UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 February 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 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 – 22 February (2025)
• India China Ministerial Meet
India China Ministerial Meet
GS Paper 3:
• Biotechnology in North East India
Biotechnology in North East India
• Quality of Public Expenditure
Quality of Public Expenditure
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Glacier Meltdown
Glacier Meltdown
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Bharat Tech Triumph Program (TTP)
Bharat Tech Triumph Program (TTP)
• Rupee & Dollar Swap Auctions
Rupee & Dollar Swap Auctions
• Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)
Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)
• Lokpal
Lokpal
• Ex-Gratia Payment
Ex-Gratia Payment
Mapping:
• Pir Panjal Range
Pir Panjal Range
• Volcanic Eruptions in News
Volcanic Eruptions in News
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 February 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
India China Ministerial Meet
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: HT
Context: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G-20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg.
About India-China Foreign Ministers Meeting:
Issues Discussed:
• Border Management: Discussions focused on maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Both sides emphasized the need for stability in border areas.
• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: Resumption of the pilgrimage was a key agenda item. India sought China’s cooperation to facilitate the yatra.
• Connectivity: Talks included improving flight connectivity and travel facilitation. Enhanced connectivity was seen as vital for bilateral ties.
• Trans-Border Rivers: Both sides addressed issues related to shared river waters. India raised concerns over China’s dam-building activities.
• Multilateral Cooperation: Emphasis was placed on collaboration in G-20, SCO, and BRICS. Both nations agreed to strengthen multilateral platforms.
Successful Coordination:
• G-20 Preservation: Both nations worked together to protect the G-20 as a key multilateral platform. This highlighted their commitment to global cooperation.
• Diplomatic Engagements: Regular high-level talks, including visits by India’s NSA and Foreign Secretary to China, were held. These visits aimed to address bilateral issues.
• Disengagement: Successful troop disengagement in eastern Ladakh in November 2024 was achieved. This marked a significant step toward reducing tensions.
• Regional Stability: Joint efforts were made to address global challenges like climate change and food security. Both nations recognized the need for collective action.
• Plurilateralism: Advocacy for inclusive international cooperation beyond unilateralism was emphasized. This reflected a shared vision for a multipolar world.
India-China Differences:
• Border Tensions: Persistent issues along the LAC, especially post-Galwan clashes in 2020, remain unresolved. These tensions continue to strain bilateral relations.
• Strategic Rivalry: Competing interests in the Indo-Pacific region create friction. Both nations seek to expand their influence in the region.
• Trade Imbalance: India’s significant trade deficit with China is a major concern. India seeks to reduce dependency on Chinese imports.
• Trust Deficit: Lack of mutual trust due to China’s aggressive posturing hampers relations. Confidence-building measures are needed to bridge this gap.
• Global Influence: Differing approaches to multilateralism and global governance create divergence. India advocates for inclusive global institutions.
Way Ahead:
• Dialogue Continuation: Regular diplomatic engagements are essential to address bilateral issues. Sustained dialogue can help build mutual understanding.
• Confidence-Building Measures: Strengthening mechanisms to prevent border skirmishes is crucial. These measures can reduce the risk of escalation.
• Economic Cooperation: Addressing trade imbalances and enhancing economic ties is vital. Both nations can benefit from balanced trade relations.
• Multilateral Collaboration: Leveraging platforms like BRICS and SCO for mutual benefits is important. These platforms offer opportunities for cooperation.
• Regional Stability: Joint efforts to ensure peace and stability in Asia are necessary. Collaborative approaches can address regional challenges effectively.
Conclusion:
The India-China meeting in Johannesburg underscored the importance of dialogue in resolving bilateral issues and preserving multilateralism. While challenges like border tensions persist, both nations have shown a commitment to cooperation. Sustained engagement and confidence-building measures are crucial for long-term stability and mutual growth.
• The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (UPSC-2018)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 February 2025 GS Paper 3
Biotechnology in North East India
Syllabus: Economy & Science Tech
Source: PIB
Context: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) is driving bioeconomic transformation in North East India through innovation and research.
Understanding Biotechnology and Its Types:
What is Biotechnology?
• Biotechnology involves using biological systems, organisms, or derivatives to develop new technologies and products.
• It enhances healthcare, agriculture, industrial processes, and environmental sustainability.
