UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 February 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 February 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 February (2025)
• Japan-India-Africa Forum
Japan-India-Africa Forum
• Addressing Concerns of PwDs in the DPDP Act, 2023
Addressing Concerns of PwDs in the DPDP Act, 2023
• India – UK Free Trade Agreement
India – UK Free Trade Agreement
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Advisory Committee Recommendations on Panchayati Raj
Advisory Committee Recommendations on Panchayati Raj
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
• Gold Card Visa
Gold Card Visa
• Delimitation Exercise
Delimitation Exercise
• Doomsday Fish
Doomsday Fish
• Pig Butchering Scam
Pig Butchering Scam
Mapping:
• Simandou Mine
Simandou Mine
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 February 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Japan-India-Africa Forum
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: ANI
Context: External Affairs Minister emphasized India’s commitment to Africa through capacity-building, skill development, and infrastructure investment, unlike extractive economic models.
About Japan-India-Africa Forum:
• What is the Japan-India-Africa Forum?
• A trilateral economic and strategic platform promoting investment, trade, and development projects across Africa. Facilitates collaboration between India, Japan, and African nations to drive infrastructure, digital transformation, and human capital development.
• A trilateral economic and strategic platform promoting investment, trade, and development projects across Africa.
• Facilitates collaboration between India, Japan, and African nations to drive infrastructure, digital transformation, and human capital development.
• Established In:
• The initiative evolved from India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) and Japan’s TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development). Gained momentum in 2021 with the Japan-India-Africa Growth Corridor discussions.
• The initiative evolved from India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) and Japan’s TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development).
• Gained momentum in 2021 with the Japan-India-Africa Growth Corridor discussions.
• Strengthen economic partnerships among India, Japan, and Africa. Foster infrastructure development, digital transformation, and skill-building. Enhance Africa’s global trade integration through investment and knowledge transfer.
• Strengthen economic partnerships among India, Japan, and Africa.
• Foster infrastructure development, digital transformation, and skill-building.
• Enhance Africa’s global trade integration through investment and knowledge transfer.
• Key Functions
• Infrastructure & Connectivity: Investments in railways, ports, and power generation. Skill Development & Technology Transfer: Programs like ITEC, e-VidyaBharti, and e-ArogyaBharti. Sustainable Development & Green Energy: Support for solar electrification, climate finance, and circular economy. Economic Growth & Trade Expansion: Enhancing supply chain resilience and financial inclusion.
• Infrastructure & Connectivity: Investments in railways, ports, and power generation.
• Skill Development & Technology Transfer: Programs like ITEC, e-VidyaBharti, and e-ArogyaBharti.
• Sustainable Development & Green Energy: Support for solar electrification, climate finance, and circular economy.
• Economic Growth & Trade Expansion: Enhancing supply chain resilience and financial inclusion.
Potential of the Forum:
• Boosts Africa’s Industrial Growth: Promotes manufacturing hubs, special economic zones (SEZs), and digital startups.
• Enhances Strategic Connectivity: Strengthens infrastructure linkages in East Africa and the Indian Ocean Region.
• Leverages Japan-India Expertise: Combines Japan’s investment & technology with India’s digital ecosystem & industrial strength.
• Strengthens South-South Cooperation: Positions Africa as the next economic growth driver, ensuring sustainable partnerships.
• Counterbalances Chinese Influence: Provides an alternative to China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) with a transparent, non-debt-driven approach.
Issues and Challenges:
• Geopolitical Competition: China’s dominance in African infrastructure poses economic and strategic challenges.
• Limited Private Sector Engagement: Indian and Japanese companies are hesitant to invest due to regulatory risks and uncertain returns.
• Financing Constraints: Africa’s high debt burden limits its ability to attract large-scale investment.
• Logistical & Connectivity Barriers: Inadequate transport infrastructure affects the flow of goods and trade integration.
• Political Instability & Governance Issues: Corruption, conflicts, and weak policy frameworks hinder long-term collaboration.
