UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 February 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 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 – 15 February (2025)

• India in Indian Ocean Region

India in Indian Ocean Region

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Missing Children in India

Missing Children in India

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Reciprocal Tariffs

Reciprocal Tariffs

• India-US TRUST Initiative

India-US TRUST Initiative

• National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

• The J. C. Bose Grant (JBG)

The J. C. Bose Grant (JBG)

• Sudan Virus Outbreak

Sudan Virus Outbreak

• PARAS-2 spectrograph

PARAS-2 spectrograph

Mapping:

• Hangul Deer

Hangul Deer

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 February 2025

#### GS Paper 2 :

India in Indian Ocean Region

Syllabus: International Relations

Source: IE

Context: India, along with Singapore and Oman, is hosting the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat, where foreign ministers from 30 nations are discussing regional security and economic cooperation.

What is the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)?

• The third-largest ocean in the world, covering 70.56 million sq km and connecting Asia, Africa, and Australia.

• A natural trade corridor historically influenced by Indian civilization and maritime networks.

Nations Surrounding IOR:

• 26 coastal nations, including India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Oman, Indonesia, Australia, South Africa, and Somalia.

• Landlocked countries like Nepal and Bhutan also depend on IOR trade routes.

Importance of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR):

• Global Trade Hub: Facilitates 70% of global container traffic and 90% of India’s energy imports, making it a key economic corridor.

• Maritime Security: Critical sea lanes like the Strait of Malacca, Hormuz, and Bab el Mandeb ensure uninterrupted global trade.

• Resource-Rich Waters: Contains vast fisheries, oil, gas, and mineral deposits, crucial for regional economies.

• Strategic Significance: Hosts naval bases of major powers (US, UK, China, France), influencing global security dynamics.

India’s Role in Managing the Indian Ocean Region:

• SAGAR Initiative (2015): Launched by PM Modi to promote Security and Growth for All in the Region, ensuring maritime stability.

• Naval Capabilities & Regional Security: Indian Navy conducts joint exercises (MILAN, Malabar, Varuna) to strengthen regional defense cooperation.

• Economic & Trade Leadership: India develops ports via Sagarmala and promotes the Blue Economy for sustainable ocean resource utilization.

• Disaster Relief & Humanitarian Assistance: Plays a leading role in HADR operations, assisting countries during natural disasters and emergencies.

• Diplomatic & Strategic Alliances: Strengthens regional partnerships through IORA, BIMSTEC, and QUAD for collective maritime governance.

Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region:

• China’s Expanding Influence: String of Pearls strategy and growing naval presence challenge regional stability and India’s interests.

• Piracy & Maritime Crimes: Somali piracy, illegal fishing, and arms smuggling disrupt trade and security operations.

• Climate Change & Rising Sea Levels: Small Island nations face existential threats due to coastal erosion and submergence risks.

• Undersea Surveillance & Cyber Threats: Chinese control over subsea cables poses risks to data security and regional communications.

• Maritime Terrorism & Trafficking: Drug smuggling, human trafficking, and sea-based terrorism remain persistent security threats.

Way Ahead:

• Strengthening Maritime Infrastructure: Invest in port modernization, naval expansion, and undersea surveillance systems.

• Enhancing Regional Cooperation: Deepen partnerships with IORA, QUAD, and bilateral maritime security agreements.

• Boosting Blue Economy & Sustainable Development: Promote fisheries, ocean industries, and clean energy solutions for long-term sustainability.

• Countering External Influence: Protect regional communication networks and prevent foreign dominance in key maritime sectors.

• Disaster Preparedness & Climate Action: Develop early warning systems, climate resilience plans, and disaster relief infrastructure.

Conclusion:

The Indian Ocean Region is a vital geopolitical and economic hub, influencing global trade, security, and regional stability. India’s proactive leadership through SAGAR and IORA is crucial in maintaining peace and prosperity. Strengthening maritime security, infrastructure, and regional alliances will ensure India’s prominence in the global maritime order.

• What is the significance of Indo-US defense deals over Indo-Russian defense deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC- 2020)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 February 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Missing Children in India

Context: The Supreme Court was informed that nearly 36,000 children remain untraced across India since 2020, despite police recovering the majority of 3 lakh missing children.

About Missing Children in India:

• Total Missing (2020-24): Nearly 3 lakh children went missing.

• Untraced Children: 36,000 children remain missing, highlighting gaps in law enforcement.

