UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 February 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 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 – 20 February (2025)
• Ragging Complaints Surge
Ragging Complaints Surge
GS Paper 3:
• Global Infrastructure Resilience Report
Global Infrastructure Resilience Report
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Political Appointment of Officials
Political Appointment of Officials
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• International Association of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA)
International Association of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA)
• Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM)
Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM)
• Dinesh Khara Committee
Dinesh Khara Committee
• Microsoft Majorana 1
Microsoft Majorana 1
• Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2025
Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2025
• The Kalyani Chalukya
The Kalyani Chalukya
• Manikaran
Manikaran
Mapping:
• Maldives
Maldives
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 February 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Ragging Complaints Surge
Syllabus: Education
Source: IE
Context: The University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman, emphasized that weak enforcement of anti-ragging regulations enables perpetrators to escape accountability.
• Reports indicate a 208% surge in ragging complaints from 2012 to 2022, highlighting persistent regulatory gaps.
What is Ragging?
Definition & Features:
Ragging refers to any act of abuse physical, mental, or psychological by senior students towards juniors in educational institutions. It aims to assert dominance, instill fear, or humiliate the victim, often disguised as an “initiation ritual.”
• Forms of Ragging: Can be verbal (abuse, threats), physical (assault, forced activities), psychological (isolation, humiliation), or cyber-based (online harassment, social media bullying).
• Legal Recognition: Defined under UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging, 2009, and penalized under Sections 323, 506, 509 IPC, and IT Act, 2000 (for cyberbullying).
Consequences of Ragging:
• Impact on Victims: Psychological trauma: Leads to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal tendencies. Academic decline: Fear of harassment causes loss of focus and absenteeism. Health deterioration: Stress can trigger insomnia, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
• Psychological trauma: Leads to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal tendencies.
• Academic decline: Fear of harassment causes loss of focus and absenteeism.
• Health deterioration: Stress can trigger insomnia, eating disorders, and substance abuse.
• Consequences for Raggers: Legal prosecution: Punishable under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 323, 506, 509. Academic penalties: Includes suspension, expulsion, and blacklisting from institutions. Criminal record: Can jeopardize career opportunities and future education.
• Legal prosecution: Punishable under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 323, 506, 509.
• Academic penalties: Includes suspension, expulsion, and blacklisting from institutions.
• Criminal record: Can jeopardize career opportunities and future education.
• Impact on Institutions: Loss of reputation: Recurring ragging incidents harm an institution’s public image and rankings. UGC action: Institutions failing to prevent ragging risk funding cuts and de-recognition (UGC Clause 9.4).
• Loss of reputation: Recurring ragging incidents harm an institution’s public image and rankings.
• UGC action: Institutions failing to prevent ragging risk funding cuts and de-recognition (UGC Clause 9.4).
• Impact on Parents & Society: Emotional distress: Parents face mental agony and financial burden due to legal battles and medical costs. Erosion of trust: Society loses faith in educational institutions as safe spaces for students.
• Emotional distress: Parents face mental agony and financial burden due to legal battles and medical costs.
• Erosion of trust: Society loses faith in educational institutions as safe spaces for students.
Challenges in Countering Ragging:
• Poor Implementation of Laws: UGC Clause 9.4 allows action against institutions, but enforcement remains weak. Many colleges fail to display anti-ragging helpline details, limiting awareness.
• Lack of Awareness & Reporting Fear: Students fear retaliation and hesitate to report cases due to institutional inaction. Many victims accept ragging as a tradition, preventing timely intervention.
• Inadequate Monitoring Mechanisms: Weak CCTV surveillance and lack of digital complaint tracking hinder accountability. Helpline inefficiencies lead to several cases going unreported.
• Influence of Senior Students & Peer Pressure: Ragging is often culturally normalized among seniors, making it hard to eliminate. Many institutions hesitate to act due to political and administrative pressure.
Way Ahead:
• Strengthening Legal & Institutional Framework: UGC should invoke Clause 9.4 against non-compliant institutions. Police verification and fast-track trials must ensure strict punishment for offenders.
• Technology-Driven Monitoring: AI-based facial recognition CCTVs should be installed in hostels. A digital ID-based tracking system must be implemented for victim safety.
