UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 February 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 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 – 19 February (2025)
• India-Qatar
India-Qatar
GS Paper 3:
• Textile Industry
Textile Industry
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Ambedkar and Pragmatism
Ambedkar and Pragmatism
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Rarest of Rare Doctrine
Rarest of Rare Doctrine
• TrailGuard AI
TrailGuard AI
• NAKSHA Project
NAKSHA Project
• Delhi Earthquake
Delhi Earthquake
• Humpback Whale
Humpback Whale
• Vertical Planetary Mixer
Vertical Planetary Mixer
Mapping:
• Caspian Sea
Caspian Sea
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 February 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
India-Qatar
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: PIB
Context: India and Qatar elevated their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership in February focusing on trade, energy, and investments.
• Both nations set a target to double bilateral trade to $30 billion by 2030 and agreed on major economic collaborations.
Key Outcomes of India-Qatar Summit 2025:
• Strategic Partnership Agreement: Strengthens ties in trade, investment, security, and innovation.
• Trade Expansion: Commitment to double bilateral trade from $14 billion to $30 billion by 2030.
• Energy Cooperation: Qatar Energy and Petronet LNG signed a 20-year deal for LNG supply starting in 2028.
• Investment Boost: Qatar Investment Authority pledged $10 billion in Indian infrastructure, startups, and green energy.
• Digital & Financial Integration: UPI rollout in Qatar and a revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement signed.
Key Areas of India-Qatar Cooperation:
• Trade & Investment
• Qatar is India’s largest supplier of LNG (10.91 MMT) and LPG (4.92 MMT) (FY 2023-24).
• New agreements to boost Indian exports and expand Qatar’s investments in smart cities, ports, shipbuilding, and technology.
• Energy Security
• Long-term LNG supply deal (2028-2048) ensures stability in India’s energy sector.
• Renewable energy cooperation in green hydrogen, solar power, and AI-driven energy efficiency.
• Technology & Innovation
• Joint initiatives in AI, semiconductors, IoT, and robotics for next-gen industrial growth.
• Indian startups to participate in Web Summits in Doha (2024-25).
• Digital Payments & Financial Ties
• Nationwide UPI rollout in Qatar to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions.
• Establishment of Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) office in India to deepen economic ties.
• People-to-People Ties
• 830,000 Indians in Qatar form the largest expatriate community, contributing to Qatar’s workforce.
• Strengthened cooperation in education, youth affairs, culture, and sports through MoUs.
• Security & Counter-Terrorism
• Joint cooperation on intelligence sharing, countering cybercrime, anti-money laundering, and transnational crimes.
• Commitment to combating cross-border terrorism and strengthening security ties.
Challenges & Differences:
• Trade Imbalance: India imports LNG and LPG worth $12 billion, while its exports remain under $2 billion.
• Labor Welfare Issues: Concerns over working conditions of Indian laborers in Qatar, especially in construction and blue-collar jobs.
• Geopolitical Sensitivities: Qatar’s role in West Asian conflicts (Israel-Hamas negotiations) and its diplomatic balancing act.
• Judicial & Legal Hurdles: 600 Indians in Qatari jails, pending agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons.
• Naval Veterans Case: One Indian Navy officer still detained, affecting diplomatic relations.
Way Ahead:
• Enhancing Indian Exports: Focus on high-value sectors like IT, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods to balance trade.
• Investment Acceleration: Expedite India-Qatar Bilateral Investment Treaty to ease FDI flows.
• Improving Labor Protections: Strengthen worker welfare agreements for better employment conditions.
• Expanding Energy Partnership: Collaborate on green hydrogen, carbon capture, and renewable energy initiatives.
• Strengthening Diplomatic & Security Ties: Increase high-level ministerial exchanges for regional cooperation.
Conclusion:
India-Qatar relations have entered a new era of strategic partnership, focusing on energy, trade, and technology. By diversifying economic engagement and addressing challenges, both nations aim to build a mutually beneficial, long-term collaboration that enhances regional stability and economic growth.
• The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (UPSC-2017)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 February 2025 GS Paper 3:
Textile Industry
Syllabus: Textile sector
Source: SANSAD TV
Context: Bharat Tex 2025, India’s largest global textile event, was held in New Delhi, showcasing India’s textile advancements and global trade potential.