• State-wise Data: Madhya Pradesh: 58,665 missing, 45,585 recovered, 3,955 still missing. Bihar and Odisha are next highest in order. Non-reporting States: Delhi, Punjab, Nagaland, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, J&K, Andhra Pradesh failed to provide data.

• Madhya Pradesh: 58,665 missing, 45,585 recovered, 3,955 still missing.

• Bihar and Odisha are next highest in order.

• Non-reporting States: Delhi, Punjab, Nagaland, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, J&K, Andhra Pradesh failed to provide data.

• Government & Legal Measures

• Khoya-Paya Portal: Centralized online tracking system for missing children. Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs): ₹100 crore allocated for strengthening AHTUs in every district. Untraced cases (4+ months) must be transferred to AHTUs.

• Khoya-Paya Portal: Centralized online tracking system for missing children.

• Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs): ₹100 crore allocated for strengthening AHTUs in every district. Untraced cases (4+ months) must be transferred to AHTUs.

• ₹100 crore allocated for strengthening AHTUs in every district.

• Untraced cases (4+ months) must be transferred to AHTUs.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper 2 – Governance & Social Justice

• Child Protection Laws: Juvenile Justice Act, POCSO Act, National Child Policy. Law Enforcement Challenges: Need for CBI/NIA involvement in organized trafficking cases.

• Child Protection Laws: Juvenile Justice Act, POCSO Act, National Child Policy.

• Law Enforcement Challenges: Need for CBI/NIA involvement in organized trafficking cases.

• GS Paper 3 – Internal Security

• Human Trafficking: Missing children’s cases often linked to forced labor, organ trade, and sexual exploitation. Cyber-enabled Trafficking: Growing use of dark web and social media for trafficking networks.

• Human Trafficking: Missing children’s cases often linked to forced labor, organ trade, and sexual exploitation.

• Cyber-enabled Trafficking: Growing use of dark web and social media for trafficking networks.

• Ethics (GS Paper 4)

• State’s Moral Responsibility: Ensuring child safety and justice. Humanitarian Concerns: Protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.

• State’s Moral Responsibility: Ensuring child safety and justice.

• Humanitarian Concerns: Protecting vulnerable children from exploitation and abuse.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 February 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Reciprocal Tariffs

Source: TOI

Context: US President Donald Trump announced “reciprocal tariffs” on all trading partners, including allies, signaling a shift away from WTO trade norms.

About Reciprocal Tariff:

• What is a Reciprocal Tariff?

• A tax on imports that mirrors the tariff charged by a country on US exports. Objective: To create a “fair” trading system by equalizing tariffs globally.

• A tax on imports that mirrors the tariff charged by a country on US exports.

• Objective: To create a “fair” trading system by equalizing tariffs globally.

• How Do Reciprocal Tariffs Work?

• Tariff Matching: US will impose the same tariff rates that other countries apply to US goods. Subsidy Consideration: The US will factor in export subsidies and incentives given by countries like India before deciding the final tariff. Elimination of Differential Treatment: Developing nations, including India, will no longer get tariff relaxations, unlike in the past under WTO rules.

• Tariff Matching: US will impose the same tariff rates that other countries apply to US goods.

• Subsidy Consideration: The US will factor in export subsidies and incentives given by countries like India before deciding the final tariff.

• Elimination of Differential Treatment: Developing nations, including India, will no longer get tariff relaxations, unlike in the past under WTO rules.

• How Will Reciprocal Tariffs Be Calculated?

• Comprehensive Assessment: The US Trade Department will evaluate all direct and indirect support (e.g., tax breaks, subsidies) that other countries offer to their exporters. Expected Tariff Rise: India, being a subsidy-driven economy, could face higher tariff barriers for exports like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles. Deadline: Final tariff rates will be determined by April 2025.

• Comprehensive Assessment: The US Trade Department will evaluate all direct and indirect support (e.g., tax breaks, subsidies) that other countries offer to their exporters.

• Expected Tariff Rise: India, being a subsidy-driven economy, could face higher tariff barriers for exports like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles.

• Deadline: Final tariff rates will be determined by April 2025.

• Impact on India Exports Will Become Costlier: US may increase tariffs on Indian goods, making textiles, pharmaceuticals, and auto parts less competitive. Trade Deficit Will Shrink: India may import more from the US (like defense equipment, oil, and gas) to balance trade, reducing its $38 billion trade surplus with the US. Rupee May Weaken: More imports mean higher demand for US dollars, leading to a weaker rupee, increasing India’s import bill. Atmanirbhar Bharat May Suffer: India’s self-reliance push may slow down if the US pressures India to buy American goods. Impact on Foreign Investments: US firms may push for local production in India to avoid high tariffs, boosting FDI (Foreign Direct Investment).

