UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 January 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 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 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 January (2025)
• India Renewable Energy Achievement
India Renewable Energy Achievement
GS Paper 4:
• Animal Diplomacy
Animal Diplomacy
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Gandhi’s Ideas of India: Past and Present
Gandhi’s Ideas of India: Past and Present
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Party Whips
Party Whips
• LID-568
LID-568
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
• Antivenom
Antivenom
• Ministry of Culture’s Tableau
Ministry of Culture’s Tableau
• Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme
Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme
• Mission SCOT
Mission SCOT
Mapping:
• Dhanauri Wetland
Dhanauri Wetland
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 January 2025
#### GS Paper 3 :
India Renewable Energy Achievement
Syllabus: Renewable Energy
Source: PIB
Context: In 2024, India achieved record-breaking milestones in renewable energy installations and policy advancements, setting a robust foundation for future growth.
What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy refers to energy derived from natural and replenishable sources like solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy is sustainable, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports a cleaner environment.
India Renewable Energy Target:
• 2030 Goal: Achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity.
• Short-Term Milestones: Reach 50% of energy capacity from renewable sources by 2030.
• Current Progress: As of January 2025, India has achieved 217.62 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity.
• Net-Zero Commitment: Attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
Major achievements in renewable energy in India:
Category | Achievement | Details
Solar Energy | 24.5 GW added | Utility-scale solar grew by 2.8x compared to 2023, led by Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.
Rooftop Solar | 4.59 GW installed | Facilitated by the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, with 7 lakh installations in 10 months.
Off-Grid Solar | 1.48 GW added | Recorded a 182% increase, enhancing rural electrification and energy access.
Wind Energy | 3.4 GW added | Gujarat, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu accounted for 98% of new wind installations.
Hydropower | Significant modernization | Existing plants upgraded for better efficiency.
Total Non-Fossil Energy | Achieved 217.62 GW capacity | Includes solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass, reflecting India’s commitment to its clean energy goals.
Government schemes driving renewable energy success:
• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: Facilitated rooftop solar installations, especially in urban areas.
• Green Energy Corridor (GEC): Strengthened transmission systems for renewable energy-rich states.
• Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME): Promoted electric mobility, indirectly supporting renewable energy adoption.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA): Aimed to foster global cooperation in solar energy deployment.
• National Smart Grid Mission (NSGM): Enhanced grid integration to accommodate variable renewable energy sources.
• Hydrogen Energy Mission: Pushed for green hydrogen production as an alternative fuel.
Challenges to renewable energy in India:
• Land Acquisition Issues: Large-scale projects like solar parks face resistance from local communities over land use.
• Grid Stability: Intermittency of Renewable Energy sources like solar and wind strains grid reliability, especially during peak production.
• Storage Limitations: Lack of large-scale energy storage solutions hinders efficient utilization of renewable power.
• E-Waste Management: Rising deployment of solar panels and batteries creates challenges in end-of-life recycling.
• Resource Dependency: Dependence on imported critical minerals like lithium and cobalt affects the supply chain.
• Policy and Regulatory Hurdles: Delayed approvals and inconsistencies in state-level policies slow down project execution.
Way ahead:
• Floating Solar Projects: Utilize reservoirs and water bodies for solar installations, preserving land and enhancing efficiency.
• Decentralized Energy Systems: Promote blockchain-enabled peer-to-peer energy trading to support small-scale renewable generation.
• Green Hydrogen Push: Establish hydrogen highways and integrate surplus renewable energy for hydrogen production.
• Circular Economy for E-Waste: Develop comprehensive policies for recycling solar panels and batteries to reduce environmental risks.
• Urban Renewable Energy Integration: Create incentives for rooftop solar and wind turbines in densely populated urban areas.
• Regional Energy Hubs: Establish Renewable Energy Special Economic Zones (RE-SEZs) for localized manufacturing and innovation.
Conclusion:
India’s renewable energy sector has achieved significant progress in 2024, with record-breaking installations and supportive policies. As the country advances towards its 2030 targets, addressing infrastructural, regulatory, and environmental challenges will be crucial to sustaining momentum and ensuring a clean energy future.
