UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 January 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 January 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 January (2025)
• Integrating Homeopathy and Allopathy
Integrating Homeopathy and Allopathy
GS Paper 3:
• External Commercial Borrowing
External Commercial Borrowing
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Spam Regulations
Spam Regulations
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA)
Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA)
• Tidal Flooding
Tidal Flooding
• Paraquat Poisoning
Paraquat Poisoning
• Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
• Ocean vs Sea Comparison
Ocean vs Sea Comparison
• Birthright Citizenship
Birthright Citizenship
Mapping:
• Surajpur Wetland
Surajpur Wetland
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 January 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Integrating Homeopathy and Allopathy
Syllabus: Governance & Health
Source: TH
Context: The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration has, in a recent directive, allowed homeopathic practitioners, who have completed a certificate course in modern pharmacology, to prescribe allopathic medications.
What is Allopathy?
Allopathy, or modern medicine, focuses on treating diseases by targeting their symptoms and underlying causes. It uses scientifically validated drugs, surgeries, and advanced technologies for diagnosis and treatment. Allopathic treatments are fast-acting and often used in emergencies.
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine based on the principle of “like cures like.” It uses highly diluted natural substances to stimulate the body’s self-healing mechanisms. Homeopathy emphasizes holistic care, considering the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of patients.
Homeopathy differs from Allopathy:
Aspect | Homeopathy | Allopathy
Approach | Treats the root cause by stimulating the body’s natural healing process. | Targets symptoms and specific organs using drugs and surgeries.
Medications | Uses highly diluted natural substances. | Relies on synthetic, machine-made pharmaceutical drugs.
Side Effects | Minimal side effects due to dilution. | Side effects can occur due to potent drugs or invasive treatments.
Focus | Holistic approach addressing overall well-being. | Disease-specific approach, focusing on immediate symptom relief.
Speed of Action | Gradual and long-term effect. | Quick and effective, especially in emergencies.
Need for Integration of Homeopathy and Allopathy:
• Improved Healthcare Accessibility: With over 80% shortage of specialist doctors in rural health centres (Health Dynamics of India 2022-23), integrating systems can bridge gaps in care delivery.
E.g. Homeopathy can complement allopathy in managing chronic illnesses like arthritis and asthma.
• Holistic Care: Homeopathy’s focus on immunity and overall well-being can augment allopathy’s symptom-based treatment, offering comprehensive care.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Homeopathic treatments are affordable and accessible, making them a viable option for low-income populations.
E.g. AYUSH health and wellness centres served 8.42 crore patients by 2022, showcasing their popularity.
• Chronic Disease Management: Integrative approaches can be effective in managing non-communicable diseases, where long-term care is crucial.
E.g. Yoga, an AYUSH component, is widely integrated into modern healthcare for managing diabetes and stress.
Challenges and Limitations:
• Trust Deficit: Lack of evidence-based validation for many homeopathic treatments creates skepticism among allopathic practitioners.
• Regulation Issues: Weak regulatory frameworks make it difficult to ensure accountability in integrative practices.
• Operational Challenges: Training modern doctors in homeopathy and vice versa is time-consuming and may overburden medical curricula.
• Compatibility Concerns: Aligning homeopathy’s holistic approach with allopathy’s evidence-based methodology requires a significant mindset shift.
• Quality Control: Ensuring the quality and standardization of homeopathic medicines remains a challenge.
Court Judgements:
· Poonam Verma vs. Ashwin Patel & Others (1996): The Supreme Court held the homeopath liable for negligence, ruling that practicing outside one’s trained medical system constitutes malpractice.
· Bombay High Court Stay on 2017 Notification: The Bombay High Court issued a stay, questioning the risk posed to patients and highlighting the lack of authority to permit crosspathy.
· Suresh Bada Math et al. (2015 Research Analysis): The judiciary consistently upheld crosspathy as negligence, permitting it only where explicitly authorized by state governments.
Way Ahead:
• Evidence-Based Practices: Conduct large-scale clinical trials to validate the efficacy of homeopathic treatments and integrate them into modern healthcare guidelines.
• Educational Reforms: Introduce cross-disciplinary training programs for doctors to understand both systems, fostering collaboration.
• Strengthen Regulations: Develop a robust regulatory framework to govern integrative practices, ensuring safety and accountability.
• Public Awareness: Educate the public on the benefits and limitations of integrative healthcare to build trust in both systems.