• The Indian government aims to triple textile exports from ₹3 lakh crore to ₹9 lakh crore by 2030, leveraging sustainability, innovation, and policy support.
Overview of India’s Textile Sector:
• 6th Largest Exporter: India holds 8.21% share in global textile trade (2023-24).
• Employment Generator: Provides direct jobs to 45 million people and indirect livelihood to over 100 million, including rural and women workers.
• Export Markets: USA and EU account for 47% of India’s textile exports.
• Government Initiatives: ₹10,683 crore allocated under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme to boost manufacturing.
Booming Categories in the Textile Industry:
• Technical Textiles: High-performance textiles used in aerospace, medical, and infrastructure. Projected to reach $300 billion by 2047.
• High-performance textiles used in aerospace, medical, and infrastructure.
• Projected to reach $300 billion by 2047.
• Sustainable & Organic Textiles: Rising demand for eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo textiles, and biodegradable materials.
• Digital & Smart Textiles: AI-driven manufacturing, IoT-based quality control, and 3D weaving revolutionizing production.
• Handloom & Artisanal Textiles: Government promoting handloom clusters to preserve India’s rich weaving heritage.
• Man-Made Fibre (MMF) and Apparel: Government focus on synthetic textiles, MMF apparel, and high-value garments.
Key Government Schemes Supporting the Textile Sector:
• PM MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region & Apparel Parks): 7 mega parks with world-class infrastructure and $10 billion expected investment.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: ₹10,683 crore incentive for MMF fabrics, technical textiles, and high-value apparel.
• Samarth Scheme: Skilling 10 lakh artisans and textile workers to bridge skill gaps.
• Integrated Processing Development Scheme (IPDS): Support for eco-friendly processing units to meet global environmental standards.
• National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP): Support for handloom weavers, market linkages, and financial assistance.
• Raw Material Support Schemes: Cotton, jute, silk, and wool promotion initiatives to enhance quality and yield.
Challenges Facing India’s Textile Industry:
• Trade Deficit & Competition: India faces high import costs of synthetic fibres and tough competition from China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.
• Lack of Technology & Automation: Slow adoption of AI, robotics, and smart textiles limits productivity.
• Environmental Concerns: Water-intensive production and pollution from dyeing units affect sustainability goals.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Need for modern textile parks, better logistics, and export-oriented clusters.
• Skilled Workforce Shortage: Limited technical training in high-value textiles like technical and MMF-based fabrics.
Way Ahead:
• Boosting Export Competitiveness: Strengthen free trade agreements (FTAs) with key markets like the EU and USA.
• Investment in Technology & Automation: Encourage AI-driven textile manufacturing, automated weaving, and sustainable practices.
• Expanding Technical Textiles & MMF Production: Achieve global leadership in technical textiles through R&D incentives.
• Sustainable and Green Manufacturing: Increase adoption of zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) systems and renewable energy in textile units.
• Infrastructure & Policy Reforms: Accelerate PM MITRA parks, textile hubs, and streamlined regulatory approvals.
Conclusion:
India’s textile industry is on the cusp of transformational growth, driven by government support, innovation, and sustainability. Bharat Tex 2025 has reinforced India’s position as a global textile hub, with a clear roadmap to achieve ₹9 lakh crore in exports by 2030. With strong policy backing, technological advancements, and skilled workforce development, India is set to redefine the global textile landscape.
