UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 February 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 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 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 February (2025)
• USAID Freeze
USAID Freeze
GS Paper 3:
• Zamindari Abolition
Zamindari Abolition
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Kallur Balan: The Green Warrior of Kerala
Kallur Balan: The Green Warrior of Kerala
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Su-57 Fighter Jet
Su-57 Fighter Jet
• Elephant Trumpeting
Elephant Trumpeting
• Sṛjanam Rig
Sṛjanam Rig
• President’s Rule
President’s Rule
• Shakti Semi-Conductor Chips
Shakti Semi-Conductor Chips
Mapping:
• Baltic Sea
Baltic Sea
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 February 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
USAID Freeze
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: TH
Context: Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump, on his first day of his second term, imposed a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance to reassess program efficiency and alignment with U.S. foreign policy.
About the United States Agency for International Development (USAID):
What is USAID?
• Formation: Established in 1961 under an Act of Congress, USAID (United States Agency for International Development) is an independent agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.
• Mission: To promote democratic values, advance global peace and prosperity, and align with U.S. national security interests.
• Key Sectors: Economic development, health, education, food security, humanitarian aid, climate change, and governance.
• Global Reach: Operates in over 100 countries, with flagship programs like PEPFAR (HIV/AIDS relief), Feed the Future (food security), and Power Africa (energy access).
Why the Freeze?
• Executive Order: On January 20, 2023, President Donald Trump issued a 90-day freeze on foreign assistance to reassess program efficiency and alignment with U.S. foreign policy.
• Political Motivations: Critics argue the freeze targets Biden-era programs, driven by political vendetta rather than strategic reassessment.
• Statements: Elon Musk (DOGE head) called USAID a “criminal organization,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized restructuring to serve U.S. national interests.
Impacts:
• Global Impact:
• Humanitarian Crisis: Withdrawal of funds could disrupt critical programs, risking millions of lives, especially in HIV/AIDS treatment, food security, and disaster relief. Affected Countries: Top recipients like Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen face severe setbacks in development and humanitarian projects. UN Concerns: The UN warns that halting HIV/AIDS funding could lead to over 6 million deaths in the next four years.
• Humanitarian Crisis: Withdrawal of funds could disrupt critical programs, risking millions of lives, especially in HIV/AIDS treatment, food security, and disaster relief.
• Affected Countries: Top recipients like Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen face severe setbacks in development and humanitarian projects.
• UN Concerns: The UN warns that halting HIV/AIDS funding could lead to over 6 million deaths in the next four years.
• Impact on India:
• Reduced Dependency: India’s reliance on USAID has decreased over the years, with funding now constituting only 0.2%-0.4% of USAID’s global budget. Key Sectors: Health (HIV/AIDS, TB, maternal health), energy, water, sanitation, and environmental health. Current Status: USAID has suspended operations in India, but the impact may be limited due to India’s growing self-reliance and alternative funding mechanisms.
• Reduced Dependency: India’s reliance on USAID has decreased over the years, with funding now constituting only 0.2%-0.4% of USAID’s global budget.
• Key Sectors: Health (HIV/AIDS, TB, maternal health), energy, water, sanitation, and environmental health.
• Current Status: USAID has suspended operations in India, but the impact may be limited due to India’s growing self-reliance and alternative funding mechanisms.
Alternatives and Way Forward:
• Domestic Funding: Indian government and state agencies can step in to fund critical projects.
• Multilateral Partnerships: Strengthen collaborations with organizations like the World Bank, WHO, and UN agencies.
• Private Sector Engagement: Encourage CSR initiatives and public-private partnerships to fill funding gaps.
• Global Solidarity: Other donor nations and NGOs can increase contributions to mitigate the impact of USAID’s withdrawal.
Conclusion:
The USAID freeze poses significant challenges to global development and humanitarian efforts, particularly in vulnerable nations. While India may weather the storm due to reduced dependency, the Global South faces heightened risks. The way forward lies in diversifying funding sources, enhancing domestic capacities, and fostering international cooperation to ensure continuity in critical development projects.
• What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with suitable examples. (UPSC-2019)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 February 2025 GS Paper 3:
Zamindari Abolition
Syllabus: Land Reforms
Source: IE
Context: The article discusses the legal and political challenges surrounding the abolition of the Zamindari system in independent India, particularly the landmark Supreme Court case of Sankari Prasad vs. Union of India (1951) that upheld the First Constitutional Amendment enabling land reforms.
