UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 January 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 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 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 January (2025)
• Urbanisation and Behavioural Change
Urbanisation and Behavioural Change
GS Paper 2:
• Draft Regulations for the Selection and Appointment of Vice Chancellors
Draft Regulations for the Selection and Appointment of Vice Chancellors
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Contract Farming
Contract Farming
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• White Goods
White Goods
• Entity Locker
Entity Locker
• Coffee
Coffee
• Obesity
Obesity
• Ratnagiri Excavation
Ratnagiri Excavation
• Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers 2022 Report
Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers 2022 Report
• World Economic Forum
World Economic Forum
Mapping:
• Asan Wetland
Asan Wetland
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 January 2025
#### GS Paper 1 :
Urbanisation and Behavioural Change
Syllabus: Urban Planning
Source: NIE
Context: India’s urban population is projected to reach 40% by 2030, posing challenges like infrastructure strain and climate impact. Beyond policy and technology, fostering behavioral change is crucial to tackle these issues effectively.
Need for Behavioral Change Officers
• Enhancing Urban Service Delivery: Cities like Indore’s transformation in waste management highlight the role of behavioral nudges.
E.g. Awareness campaigns, viral initiatives like ‘Kachra Gadi’
• Driving Sustainability: Encouraging citizens to adopt public transport or conserve energy can significantly reduce emissions and operational costs.
E.g. Delhi’s odd-even scheme reduced traffic congestion by 30%.
• Improving Public Safety: Community-driven policing practices like empathy-driven engagements build trust and safer neighbourhoods.
E.g. Kerala’s ‘Janamaithri Suraksha’ project improved police-citizen relations.
• Institutional Efficiency: Embedding behavioral insights within urban governance ensures operational efficiency in service delivery.
E.g. NITI Aayog’s Behavioral Insights Unit successfully incorporated data-driven nudges in welfare schemes.
To induct behavioral changes in officers:
• Training Programs: Organize behavioral science workshops for municipal officers to familiarize them with frameworks like MINDSPACE.
• Dedicated Roles: Establish Chief Behavioral Officers (CBOs) within urban local bodies to integrate insights into policies and programs.
• Data-Driven Approach: Leverage citizen surveys and big data to identify key behavioral bottlenecks.
• Public Engagement: Launch campaigns to promote co-creation of solutions, empowering citizens to be active participants.
• Policy Experimentation: Pilot behavioral nudges at small scales before city-wide implementation.
E.g. Bihar’s nudge-based schemes for maternal health enhanced institutional deliveries.
Challenges to behavioral change:
• Resistance to Change: Cultural and social inertia among citizens and officials.
E.g. Hesitation in adopting waste segregation due to lack of awareness.
• Insufficient Training: Lack of expertise in behavioral science among public servants.
• Resource Constraints: Limited budgets and infrastructure for behavioral interventions.
• Fragmented Coordination: Difficulty in aligning multiple urban stakeholders (e.g., public transport agencies, sanitation departments).
Way ahead:
• Institutionalize behavioral roles: Make behavioral insights a core part of urban governance through dedicated teams.
• Collaborate with Experts: Partner with behavioral scientists and organizations to design effective interventions.
• Use technology: Deploy digital platforms to track progress and ensure targeted citizen engagement.
E.g. Mobile apps for real-time feedback on waste collection.
• Scale Proven Models: Expand successful pilots like Indore’s waste management model to other cities.
Conclusion:
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Institutionalizing behavioral insights within urban governance can revolutionize city management, enhance sustainability, and empower citizens to drive change collaboratively.
Insta Links:
• Societal-and-behavioural-factors
• Does urbanization lead to more segregation and/or marginalization of the poor in Indian metropolises? (UPSC-2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 January 2025 GS Paper 2:
Draft Regulations for the Selection and Appointment of Vice Chancellors
Syllabus: Governance
Source: TH
Context: The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently released draft regulations for the selection and appointment of Vice Chancellors (VCs) in universities, sparking controversy.