• Pilot Projects: Initiate pilot programs in rural areas to test the effectiveness of integrative healthcare models.
Conclusion:
The integration of homeopathy and allopathy can revolutionize healthcare by combining the strengths of both systems. While challenges like trust deficits and regulatory issues remain, evidence-based practices and collaborative frameworks can pave the way for a more holistic and accessible healthcare model.
Insta Links:
• Homeopathy-easy-and-affordable-therapy
• How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (UPSC-2019)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 January 2025 GS Paper 3:
External Commercial Borrowing
Syllabus: Economics
Source: PIB
Context: A recent State Bank of India (SBI) report highlights the rising contributions of private sector investments and the role of External Commercial Borrowing (ECBs) in driving corporate financing, modernization, and capital expansion.
What is External Commercial Borrowing (ECB)?
External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) refers to loans or funding raised by Indian entities from foreign sources, including commercial banks, export credit agencies, and international markets. ECBs are typically used for capital expansion, modernization, and infrastructure projects and are governed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines.
Parameter | Data
Total Outstanding ECBs | $190.4 billion (as of Sept. 2024)
Private Sector Share | 63% ($97.58 billion)
Public Sector Share | 37% ($55.5 billion)
Hedging (Private Sector) | 74% of hedged corpus
ECBs Registered (Apr-Nov 2024) | $33.8 billion
Decline in ECB Costs | 6.6% (April-Nov 2024 average)
5.8% (Nov. 2024)
Need and Significance of ECB:
• Capital Expansion: ECBs provide long-term funding to finance infrastructure and industrial growth.
• Cost-Effective Financing: ECBs offer competitive interest rates compared to domestic loans, reducing the cost of borrowing.
• Modernization and Import of Capital Goods: Corporates use ECBs to modernize operations and import advanced machinery.
• Foreign Currency Access: ECBs allow Indian firms to access foreign currency, helping in trade and international competitiveness.
• Private Sector Growth: With 63% of ECBs attributed to private companies, they play a vital role in supporting private sector expansion.
Challenges and Limitations of ECB:
• Exchange Rate Risk: ECBs expose borrowers to currency fluctuations, increasing repayment costs in volatile markets.
• High Hedging Costs: Hedging to mitigate exchange rate risk often adds to the borrowing cost.
• Global Market Dependence: ECBs make Indian corporates reliant on global financial conditions, which can be unpredictable.
• Potential for Over-Borrowing: Mismanagement of ECBs can lead to high corporate debt, affecting financial stability.
• Policy Restrictions: Regulatory limitations may hinder flexibility in fund utilization.
Way Ahead:
• Policy Refinement: Simplify ECB regulations to encourage strategic borrowing for productive sectors.
• Focus on Hedging: Promote affordable and accessible hedging mechanisms to minimize exchange rate risks.
• Sustainable Borrowing: Ensure ECBs are utilized for long-term infrastructure and modernization projects to avoid unsustainable debt.
• Enhanced Monitoring: Strengthen oversight mechanisms to prevent mismanagement of funds and over-leveraging.
Conclusion:
ECBs have been instrumental in financing India’s industrial and infrastructural growth. While challenges like exchange rate risks persist, with sound policies and prudent borrowing practices, ECBs can remain a crucial tool for India’s economic development.
Insta Links:
• Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (UPSC-2019)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 January 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Spam Regulations
Context: Spam, officially referred to as Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC), has become a persistent issue in India’s telecom industry, leading to increasing public frustration and security risks.
About Government Measures to Tackle Spam:
• Do-Not-Disturb (DND) Registry: Introduced by TRAI in 2007, it allows customers to block commercial calls/messages. Telemarketers violating it face warnings and blacklisting.
• Blockchain Technology (DLT): Under Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR) 2018, blockchain ensures traceability of approved senders/templates. In 2024, rules tightened to track message origins and prevent tampering.
• Sanchar Saathi Portal: Launched by DoT to report fraudulent calls/messages, collaborating with banks, law enforcement, and telcos to cancel unauthorized numbers.
• Telecom Security Operation Centre: Monitors suspicious internet traffic in real-time to enhance action against spam, scams, and fraudulent communications.
• Artificial Intelligence Integration: Telcos like Airtel use AI to flag suspicious calls as “Suspected Spam.” International calls are flagged to detect fraud via VoIP numbers.
• International Call Monitoring: Identifies and curbs fraudulent calls from leased VoIP numbers, ensuring real-time enforcement against scams.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
• GS Paper 2 (Governance):
• Regulatory Policies: Measures taken by TRAI and DoT to regulate UCC and ensure consumer protection.