About Zamindari System:
What was the Zamindari System?
• Introduction: Introduced by Lord Cornwallis in 1793 under the Permanent Settlement Act, the Zamindari system made landlords (zamindars) intermediaries responsible for collecting land revenue from peasants and paying it to the British government.
• Revenue Collection: 89% of collected revenue went to the British, and zamindars retained 11%.
• Ownership Rights: Zamindars had absolute control over the land and could lease, sell, or transfer it.
• States Practicing Zamindari: The system was prevalent in West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
• Social Impact: Peasants were subjected to high rents, forced labor (begar), and frequent evictions, creating widespread rural distress.
Issues Surrounding the Zamindari System:
• Exploitation of Peasants: Peasants had no ownership rights and were forced to pay exorbitant rents, often falling into a cycle of debt.
• Agricultural Decline: Zamindars focused on revenue collection rather than agricultural productivity, leading to stagnation in farm output.
• Social Disparities: The system widened the gap between landed elites and landless laborers, fueling class conflicts.
• Legal Challenges to Abolition: Zamindars contested the Zamindari Abolition Acts in court, citing violations of fundamental rights (Right to Property under Article 19 and 31).
Major Court Cases Related to Land Reforms in India:
• Sankari Prasad vs. Union of India (1951)
• Issue: Challenged the First Constitutional Amendment that placed Zamindari Abolition Acts under the Ninth Schedule to protect them from judicial review. Outcome: Supreme Court upheld the amendment, ruling that Parliament had the power to amend the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights.
• Issue: Challenged the First Constitutional Amendment that placed Zamindari Abolition Acts under the Ninth Schedule to protect them from judicial review.
• Outcome: Supreme Court upheld the amendment, ruling that Parliament had the power to amend the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights.
• Kameshwar Singh vs. State of Bihar (1952)
• Issue: Bihar Zamindari Abolition Act challenged on the grounds of inadequate compensation for landlords. Outcome: Patna High Court struck down the law, but later amendments allowed land reforms to proceed.
• Issue: Bihar Zamindari Abolition Act challenged on the grounds of inadequate compensation for landlords.
• Outcome: Patna High Court struck down the law, but later amendments allowed land reforms to proceed.
• Sajjan Singh vs. State of Rajasthan (1965)
• Issue: Questioned the validity of placing land reform laws under the Ninth Schedule to escape judicial review. Outcome: Supreme Court ruled that Parliament had the power to amend Fundamental Rights.
• Issue: Questioned the validity of placing land reform laws under the Ninth Schedule to escape judicial review.
• Outcome: Supreme Court ruled that Parliament had the power to amend Fundamental Rights.
• C. Golaknath vs. State of Punjab (1967)
• Issue: Whether Parliament could amend Fundamental Rights, including the Right to Property. Outcome: Supreme Court reversed its earlier stance, ruling that Fundamental Rights could not be amended.
• Issue: Whether Parliament could amend Fundamental Rights, including the Right to Property.
• Outcome: Supreme Court reversed its earlier stance, ruling that Fundamental Rights could not be amended.
• Kesavananda Bharati State of Kerala (1973)
• Issue: Whether Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution was absolute. Outcome: Supreme Court introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine, stating that amendments cannot violate the fundamental framework of the Constitution. However, the Right to Property was later removed as a fundamental right.
• Issue: Whether Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution was absolute.
• Outcome: Supreme Court introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine, stating that amendments cannot violate the fundamental framework of the Constitution. However, the Right to Property was later removed as a fundamental right.
Impact of Zamindari Abolition in India:
• Ownership to Tenants: Over 20 million peasants became landowners, leading to rural empowerment.
• End of Feudal Exploitation: Reduced arbitrary evictions and excessive rents.
• Increased Agricultural Productivity: Farmers had greater incentives to invest in modern techniques and improve yield.
• Reduced Bonded Labor: The practice of forced labor (begar) significantly declined.
• Social Justice & Economic Equity: Helped bridge the gap between the landed elite and landless farmers, aligning with Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
Challenges & Limitations:
• Evasion by Zamindars: Many landlords distributed land among family members or created religious trusts to avoid state acquisition.