Types of Biotechnology:
• Medical Biotechnology: Develops vaccines, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine.
• Agricultural Biotechnology: Improves crop yields, pest resistance, and soil health.
• Industrial Biotechnology: Creates biofuels, biodegradable plastics, and bio-based chemicals.
• Environmental Biotechnology: Focuses on waste management, pollution control, and bioremediation.
Potential of North East India in Harnessing Biotechnology:
• Rich Biodiversity: Home to 8,000+ plant species, 850+ medicinal plants, and vast agro-climatic diversity.
• Indigenous Knowledge: Tribal communities possess traditional expertise in herbal medicine and organic farming.
• Agri-Biotech Growth: Suitable for high-value medicinal crops, organic farming, and sustainable agriculture.
• Biotech-Based Industry: Potential for biofuels, essential oils, pharmaceuticals, and processed food industries.
Government Initiatives Driving Biotech Growth in North East India:
• DBT North Eastern Programme: Allocates 10% of DBT’s budget to the region for biotech development.
• Twinning R&D Programme: Established 65+ collaborations benefiting 450+ researchers & 2000+ students.
• Biotech Hubs: Set up 126 Biotech Hubs in universities to promote research and training.
• BLiSS (Biotech Labs in Schools): Introduced biotechnology education at the secondary level since 2014.
• Agri-Biotech & Citrus Research: Developing disease-free crops, medicinal plants, and sustainable farming models.
• Mobile App for Livestock Management: Pig Disease Diagnosis Expert System (PDDES) launched for disease detection.
• Genomics Research in Human Health: Training scientists in genetics-based disease analysis.
Challenges in Implementing Biotechnology in North East:
• Limited Infrastructure: Insufficient biotech labs, R&D facilities, and industrial support.
• Funding Constraints: High costs of biotech research and commercial-scale production.
• Skilled Workforce Shortage: Lack of trained personnel in cutting-edge biotech fields.
• Climate Sensitivity: Erratic weather & environmental factors affect agricultural biotechnology projects.
• Connectivity Issues: Remote location hinders market access and tech adoption.
Way Forward for Biotech Growth in North East:
• Strengthen Research Infrastructure – Establish advanced biotech parks, incubators, and R&D centers.
• Enhance Skill Development – Train local researchers, students, and farmers in biotech applications.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) – Encourage industry investment in biotech-based startups and innovation.
• Focus on Sustainable Biotech – Promote eco-friendly bio-based industries and conservation projects.
• Leverage Digital Platforms – Utilize AI and data-driven solutions for biotech advancements.
Conclusion:
With sustained government support, research collaborations, and skill-building programs, the region can emerge as a leading bioeconomy hub. By bridging the gap between tradition and technology, North East India is setting a model for sustainable and inclusive development.
• How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? (UPSC 2019)
Quality of Public Expenditure
Syllabus: Economics
Source: IE
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently released a study on the “Quality of Public Expenditure” (QPE) index, highlighting improvements in government spending efficiency since 1991.
• The report underscores the positive impact of fiscal discipline and increased capital expenditure on India’s economic growth and social development.
What is Socio-Economic Expenditure?
Socio-economic expenditure refers to government spending aimed at improving social and economic outcomes, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and welfare schemes. It includes:
• Capital Expenditure (Capex): Investments in infrastructure like roads, railways, and ports.
• Revenue Expenditure: Day-to-day spending on salaries, subsidies, and welfare programs.
• Development Expenditure: Long-term investments in education, healthcare, and R&D.
• Interest Payments: Costs incurred due to past borrowings.
• Subsidies: Financial support for essential goods and services like food and fuel.
Data and Trends in India’s Socio-Economic Expenditure:
• Capital Outlay to GDP Ratio: Increased from 1.5% in 2000 to 2.5% in 2023, reflecting higher infrastructure spending.
• Revenue Expenditure to Capital Outlay Ratio: Declined from 8:1 in 2000 to 5:1 in 2023, indicating better spending quality.
• Development Expenditure to GDP Ratio: Rose from 6% in 2000 to 8% in 2023, driven by investments in health and education.
• Interest Payments to Total Expenditure Ratio: Fell from 25% in 2000 to 20% in 2023 due to fiscal consolidation.
• State-Level Spending: States’ development expenditure increased post-14th Finance Commission recommendations, with higher fiscal devolution.