• Awareness & Behavioral Change: Mandatory anti-ragging workshops and psychological counselling should be introduced. Student mentorship programs should create a culture of inclusivity.
• Strengthening Reporting Mechanisms: The UGC helpline must improve accessibility and response time. Anonymous digital complaint portals with direct police alerts should be established.
Conclusion:
Ragging continues to plague India’s higher education system despite strong laws and Supreme Court guidelines. A multi-pronged approach, involving legal action, institutional reforms, technology integration, and cultural change, is essential. Ensuring strict enforcement and fostering student-led initiatives can help create a ragging-free academic environment.
• How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer. (USPC 2020)
• Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (USPC 2021)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 February 2025 GS Paper 3:
Global Infrastructure Resilience Report
Syllabus: International Relation
Source: CDRI
Context: The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) published the Global Infrastructure Resilience Report, evaluating infrastructure preparedness and resilience in disaster scenarios.
About Global Infrastructure Resilience Report:
Summary & Key Findings from CDRI Report
• Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index (GIRI): Provides financial risk metrics for major infrastructure sectors like transport, energy, telecom, water, and health.
• Investment Gap: To address global infrastructure deficits and climate change resilience, $9.2 trillion in annual investment is needed by 2050.
• Climate Risks: Infrastructure remains vulnerable to hazards like earthquakes, tsunamis, cyclones, floods, and droughts.
• Governance Challenges: Many Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) struggle with weak infrastructure governance, limiting resilience efforts.
Positive Outcomes from the Report:
• Data-Driven Insights: The GIRI model provides the first-ever publicly available risk assessment for infrastructure resilience.
• Economic Case for Resilience: Investing in resilient infrastructure leads to reduced asset loss, fewer service disruptions, and long-term economic growth.
• Nature-Based Solutions (NbIS): The report highlights NbIS as a sustainable approach to enhance infrastructure resilience.
• Increased Awareness: Policymakers and investors now have access to critical data for informed decision-making.
• Global Collaboration: The report fosters global cooperation by engaging governments, financial institutions, and multilateral agencies.
Challenges Identified:
• Financial Constraints: LMICs lack sufficient funding to invest in disaster-resilient infrastructure.
• Slow Policy Implementation: Despite guidelines, governments struggle to integrate resilience measures into infrastructure planning.
• Lack of Data Standardization: Many countries do not have consistent metrics to assess infrastructure risks.
• Private Sector Hesitancy: Investors view resilience measures as additional costs rather than opportunities.
• Climate Adaptation Gap: Developing countries face challenges in transitioning to low-carbon and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Way Ahead:
• Scaling Up Investments: Increased public and private funding is needed to bridge the resilience investment gap.
• Improved Risk Governance: Countries must adopt data-driven policies to ensure resilient infrastructure planning.
• Technology-Driven Solutions: AI, big data, and remote sensing should be leveraged for real-time infrastructure risk assessment.
• Enhanced Private Sector Engagement: Governments must incentivize businesses to invest in resilience measures.
• Global Partnerships: Strengthening international cooperation will help share best practices and technical expertise.
Conclusion:
The CDRI report underscores the urgent need for resilient infrastructure to combat climate risks and disaster vulnerabilities. By fostering global cooperation, leveraging data-driven solutions, and increasing investment, nations can ensure sustainable and resilient infrastructure for future generations.
• What is disaster resilience? How is it determined? Describe various elements of a resilience framework. Also mention the global targets of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030). (UPSC-2024)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 February 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Political Appointment of Officials
Context: IAS officer Pooja Singhal, accused in a money laundering case linked to the MGNREGA scam, has been appointed to key administrative positions in Jharkhand despite objections from the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
About Political Appointment of Officials:
Impact of Such Appointments:
• Ethical Implications:
• Public Trust: Appointing officials with pending legal cases erode public confidence in governance. Integrity of Administration: Raises concerns about conflict of interest and misuse of power in ongoing investigations. Fair Trial: Can influence legal proceedings and hinder impartial justice.
• Public Trust: Appointing officials with pending legal cases erode public confidence in governance.
• Integrity of Administration: Raises concerns about conflict of interest and misuse of power in ongoing investigations.
• Fair Trial: Can influence legal proceedings and hinder impartial justice.