• Exports Will Become Costlier: US may increase tariffs on Indian goods, making textiles, pharmaceuticals, and auto parts less competitive.

• Trade Deficit Will Shrink: India may import more from the US (like defense equipment, oil, and gas) to balance trade, reducing its $38 billion trade surplus with the US.

• Rupee May Weaken: More imports mean higher demand for US dollars, leading to a weaker rupee, increasing India’s import bill.

• Atmanirbhar Bharat May Suffer: India’s self-reliance push may slow down if the US pressures India to buy American goods.

• Impact on Foreign Investments: US firms may push for local production in India to avoid high tariffs, boosting FDI (Foreign Direct Investment).

India-US TRUST Initiative

Source: ET

Context: India and the United States launched the TRUST Initiative to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials.

About India-US TRUST Initiative:

• What is the TRUST Initiative?

• Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology (TRUST) is a bilateral agreement to enhance cooperation in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials. Builds on India’s participation in the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and the Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN). Aims to diversify supply chains, reduce dependence on China, and facilitate technology transfer.

• Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology (TRUST) is a bilateral agreement to enhance cooperation in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials.

• Builds on India’s participation in the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) and the Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN).

• Aims to diversify supply chains, reduce dependence on China, and facilitate technology transfer.

• How Will the TRUST Initiative Work?

• Strengthening Critical Minerals Supply Chains: Focus on lithium, rare earth elements (REEs), and advanced materials for sectors like defense, semiconductors, and energy storage. India to increase mineral exploration and processing capacity. US to facilitate investments and technology transfers. Boosting Pharma Sector & API Production: Collaboration to reduce India’s dependence on China for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Development of alternative supply chains for critical minerals used in pharmaceuticals. Technology Transfer & Export Control Reduction: Removing barriers in technology transfer between India and the US. Addressing export restrictions on high-tech materials and components. Innovation Across Strategic Sectors: Catalyzing R&D in defense, AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, space, and energy. Engaging governments, academia, and private industries to drive innovation.

• Focus on lithium, rare earth elements (REEs), and advanced materials for sectors like defense, semiconductors, and energy storage.

• India to increase mineral exploration and processing capacity.

• US to facilitate investments and technology transfers.

• Boosting Pharma Sector & API Production: Collaboration to reduce India’s dependence on China for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Development of alternative supply chains for critical minerals used in pharmaceuticals.

• Collaboration to reduce India’s dependence on China for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

• Development of alternative supply chains for critical minerals used in pharmaceuticals.

• Technology Transfer & Export Control Reduction: Removing barriers in technology transfer between India and the US. Addressing export restrictions on high-tech materials and components.

• Removing barriers in technology transfer between India and the US.

• Addressing export restrictions on high-tech materials and components.

• Innovation Across Strategic Sectors: Catalyzing R&D in defense, AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, space, and energy. Engaging governments, academia, and private industries to drive innovation.

• Catalyzing R&D in defense, AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, space, and energy.

• Engaging governments, academia, and private industries to drive innovation.

• Significance of the TRUST Initiative:

• Reducing Dependence on China: Ensures a diversified supply chain for India and the US, reducing reliance on China’s 70% control over REE production. Strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat: Boosts domestic production and recycling of critical minerals, aligning with India’s National Critical Minerals Mission (2024-31). Enhancing Pharma & Defense Sectors: Supports API self-sufficiency in pharmaceuticals and strengthens defense manufacturing with secure access to critical materials. Boosting Clean Energy & EV Manufacturing: Secures lithium and cobalt for EV batteries and expands processing of minerals needed for renewable energy technologies. Expanding High-Tech Trade & Investment: Encourages US investments in India’s mineral and tech sectors, fostering growth in AI, semiconductors, and space research.

• Reducing Dependence on China: Ensures a diversified supply chain for India and the US, reducing reliance on China’s 70% control over REE production.

• Strengthening Atmanirbhar Bharat: Boosts domestic production and recycling of critical minerals, aligning with India’s National Critical Minerals Mission (2024-31).

• Enhancing Pharma & Defense Sectors: Supports API self-sufficiency in pharmaceuticals and strengthens defense manufacturing with secure access to critical materials.