• Rise of New Intermediaries: Wealthy farmers subleased land to poorer tenants, creating new hierarchies in landholding.
• Poor Implementation: Many states, including Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, failed to fully enforce land redistribution due to political and bureaucratic resistance.
• Legal Loopholes: Judicial interventions often diluted land reform efforts by favouring landlords.
Conclusion:
The abolition of the Zamindari system was a landmark step in post-independence agrarian reforms, promoting social justice and economic equity. However, challenges in implementation and judicial roadblocks hindered full realization of its objectives. While land reforms empowered millions of farmers, loopholes in execution allowed vested interests to retain land, necessitating stronger legal enforcement to ensure true agrarian justice.
• Establish relationship between land reforms, agricultural productivity and elimination of poverty in the Indian economy. Discuss the difficulties in designing and implementation of agriculture – friendly land reforms in India. (UPSC-2013)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 February 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Kallur Balan: The Green Warrior of Kerala
In the heart of Kerala’s Palakkad district, amidst the rocky terrains and barren lands, stood a man whose vision was not just of trees but of a thriving ecosystem. Dressed always in his signature green shirt, lungi, and headband, Kallur Balan was more than an environmentalist—he was a silent revolutionary. Armed with saplings and unwavering resolve, Balan transformed over 100 acres of lifeless hills into a flourishing green paradise. His mornings were spent collecting fruits from markets, not for himself, but for the wildlife that had come to recognize his familiar voice. Monkeys would line up in disciplined rows, knowing they would soon receive mangoes and bananas from his hands, while at night, wild pigs fed on the leftovers. What drove a man to dedicate his entire life to trees and animals? It was the realization that human existence is meaningless without nature. Inspired by Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings, Balan abandoned his family toddy business and chose a path few dared to tread nurturing nature without expecting anything in return. Through scorching summers and relentless monsoons, he never stopped planting. His forests now provide shade along highways, fruits for the hungry, and a safe haven for birds and insects. Recognized with the Vanamitra Award, his legacy is not in the awards but in the forests that whisper his name with every rustling leaf. Kallur Balan was not just a man he was a movement, reminding us.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• Environment & Ecology (GS Paper 3) Reforestation and biodiversity conservation efforts in India. Role of individuals in ecological restoration.
• Reforestation and biodiversity conservation efforts in India.
• Role of individuals in ecological restoration.
• Ethics & Integrity (GS Paper 4) Selfless service and environmental stewardship as an ethical responsibility. Commitment to sustainability and intergenerational justice.
• Selfless service and environmental stewardship as an ethical responsibility.
• Commitment to sustainability and intergenerational justice.
• Essay Topics
• “Man, and Nature: A Symbiotic Relationship”
• “The Power of One: How Individuals Can Drive Environmental Change”
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 February 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Su-57 Fighter Jet
Source: NDTV
Context: Russia has offered India a partnership for the joint production of the Su-57 fighter jet at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aiming to localize fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) technology.
About Su-57 Fighter Jet:
• What is Su-57? A fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC). Designed for air superiority and ground attack roles with advanced stealth, agility, and multi-role combat capabilities.
• A fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC).
• Designed for air superiority and ground attack roles with advanced stealth, agility, and multi-role combat capabilities.
• Nation of Origin: Developed by Russia, primarily for the Russian Air Force.
• Developed by Russia, primarily for the Russian Air Force.
• Key Features of Su-57: Stealth Design: Low radar cross-section (RCS) with composite materials and radar-absorbing coating. AESA Radar: Multi-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for enhanced situational awareness. Supermaneuverability: Thrust-vectoring engines allow superior dogfight agility. Supersonic Cruising (Supercruise): Can sustain supersonic speeds without afterburners. AI-Integrated Systems: AI-assisted avionics for advanced combat decision-making. Advanced Weaponry: Carries hypersonic missiles, air-to-air and air-to-ground precision-guided weapons.
• Stealth Design: Low radar cross-section (RCS) with composite materials and radar-absorbing coating.
• AESA Radar: Multi-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for enhanced situational awareness.
• Supermaneuverability: Thrust-vectoring engines allow superior dogfight agility.
• Supersonic Cruising (Supercruise): Can sustain supersonic speeds without afterburners.