• Non-Ethical Implications:
• Political Favoritism: Reinforces the culture of politicization of bureaucracy. Compromised Governance: Risks policy decisions being influenced by vested interests. Undermining Institutions: Weakens investigative agencies like ED, CBI, and judicial autonomy.
• Political Favoritism: Reinforces the culture of politicization of bureaucracy.
• Compromised Governance: Risks policy decisions being influenced by vested interests.
• Undermining Institutions: Weakens investigative agencies like ED, CBI, and judicial autonomy.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.
• GS Paper 4 (Ethics): Integrity, Probity in Governance, Ethical Concerns in Public Administration.
• Case Study: Ethical Dilemma in Bureaucratic Appointments.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 February 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
International Association of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA)
Source: PIB
Context: India has been elected Vice President of the International Association of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA) during its first General Assembly in Singapore.
• India is hosting the IALA Council meeting in December 2025 and the IALA Conference & General Assembly in September 2027 in Mumbai.
About International Association of Aids to Marine Navigation (IALA):
• What is IALA? IALA is a global organization dedicated to harmonizing marine aids to navigation (AtoN), ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible maritime operations.
• IALA is a global organization dedicated to harmonizing marine aids to navigation (AtoN), ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible maritime operations.
• Establishment:
• Founded: 1957 as a non-governmental organization (NGO). Status Change: Became an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) on August 22, 2024, after ratification by 34 states.
• Founded: 1957 as a non-governmental organization (NGO).
• Status Change: Became an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) on August 22, 2024, after ratification by 34 states.
• Headquarters: Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France.
• Aims & Objectives:
• Ensure safe and efficient vessel movement through marine navigation aids. Standardize global maritime navigation systems. Promote sustainable marine environment protection. Facilitate technology-driven solutions for better navigational safety.
• Ensure safe and efficient vessel movement through marine navigation aids.
• Standardize global maritime navigation systems.
• Promote sustainable marine environment protection.
• Facilitate technology-driven solutions for better navigational safety.
• Functions & Responsibilities: Develop Global Standards: IALA sets Standards, Guidelines, and Courses for uniform maritime safety. It promotes best practices to enhance navigation efficiency. Enhance Maritime Safety & Environmental Protection: It works to reduce marine accidents and protect ecosystems. It helps developing nations build reliable navigation systems. Technological Advancements: IALA forms technical committees for innovation in navigation. It fosters collaboration to integrate modern solutions. Promote International Cooperation: It provides training to harmonize AtoN systems. It organizes conferences for global maritime collaboration.
• Develop Global Standards: IALA sets Standards, Guidelines, and Courses for uniform maritime safety. It promotes best practices to enhance navigation efficiency.
• Enhance Maritime Safety & Environmental Protection: It works to reduce marine accidents and protect ecosystems. It helps developing nations build reliable navigation systems.
• Technological Advancements: IALA forms technical committees for innovation in navigation. It fosters collaboration to integrate modern solutions.
• Promote International Cooperation: It provides training to harmonize AtoN systems. It organizes conferences for global maritime collaboration.
• Organizational Structure:
• General Assembly: Supreme governing body, meets every four years. Council: Executive decision-making authority. Technical Committees: Experts from different nations work on standardization.
• General Assembly: Supreme governing body, meets every four years.
• Council: Executive decision-making authority.
• Technical Committees: Experts from different nations work on standardization.
Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM)
Source: DD News
Context: The Government of India launched the Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) and hosted the First CIO Conference 2025 under the Gov.In: Harmonisation of Digital Footprint initiative.
About Gov.In: Harmonisation of Government of India’s Digital Footprint Initiative:
• What is it? This initiative is aimed at standardizing and integrating all government digital platforms under a single, cohesive digital identity to enhance service delivery and citizen engagement.
• This initiative is aimed at standardizing and integrating all government digital platforms under a single, cohesive digital identity to enhance service delivery and citizen engagement.
• Ensure consistency in design, accessibility, and governance across digital platforms. Improve efficiency and transparency in e-governance. Enable secure and future-ready digital infrastructure.
• Ensure consistency in design, accessibility, and governance across digital platforms.
• Improve efficiency and transparency in e-governance.
• Enable secure and future-ready digital infrastructure.
