UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 January 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 January 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 January (2025)
• India Bangladesh Border Dispute
India Bangladesh Border Dispute
GS Paper 3:
• Global Warming and India
Global Warming and India
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Intersection of Culture and Innovation
Intersection of Culture and Innovation
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• National Turmeric Board
National Turmeric Board
• India Meteorological Department
India Meteorological Department
• Armed Forces Veterans Day
Armed Forces Veterans Day
• First Private Satellite Constellation
First Private Satellite Constellation
• Atomic Energy Commission
Atomic Energy Commission
Mapping:
• Kumani Bank Mud Volcano
Kumani Bank Mud Volcano
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 January 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
India Bangladesh Border Dispute
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: IE
Context: Recently, Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) had attempted to obstruct the construction of a barbed wire fence on the international border in West Bengal’s Malda.
India-Bangladesh Border Region:
• Length and Coverage: The India-Bangladesh border stretches for 4,096 km, encompassing five Indian states: West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
• Border Typology: The border is a mix of plains, rivers, and forested terrains, with approximately 180 km of riverine boundary.
• Enclaves and Exclaves: The 2015 Land Boundary Agreement resolved most enclave issues, yet minor disputes persist, particularly in areas like Comilla-Tripura.
• Geopolitical Importance: The border facilitates trade, cultural exchanges, and strategic connectivity, particularly under regional cooperation frameworks like SAARC and BIMSTEC.
• Shared Ecosystem: Border regions include shared rivers like Ganga and Brahmaputra and unique biodiversity requiring cooperative management.
Issues Surrounding the India-Bangladesh Border:
• Border Fencing Disputes: Bangladesh views India’s fencing as a violation of the 1975 border guidelines, which prohibit defense structures within 150 yards of the boundary.
• Illegal Migration: The porous border has facilitated undocumented migration, leading to socio-political tensions in Indian states.
• Trans-Border Crimes: Smuggling of cattle, drugs, and arms has been a persistent issue, straining bilateral relations.
• Unresolved Land and Riverine Disputes: Some border segments remain unmarked, and riverine boundaries complicate fencing efforts.
• Impact on Communities: Fencing and border disputes disrupt local livelihoods and access to resources on both sides.
Existing Security Measures to Guard India-Bangladesh Borders:
• Fencing: Approximately 3,141 km of the border is fenced, with plans to complete the remaining sections to curb illegal activities.
• Smart Surveillance: Smart fencing with CCTV, sensors, and drones is being deployed in sensitive areas to monitor movements.
• Water Wing Units: BSF’s water wing patrols the riverine border regions, which are unfenced and vulnerable to illegal crossings.
• Coordinated Patrols: Joint operations and flag meetings between the Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) promote coordination.
• Technological Integration: Advanced radar systems, thermal imaging, and electronic surveillance enhance security in high-risk zones.
Way Ahead:
• Strengthening Bilateral Mechanisms: Regular consultations and confidence-building measures between India and Bangladesh are essential to resolve disputes amicably.
• Completion of Fencing: Addressing land acquisition and terrain-related issues can expedite the completion of border fencing.
• Improved Border Management: Deployment of more technology-driven solutions, including AI and smart fencing, can enhance security.
• Community Engagement: Incorporating local communities into security frameworks can help balance security and livelihoods.
• Resolving River Disputes: Collaborative agreements on water sharing and riverine border demarcation can address long-standing tensions.
Conclusion:
The India-Bangladesh border symbolizes both shared history and modern challenges. Strengthening bilateral cooperation, resolving disputes amicably, and leveraging technology for border management can transform this boundary into a bridge of mutual prosperity and security.
Insta Links:
• India-Bangladesh
• Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (UPSC-2018)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 January 2025 GS Paper 3:
Global Warming and India
Syllabus: Climate Change
Source: IE
Context: The year 2024 has been declared the warmest year on record globally, surpassing the critical 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels. While India also recorded its warmest year, the extent of warming was relatively lower compared to the global average.
Global warming trends in 2024:
• Temperature Records: Global temperatures in 2024 were 1.28°C higher than NASA’s baseline (1951–1980), breaking previous records.
• Warming Rates: The temperature rise over land exceeded 1.6°C, while oceans warmed by approximately 0.9°C.
• El Niño Impact: A strong El Niño phenomenon further contributed to the temperature surge.
• Decadal Warmth: The past decade has been the warmest in recorded history, with every year exceeding previous temperature averages.
• Regional Variations: The Arctic and high-altitude regions saw the highest temperature increases due to polar amplification and the albedo effect.
