UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 February 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 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.

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 February (2025)

• NITI Aayog Report on Higher Education

NITI Aayog Report on Higher Education

• Paris AI Summit 2025

Paris AI Summit 2025

GS Paper 2 & 4:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Government Initiatives to Support Women Employees and Entrepreneurs

Government Initiatives to Support Women Employees and Entrepreneurs

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)

• Morand-Ganjal Irrigation Project

Morand-Ganjal Irrigation Project

• Bombay Blood Group

Bombay Blood Group

• Revised Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) Guidelines

Revised Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) Guidelines

• India-UK Defence Agreements

India-UK Defence Agreements

Mapping:

• Ramakrishna Beach (RK Beach)

Ramakrishna Beach (RK Beach)

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 February 2025

#### GS Paper 2 :

NITI Aayog Report on Higher Education

Syllabus: Education

Source: TH

Context: The NITI Aayog report, “Expanding Quality Higher Education through States and State Public Universities,” highlights disparities in state-wise spending on higher education, urging increased public investment, especially in State Public Universities (SPUs).

Key Findings of the NITI Aayog Report on Higher Education Funding:

• States Allocating the Most to Higher Education (% of GDP): Jammu & Kashmir (8.11%), Manipur (7.25%), Meghalaya (6.64%), Tripura (6.19%).

• States with the Lowest Higher Education Expenditure (% of GSDP): Telangana (0.18%), Gujarat (0.23%), Rajasthan (0.23%).

• States with the Highest Higher Education Budget (Absolute Amount): Maharashtra (₹11,421 crore), Bihar (₹9,666 crore), Tamil Nadu (₹7,237 crore).

• States with the Lowest Higher Education Budget (Absolute Amount): Sikkim (₹142 crore), Arunachal Pradesh (₹155 crore), Nagaland (₹167 crore).

• Growth in Per Youth Spending on Higher Education: Increased from ₹2,174 (2005-06) to ₹4,921 (2019-20), with widening disparities among states.

• States with Consistently High Per Youth Spending: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.

• States Lagging in Higher Education Investment: Rajasthan, Punjab, Chhattisgarh.

Policy Recommendations:

The recommendations are divided into short-term (0-2 years), medium-term (2-5 years), and long-term (5+ years) goals:

Key Recommendations:

• Enhancing Quality of Education & Research:

Short-Term (0-2 Years):

• Develop a National Research Policy aligned with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Establish Research Hubs and Patent Cells in SPUs. Create a curated list of high-quality journals in STEM and non-STEM fields. Implement performance-based incentives for faculty research. Expand student-faculty research pairing programs and mentorship initiatives. Increase funding for post-doctoral fellowships, particularly for women.

• Develop a National Research Policy aligned with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

• Establish Research Hubs and Patent Cells in SPUs.

• Create a curated list of high-quality journals in STEM and non-STEM fields.

• Implement performance-based incentives for faculty research.

• Expand student-faculty research pairing programs and mentorship initiatives.

• Increase funding for post-doctoral fellowships, particularly for women.

Medium-Term (2-5 Years):

• Establish R&D Advisory Committees and incubation centers for research commercialization. Promote SPU consortia for sharing best practices and innovation. Strengthen humanities research collaborations with other institutions.

• Establish R&D Advisory Committees and incubation centers for research commercialization.

• Promote SPU consortia for sharing best practices and innovation.

• Strengthen humanities research collaborations with other institutions.

Long-Term (5+ Years):

• Develop Centers of Excellence in SPUs to address regional challenges. Increase funding for fundamental research to attract students from India and abroad.

• Develop Centers of Excellence in SPUs to address regional challenges.

• Increase funding for fundamental research to attract students from India and abroad.

• Improving Pedagogy and Curriculum:

Short-Term (0-2 Years):

• Establish curriculum review committees to update syllabi based on industry trends. Implement teaching quality evaluation frameworks for faculty. Expand multidisciplinary education with electives and minors. Integrate Holistic Education (Environment, Human Values, Global Citizenship) into courses.

• Establish curriculum review committees to update syllabi based on industry trends.

