UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 April 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 April 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 – 24 April (2025)
• Judicial Despotism
Judicial Despotism
GS Paper 3:
• Coral Bleaching
Coral Bleaching
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Jana Sevaka
Jana Sevaka
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
• SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES)
SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES)
• Dhruv ALH helicopters
Dhruv ALH helicopters
• Non-Tariff Barriers
Non-Tariff Barriers
• Gold Prices Rise
Gold Prices Rise
Mapping:
• Pahalgam
Pahalgam
• Sea of Marmara
Sea of Marmara
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 April 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Judicial Despotism
Syllabus: Polity
Source: TH
Context: Recent Supreme Court rulings, including on Article 370, Governor’s Bill assent powers, and judicial use of Article 142, have reignited debates over judicial overreach.
What is Judicial Despotism?
Judicial despotism refers to a scenario where unelected judges exercise excessive power, overriding legislative and executive authority.
• It arises when courts act beyond interpretation, venturing into policy-making or governance roles.
Features of Judicial Despotism:
• Frequent invocation of Article 142: The power to ensure “complete justice” can be used to bypass statutory procedures (e.g., Babri Masjid ruling).
• Expanding PIL jurisdiction: Courts entertain petitions even without personal grievance, affecting separation of powers.
• Weakening democratic accountability: Judges face no electoral scrutiny unlike elected lawmakers.
• Supersession in appointments: Judicial collegium bypasses seniority, often in the name of diversity or discretion.
• Policy pronouncements without legislative mandate: E.g., issuing guidelines on mob lynching or banning crackers without codified law.
Causes of Judicial Despotism:
• Judicial vacuum during emergencies: Post-Emergency, courts expanded powers through doctrines like PIL to restore legitimacy.
• Legislative and executive inaction: Courts step in when other organs fail to act or delay decisions (e.g., delays by Governors in Bill assent).
• Ambiguity in constitutional provisions: Vague language in Articles like 142 and 370 gives wide discretion to courts.
• Public pressure and media spotlight: Heightened expectations push courts to act as saviors of civil liberties.
• Lack of checks and balances: Absence of formal accountability for judges creates space for unchecked authority.
Consequences of Judicial Despotism:
• Erosion of democratic principles: Overstepping courts risk replacing legislative processes with personal interpretations.
• Breakdown of institutional trust: Perception of bias or activism weakens trust in judicial neutrality (e.g., Pegasus, electoral bonds cases).
• Stalemates in governance: Overreach may delay or reverse policy decisions (e.g., NJAC ruling blocked reforms in judicial appointments).
• Threat to federalism: Judiciary can indirectly undermine state autonomy (e.g., refusal to restore full statehood to J&K).
• Misuse of contempt powers: Silencing fair criticism under contempt of court may breed judicial intolerance.
Way Ahead:
• Limit use of Article 142 to truly exceptional situations; judicial orders must align with substantive law.
• Strengthen legislative responsibility by reducing policy gaps and promoting timely lawmaking.
• Improve judicial accountability through transparent collegium reforms and performance reviews.
• Encourage balanced dialogue among organs to resolve institutional conflicts harmoniously.
• Promote judicial restraint by reinforcing the doctrine of separation of powers in judgments and conduct.
Conclusion:
India’s judiciary remains a critical pillar of constitutional democracy. However, overreach in the name of activism can undermine its legitimacy. True constitutionalism lies in institutional humility, where courts act as guardians—not governors—of the Constitution.
• Judicial Legislation is antithetical to the doctrine of separation of powers as envisaged in the Indian Constitution. In this context justify the filing of large number of public interest petitions praying for issuing guidelines to executive authorities. (UPSC-2020)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 April 2025 GS Paper 3:
Coral Bleaching
Syllabus: Ecology
Source: DTE
Context: The world is witnessing its worst coral bleaching event ever, with nearly 84% of global coral reefs affected, as confirmed by NOAA and the International Coral Reef Initiative.
What is Coral Bleaching?
