UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 January 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 January 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 January (2025)
• France colonization Africa
France colonization Africa
GS Paper 2:
• India-Indonesia
India-Indonesia
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• “Fit India Sundays on Cycle” Campaign
“Fit India Sundays on Cycle” Campaign
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Sanjay Battlefield Surveillance System
Sanjay Battlefield Surveillance System
• Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025
Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025
• National Voters Day
National Voters Day
• Black Panther
Black Panther
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Sachetisation Plan
Sachetisation Plan
Mapping:
• Cauvery-South Vellar Link Project
Cauvery-South Vellar Link Project
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 January 2025
#### GS Paper 1 :
France colonization Africa
Syllabus: World History
Source: TH
Context: West African countries are moving away from traditional colonial ties with France, seeking partnerships with global powers for security and economic cooperation.
About France’s Colonization of Africa
How France Colonized Africa?
• Early Ventures (1830): France began its colonization with the capture of Algiers in 1830, marking the expansion of French influence in North Africa.
• Expansion in West Africa: Territories such as Gambia, Ivory Coast, and Senegal were brought under French control.
• Berlin Conference (1884-85): France formalized its territorial claims, acquiring vast regions in North, West, and Central Africa.
• Direct Rule: France imposed a centralized administrative system modelled on European governance, weakening traditional power structures in African colonies.
• Economic Exploitation: Extensive use of forced labour and resource extraction, especially in gold, cocoa, groundnuts, and timber, ensured that colonies served as economic hubs for France.
Consequences of French Colonization:
• Economic:
• Resource Extraction: African resources were exported to France, leaving minimal local development. Monoculture Economies: Colonies were forced to rely on single crops like groundnuts (Senegal) and cocoa (Ghana). Taxation: Harsh fiscal policies drained local economies, exacerbating poverty.
• Resource Extraction: African resources were exported to France, leaving minimal local development.
• Monoculture Economies: Colonies were forced to rely on single crops like groundnuts (Senegal) and cocoa (Ghana).
• Taxation: Harsh fiscal policies drained local economies, exacerbating poverty.
• Social and Cultural
• Racial Discrimination: Africans were treated as second-class citizens under French rule. Erosion of Traditional Systems: Indigenous governance structures were replaced by European models, disrupting local societies. Cultural Looting: Thousands of African artifacts were smuggled to France, leaving African nations bereft of their heritage.
• Racial Discrimination: Africans were treated as second-class citizens under French rule.
• Erosion of Traditional Systems: Indigenous governance structures were replaced by European models, disrupting local societies.
• Cultural Looting: Thousands of African artifacts were smuggled to France, leaving African nations bereft of their heritage.
• Political
• Artificial Borders: Arbitrary boundaries drawn by colonial powers created ethnic divisions, fuelling post-independence conflicts. Exploitation of Labor: Forced labour systems led to mass displacements and population decline in many regions.
• Artificial Borders: Arbitrary boundaries drawn by colonial powers created ethnic divisions, fuelling post-independence conflicts.
• Exploitation of Labor: Forced labour systems led to mass displacements and population decline in many regions.
Decolonization of Africa:
• Post-WWII Pressures: Global anti-colonial movements and African resistance catalysed decolonization.
• Independence Movements: Countries like Senegal, Algeria, and Guinea gained independence through negotiation or conflict.
• Continued Influence: Despite granting independence, France maintained strong economic and political ties through the Françafrique system, ensuring African nations remained reliant on France.
Present Role of France in Africa:
• Military:
• Troop Presence: French troops were stationed in Chad, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, aiming to combat insurgencies. Recent Withdrawals: Anti-French sentiments and failures in addressing regional terrorism led to troop withdrawals from several nations.
• Troop Presence: French troops were stationed in Chad, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, aiming to combat insurgencies.
• Recent Withdrawals: Anti-French sentiments and failures in addressing regional terrorism led to troop withdrawals from several nations.
• Economic:
• Economic Dependence: Many African countries still trade heavily with France. However, competition from China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Russia’s military alliances is reducing French dominance.
• Economic Dependence: Many African countries still trade heavily with France. However, competition from China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Russia’s military alliances is reducing French dominance.