• Implement teaching quality evaluation frameworks for faculty.

• Expand multidisciplinary education with electives and minors.

• Integrate Holistic Education (Environment, Human Values, Global Citizenship) into courses.

Medium-Term (2-5 Years):

• Introduce new interdisciplinary courses on sustainability and emerging industries. Develop strategies to integrate UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into academics.

• Introduce new interdisciplinary courses on sustainability and emerging industries.

• Develop strategies to integrate UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into academics.

Long-Term (5+ Years):

• Foster a culture of innovation in curriculum design. Transition Leading SPUs into Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs).

• Foster a culture of innovation in curriculum design.

• Transition Leading SPUs into Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs).

• Digitalization of Higher Education:

Short-Term (0-2 Years):

• Upgrade IT infrastructure and provide high-speed internet across SPUs. Implement AI-driven student lifecycle management systems for admissions, academics, and exams. Establish digital learning centers for online education.

• Upgrade IT infrastructure and provide high-speed internet across SPUs.

• Implement AI-driven student lifecycle management systems for admissions, academics, and exams.

• Establish digital learning centers for online education.

Medium-Term (2-5 Years):

• Provide technical support staff and affordable devices for underprivileged students. Train faculty and students in digital literacy and online teaching methods.

• Provide technical support staff and affordable devices for underprivileged students.

• Train faculty and students in digital literacy and online teaching methods.

Long-Term (5+ Years):

• Collaborate with technology companies to develop advanced digital learning solutions. Foster global partnerships for research and capacity-building in digital education.

• Collaborate with technology companies to develop advanced digital learning solutions.

• Foster global partnerships for research and capacity-building in digital education.

• Internationalization of Higher Education:

Short-Term (0-2 Years):

• Improve infrastructure for international students in Leading SPUs.

• Offer scholarships for foreign students and faculty exchange programs.

• Standardize curriculum to match global standards.

• Develop outreach programs to attract Indian researchers from abroad.

Medium-Term (2-5 Years):

• Establish long-term university partnerships for student and faculty exchange.

Long-Term (5+ Years):

• Enhance global ranking and reputation of Leading SPUs through research and collaborations.

• Funding and Financing Higher Education:

Short-Term (0-2 Years):

• Increase education budget to 6% of GDP as per the NEP 2020 recommendation. Establish a dedicated infrastructure finance agency for SPUs. Expand alumni engagement for fundraising and resource mobilization. Encourage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for SPU research and infrastructure.

• Increase education budget to 6% of GDP as per the NEP 2020 recommendation.

• Establish a dedicated infrastructure finance agency for SPUs.

• Expand alumni engagement for fundraising and resource mobilization.

• Encourage Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for SPU research and infrastructure.

Medium-Term (2-5 Years):

• Develop sustainable self-financed programs based on market demand.

Long-Term (5+ Years):

• Implement fee autonomy pilot programs for select universities. Institutionalize Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) models for research and education financing.

• Implement fee autonomy pilot programs for select universities.

• Institutionalize Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) models for research and education financing.

• Governance & Autonomy of State Public Universities:

Short-Term (0-2 Years):

• Shift to a regulatory-facilitator model to grant SPUs more autonomy. Develop a Model Act for State Public Universities to ease governance. Establish State Councils for Higher Education (SCHEs) for policy oversight.

• Shift to a regulatory-facilitator model to grant SPUs more autonomy.

• Develop a Model Act for State Public Universities to ease governance.

• Establish State Councils for Higher Education (SCHEs) for policy oversight.

Medium-Term (2-5 Years):

• ement credit transfer systems through the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC).

Long-Term (5+ Years):

• Enable de-affiliation of high-potential colleges to create autonomous degree-granting institutions. Strengthen localized accreditation frameworks for SPUs.

• Enable de-affiliation of high-potential colleges to create autonomous degree-granting institutions.

• Strengthen localized accreditation frameworks for SPUs.

• Faculty Recruitment and Capacity Building:

Short-Term (0-2 Years):

• Streamline faculty recruitment and establish centralized hiring systems. Provide professional development programs for faculty. Optimize faculty workload management for research and teaching balance.