Factors leading to 2024 being the warmest year:
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Record-high CO₂ and methane emissions from fossil fuel use intensified global warming.
• El Niño Effect: A strong El Niño event amplified ocean temperatures, pushing global averages upward.
• Volcanic Eruption Impacts: The 2022 Tonga eruption likely altered atmospheric circulation, contributing to warming in subsequent years.
• Decreased Aerosol Pollution: Reduced pollution led to lesser cloud cover, allowing more solar radiation to be absorbed by the Earth.
• Loss of Arctic Ice: Accelerated melting in the Arctic reduced albedo, causing more heat absorption and increasing temperatures.
Why India experienced comparatively lower warming?
• Tropical Location: India’s proximity to the equator results in less variability in warming compared to polar and temperate regions.
• Aerosols and Particulate Matter: High concentrations of aerosols scatter sunlight, leading to a cooling effect over India.
• Monsoon Dynamics: The Indian monsoon system helps regulate surface temperatures through seasonal rainfall.
• Ocean Influence: Surrounding oceans moderate India’s temperatures, acting as heat sinks.
• Landmass Proportion: India’s smaller landmass compared to global land surfaces results in less pronounced warming.
Challenges in controlling global warming:
• Rising Emissions: Despite global efforts, fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions remain high.
• Economic Dependencies: Many nations, including India, are heavily reliant on coal and oil for energy.
• Global Inequity: Disparities in responsibilities and capacities hinder unified climate action.
• Insufficient Funding: Climate adaptation and mitigation efforts face financial constraints in developing nations.
• Climate Denial: Resistance from interest groups and misinformation campaigns slow progress on international agreements.
Solutions to control global warming:
• Renewable Energy Transition: Accelerate the adoption of solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce fossil fuel dependency.
• Afforestation: Large-scale tree-planting initiatives can act as carbon sinks and combat deforestation.
• Climate Policies: Strengthen international agreements like the Paris Accord to enforce emissions reductions.
• Technology Integration: Invest in carbon capture, storage, and other green technologies.
• Public Awareness: Educate communities about climate change to drive grassroots action and policy support.
Conclusion:
The record-breaking temperatures of 2024 underline the urgency of addressing climate change. While India’s relative warming is lower, its vulnerabilities demand focused mitigation and adaptation efforts. Global cooperation, backed by robust policies and public participation, remains key to combating this existential crisis.
Insta Links:
• Global-warming
• ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC-2017)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 January 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Intersection of Culture and Innovation
Context: Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, the former Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), highlighted the intersection of culture and innovation during his tenure.
Relationship Between Culture and Innovation:
• Culture Boosts Innovation:
• Encouraging Risk-Taking: Societies that celebrate risk-taking foster creativity and entrepreneurial ventures.
• Encouraging Risk-Taking: Societies that celebrate risk-taking foster creativity and entrepreneurial ventures.
E.g. Countries like the USA thrive on a culture of innovation, where failure is seen as a stepping stone.
• Collaborative Mindset: Cultures that encourage collaboration across academia, industries, and governments lead to breakthrough technologies.
• Collaborative Mindset: Cultures that encourage collaboration across academia, industries, and governments lead to breakthrough technologies.
E.g. Silicon Valley thrives on academia-industry partnerships.
• Freedom to Experiment: Environments that remove the fear of failure (e.g., Atal Tinkering Labs) promote grassroots innovation.
• Freedom to Experiment: Environments that remove the fear of failure (e.g., Atal Tinkering Labs) promote grassroots innovation.
E.g. Rural India producing more innovations than urban centres in AIM labs.
• Inclusivity: Diverse cultural settings bring varied perspectives, driving innovation across sectors.
• Inclusivity: Diverse cultural settings bring varied perspectives, driving innovation across sectors.
• Culture Hinders Innovation: Risk Aversion: Indian families often prioritize secure jobs over entrepreneurship, discouraging innovative career paths.
• Risk Aversion: Indian families often prioritize secure jobs over entrepreneurship, discouraging innovative career paths.
E.g. Students preparing for government jobs rather than starting ventures.
• Siloed Thinking: Lack of trust and collaboration between academics, industries, and government slows innovation.
E.g. Limited R&D investments by corporations due to profit-focused mindsets.
• Rigid Education Systems: Exam-oriented systems limit students’ exposure to problem-solving and creativity.
• Fear of Failure: Societal stigma around failure discourages experimentation.