• Analyse the factors for highly decentralised cotton textile industry in India. (UPSC-2013)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 February 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Ambedkar and Pragmatism
Anecdote: During his time at Columbia University, Ambedkar was profoundly influenced by John Dewey’s philosophy of pragmatism, particularly the idea that democracy is not just a political system but a way of life that requires active participation and continuous reform. Dewey’s teachings on education, social justice, and ethical governance shaped Ambedkar’s belief in the transformative power of constitutional democracy. However, Ambedkar’s intellectual journey was far broader than Deweyan pragmatism alone. He engaged deeply with the anti-caste philosophy of Mahatma Phule, the mystical humanism of Kabir, and the economic principles of Fabian socialism, all of which enriched his vision of an egalitarian society. Unlike Dewey, who largely focused on democratic experimentation, Ambedkar confronted a deeply entrenched caste hierarchy, which could not be dismantled merely through pragmatic reforms. His lived experiences of untouchability and systemic discrimination led him to conclude that caste could not be reformed but must be annihilated altogether. This realization propelled him toward Buddhism, which provided an ethical and philosophical framework for emancipation beyond legal reforms. By embracing Buddhism, Ambedkar went beyond pragmatism, seeking a spiritual and moral revolution to counter caste oppression. Thus, while Dewey’s pragmatism refined Ambedkar’s democratic ideals, his broader intellectual engagements and direct experience of caste realities pushed him toward a radical social transformation rather than mere reform.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 1 (Modern Indian History & Society): Ambedkar’s role in social reforms, his intellectual influences, and his vision for social justice.
• GS Paper 2 (Polity & Governance): His constitutional contributions, ideas on democracy, and engagement with the state and social justice.
• GS Paper 4 (Ethics, Integrity & Aptitude): His moral philosophy, emphasis on justice, human dignity, and caste abolition, and his approach to pragmatism in decision-making.
• Essay Paper: Themes on Ambedkar’s ideology, pragmatism vs. radical reform, and constitutional morality.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 February 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Rarest of Rare Doctrine
Source: TH
Context: The Kolkata R.G. Kar Medical College case and the Sharon murder case led to contrasting judgments on the death penalty, reigniting debates on the application of the ‘rarest of rare’ doctrine in India.
About Rarest of Rare Doctrine:
• What is the ‘Rarest of Rare’ Doctrine?
• The ‘rarest of rare’ doctrine governs the imposition of the death penalty in India. It mandates that capital punishment should only be awarded in exceptional cases where the crime shocks the collective conscience of society. The doctrine ensures that the death penalty remains the exception rather than the rule, upholding constitutional safeguards.
• The ‘rarest of rare’ doctrine governs the imposition of the death penalty in India.
• It mandates that capital punishment should only be awarded in exceptional cases where the crime shocks the collective conscience of society.
• The doctrine ensures that the death penalty remains the exception rather than the rule, upholding constitutional safeguards.
• Origin of the Doctrine:
• Jagmohan Singh vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (1972): Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty, stating it does not violate Articles 14, 19, and 21. No clear guidelines on when the death penalty should be applied, leaving it to judicial discretion. Bachan Singh vs. State of Punjab (1980): Established the ‘rarest of rare’ doctrine, stating that capital punishment should be given only in exceptional cases. The Court did not define ‘rarest of rare’, leading to ambiguity.
• Jagmohan Singh vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (1972): Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty, stating it does not violate Articles 14, 19, and 21. No clear guidelines on when the death penalty should be applied, leaving it to judicial discretion.
• Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty, stating it does not violate Articles 14, 19, and 21.
• No clear guidelines on when the death penalty should be applied, leaving it to judicial discretion.
• Bachan Singh vs. State of Punjab (1980): Established the ‘rarest of rare’ doctrine, stating that capital punishment should be given only in exceptional cases. The Court did not define ‘rarest of rare’, leading to ambiguity.
• Established the ‘rarest of rare’ doctrine, stating that capital punishment should be given only in exceptional cases.
• The Court did not define ‘rarest of rare’, leading to ambiguity.
• Supreme Court’s Framework on ‘Rarest of Rare’:
• Machhi Singh vs. State of Punjab (1983): The Court provided five broad categories where the death penalty may be justified: Manner of Crime: Brutal, gruesome, or exceptionally heinous killings. Motive of Crime: When the motive reveals extreme moral depravity or inhumanity. Impact on Society: Murders that create widespread social outrage, such as hate crimes. Magnitude of the Crime: Multiple murders or mass killings. Victim’s Vulnerability: When the victim is a child, woman, elderly, or disabled person.
• Machhi Singh vs. State of Punjab (1983): The Court provided five broad categories where the death penalty may be justified: Manner of Crime: Brutal, gruesome, or exceptionally heinous killings. Motive of Crime: When the motive reveals extreme moral depravity or inhumanity. Impact on Society: Murders that create widespread social outrage, such as hate crimes. Magnitude of the Crime: Multiple murders or mass killings. Victim’s Vulnerability: When the victim is a child, woman, elderly, or disabled person.