• Streamline faculty recruitment and establish centralized hiring systems.

• Provide professional development programs for faculty.

• Optimize faculty workload management for research and teaching balance.

Medium-Term (2-5 Years):

• Ensure full-time faculty hiring for long-term stability.

Long-Term (5+ Years):

• Encourage faculty research and innovation through dedicated funding.

• Enhancing Employability & Industry Collaboration:

Short-Term (0-2 Years):

• Integrate internships and apprenticeships into curricula. Develop Internship Banks and partner with NSDC Skill Councils. Promote entrepreneurship & incubation centers in SPUs.

• Integrate internships and apprenticeships into curricula.

• Develop Internship Banks and partner with NSDC Skill Councils.

• Promote entrepreneurship & incubation centers in SPUs.

Medium-Term (2-5 Years):

• Establish innovation hubs and startup incubators. Develop lifelong learning centers for continuous skill development.

• Establish innovation hubs and startup incubators.

• Develop lifelong learning centers for continuous skill development.

Long-Term (5+ Years):

• Institutionalize physical education and wellness programs for holistic student development.

• Strengthening Academia-Industry Collaboration:

Short-Term (0-2 Years):

• Set up Industry Relations Cells (IRCs) in SPUs. Establish MoUs with industries for research and skill development. Promote Professor of Practice appointments.

• Set up Industry Relations Cells (IRCs) in SPUs.

• Establish MoUs with industries for research and skill development.

• Promote Professor of Practice appointments.

Medium-Term (2-5 Years):

• Align curriculum updates with emerging industry trends.

Long-Term (5+ Years):

• Institutionalize corporate partnerships and professional certifications in SPUs.

Conclusion:

The proposed short-term, medium-term, and long-term reforms aim to transform SPUs into centers of excellence, ensuring greater autonomy, financial sustainability, and industry relevance in India’s higher education landscape.

• How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer. [UPSC-2020]

Paris AI Summit 2025

Syllabus: International Relations

Source: TOI

Context: India, co-chairing the Paris AI Action Summit (Feb 10-11, 2025), seeks to amplify the Global South’s voice on AI governance, innovation, and equitable AI access.

About Paris AI Summit:

What is the Paris AI Summit?

• The third global AI safety summit, following UK (2023) and South Korea (2024) meetings.

• Organized by France, focusing on AI safety, ethics, governance, innovation, and economic impact.

• Attended by world leaders (US, EU, China, Germany), tech CEOs (OpenAI, Google), and policymakers.

Significance of the Summit:

• AI Safety & Governance: Establishes norms and risk management frameworks for AI development.

• Equitable AI Access: Addresses global AI divide, advocating for open-source AI and cross-border collaboration.

• Economic & Strategic Impact: Shapes future of AI-driven industries, trade policies, and international regulations.

• Geopolitical Balancing: Counterbalances US-China AI dominance, promoting multilateral cooperation.

Challenges in Global AI Governance:

• Corporate Monopoly: AI development remains concentrated in a few tech giants (OpenAI, Google, DeepSeek).

• Regulatory Divergence: The US, EU, and China have conflicting AI policies, delaying a unified framework.

• Ethical Concerns: AI models risk cultural biases, misinformation, and economic displacement.

• Security & Deepfakes: AI misuse in cyber warfare, deepfake propaganda, and surveillance raises global concerns.

Opportunities for India at the AI Summit:

• Advocacy for Global South: Push for AI democratization, equitable data access, and AI infrastructure support.

• Building AI Partnerships: Expand tech collaboration with EU, France, and emerging AI economies.

• Strategic Leadership: Strengthen India’s role as a bridge between AI superpowers (US-China) and developing nations.

• AI Research & Innovation: Promote India’s AI Safety Institute, indigenous AI models, and public-interest AI.

Conclusion:

India’s co-chairing of the Paris AI Summit is a strategic opportunity to shape global AI governance, foster innovation, and secure AI leadership for the Global South. By advocating for equitable AI access and regulatory frameworks, India strengthens its global AI diplomacy while preparing to host future AI summits.