• Features: Unified Interface: Establishes a common digital framework across government websites. User-Centric Design: Makes platforms accessible, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate. Seamless Integration: Ensures all government services are available under one digital umbrella. Performance Optimization: Enhances website speed, security, and usability. Compliance with Guidelines for Indian Government Websites and Apps (GIGW)and STQC Certification for quality assurance.
• Unified Interface: Establishes a common digital framework across government websites.
• User-Centric Design: Makes platforms accessible, mobile-friendly, and easy to navigate.
• Seamless Integration: Ensures all government services are available under one digital umbrella.
• Performance Optimization: Enhances website speed, security, and usability.
• Compliance with Guidelines for Indian Government Websites and Apps (GIGW)and STQC Certification for quality assurance.
About Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM):
• What is DBIM? The Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) is a framework for standardizing the digital identity of government websites, portals, and social media platforms. It ensures a unified, accessible, and citizen-centric digital experience across ministries and departments.
• The Digital Brand Identity Manual (DBIM) is a framework for standardizing the digital identity of government websites, portals, and social media platforms. It ensures a unified, accessible, and citizen-centric digital experience across ministries and departments.
• Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Create a cohesive digital presence for all government platforms. Enhance transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in digital governance. Align government websites with private sector usability standards.
• Create a cohesive digital presence for all government platforms.
• Enhance transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in digital governance.
• Align government websites with private sector usability standards.
• Features: DBIM Toolkit: Provides guidelines for digital branding, typography, and iconography. In CMS Platform: Enables centralized management of government websites for consistency. Central Content Publishing System (CCPS): Ensures uniform messaging and policy dissemination. Social Media Guidelines: Standardizes government communication across digital platforms. Security & Innovation: Integrates AI-driven tools and cybersecurity measures for a future-ready ecosystem.
• DBIM Toolkit: Provides guidelines for digital branding, typography, and iconography.
• In CMS Platform: Enables centralized management of government websites for consistency.
• Central Content Publishing System (CCPS): Ensures uniform messaging and policy dissemination.
• Social Media Guidelines: Standardizes government communication across digital platforms.
• Security & Innovation: Integrates AI-driven tools and cybersecurity measures for a future-ready ecosystem.
Dinesh Khara Committee
Source: TOI
Context: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has formed a high-powered committee, led by former SBI chairman Dinesh Khara, to review key provisions of the Insurance Act, 1938.
About Dinesh Khara Committee:
Why Established?
• Review and update the Insurance Act, 1938 to align with modern needs.
• Assess the feasibility of 100% FDI in the insurance sector.
• Facilitate the introduction of composite insurance companies (offering life, non-life, and health insurance under one entity).
• Strengthen policyholder protections and ensure revenue retention within India.
• Propose amendments to be forwarded to the Union Finance Ministry for legislative action.
About Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI):
• Established:
• Formed in 1999 under an Act of Parliament. Became fully operational in 2000 when India opened its insurance market to private players.
• Formed in 1999 under an Act of Parliament.
• Became fully operational in 2000 when India opened its insurance market to private players.
• Members:
• 10-member body comprising: 1 Chairman 5 Full-time Members 4 Part-time Members
• 10-member body comprising: 1 Chairman 5 Full-time Members 4 Part-time Members
• 1 Chairman
• 5 Full-time Members
• 4 Part-time Members
• Ministry: Ministry of Finance
• Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
• Functions & Role: Regulates the insurance and reinsurance industry to ensure financial stability. Protects policyholders’ interests by ensuring fair treatment. Monitors insurance providers to prevent market malpractices. Facilitates the growth of the insurance sector while maintaining market discipline. Oversees Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) regulations in insurance companies. Ensures compliance with the Insurance Act, 1938 and other regulations.
• Regulates the insurance and reinsurance industry to ensure financial stability.
• Protects policyholders’ interests by ensuring fair treatment.
• Monitors insurance providers to prevent market malpractices.
• Facilitates the growth of the insurance sector while maintaining market discipline.
• Oversees Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) regulations in insurance companies.
• Ensures compliance with the Insurance Act, 1938 and other regulations.
Microsoft Majorana 1
Source: FE
Context: Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 1, its first quantum computing chip, designed to make quantum computing more stable, faster, and practical.
About Majorana 1:
• What is Majorana 1?
• A quantum computing chip developed by Microsoft to enhance the stability and reliability of quantum processors. Uses Majorana particles, a type of exotic quantum state, to minimize computational errors.