• AI-Integrated Systems: AI-assisted avionics for advanced combat decision-making.
• Advanced Weaponry: Carries hypersonic missiles, air-to-air and air-to-ground precision-guided weapons.
Differences Between Su-57 and F-35:
Feature | Su-57 (Russia) | F-35 (USA)
Design Objective | Air superiority & interception with ground attack capability | Multi-role strike fighter with advanced stealth
Stealth Capability | Front-aspect stealth, moderate all-round stealth | Full-spectrum stealth, ultra-low radar signature
Radar & Sensors | AESA multi-band radar with additional L-band radars (better for stealth detection) | Advanced AESA radar optimized for electronic warfare & precision strikes
Manoeuvrability | Highly manoeuvrable (thrust-vectoring engines) | Less agile, optimized for stealth penetration
Speed & Range | Max Speed: Mach 2 | Max Speed: Mach 1.6
Super cruise | Yes (can cruise at supersonic speeds without afterburners) | Limited (requires afterburners)
Weapons Load | Larger payload, internal & external weapons bay | Smaller internal payload (due to stealth), larger payload in non-stealth mode
Production Cost | Lower cost (~$70 million per unit) | Expensive (~$100-110 million per unit)
Operational Cost | Lower maintenance and operating cost | Higher sustainment costs due to stealth coating and advanced avionics
Strategic Suitability for India | Ideal for border defense and air superiority | Best for precision strikes & offensive penetration
Elephant Trumpeting
Source: TH
Context: A new study published in Mammalian Biology reveals that Asian elephants use trumpeting sounds in diverse social interactions, contrary to previous beliefs that they only trumpet in response to disturbances.
About Elephant Trumpeting:
• What is Elephant Trumpeting?
• Trumpeting is a loud, high-frequency sound produced by elephants to communicate with herd members. It serves multiple functions, including alerting others, expressing excitement, play, and signaling danger.
• Trumpeting is a loud, high-frequency sound produced by elephants to communicate with herd members.
• It serves multiple functions, including alerting others, expressing excitement, play, and signaling danger.
• How is Trumpeting Formed?
• Elephants produce trumpets by blowing air in sudden bursts through their trunks. Unlike rumbles or roars, trumpeting does not necessarily involve the vocal cords, making it a distinct form of sound production.
• Elephants produce trumpets by blowing air in sudden bursts through their trunks.
• Unlike rumbles or roars, trumpeting does not necessarily involve the vocal cords, making it a distinct form of sound production.
• Features of Elephant Trumpeting:
• High-frequency communication: Audible over long distances in dense forests. Multi-contextual use: Used during social bonding, play, distress, and intergroup interactions. Species-Specific Variations: African and Asian elephants exhibit different trumpeting patterns.
• High-frequency communication: Audible over long distances in dense forests.
• Multi-contextual use: Used during social bonding, play, distress, and intergroup interactions.
• Species-Specific Variations: African and Asian elephants exhibit different trumpeting patterns.
• Differences Between African & Asian Elephant Trumpeting:
Feature | African Elephant (Loxodonta) | Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
Primary Context | Used mainly for distress and alarm | Used for social interactions, play, and group coordination
Vocal Mechanism | Typically combines trunk bursts with vocal cord activation | Often produced without vocal cord involvement
Acoustic Frequency | Broader range, with some lower-pitched trumpets | More consistent duration, higher frequency calls
Combination Calls | Rarely recorded in African elephants | First documented case of roar-rumble combination in Asian elephants
Environmental Adaptation | Used in savanna landscapes where sound needs to travel far | Used in dense forests where high-pitched calls are more effective
Sṛjanam Rig
Source: PIB
Context: Union Minister for Science & Technology launched India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Plant, named Sṛjanam, at AIIMS, New Delhi.
About Sṛjanam Rig:
• What is Sṛjanam?
• Sṛjanam is an automated, eco-friendly biomedical waste treatment rig designed to disinfect pathogenic medical waste without incineration.
• Sṛjanam is an automated, eco-friendly biomedical waste treatment rig designed to disinfect pathogenic medical waste without incineration.
• Location & Implementing Agencies:
• Location: AIIMS, New Delhi. Developed by: CSIR-NIIST (National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology), Thiruvananthapuram. Under Ministry: Ministry of Science & Technology. Implemented by: AIIMS in collaboration with CSIR.