• The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 February 2025 GS Paper 2 & 4:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies

Syllabus: Social Justice & Ethics

Source: IE

Context: The U.S. President Donald Trump revoked Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies implemented under the Biden administration, citing them as discriminatory.

What Are DEI Policies?

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies refer to workplace and institutional measures aimed at ensuring fair representation and equal opportunities across race, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Key Features of DEI Policies:

• Diversity: Encourages representation of different races, ethnicities, abilities, and cultural backgrounds.

• Equity: Ensures fair treatment, access, and opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups.

• Inclusion: Promotes a workplace environment where diverse individuals feel respected and valued.

• Accessibility: Ensures that workplaces, technology, and resources are available to people with disabilities.

Need for DEI Policies: Ethical & Non-Ethical Aspects

• Ethical Justifications:

• Correcting Historical Injustices: Ensures fair opportunities for marginalized communities.

• Relational Ethics: Encourages workplaces to foster mutual respect, empathy, and inclusivity (Ethics of Care).

• Moral Virtue of Justice: Promotes fairness and ethical responsibility in corporate and social structures (Virtue Ethics).

• Non-Ethical Aspects:

• Reverse Discrimination: Critics argue DEI creates bias against majority groups. Merit-Based Concerns: Some view DEI as prioritizing identity over merit in hiring and promotions. Financial Burden: High compliance costs for corporations and government agencies.

• Reverse Discrimination: Critics argue DEI creates bias against majority groups.

• Merit-Based Concerns: Some view DEI as prioritizing identity over merit in hiring and promotions.

• Financial Burden: High compliance costs for corporations and government agencies.

Why Did the U.S. Remove DEI Policies?

• Conservative Backlash: DEI was perceived as discriminatory against white Americans.

• Legal Challenges: The Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions.

• Economic Pressures: Companies faced shareholder scrutiny over the financial viability of DEI programs.

• Political Stance: Trump positioned DEI as “wasteful and radical”, linking it to leftist ideology.

Potential Impact of DEI Rollback: Ethical & Non-Ethical Aspects

• Ethical Impact: Reduced Workplace Diversity (Theory of Justice – John Rawls)

• Reduced Workplace Diversity (Theory of Justice – John Rawls)

• Principle of Fairness: Undermines Rawls’ distributive justice, reducing opportunities for marginalized groups. Difference Principal Violation: Reverses progress in social equity by removing policies benefiting the least advantaged.

• Principle of Fairness: Undermines Rawls’ distributive justice, reducing opportunities for marginalized groups.

• Difference Principal Violation: Reverses progress in social equity by removing policies benefiting the least advantaged.

• Social Repercussions (Ethics of Care – Carol Gilligan & Social Contract Theory – Rousseau)

• Loss of Moral Obligation: Weakens corporate responsibility toward underrepresented communities (Ethics of Care). Erosion of Social Contract: Undermines governmental duty to protect disadvantaged groups, leading to greater inequality (Rousseau’s Social Contract).

• Loss of Moral Obligation: Weakens corporate responsibility toward underrepresented communities (Ethics of Care).

• Erosion of Social Contract: Undermines governmental duty to protect disadvantaged groups, leading to greater inequality (Rousseau’s Social Contract).

• Non-Ethical Impact:

• Corporate Realignment: Businesses may modify DEI branding to avoid political controversy. Cost Savings: Reducing DEI programs may lower corporate expenses. Merit-BasedHiring: Proponents argue that hiring will now be strictly performance-based.

• Corporate Realignment: Businesses may modify DEI branding to avoid political controversy.

• Cost Savings: Reducing DEI programs may lower corporate expenses.

• Merit-BasedHiring: Proponents argue that hiring will now be strictly performance-based.

India’s Status on DEI Policies:

• No direct DEI framework, but India has long-standing affirmative action policies under the Constitution.

• Reservation System: SCs, STs, and OBCs benefit from educational and job quotas.

• Article 16: Guarantees equal employment opportunities regardless of caste, religion, gender, or birthplace.

• Private Sector Approach: Indian companies increasingly implement diversity hiring programs, especially for women and marginalized communities.

