UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 January 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 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 – 4 January (2025)
• India’s Economic Surge
India’s Economic Surge
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Live in Relationship among Tribe
Live in Relationship among Tribe
• Vedanta Philosophy
Vedanta Philosophy
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
• BAANKNET Portal
BAANKNET Portal
• LEADS 2024 Report
LEADS 2024 Report
• Army Promotion Policy
Army Promotion Policy
• Mission ShakthiSAT
Mission ShakthiSAT
• Tranquilizers
Tranquilizers
• Transgender Identity Change
Transgender Identity Change
Mapping:
• Hotan Prefecture
Hotan Prefecture
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 January 2025
#### GS Paper 3 :
India’s Economic Surge
Syllabus: Economics
Source: DH
Context: India’s economy has undergone a transformative journey over the past decade, marked by robust policy measures, increasing global integration, and substantial economic growth.
Data Insights on India’s Economic Dominance:
• GDP Growth: Nominal GDP: Increased from $2.04 trillion (2014) to $3.57 trillion (2023). (Source: World Bank) Per Capita Income: Grew from $1,554 to $2,481 during the same period. Projected Growth: Expected to reach $5 trillion by 2027 and $30 trillion by 2047.
• Nominal GDP: Increased from $2.04 trillion (2014) to $3.57 trillion (2023). (Source: World Bank)
• Per Capita Income: Grew from $1,554 to $2,481 during the same period.
• Projected Growth: Expected to reach $5 trillion by 2027 and $30 trillion by 2047.
• FDI Inflows: Total FDI inflows (2014–24): $709.84 billion, a 69% increase over the previous decade. (Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry)
• Total FDI inflows (2014–24): $709.84 billion, a 69% increase over the previous decade. (Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry)
• Global Rankings: Ease of Doing Business: Improved from 142 (2014) to 63 (2019). (Source: World Bank) Global Competitiveness Index: Rose from 71st (2015) to 40th currently. (Source: WEF)
• Ease of Doing Business: Improved from 142 (2014) to 63 (2019). (Source: World Bank)
• Global Competitiveness Index: Rose from 71st (2015) to 40th currently. (Source: WEF)
• Capital Market Growth: BSE Sensex surged from 27,507 points (2015) to 78,507 points (2025), reflecting a 185% growth. Market capitalization increased to $5 trillion (2024).
• BSE Sensex surged from 27,507 points (2015) to 78,507 points (2025), reflecting a 185% growth.
• Market capitalization increased to $5 trillion (2024).
Government Initiatives Driving Economic Growth:
• Make in India: Boosted domestic manufacturing, making India the second-largest mobile phone producer globally, reducing import dependency.
• Startup India: Fostered over 100 unicorns and 1.5 lakh startups, valuing the ecosystem at $349.67 billion, promoting entrepreneurship.
• PLI Scheme: Improved sectoral competitiveness by incentivizing production, attracting significant foreign investments.
• Gati Shakti Master Plan: Enhanced infrastructure connectivity, expediting industrial and economic growth across regions.
• Digital India: Promoted digital payments and financial inclusion, bringing more people into the formal economy.
Positives of India’s Economic Growth:
• Job Creation: Increased employment opportunities through manufacturing and service sector expansions.
• Innovation Hub: Improved rank on the Global Innovation Index from 76th (2014) to 39th (2024), fostering R&D.
• Financial Stability: Reduced Gross NPAs to 2.6% in 2024, indicating stronger banking sector health.
• Global Presence: Ranked as the third-largest economy in PPP terms, enhancing India’s global economic influence.
Limitations of India’s Economic Growth:
• Inequitable Distribution: Economic growth benefits often fail to reach marginalized and lower-income groups.
• High Inflation: Persistent food inflation impacts affordability and erodes purchasing power.
• Unemployment: Rising joblessness, with insufficient creation of high-quality employment opportunities.
• Governance Issues: Weak regulatory frameworks and favoritism allegations hinder equitable economic progress.
Way Ahead:
• Inclusive Growth: Develop policies to address inequality and ensure fair distribution of economic benefits.
• Green Economy: Invest in renewable energy and sustainable practices to support long-term growth.
• Focus on MSMEs: Strengthen micro, small, and medium enterprises to create localized employment.
• Skilling Initiatives: Train youth for emerging global opportunities and address skill mismatches in the workforce.
Conclusion:
India’s economic trajectory highlights significant progress driven by robust policies and global integration. However, addressing limitations such as inequality and unemployment is essential to sustain inclusive growth and achieve the vision of a $30 trillion economy by 2047.