• Manner of Crime: Brutal, gruesome, or exceptionally heinous killings.
• Motive of Crime: When the motive reveals extreme moral depravity or inhumanity.
• Impact on Society: Murders that create widespread social outrage, such as hate crimes.
• Magnitude of the Crime: Multiple murders or mass killings.
• Victim’s Vulnerability: When the victim is a child, woman, elderly, or disabled person.
• Mithu vs. State of Punjab (1983):
• Struck down Section 303 IPC, which prescribed a mandatory death penalty for convicts already serving a life sentence.
• Ruled that the death penalty must always be discretionary.
TrailGuard AI
Source: TH
Context: The Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha has successfully implemented AI-enabled TrailGuard cameras, significantly reducing poaching incidents by 80%.
About TrailGuard AI:
• What is TrailGuard AI? TrailGuard AI is an AI-powered surveillance system designed to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade by providing real-time monitoring in protected forests.
• TrailGuard AI is an AI-powered surveillance system designed to combat poaching and illegal wildlife trade by providing real-time monitoring in protected forests.
• Developed by: Created by Nightjar Technologies, a Gurgaon-based social impact enterprise specializing in remote conservation surveillance.
• How It Works?
• Movement Detection: AI-powered cameras remain in low-power mode and activate when they detect movement. Object Classification: A built-in AI chip analyzes the image and categorizes it as ‘animal,’ ‘human,’ or ‘vehicle.’ Instant Alert System: If a threat is detected, the camera transmits the image within 40 seconds to a control room. Rapid Response: Officials share information via WhatsApp and Very High Frequency (VHF) radio to mobilize forest rangers quickly. Identification & Arrest: Intelligence teams analyze the images, identify poachers, conduct house raids, and forward cases for prosecution.
• Movement Detection: AI-powered cameras remain in low-power mode and activate when they detect movement.
• Object Classification: A built-in AI chip analyzes the image and categorizes it as ‘animal,’ ‘human,’ or ‘vehicle.’
• Instant Alert System: If a threat is detected, the camera transmits the image within 40 seconds to a control room.
• Rapid Response: Officials share information via WhatsApp and Very High Frequency (VHF) radio to mobilize forest rangers quickly.
• Identification & Arrest: Intelligence teams analyze the images, identify poachers, conduct house raids, and forward cases for prosecution.
• Key Features & Functions: Compact Design: Small camera unit (pen-sized) and battery unit (notepad-sized) connected via a 2-meter cable, making it easy to conceal. Long Battery Life: Operates for 6 months to 1 year without requiring frequent maintenance. High-Speed Transmission: Images sent to authorities in 30-40 seconds using a cellular network. Cost-Effective: Priced at ₹50,000–53,000 per unit, making it affordable for large-scale deployment. Wide Adoption: Currently deployed in 5 states across 14 locations, including Kanha Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) and Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh).
• Compact Design: Small camera unit (pen-sized) and battery unit (notepad-sized) connected via a 2-meter cable, making it easy to conceal.
• Long Battery Life: Operates for 6 months to 1 year without requiring frequent maintenance.
• High-Speed Transmission: Images sent to authorities in 30-40 seconds using a cellular network.
• Cost-Effective: Priced at ₹50,000–53,000 per unit, making it affordable for large-scale deployment.
• Wide Adoption: Currently deployed in 5 states across 14 locations, including Kanha Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) and Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh).
NAKSHA Project
Source: TOI
Context: The National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations (NAKSHA) pilot project is set to launch in 152 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across 26 States and 3 Union Territories (UTs).
About NAKSHA Project:
• What is NAKSHA? NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) is a geospatial technology-driven land survey initiative aimed at creating and updating land records in urban areas to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accuracy in property ownership documentation.
• NAKSHA (National Geospatial Knowledge-based Land Survey of Urban Habitations) is a geospatial technology-driven land survey initiative aimed at creating and updating land records in urban areas to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accuracy in property ownership documentation.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India
• Implemented by: Department of Land Resources, in collaboration with Survey of India, and National Informatics Centre Services Inc. (NICSI).