Conclusion:

The U.S. rollback may influence global corporate strategies, but India continues its social justice policies through reservations rather than direct DEI initiatives. The debate over balancing equity with meritocracy will shape future diversity policies worldwide.

• Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (UPSC-2016)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 February 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Government Initiatives to Support Women Employees and Entrepreneurs

Context: The Indian government has launched multiple initiatives to ensure a safe, secure, and non-discriminatory workplace for women while also supporting women entrepreneurs through financial and policy measures.

Government Initiatives to Support Women Employees and Entrepreneurs:

Workplace Safety and Gender Inclusivity:

• Mandatory Women Director: Listed and large public companies (₹100+ crore capital or ₹300+ crore turnover) must appoint at least one-woman director (Companies Act, 2013).

• Internal Complaints Committee (IC): Companies must comply with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 (SH Act).

• SHe-Box (Sexual Harassment e-Box): A centralized online platform for women to register workplace harassment complaints.

• Creche Facility: Mandatory for establishments with 50+ employees under the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017.

Financial & Entrepreneurial Support:

• Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro & Small Enterprises: Special incentives for women entrepreneurs.

• Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP): Higher subsidies for women in micro-enterprises.

• Stand-Up India (SUI) Scheme: Loans between ₹10 lakh – ₹1 crore for at least one-woman borrower per bank branch for greenfield enterprises.

• Yashasvini Initiative (2024): Capacity-building campaign for women entrepreneurs in Tier-II & III towns.

• ‘Palna’ Scheme (2022): Centrally sponsored day-care support for working mothers.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper 1 (Society & Women Empowerment): Gender equality, workplace safety, and women’s economic participation.

• GS Paper 2 (Governance & Social Justice): Government policies and legislative measures for women’s welfare.

• GS Paper 3 (Economy & MSMEs): Women entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and employment schemes.

• Essay & Ethics Paper: Case studies on workplace harassment, gender parity, and inclusive governance.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 February 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)

Source: NIE

Context: India has launched a nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign covering 111 endemic districts across 13 states, with the goal of eliminating Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) by 2027.

About Lymphatic Filariasis:

• What is Lymphatic Filariasis? Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), also called Elephantiasis, is a parasitic disease caused by filarial worms that infect the human lymphatic system, leading to severe swelling and disability.

• Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), also called Elephantiasis, is a parasitic disease caused by filarial worms that infect the human lymphatic system, leading to severe swelling and disability.

• India’s Status:

• India is among the highest-burden countries for LF, contributing significantly to the global caseload. Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha are among the states with the highest number of LF cases The government aims to eliminate LF by 2027 through mass drug administration, morbidity management, and vector control strategies.

• Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha are among the states with the highest number of LF cases

• The government aims to eliminate LF by 2027 through mass drug administration, morbidity management, and vector control strategies.

• Causes and Transmission:

• Caused by Wuchereria bancrofti (most common), Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori parasites. Transmitted through mosquito bites (Anopheles, Culex, Aedes species). Requires repeated mosquito bites over months or years for infection to establish.

• Caused by Wuchereria bancrofti (most common), Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori parasites.

• Transmitted through mosquito bites (Anopheles, Culex, Aedes species).

• Requires repeated mosquito bites over months or years for infection to establish.

• Symptoms:

• Asymptomatic in early stages but leads to chronic lymphatic damage over time. Common symptoms: Lymphedema: Swelling of arms, legs, breasts, or genitals. Elephantiasis: Thickening of the skin and severe swelling. Hydrocele: Swelling of the scrotum (in males). Recurrent infections due to weakened immunity.

• Asymptomatic in early stages but leads to chronic lymphatic damage over time.

• Common symptoms: Lymphedema: Swelling of arms, legs, breasts, or genitals. Elephantiasis: Thickening of the skin and severe swelling. Hydrocele: Swelling of the scrotum (in males). Recurrent infections due to weakened immunity.

• Lymphedema: Swelling of arms, legs, breasts, or genitals.

• Elephantiasis: Thickening of the skin and severe swelling.