Insta Links:
• The-integration-of-smart-grids-and-renewable-energy-sources
• “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (UPSC- 2018)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 January 2025 GS Paper 4:
Animal Diplomacy
Syllabus: Ethics in International Relations
Source: IE
Context: Nepal Prime Minister proposal to gift surplus tigers as a diplomatic gesture has sparked global debate.
About Animal Diplomacy:
• What is Animal Diplomacy? Animal diplomacy involves the use of animals as symbols of cultural goodwill or as tools to strengthen international ties. This practice has been widely used to foster relationships between countries.
• Animal diplomacy involves the use of animals as symbols of cultural goodwill or as tools to strengthen international ties. This practice has been widely used to foster relationships between countries.
Features of Animal Diplomacy:
• Cultural Representation: Animals symbolize the natural heritage of their home country.
E.g. China’s pandas reflect its culture and conservation success.
• Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Gifting animals enhances goodwill and diplomatic ties.
E.g. Nepal gifting one-horned rhinos to Germany in 2015.
• Economic Leverage: Animals can facilitate trade deals or partnerships.
E.g. China’s panda loans often align with trade agreements.
• Conservation Symbolism: Animals highlight the donor country’s environmental commitment.
E.g. Bhutan’s black-necked crane initiatives promote conservation.
• Tourism Boost: Exotic animals in zoos attract global tourists and increase revenue.
E.g. Zoo’s hosting pandas report record attendance.
Role of Animals in Strengthening Diplomacy:
• Symbol of Goodwill: Animal gifts signify friendship and cooperation.
E.g. Nehru gifting an elephant to Japan in 1949 symbolized post-war unity.
• Soft Power Tool: Animal diplomacy strengthens global influence and alliances.
E.g. China’s “Panda Diplomacy” enhances its international image.
• Conservation Partnerships: Shared conservation goals promote international collaboration.
E.g. Nepal gifting rhinos to Qatar in 2024 to highlight conservation efforts.
• Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation: Wildlife resources are leveraged to build partnerships.
E.g. Botswana uses its wildlife to foster sustainable tourism collaborations.
• Promoting Cultural Exchange: Animal gifts showcase cultural heritage and traditions.
E.g. Thailand gifting elephants emphasizes its national identity.
Negative Impacts of Animal Diplomacy:
Ethical Concerns:
• Animal Welfare Risks: Transport and captivity stress animals, affecting their health.
E.g. Pandas struggle to adapt to foreign climates, leading to health issues.
• Exploitation for Political Gains: Animals are commodified, ignoring their intrinsic value.
E.g. Animals are traded as diplomatic tools rather than for conservation.
• Removal from Natural Habitat: Disrupts ecosystems and hinders biodiversity conservation.
E.g. Endangered species removed for gifting purposes impact local ecology.
• Cultural and Ethical Sensitivities: Gifts may conflict with the recipient country’s values.
E.g. Gifting cows to vegetarian societies may spark cultural controversies.
Non-Ethical Concerns:
• Illegal Wildlife Trade Risk: Diplomatic exchanges can fuel black-market trade.
E.g. Conservation efforts are misused for trafficking exotic species.
• Risk of Diplomatic Strains: Mismanagement or death of animals can sour relations.
E.g. Deaths of pandas loaned by China caused public and diplomatic backlash.
• Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Costs: Diplomacy often overlooks lasting ecological effects.
E.g. Gifting apex predators can destabilize ecosystems in recipient countries.
Way Ahead:
• Ethical Frameworks: Develop international standards to ensure animal welfare in diplomatic exchanges.
• Focus on Conservation Collaborations: Promote partnerships for species protection instead of gifting animals.
• Symbolic Representations: Use symbolic or artistic representations of animals to maintain goodwill.
• Education and Awareness: Encourage global awareness about species conservation through non-invasive means.
• Regulatory Oversight: Ensure global bodies like CITES regulate animal transfers with strict accountability.
Conclusion:
Animal diplomacy must evolve with a stronger focus on ethical practices, ensuring that both diplomatic goals and animal welfare are upheld harmoniously.
Insta Links:
• Cricket-diplomacy
• Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (UPSC-2020)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 January 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Gandhi’s Ideas of India: Past and Present
Context: Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas continue to shape India’s socio-political and ethical fabric, resonating across generations.