Way Ahead:
• Expand Institutional & Policy Frameworks: Establish joint economic councils to streamline investments and policy coordination.
• Encourage Private Sector Investments: Provide financial incentives and risk-mitigation tools to attract corporate participation.
• Strengthen Digital & Green Energy Collaboration: Enhance Africa’s digital economy and renewable energy capacity through joint ventures.
• Develop Inclusive Trade Partnerships: Promote local capacity-building to ensure African industries gain long-term benefits.
Conclusion:
Overcoming geopolitical, financial, and policy challenges will be key to realizing its full potential. By leveraging Japan’s technology, India’s industrial strength, and Africa’s growing markets, the trilateral partnership can create a mutually beneficial, resilient economic framework for the future.
Economic ties between India and Japan, while growing in recent years, are still far below their potential. Elucidate the policy constraints which are inhibiting this growth. (2013)
India – UK Free Trade Agreement
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: TH
Context: India and the UK have resumed negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after an eight-month gap, with 14 rounds of talks completed since January 2022.
• India has signed 13 FTAs and 6 preferential trade agreements, with a recent focus on western partners like the UK, EU, and US to expand exports and enhance trade relations.
What is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?
• An FTA is a pact between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate import duties on a majority of traded goods.
• It also aims to minimize non-tariff barriers, facilitate trade in services, and enhance bilateral investments.
Benefits of FTAs:
• Boosts Exports & Market Access: Eliminates tariffs, making Indian goods more competitive.
• Enhances Foreign Investment: Encourages FDI inflows and technology transfer.
• Diversifies Trade Relations: Reduces over-reliance on specific markets.
• Creates Jobs & Economic Growth: Expands industries and employment opportunities.
• Strengthens Strategic Partnerships: Builds diplomatic and economic cooperation.
India’s Signed FTAs:
• Signed FTAs: Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Australia, UAE, Mauritius, ASEAN, and EFTA.
• Upcoming FTAs: India is negotiating FTAs with the UK, EU, and US to strengthen trade with western economies.
India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
• Aim of the India-UK FTA
• Boost trade & investment by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers. Expand opportunities in technology, healthcare, and education. Facilitate easier movement of students and professionals.
• Boost trade & investment by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers.
• Expand opportunities in technology, healthcare, and education.
• Facilitate easier movement of students and professionals.
• India’s Gains from the FTA:
• Merchandise Trade: Exports to the UK were $12.9 billion (FY24), with gains in textiles, apparel, footwear, cars, marine products, grapes, and mangoes. Tariff Reduction Benefits: India will gain from duty cuts on $6.1 billion worth of goods. Market Access in Services: Indian IT, education, and healthcare sectors will benefit. Increased Investments: The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) will promote UK investments in India.
• Merchandise Trade: Exports to the UK were $12.9 billion (FY24), with gains in textiles, apparel, footwear, cars, marine products, grapes, and mangoes.
• Tariff Reduction Benefits: India will gain from duty cuts on $6.1 billion worth of goods.
• Market Access in Services: Indian IT, education, and healthcare sectors will benefit.
• Increased Investments: The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) will promote UK investments in India.
• UK’s Gains from the FTA:
• Tariff Reductions in India: The UK exports $8.4 billion to India, with 91% of products facing tariffs (e.g., cars – 100%, whisky – 150%). Better Access to Indian Markets: UK products such as precious metals, make-up items, machinery, and scotch whisky will benefit from lower duties.
• Tariff Reductions in India: The UK exports $8.4 billion to India, with 91% of products facing tariffs (e.g., cars – 100%, whisky – 150%).
• Better Access to Indian Markets: UK products such as precious metals, make-up items, machinery, and scotch whisky will benefit from lower duties.
Challenges to the India-UK FTA:
• Tariff Negotiations: India is reluctant to reduce tariffs on UK goods like whisky, automobiles, and meat.
• Visa & Mobility Issues: India demands greater access for students and professionals, while the UK has tight visa policies.
• Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) Dispute Resolution: India wants foreign firms to exhaust local remedies before arbitration, which the UK opposes.