• Boosting Clean Energy & EV Manufacturing: Secures lithium and cobalt for EV batteries and expands processing of minerals needed for renewable energy technologies.

• Expanding High-Tech Trade & Investment: Encourages US investments in India’s mineral and tech sectors, fostering growth in AI, semiconductors, and space research.

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

Source: NIE

Context: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) announced plans to establish 50 Future Skills Centres (FSCs) and 10 NSDC International Academies to boost skill development in India.

About National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC):

• What is NSDC?

• A not-for-profit public limited company established to enhance skill development in India. Operates under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

• A not-for-profit public limited company established to enhance skill development in India.

• Operates under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

• Established In:

• Founded on July 31, 2008, as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 (now Section 8 under the 2013 Act).

• Shareholding Structure

• 49% government stake and 51% private sector participation, ensuring a collaborative skill development framework.

• Aim of NSDC:

• To bridge the skill gap by providing industry-relevant training and enhancing workforce readiness. To support enterprises, start-ups, and training organizations through funding and concessional loans.

• To bridge the skill gap by providing industry-relevant training and enhancing workforce readiness.

• To support enterprises, start-ups, and training organizations through funding and concessional loans.

• Key Functions of NSDC: Skill Development & Training: Provides vocational training and certification in emerging technologies to align with industry needs. Apprenticeship & Job Training: Implements NAPS with 5 million apprentices, disbursing ₹100,250 million for skill-based learning. Digital & Remote Skilling: Runs Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) with 7,100 courses in 23 languages, reaching 30 crore candidates. Job & Career Support: NSDC JobX connects job seekers with employers, aiding resume building, career coaching, and placements for 4 million candidates.

• Skill Development & Training: Provides vocational training and certification in emerging technologies to align with industry needs.

• Apprenticeship & Job Training: Implements NAPS with 5 million apprentices, disbursing ₹100,250 million for skill-based learning.

• Digital & Remote Skilling: Runs Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) with 7,100 courses in 23 languages, reaching 30 crore candidates.

• Job & Career Support: NSDC JobX connects job seekers with employers, aiding resume building, career coaching, and placements for 4 million candidates.

The J. C. Bose Grant (JBG)

Source: DST

Context: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has launched the J. C. Bose Grant (JBG) to support senior Indian scientists and engineers in advancing cutting-edge research.

About J. C. Bose Grant (JBG):

• What is the J. C. Bose Grant?

• A prestigious research funding initiative by ANRF to recognize and support senior Indian scientists in diverse scientific and technological domains.

• Established by:

• Launched by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), the apex body directing scientific research and innovation in India.

• To promote high-quality research and advance technological innovations by providing extramural funding to leading scientists and engineers.

• Eligibility:

• Open to active senior Indian scientists holding a Professor-level position or equivalent at recognized Indian institutions/universities. Candidates must have proven excellence in research, evidenced by publications, patents, technology transfers, and awards. The grant can be availed until the age of 68.

• Open to active senior Indian scientists holding a Professor-level position or equivalent at recognized Indian institutions/universities.

• Candidates must have proven excellence in research, evidenced by publications, patents, technology transfers, and awards.

• The grant can be availed until the age of 68.

• Key Features: Funding Amount: Provides 25 lakh per year for five years to support research activities. Institutional Support: Additional 1 lakh per year granted to the implementing institution. Multi-Disciplinary Scope: Covers science, technology, agriculture, medicine, humanities, and social sciences at S&T interfaces. Superannuation Clause: If the Principal Investigator (PI) retires, the grant can continue if the host institution agrees to retain them. Enhancing R&D Ecosystem: Strengthens India’s research infrastructure and innovation landscape.

• Funding Amount: Provides 25 lakh per year for five years to support research activities.

• Institutional Support: Additional 1 lakh per year granted to the implementing institution.

• Multi-Disciplinary Scope: Covers science, technology, agriculture, medicine, humanities, and social sciences at S&T interfaces.

• Superannuation Clause: If the Principal Investigator (PI) retires, the grant can continue if the host institution agrees to retain them.

• Enhancing R&D Ecosystem: Strengthens India’s research infrastructure and innovation landscape.

Sudan Virus Outbreak

Source: DTE

Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) and Ugandan authorities have confirmed a new Sudan virus outbreak, with cases linked to family and hospital clusters in Kampala.

About Sudan Virus:

• Origin:

• First identified in 1976 during an outbreak in southern Sudan (now South Sudan). Belongs to the Orthoebolavirus genus, the same family as the Ebola virus.