• Coral bleaching occurs when prolonged thermal stress causes corals to expel zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae), leading to loss of color and vital energy source.
• Bleached corals appear white and become highly vulnerable to disease, starvation, and eventual death.
Key Features of the Current Event:
• Unprecedented Scope: Bleaching-level heat stress has impacted 83.7% of coral reef areas worldwide (NOAA, 2025).
• Geographic Spread: Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Ocean reefs, including Great Barrier Reef and Lakshadweep, are affected.
• Severity Levels Introduced: NOAA added Alert Levels 3–5 to signify over 80% potential coral mortality risks.
• Back-to-Back Events: Great Barrier Reef has witnessed six mass bleaching events since 1998, the last two in consecutive years (2023–24).
• No Safe Havens Left: Even thermally resilient zones like Raja Ampat and Red Sea suffered bleaching, indicating global vulnerability.
Causes of Coral Bleaching:
• Rising Sea Surface Temperatures: Triggered by climate change and El Niño events (e.g., record 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels in 2023).
• Ocean Acidification: Increased CO₂ levels alter ocean chemistry, weakening coral structures.
• Pollution and Sedimentation: Runoff, plastic, and toxins reduce coral resilience.
• Overfishing: Disrupts reef ecology, affecting coral-algae dynamics.
Consequences of Bleaching:
• Loss of Biodiversity: Coral reefs support 1/3rd of marine life; their degradation leads to mass species loss.
• Food and Livelihood Crisis: Affects 1 billion people reliant on reef-related fisheries and tourism.
• Coastal Vulnerability: Weak reefs cannot buffer storm surges and erosion, risking coastal populations.
• Economic Impact: Global reef ecosystem services are valued at ~$375 billion annually.
• Ecosystem Collapse: Recurrent bleaching reduces reef recovery capacity, pushing systems beyond tipping points.
Way Ahead:
• Global Emission Reductions: Urgent need to meet 1.5°C Paris Agreement targets to reduce marine heatwaves.
• Expand Marine Protected Areas: Shield reefs from local stressors.
• Strengthen Monitoring: Support citizen science and AI-driven reef health platforms.
• Climate Financing for Reef Nations: Direct funds for sustainable tourism and reef restoration.
• Public Awareness and Education: Promote community-led reef conservation.
Conclusion:
The 2025 global coral bleaching event marks an ecological emergency, underscoring the climate crisis’s growing impact on marine biodiversity. While reef recovery is possible, it demands swift action, robust global cooperation, and sustained conservation efforts. Without immediate mitigation, the world risks losing its most vital underwater ecosystems.
• Assess the impact of global warming on the coral life system with examples. (UPSC-2019)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 April 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Jana Sevaka
Context: Jana Sevaka, Karnataka’s doorstep service delivery initiative, recently facilitated e-Khata registration for over 350 property owners in Bengaluru’s Purva Seasons community.
About Jana Sevaka:
• What is Jana Sevaka? Jana Sevaka is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of Karnataka in 2019 to deliver essential government services at the doorstep of citizens, especially benefiting senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
• Jana Sevaka is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of Karnataka in 2019 to deliver essential government services at the doorstep of citizens, especially benefiting senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
• Key Features:
• Doorstep Delivery: Citizens can book services via helpline or mobile app; officials visit homes with biometric kits and documentation tools. Range of Services: Includes Aadhaar updates, caste/income certificates, senior citizen cards, voter ID updates, and now e-Khata. Nominal Fee: Services are delivered at a fixed government-notified service charge. Digital Empowerment: Promotes digital inclusion for people unfamiliar with online platforms, especially in urban governance processes. RWA Collaboration: Enables RWAs to organise camps for large-scale public facilitation (e.g., Aadhaar for kids, e-Khata updates).
• Doorstep Delivery: Citizens can book services via helpline or mobile app; officials visit homes with biometric kits and documentation tools.
• Range of Services: Includes Aadhaar updates, caste/income certificates, senior citizen cards, voter ID updates, and now e-Khata.
• Nominal Fee: Services are delivered at a fixed government-notified service charge.
