UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 February 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 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 – 13 February (2025)
• Criminalization of Politics
Criminalization of Politics
• India-France Relations
India-France Relations
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• China Birthrate and Marriage Crisis
China Birthrate and Marriage Crisis
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• ‘Tax Year’ Concept
‘Tax Year’ Concept
• Ongole Breed Cattle
Ongole Breed Cattle
• Dorka Metal Craft
Dorka Metal Craft
• Einstein Ring
Einstein Ring
• Obscenity Laws in India
Obscenity Laws in India
• Veer Savarkar Marseille Escape
Veer Savarkar Marseille Escape
• Tobin Tax
Tobin Tax
Mapping:
• Lake Sapanca
Lake Sapanca
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 February 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Decriminalization of Politics
Syllabus: Polity
Source: TH
Context: The Supreme Court is hearing petitions seeking a lifetime ban on convicted individuals from contesting elections, reigniting the debate on decriminalizing politics and ensuring probity in public life.
What Does the RPA Act, 1951 Say About Contesting Elections?
• Section 8(3): Disqualifies individuals convicted of criminal offenses and sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more. They are barred from contesting elections for six years post-release.
• Section 8(1): Disqualifies individuals convicted of heinous crimes (e.g., rape, corruption, UAPA offenses) regardless of sentence length, with a six-year post-release ban.
• Section 62(5): Bars imprisoned individuals from voting but allows undertrials to contest elections.
• Section 11: Empowers the Election Commission (EC) to reduce or remove disqualification periods, as seen in the case of Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang in 2019.
The Issue and Need for Banning Convicted Individuals from Elections:
• Rising Criminalization of Politics: ADR reports that 46% of MPs elected in 2024 face criminal charges, with 31% accused of serious offenses like murder and rape.
• Public Trust: Convicted individuals holding public office erode trust in democratic institutions.
• Moral Turpitude: Heinous crimes and corruption convictions directly conflict with the integrity required for public service.
• Disproportionate Influence: Candidates with criminal backgrounds have a 15.4% chance of winning, compared to 4.4% for those with clean records.
Challenges to Banning Convicted Individuals:
• Misuse of Law: Political parties fear misuse of criminal charges to target opponents.
• Delayed Justice: Prolonged trials mean candidates with serious charges can contest multiple elections before conviction.
• Proportionality: Not all convictions involve moral turpitude; a lifetime ban may be disproportionate for minor offenses.
• EC’s Discretion: Section 11 allows the EC to reduce disqualification periods, raising concerns about impartiality.
Way Forward:
• Stricter Laws: Amend the RPA Act to disqualify candidates against whom charges are framed for offenses punishable by five years or more (as recommended by the Law Commission in 1999 and 2014).
• Fast-Track Courts: Expedite trials of MPs/MLAs to ensure timely justice (as ordered by the Supreme Court in 2023).
• EC’s Role: Review the EC’s discretionary powers under Section 11 to ensure transparency.
• Public Awareness: Encourage voters to reject candidates with criminal backgrounds.
• Consensus Building: Engage political parties to build consensus on reforms to curb criminalization.
Conclusion:
The criminalization of politics undermines democracy and public trust. While a lifetime ban for heinous crimes is justified, a balanced approach is needed to address misuse and proportionality. Fast-track courts, stricter laws, and public awareness are key to ensuring clean politics.
• Discuss the procedures to decide the disputes arising out of the election of a Member of the Parliament or State Legislature under The Representation of the People Act, 1951. What are the grounds on which the election of any returned candidate may be declared void? What remedy is available to the aggrieved party against the decision? Refer to the case laws. (UPSC-2022)
India-France Relations
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: TOI
Context: Prime Minister of India visit to France in February 2025 marked a significant milestone in India-France relations, with agreements on nuclear energy, defense, AI, and Indo-Pacific cooperation, reflecting the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.
About India-France Relations:
Recent Summit Outcomes:
• Nuclear Energy Cooperation: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs): Both nations signed a letter of intent to co-design, co-develop, and co-produce SMRs and AMRs, leveraging India’s industrial ecosystem and France’s expertise. Jaitapur Nuclear Plant: Progress on the long-pending Jaitapur project was reviewed, emphasizing its role in India’s clean energy transition.
• Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs): Both nations signed a letter of intent to co-design, co-develop, and co-produce SMRs and AMRs, leveraging India’s industrial ecosystem and France’s expertise.
• Jaitapur Nuclear Plant: Progress on the long-pending Jaitapur project was reviewed, emphasizing its role in India’s clean energy transition.
• Defense Collaboration: Submarines and Missiles: Continued cooperation on Scorpene submarines, including indigenization and integration of DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems. Helicopter and Jet Engines: Discussions on joint production of engines for helicopters and fighter jets. Pinaka MBRL: France expressed interest in acquiring India’s multi-barrel rocket launcher system, enhancing defense ties.
• Submarines and Missiles: Continued cooperation on Scorpene submarines, including indigenization and integration of DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems.
• Helicopter and Jet Engines: Discussions on joint production of engines for helicopters and fighter jets.
• Pinaka MBRL: France expressed interest in acquiring India’s multi-barrel rocket launcher system, enhancing defense ties.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): India-France AI Roadmap: Focused on developing safe, secure, and trustworthy AI, aligning with both nations’ shared values. AI Action Summit: India proposed hosting the next AI summit, with 2026 designated as the India-France Year of Innovation.
• India-France AI Roadmap: Focused on developing safe, secure, and trustworthy AI, aligning with both nations’ shared values.
• AI Action Summit: India proposed hosting the next AI summit, with 2026 designated as the India-France Year of Innovation.
• Indo-Pacific Cooperation: Triangular Development Cooperation: Joint projects in third countries to support climate and SDG-focused initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region. Eurodrone MALE Programme: India’s inclusion as an observer in the European drone program.
• Triangular Development Cooperation: Joint projects in third countries to support climate and SDG-focused initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Eurodrone MALE Programme: India’s inclusion as an observer in the European drone program.
• Economic and Cultural Ties: Startup Collaboration: Inclusion of 10 Indian startups in France’s Station F incubator. UPI in France: Expansion of India’s real-time payment system in France. Cultural Exchange: Operationalization of the Young Professional Scheme to promote legal mobility of professionals and students.
• Startup Collaboration: Inclusion of 10 Indian startups in France’s Station F incubator.
• UPI in France: Expansion of India’s real-time payment system in France.
• Cultural Exchange: Operationalization of the Young Professional Scheme to promote legal mobility of professionals and students.
How It Will Boost Bilateral Ties?
• Strategic Depth: Enhanced cooperation in defense, nuclear energy, and AI strengthens the strategic partnership.
• Economic Growth: Joint projects in third countries and startup collaborations open new avenues for economic engagement.
• Technological Advancements: Collaboration in AI and nuclear technology positions both nations as leaders in innovation.
• Global Influence: Indo-Pacific cooperation reinforces their roles as key stakeholders in regional stability and development.
Limitations and Challenges:
• Implementation Delays: Historical delays in projects like Jaitapur raise concerns about timely execution.
• Technological Barriers: Co-development of advanced technologies like SMRs and AI requires significant expertise and investment.
• Geopolitical Risks: Differing approaches to global issues, such as China’s role in the Indo-Pacific, could strain cooperation.
• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Complex regulatory frameworks in both countries may slow down joint initiatives.
Way Forward:
• Fast-Tracking Projects: Establish dedicated task forces to monitor and expedite key projects like Jaitapur and SMR development.
• Skill Development: Enhance collaboration in training and education to build a skilled workforce for advanced technologies.
• Private Sector Involvement: Encourage greater participation from private industries in defense, nuclear, and AI sectors.
• Regular Dialogues: Institutionalize frequent high-level meetings to address challenges and explore new opportunities.
• Public Awareness: Promote people-to-people ties through cultural exchanges and educational programs.
Conclusion:
The India-France strategic partnership has reached new heights, with significant agreements in nuclear energy, defense, and AI. While challenges remain, a focused approach to implementation and collaboration can further strengthen this relationship, benefiting both nations and contributing to global stability.