About Gandhi’s Ideas of India: Past and Present
• Past Vision: Gandhi envisioned India as a pluralistic society, rooted in truth (Satya) and non-violence (Ahimsa). Advocated for swaraj, emphasizing self-reliance at individual and community levels. Focused on integrating ethical learning, health, civic conduct, and practical knowledge into the nation’s fabric. Critiqued modern institutions like law, medicine, and economics, highlighting their detachment from experiential truth and human well-being.
• Gandhi envisioned India as a pluralistic society, rooted in truth (Satya) and non-violence (Ahimsa).
• Advocated for swaraj, emphasizing self-reliance at individual and community levels.
• Focused on integrating ethical learning, health, civic conduct, and practical knowledge into the nation’s fabric.
• Critiqued modern institutions like law, medicine, and economics, highlighting their detachment from experiential truth and human well-being.
• Present Relevance: Gandhi’s ideas are relevant in countering excessive identities and growing polarization in society. His emphasis on self-reflection, ethical governance, and inclusivity offers solutions to modern challenges like environmental degradation, inequality, and communal discord. Gandhi’s model of non-violent mass movements inspires civil protests and advocacy for rights across the world. His critique of colonialism and materialism aligns with contemporary calls for sustainable development and ethical consumption.
• Gandhi’s ideas are relevant in countering excessive identities and growing polarization in society.
• His emphasis on self-reflection, ethical governance, and inclusivity offers solutions to modern challenges like environmental degradation, inequality, and communal discord.
• Gandhi’s model of non-violent mass movements inspires civil protests and advocacy for rights across the world.
• His critique of colonialism and materialism aligns with contemporary calls for sustainable development and ethical consumption.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 1: Modern Indian History: Gandhi’s role in India’s freedom struggle and his philosophies on swaraj and non-violence. Indian Society: Gandhi’s emphasis on pluralism, inclusivity, and ethical living.
• Modern Indian History: Gandhi’s role in India’s freedom struggle and his philosophies on swaraj and non-violence.
• Indian Society: Gandhi’s emphasis on pluralism, inclusivity, and ethical living.
• GS Paper 2: Governance and Constitution: Principles of ethical governance, decentralization, and the influence of Gandhi’s philosophy on India’s constitutional framework.
• Governance and Constitution: Principles of ethical governance, decentralization, and the influence of Gandhi’s philosophy on India’s constitutional framework.
• GS Paper 4: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude: Application of Gandhi’s ideals in decision-making, leadership, and resolving ethical dilemmas. Case studies on truth, non-violence, and civic responsibility.
• Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude: Application of Gandhi’s ideals in decision-making, leadership, and resolving ethical dilemmas.
• Case studies on truth, non-violence, and civic responsibility.
• Essay: Topics on leadership, ethics, and India’s journey of self-reliance and inclusivity can draw inspiration from Gandhi’s ideas.
• Topics on leadership, ethics, and India’s journey of self-reliance and inclusivity can draw inspiration from Gandhi’s ideas.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 January 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Party Whips
Source: IE
Context: Indian Vice President recently questioned the relevance of party whips in parliamentary proceedings, stating that they curtail legislators’ freedom and restrict their independent decision-making.
About Whip in Parliamentary Practice:
• What is a Whip? A whip is a written directive issued by a political party to its legislators, mandating their presence during an important vote or requiring them to vote in a specific way. It derives from the British parliamentary practice of “whipping in” members to ensure adherence to the party line.
• A whip is a written directive issued by a political party to its legislators, mandating their presence during an important vote or requiring them to vote in a specific way.
• It derives from the British parliamentary practice of “whipping in” members to ensure adherence to the party line.
• Appointed by: Each political party designates a Chief Whip, usually a senior legislator, to issue whips.
• Constitutional Status: The Constitution of India does not explicitly mention whips.
• Types of Whips: One-line Whip: Informs members about an important vote but allows abstention if they choose not to follow the party line. Two-line Whip: Directs members to be present during the vote, without explicitly binding them to vote in a particular way. Three-line Whip: The most stringent, mandating members to be present and vote according to the party’s directive. Defiance can lead to disqualification under the anti-defection law.
• One-line Whip: Informs members about an important vote but allows abstention if they choose not to follow the party line.