• Digital Empowerment: Promotes digital inclusion for people unfamiliar with online platforms, especially in urban governance processes.
• RWA Collaboration: Enables RWAs to organise camps for large-scale public facilitation (e.g., Aadhaar for kids, e-Khata updates).
• Significance of Jana Sevaka:
• Ease of Governance: Reduces citizen dependence on middlemen and streamlines public service delivery. Enhances Accountability: Reduces corruption and data manipulation through tech-enabled verifiable systems. Inclusive Outreach: Brings governance closer to the homebound and digitally illiterate. Boosts Urban Digitisation: Supports platforms like e-Khata, improving land records and urban property management.
• Ease of Governance: Reduces citizen dependence on middlemen and streamlines public service delivery.
• Enhances Accountability: Reduces corruption and data manipulation through tech-enabled verifiable systems.
• Inclusive Outreach: Brings governance closer to the homebound and digitally illiterate.
• Boosts Urban Digitisation: Supports platforms like e-Khata, improving land records and urban property management.
Relevance of Jana Sevaka in UPSC Exam Syllabus
• GS Paper 2 – Governance
• Citizen-Centric Governance: Demonstrates delivery of public services at citizens’ doorsteps, ensuring last-mile inclusion. E-Governance & Digital Initiatives: Showcases use of ICT to improve transparency, reduce red-tapism, and eliminate middlemen.
• Citizen-Centric Governance: Demonstrates delivery of public services at citizens’ doorsteps, ensuring last-mile inclusion.
• E-Governance & Digital Initiatives: Showcases use of ICT to improve transparency, reduce red-tapism, and eliminate middlemen.
• GS Paper 4 – Ethics in Governance
• Public Service Delivery: Promotes values like accessibility, responsiveness, and accountability. Empathy & Compassion in Administration: Caters to vulnerable sections like senior citizens and differently-abled, aligning with ethical public service.
• Public Service Delivery: Promotes values like accessibility, responsiveness, and accountability.
• Empathy & Compassion in Administration: Caters to vulnerable sections like senior citizens and differently-abled, aligning with ethical public service.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 April Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Suspension of Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
Source: TOI
Context: India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 Indian tourists were killed by Pakistani terrorists.
• This is the first-ever suspension of the 1960 treaty, which has withstood wars and diplomatic crises between the two nations.
About Recent Suspension on Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):
• India declared the IWT suspended until Pakistan irrevocably ends support for cross-border terrorism.
• The suspension was among five major decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).
• India may: Cease sharing hydrological data with Pakistan. Restrict Pakistani inspections of Indian projects like Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Project. Exercise its right to store water on western rivers. Undertake reservoir flushing to improve dam life.
• Cease sharing hydrological data with Pakistan.
• Restrict Pakistani inspections of Indian projects like Kishenganga and Ratle Hydroelectric Project.
• Exercise its right to store water on western rivers.
• Undertake reservoir flushing to improve dam life.
Implications of the Treaty Suspension:
• For Pakistan:
• 80% of Indus River system water comes from India-controlled western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab). Suspension threatens agricultural output, food security, and water access in Punjab and Sindh. Could lead to economic and rural instability, with agriculture contributing 23% of GDP and supporting 68% rural population.
• 80% of Indus River system water comes from India-controlled western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).
• Suspension threatens agricultural output, food security, and water access in Punjab and Sindh.
• Could lead to economic and rural instability, with agriculture contributing 23% of GDP and supporting 68% rural population.
• For India:
• Gains greater hydrological sovereignty over Indus rivers. May strengthen leverage in diplomatic negotiations with Pakistan. However, lack of diversion infrastructure means no immediate change in water flows.
• Gains greater hydrological sovereignty over Indus rivers.
• May strengthen leverage in diplomatic negotiations with Pakistan.
• However, lack of diversion infrastructure means no immediate change in water flows.
About the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):
• What It Is?
• A water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, signed on September 19, 1960, in Karachi. Brokered by the World Bank after partition-related water disputes.