• Location: AIIMS, New Delhi.
• Developed by: CSIR-NIIST (National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology), Thiruvananthapuram.
• Under Ministry: Ministry of Science & Technology.
• Implemented by: AIIMS in collaboration with CSIR.
• How it Works?
• Uses non-incineration technology to disinfect biomedical waste such as blood, urine, lab disposables. Employs a specialized antimicrobial process to neutralize pathogens. Converts treated waste into safe organic material, reducing hazardous emissions.
• Uses non-incineration technology to disinfect biomedical waste such as blood, urine, lab disposables.
• Employs a specialized antimicrobial process to neutralize pathogens.
• Converts treated waste into safe organic material, reducing hazardous emissions.
• Key Features of Sṛjanam Rig: Incineration-Free Technology: Reduces harmful emissions like dioxins and furans from medical waste burning. Capacity: Can treat 400 kg of waste per day, including 10 kg of degradable medical waste. Eco-Friendly: Produces fragrance-infused non-toxic waste, reducing foul odors. Safe & Efficient: Eliminates human exposure risks and prevents accidental spills. Sustainable Alternative: Validated for antimicrobial action, making treated waste safer than organic fertilizers. Aligns with CPCB Norms: Addresses India’s biomedical waste crisis (743 tonnes/day as per CPCB).
• Incineration-Free Technology: Reduces harmful emissions like dioxins and furans from medical waste burning.
• Capacity: Can treat 400 kg of waste per day, including 10 kg of degradable medical waste.
• Eco-Friendly: Produces fragrance-infused non-toxic waste, reducing foul odors.
• Safe & Efficient: Eliminates human exposure risks and prevents accidental spills.
• Sustainable Alternative: Validated for antimicrobial action, making treated waste safer than organic fertilizers.
• Aligns with CPCB Norms: Addresses India’s biomedical waste crisis (743 tonnes/day as per CPCB).
President’s Rule
Source: IE
Context: Manipur is facing a potential imposition of President’s Rule following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, as BJP struggles to find a consensus candidate.
About President’s Rule:
• What is President’s Rule?
• President’s Rule refers to the suspension of a state government and the imposition of direct central administration when a state government fails to function as per the Constitution. It is invoked under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution when the President is satisfied that governance in a state cannot be carried out per constitutional provisions.
• President’s Rule refers to the suspension of a state government and the imposition of direct central administration when a state government fails to function as per the Constitution.
• It is invoked under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution when the President is satisfied that governance in a state cannot be carried out per constitutional provisions.
• Constitutional Provisions
• Article 356: Grants the President the power to impose President’s Rule in case of failure of constitutional machinery in a state. Article 365: If a state government fails to comply with the Centre’s directives, the President can assume that the state government cannot function per the Constitution.
• Article 356: Grants the President the power to impose President’s Rule in case of failure of constitutional machinery in a state.
• Article 365: If a state government fails to comply with the Centre’s directives, the President can assume that the state government cannot function per the Constitution.
• Criteria for Imposing President’s Rule Breakdown of Constitutional Machinery: If the state government fails to function in accordance with the Constitution. Failure to Comply with Central Directives: If the state does not follow instructions issued by the Union government under Article 256. Governor’s Report: If the Governor recommends the imposition of President’s Rule, citing political instability or law-and-order issues. Other Justifications: Political crisis, loss of majority, or inability to conduct elections.
• Breakdown of Constitutional Machinery: If the state government fails to function in accordance with the Constitution.
• Failure to Comply with Central Directives: If the state does not follow instructions issued by the Union government under Article 256.
• Governor’s Report: If the Governor recommends the imposition of President’s Rule, citing political instability or law-and-order issues.
• Other Justifications: Political crisis, loss of majority, or inability to conduct elections.
• Procedure for Imposing President’s Rule: Governor’s Report: The Governor submits a report to the President stating that governance in the state has broken down. President’s Proclamation: The President issues a proclamation imposing President’s Rule, initially for two months. Parliamentary Approval: Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha must approve the proclamation within two months for it to continue. Duration: Initially imposed for six months, extendable up to three years with parliamentary approval every six months. Extension Beyond One Year: Allowed only if:
• Governor’s Report: The Governor submits a report to the President stating that governance in the state has broken down.
