UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 January 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 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 – 29 January (2025)
• ASER Report, 2024
ASER Report, 2024
GS Paper 3:
• AI Revolution
AI Revolution
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Andhra Pradesh Volunteer System
Andhra Pradesh Volunteer System
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• “When-Listed” Platform
“When-Listed” Platform
• Bhashini
Bhashini
• WASP-127b
WASP-127b
• WHO Guidelines on Table Salt
WHO Guidelines on Table Salt
• ISRO’s Launch Vehicle
ISRO’s Launch Vehicle
• Reinforcement Learning Model
Reinforcement Learning Model
Mapping:
• Darfur Region
Darfur Region
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 January 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
ASER Report, 2024
Syllabus: Education
Source: ASER report
Context: The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 highlights a significant recovery in foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) after COVID-19-induced learning losses.
What is ASER Report 2024?
• Conducted by Pratham NGO, assessing reading and arithmetic skills of students aged 3 to 16 years.
• Uses 2011 Census data, selecting 30 villages per district and 20 households per village for assessment.
• It covers rural schools specifically.
• Focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) and tracks learning outcomes in government and private schools.
• Three groups – Assessment Categories: Pre-primary (3-5 years) Elementary (6-14 years) Older children (15-16 years).
• Pre-primary (3-5 years)
• Elementary (6-14 years)
• Older children (15-16 years).
• First-Time Digital Literacy Evaluation: Assesses smartphone access, usage, and safety awareness among 14-16-year-olds.
Key Data Insights from ASER 2024:
• Reading Skills Recovery: Class 3 students in government schools reading a Class 2 text improved from 16.3% (2022) to 23.4% (2024).
• Arithmetic Skills Growth: Class 3 students able to do subtraction increased from 28.1% (2018) to 33.7% (2024).
• State-Wise Progress: Gujarat, UP, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Mizoram showed 10%+ improvement in reading skills.
• Smartphone Access Among Teens: 89% of 14-16-year-olds have access, 57% use it for education, and 76% for social media.
• Government vs Private Schools: Government schools showed a larger learning gain, closing the gap with private schools.
Positives from ASER 2024:
• Improvement in FLN Skills: Better literacy and numeracy post-COVID due to focused interventions (e.g., NIPUN Bharat Mission).
• Government School Enrolment Stabilization: 66.8% of children enrolled in government schools, close to pre-pandemic levels.
• Stronger Teacher Training: 78% of schools reported receiving FLN training and resources, aiding learning recovery.
• Better Digital Literacy: 87% of students can find videos online, and 92.1% can share them, improving self-learning capacity.
• State-Specific Gains: UP saw a 15% rise in Class 3 reading levels, while Bihar and Odisha improved by 8-10%.
Negatives from ASER 2024:
• High Learning Gaps Persist: 76.6% of Class 3 students still cannot read Class 2 text, highlighting slow foundational recovery.
• Arithmetic Weakness: 66.3% of Class 3 students and 70% of Class 5 students cannot perform simple arithmetic calculations.
• Gender Gap in Digital Safety: Only 55.2% of girls knew how to make their online profile private, lower than boys.
• Variability Across States: Himachal Pradesh and Bihar saw only 4-5% gains, compared to 10%+ in Gujarat and UP.
• Post-Pandemic Drop in Government Enrolment: Enrolment in government schools fell from 72.9% (2022) to 66.8% (2024).
Way Ahead:
• Strengthen Foundational Literacy Programs: Expand NEP 2020 and NIPUN Bharat to bridge learning gaps by 2026-27.
• Improve Teacher Training and Resources: Increase focus on pedagogy-based training to boost student engagement.
• Enhance Digital Literacy and Safety: Introduce school-level training on cybersecurity awareness, especially for girls.
• Focus on State-Specific Interventions: Low-performing states like J&K and Nagaland need customized learning recovery plans.
• Expand Post-Primary Learning Support: Middle school and high school reforms required to sustain early learning gains.