• Role of Technology in Governance: Blockchain and AI as tools to enhance traceability and combat fraud.
• GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology):
• Application of Technology: Use of DLT, AI, and real-time traffic monitoring for combating spam and scams.
• Cybersecurity: Tackling fraudulent calls, financial scams, and protecting digital infrastructure.
• Essay and Ethics:
• Topics like “Balancing Digitization and Privacy” or “Ethical Use of Technology in Governance”.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 January 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA)
Source: TH
Context: Recent research highlights Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA), a severe fungal infection posing a life-threatening risk to TB survivors in Assam’s tea gardens.
About Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CPA):
• What is CPA? Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis is a severe lung infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus that predominantly strikes individuals with immunodeficiency or pre-existing lung conditions, particularly those with a history of TB.
• Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis is a severe lung infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus that predominantly strikes individuals with immunodeficiency or pre-existing lung conditions, particularly those with a history of TB.
• Vector: The infection is caused by inhalation of fungal spores (*Aspergillus fumigatus*), which thrive in decayed organic matter and humid environments.
• Symptoms:
• Chronic cough
• Haemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Fatigue and weight loss
• Persistent respiratory distress
• Impact:
• High morbidity and mortality rates if left undiagnosed or untreated.
• CPA prevalence in Assam (60 per 1,00,000) exceeds the global average (42 per 1,00,000), and is worse than several African nations, including Nigeria and Congo.
• Treatment:
• Early diagnosis through serological testing for Aspergillus antibodies and radiological imaging.
• Antifungal therapy (e.g., itraconazole or voriconazole).
• Public health campaigns to educate healthcare workers and communities on respiratory health, nutrition, and hygiene.
Insta links:
• Actionable-ideas-for-TB-control
Tidal Flooding
Source: TH
Context: Tidal flooding has become frequent in Ernakulam district lately. With the invading water staying on longer, more areas are getting affected.
About Tidal Flooding:
• What is Tidal Flooding? Tidal flooding refers to the temporary inundation of low-lying coastal areas during high tide events, such as full and new moons. It is often called sunny day flooding or king tide flooding when associated with extreme high tides.
• Tidal flooding refers to the temporary inundation of low-lying coastal areas during high tide events, such as full and new moons. It is often called sunny day flooding or king tide flooding when associated with extreme high tides.
• How Does It Occur? Tidal flooding occurs when the combination of high tide, offshore storms, winds, and full moon cycles leads to a temporary rise in local sea levels. Coastal drainage systems often fail to cope with this sudden increase, resulting in localized flooding.
• Tidal flooding occurs when the combination of high tide, offshore storms, winds, and full moon cycles leads to a temporary rise in local sea levels. Coastal drainage systems often fail to cope with this sudden increase, resulting in localized flooding.
• Factors Influencing Tidal Flooding:
• Rising Sea Levels: Melting glaciers, thermal expansion, and land subsidence increase the baseline sea level.
• Storm Surges: Hurricanes and offshore storms amplify water levels during high tides.
• Climate Change: Warmer oceans contribute to stronger storms and more intense tidal events.
• Local Geography: Coastal erosion and low-lying topography make certain regions more vulnerable.
• Impacts of Tidal Flooding:
• Infrastructure Stress: Repeated flooding damages roads, buildings, and drainage systems.
• Economic Costs: Increased maintenance costs and reduced property values in flood-prone areas.
• Environmental Degradation: Flooding disrupts ecosystems and accelerates coastal erosion.
• Safety Risks: While typically not life-threatening, tidal flooding complicates emergency responses during larger storm events.
• Managed Retreat Needs: Vulnerable areas may eventually require relocation to avoid repetitive damage.
Insta links:
• Importance-of-tides
Paraquat Poisoning
Source: IE
Context: Paraquat poisoning recently gained attention following a high-profile murder case in Kerala, where the chemical was used to commit a crime.
• Paraquat, a widely used herbicide, is highly toxic and banned in over 70 countries due to its lethal nature.
About Paraquat Poisoning:
• What is Paraquat Poisoning? Paraquat poisoning occurs when the toxic chemical paraquat, commonly used as a herbicide, enters the human body. It is extremely lethal even in small amounts and is classified as a Category 2 (moderately hazardous) chemical by the WHO.