Key Features of UGC Draft Regulation on Vice Chancellors:
• Search-cum-Selection Committee Formation: The Chancellor/Visitor will form a three-member Search-cum-Selection Committee. The committee will include nominees from the Chancellor/Visitor, UGC Chairman, and the university’s apex body (Senate/Syndicate/Executive Council).
• The Chancellor/Visitor will form a three-member Search-cum-Selection Committee.
• The committee will include nominees from the Chancellor/Visitor, UGC Chairman, and the university’s apex body (Senate/Syndicate/Executive Council).
• Inclusion of non-academics: Professionals from public policy, public administration, or industry with over 10 years of experience are now eligible for VC roles.
• Professionals from public policy, public administration, or industry with over 10 years of experience are now eligible for VC roles.
• Standardized Selection Process: Introduces uniform criteria for selection across central, state, and private universities.
• Introduces uniform criteria for selection across central, state, and private universities.
• Mandating UGC Nominee: Makes it mandatory to include a UGC nominee in the Search-cum-Selection Committee for state universities.
• Makes it mandatory to include a UGC nominee in the Search-cum-Selection Committee for state universities.
• Alignment with NEP 2020: Proposes reforms in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing quality, transparency, and inclusivity.
• Proposes reforms in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, emphasizing quality, transparency, and inclusivity.
Positives of the proposed draft:
• Standardized Framework: Ensures uniformity in the selection process, enhancing quality across universities.
E.g. Supported by SC in Kalyani Mathivanan v. K.V. Jeyaraj, 2015.
• Increased Transparency: Defined processes and criteria reduce discretionary powers, making appointments more transparent.
• Widened Talent Pool: Inclusion of professionals from non-academic backgrounds brings diverse perspectives to higher education governance.
• Alignment with NEP 2020: Promotes holistic reforms aimed at improving the quality of higher education.
• Focus on Governance Standards: Encourages best practices in administration by introducing experienced professionals.
Issues with the proposed draft:
• Violation of State Autonomy: Mandating a UGC nominee in state universities undermines state legislations.
E.g. Kerala’s stance on UGC’s role in VC appointments underscores this conflict.)
• Constitutional overreach: UGC regulations are subordinate legislation and cannot override State University Acts.
E.g. SC ruling in Ch. Tika Ramji v. State of UP, 1956.
• Federal Principles at Stake: States argue that increased central involvement violates the federal structure.
E.g. Tamil Nadu and Kerala have opposed this citing erosion of their authority.
• Ambiguity in Non-Academic Eligibility: Inclusion of professionals from public administration and industry without clear academic experience may dilute educational standards.
• Potential political interference: Greater control by Governors, often seen as Central appointees, could lead to politically influenced appointments.
E.g. Recent controversies in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu reflect this concern.
Way ahead:
• Strengthen consultation with states: UGC should engage state governments to align the regulations with state-specific needs.
• Define eligibility clearly: Criteria for non-academic candidates should include a demonstrated contribution to education or policy.
• Adopt flexibility: Allow states the discretion to adopt or modify the regulations as per their governance frameworks.
E.g. SC ruling in P.J. Dharmaraj v. Church of South India, 2024.
• Preserve federal balance: Regulations should respect state legislations to maintain the cooperative federal structure.
• Judicial clarification: Seek a definitive ruling by a Constitutional Bench to address ambiguities in the overlapping jurisdiction of UGC and state laws.
Conclusion:
The UGC’s draft regulations aim to standardize VC appointments and improve governance, but they raise significant constitutional and federal concerns. Resolving these issues requires a balance between state autonomy and central oversight, ensuring the shared goal of quality education.
Insta Links:
• UPSC-editorial-analysis-new-draft-regulations
• How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer. (UPSC-2020)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 January 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Contract Farming
Context: India has transitioned from being an importer to a major exporter of frozen French Fries (FF), with exports exceeding domestic consumption due to contract farming.