• Aims & Objectives: Modernize Urban Land Records: Ensure accurate, updated, and digitalized land ownership records. Enhance Urban Planning: Facilitate smart city development and infrastructure planning. Reduce Land Disputes: Minimize property disputes through clear, verifiable records. Foster Transparency: Establish a Web-GIS-based IT system for land record management. Support Sustainable Development: Improve urban governance and land resource management.
• Modernize Urban Land Records: Ensure accurate, updated, and digitalized land ownership records.
• Enhance Urban Planning: Facilitate smart city development and infrastructure planning.
• Reduce Land Disputes: Minimize property disputes through clear, verifiable records.
• Foster Transparency: Establish a Web-GIS-based IT system for land record management.
• Support Sustainable Development: Improve urban governance and land resource management.
• Key Features: Drone-Based Land Survey: High-precision aerial surveys for accurate mapping. Web-GIS Platform: End-to-end IT-based land record management system. Public Accessibility: Citizens can access digital land records for ease of living. Pilot Launch in 152 ULBs: Across 26 States and 3 Union Territories (UTs). Estimated Cost: ₹194 crore (100% funded by the Government of India).
• Drone-Based Land Survey: High-precision aerial surveys for accurate mapping.
• Web-GIS Platform: End-to-end IT-based land record management system.
• Public Accessibility: Citizens can access digital land records for ease of living.
• Pilot Launch in 152 ULBs: Across 26 States and 3 Union Territories (UTs).
• Estimated Cost: ₹194 crore (100% funded by the Government of India).
Delhi Earthquake
Source: TOI
Context: A 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck Delhi-NCR with its epicentre at Dhaula Kuan, causing strong tremors.
About Earthquakes:
• Definition: An earthquake is a sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust, causing seismic waves. It occurs due to tectonic plate movements along fault lines.
• Shallow Earthquake: Shallow earthquakes, originating five or 10 kilometres below the surface, tend to cause more damage than those originating deep below the surface.
• Reasons Behind the Delhi Earthquake:
• Seismic Faults: Delhi is near active fault lines, including the Delhi-Hardwar Ridge and Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault, making it prone to moderate seismic activity. Tectonic Stress: The tremors resulted from stress accumulation and sudden release along these fault lines. Soil Composition: Areas with soft alluvial soil amplify seismic waves, increasing perceived shaking.
• Seismic Faults: Delhi is near active fault lines, including the Delhi-Hardwar Ridge and Mahendragarh-Dehradun Fault, making it prone to moderate seismic activity.
• Tectonic Stress: The tremors resulted from stress accumulation and sudden release along these fault lines.
• Soil Composition: Areas with soft alluvial soil amplify seismic waves, increasing perceived shaking.
• India’s Earthquake Zoning:
• India’s seismic zoning map divides the country into four zones (Zone 2, 3, 4, and 5) based on earthquake risk. Zone 5: Highest seismic activity (e.g., Himalayan region). Zone 4: High risk (e.g., Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar). Zone 3: Moderate risk (e.g., Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata). Zone 2: Low risk (e.g., Deccan Plateau). Delhi falls in Seismic Zone 4, making it highly susceptible to strong earthquakes.
• India’s seismic zoning map divides the country into four zones (Zone 2, 3, 4, and 5) based on earthquake risk. Zone 5: Highest seismic activity (e.g., Himalayan region). Zone 4: High risk (e.g., Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar). Zone 3: Moderate risk (e.g., Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata). Zone 2: Low risk (e.g., Deccan Plateau).
• Zone 5: Highest seismic activity (e.g., Himalayan region).
• Zone 4: High risk (e.g., Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Bihar).
• Zone 3: Moderate risk (e.g., Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata).
• Zone 2: Low risk (e.g., Deccan Plateau).
• Delhi falls in Seismic Zone 4, making it highly susceptible to strong earthquakes.
• Measurement of Earthquakes:
• Richter Scale: Measures magnitude (energy released). Logarithmic scale: Each whole number increase represents 10 times stronger shaking and 32 times more energy release. Modified Mercalli Scale (MMS): Measures intensity (damage & shaking felt). Ranges from 1 (Not Felt) to 12 (Total Destruction). Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik (MSK) Scale: Used in India’s seismic hazard map to assess earthquake damage potential.