• A water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, signed on September 19, 1960, in Karachi.
• Brokered by the World Bank after partition-related water disputes.
• Agreement Between: Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru (India) and President Ayub Khan (Pakistan).
• Objectives:
• Ensure equitable water distribution from the Indus basin. Prevent future water conflicts between the two nations. Enable cooperative river management.
• Ensure equitable water distribution from the Indus basin.
• Prevent future water conflicts between the two nations.
• Enable cooperative river management.
• Key Features:
• River Allocation: India gets exclusive use of Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej. Pakistan receives Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab. Limited Usage Rights: Both countries can use the other’s rivers for irrigation, hydroelectricity, and non-consumptive purposes. No Exit Clause: Treaty is perpetual, cannot be unilaterally terminated. Dispute Resolution: Through the Permanent Indus Commission, Neutral Experts, or International Arbitration (Annexures F & G). Technical Collaboration: Regular data sharing and project inspections by both parties.
• River Allocation: India gets exclusive use of Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej. Pakistan receives Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab.
• India gets exclusive use of Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, Sutlej.
• Pakistan receives Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab.
• Limited Usage Rights: Both countries can use the other’s rivers for irrigation, hydroelectricity, and non-consumptive purposes.
• No Exit Clause: Treaty is perpetual, cannot be unilaterally terminated.
• Dispute Resolution: Through the Permanent Indus Commission, Neutral Experts, or International Arbitration (Annexures F & G).
• Technical Collaboration: Regular data sharing and project inspections by both parties.
SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES)
Source: BT
Context: India has suspended the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) for Pakistani nationals following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
About SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES):
What It Is?
A regional travel facilitation mechanism allowing select individuals from SAARC nations to travel visa-free across member countries using a SAARC Visa Exemption Sticker.
Signed In:
• Proposed at the 4th SAARC Summit in Islamabad (1988). It was officially launched in 1992.
Objective: To foster people-to-people contact, regional cooperation, and diplomatic ease among the eight SAARC countries: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Afghanistan.
Key Features:
• Eligible Categories: Covers 24 specific categories such as dignitaries, judges, MPs, senior officials, journalists, sports persons, business leaders, etc.
• Visa Exemption Sticker: Issued annually by the home country’s government. Affixed to the passport for visa-free, multiple entries to other SAARC countries.
• Validity & Duration: Typically, valid for 1 year from the date of issue and permits multiple entries and exits within the validity period.
• Purpose of Travel:
• Travel permitted for official duties, business, cultural exchange, journalism, and regional cooperation events.
• Does not extend to tourism or casual travel.
• India-Specific Provisions:
• Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan don’t need a visa to enter India. Pakistani nationals were earlier eligible under restricted categories and city-specific conditions (10–15 designated cities). Post-2015, special provisions existed for verified Pakistani businesspersons for up to 3 years.
• Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan don’t need a visa to enter India.
• Pakistani nationals were earlier eligible under restricted categories and city-specific conditions (10–15 designated cities).
• Post-2015, special provisions existed for verified Pakistani businesspersons for up to 3 years.
• Security Oversight:
• SAARC nations reserve the right to deny entry on national security grounds. SVES is not a blanket waiver and is subject to scrutiny by immigration authorities at ports of entry.
• SAARC nations reserve the right to deny entry on national security grounds.
• SVES is not a blanket waiver and is subject to scrutiny by immigration authorities at ports of entry.
• Suspension Clause:
• The scheme is based on bilateral and multilateral trust, not a binding international treaty. Member countries may suspend or revoke access unilaterally in the interest of national security or public order.
• The scheme is based on bilateral and multilateral trust, not a binding international treaty.
• Member countries may suspend or revoke access unilaterally in the interest of national security or public order.
Dhruv ALH helicopters
Source: TH
Context: India’s indigenous Dhruv ALH helicopters resumed flying in Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir, after being grounded in January 2025 due to a fatal crash.
About Dhruv ALH helicopters:
• What It Is? The Dhruv ALH is a twin-engine, multi-role utility helicopter, indigenously developed for both military and civilian use.
