UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 January 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 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 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 January (2025)
• Stampede
Stampede
GS Paper 4:
• Gandhi’s Inner Ethical Philosophies
Gandhi’s Inner Ethical Philosophies
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Water-Guzzling Crops in Uttar Pradesh
Water-Guzzling Crops in Uttar Pradesh
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Devi Ahilyabai Holkar
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar
• Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)
• Yamuna River Ammonia Contamination
Yamuna River Ammonia Contamination
• Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007
Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007
• Salmonella Outbreaks
Salmonella Outbreaks
Mapping:
• Potomac River
Potomac River
• Kurdistan Region
Kurdistan Region
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 January 2025
#### GS Paper 3 :
Stampede
Syllabus: Disaster Management
Source: IE
Context: A tragic stampede at Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj on January 29 resulted in 30 deaths and 60 injuries, raising concerns over crowd management failures.
What is a Stampede?
• Sudden Crowd Surge: A stampede occurs when a large group of people move uncontrollably, often leading to trampling, suffocation, and fatalities.
• Triggered by Panic or Excitement: It can result from rumors, fear, limited space, or sudden movements, creating chaotic crowd behavior.
• Common in Religious Gatherings: Studies indicate that 79% of stampedes in India have occurred during religious events.
Factors Leading to Stampedes:
• Structural Failures: Weak temporary structures, poor barricading, and narrow entry/exits create hazards.
• Poor Crowd Control: Underestimation of crowd size, lack of staffing, inadequate exits, and uncontrolled access lead to overcrowding.
• Panic and Rumors: False alarms or mass hysteria can trigger sudden movements, causing people to rush and fall.
• Fire & Electrical Issues: Short circuits, lack of fire extinguishers, or poor lighting can create panic situations.
• Lack of Coordination: Poor planning among agencies, delayed responses, and absence of real-time monitoring worsen the crisis.
NDMA Guidelines on Preventing Stampedes
• Crowd Estimation and Management: Authorities must assess expected crowd size, control entry points, and regulate footfall.
• Infrastructure and Safety Measures: Strong barricades, emergency exits, and adequate ventilation must be ensured.
• Security and Surveillance: Deployment of CCTV cameras, public address systems, and trained security personnel to monitor crowd movement.
• Emergency Preparedness: Medical teams, ambulances, and fire-fighting units should be strategically stationed for rapid response.
• Public Awareness and Information Dissemination: Educating attendees through signboards, helpline numbers, and real-time digital updates to avoid panic situations.
Challenges in Preventing Stampedes:
• Uncontrolled Crowd Surges: Religious sentiments, lack of discipline, and sudden influx make crowd regulation difficult.
• Inadequate Law Enforcement: Shortage of trained personnel, lack of coordination, and poor sector-wise deployment hinder response efforts.
• Poor Infrastructure Maintenance: Narrow passages, weak bridges, and illegal encroachments create bottlenecks.
• Lack of Technology Integration: Absence of real-time crowd analytics, GPS tracking, and AI-based crowd control systems delays crisis response.
• Resistance to Pre-Registration Systems: Many pilgrims resist mandatory online registration, leading to unmonitored influx and overcapacity issues.
Way Ahead:
• Strict Pre-Registration and Ticketing: Implement mandatory online registrations to control entry limits.
• Advanced AI-Based Monitoring: Use AI and drones for real-time crowd analysis, predicting surges and preventing congestion.
• Training of Security and Volunteers: Deploy well-trained personnel with expertise in crowd psychology and emergency responses.
• Efficient Traffic and Movement Planning: Implement sector-based crowd management, one-way movement routes, and separate emergency lanes.
• Emergency Mock Drills: Regularly conduct stampede response drills to train authorities, security, and public for handling crisis situations.
Conclusion:
As NDMA states, “Prevention is better than cure.” Proactive crowd management, technology integration, and strict regulation are crucial to preventing future stampedes. Effective policy implementation and coordination can save lives and ensure safer public gatherings.