Conclusion:
ASER 2024 highlights substantial recovery in reading and arithmetic post-COVID, but major learning gaps remain. Focused government interventions, improved teacher training, and state-specific policies are essential for sustained educational progress.
Insta Links:
• Data-for-better-education-a-brighter-future-for-students
• How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer. (UPSC-2020)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 January 2025 GS Paper 3:
AI Revolution
Syllabus: Artificial Intelligence
Source: IE
Context: DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has gained global attention by challenging U.S. AI dominance with its low-cost, high-efficiency AI models, DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1.
AI Works: The Fundamentals
• Data Processing & Learning: AI models process large datasets to detect patterns and relationships, mimicking human cognition.
E.g., AI in Google Search analyzes user behavior to improve results.
• Neural Networks & Deep Learning: AI uses multi-layered neural networks to learn complex patterns, improving over time.
E.g., ChatGPT learns from vast internet text to generate human-like responses.
• Machine Learning Algorithms: AI models rely on supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning to enhance accuracy.
E.g., Tesla’s Autopilot refines driving decisions using ML.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): AI understands and processes human language, enabling chatbots and translation tools.
E.g., OpenAI’s ChatGPT and DeepSeek-V3 enhance real-time language translation.
• Edge Computing & AI Optimization: AI is shifting towards edge computing for faster processing, reducing cloud dependency.
E.g., Apple’s Siri processes some voice commands locally on iPhones.
Some types of AI models:
• Large Language Models (LLMs): AI models like DeepSeek-V3, GPT-4o, and Claude 3.5 excel in text generation, answering queries, and automating tasks.
• Generative AI: AI models create images, videos, and text, revolutionizing content creation.
E.g., MidJourney generates realistic AI-generated artwork.
• Autonomous Systems: AI powers self-driving cars, drones, and robots for automation.
E.g., Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) improves vehicle autonomy.
AI is Revolutionizing Key Sectors:
Agriculture
• Precision Farming: AI-driven drones and sensors optimize irrigation, reducing water waste.
E.g., IBM’s Watson predicts crop diseases using satellite data.
• Automated Harvesting: AI-powered robotic arms pick fruits and vegetables, improving efficiency.
E.g., John Deere’s AI-driven tractors optimize field operations.
Healthcare & Education
• AI Diagnostics: AI detects diseases like cancer and COVID-19 with higher accuracy than humans.
E.g., Google’s DeepMind diagnoses eye diseases with 94% accuracy.
• Smart Education: AI personalizes learning experiences for students.
E.g., Byju’s AI-based learning adapts to students’ needs.
Defense & Security
• AI-Powered Warfare: AI enhances autonomous drones, cyber warfare, and battlefield strategy.
E.g., Russia uses AI-driven military drones in Ukraine.
• Threat Detection & Surveillance: AI identifies potential threats in real-time.
E.g., India’s AI-driven border surveillance improves national security.
Economy & Finance
• Stock Market Predictions: AI analyzes financial trends for high-frequency trading.
E.g., Goldman Sachs uses AI for risk assessment.
• Fraud Detection: AI secures transactions by identifying anomalies in banking.
E.g., Mastercard’s AI prevents credit card fraud in real-time.
Governance & Public Services
• Smart Cities: AI manages traffic, waste, and energy consumption in urban areas.
E.g., Singapore’s AI-driven smart traffic system reduces congestion.
• AI in Policy Making: AI assists governments in formulating data-driven policies.
E.g., Estonia’s AI system drafts legal documents for policymaking.
Challenges Due to AI Revolution:
• Job Displacement: AI threatens traditional employment in manufacturing, finance, and customer service.
• Ethical & Bias Issues: AI models inherit biases from training data, leading to discrimination.
• Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Risks: AI-driven deepfakes and hacking raise security concerns.
• Geopolitical AI Arms Race: Countries compete for AI supremacy, leading to tech cold wars.
• Regulatory & Legal Challenges: AI laws struggle to keep up with rapid advancements.
India’s Status in AI Development:
• AI Research & Development: India has AI hubs in IITs, IISc, and NITI Aayog-led AI programs.