Relevance to UPSC Exam Syllabus
• GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology): Role of innovation in India’s growth. Government initiatives like Atal Innovation Mission. Startups and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• Role of innovation in India’s growth.
• Government initiatives like Atal Innovation Mission.
• Startups and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
• GS Paper 4 (Ethics and Aptitude): Ethical dilemmas in promoting innovation amidst cultural barriers. Case studies on grassroots innovation (e.g., Sivakasi firecracker example).
• Ethical dilemmas in promoting innovation amidst cultural barriers.
• Case studies on grassroots innovation (e.g., Sivakasi firecracker example).
• Essay: Topics like “Culture and Innovation: Driving Forces of India’s Future.”
• Topics like “Culture and Innovation: Driving Forces of India’s Future.”
• Governance and Policies: Importance of bridging cultural gaps in policy design for innovation.
• Importance of bridging cultural gaps in policy design for innovation.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 January 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
National Turmeric Board
Source: PIB
Context: The National Turmeric Board was launched by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry to enhance the production, research, and global trade of turmeric.
About the National Turmeric Board:
• What it is: A dedicated body established to promote turmeric cultivation, research, and exports.
• Headquarters: Nizamabad, Telangana.
• Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Aim: To enhance turmeric production, support farmers, and boost global exports.
• Headed by: Shri Palle Ganga Reddy as its first Chairperson.
• Functions: Promote research and development for high-yield and value-added turmeric products. Enhance awareness of turmeric’s medicinal and essential properties. Support farmers across 20 turmeric-growing states. Focus on logistics, quality assurance, and boosting exports. Collaborate with ministries like AYUSH, Agriculture, and Commerce for policy alignment.
• Promote research and development for high-yield and value-added turmeric products.
• Enhance awareness of turmeric’s medicinal and essential properties.
• Support farmers across 20 turmeric-growing states.
• Focus on logistics, quality assurance, and boosting exports.
• Collaborate with ministries like AYUSH, Agriculture, and Commerce for policy alignment.
About Turmeric:
• Top exporting nations in the world: India (Leading with 67% of global exports in 2023), Myanmar, Fiji, Indonesia, Vietnam
• India (Leading with 67% of global exports in 2023), Myanmar, Fiji, Indonesia, Vietnam
• Top importing nations in the world: USA (The largest importer, with its share 18.98% in 2023) India: Imports significant quantities of turmeric (especially dry) for domestic use. EU Countries: Key importers include Netherlands and Germany.
• USA (The largest importer, with its share 18.98% in 2023)
• India: Imports significant quantities of turmeric (especially dry) for domestic use.
• EU Countries: Key importers include Netherlands and Germany.
• Top producing states in India: Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Meghalaya (notable for Lakadong turmeric, high in curcumin content).
• Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Meghalaya (notable for Lakadong turmeric, high in curcumin content).
• India’s turmeric imports: Major sources: Vietnam, Indonesia, and Myanmar. Imports are primarily in the dry turmeric form for value addition and domestic consumption.
• Major sources: Vietnam, Indonesia, and Myanmar.
• Imports are primarily in the dry turmeric form for value addition and domestic consumption.
• Trends:
Insta links:
• Issue-with-turmeric-supplements
India Meteorological Department
Source: PIB
Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) celebrated its 150th Foundation Day. on January 14, 2025.
About India Meteorological Department (IMD):
• Established: 1875
• Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Aim: To provide accurate weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster management services for the safety, economic stability, and overall development of India.
• Functions
• Weather Forecasting: Issuing alerts for cyclones, floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events. Climate Research: Monitoring climate change and its impacts on agriculture and water resources. Disaster Management: Providing early warnings to minimize loss of life and property. Support to Sectors: Assistance to agriculture, aviation, shipping, and public safety. Public Awareness: Educating citizens about climate and weather patterns.
• Weather Forecasting: Issuing alerts for cyclones, floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events.
• Climate Research: Monitoring climate change and its impacts on agriculture and water resources.
• Disaster Management: Providing early warnings to minimize loss of life and property.
• Support to Sectors: Assistance to agriculture, aviation, shipping, and public safety.
• Public Awareness: Educating citizens about climate and weather patterns.
• History:
• Established after major disasters like the 1864 Calcutta cyclone and monsoon failures in 1866 and 1871. Unified meteorological services under one authority to support the Indian subcontinent’s unique weather needs.
• Established after major disasters like the 1864 Calcutta cyclone and monsoon failures in 1866 and 1871.
• Unified meteorological services under one authority to support the Indian subcontinent’s unique weather needs.