• Regulatory Barriers: The UK demands liberalization in India’s legal and financial sectors, which faces resistance.
• Geopolitical Factors: Domestic political changes and economic uncertainties can delay agreements.
Way Ahead:
• Balanced Tariff Reductions: Both nations must negotiate fair duty cuts while protecting domestic industries.
• Enhancing Market Access: Address visa and mobility concerns for professionals and students.
• Finalizing Investment Protections: Ensure a mutually beneficial Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).
• Sector-Specific Cooperation: Strengthen technology, digital trade, and green energy collaborations.
Conclusion:
The India-UK FTA can be a game-changer for trade and investment, boosting bilateral economic ties. Addressing tariff concerns, investment protection, and market access will be key to finalizing the deal. A balanced agreement will strengthen economic growth for both nations while enhancing India’s global trade standing.
• What does a free trade agreement (FTA) entail, and why are they crucial for India? What complexities arise during the negotiation of FTAs, and how can these challenges be navigated effectively?
Addressing Concerns of PwDs in the DPDP Act, 2023
Syllabus: Vulnerable People
- •Source: TH*
Context: Disability rights activists have raised concerns over Section 9(1) of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, which mandates that PwDs with legal guardians must obtain consent from their guardian for data processing.
Understanding Concerns of PwDs in the DPDP Act, 2023:
• What is Guardianship?
Governed by two laws:
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016: Provides for limited guardianship, allowing PwDs some decision-making rights. National Trust Act (NT Act), 1999: Grants full guardianship for PwDs with autism, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities.
• Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016: Provides for limited guardianship, allowing PwDs some decision-making rights.
• National Trust Act (NT Act), 1999: Grants full guardianship for PwDs with autism, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities.
Issue: DPDP Act does not differentiate between these laws, creating confusion over decision-making authority.
• Who is a Data Fiduciary?
• Any entity that collects, processes, or stores personal data. Required to obtain consent before processing data and ensure compliance with privacy laws.
• Any entity that collects, processes, or stores personal data.
• Required to obtain consent before processing data and ensure compliance with privacy laws.
• Who is a Data Principal?
• The individual whose data is being processed. For PwDs with legal guardians, the DPDP Act includes their guardian within the definition of Data Principal, raising concerns about autonomy and privacy.
• The individual whose data is being processed.
• For PwDs with legal guardians, the DPDP Act includes their guardian within the definition of Data Principal, raising concerns about autonomy and privacy.
Key Provisions of DPDP Rules & Their Impact on PwDs:
• Section 9(1): Mandates verifiable consent from a legal guardian before processing the personal data of a PwD with a guardian.
• Rule 10(2): Requires verification that the guardian is legally appointed under RPWD Act or NT Act.
• Definition of PwDs in the Act: Covers individuals with long-term disabilities who cannot take legally binding decisions.
Issues with DPDP Rules & PwD Concerns:
• Loss of Digital Autonomy: The law assumes PwDs cannot manage their data, reinforcing stereotypes and restricting their digital independence.
• Conflict Between Guardianship Laws & Digital Rights: The NT Act enforces full guardianship, while the RPWD Act allows limited guardianship, but DPDP fails to distinguish between the two.
• Data Privacy & Consent Issues: PwDs may be forced to disclose personal information to platforms, raising data security risks.
• Unclear whether guardians bear legal liability for data misuse.
• Unclear whether guardians bear legal liability for data misuse.
• No Accessibility Measures in Digital Platforms: Many popular apps and websites remain inaccessible to PwDs, further limiting digital participation.
• Gender & Disability Intersectionality Ignored: Women with disabilities may face barriers in accessing essential online services (e.g., purchasing menstrual hygiene products).
Way Ahead:
• Remove Blanket Guardian Consent Requirement: Recognize PwDs’ digital autonomy unless a court explicitly states full guardianship is needed.
• Differentiate Between Full & Limited Guardianship: Align DPDP Act with RPWD & NT Act to ensure legally sound consent mechanisms.