E.g., Bhashini project promotes AI-driven Indian language translation.
• Startup Ecosystem: India has over 4,500 AI startups, fostering innovation in healthcare, fintech, and governance.
E.g., Reliance Jio’s AI initiatives in telecom.
• Government AI Policy: India’s AI Mission focuses on data security and AI adoption in governance.
E.g., AI-powered Gram Panchayats for rural development.
• AI in Défense & Cybersecurity: India invests in AI-driven surveillance, UAVs, and cyber defence.
E.g., DRDO developing AI-powered drones for border security.
• Collaboration with Global AI Leaders: India partners with Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA for AI advancements.
E.g., India-U.S. AI partnership for quantum computing.
Way Ahead:
• Strengthening AI Regulations: Develop ethical AI frameworks for privacy, security, and bias mitigation.
• AI Skill Development: Upskilling workforce to adapt to AI-driven jobs in the new economy.
• Boosting AI Infrastructure: Enhance cloud computing and GPU access for AI startups.
• Public-Private AI Collaboration: Encourage joint AI research between academia and industry.
• AI for Social Impact: Use AI for poverty reduction, healthcare access, and rural development.
Conclusion:
DeepSeek’s success challenges big tech’s AI monopoly and raises geopolitical tensions in the AI race. While AI is revolutionizing industries, its ethical, legal, and security challenges require urgent policy intervention. For India, leveraging AI for economic growth and global leadership is the key to future technological dominance.
Insta Links:
• Generative-AI-what-are-the-potential-applications-and-ethical-concerns
With the print state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?
• Bring down electricity consumption in industrial unit Create meaningful short stories and songs Disease diagnosis Text -to -Speech Conversion Wireless transmission of electrical energy
• Bring down electricity consumption in industrial unit
• Create meaningful short stories and songs
• Disease diagnosis
• Text -to -Speech Conversion
• Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 2, 4 and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans) Option D
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 January 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Andhra Pradesh Volunteer System
Context: The Andhra Pradesh Volunteer System, once a flagship grassroots governance model, faces uncertainty after the new government discontinued payments to over 2.6 lakh volunteers since June 2024.
About Andhra Pradesh Volunteer System:
• How the Volunteer System Works?
• Established in 2019, it deployed 2.6 lakh village and ward volunteers, each responsible for 40-50 households. Volunteers acted as last-mile connectors, ensuring direct delivery of welfare schemes to beneficiaries. Paid an honorarium of ₹5,000/month, with an election promise to increase it to ₹10,000.
• Established in 2019, it deployed 2.6 lakh village and ward volunteers, each responsible for 40-50 households.
• Volunteers acted as last-mile connectors, ensuring direct delivery of welfare schemes to beneficiaries.
• Paid an honorarium of ₹5,000/month, with an election promise to increase it to ₹10,000.
• Impact on Governance:
• Strengthened Decentralization: Enabled efficient distribution of pensions, ration supplies, and healthcare benefits. COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Played a critical role in delivering food, medicine, and financial aid during lockdowns. Bridged the Bureaucratic Gap: Provided real-time data and feedback to policymakers for targeted interventions. Political Controversy: Allegations of misuse for political gains, data breaches, and biased beneficiary selection. Employment for Rural Youth: Offered temporary livelihood, but lacked permanent job security or skill development.
• Strengthened Decentralization: Enabled efficient distribution of pensions, ration supplies, and healthcare benefits.
• COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Played a critical role in delivering food, medicine, and financial aid during lockdowns.
• Bridged the Bureaucratic Gap: Provided real-time data and feedback to policymakers for targeted interventions.
• Political Controversy: Allegations of misuse for political gains, data breaches, and biased beneficiary selection.
• Employment for Rural Youth: Offered temporary livelihood, but lacked permanent job security or skill development.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 2: Governance & Public Administration
• Case study on decentralized governance and welfare delivery. Role of grassroots workers in public service delivery.
• Case study on decentralized governance and welfare delivery.
• Role of grassroots workers in public service delivery.