• The Dhruv ALH is a twin-engine, multi-role utility helicopter, indigenously developed for both military and civilian use.
• Developed By: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and designed with assistance from Germany’s MBB.
• Objectives: Provide a versatile platform for transport, combat support, and rescue operations. Enhance India’s self-reliance in aviation and reduce import dependency. Cater to multi-mission roles for all three-armed forces.
• Provide a versatile platform for transport, combat support, and rescue operations.
• Enhance India’s self-reliance in aviation and reduce import dependency.
• Cater to multi-mission roles for all three-armed forces.
• Key Features of Dhruv ALH: Glass cockpit with digital avionics provides pilots with real-time navigation and system information for enhanced situational awareness. Composite airframe and rotor blades reduce overall weight, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance structural durability. Integrated self-protection suite includes chaff dispensers, flare systems, and infrared suppressors to counter enemy detection and missile threats. Electro-optical pod with forward-looking infrared, laser rangefinder, and health monitoring system ensures mission capability and maintenance efficiency. Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and digital moving map systems allow precision engine management and advanced flight path planning.
• Glass cockpit with digital avionics provides pilots with real-time navigation and system information for enhanced situational awareness.
• Composite airframe and rotor blades reduce overall weight, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance structural durability.
• Integrated self-protection suite includes chaff dispensers, flare systems, and infrared suppressors to counter enemy detection and missile threats.
• Electro-optical pod with forward-looking infrared, laser rangefinder, and health monitoring system ensures mission capability and maintenance efficiency.
• Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and digital moving map systems allow precision engine management and advanced flight path planning.
• Functions and Roles of Dhruv ALH: Troop transport and logistic support across forward and remote regions, enhancing force mobility. Search and rescue operations during combat and disaster relief missions for timely response. Casualty evacuation and medical transport for critically injured personnel under field conditions. VIP and official commuter travel for high-ranking defence and government personnel. Rapid deployment of forces and underslung cargo transport, especially in high-altitude or combat zones.
• Troop transport and logistic support across forward and remote regions, enhancing force mobility.
• Search and rescue operations during combat and disaster relief missions for timely response.
• Casualty evacuation and medical transport for critically injured personnel under field conditions.
• VIP and official commuter travel for high-ranking defence and government personnel.
• Rapid deployment of forces and underslung cargo transport, especially in high-altitude or combat zones.
• Weapon Integration (Military Variant): Equipped with 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rockets, and air-to-air missiles for combat missions and aerial engagement.
Non-Tariff Barriers
Source: DH
Context: During his visit to Jaipur, US Vice President urged India to eliminate non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to enhance market access for American goods.
About Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs):
• What are Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)? NTBs are trade restrictions other than customs duties that hinder the free flow of goods and services across borders. They include both technical (e.g., certification) and non-technical (e.g., quotas) regulatory measures.
• NTBs are trade restrictions other than customs duties that hinder the free flow of goods and services across borders.
• They include both technical (e.g., certification) and non-technical (e.g., quotas) regulatory measures.
• Impact on Imports and Exports:
• Increase compliance costs for exporters through mandatory testing, documentation, and redesign. Cause logistical delays at ports due to complex inspections and procedural formalities. Reduce the competitiveness of exporters, particularly from developing countries. Create uncertainty and risk, deterring small businesses from entering global markets.
• Increase compliance costs for exporters through mandatory testing, documentation, and redesign.
• Cause logistical delays at ports due to complex inspections and procedural formalities.
• Reduce the competitiveness of exporters, particularly from developing countries.
• Create uncertainty and risk, deterring small businesses from entering global markets.
• Major Categories of NTBs:
• Complex Registration Requirements: Exporters must register and submit extensive documentation with destination authorities. Stringent Product Standards: Domestic rules may exceed global norms, as seen in pharmaceuticals or food safety. Import Licensing: Many items require special or non-automatic licenses. State Trading Monopolies: Certain goods are imported only by government agencies under cabinet oversight. Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs): Include domestic certification, labelling, quality control orders, and restricted ingredients in Agri-products.
