UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 January 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 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 – 22 January (2025)
• USA withdrawal from WHO
USA withdrawal from WHO
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Misuse of Scheme
Misuse of Scheme
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Supersonic Combustion Ramjet (Scramjet) Engine
Supersonic Combustion Ramjet (Scramjet) Engine
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme
• Indus Water Treaty (IWT), 1960
Indus Water Treaty (IWT), 1960
• Takers, Not Makers Report
Takers, Not Makers Report
• Kashmir Chinar Trees
Kashmir Chinar Trees
• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
• One Nation, One Legislative Platform
One Nation, One Legislative Platform
Mapping:
• Vaigai River
Vaigai River
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 January 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
US withdrawal from WHO
Syllabus: Multilateral Institution
Source: IE
Context: Recently, the United States, under President Donald Trump, has signed an executive order to withdraw from WHO, citing reasons such as mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of reforms within the organization.
About WHO: Aim and Functions
• Aims Ensure universal health coverage and promote health equity. Strengthen disease prevention and control worldwide. Enhance global preparedness and response to health emergencies.
• Ensure universal health coverage and promote health equity.
• Strengthen disease prevention and control worldwide.
• Enhance global preparedness and response to health emergencies.
• Functions Set global health standards and guidelines. Monitor emerging health issues and coordinate responses. Provide technical assistance to countries for capacity building. Facilitate health research and policy development.
• Set global health standards and guidelines.
• Monitor emerging health issues and coordinate responses.
• Provide technical assistance to countries for capacity building.
• Facilitate health research and policy development.
WHO’s Role in Global Health:
• Global Coordination: Leads international efforts in combating pandemics, such as COVID-19 and Ebola. Collaborates with governments, NGOs, and private entities to strengthen healthcare systems.
• Leads international efforts in combating pandemics, such as COVID-19 and Ebola.
• Collaborates with governments, NGOs, and private entities to strengthen healthcare systems.
• Disease Eradication: Played a key role in eradicating smallpox and reducing polio cases by 99%.
• Capacity Building: Assists low- and middle-income countries in improving health infrastructure, access to medicines, and training healthcare workers.
• Health Policy Advocacy: Advocates for funding and policies addressing non-communicable diseases, mental health, and nutrition improvement.
USA’s Decision to Leave WHO:
• Reasons Cited: Mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived political bias within the organization. Unequal financial burden on the US compared to other countries, particularly China.
• Mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Perceived political bias within the organization.
• Unequal financial burden on the US compared to other countries, particularly China.
• Key Provisions in the Executive Order: Cease funding and resources to WHO. Recall all US personnel working with the organization. Seek alternative international partnerships for health initiatives.
• Cease funding and resources to WHO.
• Recall all US personnel working with the organization.
• Seek alternative international partnerships for health initiatives.
Process to Leave WHO:
• The WHO Constitution does not explicitly outline a withdrawal process.
• However, the US Congress established conditions in 1948 allowing withdrawal with a one-year notice and payment of any outstanding financial commitments.
Impact of USA’s Exit:
• On WHO:
• Financial Strain US withdrawal could lead to a loss of approximately 20% of WHO’s funding. Affects ongoing health programs globally, particularly in disease eradication and pandemic preparedness. Expertise Gap Loss of collaboration with US agencies like CDC reduces WHO’s effectiveness in health surveillance.
• Financial Strain US withdrawal could lead to a loss of approximately 20% of WHO’s funding. Affects ongoing health programs globally, particularly in disease eradication and pandemic preparedness.
• US withdrawal could lead to a loss of approximately 20% of WHO’s funding.
• Affects ongoing health programs globally, particularly in disease eradication and pandemic preparedness.
• Expertise Gap Loss of collaboration with US agencies like CDC reduces WHO’s effectiveness in health surveillance.
• Loss of collaboration with US agencies like CDC reduces WHO’s effectiveness in health surveillance.
