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: IE
Context: Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the Indian diaspora at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 in Odisha.
What is the Indian Diaspora?
The term refers to individuals of Indian origin residing outside India. It includes:
• Non-Resident Indians (NRIs): Indian citizens residing abroad temporarily.
• Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs): Individuals of Indian origin granted permanent residency in India.
• People of Indian Origin (PIOs): Persons of Indian ancestry who are citizens of other nations.
Indian Diaspora and Its Global Distribution:
• Largest Diaspora: 18 million Indians live abroad (Global Migration Report, 2020).
• Top Host Countries:
• Significant Share in Populations:
Factors Leading to a Large Diaspora:
• Push Factors:
• Historical Migration: During colonial rule, Indians were sent as indentured laborers to work on plantations in British colonies like Mauritius, Fiji, and the Caribbean. Political Instability: Conflicts and upheavals in certain regions pushed individuals to migrate for safety and stability. Rural-to-Urban Shift: People migrated abroad to escape poverty in rural areas, seeking better living standards and employment.
• Historical Migration: During colonial rule, Indians were sent as indentured laborers to work on plantations in British colonies like Mauritius, Fiji, and the Caribbean.
• Political Instability: Conflicts and upheavals in certain regions pushed individuals to migrate for safety and stability.
• Rural-to-Urban Shift: People migrated abroad to escape poverty in rural areas, seeking better living standards and employment.
• Pull Factors:
• Economic Opportunities: Nations like the Gulf countries offered high-paying jobs, particularly in construction, healthcare, and IT sectors. Higher Education: Top universities in countries like the US, UK, and Australia attract Indian students for quality education. Family Networks: Existing Indian communities abroad provide support systems, easing integration for new migrants.
• Economic Opportunities: Nations like the Gulf countries offered high-paying jobs, particularly in construction, healthcare, and IT sectors.
• Higher Education: Top universities in countries like the US, UK, and Australia attract Indian students for quality education.
• Family Networks: Existing Indian communities abroad provide support systems, easing integration for new migrants.
Significance of the Indian Diaspora:
• Economic Contributions: Diaspora remittances, amounting to ~$87 billion in 2021, significantly boost India’s economy.
• Cultural Influence: Indian traditions, cuisine, music, and films have become globally popular due to the diaspora’s efforts.
• Political Impact: Indian-origin leaders like UK PM Rishi Sunak promote Indian interests and create strong political connections.
• Diplomatic Leverage: The diaspora acts as cultural ambassadors, fostering better relations between India and host countries.
• Soft Power: Their success enhances India’s global reputation, projecting a positive image internationally.
Government Initiatives:
• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: An annual celebration honoring the diaspora’s contributions and fostering connections with India.
• OCI Card: Provides lifelong visa and property rights to people of Indian origin, strengthening ties with their homeland.
• Know India Program: Engages young diaspora members with Indian culture, heritage, and contemporary developments.
• Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF): Offers financial aid to Indians abroad during emergencies or distress.
• Social Security Agreements: Ensures welfare for Indian workers in countries with bilateral agreements.
Challenges:
• Exploitation: Many laborers in Gulf countries face harsh working conditions, low pay, and limited rights.
• Integration Issues: Cultural and linguistic differences hinder smooth integration into host societies.
• Legal Protection: Limited access to legal aid leaves Indian migrants vulnerable to exploitation abroad.
• Brain Drain: Migration of skilled professionals benefits host nations while depriving India of talent.
• Political Sensitivities: Diaspora communities sometimes get entangled in tensions between India and host countries, affecting bilateral relations.
Way Ahead:
• Strengthen Consular Services: Increase the accessibility and efficiency of Indian embassies to address diaspora needs.
• Diaspora Engagement: Foster regular interaction through cultural, social, and economic programs to deepen connections.
• Educational Initiatives: Promote Indian languages, traditions, and history to preserve cultural identity among the diaspora.
• Policy Frameworks: Implement stronger protections against labor exploitation and ensure robust legal safeguards.
• Leverage Diaspora for Growth: Encourage investments and knowledge sharing from successful diaspora members for India’s development.
Conclusion:
The Indian diaspora is a valuable asset, bridging India with the world economically, culturally, and diplomatically. Strengthening ties with them while addressing their challenges is crucial for leveraging their potential in shaping India’s global role.
Insta Links:
• Pravasi-bharatiya-divas
• ‘Indian Diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (UPSC-2020)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 January 2025 GS Paper 3:
California Wildfires
Syllabus: Natural Disaster & Environment
Source: BBC
Context: The Los Angeles wildfires of 2025 have caused widespread devastation, claimed seven lives and destroyed over 10,000 structures.