• Declining Influence:
• Shift in Alliances: African nations are partnering with global powers like Russia and China, moving away from colonial ties. Françafrique in Crisis: The model of dependency is being rejected as nations demand sovereignty and equitable partnerships.
• Shift in Alliances: African nations are partnering with global powers like Russia and China, moving away from colonial ties.
• Françafrique in Crisis: The model of dependency is being rejected as nations demand sovereignty and equitable partnerships.
Conclusion:
France’s colonial history left deep scars on Africa, shaping its political and economic systems. While the decolonization movement ended formal colonialism, France’s waning influence highlights Africa’s push for sovereignty and diversification of partnerships. The shift reflects a changing global order, with new players stepping into Africa’s geopolitical landscape.
Insta Links:
• Decolonisation
• Explain how the foundations of the modern world were laid by the American and French revolutions. (UPSC-2019)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 January 2025 GS Paper 2:
India – Indonesia
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: IE
Context: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visits India for the 76th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025, his official visit aims to deepen cooperation in economic, defense, cultural, and strategic domains.
Historical Background:
• Early Civilizational Ties: India and Indonesia share millennia-old cultural and trade links, reflected in shared religious traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism and the maritime legacy of festivals like Bali Yatra.
• Modern Diplomatic Relations: Formal diplomatic ties were established in 1950, followed by the Treaty of Friendship in 1951 and joint participation in the Bandung Conference of 1955, laying the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement.
• Strategic Partnership: The relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2005, further enhanced to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018, focusing on economic and security collaboration.
• Act East Policy: Indonesia’s inclusion in India’s Act East Policy (2014) highlights its importance in India’s regional engagement strategy.
Positives in India-Indonesia Relations:
• Economic Cooperation: Bilateral trade reached $29.4 billion in FY 2023-24, with plans to increase it to $50 billion by 2025. India is a key importer of Indonesian coal and palm oil.
• Example: India’s $1.56 billion investments in Indonesian sectors like infrastructure and textiles.
• Strategic and Defense Collaboration: Joint military exercises like Samudra Shakti and IND-INDO CORPAT enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
• Example: Defense Cooperation Agreement (2018) facilitates regular military exchanges and joint patrols.
• Cultural Ties: Shared traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism foster cultural diplomacy, while events like the participation of an Indonesian contingent in India’s Republic Day Parade strengthen people-to-people ties.
• Connectivity and Tourism: Direct flights introduced in 2023 have boosted tourism, making India the second-largest source of international tourists to Bali.
• Space and Healthcare Collaboration: ISRO supports Indonesia’s satellite missions, and Indian hospitals like Apollo are investing in Indonesia’s healthcare infrastructure.
Challenges in Bilateral Ties:
• Trade Imbalance: Indonesia’s trade volume with China ($139 billion in 2023) far outpaces its trade with India, highlighting underutilized potential.
• Example: India’s dependence on limited imports like palm oil and coal lacks diversification.
• Geopolitical Competition: Regional tensions in the Indo-Pacific and Indonesia’s partnerships with other nations pose strategic challenges.
• Maritime Security Threats: The shared maritime domain faces threats like piracy, illegal fishing, and geopolitical tensions, requiring enhanced cooperation.
• Limited Investment: Despite improving economic ties, India’s investment in Indonesia remains modest compared to other regional players.
• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Regulatory challenges in both countries slow down joint infrastructure and trade projects.
Way Ahead:
• Boost Economic Diversification: Expand bilateral trade to include technology, renewable energy, and agriculture.
• Enhance Defense Cooperation: Strengthen joint maritime security initiatives under India’s SAGAR framework and expand military exercises.
• Leverage Connectivity: Promote business and tourism through expanded flight networks and cultural exchanges.
• Focus on Green Energy: Collaborate on renewable energy projects to address climate goals and energy security.
• Deepen People-to-People Ties: Strengthen educational exchanges through scholarships like ITEC and promote Indian diaspora contributions to bilateral cooperation.
Conclusion:
India and Indonesia’s multifaceted partnership stands as a cornerstone of regional security, economic growth, and cultural diplomacy. With shared civilizational ties and strategic alignment, both nations are poised to enhance their global and regional influence. Strengthened collaboration will not only boost bilateral ties but also contribute significantly to Indo-Pacific stability.