• Richter Scale: Measures magnitude (energy released). Logarithmic scale: Each whole number increase represents 10 times stronger shaking and 32 times more energy release.
• Measures magnitude (energy released).
• Logarithmic scale: Each whole number increase represents 10 times stronger shaking and 32 times more energy release.
• Modified Mercalli Scale (MMS): Measures intensity (damage & shaking felt). Ranges from 1 (Not Felt) to 12 (Total Destruction).
• Measures intensity (damage & shaking felt).
• Ranges from 1 (Not Felt) to 12 (Total Destruction).
• Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik (MSK) Scale: Used in India’s seismic hazard map to assess earthquake damage potential.
• Used in India’s seismic hazard map to assess earthquake damage potential.
Humpback Whale
Source: IE
Context: A 23-year-old Venezuelan kayaker, was briefly swallowed by a humpback whale while kayaking in the Strait of Magellan, Chile.
• The whale mistook the kayak for prey, engulfed Simancas, and released him unharmed within seconds.
About Humpback Whale:
• What is a Humpback Whale?
• Scientific Name: Megaptera novaeangliae A baleen whale known for its acrobatic breaches, complex songs, and long migrations. One of the largest whale species, reaching lengths of 12–16 meters (39–52 feet) and weighing up to 36 metric tons.
• Scientific Name: Megaptera novaeangliae
• A baleen whale known for its acrobatic breaches, complex songs, and long migrations.
• One of the largest whale species, reaching lengths of 12–16 meters (39–52 feet) and weighing up to 36 metric tons.
• Types of Whales: Whales are classified into two major families:
• Whales are classified into two major families:
• Baleen Whales (Mysticeti): Includes humpback whales, blue whales, and grey whales. Have baleen plates instead of teeth, used for filter-feeding plankton and krill. Toothed Whales (Odontoceti): Includes sperm whales, beaked whales, killer whales, and dolphins. Have teeth and hunt larger prey like fish and squid.
• Baleen Whales (Mysticeti): Includes humpback whales, blue whales, and grey whales. Have baleen plates instead of teeth, used for filter-feeding plankton and krill.
• Includes humpback whales, blue whales, and grey whales.
• Have baleen plates instead of teeth, used for filter-feeding plankton and krill.
• Toothed Whales (Odontoceti): Includes sperm whales, beaked whales, killer whales, and dolphins. Have teeth and hunt larger prey like fish and squid.
• Includes sperm whales, beaked whales, killer whales, and dolphins.
• Have teeth and hunt larger prey like fish and squid.
• Food Habits: Primarily consists of krill, plankton, and small fish.
• Feeding Technique: Uses baleen plates to filter food from seawater. Unique bubble-net feeding traps prey in spirals of air bubbles before consumption.
• Uses baleen plates to filter food from seawater.
• Unique bubble-net feeding traps prey in spirals of air bubbles before consumption.
• Distribution & Habitat:
• Found in all major oceans, from polar feeding grounds to tropical breeding areas. Migrates thousands of kilometres annually between feeding and breeding zones.
• Found in all major oceans, from polar feeding grounds to tropical breeding areas.
• Migrates thousands of kilometres annually between feeding and breeding zones.
• Behavior & Communication:
• Breaching: Jumps out of water and slaps back down, possibly for communication or parasite removal. Songs: Males sing long, complex songs to attract mates. Songs vary among populations and evolve yearly.
• Breaching: Jumps out of water and slaps back down, possibly for communication or parasite removal.
• Songs: Males sing long, complex songs to attract mates. Songs vary among populations and evolve yearly.
• Males sing long, complex songs to attract mates.
• Songs vary among populations and evolve yearly.
• IUCN Conservation Status: It is listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.
Vertical Planetary Mixer
Source: BT
Context: ISRO successfully developed a 10-tonne vertical planetary mixer, the largest solid propellant mixing equipment globally, in collaboration with CMTI, Bengaluru.
About Vertical Planetary Mixer:
• What is a Vertical Planetary Mixer?
• A high-capacity mixing system designed for processing solid propellants used in rocket motors. Ensures precise blending of hazardous and sensitive ingredients, crucial for rocket motor efficiency.