Insta Links:
• Stampede-causes-and-prevention
• Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (UPSC-2020)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 January 2025 GS Paper 4:
Gandhi’s Inner Ethical Philosophies
Syllabus: Ethics
Source: TH
Context: The second volume of Manu Gandhi’s diaries, translated by Tridip Suhrud, provides a rare firsthand account of Mahatma Gandhi’s last years (1946-1948).
About Gandhi’s Inner Ethical Philosophies
• Truth (Satya): Gandhi believed truth was absolute and self-evident, guiding all human actions. He saw it not just as honesty in speech but as a way of life that aligns with moral righteousness.
• Non-Violence (Ahimsa): For Gandhi, non-violence was an active force, not just the absence of violence. It extended beyond physical harm to thoughts, words, and social actions, influencing civil disobedience and satyagraha.
• Self-Discipline (Brahmacharya): He saw self-restraint as essential for ethical living. From dietary restrictions to celibacy, he practiced strict discipline, believing it purified the mind and strengthened spiritual focus.
• Minimalism and Simplicity: Gandhi emphasized renouncing material excess and living in harmony with nature. His self-sufficient lifestyle in ashrams and his use of hand-spun cloth (khadi) embodied this ideal.
• Service and Compassion (Sarvodaya): He believed in uplifting all sections of society, especially the oppressed. His constructive programs, like the upliftment of Harijans (Dalits), reflected his commitment to universal welfare.
Importance of Gandhi’s Philosophy in Civil Services
• Ethical Decision-Making: Civil servants face moral dilemmas; Gandhi’s principle of truth and justice helps navigate complex governance issues.
• Non-Violent Conflict Resolution: Bureaucrats deal with public grievances, protests, and policy disagreements; Gandhi’s methods teach diplomacy and peaceful resolution.
• Minimalism and Accountability: His idea of simple living and high thinking promotes transparency, corruption-free governance, and efficient resource management.
• Service-Oriented Leadership: His Sarvodaya model emphasizes inclusive growth, rural development, and people-centric policies, crucial for nation-building.
• Self-Discipline and Resilience: Gandhi’s strict personal ethics instill dedication, perseverance, and ethical governance, key virtues for public administrators.
Challenges in Adopting Gandhi’s Ethics Today:
• Materialism and Consumerism: Modern society glorifies wealth and status, making it difficult to follow Gandhi’s minimalistic lifestyle.
• Political and Bureaucratic Corruption: In an era of power struggles and unethical practices, practicing truth and non-violence in governance is challenging.
• Short-Term Pragmatism vs. Long-Term Values: Policymakers often prioritize immediate political gains over ethical governance, undermining Gandhian principles.
• Technological Disruptions and Globalization: The fast-paced digital economy and changing socio-political landscapes create ethical dilemmas that require adaptive moral frameworks.
• Public Skepticism and Cynicism: Many views non-violence and self-sacrifice as impractical or outdated, limiting their mainstream acceptance.
To Incorporate Gandhi’s Ethics in Life:
• Practice Honesty Daily: Be truthful in small decisions to develop a habit of ethical thinking.
• Adopt Simplicity: Reduce material dependence, support sustainable living, and focus on inner growth.
• Promote Peaceful Solutions: Use dialogue, patience, and empathy in resolving conflicts, whether in personal life or professional settings.
• Engage in Social Service: Volunteer for community welfare initiatives and support causes that uplift the underprivileged.
• Self-Discipline and Reflection: Follow daily self-assessment, meditate on personal actions, and cultivate self-restraint to enhance moral clarity.
Conclusion:
As Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” His philosophy of truth, non-violence, and self-discipline remains timeless and deeply relevant. By integrating these values into daily life, individuals can foster ethical leadership and contribute to a just society.
Insta Links:
• Gandhi seven sin
• Discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of seven sins. (UPSC-2016)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 January 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Water-Guzzling Crops in Uttar Pradesh
Context: Uttar Pradesh, India’s largest extractor of groundwater, is facing a severe groundwater crisis due to the over-cultivation of water-intensive crops like sugarcane, paddy, and wheat.