Insta Links:
• A-decade-of-Indias-act-east-policy
• How far are India’s internal security challenges linked with border management particularly in view of the long porous borders with most countries of South Asia and Myanmar? (UPSC-2013)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 January 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
“Fit India Sundays on Cycle” Campaign
Context: Well-known actor Gul Panag and Arjuna awardee boxer Saweety Boora rallied behind the ‘Fit India Sundays on Cycle’ campaign.
About Fit India Sundays on Cycle Campaign:
• What is it?
• A weekly cycling event under the Fit India Movement organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and MY Bharat.
• A weekly cycling event under the Fit India Movement organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and MY Bharat.
• Objectives:
• Promote fitness culture among citizens. Advocate for road safety for cyclists. Encourage environmentally friendly practices to combat air pollution. Foster community participation across the nation.
• Promote fitness culture among citizens.
• Advocate for road safety for cyclists.
• Encourage environmentally friendly practices to combat air pollution.
• Foster community participation across the nation.
• Features:
• Nationwide Participation: Events are held at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs). Thematic Focus: Weekly themes such as road safety and women warriors to address key issues. Health Benefits: Promotes cardiovascular health, muscle strength, stamina, and overall fitness through cycling. Community Involvement: Includes diverse groups such as Army Jawans, CRPF, ITBP, and civilians from states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Meghalaya.
• Nationwide Participation: Events are held at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs).
• Thematic Focus: Weekly themes such as road safety and women warriors to address key issues.
• Health Benefits: Promotes cardiovascular health, muscle strength, stamina, and overall fitness through cycling.
• Community Involvement: Includes diverse groups such as Army Jawans, CRPF, ITBP, and civilians from states like Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Meghalaya.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper II: Governance: Role of ministries in promoting public welfare and fitness. Social Justice: Inclusivity in sports and fitness initiatives.
• Governance: Role of ministries in promoting public welfare and fitness.
• Social Justice: Inclusivity in sports and fitness initiatives.
• GS Paper III: Environment: Addressing air pollution through cycling and sustainable practices. Science & Technology: Benefits of cycling for physical and mental health.
• Environment: Addressing air pollution through cycling and sustainable practices.
• Science & Technology: Benefits of cycling for physical and mental health.
• Essay: Topics like “Role of Fitness in Nation-Building” or “Community Participation in Sustainable Development.”
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 January 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Sanjay Battlefield Surveillance System
Source: NIE
Context: Defence Minister flagged off ‘Sanjay’, a battlefield surveillance system (BSS) which will be inducted into the Indian Army by October this year.
About Sanjay – The Battlefield Surveillance System:
• What is Sanjay?
Sanjay is an automated battlefield surveillance system designed to integrate real-time inputs from ground and aerial sensors to create a Common Surveillance Picture (CSP). This technology allows commanders to make informed decisions swiftly in conventional and sub-conventional warfare scenarios.
• Developed by: Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
• Developed under the Buy (Indian) category to promote indigenous defense capabilities. Total development cost: ₹2,402 crore.
• Developed under the Buy (Indian) category to promote indigenous defense capabilities.
• Total development cost: ₹2,402 crore.
• Enhance battlefield transparency: Provide a real-time surveillance picture for accurate analysis and quicker decision-making. Strengthen intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities: Improve situational awareness across vast terrains and borders. Support Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance): Showcase India’s growing expertise in defense technology.
• Enhance battlefield transparency: Provide a real-time surveillance picture for accurate analysis and quicker decision-making.
• Strengthen intelligence and reconnaissance capabilities: Improve situational awareness across vast terrains and borders.
• Support Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance): Showcase India’s growing expertise in defense technology.
• How it works:
• Integration of Data: Collects data from multiple battlefield sensors (ground and aerial). Processing and Verification: Processes data to eliminate duplication and confirm accuracy. Real-time Analysis: Generates a centralized Common Surveillance Picture (CSP) accessible through secured Army Data and Satellite Communication Networks. Decision Support: Assists Command & Army Headquarters in decision-making through a centralized web application.
• Integration of Data: Collects data from multiple battlefield sensors (ground and aerial).