• Two-line Whip: Directs members to be present during the vote, without explicitly binding them to vote in a particular way.
• Three-line Whip: The most stringent, mandating members to be present and vote according to the party’s directive. Defiance can lead to disqualification under the anti-defection law.
• Functions and Powers: Ensure Attendance: Whips ensure party members are present during crucial legislative sessions and votes. Party Discipline: Maintains internal discipline by aligning members’ actions with party objectives. Strengthens Decision-making: Ensures cohesion in voting on critical matters like budgets, Bills, and motions of no-confidence. Compliance Monitoring: Tracks members’ adherence to the party line and reports instances of defiance. Prevents Fragmentation: By enforcing a collective stance, whips mitigate the risk of internal divisions in the party.
• Ensure Attendance: Whips ensure party members are present during crucial legislative sessions and votes.
• Party Discipline: Maintains internal discipline by aligning members’ actions with party objectives.
• Strengthens Decision-making: Ensures cohesion in voting on critical matters like budgets, Bills, and motions of no-confidence.
• Compliance Monitoring: Tracks members’ adherence to the party line and reports instances of defiance.
• Prevents Fragmentation: By enforcing a collective stance, whips mitigate the risk of internal divisions in the party.
Insta links:
• What-is-a-whip?
LID-568
Source: TH
Context: The discovery of LID-568, a low-mass supermassive black hole feeding at an unprecedented rate, has opened new avenues in understanding black hole formation and growth.
About LID-568:
• What it is: LID-568 is a low-mass supermassive black hole that existed just 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang. Discovered using X-ray and infrared observations, it resides in a galaxy that exhibits minimal star formation, likely influenced by the black hole’s outflows.
• LID-568 is a low-mass supermassive black hole that existed just 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang.
• Discovered using X-ray and infrared observations, it resides in a galaxy that exhibits minimal star formation, likely influenced by the black hole’s outflows.
• Features: Super-Eddington Accretion: It feeds on surrounding matter at a rate 40 times the Eddington limit, a theoretical cap on black hole feeding and radiation.
• Super-Eddington Accretion: It feeds on surrounding matter at a rate 40 times the Eddington limit, a theoretical cap on black hole feeding and radiation.
Eddington Limit: The Eddington limit is the maximum rate at which a black hole or star can accrete matter without its outward radiation pressure counteracting the gravitational pull.
§ If this limit is exceeded, the infalling matter is pushed away, preventing further accretion.
• Distance: It is one of the most distant black holes to exhibit such extreme feeding behavior. Effects on Galaxy: Powerful outflows from LID-568 prevent the accumulation of matter required for new star formation.
• Distance: It is one of the most distant black holes to exhibit such extreme feeding behavior.
• Effects on Galaxy: Powerful outflows from LID-568 prevent the accumulation of matter required for new star formation.
• Significance: Challenges Current Models: Its rapid growth contradicts existing theories that supermassive black holes require sustained feeding over hundreds of millions of years. Insights into Early Universe: Suggests that short-lived periods of intense feeding could explain the formation of massive black holes in a young universe. Future Research: Provides a foundation for further studies into black hole accretion mechanics and their impact on galaxy evolution.
• Challenges Current Models: Its rapid growth contradicts existing theories that supermassive black holes require sustained feeding over hundreds of millions of years.
• Insights into Early Universe: Suggests that short-lived periods of intense feeding could explain the formation of massive black holes in a young universe.
• Future Research: Provides a foundation for further studies into black hole accretion mechanics and their impact on galaxy evolution.
Insta links:
• Black-holes
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Source: NDTV
Context: Recently, the Indian automobile market has witnessed the widespread integration of ADAS features in four-wheeler vehicles, significantly enhancing car safety.
About Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS):
• What is ADAS? ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, a combination of technologies designed to improve driver safety, enhance convenience, and minimize the risk of accidents. It integrates sensors, cameras, and processors to analyze real-time data and provide alerts or automated assistance to the driver.
• ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, a combination of technologies designed to improve driver safety, enhance convenience, and minimize the risk of accidents.
• It integrates sensors, cameras, and processors to analyze real-time data and provide alerts or automated assistance to the driver.
• How Does ADAS Work?