• GS Paper 3: Inclusive Development & Social Justice
• State-led employment schemes & financial sustainability of welfare programs. Challenges in last-mile service delivery.
• State-led employment schemes & financial sustainability of welfare programs.
• Challenges in last-mile service delivery.
• GS Paper 4: Ethics & Integrity in Public Administration
• Moral responsibility of governments in handling temporary employment. Case study on ethical governance & policy discontinuation.
• Moral responsibility of governments in handling temporary employment.
• Case study on ethical governance & policy discontinuation.
• Essay Topics & Case Studies
• “Decentralization & Citizen Participation in Governance”. “Balancing Political Promises with Administrative Feasibility”.
• “Decentralization & Citizen Participation in Governance”.
• “Balancing Political Promises with Administrative Feasibility”.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 January 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
“When-Listed” Platform
Source: IE
Context: SEBI plans to introduce a “when-listed” platform to regulate pre-listing share trading, aiming to curb grey market activities and protect investor interests.
About the ‘When-Listed’ Platform:
• What it is: A regulated platform for trading unlisted shares between IPO allotment and official listing.
• Developed by: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in collaboration with stock exchanges.
• Aim: To reduce grey market trading, ensure transparency, and provide a regulated avenue for pre-listing share transactions.
• Features: Allows trading of IPO-allotted shares before official listing. Operates within the T+3 timeline (allotment to listing). Replaces informal grey market trading with a formal, regulated mechanism.
• Allows trading of IPO-allotted shares before official listing.
• Operates within the T+3 timeline (allotment to listing).
• Replaces informal grey market trading with a formal, regulated mechanism.
• Significance: Enhances market transparency and investor protection. Curbs volatility and speculative activities in the grey market. Formalizes pre-listing trading, reducing risks for retail investors.
• Enhances market transparency and investor protection.
• Curbs volatility and speculative activities in the grey market.
• Formalizes pre-listing trading, reducing risks for retail investors.
• What is the Grey Market? The grey market refers to the unofficial trading of securities, particularly shares, before they are officially listed on stock exchanges. It operates outside the regulatory framework, relying on demand and supply dynamics. Transactions are based on notional prices, and no physical delivery of shares occurs.
• The grey market refers to the unofficial trading of securities, particularly shares, before they are officially listed on stock exchanges.
• It operates outside the regulatory framework, relying on demand and supply dynamics.
• Transactions are based on notional prices, and no physical delivery of shares occurs.
• Existing Mechanism: Currently, SEBI mandates that shares must be listed on stock exchanges within three working days (T+3) after the IPO bidding process closes. Allotment of shares is completed on T+1, and trading begins on T+3.
• Currently, SEBI mandates that shares must be listed on stock exchanges within three working days (T+3) after the IPO bidding process closes.
• Allotment of shares is completed on T+1, and trading begins on T+3.
Insta links:
• IPO-grey-market
Bhashini
Source: PIB
Context: Tripura has become the first northeastern state to sign an MoU with Bhashini, a Digital India initiative, to promote multilingual governance and bridge the digital divide by enabling access to digital services in regional languages.
About Bhashini Platform:
• What it is: Bhashini is India’s AI-powered language translation platform designed to facilitate seamless communication and internet accessibility in 22 Indian languages. It uses voice-based technology to overcome language barriers and promote digital inclusivity.
• Developed by: Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
• Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Aim: To enable easy access to digital services in Indian languages. To bridge the digital and literacy divide by promoting multilingual internet usage. To create an ecosystem for AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) resources for innovation in Indian languages.
• To enable easy access to digital services in Indian languages.
• To bridge the digital and literacy divide by promoting multilingual internet usage.
• To create an ecosystem for AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) resources for innovation in Indian languages.
• Features: Real-time translation, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and voice-to-voice translation. Integration with government platforms like CM Helpline, eVidhan, and e-Districts. Crowdsourcing initiatives (Suno India, Likho India, Bolo India, Dekho India) for public contribution. Open-source AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) resources for developers, startups, and MSMEs. Mobile apps (Android and iOS) for easy access and participation.