• Processing and Verification: Processes data to eliminate duplication and confirm accuracy.
• Real-time Analysis: Generates a centralized Common Surveillance Picture (CSP) accessible through secured Army Data and Satellite Communication Networks.
• Decision Support: Assists Command & Army Headquarters in decision-making through a centralized web application.
• Features
• Real-Time Data Integration: Inputs from multiple sources are seamlessly processed into one platform. Advanced Analytics: Equipped with cutting-edge analytics to ensure accurate threat detection and situational assessments. Enhanced Surveillance: Monitors borders, detects intrusions, and provides unparalleled intelligence capabilities. Network-Centric Operations: Functions within a secure and integrated data and satellite network environment. Indigenous Technology: Fully developed in India, contributing to defense self-reliance under the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ initiative. Deployment Timeline: Induction into all operational brigades, divisions, and corps in three phases (March-October 2025). Operational Versatility: Designed for both conventional and sub-conventional operations.
• Real-Time Data Integration: Inputs from multiple sources are seamlessly processed into one platform.
• Advanced Analytics: Equipped with cutting-edge analytics to ensure accurate threat detection and situational assessments.
• Enhanced Surveillance: Monitors borders, detects intrusions, and provides unparalleled intelligence capabilities.
• Network-Centric Operations: Functions within a secure and integrated data and satellite network environment.
• Indigenous Technology: Fully developed in India, contributing to defense self-reliance under the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ initiative.
• Deployment Timeline: Induction into all operational brigades, divisions, and corps in three phases (March-October 2025).
• Operational Versatility: Designed for both conventional and sub-conventional operations.
Insta links:
• Akashteer-command-and-control-systems
Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025
Source: PIB
Context: The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025, launched by NITI Aayog provides an in-depth analysis of the fiscal health of 18 major Indian states.
About Fiscal Health Index 2025:
• Developed by: NITI Aayog, with data sourced from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
• Base Year: 2022-23 fiscal data is the reference year for rankings and analysis.
• Aim: To evaluate fiscal health, highlight interstate disparities, and encourage targeted interventions for improving fiscal performance and governance.
• Criteria used: The FHI evaluates states across five sub-indices:
• Quality of Expenditure: Efficiency in capital and social sector spending. Revenue Mobilization: States’ ability to generate revenue from taxes and other sources. Fiscal Prudence: Adherence to fiscal deficit targets and financial management. Debt Index: States’ total debt burden. Debt Sustainability: Debt-to-GSDP ratio and interest burden on revenue.
• Quality of Expenditure: Efficiency in capital and social sector spending.
• Revenue Mobilization: States’ ability to generate revenue from taxes and other sources.
• Fiscal Prudence: Adherence to fiscal deficit targets and financial management.
• Debt Index: States’ total debt burden.
• Debt Sustainability: Debt-to-GSDP ratio and interest burden on revenue.
• Key Features:
• Tracks fiscal trends from 2014-15 to 2022-23. Focuses on 18 major states driving India’s economy. Provides state-specific insights for policy interventions. Highlights top achievers and aspirational states to promote healthy competition. Aligns with India’s vision for Viksit Bharat @2047.
• Tracks fiscal trends from 2014-15 to 2022-23.
• Focuses on 18 major states driving India’s economy.
• Provides state-specific insights for policy interventions.
• Highlights top achievers and aspirational states to promote healthy competition.
• Aligns with India’s vision for Viksit Bharat @2047.
• Top 3 Achievers (2022-23):
Rank | State | Category | FHI Score
1 | Odisha | Achievers | 67.8
2 | Chhattisgarh | Achievers | 55.2
3 | Goa | Achievers | 53.6
Insta links:
• Niti Report
National Voters Day
Source: News on Air
Context: The 15th National Voters’ Day (NVD) is being celebrated across India on January 25, 2025, to mark the establishment of the Election Commission of India (ECI) on January 25, 1950.
About 15th National Voters’ Day (NVD):
• Why celebrated: The day commemorates the establishment of the Election Commission of India (ECI) on January 25, 1950, the day before India became a Republic.
• To create awareness about the importance of voting in a democracy. To inspire citizens, especially first-time voters, to actively participate in the electoral process.