Analysis: Positive Outcomes:
• Economic Growth: Higher capex boosted GDP growth, averaging 6.5% annually since 2000.
• Infrastructure Development: Improved road, rail, and port connectivity enhanced trade and mobility.
• Social Indicators: Increased spending on health and education improved literacy (77.7% in 2023) and life expectancy (70 years).
• Fiscal Discipline: FRBM Act (2003) reduced fiscal deficits, stabilizing debt-to-GDP ratios.
• Crisis Management: Counter-cyclical spending during the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and COVID-19 mitigated economic shocks.
Challenges to Quality of Public Expenditure:
• Revenue Deficit: Persistent revenue deficits (3.3% of GDP in 2023) limit funds for capex.
• Freebies and Subsidies: Rising populist measures strain fiscal resources.
• Inefficient Spending: Leakages in welfare schemes like MGNREGA and PDS reduce effectiveness.
• Debt Burden: High interest payments (20% of total expenditure) constrain developmental spending.
• State-Level Disparities: Uneven fiscal capacity among states affects equitable development.
Way Ahead:
• Boost Capex: Increase capital expenditure to 3% of GDP to sustain infrastructure growth.
• Rationalize Subsidies: Implement direct benefit transfers (DBT) to reduce leakages.
• Fiscal Federalism: Strengthen state finances through higher devolution and grants.
• Monitor Spending: Use technology for real-time tracking of expenditure outcomes.
• Reform FRBM Act: Focus on debt-to-GDP targets and flexible deficit limits during crises.
Conclusion:
India’s quality of public expenditure has improved significantly since 1991, driven by fiscal discipline and higher capex. However, challenges like revenue deficits and inefficient spending persist. By rationalizing subsidies, boosting capex, and strengthening fiscal federalism, India can ensure sustainable and inclusive growth.
• What is the meaning of the term ‘tax expenditure’? Taking housing sector as an example, discuss how it influences the budgetary policies of the government. (10 M) [UPSC 2013]
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 February 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Glacier Meltdown
Context: Global glaciers have lost over 7 trillion tons of ice since 2000, with 2023 marking a record 604 billion tons lost.
• Glacier melting is now a bigger contributor to sea level rise than ice loss in Greenland or
Climate Change and Glacier Meltdown:
• Data & Facts: Glaciers lost ice at a rate of 255 billion tons per year (2000-2011), increasing to 346 billion tons per year (2011-2023). 2023 recorded the highest annual glacier loss with 604 billion tons of ice melted. Glaciers in Alaska are melting the fastest, losing 67 billion tons annually. Central European glaciers have shrunk by 39% since 2000.
• Glaciers lost ice at a rate of 255 billion tons per year (2000-2011), increasing to 346 billion tons per year (2011-2023).
• 2023 recorded the highest annual glacier loss with 604 billion tons of ice melted.
• Glaciers in Alaska are melting the fastest, losing 67 billion tons annually.
• Central European glaciers have shrunk by 39% since 2000.
• Reasons for Glacier Meltdown: Rising global temperatures – Greenhouse gas emissions from coal, oil, and natural gas burning. Heatwaves and extreme summers – Increased warming in regions like the Alps and Andes. Reduction in snowfall – Less replenishment of ice leading to sustained melting. Human-induced climate change – Carbon emissions accelerating warming trends.
• Rising global temperatures – Greenhouse gas emissions from coal, oil, and natural gas burning.
• Heatwaves and extreme summers – Increased warming in regions like the Alps and Andes.
• Reduction in snowfall – Less replenishment of ice leading to sustained melting.
• Human-induced climate change – Carbon emissions accelerating warming trends.
• Impacts of Glacier Meltdown Sea Level Rise – Glacier melt contributes more to rising sea levels than Greenland and Antarctica. Water Scarcity – Short-term increase in river flow followed by long-term depletion. Loss of Biodiversity – Disrupts freshwater ecosystems and habitats dependent on glacial water. Natural Disasters – Increased landslides, floods, and glacial lake outbursts. Economic Disruptions – Loss of tourism revenue and agriculture dependence on glacial water.
• Sea Level Rise – Glacier melt contributes more to rising sea levels than Greenland and Antarctica.
• Water Scarcity – Short-term increase in river flow followed by long-term depletion.