About Contract Farming:
• What is Contract Farming? Contract farming involves agreements between farmers and buyers (companies, exporters, etc.) where the farmer commits to producing specific crops in exchange for assured procurement, predetermined pricing, and sometimes input support.
• Contract farming involves agreements between farmers and buyers (companies, exporters, etc.) where the farmer commits to producing specific crops in exchange for assured procurement, predetermined pricing, and sometimes input support.
• Success Examples of Contract Farming French Fries Export in Gujarat: Companies like HyFun Foods partner with farmers, offering guaranteed prices, quality seeds, and training. Farmers benefit from reduced uncertainty and increased profits. Example: HyFun procures potatoes from over 7,000 farmers in Gujarat, ensuring stable incomes and high-quality produce. Sugarcane in Maharashtra: Sugar mills engage in contract farming to ensure a consistent supply of sugarcane, providing seeds, fertilizers, and technical support to farmers. ITC’s E-Choupal: ITC supports soybean farmers by providing market information, quality seeds, and inputs, leading to improved yields and better prices. Dairy Farming: Amul and other dairy cooperatives contract with farmers for milk supply, ensuring fair prices and quality standards.
• French Fries Export in Gujarat: Companies like HyFun Foods partner with farmers, offering guaranteed prices, quality seeds, and training. Farmers benefit from reduced uncertainty and increased profits. Example: HyFun procures potatoes from over 7,000 farmers in Gujarat, ensuring stable incomes and high-quality produce.
• Companies like HyFun Foods partner with farmers, offering guaranteed prices, quality seeds, and training. Farmers benefit from reduced uncertainty and increased profits.
• Example: HyFun procures potatoes from over 7,000 farmers in Gujarat, ensuring stable incomes and high-quality produce.
• Sugarcane in Maharashtra: Sugar mills engage in contract farming to ensure a consistent supply of sugarcane, providing seeds, fertilizers, and technical support to farmers.
• Sugar mills engage in contract farming to ensure a consistent supply of sugarcane, providing seeds, fertilizers, and technical support to farmers.
• ITC’s E-Choupal: ITC supports soybean farmers by providing market information, quality seeds, and inputs, leading to improved yields and better prices.
• ITC supports soybean farmers by providing market information, quality seeds, and inputs, leading to improved yields and better prices.
• Dairy Farming: Amul and other dairy cooperatives contract with farmers for milk supply, ensuring fair prices and quality standards.
• Amul and other dairy cooperatives contract with farmers for milk supply, ensuring fair prices and quality standards.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 January 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
White Goods
Source: News on Air
Context: Government has said, 24 companies have been selected under the Production Linked Incentive, PLI Scheme for White Goods (Air Conditioners and LED Lights) with a committed investment of three thousand 516 crore rupees.
About White Goods:
• What it is: White goods are large home appliances used for routine domestic chores, such as cleaning, cooking, and climate control. These products are durable and designed to last for years.
• Appliances Under White Goods: Kitchen Appliances: Refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers. Laundry Room Appliances: Washing machines, dryers. Climate Control Devices: Air conditioners, heaters, dehumidifiers, fans. LED lights: Cover core component and components too.
• Kitchen Appliances: Refrigerators, ovens, microwaves, dishwashers.
• Laundry Room Appliances: Washing machines, dryers.
• Climate Control Devices: Air conditioners, heaters, dehumidifiers, fans.
• LED lights: Cover core component and components too.
• Features of White Goods: Durability: Long-lasting and designed for heavy daily use. Versatility: Available in various sizes, finishes, and technologies to cater to diverse needs. Energy Efficiency: Modern appliances come with energy-saving features to reduce electricity consumption. Technological Integration: Smart appliances with IoT connectivity for remote control and monitoring. Aesthetic Appeal: Wide range of designs and colors to suit modern interiors.
• Durability: Long-lasting and designed for heavy daily use.
• Versatility: Available in various sizes, finishes, and technologies to cater to diverse needs.
• Energy Efficiency: Modern appliances come with energy-saving features to reduce electricity consumption.