About Water-Guzzling Crops in Uttar Pradesh:
• Heavy Groundwater Extraction for Irrigation:
• Uttar Pradesh extracted 46 billion cubic meters (BCM) of groundwater in 2023, primarily for agriculture. Nearly 90% of extracted water is used for irrigation, significantly outpacing natural replenishment rates.
• Uttar Pradesh extracted 46 billion cubic meters (BCM) of groundwater in 2023, primarily for agriculture.
• Nearly 90% of extracted water is used for irrigation, significantly outpacing natural replenishment rates.
• Role of Water-Intensive Crops:
• Farmers shifted from coarse grains (millets, maize) to paddy, sugarcane, and wheat, which require significantly higher water consumption. Sugarcane alone occupies 60% of agricultural land in regions like Saharanpur, causing severe stress on underground water reserves.
• Farmers shifted from coarse grains (millets, maize) to paddy, sugarcane, and wheat, which require significantly higher water consumption.
• Sugarcane alone occupies 60% of agricultural land in regions like Saharanpur, causing severe stress on underground water reserves.
• Consequences of Unregulated Groundwater Use:
• Water tables have fallen from 30 feet to over 200 feet, forcing frequent re-boring, increasing costs for farmers. Free electricity and subsidized water access contribute to reckless groundwater pumping.
• Water tables have fallen from 30 feet to over 200 feet, forcing frequent re-boring, increasing costs for farmers.
• Free electricity and subsidized water access contribute to reckless groundwater pumping.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 1 – Geography: Groundwater depletion, water-intensive agriculture, and climate change impacts.
• GS Paper 2 – Governance: Policy gaps in water management, ineffective regulation, and the role of state agencies.
• GS Paper 3 – Environment & Economy: Sustainable water use, over-extraction of groundwater, and agricultural reforms.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 January 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar
Source: PIB
Context: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)in collaboration with Lokmata Ahilyabai Trishatabdi Samaroh Samiti, hosted a special lecture, ‘Devi Ahilya – Empress Renunciate,’ to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar.
About Devi Ahilyabai Holkar:
• Birth and Early Life:
• Born: May 31, 1725, in Chondi village, Maharashtra. Family: Daughter of Mankoji Shinde, the Patil of Chondi. Marriage: Married Khanderao Holkar in 1733 at the age of 8. Mentor: Trained in administration, warfare, and diplomacy by her father-in-law Malhar Rao Holkar.
• Born: May 31, 1725, in Chondi village, Maharashtra.
• Family: Daughter of Mankoji Shinde, the Patil of Chondi.
• Marriage: Married Khanderao Holkar in 1733 at the age of 8.
• Mentor: Trained in administration, warfare, and diplomacy by her father-in-law Malhar Rao Holkar.
• Kingdom Associated:
• Ruled the Holkar dynasty of Indore within the Maratha Confederacy from 1767 to 1795. Established Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh) as the capital of the Holkar dynasty.
• Ruled the Holkar dynasty of Indore within the Maratha Confederacy from 1767 to 1795.
• Established Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh) as the capital of the Holkar dynasty.
• History and Her Rise to Power:
• 1754: Husband Khanderao Holkar was killed in the Battle of Kumbher. 1766: Father-in-law Malhar Rao Holkar passed away. 1767: Son Male Rao Holkar, who briefly ruled, died, leading to Ahilyabai assuming power. Ruled for 28 years with a focus on justice, administration, and welfare policies.
• 1754: Husband Khanderao Holkar was killed in the Battle of Kumbher.
• 1766: Father-in-law Malhar Rao Holkar passed away.
• 1767: Son Male Rao Holkar, who briefly ruled, died, leading to Ahilyabai assuming power.
• Ruled for 28 years with a focus on justice, administration, and welfare policies.