• To create awareness about the importance of voting in a democracy.
• To inspire citizens, especially first-time voters, to actively participate in the electoral process.
• Theme for 2025: “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure.” This theme emphasizes the pride and responsibility of voting, continuing the focus on increasing electoral participation, as highlighted in the previous year’s theme.
• This theme emphasizes the pride and responsibility of voting, continuing the focus on increasing electoral participation, as highlighted in the previous year’s theme.
• Features:
• Best Electoral Practices Awards: Presented by the President of India to District Election Officers, Superintendents of Police, and states excelling in election management.
• Publications Unveiled: Launch of ECI’s coffee table book, “India Votes 2024: A Saga of Democracy”. Release of “Belief in the Ballot: Human Stories Shaping India’s 2024 Elections”, showcasing inspiring voter participation stories.
• Launch of ECI’s coffee table book, “India Votes 2024: A Saga of Democracy”.
• Release of “Belief in the Ballot: Human Stories Shaping India’s 2024 Elections”, showcasing inspiring voter participation stories.
• Voter Awareness Initiatives: Special focus on young and first-time voters, encouraging them to actively engage in the electoral process.
• Significance:
• Reinforces the role of voting in strengthening democracy. Encourages first-time voters and marginalized groups to participate in elections. Recognizes and honours exceptional efforts in ensuring inclusive, free, and fair elections. Promotes innovation and the use of technology in improving the electoral process.
• Reinforces the role of voting in strengthening democracy.
• Encourages first-time voters and marginalized groups to participate in elections.
• Recognizes and honours exceptional efforts in ensuring inclusive, free, and fair elections.
• Promotes innovation and the use of technology in improving the electoral process.
Insta links:
• National-voters-day
Black Panther
Source: TOI
Context: Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer recently shared a video of a rare black panther strolling is lush greenery of north Bengal.
About Black Panther:
• What is a Black Panther? The black panther, a colloquial term for melanistic (dark-colored) large felines in the genus Panthera, is known for its striking black fur and mysterious allure.
• The black panther, a colloquial term for melanistic (dark-colored) large felines in the genus Panthera, is known for its striking black fur and mysterious allure.
• Scientific Names: Black Leopard: Panthera pardus. Black Jaguar: Panthera onca.
• Scientific Names: Black Leopard: Panthera pardus. Black Jaguar: Panthera onca.
• Black Leopard: Panthera pardus.
• Black Jaguar: Panthera onca.
• Habitat:
• Found across three continents: Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Commonly inhabit dense tropical rainforests, grasslands, and mountainous regions. Global Range: Southwest China, Southern India, Nepal, Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma. Indian Range: Found in Kabini Forest (Karnataka), Nagarhole National Park, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley, and Sundarbans.
• Found across three continents: Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
• Commonly inhabit dense tropical rainforests, grasslands, and mountainous regions.
• Global Range: Southwest China, Southern India, Nepal, Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma.
• Indian Range: Found in Kabini Forest (Karnataka), Nagarhole National Park, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley, and Sundarbans.
• Characteristics:
• Physical Features: Glossy black or dark brown fur with faint spotted patterns visible in sunlight. Eyes: Striking emerald green, giving a fierce and elegant look even in darkness. Behavioural Traits: Solitary and territorial hunters. Known for exceptional intelligence, sharp eyesight, and strong sense of smell. Males are polygamous in nature.
• Physical Features: Glossy black or dark brown fur with faint spotted patterns visible in sunlight. Eyes: Striking emerald green, giving a fierce and elegant look even in darkness.
• Eyes: Striking emerald green, giving a fierce and elegant look even in darkness.
• Behavioural Traits: Solitary and territorial hunters. Known for exceptional intelligence, sharp eyesight, and strong sense of smell. Males are polygamous in nature.
• Solitary and territorial hunters.
• Known for exceptional intelligence, sharp eyesight, and strong sense of smell.
• Males are polygamous in nature.
• Why Black Color? Melanism results from specific genetic alleles: Recessive alleles in leopards. Dominant alleles in jaguars. The high concentration of melanin creates their dark fur, aiding camouflage in dense forests.