• Technological Integration: Smart appliances with IoT connectivity for remote control and monitoring.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Wide range of designs and colors to suit modern interiors.
Insta links:
Entity Locker
Source: PIB
Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched Entity Locker, a digital platform aimed at streamlining document management for businesses and organizations in India.
About Entity Locker:
• What it is: Entity Locker is a secure, cloud-based platform developed by the National eGovernance Division (NeGD) under MeitY to simplify the storage, sharing, and verification of business documents for organizations, MSMEs, startups, trusts, and societies.
• Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Aim: To create a streamlined and efficient business document management system, reduce administrative overhead, and promote ease of doing business.
• Covers: Large Organizations, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Startups, Trusts and Societies and Other Entities.
• Features: Real-Time Document Access: Integration with government databases for instant verification. Secure Cloud Storage: Provides 10 GB of encrypted storage for document management. Consent-Based Sharing: Ensures secure sharing of sensitive data with partners and stakeholders. Digital Signature Authentication: Enables legally valid authentication for documents. Role-Based Access Management: Aadhaar-authenticated access ensures accountability. Government Integration: Seamlessly linked with systems like Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), and Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for compliance processes.
• Real-Time Document Access: Integration with government databases for instant verification.
• Secure Cloud Storage: Provides 10 GB of encrypted storage for document management.
• Consent-Based Sharing: Ensures secure sharing of sensitive data with partners and stakeholders.
• Digital Signature Authentication: Enables legally valid authentication for documents.
• Role-Based Access Management: Aadhaar-authenticated access ensures accountability.
• Government Integration: Seamlessly linked with systems like Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), and Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for compliance processes.
Insta links:
• E-governance/
Coffee
Source: DD News
Context: India is now the seventh-largest coffee producer globally with exports reaching $1.29 billion in FY 2023-24, almost double the $719.42 million in 2020-21.
About Coffee:
• Origin: Coffee was introduced to India in the 1600s when Baba Budan, a Sufi saint, planted seven Mocha coffee beans from Yemen in Karnataka’s Baba Budan Giri region. This marked the beginning of India’s coffee cultivation.
• Types of Coffee: Arabica: Known for its mild, aromatic flavor and higher market value. Robusta: Hardier, with a strong taste, often used in instant coffee production.
• Arabica: Known for its mild, aromatic flavor and higher market value.
• Robusta: Hardier, with a strong taste, often used in instant coffee production.
• Climatic Conditions for Coffee Cultivation: Temperature: Ideal range is 15°C to 28°C. Rainfall: Requires 150-250 cm of annual rainfall. Soil: Grows best in well-drained, loamy soil rich in humus and minerals like iron and calcium. Climate: Thrives in a hot, humid climate with shaded plantations. Elevation: Typically cultivated at altitudes of 600–1,600 meters above sea level.
• Temperature: Ideal range is 15°C to 28°C.
• Rainfall: Requires 150-250 cm of annual rainfall.
• Soil: Grows best in well-drained, loamy soil rich in humus and minerals like iron and calcium.
• Climate: Thrives in a hot, humid climate with shaded plantations.
• Elevation: Typically cultivated at altitudes of 600–1,600 meters above sea level.
• India in Coffee Production: Global Ranking: India ranks seventh in global coffee production. Exports: Over 70% of coffee production is exported, with Italy, Belgium, and Russia being major buyers. State-wise Production: Karnataka: Largest producer, contributing over 70% of India’s coffee. Kerala: Second largest producer. Tamil Nadu: Third in production. Other States: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and the northeastern regions contribute marginally.
• Global Ranking: India ranks seventh in global coffee production.
• Exports: Over 70% of coffee production is exported, with Italy, Belgium, and Russia being major buyers.
• State-wise Production: Karnataka: Largest producer, contributing over 70% of India’s coffee. Kerala: Second largest producer. Tamil Nadu: Third in production. Other States: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and the northeastern regions contribute marginally.
• Karnataka: Largest producer, contributing over 70% of India’s coffee.
• Kerala: Second largest producer.