• Hydrocele: Swelling of the scrotum (in males).

• Recurrent infections due to weakened immunity.

• Prevention and Treatment

• Mass Drug Administration (MDA): Annual distribution of anti-filarial drugs (Diethylcarbamazine + Albendazole). Triple Drug Therapy in select districts to accelerate LF elimination efforts. Triple Drug Therapy include diethylcarbamazine (DEC) + Albendazole + Ivermectin. Morbidity Management & Disability Prevention (MMDP): Ensuring access to care for affected individuals. Surgical intervention: Hydrocelectomy under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme. Vector Control: Use of mosquito nets, insecticides, and community awareness.

• Mass Drug Administration (MDA): Annual distribution of anti-filarial drugs (Diethylcarbamazine + Albendazole).

• Triple Drug Therapy in select districts to accelerate LF elimination efforts. Triple Drug Therapy include diethylcarbamazine (DEC) + Albendazole + Ivermectin.

• Triple Drug Therapy include diethylcarbamazine (DEC) + Albendazole + Ivermectin.

• Morbidity Management & Disability Prevention (MMDP): Ensuring access to care for affected individuals.

• Surgical intervention: Hydrocelectomy under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme.

• Vector Control: Use of mosquito nets, insecticides, and community awareness.

Morand-Ganjal Irrigation Project

Source: NIE

Context: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has warned that the Morand-Ganjal Irrigation Project in Madhya Pradesh will submerge vital tiger habitats Satpura and Melghat Tiger Reserves.

About Morand-Ganjal Irrigation Project:

• What it is: A dam-based irrigation project aimed at improving agricultural productivity in Madhya Pradesh.

• Rivers Involved: Morand and Ganjal Rivers. Both the Morand and Ganjal rivers are considered major tributaries of the Narmada River. The Ganjal being a left bank tributary and the Morand being a significant tributary of the Ganjal.

• Both the Morand and Ganjal rivers are considered major tributaries of the Narmada River.

• The Ganjal being a left bank tributary and the Morand being a significant tributary of the Ganjal.

• Location: Covers Hoshangabad, Betul, Harda, and Khandwa districts in Madhya Pradesh.

About Wildlife Sanctuaries in News:

• Satpura Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS):

• Location: Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh. Part of: Satpura Tiger Reserve. Significance:

• Location: Hoshangabad district, Madhya Pradesh.

• Part of: Satpura Tiger Reserve.

• Significance:

• Home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison, and rich flora. Forms part of the Satpura ranges, a critical biodiversity hotspot.

• Home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison, and rich flora.

• Forms part of the Satpura ranges, a critical biodiversity hotspot.

• Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS):

• Location: Amravati district, Maharashtra. Established: 1985, later merged into Melghat Tiger Reserve. Significance:

• Location: Amravati district, Maharashtra.

• Established: 1985, later merged into Melghat Tiger Reserve.

• Significance:

• One of the first nine tiger reserves established under Project Tiger (1973). Rich habitat for tigers, Indian gaurs, wild dogs, and giant squirrels. Forms an essential part of the Satpura-Melghat corridor, ensuring genetic exchange for tigers.

• One of the first nine tiger reserves established under Project Tiger (1973).

• Rich habitat for tigers, Indian gaurs, wild dogs, and giant squirrels.

• Forms an essential part of the Satpura-Melghat corridor, ensuring genetic exchange for tigers.

Bombay Blood Group

Source: IE

Context: India has successfully performed its first-ever cross-blood kidney transplant for a patient with the rare Bombay (hh) blood group.

About Bombay Blood Group:

• What is the Bombay Blood Group?

• A rare blood type (hh phenotype) first discovered in Mumbai (Bombay) in 1952 by Dr. Y.M. Bhende. Lacks the H antigen, which is the base structure for A and B antigens in the ABO blood group system.

• A rare blood type (hh phenotype) first discovered in Mumbai (Bombay) in 1952 by Dr. Y.M. Bhende.

• Lacks the H antigen, which is the base structure for A and B antigens in the ABO blood group system.