• How will the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (UPSC-2022)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 February 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
China Birthrate and Marriage Crisis
Context: Marriages in China declined by a record 20% in 2024, with only 6.1 million couples registering compared to 7.68 million in 2023, raising concerns over declining birth rates.
About China Birthrate and Marriage Crisis:
• What is Happening?
• China witnessed the sharpest decline in marriages on record, with registrations dropping by 20% in 2024, the lowest in decades. The decline follows a long-term downward trend since the peak in 2013 (13.47 million marriages). The divorce rate also increased, with 2.6 million couples filing for divorce in 2024, a 1.1% rise from the previous year.
• China witnessed the sharpest decline in marriages on record, with registrations dropping by 20% in 2024, the lowest in decades.
• The decline follows a long-term downward trend since the peak in 2013 (13.47 million marriages).
• The divorce rate also increased, with 2.6 million couples filing for divorce in 2024, a 1.1% rise from the previous year.
• Reasons Behind the Decline:
• Economic Insecurity: Slowing economic growth, rising unemployment, and financial instability have made young people hesitant to marry. High Cost of Living: Expensive housing, childcare, and education costs discourage couples from starting families. Cultural Shifts: Increasing individualism, career aspirations, and changing attitudes towards marriage and family life. Gender Disparities: Women face career penalties post-marriage and childbirth, leading to a decline in marriage interest. Demographic Trends: China’s shrinking younger population due to the one-child policy (1980-2015) and low birth rates.
• Economic Insecurity: Slowing economic growth, rising unemployment, and financial instability have made young people hesitant to marry.
• High Cost of Living: Expensive housing, childcare, and education costs discourage couples from starting families.
• Cultural Shifts: Increasing individualism, career aspirations, and changing attitudes towards marriage and family life.
• Gender Disparities: Women face career penalties post-marriage and childbirth, leading to a decline in marriage interest.
• Demographic Trends: China’s shrinking younger population due to the one-child policy (1980-2015) and low birth rates.
• Impacts of Declining Marriages in China
• Falling Birth Rates: Fewer marriages mean fewer births, worsening China’s population crisis. Aging Population: Nearly 300 million Chinese will retire in the next decade, straining pension and healthcare systems. Family Structure Breakdown: Traditional multi-generational family support systems weaken as marriage rates decline. Shrinking Workforce: Fewer births mean a declining labor force, reducing long-term economic productivity.
• Falling Birth Rates: Fewer marriages mean fewer births, worsening China’s population crisis.
• Aging Population: Nearly 300 million Chinese will retire in the next decade, straining pension and healthcare systems.
• Family Structure Breakdown: Traditional multi-generational family support systems weaken as marriage rates decline.
• Shrinking Workforce: Fewer births mean a declining labor force, reducing long-term economic productivity.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 February 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
‘Tax Year’ Concept
Source: NIE
Context: The Income-Tax Bill, 2025, introduces a new ‘Tax Year’ concept, replacing the existing Assessment Year, aiming to simplify tax reporting.
About ‘Tax Year’ Concept:
• What is the ‘Tax Year’ Concept?
• The Tax Year refers to a 12-month period starting from April 1, during which income will be assessed and taxed in the same financial year. It replaces the Assessment Year system, where income was taxed in the year following the financial year in which it was earned.
• The Tax Year refers to a 12-month period starting from April 1, during which income will be assessed and taxed in the same financial year.
• It replaces the Assessment Year system, where income was taxed in the year following the financial year in which it was earned.
• Key Differences from the Old Regime:
Feature | Old Regime (Assessment Year) | New Regime (Tax Year)
Definition | Income taxed in the following year | Income taxed in the same year
Reporting System | Delayed assessment process | Real-time tax reporting
Flexibility | Rigid compliance structure | More adaptable tax reporting
Clarity | Complex cross-referencing | Simplified, structured taxation
• Features of the ‘Tax Year’ Concept:
• Synchronizes Income & Taxation: Ensures taxes are paid in the same year income is earned. Simplifies Compliance: Reduces confusion regarding financial year and assessment year. Modernized Tax Framework: Makes tax filing more transparent and efficient. Enhances Revenue Collection: Reduces tax evasion by enabling real-time assessment. Improves Clarity: Tax deductions, rates, and exemptions presented in a tabular format for better understanding.