• Improve Accessibility & Digital Inclusion: Ensure government and private digital services comply with accessibility standards.
• Clarify Legal Liabilities for Guardians: Define data-related responsibilities and penalties for both PwDs and their guardians.
Conclusion:
The DPDP Act’s consent clause for PwDs raises serious concerns about autonomy, privacy, and digital accessibility. While protecting vulnerable individuals is essential, the law must ensure inclusivity and respect for decision-making rights. Addressing ambiguities in guardianship roles and promoting digital accessibility will be key to ensuring fair implementation.
• Does the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 ensure effective mechanism for empowerment and inclusion of the intended beneficiaries in the society? Discuss. (2017)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 February 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Advisory Committee Recommendations on Panchayati Raj
Context: A government-appointed advisory committee has recommended exemplary penalties for male relatives usurping panchayat positions meant for elected women representatives.
About Advisory Committee Recommendations on Panchayati Raj:
• Exemplary Penalties: Strict punitive action against male relatives acting as proxies for elected women representatives.
• Strict punitive action against male relatives acting as proxies for elected women representatives.
• Structural & Policy Reforms: Implement Kerala-style gender-exclusive quotas in panchayat subject committees. Introduce public swearing-in ceremonies to affirm women’s authority.
• Implement Kerala-style gender-exclusive quotas in panchayat subject committees.
• Introduce public swearing-in ceremonies to affirm women’s authority.
• Technological Monitoring: Deploy digital tracking tools for real-time governance oversight. Establish helplines and watchdog committees to handle complaints confidentially.
• Deploy digital tracking tools for real-time governance oversight.
• Establish helplines and watchdog committees to handle complaints confidentially.
• Capacity Building & Peer Support: Create women’s leadership networks to foster independent decision-making. Promote mentorship programs for newly elected women representatives.
• Create women’s leadership networks to foster independent decision-making.
• Promote mentorship programs for newly elected women representatives.
• Whistleblower Mechanisms: Introduce rewards for reporting verified cases of proxy leadership.
• Introduce rewards for reporting verified cases of proxy leadership.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
• General Studies Paper 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity)
• 73rd Constitutional Amendment and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). Women’s Reservation in Local Governance and challenges in implementation. Issues of Proxy Representation and policy solutions for gender empowerment.
• 73rd Constitutional Amendment and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
• Women’s Reservation in Local Governance and challenges in implementation.
• Issues of Proxy Representation and policy solutions for gender empowerment.
• General Studies Paper 1 (Indian Society & Social Issues)
• Women’s Political Empowerment and Challenges in grassroots democracy. Role of Social Structures in Gender Equality at local governance levels.
• Women’s Political Empowerment and Challenges in grassroots democracy.
• Role of Social Structures in Gender Equality at local governance levels.
• Essay & Ethics Paper (GS-4)
• Gender Justice, Ethical Governance & Democratic Decentralization.
• Gender Justice, Ethical Governance & Democratic Decentralization.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 February 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
Source: PIB
Context: The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) will host the Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Award Ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, to honor individuals and organizations for exceptional contributions to animal welfare.
About Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI):
• What is AWBI?
• AWBI is a statutory body established to promote animal welfare and prevent cruelty to animals in India.
• It serves as an advisory body to the Central and State Governments on animal welfare laws and enforcement measures.
• Headquarters: Ballabhgarh, Haryana.
• Established in: 1962 under Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
• Administered by: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government of India.
• History & Evolution:
• Founded under the guidance of Rukmini Devi Arundale, a prominent animal rights activist.
• Has expanded its functions over the decades to include awareness programs, policy advisory roles, and financial aid for animal welfare organizations.
• Powers & Functions: Advisory Role: Recommends amendments to animal welfare laws and advises the Central & State Governments on cruelty prevention measures. Animal Welfare Programs: Monitors shelters, rescue homes, and sanctuaries, provides financial aid to Animal Welfare Organizations (AWOs), and encourages Pinjarapoles for old and sick animals. Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, oversees District SPCAs, and supervises animal treatment in slaughterhouses and transport. Legal Enforcement: Assists in prosecuting offenders, coordinates with State Animal Welfare Boards (SAWBs), and prevents illegal animal trade and abuse. Man-Animal Conflict Resolution: Monitors human-wildlife conflicts and promotes humane solutions to protect both animals and local communities.