• Melanism results from specific genetic alleles: Recessive alleles in leopards. Dominant alleles in jaguars.
• Recessive alleles in leopards.
• Dominant alleles in jaguars.
• The high concentration of melanin creates their dark fur, aiding camouflage in dense forests.
• Conservation Status:
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable. CITES: Appendix I (strictly regulated trade). Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (maximum protection). Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, and declining prey populations.
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
• CITES: Appendix I (strictly regulated trade).
• Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (maximum protection).
• Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, and declining prey populations.
Insta links:
• Netravali-wildlife-sanctuary
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Source: IE
Context: A UK-based study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry highlights a stark disparity in life expectancy among adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
• What is ADHD?
• A neurodevelopmental disorder affecting focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Commonly diagnosed in childhood but often persists into adulthood. Impacts 3-4% of adults worldwide.
• A neurodevelopmental disorder affecting focus, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
• Commonly diagnosed in childhood but often persists into adulthood.
• Impacts 3-4% of adults worldwide.
• Causes:
• Genetics: Family history significantly increases the risk. Brain Structure: Alterations in the brain regions responsible for attention and behaviour regulation. Prenatal Factors: Exposure to tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy. Environmental Factors: Lead exposure and low birth weight.
• Genetics: Family history significantly increases the risk.
• Brain Structure: Alterations in the brain regions responsible for attention and behaviour regulation.
• Prenatal Factors: Exposure to tobacco, alcohol, or drugs during pregnancy.
• Environmental Factors: Lead exposure and low birth weight.
• Symptoms:
• Inattention: Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, frequent mistakes, or being easily distracted. Hyperactivity: Restlessness, excessive movement, or inability to stay still in quiet situations. Impulsivity: Interrupting conversations, acting without thinking, and engaging in risky behaviours.
• Inattention: Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, frequent mistakes, or being easily distracted.
• Hyperactivity: Restlessness, excessive movement, or inability to stay still in quiet situations.
• Impulsivity: Interrupting conversations, acting without thinking, and engaging in risky behaviours.
• Treatment:
• Medication: Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines) and non-stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine). Behavioural Therapy: Focuses on developing coping mechanisms and organizational skills. Lifestyle Changes: Balanced diet and regular exercise. Adequate sleep to improve focus and mood. Counselling: Helps manage impulsivity, risky behaviours, and emotional difficulties.
• Medication: Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines) and non-stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine).
• Behavioural Therapy: Focuses on developing coping mechanisms and organizational skills.
• Lifestyle Changes: Balanced diet and regular exercise. Adequate sleep to improve focus and mood.
• Balanced diet and regular exercise.
• Adequate sleep to improve focus and mood.
• Counselling: Helps manage impulsivity, risky behaviours, and emotional difficulties.
Insta links:
Sachetisation Plan
Source: IE
Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is introducing a sachetisation plan to enable small-ticket systematic investment plans (SIPs) starting at ₹250 per month.
About Sachetisation of Mutual Fund Investments:
• What is Sachetisation?
• A strategy inspired by FMCG products offering small, affordable units (e.g., shampoo sachets) to penetrate price-sensitive markets. Applied to financial services, it allows low-income investors to enter mutual funds through smaller, affordable investments.
• A strategy inspired by FMCG products offering small, affordable units (e.g., shampoo sachets) to penetrate price-sensitive markets.
• Applied to financial services, it allows low-income investors to enter mutual funds through smaller, affordable investments.
• Need for Sachetisation:
• Financial Inclusion: Targets underserved, low-income groups to enable investment in mutual funds. Addressing Barriers: Overcomes the high entry costs of traditional mutual fund SIPs. Market Deepening: Expands the retail investor base in equity markets, stabilizing market flows against foreign investor volatility.
• Financial Inclusion: Targets underserved, low-income groups to enable investment in mutual funds.
• Addressing Barriers: Overcomes the high entry costs of traditional mutual fund SIPs.
• Market Deepening: Expands the retail investor base in equity markets, stabilizing market flows against foreign investor volatility.
• Aim of Sachetisation:
• Encourage small-ticket SIP investments to democratize access to financial products. Foster long-term savings and wealth creation, particularly for low-income investors.
• Encourage small-ticket SIP investments to democratize access to financial products.