• Synchronizes Income & Taxation: Ensures taxes are paid in the same year income is earned.
• Simplifies Compliance: Reduces confusion regarding financial year and assessment year.
• Modernized Tax Framework: Makes tax filing more transparent and efficient.
• Enhances Revenue Collection: Reduces tax evasion by enabling real-time assessment.
• Improves Clarity: Tax deductions, rates, and exemptions presented in a tabular format for better understanding.
• Significance of the New Tax Year System:
• Aligns with Global Practices: Brings India closer to international taxation standards. Eases Taxpayer Burden: Simplifies tax filing and assessment for individuals and businesses. Reduces Litigation & Disputes: Transparent assessment minimizes errors and delays in tax processing. Enhances Government Efficiency: Streamlines tax administration for faster refunds and revenue collection. Facilitates Digital Taxation: Encourages smoother e-filing and digital tax compliance.
• Aligns with Global Practices: Brings India closer to international taxation standards.
• Eases Taxpayer Burden: Simplifies tax filing and assessment for individuals and businesses.
• Reduces Litigation & Disputes: Transparent assessment minimizes errors and delays in tax processing.
• Enhances Government Efficiency: Streamlines tax administration for faster refunds and revenue collection.
• Facilitates Digital Taxation: Encourages smoother e-filing and digital tax compliance.
Ongole Breed Cattle
Source: TOI
Context: Viatina-19, an Ongole breed cow, recently set a world record by selling for $4.82 million (~₹41 crore) in Brazil, surpassing Japan’s Wagyu and India’s Brahman breeds.
About Ongole Breed:
• What is the Ongole Breed?
• Ongole cattle is a native Indian Bos Indicus breed known for its high strength, disease resistance, and heat tolerance. It has been historically used for agriculture, dairy, and breeding purposes, contributing to livestock economies.
• Ongole cattle is a native Indian Bos Indicus breed known for its high strength, disease resistance, and heat tolerance.
• It has been historically used for agriculture, dairy, and breeding purposes, contributing to livestock economies.
• Native Region & Distribution:
• Native to: Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, India. Found in: Villages around Guntur, Vinukonda, Narasaraopet, Ongole, Kandukur and along the Gundlakamma and Alluru rivers. Also known as the Nellore breed due to its historical association with Nellore district.
• Native to: Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, India.
• Found in: Villages around Guntur, Vinukonda, Narasaraopet, Ongole, Kandukur and along the Gundlakamma and Alluru rivers.
• Also known as the Nellore breed due to its historical association with Nellore district.
• Key Features of Ongole Cattle:
• Physical Traits: Large, muscular build with long limbs and short necks. Distinct hump in males, well-developed and erect. Coat Color: Mostly white or gray, with dark gray patches on head, hump, and knees. Horns: Short, stumpy, thick at the base and growing outward. Dewlaps: Fleshy, extending to the navel flap. Temperament & Utility: Docile nature makes them easy to manage. Strong and powerful bulls, used for heavy plowing and transportation. Cows are moderate milk producers.
• Physical Traits: Large, muscular build with long limbs and short necks. Distinct hump in males, well-developed and erect. Coat Color: Mostly white or gray, with dark gray patches on head, hump, and knees. Horns: Short, stumpy, thick at the base and growing outward. Dewlaps: Fleshy, extending to the navel flap.
• Large, muscular build with long limbs and short necks.
• Distinct hump in males, well-developed and erect.
• Coat Color: Mostly white or gray, with dark gray patches on head, hump, and knees.
• Horns: Short, stumpy, thick at the base and growing outward.
• Dewlaps: Fleshy, extending to the navel flap.
• Temperament & Utility: Docile nature makes them easy to manage. Strong and powerful bulls, used for heavy plowing and transportation. Cows are moderate milk producers.
• Docile nature makes them easy to manage.