• First identified in 1976 during an outbreak in southern Sudan (now South Sudan).

• Belongs to the Orthoebolavirus genus, the same family as the Ebola virus.

• Where is it Found?

• Predominantly found in sub-Saharan Africa, with previous outbreaks in Sudan and Uganda. Spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected animals.

• Predominantly found in sub-Saharan Africa, with previous outbreaks in Sudan and Uganda.

• Spread through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated objects, or infected animals.

• Features of Sudan Virus Highly Fatal: Fatality rate ranges from 40% to 60%, with the 2022 Uganda outbreak recording a 47% death rate. No Approved Vaccine or Treatment: Unlike Ebola, Sudan virus lacks an effective vaccine or antiviral treatment. Transmission through Body Fluids: Spread through human-to-human contact, contaminated surfaces, or zoonotic spillovers. Severe Symptoms: Initial fever, body aches, fatigue, progressing to diarrhea, vomiting, and internal bleeding. Requires Isolation & Contact Tracing: Laboratory testing is crucial for diagnosis, and strict containment is essential to prevent outbreaks.

• Highly Fatal: Fatality rate ranges from 40% to 60%, with the 2022 Uganda outbreak recording a 47% death rate.

• No Approved Vaccine or Treatment: Unlike Ebola, Sudan virus lacks an effective vaccine or antiviral treatment.

• Transmission through Body Fluids: Spread through human-to-human contact, contaminated surfaces, or zoonotic spillovers.

• Severe Symptoms: Initial fever, body aches, fatigue, progressing to diarrhea, vomiting, and internal bleeding.

• Requires Isolation & Contact Tracing: Laboratory testing is crucial for diagnosis, and strict containment is essential to prevent outbreaks.

• How is it Similar to Ebola?

• Both Sudan virus and Ebola belong to the Orthoebolavirus family, causing severe hemorrhagic fever. Symptoms overlap, including fever, body aches, organ failure, and internal bleeding. Laboratory testing is required to differentiate between Sudan virus and Ebola infections. Both diseases spread through direct contact and require urgent containment measures.

• Both Sudan virus and Ebola belong to the Orthoebolavirus family, causing severe hemorrhagic fever.

• Symptoms overlap, including fever, body aches, organ failure, and internal bleeding.

• Laboratory testing is required to differentiate between Sudan virus and Ebola infections.

• Both diseases spread through direct contact and require urgent containment measures.

• Currently, there are no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments for Sudan Virus Disease (SVD).

PARAS-2 spectrograph

Source: ISRO

Context: Scientists from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, have discovered TOI-6038A b, a dense sub-Saturn exoplanet in a wide binary system.

• The discovery, made using the PARAS-2 spectrograph, enhances India’s expertise in exoplanet research and astronomical instrumentation.

About PARAS-2 Spectrograph:

• What is PARAS-2?

• High-resolution Radial Velocity (RV) Spectrograph, used for exoplanet detection and mass measurement.

• Built by:

• Developed by Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, and installed at the 2.5-meter telescope at Mt. Abu Observatory.

• Functions & Features: Exoplanet Detection: Measures minute stellar wobbles to confirm planetary presence. Precision Mass Measurement: Determines exoplanet mass using radial velocity technique. Asia’s Highest-Resolution RV Spectrograph: Provides stabilized and accurate measurements for astronomical studies. Speckle Imaging Capability: Aids in high-resolution planetary system validation.

• Exoplanet Detection: Measures minute stellar wobbles to confirm planetary presence.

• Precision Mass Measurement: Determines exoplanet mass using radial velocity technique.

• Asia’s Highest-Resolution RV Spectrograph: Provides stabilized and accurate measurements for astronomical studies.

• Speckle Imaging Capability: Aids in high-resolution planetary system validation.

New Discovery TOI-6038A b:

• Key Characteristics

• Size & Mass: 6.41 Earth radii, 78.5 Earth masses, classified as a dense sub-Saturn. Density: 1.62 g/cm³, indicating a massive rocky core (~75% mass) and H/He envelope. Binary System: Part of a wide binary system, with K-type companion TOI-6038B at 3217 AU.

• Size & Mass: 6.41 Earth radii, 78.5 Earth masses, classified as a dense sub-Saturn.

• Density: 1.62 g/cm³, indicating a massive rocky core (~75% mass) and H/He envelope.

• Binary System: Part of a wide binary system, with K-type companion TOI-6038B at 3217 AU.