• Her Reign and Administration:
• Good Governance & Public Welfare: Conducted daily public hearings to resolve people’s grievances. Ensured fair justice, once sentencing her own son for a capital offense. Removed laws confiscating property from childless widows, ensuring their rights. Economic and Industrial Reforms: Established a textile industry in Maheshwar, now famous for Maheshwari sarees. Promoted industrialization and trade while maintaining financial stability. Religious and Cultural Contributions: Rebuilt and restored Kashi Vishwanath Temple in 1780. Constructed temples, ghats, and dharmashalas across India, including Dashashwamedh Ghat (Varanasi). Ensured a steady supply of Ganga water to distant temples.
• Good Governance & Public Welfare: Conducted daily public hearings to resolve people’s grievances. Ensured fair justice, once sentencing her own son for a capital offense. Removed laws confiscating property from childless widows, ensuring their rights.
• Conducted daily public hearings to resolve people’s grievances.
• Ensured fair justice, once sentencing her own son for a capital offense.
• Removed laws confiscating property from childless widows, ensuring their rights.
• Economic and Industrial Reforms: Established a textile industry in Maheshwar, now famous for Maheshwari sarees. Promoted industrialization and trade while maintaining financial stability.
• Established a textile industry in Maheshwar, now famous for Maheshwari sarees.
• Promoted industrialization and trade while maintaining financial stability.
• Religious and Cultural Contributions: Rebuilt and restored Kashi Vishwanath Temple in 1780. Constructed temples, ghats, and dharmashalas across India, including Dashashwamedh Ghat (Varanasi). Ensured a steady supply of Ganga water to distant temples.
• Rebuilt and restored Kashi Vishwanath Temple in 1780.
• Constructed temples, ghats, and dharmashalas across India, including Dashashwamedh Ghat (Varanasi).
• Ensured a steady supply of Ganga water to distant temples.
• Military Contributions:
• Personally commanded troops to defend Indore from external invasions. Appointed Tukoji Rao Holkar as Chief of Army to strengthen military defenses. Successfully repelled attacks, preserving the stability of Malwa.
• Personally commanded troops to defend Indore from external invasions.
• Appointed Tukoji Rao Holkar as Chief of Army to strengthen military defenses.
• Successfully repelled attacks, preserving the stability of Malwa.
Insta links:
• Ahilyabai-holkar
Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)
Source: DD News
Context: Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) has gained significant attention as ISRO astronaut and Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
About Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4):
• What is Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4)?
• Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS), operated by Axiom Space, a US-based space infrastructure company. It is the fourth mission in collaboration with NASA, following Axiom Missions 1, 2, and 3.
• Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS), operated by Axiom Space, a US-based space infrastructure company.
• It is the fourth mission in collaboration with NASA, following Axiom Missions 1, 2, and 3.
• Commercial Space Initiatives: Ax-4 aims to advance commercial activities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), including space tourism and the development of commercial space stations. International Collaboration: The mission emphasizes global cooperation in space exploration, featuring a multinational crew. Research and Development: Ax-4 will support scientific experiments in microgravity, focusing on areas like materials science, biology, and Earth observation.
• Commercial Space Initiatives: Ax-4 aims to advance commercial activities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), including space tourism and the development of commercial space stations.
• International Collaboration: The mission emphasizes global cooperation in space exploration, featuring a multinational crew.
• Research and Development: Ax-4 will support scientific experiments in microgravity, focusing on areas like materials science, biology, and Earth observation.
• Key Features of Ax-4:
• Crew & Spacecraft: The mission will use a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched by a Falcon 9 rocket. The crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson (former NASA astronaut), Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (ISRO, India), and mission specialists Sławosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland, ESA) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). Mission Duration: The 14-day mission will focus on scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, and educational outreach aboard the ISS. Commercial Space Station Development: Ax-4 is part of Axiom Space’s vision to establish the first commercial space station, transitioning from ISS-based operations to an independent orbital platform.
• Crew & Spacecraft: The mission will use a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched by a Falcon 9 rocket. The crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson (former NASA astronaut), Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (ISRO, India), and mission specialists Sławosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland, ESA) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary).
• The mission will use a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, launched by a Falcon 9 rocket.