What Are Wildfires?
Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that spread rapidly across forests, grasslands, or urban areas, fueled by dry vegetation and wind. While they are natural occurrences in ecosystems, human activities and climate change have amplified their frequency and severity.
Geographic Conditions Aiding Wildfires:
• Dry Climate: Prolonged droughts in California create arid conditions, drying vegetation and making it highly flammable.
• Santa Ana Winds: Strong, hot winds spread embers and intensify the flames, rapidly increasing the fire’s reach.
• Vegetation Density: Dense forests and dry shrubs act as natural fuel, accelerating the wildfire’s intensity.
• Topography: Hilly terrains funnel winds, helping fires move faster uphill and spreading flames over larger areas.
• Lack of Rainfall: Extended dry spells reduce soil moisture and weaken vegetation, making them more prone to ignition.
Causes of Wildfires:
• In California:
• Electrical Equipment Failures: Sparks from power lines in dry, windy conditions often trigger wildfires. Urban Expansion: Development near wildfire-prone regions increases human activity and ignition risks. Arson: Intentional or accidental acts, like improper disposal of flammable materials, ignite fires.
• Electrical Equipment Failures: Sparks from power lines in dry, windy conditions often trigger wildfires.
• Urban Expansion: Development near wildfire-prone regions increases human activity and ignition risks.
• Arson: Intentional or accidental acts, like improper disposal of flammable materials, ignite fires.
• General Causes:
• Lightning Strikes: Natural ignitions during thunderstorms often lead to large-scale wildfires. Climate Change: Rising global temperatures and increased droughts have made conditions ripe for frequent fires. Agricultural Burns: Poorly managed burns meant for clearing fields can spread uncontrollably, causing wildfires.
• Lightning Strikes: Natural ignitions during thunderstorms often lead to large-scale wildfires.
• Climate Change: Rising global temperatures and increased droughts have made conditions ripe for frequent fires.
• Agricultural Burns: Poorly managed burns meant for clearing fields can spread uncontrollably, causing wildfires.
Consequences of Wildfires:
• Human and Economic Losses: Wildfires cause loss of lives, displace communities, and lead to financial losses exceeding billions of dollars.
• Environmental Impact: Destroy ecosystems, habitats, and vegetation, disrupting biodiversity and soil health.
• Air Quality Deterioration: Smoke and particulate matter from wildfires pollute the air, causing respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
• Water Contamination: Ash and debris from fires contaminate water sources, impacting drinking water and aquatic life.
• Insurance Challenges: Frequent and intense wildfires strain the insurance industry, increasing costs for both providers and property owners.
Measures to Mitigate Wildfires:
• Improved Fire Management: Use advanced firefighting tools like drones, fire-retardant chemicals, and satellite monitoring for early detection and response.
• Vegetation Control: Remove dry vegetation, implement controlled burns, and maintain firebreaks to limit the spread of wildfires.
• Climate Adaptation: Enact long-term policies addressing climate change, such as reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy.
• Public Awareness: Educate communities on fire prevention, evacuation plans, and the risks of activities like campfires during dry seasons.
• Stronger Regulations: Enforce stricter building codes, land use policies, and restrictions on human activities in fire-prone areas to minimize ignition risks.
Conclusion:
Wildfires are a growing challenge due to climate change and urbanization. Addressing their causes, improving response strategies, and investing in long-term climate solutions are essential to minimize their devastating impacts on humanity and ecosystems.
Insta Links:
• Increasing-wildfires-in-the-world
• Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? (UPSC-2014)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 January 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
India Road Infrastructure Growth
Context: India’s National Highways network has grown by 60% over the last decade, making it the second-largest road network globally.
About India’s Road Infrastructure: (Source: MoRTH, 2024)
• Growth of National Highways: Increased from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,195 km in 2024 (+60%). High-Speed Corridors expanded from 93 km (2014) to 2,474 km (2024).
• Increased from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,195 km in 2024 (+60%).
• High-Speed Corridors expanded from 93 km (2014) to 2,474 km (2024).
• Asset Monetization: ₹15,968 crore realized in FY 2023-24 under the TOT (Toll Operate and Transfer) model. ₹6,661 crore awarded for NH-44’s Hyderabad-Nagpur corridor in FY 2024-25.
• ₹15,968 crore realized in FY 2023-24 under the TOT (Toll Operate and Transfer) model.
• ₹6,661 crore awarded for NH-44’s Hyderabad-Nagpur corridor in FY 2024-25.