• Loss of Biodiversity – Disrupts freshwater ecosystems and habitats dependent on glacial water.
• Natural Disasters – Increased landslides, floods, and glacial lake outbursts.
• Economic Disruptions – Loss of tourism revenue and agriculture dependence on glacial water.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:
• GS Paper 1 – Geography Climate Change and its impact on Cryosphere. Glacial retreat and its consequences on global water systems.
• Climate Change and its impact on Cryosphere.
• Glacial retreat and its consequences on global water systems.
• GS Paper 3 – Environment & Disaster Management Global warming and its effect on water resources. Mitigation and adaptation strategies for glacier conservation. Sustainable policies to manage sea level rise and water security.
• Global warming and its effect on water resources.
• Mitigation and adaptation strategies for glacier conservation.
• Sustainable policies to manage sea level rise and water security.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 February 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Bharat Tech Triumph Program (TTP)
Source: PIB
Context: Bharat Tech Triumph Program (TTP) launched under the Create in India Challenge Season 1 to showcase India’s gaming talent globally.
• Winners will present their innovations at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025 in San Francisco and WAVES Summit in India.
About Bharat Tech Triumph Program (TTP):
• What is the Bharat Tech Triumph Program? A national initiative to promote India’s gaming industry, innovation, and interactive entertainment sector. Provides global exposure to Indian game developers, startups, and tech companies.
• A national initiative to promote India’s gaming industry, innovation, and interactive entertainment sector.
• Provides global exposure to Indian game developers, startups, and tech companies.
• Ministry & Organizers: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) – Government body overseeing the initiative. Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC) – Organizing partner.
• Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) – Government body overseeing the initiative.
• Interactive Entertainment and Innovation Council (IEIC) – Organizing partner.
• Aim of the Program: Identify and promote Indian gaming talent on global platforms. Support innovation in gaming, animation, and immersive technologies (Artificial Reality, Virtual Reality, Metaverse). Encourage startups and studios to develop world-class games under the ‘Create in India’ initiative.
• Identify and promote Indian gaming talent on global platforms.
• Support innovation in gaming, animation, and immersive technologies (Artificial Reality, Virtual Reality, Metaverse).
• Encourage startups and studios to develop world-class games under the ‘Create in India’ initiative.
• Key Features of Bharat Tech Triumph Program: Open to developers, studios, startups, and tech firms with a working prototype. 3-stage selection process: Game submission, expert evaluation, and final showcase. Winners get fully sponsored opportunities to present at GDC 2025 and WAVES. Encourages cross-border collaborations, with 1,078 total registrations, including 12 international entries.
• Open to developers, studios, startups, and tech firms with a working prototype.
• 3-stage selection process: Game submission, expert evaluation, and final showcase.
• Winners get fully sponsored opportunities to present at GDC 2025 and WAVES.
• Encourages cross-border collaborations, with 1,078 total registrations, including 12 international entries.
Rupee & Dollar Swap Auctions
Source: BS
Context: RBI announced a $10 billion USD/INR buy/sell swap auction to inject ₹86,000 crore into the banking system.
About Rupee & Dollar Swap Auctions:
• It is a tool used by RBI to manage liquidity in the economy and stabilize currency volatility.
• Banks sell US dollars to RBI in exchange for rupees in the first leg and agree to repurchase dollars at a future date.
• Who Conducts It?
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as part of its monetary policy interventions, executes the swap auctions.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as part of its monetary policy interventions, executes the swap auctions.
• How It Works?
• First Leg (Buy Phase): Banks sell USD to RBI and receive Indian Rupees (INR). Reverse Leg (Sell Phase): Banks buy back USD from RBI at a pre-determined price at the end of the swap period.
• First Leg (Buy Phase): Banks sell USD to RBI and receive Indian Rupees (INR).
• Reverse Leg (Sell Phase): Banks buy back USD from RBI at a pre-determined price at the end of the swap period.
• Key Features of the Swap:
• Tenor: Can be short-term (6 months) or long-term (3 years or more). Liquidity Management: Used to infuse or absorb rupee liquidity in the system. Forex Reserve Utilization: RBI uses its forex reserves to regulate currency flows. Impact on Exchange Rate: Helps stabilize rupee fluctuations against the dollar.
• Tenor: Can be short-term (6 months) or long-term (3 years or more).
