UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 January 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 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 – 20 January (2025)
• Jaishankar’s 5-Point Agenda
Jaishankar’s 5-Point Agenda
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Human-Elephant Conflict
Human-Elephant Conflict
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Konark Sun Temple
Konark Sun Temple
• Kalaripayattu
Kalaripayattu
• Olive Ridley Turtles
Olive Ridley Turtles
• BRICS Bloc
BRICS Bloc
• Exercise La Perouse
Exercise La Perouse
• Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme
Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme
• Kho Kho World Cup 2025
Kho Kho World Cup 2025
Mapping:
• Places in News
Places in News
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 January 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Jaishankar’s 5-Point Agenda
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: TH
Context: As US President Donald Trump prepares for his second term, India is gearing up for a critical diplomatic mission that is based on a 5-point agenda proposed by External Affairs Minister Jaishankar.
Origin:
• India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, unveiled a five-point agenda during the BRICS outreach session in Kazan, Russia, on October 24, 2024.
• The agenda aims to promote a South-friendly, equitable, and multipolar world order by addressing the imbalances in global governance, economy, and infrastructure.
What is Jaishankar’s 5-Point Agenda?
• Expanding Independent Platforms: Strengthen forums like BRICS to provide developing nations with alternatives to systems dominated by disproportionately influential powers.
• Reforming Global Institutions: Advocate for reforms in the United Nations and multilateral development banks, including the expansion of the UN Security Council, to address contemporary global challenges.
• Democratizing the Global Economy: Promote the creation of regional production hubs and resilient supply chains to reduce vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Correcting Colonial-Era Infrastructure: Develop inclusive and diversified connectivity options that respect territorial integrity and sovereignty, addressing inequities left by outdated systems.
• Sharing Scalable Solutions: Share India’s initiatives like Digital Public Infrastructure, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and the International Solar Alliance to tackle common global challenges.
Need for the agenda:
• Global Imbalances: Persistent inequalities in the distribution of globalization’s benefits, particularly in health, food, and energy security.
• Marginalization of the Global South: Developing countries face inadequate representation in global decision-making institutions.
• Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The COVID-19 pandemic revealed the fragility of global supply chains, emphasizing the need for regional hubs.
• Geopolitical Instabilities: Conflicts, such as those in West Asia, threaten global security and economic stability.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The world is struggling to meet SDGs due to inadequate cooperation and outdated frameworks.
Challenges to the five-point agenda in the modern world:
• Institutional Resistance: Reforming institutions like the UN Security Council faces opposition from existing permanent members.
• Geopolitical Rivalries: Competing national interests among major powers hinder global consensus on multipolarity.
• Economic Protectionism: Rise of trade wars and protectionist policies disrupt efforts to democratize the global economy.
• Technological Gaps: Limited access to advanced technologies in developing nations impedes their ability to contribute meaningfully.
• Global Conflicts: Ongoing regional conflicts and political instability divert resources and focus from collective action.
Way Ahead:
• Strengthening Alliances: Promote South-South cooperation through platforms like BRICS, G20, and regional partnerships.
• Advocating for Reform: Build coalitions to press for reforms in global governance institutions and development banks.
• Fostering Resilience: Invest in regional production capabilities and sustainable infrastructure to reduce economic vulnerabilities.
• Scaling Digital Solutions: Share technological solutions like India’s Digital Public Infrastructure with developing nations.
• Promoting Dialogue: Leverage diplomatic platforms to mediate global conflicts and advocate for a rules-based order.
Conclusion:
Jaishankar’s five-point agenda reflects India’s leadership in fostering a multipolar and inclusive world order that prioritizes the Global South. By addressing inequalities and enhancing cooperation, the agenda aims to create a fairer, more resilient global framework for future challenges.
Insta Links:
• India-foreign-policy-tools
• Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs) highlighting their increasing significance in regional and global geopolitics (UPSC-2024)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 January 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Human-Elephant Conflict
Context: A recent study in Namibia highlights how separate water points and upgraded infrastructure can mitigate human-elephant conflicts.
About Methods to Mitigate Man-Animal Conflicts:
• Designating Separate Resource Zones: Construct separate water points or dams for wildlife away from villages to reduce direct interactions.
E.g. Namibia’s water dams for elephants under its National Elephant Conservation Plan.
• Upgrading Infrastructure: Reinforce water points with protective walls, solar-powered pumps, and concrete dams to prevent damage.