• Vehicle Scrapping Initiative: Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities operational in 19 states/UTs; 66 additional centres under construction.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• General Studies Paper II (Governance, Policy, and Development): Government initiatives like Bharatmala Pariyojana and Port Connectivity Masterplan. Role of international collaboration (World Bank, JICA, ADB) in development projects.
• Government initiatives like Bharatmala Pariyojana and Port Connectivity Masterplan.
• Role of international collaboration (World Bank, JICA, ADB) in development projects.
• General Studies Paper III (Infrastructure and Economy): Expansion of National Highways and High-Speed Corridors as a driver of economic growth. Infrastructure projects like Multimodal Logistics Parks and TOT monetization model. Employment generation through large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Expansion of National Highways and High-Speed Corridors as a driver of economic growth.
• Infrastructure projects like Multimodal Logistics Parks and TOT monetization model.
• Employment generation through large-scale infrastructure projects.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 January 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Z-Morh Tunnel
Source: TH
Context: The Z-Morh tunnel is set to become the first major milestone in the effort to build a strategic corridor between Kashmir and Ladakh which is open all through the year.
About Z-Morh Tunnel:
• Location: Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir.
• Connects: Gagangir and Sonamarg along the NH1 Srinagar-Leh Highway.
• Built by: APCO Infratech.
• Features: Length: 6.5 km, with a two-lane main tunnel. Purpose: Provides all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg, bypassing avalanche-prone stretches. Advanced Systems: Equipped with intelligent traffic management and ventilation systems. Strategic Importance: Forms part of the geostrategic NH1 corridor, enhancing connectivity to Kargil, Baltal, and Ladakh.
• Length: 6.5 km, with a two-lane main tunnel.
• Purpose: Provides all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg, bypassing avalanche-prone stretches.
• Advanced Systems: Equipped with intelligent traffic management and ventilation systems.
• Strategic Importance: Forms part of the geostrategic NH1 corridor, enhancing connectivity to Kargil, Baltal, and Ladakh.
Insta links:
• Z-Morh-tunnel/
Animal Welfare Board of India
Source: TH
Context: The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, have partnered to provide legal training to volunteers addressing animal cruelty.
About the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI):
• Established in: 1962, under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. Started under the stewardship of Late Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale.
• Started under the stewardship of Late Smt. Rukmini Devi Arundale.
• Headquarters: Ballabhgarh, Haryana (Earlier Chennai, Tamil Nadu.)
• Aims: Promote animal welfare, ensure adherence to animal welfare laws, and support organizations working for animal welfare.
• Ministry under: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
• Functions: Advises the Government of India on animal welfare issues. Provides grants to animal welfare organizations. Ensures compliance with animal welfare laws. Supports State Animal Welfare Boards and District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
• Advises the Government of India on animal welfare issues.
• Provides grants to animal welfare organizations.
• Ensures compliance with animal welfare laws.
• Supports State Animal Welfare Boards and District Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Insta links:
• Prevention-of-cruelty-to-animals-act-1960
ICEGATE systems
Source: IE
Context: The Indian government revised its goods import data, reducing the previously reported $14.9 billion gold import figure for November 2024 to $9.9 billion.
• The overestimation occurred due to double counting of imports into Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and subsequent clearance into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).
• Double counting of imports due to data migration errors between SEZ Online and ICEGATE systems.
About ICEGATE systems:
• Full form: Indian Customs Electronic Gateway.
• Purpose: Unified platform for capturing trade data from ports, airports, and container depots.
• How it works: Collects EXIM (Export-Import) data from over 500 locations. Ensures real-time trade data transmission to the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS).
• Collects EXIM (Export-Import) data from over 500 locations.
• Ensures real-time trade data transmission to the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS).
• Departments involved: Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS). Directorate General of Systems (DG Systems). Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
• Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS).
• Directorate General of Systems (DG Systems).
• Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
• Aim of data migration: Streamline trade data collection. Ensure consistency and eliminate duplication.
• Streamline trade data collection.
• Ensure consistency and eliminate duplication.
• Functions of ICEGATE: Captures trade data from all ports and SEZs. Transmits reconciled data to DGCIS for accurate trade statistics. Prevents duplication by integrating SEZ and non-SEZ trade data.
• Captures trade data from all ports and SEZs.
• Transmits reconciled data to DGCIS for accurate trade statistics.
• Prevents duplication by integrating SEZ and non-SEZ trade data.
Insta links:
• ICEGATE
Genome India Project
Source: ToI
Context: Prime Minister announced the successful completion of the Genome India Project, marking a significant advancement in India’s biotechnology landscape.