• The crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson (former NASA astronaut), Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (ISRO, India), and mission specialists Sławosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland, ESA) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary).
• Mission Duration: The 14-day mission will focus on scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, and educational outreach aboard the ISS.
• The 14-day mission will focus on scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, and educational outreach aboard the ISS.
• Commercial Space Station Development: Ax-4 is part of Axiom Space’s vision to establish the first commercial space station, transitioning from ISS-based operations to an independent orbital platform.
• Ax-4 is part of Axiom Space’s vision to establish the first commercial space station, transitioning from ISS-based operations to an independent orbital platform.
• India’s Role in Ax-4: Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS aboard a private spacecraft. He is also a selected astronaut for India’s Gaganyaan mission.
• Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS aboard a private spacecraft.
• He is also a selected astronaut for India’s Gaganyaan mission.
Insta links:
• Gaganyaan-mission
Yamuna River Ammonia Contamination
Source: IE
Context: The Yamuna River in Delhi is facing high ammonia levels, leading to a political row between the Delhi government and the Haryana government.
About Ammonia Contamination in Yamuna River:
• What is the Issue?
• The Yamuna River, has been experiencing alarmingly high ammonia levels, particularly during the winter months. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has reported that ammonia levels often exceed the permissible limit of 1 part per million (ppm).
• The Yamuna River, has been experiencing alarmingly high ammonia levels, particularly during the winter months.
• The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) has reported that ammonia levels often exceed the permissible limit of 1 part per million (ppm).
• Sources of Ammonia:
• Industrial Discharge: Factories in Panipat and Sonipat districts of Haryana release untreated effluents containing ammonia into the Yamuna. Agricultural Runoff: Ammonia-based fertilizers used in farming contribute to the contamination. Sewage: Untreated sewage from urban areas also adds to the ammonia levels in the river. Natural Sources: Decomposition of organic matter, such as algae, releases ammonia naturally.
• Industrial Discharge: Factories in Panipat and Sonipat districts of Haryana release untreated effluents containing ammonia into the Yamuna.
• Agricultural Runoff: Ammonia-based fertilizers used in farming contribute to the contamination.
• Sewage: Untreated sewage from urban areas also adds to the ammonia levels in the river.
• Natural Sources: Decomposition of organic matter, such as algae, releases ammonia naturally.
• Impacts of Ammonia Contamination:
• Health Risks: High ammonia levels can cause internal organ damage due to its corrosive properties. Water Supply Disruptions: Water treatment plants cannot process water with ammonia levels above 1 ppm, leading to water shortages in Delhi. Environmental Damage: Ammonia reduces dissolved oxygen levels in the river, harming aquatic life and degrading the river ecosystem.
• Health Risks: High ammonia levels can cause internal organ damage due to its corrosive properties.
• Water Supply Disruptions: Water treatment plants cannot process water with ammonia levels above 1 ppm, leading to water shortages in Delhi.
• Environmental Damage: Ammonia reduces dissolved oxygen levels in the river, harming aquatic life and degrading the river ecosystem.
About Yamuna River:
• Origin: The Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacierin the Himalayas, at an elevation of 4,421 meters. Yamuna, once, a tributary of the River Ghaggar (most likely the Saraswati River referred to in the Veda) changed its course eastwards due to tectonic events.
• Yamuna, once, a tributary of the River Ghaggar (most likely the Saraswati River referred to in the Veda) changed its course eastwards due to tectonic events.
• States it flows through: The river basin extends through the states of Uttarkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan Length: 1,376 kilometres (It is the longest river in India which does not directly flow to the sea) Total catchment area: 36,220 kilometres.
• Length: 1,376 kilometres (It is the longest river in India which does not directly flow to the sea)
• Total catchment area: 36,220 kilometres.
• Tributaries: It has four main tributaries in the Himalayan region: Rishi Ganga, Hanuman Ganga, Tons and Giri. In the plains, the main tributaries are Hindon, Chambal, Sind, Betwa and Ken. Tons, being the major tributary contributes to about 60 percent flow of the Yamuna.