• Unique Characteristics

• Individuals with this blood type cannot receive blood from any ABO group, including O-negative, as it contains the H antigen. Can only receive blood from another Bombay blood group donor, making transfusions highly difficult. Prevalence: 1 in 10,000 in India, 1 in 1 million globally.

• Individuals with this blood type cannot receive blood from any ABO group, including O-negative, as it contains the H antigen.

• Can only receive blood from another Bombay blood group donor, making transfusions highly difficult.

• Prevalence: 1 in 10,000 in India, 1 in 1 million globally.

• Challenges in Blood Transfusion:

• Routine blood tests often misidentify Bombay blood group as O-type, leading to misdiagnosis and transfusion complications. Receiving blood with the H antigen can trigger an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction, causing severe immune responses.

• Routine blood tests often misidentify Bombay blood group as O-type, leading to misdiagnosis and transfusion complications.

• Receiving blood with the H antigen can trigger an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction, causing severe immune responses.

• Recent Medical Significance:

• In mid-2024, Chennai doctors at MIOT International successfully performed a cross-blood kidney transplant using a special plasmapheresis technique to remove antibodies. India’s first successful Bombay blood group kidney transplant was also reported at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, in February 2025, setting a medical precedent.

• In mid-2024, Chennai doctors at MIOT International successfully performed a cross-blood kidney transplant using a special plasmapheresis technique to remove antibodies.

• India’s first successful Bombay blood group kidney transplant was also reported at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, in February 2025, setting a medical precedent.

Revised Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) Guidelines

Source: PIB

Context: The Government has revised the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) guidelines, increasing the procurement limit from 20% to 25% and expanding procurement agencies.

About Market Intervention Scheme (MIS):

• What is Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)?

• A price support scheme under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare. Part of the PM-AASHA scheme, ensuring remunerative prices for farmers. Covers perishable crops (horticultural & agricultural commodities) that do not have Minimum Support Price (MSP). Implemented on request of State/UT Governments when market prices drop by at least 10% compared to the previous season.

• A price support scheme under the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

• Part of the PM-AASHA scheme, ensuring remunerative prices for farmers.

• Covers perishable crops (horticultural & agricultural commodities) that do not have Minimum Support Price (MSP).

• Implemented on request of State/UT Governments when market prices drop by at least 10% compared to the previous season.

• Key Features of MIS:

• Ad-hoc Scheme: Applied during market price crashes. State-Central Cost Sharing: 50:50 (75:25 for North-Eastern States). Operational by NAFED, NCCF & State Agencies.

• Ad-hoc Scheme: Applied during market price crashes.

• State-Central Cost Sharing: 50:50 (75:25 for North-Eastern States).

• Operational by NAFED, NCCF & State Agencies.

• Revised Market Intervention Scheme (MIS):

• Increased Procurement Limit: Procurement coverage raised from 20% to 25% of total production. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Option: States can now pay farmers directly for the price difference between the Market Intervention Price (MIP) and market price. Expanded Procurement Agencies: Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), State-nominated agencies, and Central Nodal Agencies (NAFED, NCCF) will procure TOP (Tomato, Onion, Potato) crops. Reimbursement of Storage & Transport Costs: Central Nodal Agencies (CNA) will reimburse costs for transporting crops from producing to consuming States.

• Increased Procurement Limit: Procurement coverage raised from 20% to 25% of total production.

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Option: States can now pay farmers directly for the price difference between the Market Intervention Price (MIP) and market price.

• Expanded Procurement Agencies: Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), State-nominated agencies, and Central Nodal Agencies (NAFED, NCCF) will procure TOP (Tomato, Onion, Potato) crops.

• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), State-nominated agencies, and Central Nodal Agencies (NAFED, NCCF) will procure TOP (Tomato, Onion, Potato) crops.

• Reimbursement of Storage & Transport Costs: Central Nodal Agencies (CNA) will reimburse costs for transporting crops from producing to consuming States.

• Central Nodal Agencies (CNA) will reimburse costs for transporting crops from producing to consuming States.