• On Global Health:
• Pandemic Preparedness Disruption in global frameworks for managing pandemics and health emergencies. Reduced resources for equitable vaccine distribution and treatment initiatives. Increased Global Inequity The vacuum created by the US could lead to greater reliance on philanthropy or nations like China, potentially shifting the balance of influence in global health governance.
• Pandemic Preparedness Disruption in global frameworks for managing pandemics and health emergencies. Reduced resources for equitable vaccine distribution and treatment initiatives.
• Disruption in global frameworks for managing pandemics and health emergencies.
• Reduced resources for equitable vaccine distribution and treatment initiatives.
• Increased Global Inequity The vacuum created by the US could lead to greater reliance on philanthropy or nations like China, potentially shifting the balance of influence in global health governance.
• The vacuum created by the US could lead to greater reliance on philanthropy or nations like China, potentially shifting the balance of influence in global health governance.
• On India:
• Health Programmes Reduced WHO support for India’s programs on tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and maternal health. Challenges in implementing WHO guidelines for vaccine coverage and disease prevention. Collaborative Research Loss of expertise impacts India’s capacity-building partnerships with WHO.
• Health Programmes Reduced WHO support for India’s programs on tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and maternal health. Challenges in implementing WHO guidelines for vaccine coverage and disease prevention.
• Reduced WHO support for India’s programs on tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, and maternal health.
• Challenges in implementing WHO guidelines for vaccine coverage and disease prevention.
• Collaborative Research Loss of expertise impacts India’s capacity-building partnerships with WHO.
• Loss of expertise impacts India’s capacity-building partnerships with WHO.
Way Ahead:
• Strengthen Global Partnerships: Nations like India, along with countries from the Global South, should enhance their contributions and leadership roles in WHO initiatives.
• Diversify Funding: WHO must reduce reliance on single-member contributions and increase voluntary funding from philanthropic organizations and regional coalitions.
• Transparency and Reform: Address concerns regarding governance, accountability, and equitable representation of member states in decision-making processes.
Conclusion:
The US withdrawal from WHO presents significant challenges to global health governance and international cooperation. However, it also highlights the need for structural reforms within WHO to enhance efficiency, transparency, and equitable resource allocation. By leveraging collective leadership and sustainable funding, nations can safeguard WHO’s critical role in addressing global health crises.
Insta Links:
• India-contributes-to-WHO
• Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (UPSC-2018)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 January 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Misuse of Scheme
Context: In 2024, 4.14 lakh insurance claims were found to be bogus in Maharashtra, revealing misuse of the scheme Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
Leakages in Government Schemes:
• Bogus Claims: Farmers submitted fake claims for non-existent crops or on unauthorized lands, such as temples, government plots, and petrol pumps.
E.g. A farmer in Nashik applied for insurance on a petrol pump plot.
• Manipulation by Middlemen: Common Service Centres (CSCs) filed false applications using forged documents without farmers’ consent.
E.g. 96 CSCs in Maharashtra are under scrutiny for irregularities.
• Lack of Verification: Absence of timely cross-checks allowed false claims to pass initial scrutiny.
• Administrative Challenges: High volume of applications delayed physical inspections, leading to systemic inefficiencies.
• Resource Drain: Misuse led to loss of public funds meant for genuine beneficiaries.
Relevance to UPSC Syllabus
• GS Paper 2 (Governance): Discusses implementation challenges in government schemes and issues of transparency.
• GS Paper 3 (Agriculture): Focuses on crop insurance, misuse of subsidies, and reforms for agricultural resilience.
• Ethics and Integrity: Highlights issues of moral responsibility among farmers and administrators.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 January 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Supersonic Combustion Ramjet (Scramjet) Engine
Source: PIB
Context: India has achieved a significant milestone in hypersonic technology with the Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) successfully conducting a 120-second ground test of the Supersonic Combustion Ramjet (Scramjet) engine.