• Strong and powerful bulls, used for heavy plowing and transportation.
• Cows are moderate milk producers.
• Speciality of Ongole Breed:
• High Heat Resistance: Can withstand harsh tropical climates, making it ideal for drought-prone areas. Genetic Purity: Recognized for strong immune system and low disease susceptibility. Global Recognition: Highly valued in Brazil, USA, and Australia for crossbreeding and dairy farming. Brazilian-developed Ongole cow, Viatina-19, became the world’s most expensive cow in 2025. Historical Significance: Traces of Zebu (Bos Indicus) cattle, including Ongole breed, date back to Indus Valley Civilization (3000 BC). Rigvedic texts mention cattle as an essential part of socio-economic life.
• High Heat Resistance: Can withstand harsh tropical climates, making it ideal for drought-prone areas.
• Genetic Purity: Recognized for strong immune system and low disease susceptibility.
• Global Recognition: Highly valued in Brazil, USA, and Australia for crossbreeding and dairy farming. Brazilian-developed Ongole cow, Viatina-19, became the world’s most expensive cow in 2025.
• Highly valued in Brazil, USA, and Australia for crossbreeding and dairy farming.
• Brazilian-developed Ongole cow, Viatina-19, became the world’s most expensive cow in 2025.
• Historical Significance: Traces of Zebu (Bos Indicus) cattle, including Ongole breed, date back to Indus Valley Civilization (3000 BC). Rigvedic texts mention cattle as an essential part of socio-economic life.
• Traces of Zebu (Bos Indicus) cattle, including Ongole breed, date back to Indus Valley Civilization (3000 BC).
• Rigvedic texts mention cattle as an essential part of socio-economic life.
Dorka Metal Craft
Source: TOI
Context: Prime Minister of India gifted a Dokra artwork to French President Emmanuel Macron during the AI Summit in Paris, showcasing India’s rich handicraft traditions.
About Dokra Metal Craft:
• What is Dokra Metal Craft?
• Dokra (Dhokra) is a non-ferrous metal casting technique, using the lost-wax casting method, which has been in practice for over 4,000 years. It is known for its primitive simplicity, unique folk motifs, and handcrafted designs without any joints.
• Dokra (Dhokra) is a non-ferrous metal casting technique, using the lost-wax casting method, which has been in practice for over 4,000 years.
• It is known for its primitive simplicity, unique folk motifs, and handcrafted designs without any joints.
• Region Found In:
• Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu. Adilabad Dokra (Telangana) received the Geographical Indicator (GI) tag in 2018.
• Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu.
• Adilabad Dokra (Telangana) received the Geographical Indicator (GI) tag in 2018.
• Features of Dokra Art:
• Handcrafted Metalwork: Made mainly from brass and copper-based alloys. Intricate Designs: Figures of elephants, horses, religious deities, lamps, jewellery, and tribal motifs. Two Casting Methods: Solid casting (South India) – Uses a single wax piece to create the mould. Hollow casting (Central and Eastern India) – Uses a clay core and wax overlay. No Reproduction: Each piece is unique, as the mould is destroyed in the process.
• Handcrafted Metalwork: Made mainly from brass and copper-based alloys.
• Intricate Designs: Figures of elephants, horses, religious deities, lamps, jewellery, and tribal motifs.
• Two Casting Methods: Solid casting (South India) – Uses a single wax piece to create the mould. Hollow casting (Central and Eastern India) – Uses a clay core and wax overlay.
• Solid casting (South India) – Uses a single wax piece to create the mould.
• Hollow casting (Central and Eastern India) – Uses a clay core and wax overlay.
• No Reproduction: Each piece is unique, as the mould is destroyed in the process.
• History & Cultural Significance:
• Origins: Dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization (Mohenjo-daro’s “Dancing Girl” figurine is an early example). Traditional Practitioners: Dhokra Damar tribes, originally from Odisha and West Bengal, later migrated across India.
• Origins: Dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization (Mohenjo-daro’s “Dancing Girl” figurine is an early example).
• Traditional Practitioners: Dhokra Damar tribes, originally from Odisha and West Bengal, later migrated across India.