E.g. Solar pump systems in Namibia reduced elephant-induced damages to pipes and tanks.
• Community Participation: Engage local communities in monitoring and conservation activities to foster a sense of ownership.
E.g. Namibia’s Community Conservation Programme since the 1990s.
• Buffer Zones and Barriers: Create buffer zones around human settlements using natural fences or trenches to deter wildlife intrusion.
E.g. Use of bio-fencing in Karnataka to mitigate elephant conflicts.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 3 – Environment: Strategies for wildlife conservation, ecological sustainability, and mitigating climate impacts.
• GS Paper 3 – Agriculture: Human-wildlife conflicts affecting rural livelihoods and crop losses.
• Essay: Ethical and ecological dimensions of human-animal coexistence.
• Case Studies in Ethics: Balancing development and conservation, role of community participation in sustainable policies.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 January 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Konark Sun Temple
Source: NIE
Context: Recently, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam visited the Sun Temple, highlighting its global prominence and Odisha’s rich craftsmanship.
About Konark Sun Temple:
• Location: Situated in Konark, Odisha, near the Bay of Bengal.
• Built in: Constructed in the 13th century (1238–1264 CE).
• Built by: Commissioned by King Narasimha Deva I of the Ganga dynasty.
• Kingdom associated: Represents the strength and stability of the Ganga Empire.
• Architectural features:
• Chariot Design: The temple is designed as a grand chariot of Surya, the Sun God, with 24 elaborately carved wheels, each 3 meters in diameter, symbolizing time and celestial movement. Seven Horses: The temple features seven sculpted horses pulling the chariot, representing the Sun’s journey across the sky. Intricate Sculptures: The plinth and walls are adorned with detailed carvings of dancers, musicians, animals, and mythological narratives, showcasing the artistic finesse of the era. Vimana and Shikhara: The original principal sanctuary (vimana) was topped with a towering shikhara (crown), which collapsed in the 19th century. Natmandir and Jahamogana: The dance hall (natmandir) and audience hall (jahamogana) exhibit pyramidal designs, reflecting the grandeur of Kalinga temple architecture. Symbolic Motifs: Depictions of lions, mythical creatures, and erotic sculptures highlight the spiritual, cultural, and symbolic aspects of 13th-century life.
• Chariot Design: The temple is designed as a grand chariot of Surya, the Sun God, with 24 elaborately carved wheels, each 3 meters in diameter, symbolizing time and celestial movement.
• Seven Horses: The temple features seven sculpted horses pulling the chariot, representing the Sun’s journey across the sky.
• Intricate Sculptures: The plinth and walls are adorned with detailed carvings of dancers, musicians, animals, and mythological narratives, showcasing the artistic finesse of the era.
• Vimana and Shikhara: The original principal sanctuary (vimana) was topped with a towering shikhara (crown), which collapsed in the 19th century.
• Natmandir and Jahamogana: The dance hall (natmandir) and audience hall (jahamogana) exhibit pyramidal designs, reflecting the grandeur of Kalinga temple architecture.
• Symbolic Motifs: Depictions of lions, mythical creatures, and erotic sculptures highlight the spiritual, cultural, and symbolic aspects of 13th-century life.
• Global Recognition: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledged for its artistic ingenuity and cultural relevance, attracting tourists worldwide.
Insta links:
• Konark-sun-temple
Kalaripayattu
Source: IE
Context: The 38th National Games in Uttarakhand has sparked controversy over the relegation of Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s ancient martial art form, to the demonstration section.
About Kalaripayattu:
• What it is: Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial arts in the world, combining combat techniques, physical training, and healing practices.
• State of origin: Originated in Kerala, it holds deep cultural and historical roots in South India.
• History and features:
• History: Mythology credits the warrior sage Parasurama with its creation. The term “Kalari” means “combat arena,” and “Payattu” means “fight” in Malayalam.
• Key Features: The martial art emphasizes body conditioning (Maippayattu), wooden weapons (Kolthari), metallic weapons (Angathari), and bare-handed techniques (Verumkai). It enhances strength, flexibility, reflexes, and discipline.
• Recognition: It was added to the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of India in 2009.
• Women’s Participation: Historically, women have trained in Kalaripayattu, and they continue to excel in its practice today.
Insta links:
• Martial-arts-in-India
Olive Ridley Turtles
Source: IE
Context: Over the past two weeks, numerous dead olive ridley turtles have washed ashore in Tamil Nadu, particularly in Chennai.