• Sensors and Cameras: Commonly used sensors include RADAR, LiDAR, and SONAR, paired with 360-degree cameras that monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. Data Processing: Real-time data is processed by onboard computers to assess the environment, make decisions, and alert the driver or take automated actions. Response Mechanism: Based on processed data, ADAS can initiate actions such as braking, steering corrections, or collision warnings faster than human reaction times.
• Sensors and Cameras: Commonly used sensors include RADAR, LiDAR, and SONAR, paired with 360-degree cameras that monitor the vehicle’s surroundings.
• Data Processing: Real-time data is processed by onboard computers to assess the environment, make decisions, and alert the driver or take automated actions.
• Response Mechanism: Based on processed data, ADAS can initiate actions such as braking, steering corrections, or collision warnings faster than human reaction times.
• Key Features of ADAS:
• Collision Intervention Systems: Prevents incoming collisions by detecting obstacles. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Applies brakes if the driver does not react to warnings. Blindspot Alert and Avoidance: Warns of vehicles in blind spots and adjusts accordingly. Lane Departure Alert and Lane Keep Assist: Alerts and steers the vehicle back into its lane if it deviates. Traffic Sign Recognition: Identifies road signs and informs the driver. Driver Drowsiness Detection: Monitors driver fatigue and provides alerts. Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead by adjusting speed. Parking Assist: Automates or assists during parking using cameras and sensors.
• Collision Intervention Systems: Prevents incoming collisions by detecting obstacles.
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Applies brakes if the driver does not react to warnings.
• Blindspot Alert and Avoidance: Warns of vehicles in blind spots and adjusts accordingly.
• Lane Departure Alert and Lane Keep Assist: Alerts and steers the vehicle back into its lane if it deviates.
• Traffic Sign Recognition: Identifies road signs and informs the driver.
• Driver Drowsiness Detection: Monitors driver fatigue and provides alerts.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead by adjusting speed.
• Parking Assist: Automates or assists during parking using cameras and sensors.
• Levels of ADAS: (Developed by the SAE (The Society of Automotive Engineers International))
• Only Level 2 and below ADAS equipped cars can be found in India.
• Only Level 2 and below ADAS equipped cars can be found in India.
• Advantages of ADAS:
• Enhanced Safety: Reduces collision risks with forward collision alerts and automatic braking.
• Convenience: Reduces driver fatigue with adaptive cruise control and automated parking.
• Fuel Efficiency: Improves mileage through optimized acceleration and braking.
• Traffic Sign Compliance: Alerts drivers to follow road regulations.
• Driver Assistance: Improves navigation and decision-making in complex traffic scenarios.
• Limitations of ADAS in India:
• Infrastructure Challenges: Poor road markings and uneven infrastructure hinder system accuracy.
• Unpredictable Hazards: Stray animals and unregulated traffic complicate detection and response.
• Weather and Lighting: ADAS performance may degrade under low light or adverse weather conditions.
• System Accountability: Lack of clarity on whether the driver or ADAS is responsible during failures.
Insta links:
• Road-accident-in-India
Antivenom
Source: TH
Context: India, known as the ‘snakebite capital of the world,’ records over 58,000 deaths annually from venomous snakebites, despite being the largest producer and consumer of antivenoms.
About Antivenoms:
• What are Antivenoms? Antivenoms are life-saving medicines used to neutralize snake venom toxins. Produced by injecting venom into animals (usually horses), their immune systems generate specific antibodies, which are then extracted, purified, and formulated as antivenoms.
• Antivenoms are life-saving medicines used to neutralize snake venom toxins. Produced by injecting venom into animals (usually horses), their immune systems generate specific antibodies, which are then extracted, purified, and formulated as antivenoms.
• The Big Four Snakes: India’s primary venomous snakes contributing to most snakebite deaths are: Indian Cobra (Naja naja), Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus), Russell’s Viper (Daboia russelii) and Saw-scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)
• How is Antivenom Produced?
• Venom Extraction: Snakes are milked to collect venom in controlled conditions. Immunization: Horses are injected with small, increasing doses of venom over weeks to stimulate antibody production. Antibody Extraction: Antibodies generated in the horses’ blood are extracted, purified, and processed into antivenoms. Formulation: The purified antibodies are prepared for clinical use, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
• Venom Extraction: Snakes are milked to collect venom in controlled conditions.