• Complex Registration Requirements: Exporters must register and submit extensive documentation with destination authorities.
• Stringent Product Standards: Domestic rules may exceed global norms, as seen in pharmaceuticals or food safety.
• Import Licensing: Many items require special or non-automatic licenses.
• State Trading Monopolies: Certain goods are imported only by government agencies under cabinet oversight.
• Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs): Include domestic certification, labelling, quality control orders, and restricted ingredients in Agri-products.
• Significance of NTBs:
• NTBs can be used strategically to protect domestic industries without violating WTO tariff rules. They often lack transparency, creating an uneven playing field for global trade. NTBs, if arbitrary or without scientific basis, violate the principle of fair trade under WTO norms.
• NTBs can be used strategically to protect domestic industries without violating WTO tariff rules.
• They often lack transparency, creating an uneven playing field for global trade.
• NTBs, if arbitrary or without scientific basis, violate the principle of fair trade under WTO norms.
Gold Prices Rise
Source: IE
Context: Gold prices in India have hit historic highs, breaching ₹1 lakh per 10 grams on MCX, driven by global stagflation concerns, US-China tensions, and rising central bank demand, including the RBI.
About Gold Prices Rise:
• What is the Gold Rate? The gold rate refers to the market price of gold, typically measured per 10 grams in India. It serves as a key indicator for jewellery buyers, investors, and commodity traders.
• The gold rate refers to the market price of gold, typically measured per 10 grams in India.
• It serves as a key indicator for jewellery buyers, investors, and commodity traders.
• How is Gold Price Determined? International Market Rates: Global demand, supply, and events (like wars or inflation) influence the price of gold in India. Currency Exchange Rate: A weaker rupee against the US dollar makes gold imports costlier, raising domestic prices. Import Duties & Taxes: India’s high import dependency means any change in import duties or GST directly affects price. Demand-Supply Trends in India: Festival and wedding seasons see surges in demand, pushing up prices due to limited supply. MCX Futures & Bullion Market Benchmarks: Gold futures traded on MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange) provide a reference rate for domestic pricing. Local Jewellers & Making Charges: Final jewellery prices include purity grade (22K, 24K), making charges, local taxes, and retailer margins.
• International Market Rates: Global demand, supply, and events (like wars or inflation) influence the price of gold in India.
• Currency Exchange Rate: A weaker rupee against the US dollar makes gold imports costlier, raising domestic prices.
• Import Duties & Taxes: India’s high import dependency means any change in import duties or GST directly affects price.
• Demand-Supply Trends in India: Festival and wedding seasons see surges in demand, pushing up prices due to limited supply.
• MCX Futures & Bullion Market Benchmarks: Gold futures traded on MCX (Multi Commodity Exchange) provide a reference rate for domestic pricing.
• Local Jewellers & Making Charges: Final jewellery prices include purity grade (22K, 24K), making charges, local taxes, and retailer margins.
• Gold prices in India vary significantly across states and cities, driven by several factors. From transportation costs to local demand, these elements collectively determine the final price consumers pay.
• Factors Affecting Gold Prices: Inflation & Interest Rates: Higher inflation boosts gold demand as a hedge; low interest rates make it attractive. Geopolitical Crises: Wars, pandemics, and financial instability raise investor interest in gold. Central Bank Reserves: Aggressive gold buying by global central banks increases prices. Government Regulations: RBI and policy move (e.g., SGBs, gold import restrictions) alter market dynamics.
• Inflation & Interest Rates: Higher inflation boosts gold demand as a hedge; low interest rates make it attractive.
• Geopolitical Crises: Wars, pandemics, and financial instability raise investor interest in gold.
• Central Bank Reserves: Aggressive gold buying by global central banks increases prices.
• Government Regulations: RBI and policy move (e.g., SGBs, gold import restrictions) alter market dynamics.