• It has four main tributaries in the Himalayan region: Rishi Ganga, Hanuman Ganga, Tons and Giri.
• In the plains, the main tributaries are Hindon, Chambal, Sind, Betwa and Ken.
• Tons, being the major tributary contributes to about 60 percent flow of the Yamuna.
• Confluence with Ganga: The Yamuna joins the Ganges Riverat Prayagraj.
• Cities: Noida, Mathura, Agra, Firozabad, Etawah, Kalpi, Hamirpur and Prayagraj (Allahabad). Yamuna enters the National Capital Territory of Delhi at Palla Village and exits at Jaitpur totalling 52 kilometres.
• Yamuna enters the National Capital Territory of Delhi at Palla Village and exits at Jaitpur totalling 52 kilometres.
Insta links:
Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007
Source: ET
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened norms for imposing monetary penalties and compounding offences under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act).
About Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act):
• What is the PSS Act?
• The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act) is a legislation that regulates and supervises payment systems in India. It designates the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as the authority responsible for overseeing payment systems and ensuring their smooth functioning.
• The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 (PSS Act) is a legislation that regulates and supervises payment systems in India.
• It designates the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as the authority responsible for overseeing payment systems and ensuring their smooth functioning.
• To provide a legal framework for the regulation and supervision of payment systems in India. To ensure financial stability, efficiency, and consumer protection in payment systems. To establish netting and settlement finality as legally enforceable concepts.
• To provide a legal framework for the regulation and supervision of payment systems in India.
• To ensure financial stability, efficiency, and consumer protection in payment systems.
• To establish netting and settlement finality as legally enforceable concepts.
• Important Features:
• Authorization Requirement: No entity can operate a payment system without authorization from the RBI. Definitions: The Act defines key terms like payment system, payment obligation, payment instruction, and settlement. Regulatory Powers: The RBI can impose monetary penalties, compound offences, and take enforcement actions against violators. Board for Regulation and Supervision (BPSS): A committee of the RBI’s Central Board that oversees payment systems.
• Authorization Requirement: No entity can operate a payment system without authorization from the RBI.
• Definitions: The Act defines key terms like payment system, payment obligation, payment instruction, and settlement.
• Regulatory Powers: The RBI can impose monetary penalties, compound offences, and take enforcement actions against violators.
• Board for Regulation and Supervision (BPSS): A committee of the RBI’s Central Board that oversees payment systems.
• RBI Powers Under the PSS Act:
• Authorization: The RBI grants or denies authorization to entities seeking to operate payment systems. Penalties: The RBI can impose penalties up to ₹10 lakh or twice the amount involved in contraventions, whichever is higher. Compounding of Offences: The RBI can compound offences (settle violations without court proceedings) for non-imprisonable offences. Inspection and Supervision: The RBI can inspect payment systems and take corrective actions to ensure compliance.
• Authorization: The RBI grants or denies authorization to entities seeking to operate payment systems.
• Penalties: The RBI can impose penalties up to ₹10 lakh or twice the amount involved in contraventions, whichever is higher.
• Compounding of Offences: The RBI can compound offences (settle violations without court proceedings) for non-imprisonable offences.
• Inspection and Supervision: The RBI can inspect payment systems and take corrective actions to ensure compliance.
• What Does the PSS Act Cover?
• Payment Systems: Includes systems enabling credit card operations, debit card operations, money transfers, and similar operations. Settlement Systems: Covers systems for clearing and settling funds, securities, foreign exchange, and derivatives. Financial Market Infrastructures (FMIs): Includes Central Counterparties (CCPs), Securities Settlement Systems (SSS), and Trade Repositories (TRs).
• Payment Systems: Includes systems enabling credit card operations, debit card operations, money transfers, and similar operations.
• Settlement Systems: Covers systems for clearing and settling funds, securities, foreign exchange, and derivatives.
• Financial Market Infrastructures (FMIs): Includes Central Counterparties (CCPs), Securities Settlement Systems (SSS), and Trade Repositories (TRs).