• President’s Proclamation: The President issues a proclamation imposing President’s Rule, initially for two months.
• Parliamentary Approval: Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha must approve the proclamation within two months for it to continue.
• Duration: Initially imposed for six months, extendable up to three years with parliamentary approval every six months.
• Extension Beyond One Year: Allowed only if:
• National Emergency is in force, or The Election Commission certifies that elections in the state cannot be conducted.
• National Emergency is in force, or The Election Commission certifies that elections in the state cannot be conducted.
• National Emergency is in force, or
• The Election Commission certifies that elections in the state cannot be conducted.
• Impact of President’s Rule: On State Executive: The Governor assumes all executive powers, acting on behalf of the President. The Chief Minister and Council of Ministers are removed. The state administration is run by bureaucrats under the Centre’s control. On State Legislature: The State Legislative Assembly is either dissolved or suspended. Parliament assumes legislative powers and can pass laws for the state. The President can issue ordinances if Parliament is not in session. On Judiciary The High Court continues to function independently. Judicial powers remain unaffected, ensuring the rule of law. On Fundamental Rights of Citizens No direct impact on fundamental rights. The state administration must function under constitutional safeguards. In extreme cases, civil liberties may be restricted if law-and-order deteriorates.
• On State Executive: The Governor assumes all executive powers, acting on behalf of the President. The Chief Minister and Council of Ministers are removed. The state administration is run by bureaucrats under the Centre’s control.
• The Governor assumes all executive powers, acting on behalf of the President.
• The Chief Minister and Council of Ministers are removed.
• The state administration is run by bureaucrats under the Centre’s control.
• On State Legislature: The State Legislative Assembly is either dissolved or suspended. Parliament assumes legislative powers and can pass laws for the state. The President can issue ordinances if Parliament is not in session.
• The State Legislative Assembly is either dissolved or suspended.
• Parliament assumes legislative powers and can pass laws for the state.
• The President can issue ordinances if Parliament is not in session.
• On Judiciary The High Court continues to function independently. Judicial powers remain unaffected, ensuring the rule of law.
• The High Court continues to function independently.
• Judicial powers remain unaffected, ensuring the rule of law.
• On Fundamental Rights of Citizens No direct impact on fundamental rights. The state administration must function under constitutional safeguards. In extreme cases, civil liberties may be restricted if law-and-order deteriorates.
• No direct impact on fundamental rights.
• The state administration must function under constitutional safeguards.
• In extreme cases, civil liberties may be restricted if law-and-order deteriorates.
Shakti Semi-Conductor Chips
Source: IITM
Context: India’s first indigenous aerospace-grade semiconductor chip, ‘Shakti’, has been developed by IIT Madras and ISRO under the Digital India RISC-V initiative (DIRV) to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem and strategic autonomy.
About Shakti Semi-Conductor Chips:
• What is it?
• Shakti is an indigenous microprocessor based on the RISC-V open-source Instruction Set Architecture (ISA). It is designed to meet the high-reliability and security needs of India’s space, defense, and computing industries.
• Shakti is an indigenous microprocessor based on the RISC-V open-source Instruction Set Architecture (ISA).
• It is designed to meet the high-reliability and security needs of India’s space, defense, and computing industries.
• Developed by:
• IIT Madras in collaboration with ISRO, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Digital India RISC-V (DIRV) initiative.
• IIT Madras in collaboration with ISRO, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Digital India RISC-V (DIRV) initiative.
• Key Features: End-to-End Indigenous: Fully developed, fabricated, and tested in India. Fault-Tolerant Design: Enhanced reliability for aerospace and defense applications. RISC-V Architecture: Uses an open-source 64-bit processor for flexibility and customization. High-Performance Computing: Supports command and control systems, sensor integration, and AI-based applications. Advanced Security: Designed for strategic sectors requiring robust cybersecurity measures. Multiple Boot Modes: Expandable for future space missions and secure computing requirements.
• End-to-End Indigenous: Fully developed, fabricated, and tested in India.
• Fault-Tolerant Design: Enhanced reliability for aerospace and defense applications.
• RISC-V Architecture: Uses an open-source 64-bit processor for flexibility and customization.
• High-Performance Computing: Supports command and control systems, sensor integration, and AI-based applications.