• A quantum computing chip developed by Microsoft to enhance the stability and reliability of quantum processors.
• Uses Majorana particles, a type of exotic quantum state, to minimize computational errors.
• Developed By:
• Microsoft, with validation from DARPA (U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). A finalist in DARPA’s US2QC program, which aims to build the first large-scale quantum computer.
• Microsoft, with validation from DARPA (U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency).
• A finalist in DARPA’s US2QC program, which aims to build the first large-scale quantum computer.
• How It Works? Topoconductors: Uses a new material called topological superconductors (topoconductors) to control Majorana particles. Error-Resistant Qubits: Majorana-based qubits are more stable and less prone to information loss than traditional qubits. Scalability: Designed to enable quantum computers to scale up to one million qubits, making real-world applications possible.
• Topoconductors: Uses a new material called topological superconductors (topoconductors) to control Majorana particles.
• Error-Resistant Qubits: Majorana-based qubits are more stable and less prone to information loss than traditional qubits.
• Scalability: Designed to enable quantum computers to scale up to one million qubits, making real-world applications possible.
• Significance of Majorana 1 Enhanced Stability: Reduces computational errors, a major challenge in quantum computing. Faster Problem-Solving: Capable of handling complex calculations exponentially faster than classical computers. Revolutionizing Industries: Can accelerate drug discovery, optimize energy grids, and develop self-repairing materials. Breakthrough in Quantum Research: Paves the way for practical quantum computing applications in AI, cybersecurity, and materials science. Global Leadership in Quantum Computing: Strengthens Microsoft’s position in the global quantum race, competing with tech giants like Google and IBM.
• Enhanced Stability: Reduces computational errors, a major challenge in quantum computing.
• Faster Problem-Solving: Capable of handling complex calculations exponentially faster than classical computers.
• Revolutionizing Industries: Can accelerate drug discovery, optimize energy grids, and develop self-repairing materials.
• Breakthrough in Quantum Research: Paves the way for practical quantum computing applications in AI, cybersecurity, and materials science.
• Global Leadership in Quantum Computing: Strengthens Microsoft’s position in the global quantum race, competing with tech giants like Google and IBM.
About Topoconductors:
• What are Topoconductors?
Topoconductors are a new class of materials used to create stable and scalable qubits for quantum computing. These materials exhibit topological superconductivity, allowing them to support Majorana particles, which help reduce computational errors in quantum processors.
• Material Composition of Topoconductors:
• Superconducting Materials: Composed of topological superconductors, which exhibit resistance-free current flow. Exotic Quantum States: Supports Majorana fermions, a unique quantum state that enhances qubit stability. Engineered Nanowires & Semiconductor Layers: Designed to trap and manipulate quantum information efficiently.
• Superconducting Materials: Composed of topological superconductors, which exhibit resistance-free current flow.
• Exotic Quantum States: Supports Majorana fermions, a unique quantum state that enhances qubit stability.
• Engineered Nanowires & Semiconductor Layers: Designed to trap and manipulate quantum information efficiently.
• Superiority of Topoconductors: Error-Resistant Qubits: Enables more stable qubits with fewer computational errors compared to traditional superconducting qubits. Enhanced Quantum Stability: Protects quantum information from environmental disturbances like temperature fluctuations and noise. Scalability for Quantum Processors: Helps scale quantum computers to millions of qubits, a critical step toward practical applications. Faster Computation: Improves quantum coherence, allowing for faster and more efficient quantum operations. Smaller and More Efficient Chips: Qubits created with topoconductors are 1/100th of a millimeter, making them highly compact and efficient.
• Error-Resistant Qubits: Enables more stable qubits with fewer computational errors compared to traditional superconducting qubits.
• Enhanced Quantum Stability: Protects quantum information from environmental disturbances like temperature fluctuations and noise.
• Scalability for Quantum Processors: Helps scale quantum computers to millions of qubits, a critical step toward practical applications.
• Faster Computation: Improves quantum coherence, allowing for faster and more efficient quantum operations.
• Smaller and More Efficient Chips: Qubits created with topoconductors are 1/100th of a millimeter, making them highly compact and efficient.
Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2025
Source: DD News
Context: The 9th Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2025 is set to take place in Pune, Maharashtra, from February 20 to February 22, 2025.
About Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) 2025 :
• What is AED? The Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) is a leading international geoeconomic conference that brings together policymakers, economists, business leaders, and academicians to discuss global and regional economic challenges.
• The Asia Economic Dialogue (AED) is a leading international geoeconomic conference that brings together policymakers, economists, business leaders, and academicians to discuss global and regional economic challenges.
• Host & Organizers:
• Hosted by: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. Co-organized by: Pune International Centre (PIC).
• Hosted by: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India.
• Co-organized by: Pune International Centre (PIC).
• Facilitate dialogue on economic policies impacting Asia and the world. Address economic fragmentation and identify strategies for resilience and recovery. Strengthen regional and global economic cooperation. Discuss emerging economic challenges like AI, cybersecurity, climate change, and the blue economy.
• Facilitate dialogue on economic policies impacting Asia and the world.
• Address economic fragmentation and identify strategies for resilience and recovery.
• Strengthen regional and global economic cooperation.
• Discuss emerging economic challenges like AI, cybersecurity, climate change, and the blue economy.
• Theme of AED 2025: “Economic Resilience and Resurgence in an Era of Fragmentation”.
• Significance of AED 2025: High-Level Participation: Includes ministers, diplomats, policymakers, and business leaders from countries like Japan, Australia, Egypt, Indonesia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands. Global Economic Impact: Focuses on AI, cybersecurity, African transformation, MSMEs, climate change, and the international monetary system. Strengthens India’s Role: Positions India as a key player in global economic discussions and strengthens its leadership in economic policymaking. Blueprint for Economic Recovery: Provides actionable strategies to address economic slowdown, trade fragmentation, and financial instability.
• High-Level Participation: Includes ministers, diplomats, policymakers, and business leaders from countries like Japan, Australia, Egypt, Indonesia, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands.
• Global Economic Impact: Focuses on AI, cybersecurity, African transformation, MSMEs, climate change, and the international monetary system.
• Strengthens India’s Role: Positions India as a key player in global economic discussions and strengthens its leadership in economic policymaking.
• Blueprint for Economic Recovery: Provides actionable strategies to address economic slowdown, trade fragmentation, and financial instability.
The Kalyani Chalukya
Source: TT
Context: Archaeologists have discovered 900-year-old Kannada inscriptions from the Kalyani Chalukya era in Kankal village, Vikarabad district, Telangana.
• These inscriptions, dating back to 1129-1132 CE, detail temple construction and land donations during the reign of Emperor Someswara III Bhulokamalladeva.
About Kalyani Chalukyas (Western Chalukyas):
• Period & Dynastic Lineage:
• Ruled Western Deccan between the 10th and 12th centuries CE. One of the three Chalukyan dynasties: Chalukyas of Badami (6th-8th century CE). Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi (7th-12th century CE). Western Chalukyas (Kalyani Chalukyas) (10th-12th century CE).
• Ruled Western Deccan between the 10th and 12th centuries CE.
• One of the three Chalukyan dynasties: Chalukyas of Badami (6th-8th century CE). Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi (7th-12th century CE). Western Chalukyas (Kalyani Chalukyas) (10th-12th century CE).
• Chalukyas of Badami (6th-8th century CE).
• Eastern Chalukyas of Vengi (7th-12th century CE).
• Western Chalukyas (Kalyani Chalukyas) (10th-12th century CE).
• Founder: Founded by Tailapa II after defeating the Rashtrakutas.
• Capital: Kalyani (modern-day Bidar, Karnataka). Controlled Deccan Plateau, including present-day Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
• Controlled Deccan Plateau, including present-day Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
• Significant Kings: Vikramaditya VI (1076-1126 CE): Most powerful ruler, known for the Chalukya Vikrama era. Someswara I & Someswara III: Expanded territory and cultural influence. Jayasimha II: Stabilized the empire post-Rashtrakuta downfall.
• Vikramaditya VI (1076-1126 CE): Most powerful ruler, known for the Chalukya Vikrama era.
• Someswara I & Someswara III: Expanded territory and cultural influence.
• Jayasimha II: Stabilized the empire post-Rashtrakuta downfall.
• Religious Policy: Patronized Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Jainism.