• Advisory Role: Recommends amendments to animal welfare laws and advises the Central & State Governments on cruelty prevention measures.
• Animal Welfare Programs: Monitors shelters, rescue homes, and sanctuaries, provides financial aid to Animal Welfare Organizations (AWOs), and encourages Pinjarapoles for old and sick animals.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, oversees District SPCAs, and supervises animal treatment in slaughterhouses and transport.
• Legal Enforcement: Assists in prosecuting offenders, coordinates with State Animal Welfare Boards (SAWBs), and prevents illegal animal trade and abuse.
• Man-Animal Conflict Resolution: Monitors human-wildlife conflicts and promotes humane solutions to protect both animals and local communities.
Gold Card Visa
Source: FE
Context: The US is set to reintroduce its EB-5 visa program as the “Gold Card” visa, requiring a $5 million investment for a green card and path to citizenship.
About Gold Card Visa/Investment Visa:
• What is an Investment Visa?
• An investment visa allows individuals to obtain residency or citizenship in a foreign country by making financial investments. These visas are commonly referred to as Golden Visas, offering long-term residency, tax benefits, and business opportunities.
• An investment visa allows individuals to obtain residency or citizenship in a foreign country by making financial investments.
• These visas are commonly referred to as Golden Visas, offering long-term residency, tax benefits, and business opportunities.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Minimum Investment Requirement: Varies by country, typically ranging from $200,000 to $5 million. Type of Investment: Real estate, business capital, government bonds, or economic development funds. Minimum Stay Requirement: Some countries mandate a specific number of days of residence per year.
• Minimum Investment Requirement: Varies by country, typically ranging from $200,000 to $5 million.
• Type of Investment: Real estate, business capital, government bonds, or economic development funds.
• Minimum Stay Requirement: Some countries mandate a specific number of days of residence per year.
• Countries Offering Golden Visas:
• UAE: Requires an AED 2 million investment for 10-year residency. Portugal: Investment in funds (€500,000) or job creation (real estate option removed). New Zealand: Relaxed requirements to attract wealthy investors post-recession.
• UAE: Requires an AED 2 million investment for 10-year residency.
• Portugal: Investment in funds (€500,000) or job creation (real estate option removed).
• New Zealand: Relaxed requirements to attract wealthy investors post-recession.
• Procedure & How It Works:
• Application Submission: Investor submits financial documents, proof of funds, and investment plans. Background Check: Government conducts due diligence and verifies source of funds. Investment Confirmation: Investor transfers the required funds into an approved investment channel. Residency Approval: If all conditions are met, a residency permit is granted. Path to Citizenship: Some countries offer citizenship after 5-10 years of continuous residency.
• Application Submission: Investor submits financial documents, proof of funds, and investment plans.
• Background Check: Government conducts due diligence and verifies source of funds.
• Investment Confirmation: Investor transfers the required funds into an approved investment channel.
• Residency Approval: If all conditions are met, a residency permit is granted.
• Path to Citizenship: Some countries offer citizenship after 5-10 years of continuous residency.
Delimitation Exercise
Source: IE
Context: Union Home Minister assured that no parliamentary seats will be reduced in South Indian states after the proposed delimitation exercise, countering Tamil Nadu CM concerns.
About Delimitation Exercise:
What is Delimitation?
• Delimitation refers to fixing the number of seats and defining the boundaries of parliamentary and legislative assembly constituencies in each state.
• It ensures proportional representation based on population while determining reserved seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Who Conducts Delimitation?
• Delimitation Commission is established under an act of Parliament.
• It is a high-powered body, whose orders cannot be challenged in any court.
• The Election Commission assists in the process.
Delimitation Commission Members:
• A retired Supreme Court judge (Chairperson).