About Supersonic Combustion Ramjet (Scramjet):
• What is Scramjet Technology? A Scramjet is an air-breathing engine designed to sustain combustion at supersonic speeds, operating efficiently at hypersonic speeds (Mach 5+).
• A Scramjet is an air-breathing engine designed to sustain combustion at supersonic speeds, operating efficiently at hypersonic speeds (Mach 5+).
• Developed by: Indigenous efforts by DRDL (DRDO) in collaboration with industry partners.
• How it works: Utilises the vehicle’s forward motion to compress atmospheric oxygen for combustion, eliminating the need to carry an oxidiser. Fuel mixes with compressed air in the combustion chamber, igniting to produce thrust at high speeds. Innovative flame stabilization techniques ensure ignition in extreme conditions.
• Utilises the vehicle’s forward motion to compress atmospheric oxygen for combustion, eliminating the need to carry an oxidiser.
• Fuel mixes with compressed air in the combustion chamber, igniting to produce thrust at high speeds.
• Innovative flame stabilization techniques ensure ignition in extreme conditions.
• Key Features: Air-Breathing Engine: Uses atmospheric oxygen, reducing propellant weight. Advanced Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC): High-temperature resistance, enhancing engine performance. Endothermic Scramjet Fuel: Developed indigenously, it improves cooling and ignition efficiency. No Moving Parts: Reduces mechanical complexities, increasing reliability.
• Air-Breathing Engine: Uses atmospheric oxygen, reducing propellant weight.
• Advanced Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC): High-temperature resistance, enhancing engine performance.
• Endothermic Scramjet Fuel: Developed indigenously, it improves cooling and ignition efficiency.
• No Moving Parts: Reduces mechanical complexities, increasing reliability.
• Significance of Scramjet Technology: Hypersonic Missiles: Enables development of advanced missiles that can bypass air defence systems and deliver rapid, high-impact strikes. Reusable Launch Vehicles: Reduces the cost of satellite launches by using air-breathing propulsion systems. Strategic Edge: Positions India among a select group of nations (USA, Russia, China) with hypersonic capabilities. Reduced Launch Costs: Potential for cheaper, reusable satellite launch systems by minimising fuel weight. Technological Breakthrough: Advances in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and material science, contributing to aerospace innovations.
• Hypersonic Missiles: Enables development of advanced missiles that can bypass air defence systems and deliver rapid, high-impact strikes.
• Reusable Launch Vehicles: Reduces the cost of satellite launches by using air-breathing propulsion systems.
• Strategic Edge: Positions India among a select group of nations (USA, Russia, China) with hypersonic capabilities.
• Reduced Launch Costs: Potential for cheaper, reusable satellite launch systems by minimising fuel weight.
• Technological Breakthrough: Advances in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and material science, contributing to aerospace innovations.
Insta links:
• Scramjet
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme
Source: News on Air
Context: The Ministry of Women and Child Development is commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, a flagship initiative to empower the girl child and promote gender equality.
About Beti Bachao Beti Padhao:
• What it is: A government scheme aimed at addressing gender bias and promoting the rights, survival, and education of the girl child.
• Launched in: January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana.
• Ministry involved: Ministry of Women and Child Development in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare and Education.
• Objectives: Improve Child Sex Ratio (CSR). Ensure gender equality and empowerment of women. Prevent gender-biased, sex-selective elimination. Promote education and participation of the girl child.
• Improve Child Sex Ratio (CSR).
• Ensure gender equality and empowerment of women.
• Prevent gender-biased, sex-selective elimination.
• Promote education and participation of the girl child.
• The scheme is divided into three components:
• Advocacy campaigns were launched to address the issue of declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and Sex Ratio at Birth (SBR). Multi-sectoral interventions were planned and are being implemented in gender-critical districts across the country. A financial incentive-linked scheme—Sukanya Samriddhi scheme—was launched to encourage parents to build a fund for female children.
• Advocacy campaigns were launched to address the issue of declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and Sex Ratio at Birth (SBR).