• Real-time translation, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and voice-to-voice translation.
• Integration with government platforms like CM Helpline, eVidhan, and e-Districts.
• Crowdsourcing initiatives (Suno India, Likho India, Bolo India, Dekho India) for public contribution.
• Open-source AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) resources for developers, startups, and MSMEs.
• Mobile apps (Android and iOS) for easy access and participation.
Insta links:
• Digital-inclusion
WASP-127b
Source: TH
Context: Astronomers have observed jet-stream winds reaching 33,000 km/h on the exoplanet WASP-127b, making them the fastest planetary winds ever recorded.
About WASP-127b:
• Exoplanet Type: WASP-127b is classified as a hot Jupiter, a gas giant orbiting extremely close to its host star.
• Size & Mass: It is 30% larger than Jupiter but has only 16% of Jupiter’s mass, making it one of the puffiest planets ever observed.
• Atmosphere & Composition: Composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, its atmosphere also contains carbon monoxide and water, making it a valuable subject for atmospheric studies.
• Supersonic Winds: The planet has equatorial jet-stream winds moving at 33,000 km/h, the fastest ever detected on any planet.
• Tidal Locking: Like the Moon-Earth system, one side always faces its star, creating extreme day-night temperature contrasts.
Significance:
• Atmospheric Dynamics: The study of WASP-127b helps understand exoplanet wind circulation and extreme weather conditions.
• Exoplanet Classification: It provides insights into the formation and structure of hot Jupiter’s.
• Future Space Exploration: Understanding such atmospheric conditions aids in modelling planetary climates in distant solar systems.
Insta links:
• Jupiter-moon
WHO Guidelines on Table Salt
Source: TH
Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines recommending the replacement of regular table salt with lower-sodium salt substitutes containing potassium to reduce cardiovascular risks and improve public health.
About WHO Guidelines on Table Salt:
• What the Guideline Says: WHO recommends replacing regular table salt (sodium chloride) with lower-sodium salt substitutes that contain potassium chloride (KCl). The guideline targets adults but excludes pregnant women, children, and individuals with kidney impairments or conditions affecting potassium excretion. It focuses on household table salt and not on packaged or restaurant foods.
• WHO recommends replacing regular table salt (sodium chloride) with lower-sodium salt substitutes that contain potassium chloride (KCl).
• The guideline targets adults but excludes pregnant women, children, and individuals with kidney impairments or conditions affecting potassium excretion.
• It focuses on household table salt and not on packaged or restaurant foods.
• Why Reduce Sodium Salt Intake: High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), strokes, and chronic kidney disease. Reducing sodium intake helps decrease blood volume, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of NCDs (non-communicable diseases).
• High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), strokes, and chronic kidney disease.
• Reducing sodium intake helps decrease blood volume, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of NCDs (non-communicable diseases).
• Proposed Alternative and Its Benefits: Lower-sodium salt substitutes, where sodium chloride is partially replaced with potassium chloride, help maintain flavour while reducing health risks. Potassium helps counteract the adverse effects of sodium, further aiding in blood pressure regulation. This switch is a cost-effective and scalable strategy to improve population-level health outcomes.
• Lower-sodium salt substitutes, where sodium chloride is partially replaced with potassium chloride, help maintain flavour while reducing health risks.
• Potassium helps counteract the adverse effects of sodium, further aiding in blood pressure regulation.
• This switch is a cost-effective and scalable strategy to improve population-level health outcomes.
• What the Guideline Mentions: The guideline is evidence-based and targets policymakers, health professionals, and stakeholders to promote sodium reduction. It emphasizes the importance of reducing sodium intake to less than 2 grams per day (equivalent to 5 grams of salt). It highlights the need for awareness and accessibility of low-sodium salt alternatives, especially in regions like India, where salt consumption is high.
• The guideline is evidence-based and targets policymakers, health professionals, and stakeholders to promote sodium reduction.
• It emphasizes the importance of reducing sodium intake to less than 2 grams per day (equivalent to 5 grams of salt).