• Paraquat poisoning occurs when the toxic chemical paraquat, commonly used as a herbicide, enters the human body. It is extremely lethal even in small amounts and is classified as a Category 2 (moderately hazardous) chemical by the WHO.
• How Does Paraquat Poisoning Occur?
• Ingestion: Accidental or intentional swallowing of paraquat is the most common route. Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure to liquid paraquat can lead to absorption and toxicity. Inhalation: Breathing paraquat fumes can cause respiratory damage.
• Ingestion: Accidental or intentional swallowing of paraquat is the most common route.
• Skin Contact: Prolonged exposure to liquid paraquat can lead to absorption and toxicity.
• Inhalation: Breathing paraquat fumes can cause respiratory damage.
• Symptoms of Paraquat Poisoning:
• Initial Symptoms: Abdominal pain, swelling, mouth and throat irritation, nausea, and bloody diarrhea. Severe Symptoms: Acute kidney failure, liver damage, rapid heart rate, seizures, and respiratory failure. Symptoms can worsen based on the quantity ingested or exposure duration.
• Initial Symptoms: Abdominal pain, swelling, mouth and throat irritation, nausea, and bloody diarrhea.
• Severe Symptoms: Acute kidney failure, liver damage, rapid heart rate, seizures, and respiratory failure. Symptoms can worsen based on the quantity ingested or exposure duration.
• Treatment for Paraquat Poisoning:
• Immediate Actions: Activated charcoal or Fuller’s earth (multani mitti) can be administered to reduce absorption. Medical Treatment: Hospital care is essential, with options like immunosuppression or charcoal hemoperfusion, though no antidote exists. Safety Measures: Contaminated clothing should be removed, and exposed skin should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
• Immediate Actions: Activated charcoal or Fuller’s earth (multani mitti) can be administered to reduce absorption.
• Medical Treatment: Hospital care is essential, with options like immunosuppression or charcoal hemoperfusion, though no antidote exists.
• Safety Measures: Contaminated clothing should be removed, and exposed skin should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.
Insta links:
• What-are-herbicides
Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
Source: DD News
Context: The finance ministry has notified the operationalization of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as an option under the National Pension System (NPS) for central government employees, effective from April 1 of 2025.
About Unified Pension Scheme (UPS):
• What is it? The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) is a contributory pension scheme offering government employees guaranteed retirement benefits, including 50% of their last drawn basic pay as a monthly pension.
• The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) is a contributory pension scheme offering government employees guaranteed retirement benefits, including 50% of their last drawn basic pay as a monthly pension.
• Ministry: Introduced by the Ministry of Finance, it will be regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
• Launched in: The UPS was approved by the Cabinet on August 24, 2024, and will be operational from April 1, 2025.
• Aim: The scheme aims to address employee grievances regarding the market-linked returns of the NPS by providing guaranteed benefits and ensuring financial security post-retirement.
• Key Features:
• Guaranteed Pension: Employees will receive 50% of their average basic pay during the last 12 months before retirement.
• Dearness Relief: Regular hikes to adjust pensions based on inflation trends.
• Family Pension: In case of death, family members will receive 60% of the employee’s pension.
• Superannuation Benefits: A lump sum payout alongside gratuity at retirement.
• Minimum Pension: A minimum of ₹10,000 per month for employees completing at least 10 years of service.
• Contributions Under the Scheme:
• Employees contribute 10% of their basic pay.
• The government contributes 5% of the basic pay, which can be revised based on actuarial reviews to ensure sustainability.
• Coverage:
• Applicable to Central Government employees who were previously covered under the NPS.
• Employees hired on or after January 1, 2004, including retirees, can opt to switch from NPS to UPS.
• Transition from NPS to UPS:
• The NPS linked pensions to market-driven returns based on contributions, causing concerns over uncertainty.
• The UPS eliminates these concerns by guaranteeing lifelong monthly pensions, making it beneficial for an estimated 99% of NPS members.
Insta links:
Ocean vs Sea Comparison
Source: TOI
Context: The article explores the differences between oceans and seas, highlighting their distinct characteristics in size, depth, salinity, geographic location, and impact on climate, despite both being vital components of Earth’s aquatic system.
About difference between Sea and Ocean:
Aspect | Sea | Ocean
Geographical Location | Smaller bodies of saltwater, mostly enclosed by land and connected to oceans via straits. | Large, continuous bodies of saltwater covering 71% of Earth’s surface, part of the global system.
Size | Smaller in area and volume, typically located along coastal boundaries. | Much larger, spanning vast areas and depths.