• Multi-sectoral interventions were planned and are being implemented in gender-critical districts across the country.
• A financial incentive-linked scheme—Sukanya Samriddhi scheme—was launched to encourage parents to build a fund for female children.
• Beneficiaries: Primary: Pregnant/lactating mothers, young parents, and girl children. Secondary: Adolescents, medical professionals, private hospitals, and families. Tertiary: Community leaders, media, NGOs, and the public.
• Primary: Pregnant/lactating mothers, young parents, and girl children.
• Secondary: Adolescents, medical professionals, private hospitals, and families.
• Tertiary: Community leaders, media, NGOs, and the public.
• Eligibility: The family must have a girl child below 10 years of age. A Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA) should be opened in the girl’s name. The girl must be a resident Indian.
• The family must have a girl child below 10 years of age.
• A Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA) should be opened in the girl’s name.
• The girl must be a resident Indian.
• Features: Advocacy campaigns for addressing gender bias. Multi-sectoral interventions in gender-critical districts. Financial incentives through the Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme. Measurable outcomes, such as improving CSR and providing functional toilets for girls in schools.
• Advocacy campaigns for addressing gender bias.
• Multi-sectoral interventions in gender-critical districts.
• Financial incentives through the Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme.
• Measurable outcomes, such as improving CSR and providing functional toilets for girls in schools.
NOTE: The BBBP scheme is now integrated with Mission Shakti, a comprehensive program for women’s safety and empowerment, for implementation during the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-2022 to 2025-2026.
Insta links:
• Beti-bachao-beti-padhao-scheme
Indus Water Treaty (IWT), 1960
Source: TOI
Context: The World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert (NE) has declared that he is competent to resolve differences between India and Pakistan regarding the design of hydroelectric projects under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), 1960.
About World Bank’s Neutral Expert:
• Neutral Expert (NE) Appointed by: The World Bank, under Paragraph 7 of Annexure F of the IWT. Role: Resolving technical disputes arising under the treaty when the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) fails to find mutual agreement. Current Focus: Technical evaluation of the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects.
• Appointed by: The World Bank, under Paragraph 7 of Annexure F of the IWT.
• Role: Resolving technical disputes arising under the treaty when the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) fails to find mutual agreement.
• Current Focus: Technical evaluation of the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects.
• Dams Under Issue: Kishenganga Hydroelectric Project:
• Kishenganga Hydroelectric Project:
• Location: Jhelum River, tributary of the Indus, Jammu & Kashmir.
• Ratle Hydroelectric Project:
• Ratle Hydroelectric Project:
• Location: Chenab River, tributary of the Indus, Jammu & Kashmir.
About Indus Water Treaty:
• Established In:
• Signed in 1960 by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan President Ayub Khan. Brokered by the World Bank, which also serves as a signatory.
• Signed in 1960 by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistan President Ayub Khan.
• Brokered by the World Bank, which also serves as a signatory.
• Nations Involved: India: Allocated water from eastern rivers – Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej. Pakistan: Allocated water from western rivers – Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum.
• India: Allocated water from eastern rivers – Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej.
• Pakistan: Allocated water from western rivers – Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum.
• Features of the Treaty: Equitable distribution of the Indus River system’s water. Permits certain uses of water by both nations, including hydroelectric projects. Oversight by the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), consisting of commissioners from both countries.
• Equitable distribution of the Indus River system’s water.
• Permits certain uses of water by both nations, including hydroelectric projects.
• Oversight by the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), consisting of commissioners from both countries.
• World Bank’s Role: Appoints a Neutral Expert to resolve technical differences. Facilitates arbitration through a Court of Arbitration if disputes cannot be resolved. Ensures the treaty’s implementation and integrity.
• Appoints a Neutral Expert to resolve technical differences.
• Facilitates arbitration through a Court of Arbitration if disputes cannot be resolved.
• Ensures the treaty’s implementation and integrity.