• A high-capacity mixing system designed for processing solid propellants used in rocket motors.
• Ensures precise blending of hazardous and sensitive ingredients, crucial for rocket motor efficiency.
• Developed by:
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), ISRO, in collaboration with Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru. Part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative to enhance indigenous space capabilities.
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), ISRO, in collaboration with Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), Bengaluru.
• Part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative to enhance indigenous space capabilities.
• How It Works?
• Uses multiple hydrostatic-driven agitators for uniform mixing of solid propellant components. Operated remotely via a PLC-based control system with SCADA stations for precision and safety. SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) stations are control systems that monitor and manage physical processes in real time.
• Uses multiple hydrostatic-driven agitators for uniform mixing of solid propellant components.
• Operated remotely via a PLC-based control system with SCADA stations for precision and safety. SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) stations are control systems that monitor and manage physical processes in real time.
• SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) stations are control systems that monitor and manage physical processes in real time.
• Key Features: Largest Capacity: Mixes 10 tonnes of propellant in a single batch. High Precision: Ensures uniform composition for better rocket performance. Safety & Reliability: Designed for hazardous materials handling with strict quality control. Automation: Remotely controlled system enhances safety and efficiency. Massive Structure: Weighs 150 tonnes; dimensions: 5.4m (L) × 3.3m (B) × 8.7m (H).
• Largest Capacity: Mixes 10 tonnes of propellant in a single batch.
• High Precision: Ensures uniform composition for better rocket performance.
• Safety & Reliability: Designed for hazardous materials handling with strict quality control.
• Automation: Remotely controlled system enhances safety and efficiency.
• Massive Structure: Weighs 150 tonnes; dimensions: 5.4m (L) × 3.3m (B) × 8.7m (H).
• Significance of the Mixer:
• Enhances Rocket Motor Production: Increases productivity, throughput, and quality in solid propulsion systems. Boosts Indigenous Capability: Reduces dependency on foreign technology, aligning with India’s self-reliance goals. Supports Future Space Missions: Strengthens ISRO’s launch vehicle programs, including PSLV, GSLV, and future heavy-lift rockets. Collaboration with Academia & Industry: Promotes innovation in advanced space manufacturing.
• Enhances Rocket Motor Production: Increases productivity, throughput, and quality in solid propulsion systems.
• Boosts Indigenous Capability: Reduces dependency on foreign technology, aligning with India’s self-reliance goals.
• Supports Future Space Missions: Strengthens ISRO’s launch vehicle programs, including PSLV, GSLV, and future heavy-lift rockets.
• Collaboration with Academia & Industry: Promotes innovation in advanced space manufacturing.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 February 2025 Mapping:
Caspian Sea
Source: TT
Context: At the Third Economic Forum of Caspian Littoral States’ Prime Ministers in Tehran, Russia is taking proactive measures to prevent the Caspian Sea’s water levels from declining.
About Caspian Sea:
• Location: It is located between Europe and Asia. The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland water body, often referred to as both a lake and a sea due to its unique characteristics. The region is rich in oil, natural gas, and biodiversity, making it strategically and economically significant. It lies to the east of the Caucasus Mountains and to the west of the vast steppe of Central Asia.
• The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland water body, often referred to as both a lake and a sea due to its unique characteristics.
• The region is rich in oil, natural gas, and biodiversity, making it strategically and economically significant.
• It lies to the east of the Caucasus Mountains and to the west of the vast steppe of Central Asia.
• Bordered by: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan and Russia. It is now a remnant of the ancient Paratethys Sea, with a salinity of 1.2%, making it less saline than ocean water but saltier than freshwater lakes.
• It is now a remnant of the ancient Paratethys Sea, with a salinity of 1.2%, making it less saline than ocean water but saltier than freshwater lakes.
• Major river inflows: The Volga River, Europe’s longest river, is the largest freshwater contributor. Other rivers: Ural River, Terek River, Kura and Aras Rivers, Sulak and Samur Rivers, and Atrek River.
• The Volga River, Europe’s longest river, is the largest freshwater contributor.
• Other rivers: Ural River, Terek River, Kura and Aras Rivers, Sulak and Samur Rivers, and Atrek River.
• Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is the largest city on the Caspian.
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 19 Feb 2025
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