• Exemptions: The PSS Act does not apply to stock exchangesor clearing corporations established under stock exchanges (Section 34).
Insta links:
• Interoperable-payment-system
Salmonella Outbreaks
Source: TH
Context: A study from the University of Surrey highlights the link between weather conditions and increased Salmonella outbreaks, emphasizing the role of climate change in the spread of infectious diseases.
About Salmonella:
• What is Salmonella?
• Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes foodborne illnesses, commonly referred to as salmonellosis.
• Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes foodborne illnesses, commonly referred to as salmonellosis.
• Species:The two main species are Salmonella enterica and Salmonella bongori.
• Sources:Contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, meat, and dairy products.
• Causes of Infection:
• Consumption of Contaminated Food: Eating raw or undercooked animal products. Poor Hygiene: Inadequate handwashing after handling raw food or animals. Cross-Contamination: Using the same utensils or surfaces for raw and cooked foods. Environmental Factors: Warm and humid weather conditions, as highlighted in the University of Surrey study, can increase Salmonella spread.
• Consumption of Contaminated Food: Eating raw or undercooked animal products.
• Poor Hygiene: Inadequate handwashing after handling raw food or animals.
• Cross-Contamination: Using the same utensils or surfaces for raw and cooked foods.
• Environmental Factors: Warm and humid weather conditions, as highlighted in the University of Surrey study, can increase Salmonella spread.
• Symptoms:
• Common Symptoms: Diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and headache. Severe Cases: Can lead to dehydration, bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream), and reactive arthritis.
• Common Symptoms: Diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and headache.
• Severe Cases: Can lead to dehydration, bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream), and reactive arthritis.
• Treatment:
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics: Used in severe cases or for high-risk individuals (e.g., infants, elderly, or immunocompromised patients).
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Antibiotics: Used in severe cases or for high-risk individuals (e.g., infants, elderly, or immunocompromised patients).
Insta links:
• E-coli
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31 January 2025 Mapping:
Potomac River
Source: CNN
Context: A mid-air collision over the Potomac River involving an American Airlines passenger jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter resulted in the tragic loss of all 67 people on board.
About Potomac River:
• Location & Course
• Located in: Mid-Atlantic United States, flowing through West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Origin: Potomac Highlands, West Virginia. Length: 405 miles (652 km). Drains into: Chesapeake Bay, Maryland.
• Located in: Mid-Atlantic United States, flowing through West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
• Origin: Potomac Highlands, West Virginia.
• Length: 405 miles (652 km).
• Drains into: Chesapeake Bay, Maryland.
• Major Tributaries
• North Branch Potomac River South Branch Potomac River Shenandoah River Anacostia River & Monocacy River
• North Branch Potomac River
• South Branch Potomac River
• Shenandoah River
• Anacostia River & Monocacy River
Insta links:
• Atlantic-ocean
Kurdistan Region
Source: DD News
Context: India sent medical aid, including bronchodilators, inhalers, and ventilators, to Kurdistan, reinforcing its global humanitarian commitment and ties with Iraq.
About Kurdistan Region:
• Country: Iraq (semi-autonomous region).
• Capital: Erbil.
• Governates: Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk, Halabja.
• Political Structure: Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) operates autonomously but remains contested by Iraq’s central government.
• Neighbouring Nations: Turkey, Iran, Syria and Rest of Iraq (Baghdad-controlled territories).
• Geographical Features: Mountains: Zagros Mountains dominate the landscape, providing natural borders with Iran and Turkey. Rivers: The Tigris and Greater Zab Rivers flow through the region, supporting agriculture and settlements. Climate: Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, influenced by mountainous terrain.
• Mountains: Zagros Mountains dominate the landscape, providing natural borders with Iran and Turkey.
• Rivers: The Tigris and Greater Zab Rivers flow through the region, supporting agriculture and settlements.
• Climate: Continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, influenced by mountainous terrain.
Insta links:
• UN-assistance-mission-for-Iraq-UNAMI
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 31 Jan 2025
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