Einstein Ring
Source: IE
Context: The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid space telescope has discovered a rare Einstein ring around galaxy NGC 6505, located 590 million light-years away from Earth.
About Einstein Ring:
• What is an Einstein Ring?
• An Einstein ring is a gravitational lensing phenomenon where light from a distant galaxy bends around a massive celestial object, forming a ring-like structure. It was theoretically predicted by Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity (1915).
• An Einstein ring is a gravitational lensing phenomenon where light from a distant galaxy bends around a massive celestial object, forming a ring-like structure.
• It was theoretically predicted by Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity (1915).
• Features of Einstein Rings:
• Caused by Gravitational Lensing: A massive foreground galaxy distorts light from a background galaxy, creating a circular image. Highly Rare Phenomenon: Less than 1% of galaxies exhibit Einstein rings. Requires Precise Alignment: The observer, the lensing object, and the background source must be perfectly aligned. Not Visible to Naked Eye: Detected using high-powered telescopes like ESA’s Euclid or NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.
• Caused by Gravitational Lensing: A massive foreground galaxy distorts light from a background galaxy, creating a circular image.
• Highly Rare Phenomenon: Less than 1% of galaxies exhibit Einstein rings.
• Requires Precise Alignment: The observer, the lensing object, and the background source must be perfectly aligned.
• Not Visible to Naked Eye: Detected using high-powered telescopes like ESA’s Euclid or NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.
• Significance of Einstein Rings:
• Studies Dark Matter: Since dark matter does not emit light, gravitational lensing offers an indirect way to detect and map it. Enhances Understanding of Distant Galaxies: Einstein rings magnify and brighten faraway galaxies, revealing details that would otherwise be undetectable. Helps Measure Cosmic Expansion: Provides insights into how fast the universe is expanding and the distribution of matter across the cosmos.
• Studies Dark Matter: Since dark matter does not emit light, gravitational lensing offers an indirect way to detect and map it.
• Enhances Understanding of Distant Galaxies: Einstein rings magnify and brighten faraway galaxies, revealing details that would otherwise be undetectable.
• Helps Measure Cosmic Expansion: Provides insights into how fast the universe is expanding and the distribution of matter across the cosmos.
Obscenity Laws in India
Source: IE
Context: YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia and comedian Samay Raina are under police investigation for alleged obscene remarks on the YouTube show India’s Got Latent.
About Obscenity Laws in India:
• Issue of Obscenity:
• Obscenity laws in India aim to balance free speech with moral standards and prevent explicit content that corrupts public morality. With the rise of digital platforms, defining what constitutes obscenity online has become more complex.
• Obscenity laws in India aim to balance free speech with moral standards and prevent explicit content that corrupts public morality.
• With the rise of digital platforms, defining what constitutes obscenity online has become more complex.
• Laws Governing Obscenity in India:
• Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023: Criminalizes the sale, import, export, or display of obscene material in any form, including electronic content. Defines obscenity as material appealing to prurient interests or that depraves and corrupts viewers. Punishment: Up to two years imprisonment and ₹5,000 fine for first-time offenders. Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000: Punishes publishing/transmitting obscene material online. First-time offence: Up to 3 years imprisonment and ₹5 lakh fine. Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986: Bans indecent portrayal of women in any media.
• Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023: Criminalizes the sale, import, export, or display of obscene material in any form, including electronic content. Defines obscenity as material appealing to prurient interests or that depraves and corrupts viewers. Punishment: Up to two years imprisonment and ₹5,000 fine for first-time offenders.
• Criminalizes the sale, import, export, or display of obscene material in any form, including electronic content.
• Defines obscenity as material appealing to prurient interests or that depraves and corrupts viewers.
• Punishment: Up to two years imprisonment and ₹5,000 fine for first-time offenders.
• Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000: Punishes publishing/transmitting obscene material online. First-time offence: Up to 3 years imprisonment and ₹5 lakh fine.
• Punishes publishing/transmitting obscene material online.
• First-time offence: Up to 3 years imprisonment and ₹5 lakh fine.
• Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986: Bans indecent portrayal of women in any media.