• Tamil Nadu: Third in production.
• Other States: Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and the northeastern regions contribute marginally.
Insta links:
• Coffee-industry
Obesity
Source: IE
Context: The Lancet Commission has proposed a new definition and diagnostic framework for obesity, moving beyond the outdated reliance on Body Mass Index (BMI).
About Obesity:
About Old Definition and Method:
• Old Definition: Obesity was defined as having a BMI greater than 30 (or greater than 25 for Indians). Overweight was defined as BMI between 25 and 29.9 globally (or 23-24.9 for Indians).
• Obesity was defined as having a BMI greater than 30 (or greater than 25 for Indians).
• Overweight was defined as BMI between 25 and 29.9 globally (or 23-24.9 for Indians).
• Old Method: BMI was calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). Categorization relied solely on this ratio.
• BMI was calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²).
• Categorization relied solely on this ratio.
• Issues with Old Method: Inaccurate Diagnosis: Did not account for body fat distribution or muscle mass. Over- and Under-Diagnosis: High BMI in muscular individuals often misclassified as obesity; lean individuals with excess fat went undiagnosed. Ignored Regional Variations: Indians, for example, have higher body fat percentages at lower BMI levels, increasing their risk of conditions like diabetes.
• Inaccurate Diagnosis: Did not account for body fat distribution or muscle mass.
• Over- and Under-Diagnosis: High BMI in muscular individuals often misclassified as obesity; lean individuals with excess fat went undiagnosed.
• Ignored Regional Variations: Indians, for example, have higher body fat percentages at lower BMI levels, increasing their risk of conditions like diabetes.
New Proposed Definition:
• Broader Understanding: Obesity is redefined as a chronic illness that alters organ function and can lead to serious health complications, even in the absence of other conditions.
• Obesity is redefined as a chronic illness that alters organ function and can lead to serious health complications, even in the absence of other conditions.
• Focus on Risk Assessment: Introduces the concept of “pre-clinical obesity” where excess body fat exists without current organ dysfunction, allowing for preventive interventions.
• Introduces the concept of “pre-clinical obesity” where excess body fat exists without current organ dysfunction, allowing for preventive interventions.
About New Proposed Method:
• Multiple Parameters for Body Size: BMI is now just one of several parameters, including: Waist circumference. Waist-to-hip ratio. Waist-to-height ratio. Advanced tools like Dexa scans can also measure body fat directly.
• BMI is now just one of several parameters, including: Waist circumference. Waist-to-hip ratio. Waist-to-height ratio.
• Waist circumference.
• Waist-to-hip ratio.
• Waist-to-height ratio.
• Advanced tools like Dexa scans can also measure body fat directly.
• Holistic Diagnosis: Physicians evaluate physical symptoms (e.g., breathlessness, sleep apnea, joint pain), comorbidities, and limitations in daily life.
• Physicians evaluate physical symptoms (e.g., breathlessness, sleep apnea, joint pain), comorbidities, and limitations in daily life.
• Staged Diagnosis (specific to India): Stage 1 Obesity: BMI > 23, optional waist circumference check, no associated organ dysfunction. Stage 2 Obesity: BMI > 23 with additional body fat parameters and associated health limitations (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
• Stage 1 Obesity: BMI > 23, optional waist circumference check, no associated organ dysfunction.
• Stage 2 Obesity: BMI > 23 with additional body fat parameters and associated health limitations (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
Insta links:
• GLP-1-receptor-agonists
Ratnagiri Excavation
Source: IE
Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently resumed excavations at Ratnagiri, a significant Buddhist site in Odisha.
About Ratnagiri Excavation:
• Location: Ratnagiri is located in Jajpur district, Odisha, approximately 100 km northeast of Bhubaneswar. It is part of the Diamond Triangle of Odisha, along with Udaygiri and Lalitgiri.
• It is part of the Diamond Triangle of Odisha, along with Udaygiri and Lalitgiri.