Insta links:
• Indus-water-treaty
Takers, Not Makers Report
Source: TOI
Context: The Oxfam International report, titled Takers, Not Makers, highlights the wealth extracted from India during British colonial rule, emphasizing the enduring economic and social inequalities shaped by colonial exploitation.
About Takers, Not Makers Report
• Released by: Oxfam International at the World Economic Forum 2025.
• Coverage: Focuses on wealth extraction during colonial rule, particularly by Britain, and its impact on global inequality. Highlights modern parallels of exploitation by multinational corporations.
• Focuses on wealth extraction during colonial rule, particularly by Britain, and its impact on global inequality.
• Highlights modern parallels of exploitation by multinational corporations.
• Data Insights: $64.82 trillion extracted from India by Britain (1765–1900), adjusted for today’s value. 33.8 trillion (52%) enriched the UK’s richest 10%; 32% benefited the middle class. India’s industrial output share fell from 25% (1750) to 2% (1900) due to protectionist policies targeting Asian textiles. Systemic exploitation persists, with wages in the Global South 87–95% lower than in the Global North.
• $64.82 trillion extracted from India by Britain (1765–1900), adjusted for today’s value.
• 33.8 trillion (52%) enriched the UK’s richest 10%; 32% benefited the middle class.
• India’s industrial output share fell from 25% (1750) to 2% (1900) due to protectionist policies targeting Asian textiles.
• Systemic exploitation persists, with wages in the Global South 87–95% lower than in the Global North.
• Significance: Exposes colonialism’s lasting impact on economic, societal, and institutional inequities. Critiques global systems like the WTO and World Bank for perpetuating these disparities. Links historical exploitation to contemporary issues like biopiracy, labor exploitation, and resource extraction.
• Exposes colonialism’s lasting impact on economic, societal, and institutional inequities.
• Critiques global systems like the WTO and World Bank for perpetuating these disparities.
• Links historical exploitation to contemporary issues like biopiracy, labor exploitation, and resource extraction.
About Oxfam:
• Established in: 1942 as the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief, during World War II.
• Headquarters: Oxford, United Kingdom.
• Aim: To alleviate global poverty and address inequalities through advocacy, development programs, and humanitarian aid.
• Functions: Operates in 79 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Focuses on education, health, public services, and inequality reduction. Campaigns against issues like tax evasion, climate change, and gender disparity.
• Operates in 79 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
• Focuses on education, health, public services, and inequality reduction.
• Campaigns against issues like tax evasion, climate change, and gender disparity.
Insta links:
• Colonialism
Kashmir Chinar Trees
Source: NIE
Context: The iconic Chinar trees of Kashmir, known for their majestic appearance and cultural significance, are being digitally preserved through geo-tagging and QR codes.
• This innovative project, spearheaded by the J&K Forest Research Institute (FRI), aims to ensure the monitoring, conservation, and management of Chinar trees.
About Kashmir Chinars:
• Scientific Name: Platanus orientalis (Oriental plane).
• Habitat and Distribution: Native to regions from Italy to the Himalayas, including Turkey, the Caucasus, and Iran. Found extensively across Kashmir Valley, especially in Ganderbal and Budgam districts.
• Native to regions from Italy to the Himalayas, including Turkey, the Caucasus, and Iran.
• Found extensively across Kashmir Valley, especially in Ganderbal and Budgam districts.
• Climatic Factors: Thrives in temperate climates with well-drained soils. Requires abundant sunlight and consistent moisture levels for optimal growth.
• Thrives in temperate climates with well-drained soils.
• Requires abundant sunlight and consistent moisture levels for optimal growth.
• Features: Grows up to 30 meters in height with a girth of 10–15 meters at the base. Known for its longevity – some trees in Kashmir are over 600 years old. Leaves change colors with seasons, transitioning from deep green in summer to red, amber, and yellow in autumn.
• Grows up to 30 meters in height with a girth of 10–15 meters at the base.
• Known for its longevity – some trees in Kashmir are over 600 years old.