• Foster long-term savings and wealth creation, particularly for low-income investors.
• How it works:
• Minimum SIP Amount: ₹250/month (targeted at new mutual fund investors). Eligibility Criteria: Available for new investors only. Maximum of three ₹250 SIPs per investor across asset management companies (AMCs). Schemes Excluded: Debt schemes, sectoral, thematic, small-cap, and mid-cap equity funds due to their volatility. Commitment Period: Investors encouraged to commit to 5 years (60 instalments), but premature withdrawal is allowed. Technology-Driven Process: Investments through UPI auto pay or NACH to minimize costs.
• Minimum SIP Amount: ₹250/month (targeted at new mutual fund investors).
• Eligibility Criteria: Available for new investors only. Maximum of three ₹250 SIPs per investor across asset management companies (AMCs).
• Available for new investors only.
• Maximum of three ₹250 SIPs per investor across asset management companies (AMCs).
• Schemes Excluded: Debt schemes, sectoral, thematic, small-cap, and mid-cap equity funds due to their volatility.
• Commitment Period: Investors encouraged to commit to 5 years (60 instalments), but premature withdrawal is allowed.
• Technology-Driven Process: Investments through UPI auto pay or NACH to minimize costs.
Insta links:
• SEBI-rules-to-curb
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 January 2025 Mapping:
Cauvery-South Vellar Link Project
Source: TH
Context: The Supreme Court recently noted that the Centre has not granted in-principle approval for Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery-South Vellar Link Project, despite the state’s request in January 2021.
About Cauvery-South Vellar Link Project:
• What is the Project?
• A Tamil Nadu initiative to divert surplus floodwater from the Mettur Dam to dry tanks in the Sarabanga Basin, Salem district. Aims to ensure efficient water use for agriculture and replenish water bodies in drought-prone areas.
• A Tamil Nadu initiative to divert surplus floodwater from the Mettur Dam to dry tanks in the Sarabanga Basin, Salem district.
• Aims to ensure efficient water use for agriculture and replenish water bodies in drought-prone areas.
• States involved:
• Tamil Nadu: Seeks to implement the project for agricultural and drinking water needs. Karnataka: Opposes the project, claiming it diverts excess Cauvery water, infringing upon its allocated share.
• Tamil Nadu: Seeks to implement the project for agricultural and drinking water needs.
• Karnataka: Opposes the project, claiming it diverts excess Cauvery water, infringing upon its allocated share.
• Significance
• Agricultural Support: Addresses irrigation needs in Tamil Nadu’s dry regions. Water Management: Reduces water wastage by utilizing surplus water from floods. Dispute Implications: Raises interstate water-sharing concerns, highlighting the importance of federal cooperation.
• Agricultural Support: Addresses irrigation needs in Tamil Nadu’s dry regions.
• Water Management: Reduces water wastage by utilizing surplus water from floods.
• Dispute Implications: Raises interstate water-sharing concerns, highlighting the importance of federal cooperation.
About Cauvery River:
• Origin: Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri Hills, Western Ghats, Karnataka.
• Ends In: Poompuhar, Bay of Bengal.
• States Flow Through: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry.
• Significance: Known as ‘Ponni’ in Tamil Nadu, revered as a sacred river and often called the Dakshina Ganga (Ganges of the South).
• Tributaries:
• Left Bank: Arkavathi, Hemavathi, Shimsa, Harangi. Right Bank: Lakshman Tirtha, Kabini, Suvarnavathi, Noyil, Bhavani, Amaravathi.
• Left Bank: Arkavathi, Hemavathi, Shimsa, Harangi.
• Right Bank: Lakshman Tirtha, Kabini, Suvarnavathi, Noyil, Bhavani, Amaravathi.
• Protected Areas in the Basin: Nagarhole National Park, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.
About Vellar River:
• Origin: Servarayan Hills, Eastern Ghats.
• Ends In: Bay of Bengal.
• States Flow Through: Tamil Nadu (Salem, Perambalur, and Cuddalore districts).
• Tributaries: Manimuktha River, Chinnar River, Vasishta Nadi.
Insta links:
• PKC-river-link-project
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 25 Jan 2025
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