• Contributions to Art & Architecture: Developed the Western Chalukya (Kalyani Chalukya) style of architecture. Known for Vesara or Karnata-Dravida temple architecture.
• Developed the Western Chalukya (Kalyani Chalukya) style of architecture.
• Known for Vesara or Karnata-Dravida temple architecture.
• Introduced intricate carvings, stepped wells, and ornate sculptures. Their style influenced later Vijayanagara and Hoysala architecture.
• Introduced intricate carvings, stepped wells, and ornate sculptures.
• Their style influenced later Vijayanagara and Hoysala architecture.
• Major temples include:
• Mahadeva Temple (Itagi, Koppal): Finest example of their craftsmanship and known as “Emperor among temples” Kasivisvesvara Temple (Lakkundi, Gadag): Ornate carvings and symmetrical designs. Sarasvati Temple (Gadag) & Dodda Basappa Temple (Dambal, Gadag).
• Mahadeva Temple (Itagi, Koppal): Finest example of their craftsmanship and known as “Emperor among temples”
• Kasivisvesvara Temple (Lakkundi, Gadag): Ornate carvings and symmetrical designs.
• Sarasvati Temple (Gadag) & Dodda Basappa Temple (Dambal, Gadag).
Manikaran
Source: TOI
Context: The proposal to transfer hot spring water from Manikaran to Kasol for a tourism project has sparked protests among locals and religious groups in Himachal Pradesh.
About Manikaran:
• Location: Situated in Parvati Valley along the Parvati River in Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh.
• Historical Significance:
• A pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs. Hindus believe Manu recreated human life here after the Great Flood. Guru Nanak visited Manikaran during his third Udasi (spiritual journey) in 1574 Bikrami, making it sacred for Sikhs.
• A pilgrimage site for Hindus and Sikhs.
• Hindus believe Manu recreated human life here after the Great Flood.
• Guru Nanak visited Manikaran during his third Udasi (spiritual journey) in 1574 Bikrami, making it sacred for Sikhs.
• Geographical Features:
• Located in the Parvati Valley, known for its hot springs and geothermal activity. Surrounded by Himalayan mountains, offering a picturesque landscape. Connected via important mountain passes, including: Pin Parvati Pass (to Spiti Valley), Sara Umga La Pass (to Lahaul), Debsa Pass (discovered in 1995).
• Located in the Parvati Valley, known for its hot springs and geothermal activity.
• Surrounded by Himalayan mountains, offering a picturesque landscape.
• Connected via important mountain passes, including: Pin Parvati Pass (to Spiti Valley), Sara Umga La Pass (to Lahaul), Debsa Pass (discovered in 1995).
About Parvati River:
• The Parvati River, also known as the Parbati River, is located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh.
• Source: Originates from the Man Talai Glacier, below the Pin Parvati Pass in Himachal Pradesh.
• Tributary: A tributary of the Beas River, joining it at Bhuntar.
• State Flow Through: Flows entirely through Himachal Pradesh, running from north-northwest to west-southwest.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –20 February 2025 Mapping:
Maldives
Source: TH
Context: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a warning to the Maldives, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger fiscal consolidation to address the nation’s economic challenges.
About the Maldives:
• Location: The Maldives is an archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean, situated southwest of Sri Lanka and India, approximately 750 kilometres from the Asian mainland.
• Capital: Malé serves as the capital and is the most populous city, historically known as the “King’s Island” due to its central role in governance.
• Geographical Features:
• Composition: The Maldives consists of 1,190 coral islands grouped in a double chain of 27 atolls situated in the Indian Ocean.
• Unique Island: Addu Atoll is notable for extending south of the equator, distinguishing it from the rest of the country.
• Separation Lines: The archipelago is divided by natural channels, locally termed “Kandu,” which separate the atolls and facilitate oceanic flow.
• Military Exercise with India: “Exercise Ekuverin”, “Exercise Dosti”, “Exercise Ekatha” and “Operation Shield”.
• Maldives is largely flat and has no land features such as hills or rivers, but some islands have dunes such as that found in Hithadhoo island of Addu Atoll.
• Official language: The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which is a unique language spoken only by the people of Maldives.
• The Equator passes through the Maldives, with Ihavandhippolhu Atoll as the northernmost atoll and Addu Atoll marking the southernmost point of the archipelago.
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary (20 FEB 2025)
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