About Olive Ridley Turtles:
• What it is: Olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) are one of the smallest and most abundant sea turtles, known for their synchronized mass nesting, called arribadas.
• Habitat: Found in tropical regions of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, olive ridleys are both pelagic and coastal, frequenting nesting beaches in countries like India, Mexico, and Costa Rica.
• Features:
• Named for their olive-green, heart-shaped shell.
• Omnivorous, feeding on crabs, jellyfish, and algae.
• Capable of diving up to 500 feet to forage on the ocean floor.
• Mating Season: Their nesting season varies by region. In India, it spans November to March, with mass nesting observed at beaches like Odisha’s Gahirmatha and Rushikulya.
• Protection Status:
• Schedule 1 of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
• Appendix I of CITES
• Recent Causes of Death: Bycatch in Fishing Nets: Olive ridley turtles get trapped in commercial trawler nets, suffocate due to lack of air, and die during their breeding season. Entanglement and Collisions: Discarded fishing gear and marine debris, along with vessel collisions near nesting grounds, cause severe injuries and fatalities. Environmental and Overfishing Impact: Overfishing near turtle congregation areas attracts more trawlers, increasing accidental deaths and habitat disturbances.
• Bycatch in Fishing Nets: Olive ridley turtles get trapped in commercial trawler nets, suffocate due to lack of air, and die during their breeding season.
• Entanglement and Collisions: Discarded fishing gear and marine debris, along with vessel collisions near nesting grounds, cause severe injuries and fatalities.
• Environmental and Overfishing Impact: Overfishing near turtle congregation areas attracts more trawlers, increasing accidental deaths and habitat disturbances.
Insta links:
BRICS Bloc
Source: TH
Context: Nigeria has been officially admitted as a “partner country” of the BRICS bloc, which now includes nine partner nations alongside its full-time members.
About BRICS Bloc:
• Established in: BRICS was formally established in 2009, initially as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China). South Africa joined in 2010, forming BRICS.
• Headquarters: BRICS does not have a permanent headquarters but operates on a rotational presidency.
• Full-Time Members: The bloc consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, United Arab Emirates and Indonesia. In 2023 BRICS expanded: Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudia Arabia has been invited to join, but has not yet done so. In 2025, Indonesia has joined as a full member.
• In 2023 BRICS expanded: Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudia Arabia has been invited to join, but has not yet done so.
• In 2025, Indonesia has joined as a full member.
• Partner Nations: BRICS partner nations include Nigeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
• Evolution:
• 2006: Formed during a G8 Outreach Summit.
• 2009: First BRIC summit held in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
• 2010: South Africa joined, becoming BRICS.
• 2014: Established the New Development Bank (NDB) at the Fortaleza Summit.
• Functions:
• Economic Cooperation: Promote trade and investment among member nations.
• Global Governance Reform: Advocate for fairer representation in global institutions like the UN and IMF.
• Development Projects: Fund infrastructure and sustainable development initiatives through the NDB.
• South-South Cooperation: Strengthen alliances among developing nations to address global challenges collectively.
Insta links:
Exercise La Perouse
Source: IT
Context: The multilateral naval exercise La Perouse 2025 is underway in strategic straits connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans, hosted by France.
About Exercise La Perouse:
• What it is: La Perouse is a multilateral naval exercise conducted to strengthen maritime security, enhance interoperability, and develop situational awareness among participating navies.
• Host nation: France leads the exercise, with its Carrier Strike Group spearheaded by the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
• Location: Conducted in the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok straits, key chokepoints between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
• Members: The 2025 edition includes India, France, the U.S., Canada, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the U.K.
• Aim and Objectives:
• Maritime Safety: Address issues like illegal trafficking, environmental hazards, and maritime crises.
• Enhanced Cooperation: Train in maritime surveillance, air operations, and maritime interdiction.
• Interoperability: Use advanced systems like IORIS for synchronized crisis management.
• Commitment to Rules-Based Order: Promote a stable and secure Indo-Pacific aligned with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
Insta links:
Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme
Source: News on Air
Context: The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) has launched the Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme, aiming to build expertise and awareness in internet governance among Indian citizens.
About Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme:
• What it is: A bi-annual internship program designed to enhance knowledge and skills in internet governance, offering practical exposure and mentorship.