India-UK Defence Agreements

Source: NIE

Context: India and the UK have signed multiple defence agreements at Aero India 2025, including the launch of Defence Partnership–India (DP-I), collaboration on next-generation weapons, and the establishment of an ASRAAM missile assembly facility in Hyderabad.

Key India-UK Defence Agreements:

• Defence Partnership–India (DP-I):

• Laser Beam Riding MANPADS (LBRM): Thales UK & Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL) signed a contract for STARStreak high-velocity missiles. Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM): Future production collaboration between Thales & BDL. ASRAAM Missile Facility: MBDA UK & BDL to set up India’s first Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly & test centre in Hyderabad.

• Laser Beam Riding MANPADS (LBRM): Thales UK & Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL) signed a contract for STARStreak high-velocity missiles.

• Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM): Future production collaboration between Thales & BDL.

• ASRAAM Missile Facility: MBDA UK & BDL to set up India’s first Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) assembly & test centre in Hyderabad.

• Maritime Defence Cooperation:

• Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) System: UK & India signed a Statement of Intent to design and develop electric propulsion systems for Indian Navy ships. Land-Based Testing Facility (LBTF): GE Vernova & BHEL to develop India’s first maritime testing facility for future Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleets by 2030.

• Integrated Full Electric Propulsion (IFEP) System: UK & India signed a Statement of Intent to design and develop electric propulsion systems for Indian Navy ships.

• Land-Based Testing Facility (LBTF): GE Vernova & BHEL to develop India’s first maritime testing facility for future Landing Platform Dock (LPD) fleets by 2030.

• Strategic & Economic Impact:

• Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat: Supports India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Creates Jobs: Strengthens bilateral industrial collaboration and adds Indian industries to Thales’ global supply chain. Interoperability: Enhances defence coordination between the two-armed forces.

• Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat: Supports India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

• Creates Jobs: Strengthens bilateral industrial collaboration and adds Indian industries to Thales’ global supply chain.

• Interoperability: Enhances defence coordination between the two-armed forces.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 February 2025 Mapping:

Ramakrishna Beach (RK Beach)

Source: TH

Context: The sand at Ramakrishna Beach (RK Beach) in Visakhapatnam has turned black, raising concerns over sewage pollution, as locals suspect contamination from drainage canals.

About Ramakrishna Beach (RK Beach):

• Location & State: Situated in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on the east coast of the Bay of Bengal. Located near Dolphin’s Nose and INS Kursura Submarine Museum.

• Situated in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh on the east coast of the Bay of Bengal.

• Located near Dolphin’s Nose and INS Kursura Submarine Museum.

• History & Uniqueness: Named after Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, located near the beach. Features sculptures and art installations depicting Buddhist heritage, fishermen, and cultural symbols. Maintained by Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA), with several small parks along the beachside.

• Named after Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, located near the beach.

• Features sculptures and art installations depicting Buddhist heritage, fishermen, and cultural symbols.

• Maintained by Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA), with several small parks along the beachside.

• Reason Behind Sand Pollution:

• Locals suspect sewage discharge from drainage canals contaminating the beach. Experts ruled out mineral deposits, as black sand patches are rare in this region. GVMC (Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation) is implementing measures to divert sewage to treatment plants along the coast.

• Locals suspect sewage discharge from drainage canals contaminating the beach.

• Experts ruled out mineral deposits, as black sand patches are rare in this region.

• GVMC (Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation) is implementing measures to divert sewage to treatment plants along the coast.

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 11 Feb 2025

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Table of Contents

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 February (2025)

NITI Aayog Report on Higher Education

Paris AI Summit 2025

GS Paper 2 & 4:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

Government Initiatives to Support Women Employees and Entrepreneurs

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)

Morand-Ganjal Irrigation Project

Bombay Blood Group

Revised Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) Guidelines

India-UK Defence Agreements

Mapping:

Ramakrishna Beach (RK Beach)

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 February 2025

NITI Aayog Report on Higher Education

Paris AI Summit 2025

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policies

Government Initiatives to Support Women Employees and Entrepreneurs

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF)

Morand-Ganjal Irrigation Project

Bombay Blood Group

Revised Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) Guidelines

India-UK Defence Agreements

Ramakrishna Beach (RK Beach)