• Artifacts found in recent excavations: Colossal Buddha Head: Measuring 3–4 feet in height. Massive Palm: Approximately 5 feet long. Ancient Wall: Uncovered alongside Buddhist relics. Inscribed Relics: Dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries AD.
• Colossal Buddha Head: Measuring 3–4 feet in height.
• Massive Palm: Approximately 5 feet long.
• Ancient Wall: Uncovered alongside Buddhist relics.
• Inscribed Relics: Dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries AD.
• Ratnagiri and the History of Buddhism: Ratnagiri flourished between the 5th and 13th centuries, with its peak construction occurring between the 7th and 10th centuries. It was a center for Mahayana and Tantrayana (Vajrayana) Buddhism. Buddhism in Odisha gained prominence under Mauryan Emperor Ashoka after the Kalinga War (261 BCE). The site likely served as a hub for spreading Buddhism to Southeast Asia, supported by Odisha’s ancient maritime trade links.
• Ratnagiri flourished between the 5th and 13th centuries, with its peak construction occurring between the 7th and 10th centuries.
• It was a center for Mahayana and Tantrayana (Vajrayana) Buddhism.
• Buddhism in Odisha gained prominence under Mauryan Emperor Ashoka after the Kalinga War (261 BCE).
• The site likely served as a hub for spreading Buddhism to Southeast Asia, supported by Odisha’s ancient maritime trade links.
• Significance of Ratnagiri: Historical Significance: Rivaled Nalanda as a Buddhist learning center. Cultural Heritage: Home to votive stupas, monasteries, and relics, showcasing the evolution of Buddhist art and architecture. Global Links: Evidence suggests close connections with Southeast Asia through trade and religious exchanges. Educational Hub: Likely visited by Chinese monk Hiuen Tsang in 638–639 AD. Maritime Legacy: Part of Odisha’s celebrated Baliyatra, commemorating trade links with regions like Java, Sumatra, and Bali.
• Historical Significance: Rivaled Nalanda as a Buddhist learning center.
• Cultural Heritage: Home to votive stupas, monasteries, and relics, showcasing the evolution of Buddhist art and architecture.
• Global Links: Evidence suggests close connections with Southeast Asia through trade and religious exchanges.
• Educational Hub: Likely visited by Chinese monk Hiuen Tsang in 638–639 AD.
• Maritime Legacy: Part of Odisha’s celebrated Baliyatra, commemorating trade links with regions like Java, Sumatra, and Bali.
Insta links:
• Buddhism
Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers 2022 Report
Source: TH
Context: The Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers 2022, released by the International Labour Organization (ILO), highlights the significant role of international migrants (IMs) in the global workforce.
About Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers Report:
• Published by: International Labour Organization (ILO).
• Key data insights: Global Share: IMs constituted 4.7% of the global labor force in 2022, amounting to 167.7 million workers, an increase of over 30 million since 2013. Gender Dynamics:
• Global Share: IMs constituted 4.7% of the global labor force in 2022, amounting to 167.7 million workers, an increase of over 30 million since 2013.
• Gender Dynamics:
• Male Workers: 61.3% of IMs (102.7 million).
• Female Workers: 38.7% of IMs (64.9 million).
• Age Distribution:
• Age Distribution:
• Prime-age adults (25–54 years): 74.9% of IMs, forming the largest demographic group.
• Youth (15–24 years): 9.3%.
• Older adults (55–64 years): 12.5%.
• Seniors (65+ years): 3.4%.
• Sectoral Distribution:
• Sectoral Distribution:
• Services Sector: Dominates with 68.4% of IMs, especially in care-related roles (higher for women at 80.7%).
• Industry: 24.3%.
• Agriculture: Only 7.4%, significantly lower than non-migrant workers (24.3%).
• Host Countries:
• Host Countries:
• High-income countries: Host 68.4% (114 million) of IMs, especially in Europe and North America.
• Upper-middle-income countries: Absorb 17.4% (29.2 million).
• Arab States: Account for 13.3% of IM workers, with a slight decline over the decade.