About Genome India Project:
• What it is: A national initiative for decoding India’s genetic diversity through large-scale genome sequencing.
• Launched In: January 2020.
• Ministry: Funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology.
• Aim: Map the genetic landscape of Indian populations. Enable targeted clinical interventions and precision medicine.
• Map the genetic landscape of Indian populations.
• Enable targeted clinical interventions and precision medicine.
• Features: Genome Sequencing: 10,074 genomes sequenced from 99 ethnic groups. Data Repository: Genetic data securely stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre. Sample Collection: Over 19,000 blood samples collected and stored in the GenomeIndia Biobank. Phase 1 Findings: Rare genetic variations unique to Indian populations identified.
• Genome Sequencing: 10,074 genomes sequenced from 99 ethnic groups.
• Data Repository: Genetic data securely stored at the Indian Biological Data Centre.
• Sample Collection: Over 19,000 blood samples collected and stored in the GenomeIndia Biobank.
• Phase 1 Findings: Rare genetic variations unique to Indian populations identified.
• Significance: Healthcare Revolution: Facilitates precision medicine and targeted interventions. Research Resource: Provides a genetic reference database for researchers. Global Recognition: Positions India as a leader in genomics and biotech innovation. Bioeconomy Growth: Supports India’s bioeconomy, which grew from $10 billion (2014) to $150 billion.
• Healthcare Revolution: Facilitates precision medicine and targeted interventions.
• Research Resource: Provides a genetic reference database for researchers.
• Global Recognition: Positions India as a leader in genomics and biotech innovation.
• Bioeconomy Growth: Supports India’s bioeconomy, which grew from $10 billion (2014) to $150 billion.
Insta links:
• Biotechnology
Future of Jobs Report, 2025
Source: WEF
Context: The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released the fifth edition of the Future of Jobs Report, 2025, which analyzes global labor market trends for the period 2025-2030.
About Future of Jobs Report, 2025:
• Released by: World Economic Forum (WEF).
• Frequency: Bi-annual (every two years).
• Aim: Analyze evolving labor market trends. Understand occupational disruptions caused by technological, societal, and economic changes. Provide actionable insights to equip workers and organizations for the future.
• Analyze evolving labor market trends.
• Understand occupational disruptions caused by technological, societal, and economic changes.
• Provide actionable insights to equip workers and organizations for the future.
About World Economic Forum (WEF):
• Established in: 1971.
• Established by: Klaus Schwab, a German engineer.
• Headquarters: Cologny, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland.
• Aim: Improve the state of the world by engaging global leaders to shape regional, industry, and global agendas.
• Functions: Organizes the annual Davos meeting. Provides platforms for multistakeholder dialogue on pressing global issues. Publishes reports like the Future of Jobs Report and Global Risks Report. Promotes initiatives to address environmental, economic, and technological challenges.
• Organizes the annual Davos meeting.
• Provides platforms for multistakeholder dialogue on pressing global issues.
• Publishes reports like the Future of Jobs Report and Global Risks Report.
• Promotes initiatives to address environmental, economic, and technological challenges.
Insta links:
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 January 2025 Mapping:
Blue Flag Certification
Source: DH
Context: Kappad and Chal beaches in Kerala have earned the prestigious Blue Flag certification, signifying adherence to stringent environmental, safety, and cleanliness standards.
About the Blue Flag Certification:
• Origin: Initiated in France (1985) and expanded globally in 2001.
• Awarded By: Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
• Aim: Promotes sustainable practices in marine and freshwater ecosystems.
• Key Criteria: Water Quality: Maintains high cleanliness and safety standards. Environmental Management: Implements sustainable eco-friendly initiatives. Safety Measures: Ensures visitor security and accessibility. Education: Promotes environmental awareness and responsible tourism.
• Water Quality: Maintains high cleanliness and safety standards.
• Environmental Management: Implements sustainable eco-friendly initiatives.
• Safety Measures: Ensures visitor security and accessibility.
• Education: Promotes environmental awareness and responsible tourism.
• Significance of Blue Flag Certification
• Global Recognition: Enhances the international appeal of certified locations.
• Tourism Boost: Attracts eco-conscious travellers.
• Environmental Protection: Encourages sustainable tourism and ecosystem preservation.
• Local Development: Promotes hygiene, safety, and infrastructure improvements.
Insta links:
• Blue-flag-beaches
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 10 Jan 2025
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Official Facebook Page HERE
Twitter Account HERE
Instagram Account HERE
LinkedIn: HERE