• Liquidity Management: Used to infuse or absorb rupee liquidity in the system.
• Forex Reserve Utilization: RBI uses its forex reserves to regulate currency flows.
• Impact on Exchange Rate: Helps stabilize rupee fluctuations against the dollar.
• Impact on the Indian Economy: Improves Banking Liquidity: Injects Rs 86,000 crore into the banking system, addressing the current liquidity shortfall of Rs 1.7 lakh crore. Enhances Monetary Policy Transmission: Ensures that interest rates in money markets align with RBI’s policy stance. Strengthens the Rupee: Reduces depreciation pressure on INR due to forex market fluctuations. Supports Economic Growth: Enables banks to lend more to businesses and industries, promoting investment and consumption. Controls Inflation Risks: Provides liquidity without increasing inflationary pressures, as money is infused against future forex obligations.
• Improves Banking Liquidity: Injects Rs 86,000 crore into the banking system, addressing the current liquidity shortfall of Rs 1.7 lakh crore.
• Enhances Monetary Policy Transmission: Ensures that interest rates in money markets align with RBI’s policy stance.
• Strengthens the Rupee: Reduces depreciation pressure on INR due to forex market fluctuations.
• Supports Economic Growth: Enables banks to lend more to businesses and industries, promoting investment and consumption.
• Controls Inflation Risks: Provides liquidity without increasing inflationary pressures, as money is infused against future forex obligations.
Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)
Source: IE
Context: India’s Composite Flash Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) increased to 60.6 in February 2025, marking the first rise after three consecutive quarters of decline.
About Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI):
• What is PMI?
• PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) is an economic indicator derived from monthly business surveys. It measures activity at the purchasing/input stage, unlike IIP (Index of Industrial Production), which tracks actual output. There are two types: Manufacturing PMI – Tracks industrial and factory activity. Services PMI – Assesses the growth in the services sector. PMI above 50 indicates economic expansion, while below 50 signals contraction.
• PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) is an economic indicator derived from monthly business surveys.
• It measures activity at the purchasing/input stage, unlike IIP (Index of Industrial Production), which tracks actual output.
• There are two types: Manufacturing PMI – Tracks industrial and factory activity. Services PMI – Assesses the growth in the services sector.
• Manufacturing PMI – Tracks industrial and factory activity.
• Services PMI – Assesses the growth in the services sector.
• PMI above 50 indicates economic expansion, while below 50 signals contraction.
• Who Releases PMI in India?
• S&P Global (earlier released by IHS Markit) conducts PMI surveys in India. Based on a survey of 500 manufacturing companies for the Manufacturing PMI.
• S&P Global (earlier released by IHS Markit) conducts PMI surveys in India.
• Based on a survey of 500 manufacturing companies for the Manufacturing PMI.
• PMI Calculation Methodology:
• Derived from qualitative responses of purchasing managers. Five key indicators with assigned weights:
• Derived from qualitative responses of purchasing managers.
• Five key indicators with assigned weights:
• Significance of PMI: Early Indicator: Released before official industrial and GDP data, making it a leading economic indicator. Monetary Policy Tool: Central banks use it to assess inflationary trends and adjust interest rates. Investor Confidence: PMI influences stock markets, bond markets, and corporate earnings forecasts. Economic Competitiveness: A strong PMI boosts investor confidence, enhancing a nation’s economic attractiveness.
• Early Indicator: Released before official industrial and GDP data, making it a leading economic indicator.
• Monetary Policy Tool: Central banks use it to assess inflationary trends and adjust interest rates.
• Investor Confidence: PMI influences stock markets, bond markets, and corporate earnings forecasts.
• Economic Competitiveness: A strong PMI boosts investor confidence, enhancing a nation’s economic attractiveness.
Lokpal
Source: TOI
Context: The Supreme Court stayed a Lokpal order bringing High Court judges under its jurisdiction while terming the top anti-corruption ombudsman’s interpretation “very disturbing”.
About Lokpal:
• What is Lokpal? Lokpal is an anti-corruption ombudsman established to investigate allegations of corruption against public officials, including the Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and government employees.
• Lokpal is an anti-corruption ombudsman established to investigate allegations of corruption against public officials, including the Prime Minister, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and government employees.