• Leaves change colors with seasons, transitioning from deep green in summer to red, amber, and yellow in autumn.
• Reason Behind Decline: Urbanization: Loss of habitat due to construction and infrastructure development. Climate Change: Altered rainfall patterns and temperature extremes. Illegal Felling: Exploitation for timber despite its protected status. Pests and Diseases: Increased vulnerability due to environmental stress.
• Urbanization: Loss of habitat due to construction and infrastructure development.
• Climate Change: Altered rainfall patterns and temperature extremes.
• Illegal Felling: Exploitation for timber despite its protected status.
• Pests and Diseases: Increased vulnerability due to environmental stress.
Insta links:
• Jammu-and-kashmir
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Source: PIB
Context: India celebrates Parakram Diwas annually on January 23rd to honor the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a visionary leader and a key figure in the Indian freedom movement.
About Parakram Diwas:
• Celebrated since: Introduced in 2021 by the Government of India to commemorate the legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
• Aim: To instill patriotism and courage in citizens, particularly youth, and inspire them to face challenges with determination.
• Significance: Honors Netaji’s pivotal role in India’s freedom movement. Highlights his philosophy of fearlessness and sacrifice for the nation. Encourages citizens to embrace his vision of a self-reliant and united India.
• Honors Netaji’s pivotal role in India’s freedom movement.
• Highlights his philosophy of fearlessness and sacrifice for the nation.
• Encourages citizens to embrace his vision of a self-reliant and united India.
About Subhas Chandra Bose:
• Birth and Education: Born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha. Educated at Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Presidency College, and University of Cambridge. Cleared the Indian Civil Services (ICS) exam in 1920 but resigned in 1921 to join the freedom struggle.
• Born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha.
• Educated at Ravenshaw Collegiate School, Presidency College, and University of Cambridge.
• Cleared the Indian Civil Services (ICS) exam in 1920 but resigned in 1921 to join the freedom struggle.
• Role in Freedom Movement: Active in the Indian National Congress (INC); became its president in 1938 (Haripura) and 1939 (Tripuri). Resigned due to ideological differences with Mahatma Gandhi and formed the Forward Bloc in 1939. Founded the Indian National Army (INA) with Japanese support, issuing the call to arms: “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom.” Established the Azad Hind Government in 1943 to unite Indians against British rule.
• Active in the Indian National Congress (INC); became its president in 1938 (Haripura) and 1939 (Tripuri).
• Resigned due to ideological differences with Mahatma Gandhi and formed the Forward Bloc in 1939.
• Founded the Indian National Army (INA) with Japanese support, issuing the call to arms: “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom.”
• Established the Azad Hind Government in 1943 to unite Indians against British rule.
• Literature and Media: Edited the newspaper Forward, advocating for Swaraj. Authored The Indian Struggle, detailing India’s fight for independence from 1920 to 1934.
• Edited the newspaper Forward, advocating for Swaraj.
• Authored The Indian Struggle, detailing India’s fight for independence from 1920 to 1934.
• Associated Parties: Indian National Congress (INC): Advocated complete independence and industrialization. Forward Bloc: Founded to unify anti-British forces with socialist ideals. Indian National Army (INA): Mobilized overseas Indians and prisoners of war to fight against British forces.
• Indian National Congress (INC): Advocated complete independence and industrialization.
• Forward Bloc: Founded to unify anti-British forces with socialist ideals.
• Indian National Army (INA): Mobilized overseas Indians and prisoners of war to fight against British forces.
Insta links:
One Nation, One Legislative Platform
Source: News on Air
Context: The 85th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC) concluded in Patna, Bihar, addressing critical issues in legislative proceedings, such as disruptions, decorum, and enhancing the role of legislative bodies.
• The conference also highlighted the upcoming One Nation, One Legislative Platform, aiming to unify all legislative bodies on a single digital platform.