• The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) or an Election Commissioner nominated by the CEC.
• The State Election Commissioners of the respective states.
Constitutional Provisions on Delimitation
• Article 82: After every Census, Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act to redefine constituency boundaries.
• Article 170: States are divided into territorial constituencies as per the Delimitation Act after each Census.
• 42nd Amendment Act (1976): Froze the number of Lok Sabha seats for each state at 1971 census levels to encourage population control measures.
• 84th Amendment Act (2001): Allowed territorial adjustments based on the 1991 census without changing the number of seats.
• 87th Amendment Act (2003): Mandated delimitation based on the 2001 Census, keeping the existing seat allocation unchanged.
Delimitation in India So Far:
• Conducted four times: 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002.
• The first exercise (1950-51) was done by the President with the help of the Election Commission.
• The last full delimitation that changed state-wise seat composition was in 1976, based on the 1971 Census.
Functions and Powers of the Delimitation Commission:
• Redrawing Constituency Boundaries: Ensures equal representation by adjusting seats based on population shifts.
• Reservation of Seats: Identifies and allocates seats for SC/ST candidates as per constitutional provisions.
• Final Authority on Delimitation: Its decisions are legally binding and cannot be challenged in any court.
• Ensuring Electoral Equality: Maintains uniform voter-to-representative ratio across constituencies.
• Improving Electoral Participation: Adjusts boundaries to avoid voter disparity and ensure fair elections.
Doomsday Fish
Source: TOI
Context: Recent sightings of the rare oarfish, popularly called the “Doomsday Fish,” near the shores of Baja California Sur, Mexico, have sparked speculation about potential natural disasters.
About Doomsday Fish:
• Scientific Name: Regalecus glesne
• Common Name: Oarfish, Doomsday Fish
• Distribution: Found in deep-sea waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
• Habitat: Lives at depths of 200-1,000 meters, near continental slopes and oceanic trenches.
• Physical & Biological Features:
• Size: The longest bony fish in the world, reaching up to 11 meters.
• Appearance: Ribbon-like, shimmering silver body with red dorsal fins running its length.
• Diet: Feeds on krill, plankton, and small crustaceans.
• Lifespan: Estimated up to 20 years, but rarely seen due to its deep-sea habitat.
• Theories Linking Oarfish to Natural Disasters: Folklore & Earthquake Myths:
• Folklore & Earthquake Myths:
• In Japanese mythology, the oarfish is called “Ryugu no tsukai” (Messenger from the Sea God’s Palace). Believed to surface before earthquakes and tsunamis. The theory gained traction when oarfish washed ashore before the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake in Japan.
• In Japanese mythology, the oarfish is called “Ryugu no tsukai” (Messenger from the Sea God’s Palace). Believed to surface before earthquakes and tsunamis. The theory gained traction when oarfish washed ashore before the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake in Japan.
• In Japanese mythology, the oarfish is called “Ryugu no tsukai” (Messenger from the Sea God’s Palace).
• Believed to surface before earthquakes and tsunamis.
• The theory gained traction when oarfish washed ashore before the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake in Japan.
• Scientific Explanations & Skepticism:
• Some researchers believe oarfish may be sensitive to seismic activity due to deep-sea fault lines. The 2019 study by the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America found no proven link between oarfish sightings and earthquakes. Experts suggest sightings occur due to illness, deep-sea currents, or changes in water temperature and pressure rather than seismic activity.
• Some researchers believe oarfish may be sensitive to seismic activity due to deep-sea fault lines. The 2019 study by the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America found no proven link between oarfish sightings and earthquakes. Experts suggest sightings occur due to illness, deep-sea currents, or changes in water temperature and pressure rather than seismic activity.
• Some researchers believe oarfish may be sensitive to seismic activity due to deep-sea fault lines.
• The 2019 study by the Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America found no proven link between oarfish sightings and earthquakes.
• Experts suggest sightings occur due to illness, deep-sea currents, or changes in water temperature and pressure rather than seismic activity.