• Immunization: Horses are injected with small, increasing doses of venom over weeks to stimulate antibody production.
• Antibody Extraction: Antibodies generated in the horses’ blood are extracted, purified, and processed into antivenoms.
• Formulation: The purified antibodies are prepared for clinical use, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
• Features of Antivenoms:
• Specific Binding: Antivenoms neutralize toxins by binding to them like a key in a lock. Life-Saving: They counteract venom effects like paralysis, blood clotting, and tissue destruction. Polyvalent Nature: Current antivenoms target multiple snake species but have limited efficacy against less common species. Critical Role in Healthcare: Antivenoms are essential for treating snakebite victims in rural and urban areas.
• Specific Binding: Antivenoms neutralize toxins by binding to them like a key in a lock.
• Life-Saving: They counteract venom effects like paralysis, blood clotting, and tissue destruction.
• Polyvalent Nature: Current antivenoms target multiple snake species but have limited efficacy against less common species.
• Critical Role in Healthcare: Antivenoms are essential for treating snakebite victims in rural and urban areas.
• Limitations of Antivenoms:
• Geographic Inefficacy: Polyvalent antivenoms are ineffective against several region-specific snake species. Cold Storage Dependency: Antivenoms require uninterrupted refrigeration, often unavailable in remote areas. Economic Barriers: High manufacturing costs make them inaccessible for economically disadvantaged populations.
• Geographic Inefficacy: Polyvalent antivenoms are ineffective against several region-specific snake species.
• Cold Storage Dependency: Antivenoms require uninterrupted refrigeration, often unavailable in remote areas.
• Economic Barriers: High manufacturing costs make them inaccessible for economically disadvantaged populations.
Insta links:
• Notifiable-diseases
Ministry of Culture’s Tableau
Source: PIB
Context: The Ministry of Culture’s tableau presented on Republic Day 2025 reflects India’s cultural richness and creativity, aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’ (Heritage with Development).
About Tableau Key Components and Their Significance:
• Yaadh on the Potter’s Wheel: What it Represents: The ancient Tamil musical instrument symbolizes the continuity and depth of India’s musical and artistic traditions. Significance: Reflects India’s rooted heritage in performing arts and its evolution over centuries.
• What it Represents: The ancient Tamil musical instrument symbolizes the continuity and depth of India’s musical and artistic traditions.
• Significance: Reflects India’s rooted heritage in performing arts and its evolution over centuries.
• Kinetic Kalpavriksha: What it Represents: The sacred wish-fulfilling tree that transforms into the ‘Golden Bird.’ Significance: Symbolizes India’s rich cultural heritage and aspirations for economic progress and creativity.
• What it Represents: The sacred wish-fulfilling tree that transforms into the ‘Golden Bird.’
• Significance: Symbolizes India’s rich cultural heritage and aspirations for economic progress and creativity.
• Digital Screens: What it Represents: Ten digital panels displaying the diversity of India’s creative fields, including performing arts, literature, architecture, design, and tourism. Significance: Showcases how India’s cultural diversity serves as a foundation for its growth and innovation.
• What it Represents: Ten digital panels displaying the diversity of India’s creative fields, including performing arts, literature, architecture, design, and tourism.
• Significance: Showcases how India’s cultural diversity serves as a foundation for its growth and innovation.
• Golden Bird Transformation: What it Represents: India’s legacy as ‘Sone Ki Chidiya’ (Golden Bird) and its path toward reclaiming this title through sustainable and inclusive development. Significance: Reinforces the message of cultural pride and national progress.
• What it Represents: India’s legacy as ‘Sone Ki Chidiya’ (Golden Bird) and its path toward reclaiming this title through sustainable and inclusive development.
• Significance: Reinforces the message of cultural pride and national progress.
Insta links:
• Cultural-heritage-structures-and-monuments
Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme
Source: DD News
Context: The Union Government has introduced the Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme, aimed at enhancing competitiveness, boosting exports, and safeguarding employment in the sector.
About Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme:
• What it is: The DIA Scheme allows duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds under ¼ carat (25 cents) with an export obligation of 10% value addition.