• Major Initiatives:
• Mission Mausam (2025): Advanced technologies for a weather-ready and climate-smart India. IMD Vision-2047: A roadmap for resilience and climate change adaptation. Expansion of Doppler Weather Radar: From 15 radars in 2014 to 39 in 2023, improving coverage by 35%. Cyclone Prediction: Accurate forecasting of cyclones like Fani (2019), Amphan (2020), and Biparjoy (2023), saving thousands of lives. Make in India Initiatives: Indigenous RADAR (1958), collaboration with ISRO for satellites (1983), and dynamic composite risk atlas (2022).
• Mission Mausam (2025): Advanced technologies for a weather-ready and climate-smart India.
• IMD Vision-2047: A roadmap for resilience and climate change adaptation.
• Expansion of Doppler Weather Radar: From 15 radars in 2014 to 39 in 2023, improving coverage by 35%.
• Cyclone Prediction: Accurate forecasting of cyclones like Fani (2019), Amphan (2020), and Biparjoy (2023), saving thousands of lives.
• Make in India Initiatives: Indigenous RADAR (1958), collaboration with ISRO for satellites (1983), and dynamic composite risk atlas (2022).
Insta links:
• India-meteorological-department
Armed Forces Veterans Day
Source: IE
Context: Armed Forces Veterans Day is celebrated annually on January 14 across India to honour the selfless service and sacrifices of the nation’s veterans.
About Armed Forces Veterans’ Day:
• Date: January 14 annually.
• Significance:
• Pays tribute to the valour, dedication, and sacrifices of armed forces veterans. Strengthens the bond between ex-servicemen and serving personnel. Provides a platform to address issues related to veterans’ welfare and their families.
• Pays tribute to the valour, dedication, and sacrifices of armed forces veterans.
• Strengthens the bond between ex-servicemen and serving personnel.
• Provides a platform to address issues related to veterans’ welfare and their families.
• History:
• Instituted in 2017 by the Ministry of Defence. The date marks the retirement of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa in 1953. Field Marshal Cariappa continued to contribute to national welfare after retirement, including steering the formation of the Directorate of Resettlement, now Directorate General Resettlement.
• Instituted in 2017 by the Ministry of Defence.
• The date marks the retirement of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa in 1953.
• Field Marshal Cariappa continued to contribute to national welfare after retirement, including steering the formation of the Directorate of Resettlement, now Directorate General Resettlement.
About Army Day:
• Date: January 15 annually.
• Significance:
• Commemorates the day in 1949 when Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, succeeding General Sir F.R.R. Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief. Celebrates the valour and achievements of the Indian Army.
• Commemorates the day in 1949 when Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, succeeding General Sir F.R.R. Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief.
• Celebrates the valour and achievements of the Indian Army.
Insta links:
• Armed-forces-veteran-day
First Private Satellite Constellation
Source: DH
Context: India’s space industry marked a historic milestone with the launch of its first private satellite constellation by Google-backed Pixxel, a Bengaluru-based space-tech startup.
About India’s First Private Satellite Constellation:
• What it is: A private satellite constellation of six hyperspectral imaging satellites launched by Pixxel, backed by Google.
• Organizations involved: Developed by Pixxel, with collaboration from SpaceX, which facilitated the launch.
• Launch location: Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA.
• Aim: To provide high-resolution hyperspectral imaging to improve insights in agriculture, mining, environmental monitoring, defense, and resource management.
• Features:
• Hyperspectral Imaging Technology: Captures detailed data across hundreds of light bands, enabling superior precision and insights compared to traditional satellite imaging. Applications include improving crop yields, tracking natural resources, monitoring oil spills, and surveying geographic boundaries. Part of a plan to launch 18 additional satellites by 2029 to expand capabilities and meet growing demand. Pixxel has secured 65 clients, including British Petroleum, and India’s Ministry of Agriculture, to utilize its cutting-edge data services.
• Hyperspectral Imaging Technology: Captures detailed data across hundreds of light bands, enabling superior precision and insights compared to traditional satellite imaging.
• Applications include improving crop yields, tracking natural resources, monitoring oil spills, and surveying geographic boundaries.
• Part of a plan to launch 18 additional satellites by 2029 to expand capabilities and meet growing demand.
• Pixxel has secured 65 clients, including British Petroleum, and India’s Ministry of Agriculture, to utilize its cutting-edge data services.
Insta links:
• Starlink-satellite
Atomic Energy Commission
Source: ET
Context: The Indian government recently reconstituted the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) to include key figures such as T.V. Somanathan, Manoj Govil, and Pankaj Kumar Mishra, along with other eminent personalities from diverse fields.