Depth | Shallower, with depths ranging from hundreds to a few thousand feet (e.g., Mediterranean Sea: ~4,900 ft). | Deeper, with an average depth of ~12,080 ft and the deepest point, Challenger Deep (~36,070 ft).
Salinity | Higher salinity due to evaporation, minimal water exchange, and river inflow (e.g., Dead Sea). | Stable salinity (average ~35 ppt) due to continuous water movement.
Climate Influence | Impacts local climates, especially coastal regions, by moderating temperatures. | Plays a major role in global climate regulation by absorbing and distributing solar energy.
Insta links:
• Bottom-relief-features
Birthright Citizenship
Source: IE
Context: Recently, discussions have intensified in the United States, where efforts to alter the interpretation of the 14th Amendment have sparked legal challenges.
About Birthright Citizenship:
• In USA:
• 14th Amendment: Ratified in 1868, the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution states that all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction are citizens of the country. It was introduced after the Civil War to ensure citizenship rights for freed slaves.
• Ratified in 1868, the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution states that all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction are citizens of the country.
• It was introduced after the Civil War to ensure citizenship rights for freed slaves.
• In India: Constitutional Provisions (Article 5): Article 5 of the Indian Constitution initially granted citizenship by birth to anyone born in India before its commencement (January 26, 1950). The Citizenship Act, 1955, expanded this to include individuals born after this date, with limited exceptions (e.g., children of foreign envoys or enemy aliens). Amendments to the Citizenship Act: 1986 Amendment: Restricted citizenship by birth to those with at least one parent as an Indian citizen. Addressed concerns over migration from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. 2003 Amendment: Further restricted citizenship, excluding children born to illegal immigrants. This change aimed to control unauthorized migration and its impact on demographics.
• Constitutional Provisions (Article 5): Article 5 of the Indian Constitution initially granted citizenship by birth to anyone born in India before its commencement (January 26, 1950). The Citizenship Act, 1955, expanded this to include individuals born after this date, with limited exceptions (e.g., children of foreign envoys or enemy aliens).
• Article 5 of the Indian Constitution initially granted citizenship by birth to anyone born in India before its commencement (January 26, 1950).
• The Citizenship Act, 1955, expanded this to include individuals born after this date, with limited exceptions (e.g., children of foreign envoys or enemy aliens).
• Amendments to the Citizenship Act: 1986 Amendment: Restricted citizenship by birth to those with at least one parent as an Indian citizen. Addressed concerns over migration from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. 2003 Amendment: Further restricted citizenship, excluding children born to illegal immigrants. This change aimed to control unauthorized migration and its impact on demographics.
• 1986 Amendment: Restricted citizenship by birth to those with at least one parent as an Indian citizen. Addressed concerns over migration from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
• Restricted citizenship by birth to those with at least one parent as an Indian citizen.
• Addressed concerns over migration from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
• 2003 Amendment: Further restricted citizenship, excluding children born to illegal immigrants.
• Further restricted citizenship, excluding children born to illegal immigrants.
• This change aimed to control unauthorized migration and its impact on demographics.
Insta links:
• Citizenship-amendment-act-rules-notified
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 January 2025 Mapping:
Surajpur Wetland
Source: DTE
Context: The Greater Noida Authority has launched a project to safeguard the Surajpur wetland, which faces threats from the unchecked discharge of polluted wastewater into its channels.
About Surajpur Wetland:
• Location: Uttar Pradesh, India
• Unique Features:
• Soil type: Lacustrine (fine-grained).
• Tropical moist and dry deciduous vegetation with Phoenix trees surrounding the lake.
• Home to rare and migratory birds like Spot-billed Duck, Lesser Whistling Duck, Red-crested Pochard, and Bar-headed Goose.
• Issues Faced:
• Pollution: Discharge of untreated wastewater into wetland channels.
• Urbanization Pressure: Encroachment and industrial impact threaten its ecological balance.
• Importance:
• Acts as a breeding ground for waterfowl and rare bird species like Bristled Grassbird and Sarus Crane.
• Serves as a critical stopover for migratory birds during the winter season.
• Promotes urban biodiversity conservation in an industrial area.
• Supports eco-tourism activities like bird watching and photography.
Insta links:
• Wetlands
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary (27 Jan 2024)
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Official Facebook Page HERE
Twitter Account HERE
Instagram Account HERE
LinkedIn: HERE