• It highlights the need for awareness and accessibility of low-sodium salt alternatives, especially in regions like India, where salt consumption is high.
Insta links:
• India-should-cut-down-on-its-salt-intake
ISRO’s Launch Vehicle
Source: BS
Context: ISRO successfully launched the GSLV-F15 rocket, placing the NVS-02 satellite into GTO. This milestone marks ISRO’s 100th launch, boosting India’s space prowess.
• The NVS-02 is part of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), India’s regional navigation satellite system, enhancing positioning accuracy.
About ISRO’s Launch Vehicles:
• What are launch vehicles? Launch vehicles are rocket-powered transport systems designed to carry satellites, spacecraft, or payloads into Earth’s orbit or beyond. They provide the necessary thrust to overcome gravity and place payloads in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), or Interplanetary trajectories.
• Launch vehicles are rocket-powered transport systems designed to carry satellites, spacecraft, or payloads into Earth’s orbit or beyond.
• They provide the necessary thrust to overcome gravity and place payloads in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO), or Interplanetary trajectories.
• How do launch vehicles work?
• Rocket Propulsion: Uses Newton’s Third Law to generate thrust via solid or liquid propellants. Multiple Stages: Ascent is divided into stages, where each stage separates after burning its fuel. Guidance & Navigation: Uses precise computing systems to maintain trajectory. Payload Fairing: Protects the satellite and separates when the rocket reaches space. Orbit Insertion: Once in space, the final stage releases the satellite into the desired orbit.
• Rocket Propulsion: Uses Newton’s Third Law to generate thrust via solid or liquid propellants.
• Multiple Stages: Ascent is divided into stages, where each stage separates after burning its fuel.
• Guidance & Navigation: Uses precise computing systems to maintain trajectory.
• Payload Fairing: Protects the satellite and separates when the rocket reaches space.
• Orbit Insertion: Once in space, the final stage releases the satellite into the desired orbit.
• List of ISRO’s operational launch vehicles:
Launch Vehicle | Operational Since | Key Features
Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) | 1980 | India’s first experimental rocket, four-stage solid-propellant, launched Rohini satellite.
Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) | 1987 | Five-stage solid-fuelled vehicle, improved SLV’s capacity, retired in the 1990s.
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) | 1994 | Four-stage vehicle, India’s workhorse rocket, launched Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), carries 1,750 kg payload to LEO.
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) | 2001 | Three-stage rocket, Indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage, used for INSAT & GSAT satellites.
GSLV Mk III (LVM3) | 2014 | Heavy-lift vehicle, carried Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, can carry 4,000 kg payload to GTO.
Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) | 2022 | Low-cost, three-stage solid-fuelled rocket, ideal for launching nano & micro satellites.
• About NVS-02 Satellite: What is NVS-02? NVS-02 is a navigation satellite launched as part of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). It is the second satellite in the NVS series, replacing aging IRNSS satellites. Orbital Placement: Placed in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) by GSLV-F15. Final orbit at 36,000 km altitude for regional positioning services. Aim & Purpose To enhance navigation accuracy over India and surrounding regions (1,500 km beyond the Indian mainland). Supports military and civilian applications, including disaster management, fleet tracking, and precision agriculture.
• What is NVS-02? NVS-02 is a navigation satellite launched as part of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). It is the second satellite in the NVS series, replacing aging IRNSS satellites.
• NVS-02 is a navigation satellite launched as part of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation).
• It is the second satellite in the NVS series, replacing aging IRNSS satellites.
• Orbital Placement: Placed in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) by GSLV-F15. Final orbit at 36,000 km altitude for regional positioning services.
• Placed in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) by GSLV-F15.
• Final orbit at 36,000 km altitude for regional positioning services.
• Aim & Purpose To enhance navigation accuracy over India and surrounding regions (1,500 km beyond the Indian mainland). Supports military and civilian applications, including disaster management, fleet tracking, and precision agriculture.
• To enhance navigation accuracy over India and surrounding regions (1,500 km beyond the Indian mainland).