• Significance of the Discovery:

• Enhancing Exoplanet Research: Provides insights into planetary formation and evolution, especially sub-Saturn transition. Validating Exoplanet Migration Theories: Challenges existing models of high-eccentricity tidal migration (HEM) and disk-driven migration. Advancing Indian Space Science: Marks India’s second exoplanet discovery using PARAS-2, showcasing scientific capabilities in astronomy. Binary System Planetary Evolution: One of only five known sub-Saturns in a binary system, aiding studies on gravitational influences on planetary orbits.

• Enhancing Exoplanet Research: Provides insights into planetary formation and evolution, especially sub-Saturn transition.

• Validating Exoplanet Migration Theories: Challenges existing models of high-eccentricity tidal migration (HEM) and disk-driven migration.

• Advancing Indian Space Science: Marks India’s second exoplanet discovery using PARAS-2, showcasing scientific capabilities in astronomy.

• Binary System Planetary Evolution: One of only five known sub-Saturns in a binary system, aiding studies on gravitational influences on planetary orbits.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 February 2025 Mapping:

Hangul Deer

Source: TH

Context: Scientists at CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB) have found that human disturbances during mating and birthing seasons are increasing stress levels in Hangul deer, affecting their reproduction.

About Hangul Deer (Kashmir Stag):

• What is Hangul Deer?

• A subspecies of the Central Asian red deer (Cervus hanglu hanglu), endemic to Kashmir and northern Himachal Pradesh. The state animal of Jammu and Kashmir and the only surviving Asiatic subspecies of the Red Deer family.

• A subspecies of the Central Asian red deer (Cervus hanglu hanglu), endemic to Kashmir and northern Himachal Pradesh.

• The state animal of Jammu and Kashmir and the only surviving Asiatic subspecies of the Red Deer family.

• Habitat & Protected Areas:

• Found in dense riverine forests, valleys, and mountainous regions of Jammu & Kashmir and northern Himachal Pradesh.

• Key Protected Areas: Dachigam National Park (J&K) – The primary habitat of Hangul deer. Tral Wildlife Sanctuary (J&K) – Offers additional protection.

• Dachigam National Park (J&K) – The primary habitat of Hangul deer.

• Tral Wildlife Sanctuary (J&K) – Offers additional protection.

• IUCN Status:

• Listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List due to rapid population decline. Population has fallen from 3,000-5,000 in the 1940s to just 289 in 2023.

• Listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List due to rapid population decline.

• Population has fallen from 3,000-5,000 in the 1940s to just 289 in 2023.

• Key Features of Hangul Deer Large Antlers: Males possess impressive multi-tined antlers with 11-16 points. Seasonal Mating & Birth Patterns: Mating from October to December, birthing in April-May. Herbivorous Diet: Feeds on grasses, leaves, and forest vegetation.

• Large Antlers: Males possess impressive multi-tined antlers with 11-16 points.

• Seasonal Mating & Birth Patterns: Mating from October to December, birthing in April-May.

• Herbivorous Diet: Feeds on grasses, leaves, and forest vegetation.

• Reasons Behind Population Decline:

• Habitat Destruction: Deforestation and land encroachment have reduced their natural habitat. Overgrazing: Competition with livestock reduces available food resources. Poaching & Illegal Hunting: Hangul is targeted for its antlers and meat. Human Disturbance: Grazing, herder movements, and tourism disrupt mating and birthing cycles, increasing stress levels. Climate Change: Affects food availability and habitat conditions, worsening survival rates.

• Habitat Destruction: Deforestation and land encroachment have reduced their natural habitat.

• Overgrazing: Competition with livestock reduces available food resources.

• Poaching & Illegal Hunting: Hangul is targeted for its antlers and meat.

• Human Disturbance: Grazing, herder movements, and tourism disrupt mating and birthing cycles, increasing stress levels.

• Climate Change: Affects food availability and habitat conditions, worsening survival rates.

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Table of Contents

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 February (2025)

India in Indian Ocean Region

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

Missing Children in India

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

Reciprocal Tariffs

India-US TRUST Initiative

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

The J. C. Bose Grant (JBG)

Sudan Virus Outbreak

PARAS-2 spectrograph

Mapping:

Hangul Deer

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 February 2025

India in Indian Ocean Region

Missing Children in India

Reciprocal Tariffs

India-US TRUST Initiative

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

The J. C. Bose Grant (JBG)

Sudan Virus Outbreak

PARAS-2 spectrograph

Hangul Deer