• Bans indecent portrayal of women in any media.
• Key Supreme Court Judgments on Obscenity: Ranjit Udeshi v. State of Maharashtra (1964):
• Ranjit Udeshi v. State of Maharashtra (1964):
• Applied the Hicklin Test, ruling Lady Chatterley’s Lover obscene. Obscenity was judged by its potential to corrupt impressionable minds.
• Applied the Hicklin Test, ruling Lady Chatterley’s Lover obscene. Obscenity was judged by its potential to corrupt impressionable minds.
• Applied the Hicklin Test, ruling Lady Chatterley’s Lover obscene.
• Obscenity was judged by its potential to corrupt impressionable minds.
• Aveek Sarkar v. State of West Bengal (2014):
• Shifted from the Hicklin Test to the Community Standards Test. Held that nudity alone does not make content obscene if it does not promote sexual depravity.
• Shifted from the Hicklin Test to the Community Standards Test. Held that nudity alone does not make content obscene if it does not promote sexual depravity.
• Shifted from the Hicklin Test to the Community Standards Test.
• Held that nudity alone does not make content obscene if it does not promote sexual depravity.
• Supreme Court on College Romance Web Series (2024):
• Quashed obscenity charges against YouTube creators. Stated that vulgar language does not necessarily amount to obscenity unless it arouses sexual and lustful thoughts.
• Quashed obscenity charges against YouTube creators. Stated that vulgar language does not necessarily amount to obscenity unless it arouses sexual and lustful thoughts.
• Quashed obscenity charges against YouTube creators.
• Stated that vulgar language does not necessarily amount to obscenity unless it arouses sexual and lustful thoughts.
Veer Savarkar Marseille Escape
Source: FE
Context: Prime Minister of India recalled Veer Savarkar’s attempted escape from the British custody in Marseille, France, during his visit to the port city.
About Veer Savarkar Marseille Escape:
• What is the Marseille Incident?
• The Marseille escape attempt was an unsuccessful bid by Veer Savarkar to flee British custody while being transported to India for trial in July 1910. He jumped from the porthole of the ship SS Morea while docked at the French port of Marseille but was recaptured by French authorities and handed back to the British.
• The Marseille escape attempt was an unsuccessful bid by Veer Savarkar to flee British custody while being transported to India for trial in July 1910.
• He jumped from the porthole of the ship SS Morea while docked at the French port of Marseille but was recaptured by French authorities and handed back to the British.
• Background of the Case:
• Veer Savarkar, a revolutionary nationalist, was arrested in London in March 1910 for his role in India’s independence movement. He was charged with abetting the murder of Nashik magistrate A.M.T. Jackson and other anti-colonial activities. The British decided to deport him to India for trial, transporting him on SS Morea from London.
• Veer Savarkar, a revolutionary nationalist, was arrested in London in March 1910 for his role in India’s independence movement.
• He was charged with abetting the murder of Nashik magistrate A.M.T. Jackson and other anti-colonial activities.
• The British decided to deport him to India for trial, transporting him on SS Morea from London.
• International Legal Dispute:
• Savarkar’s escape and subsequent recapture led to a diplomatic dispute between France and Britain. France argued that his return to British custody was illegal, while Britain maintained that French officials had agreed to return him. The case went to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague, which ruled in favor of Britain in February 1911.
• Savarkar’s escape and subsequent recapture led to a diplomatic dispute between France and Britain.
• France argued that his return to British custody was illegal, while Britain maintained that French officials had agreed to return him.
• The case went to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague, which ruled in favor of Britain in February 1911.
• Legal Outcome and Sentencing:
• Savarkar was brought to India and tried in Bombay High Court. He was sentenced to two life imprisonments (50 years) in the Cellular Jail, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, starting from July 4, 1911. He was released in 1924 after serving over a decade in harsh conditions.
• Savarkar was brought to India and tried in Bombay High Court.
• He was sentenced to two life imprisonments (50 years) in the Cellular Jail, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, starting from July 4, 1911.
• He was released in 1924 after serving over a decade in harsh conditions.