• Launched by: National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)
• Aim: To nurture young minds, build expertise in digital policy, and prepare the next generation of Internet Governance experts and tech policy leaders.
• Features:
• Two tracks: Six-month and three-month internships.
• Mentorship by subject matter experts from organizations like Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
• Stipend of ₹20,000 per month for interns.
• Focus on outreach programs to promote internet governance knowledge.
• Opportunities to collaborate with I-Star organizations and contribute to digital governance.
About National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI):
• What it is: A not-for-profit organization under Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013, working under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Established in: June 19, 2003.
• Aim: To increase internet penetration and facilitate digital adoption in India by building critical infrastructure and improving internet connectivity.
• Functions:
• Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): Enhance data exchange and reduce latency by routing domestic internet traffic within the country.
• .IN Registry: Manage and promote India’s .in domain to strengthen the country’s digital identity.
• Internet Registry (IRINN): Support adoption of IPv4 and IPv6 addresses for seamless internet connectivity.
• Data Centre Services: Provide secure and reliable data storage solutions to support India’s digital ecosystem.
• Key Initiatives:
• IPv6 Expert Panel (IP Guru): Support Indian entities in adopting IPv6 protocols.
• NIXI Academy: Educate individuals on internet technologies like IPv6.
• NIXI-IP-INDEX: Track and showcase IPv6 adoption rates in India and globally
Insta links:
Kho Kho World Cup 2025
Source: PIB
Context: India emerged as the inaugural champions in both the men’s and women’s events at the Kho Kho World Cup 2025.
About Kho Kho World Cup 2025:
• Hosted in: The tournament took place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi, India. This is the first Kho Kho World cup.
• This is the first Kho Kho World cup.
• Organised by: Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) in collaboration with the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF).
• Mascots:
• Tejas (Men’s Team): A blue gazelle symbolizing brilliance and energy.
• Tara (Women’s Team): An orange gazelle representing guidance and aspiration.
• Tournament Process:
• Group Stage: Teams were divided into four groups, playing a round-robin format.
• Knockout Stage: Top two teams from each group advanced to quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals.
• Matches were played under the seven-a-side fast format, as seen in Ultimate Kho Kho.
• Winners and Runners-Up:
Category | Winner | Runner-Up | Score
Men’s | India | Nepal | 54-36
Women’s | India | Nepal | 78-40
About International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF):
• Established In: 2018 to promote Kho Kho on a global level.
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
• Aim: To transform Kho Kho from a traditional Indian game into a recognized international sport and foster global participation.
• Functions:
• Organizes international tournaments like the Kho Kho World Cup.
• Standardizes game rules and regulations.
• Coordinates with national associations to expand Kho Kho’s reach.
• Promotes the sport’s cultural and competitive value through global platforms.
Insta links:
• RESET Program
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 January 2025 Mapping:
Places in News
Source: TH
About places in News:
• Mount Ibu: Context: Mount Ibu, one of Indonesia’s most active stratovolcanoes, has erupted more than 1,000 times in January 2025. Location: Mount Ibu is situated on the northwest coast of Halmahera Island, in North Maluku province, Indonesia.
• Context: Mount Ibu, one of Indonesia’s most active stratovolcanoes, has erupted more than 1,000 times in January 2025.
• Location: Mount Ibu is situated on the northwest coast of Halmahera Island, in North Maluku province, Indonesia.
• Lake Naivasha: Context: Water hyacinth threatens the livelihoods of fishers on Kenyan lake, Lake Naivasha. Location: Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake located in Nakuru County, Kenya, near the town of Naivasha, and lies in the Great Rift Valley, northwest of Nairobi. The primary inflow comes from the Malewa and Gilgil Rivers, which bring fresh water into the lake.
• Context: Water hyacinth threatens the livelihoods of fishers on Kenyan lake, Lake Naivasha.
• Location: Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake located in Nakuru County, Kenya, near the town of Naivasha, and lies in the Great Rift Valley, northwest of Nairobi. The primary inflow comes from the Malewa and Gilgil Rivers, which bring fresh water into the lake.
• Lake Naivasha is a freshwater lake located in Nakuru County, Kenya, near the town of Naivasha, and lies in the Great Rift Valley, northwest of Nairobi.
• The primary inflow comes from the Malewa and Gilgil Rivers, which bring fresh water into the lake.
Insta links:
• Places-in-news
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 20 Jan 2025
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