Insta links:
• Migration-in-India-status-prospects-and-challenge
World Economic Forum
Source: Live Mint
Context: The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025, hosted in Davos, Switzerland, brings together global leaders from business, politics, and civil society to discuss critical global issues.
About World Economic Forum (WEF):
• Established in: The WEF was founded in 1971 as the European Management Forum, later renamed the World Economic Forum in 1987.
• Headquarters: The WEF is headquartered in Cologny, Switzerland.
• Established by: German economist Klaus Schwab, who introduced the concept of “stakeholder capitalism”.
• Aim: To improve the state of the world by fostering public-private cooperation. To address global economic, social, and environmental challenges through collaboration among stakeholders.
• To improve the state of the world by fostering public-private cooperation.
• To address global economic, social, and environmental challenges through collaboration among stakeholders.
• 2025 Theme: “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”
• Functions: Global Dialogues: Organizes the Annual Meeting in Davos, where leaders brainstorm on solutions to pressing global issues. Publications and Rankings: Regularly releases reports like the Global Competitiveness Report, Global Gender Gap Report, Future of Jobs Report and Energy Transition Index. Policy Advocacy: Promotes sustainability, inclusive development, and technological innovation. Diplomatic Initiatives: Facilitates dialogues, such as the historic 1992 meeting between Nelson Mandela and South African President de Klerk.
• Global Dialogues: Organizes the Annual Meeting in Davos, where leaders brainstorm on solutions to pressing global issues.
• Publications and Rankings: Regularly releases reports like the Global Competitiveness Report, Global Gender Gap Report, Future of Jobs Report and Energy Transition Index.
• Policy Advocacy: Promotes sustainability, inclusive development, and technological innovation.
• Diplomatic Initiatives: Facilitates dialogues, such as the historic 1992 meeting between Nelson Mandela and South African President de Klerk.
Insta links:
• World-economic-forum-reports
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 January 2025 Mapping:
Asan Wetland
Source: NIE
Context: The Asan Wetland in Uttarakhand recently hosted the Asian Waterbird Census, yielding data on 5,225 birds across 117 species.
About Asan Wetland:
• Location: Situated in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, at the confluence of the Asan River and the Eastern Yamuna Canal. Lies near the borders of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
• Lies near the borders of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.
• Rivers and History: Created due to the damming of the Asan River at the Asan Barrage (Dhalipur Lake) in 1967 during the construction of the Dhalipur powerhouse. Declared Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar site in 2020, highlighting its global ecological significance.
• Created due to the damming of the Asan River at the Asan Barrage (Dhalipur Lake) in 1967 during the construction of the Dhalipur powerhouse.
• Declared Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar site in 2020, highlighting its global ecological significance.
• Uniqueness and Features: Biodiversity Hub: Home to 330 bird species, including critically endangered white-rumped vulture, red-headed vulture, and Baer’s pochard. Migratory Birds: Provides shelter to globally endangered species like Brahminy duck, red-crested pochard, gadwall, and mallard, migrating from Central Asia. Fish Species: Hosts 49 fish species, including the endangered Putitor mahseer. Wetland Ecosystem: Vital for maintaining ecological balance, supporting hydrological regimes, and enabling biodiversity.
• Biodiversity Hub: Home to 330 bird species, including critically endangered white-rumped vulture, red-headed vulture, and Baer’s pochard.
• Migratory Birds: Provides shelter to globally endangered species like Brahminy duck, red-crested pochard, gadwall, and mallard, migrating from Central Asia.
• Fish Species: Hosts 49 fish species, including the endangered Putitor mahseer.
• Wetland Ecosystem: Vital for maintaining ecological balance, supporting hydrological regimes, and enabling biodiversity.
About Asian Waterbird Census (AWC):
• Conducted By: The Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) is coordinated by Wetlands International as part of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC).
• Frequency: The AWC is an annual citizen science event held during the months of January to coincide with the migration season of waterbirds.
Insta links:
• Places-in-news
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 21 Jan 2025
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