Tobin Tax
Source: TH
Context: U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is considering imposing a Tobin Tax on capital flows, a move that could disrupt global financial markets.
About Tobin Tax:
• What is Tobin Tax?
• The Tobin Tax is a tax on foreign exchange transactions aimed at discouraging short-term speculative trading. It is a small levy (0.1%-0.5%) on currency conversions to reduce volatility in financial markets.
• The Tobin Tax is a tax on foreign exchange transactions aimed at discouraging short-term speculative trading.
• It is a small levy (0.1%-0.5%) on currency conversions to reduce volatility in financial markets.
• Origin and Economic Theory:
• Proposed in 1972 by James Tobin, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, in response to currency market fluctuations after the collapse of the Bretton Woods system. Aimed at “throwing sand in the wheels” of currency speculation to stabilize exchange rates.
• Proposed in 1972 by James Tobin, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, in response to currency market fluctuations after the collapse of the Bretton Woods system.
• Aimed at “throwing sand in the wheels” of currency speculation to stabilize exchange rates.
• Features of Tobin Tax:
• Applied on currency transactions to deter short-term speculation. Low tax rate to prevent market disruption. Revenue generated can be used for public welfare or development projects.
• Applied on currency transactions to deter short-term speculation.
• Low tax rate to prevent market disruption.
• Revenue generated can be used for public welfare or development projects.
• Positives and Negatives of Tobin Tax:
Aspect | Advantages | Disadvantages
Market Stability | Reduces speculative trading and volatility. | May lower market liquidity.
Revenue Generation | Can generate significant revenue for governments. | Difficult to implement uniformly across nations.
Currency Protection | Helps protect weaker currencies from speculative attacks. | May increase transaction costs for businesses and investors.
Fairer Global Economy | Limits financial power of hedge funds and big investors. | May push financial transactions to tax-free zones (offshore havens).
• Does India Have a Tobin Tax? India does not directly impose a Tobin Tax on currency transactions. However, Securities Transaction Tax (STT), introduced in 2004, acts as a Tobin-like tax on stock market transactions. Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPIs) are also subject to taxation, indirectly influencing capital flows.
• India does not directly impose a Tobin Tax on currency transactions.
• However, Securities Transaction Tax (STT), introduced in 2004, acts as a Tobin-like tax on stock market transactions.
• Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPIs) are also subject to taxation, indirectly influencing capital flows.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 February 2025 Mapping:
Lake Sapanca
Source: DTE
Context: Lake Sapanca in Türkiye is facing severe environmental degradation due to urbanization, industrial expansion, and agricultural runoff, leading to increased pollution and habitat destruction.
About Lake Sapanca:
• Location:
• Situated in northwestern Türkiye, between the Gulf of İzmit and Adapazarı Meadow. Lies in a tectonic depression, running parallel to Iznik Lake.
• Situated in northwestern Türkiye, between the Gulf of İzmit and Adapazarı Meadow.
• Lies in a tectonic depression, running parallel to Iznik Lake.
• Bordering Nations:
• Türkiye’s Sakarya Province is home to the lake. The catchment area is 251 km², surrounded by mountains in the south and small hills in the north.
• Türkiye’s Sakarya Province is home to the lake.
• The catchment area is 251 km², surrounded by mountains in the south and small hills in the north.
• River Inflows:
• The lake has multiple inflows from small streams originating from surrounding mountains. It serves as a primary freshwater source for domestic and industrial purposes.
• The lake has multiple inflows from small streams originating from surrounding mountains.
• It serves as a primary freshwater source for domestic and industrial purposes.
• Key Issues:
• High nutrient loads (Nitrogen & Phosphorus) due to agricultural runoff & wastewater discharge, leading to eutrophication. Urban expansion & deforestation reducing water retention capacity. Seasonal pollution peaks observed in summer due to low water flow.
• High nutrient loads (Nitrogen & Phosphorus) due to agricultural runoff & wastewater discharge, leading to eutrophication.
• Urban expansion & deforestation reducing water retention capacity.
• Seasonal pollution peaks observed in summer due to low water flow.
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 13 Feb 2025
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