• Supports military and civilian applications, including disaster management, fleet tracking, and precision agriculture.
Insta links:
Reinforcement Learning Model
Source: FT
Context: DeepSeek, a Chinese AI start-up, has gained global attention for its innovative reinforcement learning model, R1, which demonstrates advanced reasoning capabilities at a fraction of the cost of similar models from U.S. companies like OpenAI.
About Reinforcement Learning Model in AI:
• What it is: Reinforcement Learning (RL) is a type of machine learning where an AI model learns to make decisions by interacting with an environment and receiving feedback in the form of rewards or penalties. The goal is to maximize cumulative rewards over time.
• How it works: The AI model, or “agent,” takes actions in an environment. Based on these actions, it receives feedback (rewards or penalties). The model adjusts its strategy to maximize rewards, improving its decision-making over time. DeepSeek’s R1 model uses RL to automate the “reinforcement learning from human feedback” (RLHF) process, reducing the need for extensive human intervention.
• The AI model, or “agent,” takes actions in an environment.
• Based on these actions, it receives feedback (rewards or penalties).
• The model adjusts its strategy to maximize rewards, improving its decision-making over time.
• DeepSeek’s R1 model uses RL to automate the “reinforcement learning from human feedback” (RLHF) process, reducing the need for extensive human intervention.
• How it is superior to existing AI models: Cost-Effectiveness: DeepSeek’s R1 model achieves advanced reasoning capabilities at a significantly lower cost compared to models like OpenAI’s o1. Autonomy: By automating the RLHF process, DeepSeek reduces reliance on human annotators, making the training process faster and more scalable. Efficiency: The model can “rethink” its approach to problems, leading to more accurate and adaptive responses. Scalability: DeepSeek’s techniques allow for the creation of smaller, efficient models that can run on devices like smartphones, making AI more accessible.
• Cost-Effectiveness: DeepSeek’s R1 model achieves advanced reasoning capabilities at a significantly lower cost compared to models like OpenAI’s o1.
• Autonomy: By automating the RLHF process, DeepSeek reduces reliance on human annotators, making the training process faster and more scalable.
• Efficiency: The model can “rethink” its approach to problems, leading to more accurate and adaptive responses.
• Scalability: DeepSeek’s techniques allow for the creation of smaller, efficient models that can run on devices like smartphones, making AI more accessible.
Insta links:
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 January 2025 Mapping:
Darfur Region
Source: UN
Context: The International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor, has called for urgent UN Security Council intervention to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan’s Darfur region.
About the Darfur Region:
• Crisis Overview:
• Conflict: Ongoing ethnic violence and war crimes since 2003. Key Actors: Sudanese government forces, Janjaweed militias, rebel groups, and ICC fugitives like former President Omar al-Bashir.
• Conflict: Ongoing ethnic violence and war crimes since 2003.
• Key Actors: Sudanese government forces, Janjaweed militias, rebel groups, and ICC fugitives like former President Omar al-Bashir.
• Nations Involved:
• Sudan (conflict epicentre) Neighbouring Countries: Chad, Libya, Central African Republic, South Sudan
• Sudan (conflict epicentre)
• Neighbouring Countries: Chad, Libya, Central African Republic, South Sudan
• Geographic Features:
• Location: Western Sudan Key Physical Features: Jebel Marra Mountains (volcanic highlands, main water source) Wadi Howar (seasonal river, key for agriculture) Baggara Belt (savanna zone, contested grazing land)
• Location: Western Sudan
• Key Physical Features: Jebel Marra Mountains (volcanic highlands, main water source) Wadi Howar (seasonal river, key for agriculture) Baggara Belt (savanna zone, contested grazing land)
• Jebel Marra Mountains (volcanic highlands, main water source)
• Wadi Howar (seasonal river, key for agriculture)
• Baggara Belt (savanna zone, contested grazing land)
Insta links:
• Darfur-sudan
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 29 Jan 2025
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Official Facebook Page HERE
Twitter Account HERE
Instagram Account HERE
LinkedIn: HERE