Pig Butchering Scam
Source: NIE
Context: The government has issued an alert about the ‘Pig Butchering Scam’, a cyber fraud targeting unemployed youth, students, and vulnerable individuals.
• The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and Google are collaborating to combat this scam, which involves money laundering and cyber slavery.
About Pig Butchering Scam:
• What is the Pig Butchering Scam? A fraudulent online scheme where scammers build trust with victims before stealing their money. Originated in China (2016) and has now spread globally. Involves large-scale financial fraud, cryptocurrency scams, and forced cyber labor.
• A fraudulent online scheme where scammers build trust with victims before stealing their money.
• Originated in China (2016) and has now spread globally.
• Involves large-scale financial fraud, cryptocurrency scams, and forced cyber labor.
• How Does It Work? Targeting Victims: Scammers contact individuals via social media, dating apps, or investment platforms. Building Trust: They gain confidence over time, often posing as wealthy investors or advisors. Fake Investment Opportunities: Victims are encouraged to invest in crypto, forex trading, or high-return schemes. Money Theft: Once victims deposit funds, scammers disappear or show fake profits to lure in more investments. Cyber Slavery: Some victims are coerced into working for cybercriminals, engaging in fraudulent activities under duress.
• Targeting Victims: Scammers contact individuals via social media, dating apps, or investment platforms.
• Building Trust: They gain confidence over time, often posing as wealthy investors or advisors.
• Fake Investment Opportunities: Victims are encouraged to invest in crypto, forex trading, or high-return schemes.
• Money Theft: Once victims deposit funds, scammers disappear or show fake profits to lure in more investments.
• Cyber Slavery: Some victims are coerced into working for cybercriminals, engaging in fraudulent activities under duress.
• Key Features of the Scam: Psychological Manipulation: Uses trust-building techniques to deceive victims. Cryptocurrency & Online Trading: Fraudsters leverage digital investments for large-scale laundering. Cross-Border Operations: Uses Google Ads, Facebook, and online platforms for targeted scams.
• Psychological Manipulation: Uses trust-building techniques to deceive victims.
• Cryptocurrency & Online Trading: Fraudsters leverage digital investments for large-scale laundering.
• Cross-Border Operations: Uses Google Ads, Facebook, and online platforms for targeted scams.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –27 February 2025 Mapping:
Simandou Mine
Source: REU
Context: The Simandou mine in Guinea is set to reshape the global iron ore market, meeting 10% of China’s annual iron ore demand and challenging Australia and Brazil’s dominance.
About Simandou Mine:
• Located in: Simandou mountain range, Nzérékoré Region, Guinea.
• Controlled by: 75% Chinese consortium.
• Quality & Reserves:
• Iron ore grade: 65% Fe content, among the highest globally. Reserves: Estimated at 2.4 billion tonnes, with potential yield of 2.25 billion tonnes. Mining Deposits: Pic de Fon & Ouéléba, spanning 7.5 km in length, 1 km wide.
• Iron ore grade: 65% Fe content, among the highest globally.
• Reserves: Estimated at 2.4 billion tonnes, with potential yield of 2.25 billion tonnes.
• Mining Deposits: Pic de Fon & Ouéléba, spanning 7.5 km in length, 1 km wide.
• Impact on Global Iron Ore Market:
• China’s Demand: Expected to fulfill 10% of China’s annual seaborne iron ore imports.
• Competition with Australia & Brazil: Could reduce dependence on existing top exporters.
• Decarbonization Push: High-grade ore is suitable for Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs), reducing carbon emissions in steel production.
• Infrastructure Boost: Includes a 620 km railway and a new port, enhancing Guinea’s economy and trade connectivity.
• Top Iron Ore-Producing Nations:
• Australia – Pilbara region (Hope Downs, Area C)
• Brazil – Pará, Minas Gerais (Carajas Mine)
• China – Liaoning province (Dataigou Iron Mine)
• India – Chhattisgarh, Karnataka (Bailadila, Donimalai, Kumaraswamy Mines)
• Russia – Belgorod Oblast
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 27 Feb 2025
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