• Ministry involved: Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Aim: To promote value addition, export growth, and enhance the competitiveness of Indian diamond exporters, particularly MSMEs.
• Key features: Duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds. Exporters with Two Star Export House status or higher and a minimum annual export of $15 million are eligible. 10% value addition as export obligation. Aims to generate employment opportunities, particularly for diamond assorters and semi-finished diamond processors.
• Duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds.
• Exporters with Two Star Export House status or higher and a minimum annual export of $15 million are eligible.
• 10% value addition as export obligation.
• Aims to generate employment opportunities, particularly for diamond assorters and semi-finished diamond processors.
• Implementation: The scheme will be effective from April 1, 2025, and will be monitored under the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
• The scheme will be effective from April 1, 2025, and will be monitored under the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
Insta links:
• Lab-grown-diamond
Mission SCOT
Source: PM India
Context: Indian Prime Minister lauded Digantara, a pioneering Indian space startup, for the successful launch of Mission SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking).
About Mission SCOT:
• What it is: Mission SCOT is one of the world’s first commercial satellites for Space Situational Awareness (SSA), designed to enhance tracking and monitoring of Resident Space Objects (RSOs).
• Developed by: It is an inaugural mission by Digantara, an Indian space startup supported by Aditya Birla Ventures and SIDBI.
• Aims: To monitor smaller RSOs in space and provide superior surveillance, thus filling critical gaps in existing space monitoring systems. To enhance national security and facilitate safer space operations.
• To monitor smaller RSOs in space and provide superior surveillance, thus filling critical gaps in existing space monitoring systems.
• To enhance national security and facilitate safer space operations.
• Key Features: Launch Vehicle: Deployed aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission. Orbit: Operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring efficient tracking of objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Enhanced Capabilities: Monitors objects as small as 5 cm with high revisit rates and tracking accuracy. Technological Edge: Unlike traditional systems hindered by Field of View (FoV), weather conditions, and geographic limitations, SCOT ensures continuous and reliable surveillance. Support for Space Safety: Focuses on minimizing collision risks by tracking space debris and enhancing space traffic management.
• Launch Vehicle: Deployed aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission.
• Orbit: Operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring efficient tracking of objects in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• Enhanced Capabilities: Monitors objects as small as 5 cm with high revisit rates and tracking accuracy.
• Technological Edge: Unlike traditional systems hindered by Field of View (FoV), weather conditions, and geographic limitations, SCOT ensures continuous and reliable surveillance.
• Support for Space Safety: Focuses on minimizing collision risks by tracking space debris and enhancing space traffic management.
Insta links:
• Space-debris
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 January 2025 Mapping:
Dhanauri Wetland
Source: IE
Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to provide a detailed status report within four weeks regarding the notification of the Dhanauri Wetland, near the Jewar airport, as a wetland.
About Dhanauri Wetland:
• Location: Situated in Dhanauri village near Dankaur in Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
• River Association: Though primarily a standalone wetland, it forms part of the Yamuna River basin ecosystem.
• Features and Uniqueness: Home to 217 bird species, including 150 Sarus Cranes, the state bird of Uttar Pradesh. Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. During peak migratory seasons (November-March), it hosts up to 50,000 waterfowl. Documented by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) for its ecological significance.
• Home to 217 bird species, including 150 Sarus Cranes, the state bird of Uttar Pradesh.
• Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
• During peak migratory seasons (November-March), it hosts up to 50,000 waterfowl.
• Documented by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) for its ecological significance.
About Ramsar Sites:
• What is a Ramsar Site? A Ramsar Site is a wetland designated for international importance under the Ramsar Convention of 1971, a global treaty for wetland conservation and sustainable use. Wetlands chosen as Ramsar sites meet criteria based on their ecological, biodiversity, or cultural significance.
• A Ramsar Site is a wetland designated for international importance under the Ramsar Convention of 1971, a global treaty for wetland conservation and sustainable use.
• Wetlands chosen as Ramsar sites meet criteria based on their ecological, biodiversity, or cultural significance.
• Who Declares Wetlands? State Governments notify wetlands under their jurisdiction for conservation measures.
• State Governments notify wetlands under their jurisdiction for conservation measures.
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Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 23 Jan 2025
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