• Advanced Security: Designed for strategic sectors requiring robust cybersecurity measures.
• Multiple Boot Modes: Expandable for future space missions and secure computing requirements.
• Applications: Space Missions: Used in satellites, avionics, and embedded controllers for ISRO applications. Defense & Aerospace: Strengthens India’s self-reliance in military-grade electronics. IoT & AI Applications: Supports high-performance computing for smart systems. Command & Control Systems: Critical for real-time operations and automation. R&D in Semiconductor Industry: Advances India’s position in indigenous chip fabrication.
• Space Missions: Used in satellites, avionics, and embedded controllers for ISRO applications.
• Defense & Aerospace: Strengthens India’s self-reliance in military-grade electronics.
• IoT & AI Applications: Supports high-performance computing for smart systems.
• Command & Control Systems: Critical for real-time operations and automation.
• R&D in Semiconductor Industry: Advances India’s position in indigenous chip fabrication.
What is the Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Program?
• Launched In: April 2022
• Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Aim: To strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem by developing indigenous RISC-V-based microprocessors for self-reliance in the digital sector.
• Key Features of the DIR-V Program: Indigenous Innovation & Self-Reliance: Promotes the development of domestic microprocessor technology to reduce dependency on foreign semiconductor solutions. High-Performance Computing: Focuses on cloud services, IoT, AI, sensors, and advanced computing, ensuring India’s presence in next-generation digital infrastructure. Collaboration with Industry & Academia: Works closely with C-DAC, IITs, ISRO, and private industry partners to develop scalable RISC-V microprocessor solutions. Applications in Emerging Technologies: Supports 5G/6G, AI, and automation, creating a foundation for future technology advancements.
• Indigenous Innovation & Self-Reliance: Promotes the development of domestic microprocessor technology to reduce dependency on foreign semiconductor solutions.
• High-Performance Computing: Focuses on cloud services, IoT, AI, sensors, and advanced computing, ensuring India’s presence in next-generation digital infrastructure.
• Collaboration with Industry & Academia: Works closely with C-DAC, IITs, ISRO, and private industry partners to develop scalable RISC-V microprocessor solutions.
• Applications in Emerging Technologies: Supports 5G/6G, AI, and automation, creating a foundation for future technology advancements.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 February 2025 Mapping:
Baltic Sea
Source: TH
Context: Security analysts warn of a high risk of an oil spill in the Baltic Sea due to Russia’s “shadow fleet” of old and technically deficient oil tankers operating without Western insurance.
About the Baltic Sea:
• Location & Geography:
• The Baltic Sea is a semi-enclosed inland sea in Northern Europe, forming an arm of the North Atlantic Ocean. It separates the Scandinavian Peninsula from continental Europe. Connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the Danish Straits.
• The Baltic Sea is a semi-enclosed inland sea in Northern Europe, forming an arm of the North Atlantic Ocean.
• It separates the Scandinavian Peninsula from continental Europe.
• Connected to the Atlantic Ocean through the Danish Straits.
• Neighboring Countries: Denmark, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Finland, and Sweden.
• Major Rivers Flowing into the Baltic Sea:
• Over 250 rivers drain into the Baltic Sea. The Neva River (Russia) is the largest among them.
• Over 250 rivers drain into the Baltic Sea.
• The Neva River (Russia) is the largest among them.
• Key Gulfs: Gulf of Bothnia, Gulf of Finland, Gulf of Riga
• Key Features & Environmental Concerns:
• Covers an area of 377,000 sq. km, with a length of 1,600 km and a width of 193 km. Shallow & Brackish Waters: Salinity is lower than in the world’s oceans due to freshwater inflow. Connected to: White Sea (via White Sea Canal) North Sea’s German Bight (via Kiel Canal) Largest Island: Gotland (Sweden).
• Covers an area of 377,000 sq. km, with a length of 1,600 km and a width of 193 km.
• Shallow & Brackish Waters: Salinity is lower than in the world’s oceans due to freshwater inflow.
• Connected to: White Sea (via White Sea Canal) North Sea’s German Bight (via Kiel Canal)
• White Sea (via White Sea Canal)
• North Sea’s German Bight (via Kiel Canal)
• Largest Island: Gotland (Sweden).
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 12 Feb 2025
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