• Consequences of Rising Gold Prices: Positive for Investors: Gold becomes a high-yielding asset during uncertain times. Negative for Consumers: Jewellery and retail prices rise, reducing household gold consumption. Trade Balance Impact: High imports widen the current account deficit, straining forex reserves. Inflationary Pressure: Rising gold and commodity prices can fuel inflation expectations.
• Positive for Investors: Gold becomes a high-yielding asset during uncertain times.
• Negative for Consumers: Jewellery and retail prices rise, reducing household gold consumption.
• Trade Balance Impact: High imports widen the current account deficit, straining forex reserves.
• Inflationary Pressure: Rising gold and commodity prices can fuel inflation expectations.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –24 April 2025 Mapping:
Pahalgam
Source: News on Air
Context: In Jammu and Kashmir, security across the Kashmir Valley has been increased manifold after the killing of several tourists in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
About Pahalgam:
• Pahalgam is a town in Anantnag district, Jammu & Kashmir (Union Territory).
• Situated at 2,200 metres altitude in the Lidder Valley along the Lidder River.
• Geographical Features:
• Lies in the Vale of Kashmir, a sub-valley of the Jhelum River system.
• The Lidder River, a tributary of Jhelum, flows through it and splits into East and West Lidder near the town.
• Flanked by the Himalayan ranges and rich in volcanic and limestone rock formations.
• Key Attractions:
• Base for the annual Amarnath Yatra.
• Offers trekking to Aru Valley and Baisaran Hills.
• Known for winter snowfall and pristine river landscapes.
About Kashmir Valley:
• An intermontane valley in northern Jammu and Kashmir, between 33°–35° N and 73°–76° E.
• Geographical Features:
• Enclosed by Pir Panjal (southwest) and Greater Himalayas (northeast).
• The Jhelum River, originating from Verinag, is the main waterway; its tributaries include Lidder and Sindh
• Fertile alluvial plains make it one of the most densely populated regions in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Tourism Importance:
• Known for destinations like Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Srinagar, and Pahalgam.
• Famous for houseboats, shikara rides, saffron fields, and winter sports.
• Ecological & Strategic Importance:
• A biodiversity hotspot in the Western Himalayas.
• Crucial for India’s climate-sensitive security and water resources.
• Plays a vital role in socio-political stability and cultural heritage of the region.
Sea of Marmara
Source: IT
Context: A powerful 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Istanbul with its epicenter in the Sea of Marmara, sparking panic across the region and injuring over 230 people due to stampedes and falls.
About the Sea of Marmara:
• What is the Sea of Marmara?
• It is a small inland sea in northwestern Turkey, connecting the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits, respectively. It is an integral part of the Turkish Straits System, acting as a gateway between Asia and Europe.
• It is a small inland sea in northwestern Turkey, connecting the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits, respectively.
• It is an integral part of the Turkish Straits System, acting as a gateway between Asia and Europe.
• Location and Surrounding Nations:
• Entirely within Turkey’s borders, the Sea separates European Turkey (Thrace) from Asian Turkey (Anatolia). Major coastal cities include Istanbul, Izmit, Bursa, Balikesir, Yalova, Tekirdag, and Çanakkale.
• Entirely within Turkey’s borders, the Sea separates European Turkey (Thrace) from Asian Turkey (Anatolia).
• Major coastal cities include Istanbul, Izmit, Bursa, Balikesir, Yalova, Tekirdag, and Çanakkale.
• Key Geographical Features:
• Important river inflows: Biga, Gonen, and Susurluk, which help reduce surface salinity. Formed ~2.5 million years ago due to tectonic shifts, lying directly above the North Anatolian Fault Line—a major seismic zone. Islands: Marmara Island (rich in marble), Prince Islands, Avşa, Imrali, and Paşalimani.
• Important river inflows: Biga, Gonen, and Susurluk, which help reduce surface salinity.
• Formed ~2.5 million years ago due to tectonic shifts, lying directly above the North Anatolian Fault Line—a major seismic zone.
• Islands: Marmara Island (rich in marble), Prince Islands, Avşa, Imrali, and Paşalimani.
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary (24 Apr 2025)
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