• Establishment and Origin:
• Origin: The concept of an ombudsman originated in Sweden in 1809. In India, the idea was first proposed in Parliament by former Law Minister Ashok Kumar Sen in the 1960s. Term Coined: Dr. L.M. Singhvi introduced the terms “Lokpal” and “Lokayukta” in 1963. Legislation: The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act was passed in 2013 following the Anna Hazare-led India Against Corruption (IAC) movement.
• Origin: The concept of an ombudsman originated in Sweden in 1809. In India, the idea was first proposed in Parliament by former Law Minister Ashok Kumar Sen in the 1960s.
• Term Coined: Dr. L.M. Singhvi introduced the terms “Lokpal” and “Lokayukta” in 1963.
• Legislation: The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act was passed in 2013 following the Anna Hazare-led India Against Corruption (IAC) movement.
• Structure of the Organisation:
• Composition: A chairperson and up to eight members, with 50% being judicial members. Selection Committee: Includes the Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of Opposition, Chief Justice of India, and an eminent jurist. Jurisdiction: Covers the Prime Minister, Ministers, MPs, and government employees (Groups A, B, C, D). It also includes officials of boards, corporations, and NGOs receiving foreign contributions above ₹10 lakh annually.
• Composition: A chairperson and up to eight members, with 50% being judicial members.
• Selection Committee: Includes the Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Leader of Opposition, Chief Justice of India, and an eminent jurist.
• Jurisdiction: Covers the Prime Minister, Ministers, MPs, and government employees (Groups A, B, C, D). It also includes officials of boards, corporations, and NGOs receiving foreign contributions above ₹10 lakh annually.
• Powers and Functions:
• Investigation: Can refer cases to investigative agencies like the CBI and supervise their work. Preliminary Inquiry: Conducts inquiries within 60 days and decides on further action. Search and Seizure: Has powers under the Civil Procedure Code for investigations. Asset Attachment: Can attach assets of accused public servants. Prosecution Sanction: Grants sanction for prosecution based on investigation reports.
• Investigation: Can refer cases to investigative agencies like the CBI and supervise their work.
• Preliminary Inquiry: Conducts inquiries within 60 days and decides on further action.
• Search and Seizure: Has powers under the Civil Procedure Code for investigations.
• Asset Attachment: Can attach assets of accused public servants.
• Prosecution Sanction: Grants sanction for prosecution based on investigation reports.
• Exemptions:
• Sitting judges of constitutional courts require prior consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) before any criminal proceedings. The CJI is consulted if allegations involve a Supreme Court judge.
• Sitting judges of constitutional courts require prior consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) before any criminal proceedings.
• The CJI is consulted if allegations involve a Supreme Court judge.
Ex-Gratia Payment
Source: IE
Context: The Ministry of Railways provided Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia to families of 18 deceased in the New Delhi Railway Station stampede, distributing it entirely in cash.
About Ex-Gratia Payment:
• What is Ex-Gratia?
• Ex-gratia refers to a payment made as a goodwill gesture, not a legal obligation. The government provides ex-gratia relief in cases like accidents, natural disasters, and tragedies.
• Ex-gratia refers to a payment made as a goodwill gesture, not a legal obligation.
• The government provides ex-gratia relief in cases like accidents, natural disasters, and tragedies.
• Legal Framework Governing Ex-Gratia:
• No specific statutory law governs ex-gratia payments. The concerned ministry or department determines the amount and mode of disbursal. Railway ex-gratia payments follow the Railway Accidents and Untoward Incidents (Compensation) Rules, 1990.
• No specific statutory law governs ex-gratia payments.
• The concerned ministry or department determines the amount and mode of disbursal.
• Railway ex-gratia payments follow the Railway Accidents and Untoward Incidents (Compensation) Rules, 1990.
• Procedure for Ex-Gratia Payments:
• Verification of Identity: Aadhaar, legal heir certificate, and death certificate. Approval by Authorities: Competent authority sanctions the amount. Disbursal of Funds: Either cash (immediate relief) or bank transfer (final payment).
• Verification of Identity: Aadhaar, legal heir certificate, and death certificate.
• Approval by Authorities: Competent authority sanctions the amount.
• Disbursal of Funds: Either cash (immediate relief) or bank transfer (final payment).
• Modes of Payment: Cash: Immediate assistance for initial expenses (Railway guidelines permit up to Rs 50,000 in cash). Bank Transfer: Aadhaar-linked Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for full compensation. Cheque/NEFT: Preferred for large amounts, ensuring accountability and transparency.