About Atomic Energy Commission (AEC):
• What it is: The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) is the apex policy-making body in India for atomic energy, nuclear research, and related applications.
• Established in: Initially set up in August 1948 under the Department of Scientific Research, it was formally established in its current form on March 1, 1958, within the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
• Ministry: Functions directly under the Department of Atomic Energy, which is under the Prime Minister’s direct charge.
• Headquarters: Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Aim: To advance nuclear science, research, and energy initiatives in India for peaceful and strategic applications.
• Members:
• Chairperson: Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy. Ex-officio Members: National Security Adviser Principal Secretary to PM Foreign Secretary Cabinet Secretary Expenditure Secretary Eminent scientists and former chairpersons
• Chairperson: Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy.
• Ex-officio Members: National Security Adviser Principal Secretary to PM Foreign Secretary Cabinet Secretary Expenditure Secretary Eminent scientists and former chairpersons
• National Security Adviser
• Principal Secretary to PM
• Foreign Secretary
• Cabinet Secretary
• Expenditure Secretary
• Eminent scientists and former chairpersons
• Functions: Policy Formulation: Shapes India’s nuclear energy and research policies. R&D Oversight: Promotes research in nuclear science, including applications in energy, medicine, and agriculture. International Collaboration: Engages in global nuclear agreements and partnerships. Energy Production: Supports initiatives for nuclear power generation and clean energy. Regulation and Safety: Ensures adherence to safety standards in nuclear facilities.
• Policy Formulation: Shapes India’s nuclear energy and research policies.
• R&D Oversight: Promotes research in nuclear science, including applications in energy, medicine, and agriculture.
• International Collaboration: Engages in global nuclear agreements and partnerships.
• Energy Production: Supports initiatives for nuclear power generation and clean energy.
• Regulation and Safety: Ensures adherence to safety standards in nuclear facilities.
Insta links:
• Department-atomic-energy’s DAE
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 January 2025 Mapping:
Kumani Bank Mud Volcano
Source: ST
Context: The Kumani Bank mud volcano, located off Azerbaijan’s eastern coast, erupted in 2023, creating a short-lived island, popularly termed a “Ghost Island.” By the end of 2024, this ephemeral island had largely eroded back into the sea.
About Kumani Bank Mud Volcano:
• Located in: Situated approximately 25 km (15 miles) off the eastern coast of Azerbaijan in the Caspian Sea.
• What is a Ghost Island? A Ghost Island refers to a temporary landmass created by volcanic activity, particularly mud volcanoes, that erodes back into the water over time.
• A Ghost Island refers to a temporary landmass created by volcanic activity, particularly mud volcanoes, that erodes back into the water over time.
• Ephemeral Nature:
• The island formed in 2023, measuring 400 meters (1,300 feet) across. By late 2024, it had nearly disappeared into the sea.
• The island formed in 2023, measuring 400 meters (1,300 feet) across.
• By late 2024, it had nearly disappeared into the sea.
• Significance: Geological Insights: Helps scientists understand tectonic processes and subsurface pressure dynamics. Martian Analogs: Provides clues about similar features on Mars, aiding in planetary exploration studies. Environmental Impact: Linked to the South Caspian Basin’s hydrocarbon system, contributing to methane and gas emissions. Regional Importance: Highlights Azerbaijan’s unique geological landscape, which boasts 300+ mud volcanoes, the largest concentration globally.
• Geological Insights: Helps scientists understand tectonic processes and subsurface pressure dynamics.
• Martian Analogs: Provides clues about similar features on Mars, aiding in planetary exploration studies.
• Environmental Impact: Linked to the South Caspian Basin’s hydrocarbon system, contributing to methane and gas emissions.
• Regional Importance: Highlights Azerbaijan’s unique geological landscape, which boasts 300+ mud volcanoes, the largest concentration globally.
About Caspian Sea:
• Located in:
• The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland body of water, spanning approximately 386,400 sq. km. It is situated between Asia and Europe, east of the Caucasus Mountains and west of Central Asia’s steppe.
• The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland body of water, spanning approximately 386,400 sq. km.
• It is situated between Asia and Europe, east of the Caucasus Mountains and west of Central Asia’s steppe.
• Bordering countries: Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran.
• Rivers draining into Caspian Sea:
• Volga River (largest contributing river). Ural River. Terek River.
• Volga River (largest contributing river).
• Ural River.
• Terek River.
Insta links:
• Caspian-sea
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