About All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC):
• Origin: Established in 1921, with the first conference held in Shimla. It is the apex body of Indian legislatures, bringing together presiding officers of Parliament and state legislatures.
• Established in 1921, with the first conference held in Shimla.
• It is the apex body of Indian legislatures, bringing together presiding officers of Parliament and state legislatures.
• 2025 Conference Highlights: Held in Patna, Bihar, in the historic Bihar Legislature Premises. Resolutions focused on curbing disruptions, improving debate quality, and celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Constitution with public engagement initiatives.
• Held in Patna, Bihar, in the historic Bihar Legislature Premises.
• Resolutions focused on curbing disruptions, improving debate quality, and celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Constitution with public engagement initiatives.
• Aim: Strengthen democratic institutions by fostering accountability, transparency, and robust legislative practices.
• Significance: Enhances coordination among legislative bodies. Promotes cooperative federalism and ensures legislatures effectively address local and national issues. Drives initiatives like digitization and public accessibility in legislative processes.
• Enhances coordination among legislative bodies.
• Promotes cooperative federalism and ensures legislatures effectively address local and national issues.
• Drives initiatives like digitization and public accessibility in legislative processes.
About One Nation, One Legislative Platform:
• What it is: A mission to integrate all legislative bodies of India—Parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies—onto a single digital platform.
• Aim: Enable real-time sharing of legislative data and practices. Foster transparency, accountability, and public participation in legislative processes.
• Enable real-time sharing of legislative data and practices.
• Foster transparency, accountability, and public participation in legislative processes.
• Features of One Nation, One Legislative Platform:
• Integrated Digital Platform: Unifies Parliament, state legislatures, and local bodies on a single platform for seamless data sharing and coordination.
• Real-Time Information: Provides live updates on legislative proceedings, bills, and debates to enhance transparency and accessibility.
• AI and Technology Integration: Utilizes Artificial Intelligence to streamline legislative functioning, analyze data, and improve decision-making.
• Paperless Legislatures: Promotes eco-friendly practices by digitizing legislative records, reducing dependency on physical documentation.
• Public Accessibility: Ensures citizens can access legislative information, encouraging participation and fostering accountability.
Insta links:
• Legislative-relations
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 January 2025 Mapping:
Vaigai River
Source: TH
Context: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed local bodies in Tamil Nadu’s to prepare an actionable timeline to rejuvenate the Vaigai River.
About Vaigai River:
• Origin: The Vaigai River originates from the Varusanadu Hills on the Periyar Plateau in the Western Ghats.
• End Point: It empties into the Palk Strait, near the Pamban Bridge in Ramanathapuram district.
• Tributaries: Major tributaries include Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru, Varaaga Nadhi, Manjalaru, Kottagudi, Kridhumaal, and Upparu.
• Flow through states: It primarily flows through the state of Tamil Nadu.
• Dams and Features: Vaigai Dam: A crucial structure for irrigation and water storage located near Andipatti in Theni district. Vattaparai Falls: A notable waterfall situated on the river. Cultural and Historical Significance: Revered in Sangam literature, dating back to 300 BCE. Known as Kritamaala, symbolizing its flow around Madurai like a garland. Mentioned in Thiruvilayadal Puranam, emphasizing its association with the Pandya kingdom.
• Vaigai Dam: A crucial structure for irrigation and water storage located near Andipatti in Theni district.
• Vattaparai Falls: A notable waterfall situated on the river.
• Cultural and Historical Significance: Revered in Sangam literature, dating back to 300 BCE. Known as Kritamaala, symbolizing its flow around Madurai like a garland. Mentioned in Thiruvilayadal Puranam, emphasizing its association with the Pandya kingdom.
• Revered in Sangam literature, dating back to 300 BCE.
• Known as Kritamaala, symbolizing its flow around Madurai like a garland.
• Mentioned in Thiruvilayadal Puranam, emphasizing its association with the Pandya kingdom.
Insta links:
• Places-in-news
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 22 Jan 2025
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