• Cash: Immediate assistance for initial expenses (Railway guidelines permit up to Rs 50,000 in cash).
• Bank Transfer: Aadhaar-linked Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for full compensation.
• Cheque/NEFT: Preferred for large amounts, ensuring accountability and transparency.
• Difference Between Ex-Gratia and Compensation:
Aspect | Ex-Gratia | Compensation
Nature | Voluntary, goodwill-based | Legal obligation
Purpose | Immediate relief | Compensation for loss or damage
Legal Basis | No legal requirement | Defined under law
Approval | By government/officials | Decided by courts or statutes
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –22 February 2025 Mapping:
Pir Panjal Range
Source: ET
Context: Amid rising Line of Control skirmishes in Jammu, India-Pakistan brigade commanders met at Chakkan-Da-Bagh (Poonch District), in Pir Panjal Valley to ease tensions and reaffirm the ceasefire.
About Pir Panjal Range:
• Location: Part of the Lesser Himalayas, spanning India and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
• States covered: Extends across Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir in India.
• Key Geographic Features:
• Mountain Peaks: Deo Tibba (6,001 m) and Indrasan (6,221 m) at its eastern end. Major Rivers: Separates the Beas and Ravi rivers from the Chenab River. Origin of tributaries feeding the Jhelum and Indus rivers.
• Mountain Peaks: Deo Tibba (6,001 m) and Indrasan (6,221 m) at its eastern end.
• Deo Tibba (6,001 m) and Indrasan (6,221 m) at its eastern end.
• Major Rivers: Separates the Beas and Ravi rivers from the Chenab River. Origin of tributaries feeding the Jhelum and Indus rivers.
• Separates the Beas and Ravi rivers from the Chenab River.
• Origin of tributaries feeding the Jhelum and Indus rivers.
• Strategic Connectivity: The Mughal Road links Rajouri and Poonch with Kashmir Valley via the Pir Panjal Pass (3,490 m). Jawahar Tunnel (2.5 km) under the Banihal Pass connects Banihal to Qazigund.
• The Mughal Road links Rajouri and Poonch with Kashmir Valley via the Pir Panjal Pass (3,490 m).
• Jawahar Tunnel (2.5 km) under the Banihal Pass connects Banihal to Qazigund.
• Tourist and Historical Importance: Home to Gulmarg, a famous hill resort in Kashmir. Historically, Pir Panjal was Kashmir’s ancient trade route with India.
• Home to Gulmarg, a famous hill resort in Kashmir.
• Historically, Pir Panjal was Kashmir’s ancient trade route with India.
Volcanic Eruptions in News
Source: DD News
Context: Mount Etna (Italy) erupted, spewing lava sprays and attracting thousands of tourists, creating safety risks.
• Mount Dukono (Indonesia) erupted, emitting a 2,000-metre ash cloud, prompting an aviation warning and public safety advisory.
About Volcanic Eruption in News:
Mount Etna (Italy):
• Location: Sicily, Italy
• Type: Stratovolcano, Europe’s highest and most active volcano (~3,350 m).
• Features: The current eruption is from the Bocca Nuova crater (“new mouth”). Lava flows interacting with snow pose risks of rock explosions.
• The current eruption is from the Bocca Nuova crater (“new mouth”).
• Lava flows interacting with snow pose risks of rock explosions.
Mount Dukono (Indonesia):
• Location: Halmahera Island, North Maluku, Indonesia
• Type: Active stratovolcano (1,087 m).
• Features: Persistent eruptions, producing frequent ash clouds. Current eruption spewed a 2,000-metre ash column. Volcanic ash poses risks to aviation, leading to an orange-level aviation warning (VONA).
• Persistent eruptions, producing frequent ash clouds.
• Current eruption spewed a 2,000-metre ash column.
• Volcanic ash poses risks to aviation, leading to an orange-level aviation warning (VONA).
• Impact: Flights restricted within a 5 km radius of the volcano. Residents advised to avoid a 4 km danger zone near the Malupang Warirang crater.
• Flights restricted within a 5 km radius of the volcano.
• Residents advised to avoid a 4 km danger zone near the Malupang Warirang crater.
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 22 Feb 2025
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