Insta Links:
• Economic-growth-and-inequality
• “Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product (GDP) in the post-reform period” Give reasons. How far the recent changes in Industrial Policy capable of increasing the industrial growth rate? (UPSC-2017)
• Normally countries shift from agriculture to industry and then later to services, but India shifted directly from agriculture to services. What are the reasons for the huge growth of services vis-a-vis the industry in the country? Can India become a developed country without a strong industrial base? (UPSC-2014)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 January 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Live in Relationship among Tribe
Context: The Konda Reddi tribe in Andhra Pradesh has embraced live-in relationships as a cultural shift to avoid the financial burdens of traditional weddings.
Live-In Relationships Among the Tribe:
• New Culture of Live-In:
• Tribal couples opt for live-in arrangements with parental and community approval, bypassing traditional wedding rituals. Elders uphold the sanctity of these relationships, treating them on par with formal marriages.
• Tribal couples opt for live-in arrangements with parental and community approval, bypassing traditional wedding rituals.
• Elders uphold the sanctity of these relationships, treating them on par with formal marriages.
• Reasons for Transition:
• High costs of traditional weddings involving multi-day feasts. Practicality and ease in forming partnerships without elaborate ceremonies. Influence of modernity and exposure to urban lifestyles.
• High costs of traditional weddings involving multi-day feasts.
• Practicality and ease in forming partnerships without elaborate ceremonies.
• Influence of modernity and exposure to urban lifestyles.
• Modernization and Westernization:
• Reflects the tribe’s adaptation to contemporary norms while maintaining cultural essence. Highlights the balancing act between preserving heritage and embracing practicality.
• Reflects the tribe’s adaptation to contemporary norms while maintaining cultural essence.
• Highlights the balancing act between preserving heritage and embracing practicality.
Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:
• Society & Culture: Examines the impact of modernization and globalization on traditional communities (GS Paper I).
• Governance: Highlights legal frameworks and community-driven solutions outside formal judiciary systems (GS Paper II).
• Social Justice: Links to challenges faced by tribal communities under the framework of Scheduled Tribes (GS Paper II).
• Ethics and Integrity: Explores cultural integrity and the role of societal values in decision-making (GS Paper IV).
Vedanta Philosophy
Context: The Vice President of India inaugurated the 27th International Congress of Vedanta at JNU, emphasizing the relevance of Vedantic philosophy in addressing global challenges.
About Vedantic Philosophy:
• Origin and Meaning: Vedanta derives from the Upanishads, the concluding parts of the Vedas, and means “the end of the Vedas.”
• Philosophical Focus: It addresses profound questions such as Who am I?, What is the Universe?, and What is my relationship with the Universe?
• Core Concepts: Brahman/Ishvara: The ultimate, unchanging reality, often equated with God. Atman: The individual self or soul, which is eternal and identical to Brahman in essence. Prakriti: The physical world or material reality, often seen as transient and illusory.
• Brahman/Ishvara: The ultimate, unchanging reality, often equated with God.
• Atman: The individual self or soul, which is eternal and identical to Brahman in essence.
• Prakriti: The physical world or material reality, often seen as transient and illusory.
• Schools of Vedanta: Different interpretations of the relationship between Brahman, Atman, and Prakriti form major schools: Advaita Vedanta (Non-dualism): Brahman and Atman are one; the world is Maya (illusion). Vishishtadvaita Vedanta (Qualified Non-dualism): Atman is distinct yet inseparable from Brahman. Dvaita Vedanta (Dualism): Brahman (God) and Atman (soul) are distinct entities.
• Advaita Vedanta (Non-dualism): Brahman and Atman are one; the world is Maya (illusion).
• Vishishtadvaita Vedanta (Qualified Non-dualism): Atman is distinct yet inseparable from Brahman.
• Dvaita Vedanta (Dualism): Brahman (God) and Atman (soul) are distinct entities.
• Ultimate Goal: Liberation (Moksha) through realizing the unity of Atman with Brahman, transcending the physical and illusory world.
Catchy Statement and Quote:
• Catchy Statement: “Vedanta: The North Star guiding humanity through the stormy seas of modern challenges.”
• Quote from Speech: “Vedanta is much beyond a philosophy; it is the algorithm for human consciousness and conscience.”
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper I – Indian Society and Culture: Explores Vedanta as a cornerstone of India’s cultural and philosophical heritage, fostering inclusivity and ethical values.
• GS Paper II – Governance and International Relations: Highlights Vedanta’s emphasis on dialogue, tolerance, and harmony, relevant for diplomacy and conflict resolution.
• GS Paper IV – Ethics: Vedanta’s teachings provide frameworks for ethical reasoning, moral integrity, and leadership in public administration.
• Essay: Offers philosophical insights for topics on ethics, societal harmony, and sustainable development.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 January 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Source: TOI
Context: Amid concerns surrounding the outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, Dr. Atul Goel, Director-General of Health Services, has assured the public that there is no need for alarm and urged people to follow basic precautions to stay safe.
About Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV):
• What is HMPV? Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus first identified in 2001, belonging to the Pneumoviridae family. It causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections, typically manifesting symptoms akin to the common cold or flu.
• Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus first identified in 2001, belonging to the Pneumoviridae family. It causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections, typically manifesting symptoms akin to the common cold or flu.
• Origin and Discovery: HMPV was discovered in the Netherlands in 2001 through genomic sequencing of samples from patients with respiratory infections.
• HMPV was discovered in the Netherlands in 2001 through genomic sequencing of samples from patients with respiratory infections.
• Who is at Risk?
• Children under 5, particularly infants. Older adults (65+). Immunocompromised individuals and those with chronic respiratory conditions, like asthma.
• Children under 5, particularly infants.
• Older adults (65+).
• Immunocompromised individuals and those with chronic respiratory conditions, like asthma.
• Symptoms:
• Common: Cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat. Severe: Wheezing, shortness of breath, leading to bronchitis or pneumonia.
• Common: Cough, runny nose, fever, sore throat.
• Severe: Wheezing, shortness of breath, leading to bronchitis or pneumonia.
• Mode of Spread:
• Droplets from coughing/sneezing. Close contact, including handshakes. Contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the face.
• Droplets from coughing/sneezing.
• Close contact, including handshakes.
• Contaminated surfaces, followed by touching the face.
• Treatment:
• No specific antiviral or vaccine. Symptom management: Hydration, rest, Over the Counter (OTC) medications for fever and congestion. Severe cases: Hospitalization for oxygen therapy or Intravenous (IV) fluids.
• No specific antiviral or vaccine.
• Symptom management: Hydration, rest, Over the Counter (OTC) medications for fever and congestion.
• Severe cases: Hospitalization for oxygen therapy or Intravenous (IV) fluids.
• Diagnosis:
• NAATs (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests) to detect viral genetic material. Antigen-based immunoassays for severe cases or outbreaks.
• NAATs (Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests) to detect viral genetic material.
• Antigen-based immunoassays for severe cases or outbreaks.
Insta links:
• Handling-the-fallout-of-Chinas-wilted-covid-strategy
BAANKNET Portal
Source: BS
Context: The Government of India launched the revamped ‘BAANKNET’ portal to streamline the e-auction process for properties held by public sector banks (PSBs).
About ‘BAANKNET’ Portal:
• What is BAANKNET? A centralized platform for the e-auction of properties held by PSBs, designed to boost transparency, efficiency, and accessibility.
• A centralized platform for the e-auction of properties held by PSBs, designed to boost transparency, efficiency, and accessibility.
• Department/Ministry: Managed by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance.
• Objectives:
• Streamline Recovery: Aid PSBs in recovering bad loans and improving balance sheets. Unlock Value: Maximize the value of distressed assets and boost investor confidence. Ease of Access: Provide a one-stop destination for buyers and investors to explore and bid on properties.
• Streamline Recovery: Aid PSBs in recovering bad loans and improving balance sheets.
• Unlock Value: Maximize the value of distressed assets and boost investor confidence.
• Ease of Access: Provide a one-stop destination for buyers and investors to explore and bid on properties.
• Features:
• Consolidated Listings: Over 122,500 properties, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural land, vehicles, and machinery. Technology-Driven: Built on microservices architecture with an automated payment gateway and integrated KYC tools. End-to-End Processes: Streamlined pre-auction, auction, and post-auction activities. Support System: Dedicated helpdesk and call center with callback options. Training: DFS-trained PSB executives and debt recovery tribunal (DRT) officers for effective usage.
• Consolidated Listings: Over 122,500 properties, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural land, vehicles, and machinery.
• Technology-Driven: Built on microservices architecture with an automated payment gateway and integrated KYC tools.
• End-to-End Processes: Streamlined pre-auction, auction, and post-auction activities.
• Support System: Dedicated helpdesk and call center with callback options.
• Training: DFS-trained PSB executives and debt recovery tribunal (DRT) officers for effective usage.
Insta links:
LEADS 2024 Report
Source: PIB
Context: Union Minister for Commerce and Industry launched the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024 report to evaluate logistics efficiency across Indian states and union territories.
About LEADS:
• Full Form: Logistics Ease Across Different States.
• Launched In: 2018.
• Ministry: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Aim: Assess logistics infrastructure and services across states/UTs. Provide actionable insights for logistics reforms. Foster competitive federalism to enhance logistics efficiency.
• Assess logistics infrastructure and services across states/UTs.
• Provide actionable insights for logistics reforms.
• Foster competitive federalism to enhance logistics efficiency.
• Parameters: Logistics Infrastructure. Logistics Services. Operating and Regulatory Environment.
• Logistics Infrastructure.
• Logistics Services.
• Operating and Regulatory Environment.
• Methodology:
• Based on over 7,300 responses from a pan-India survey conducted. Includes inputs from 750+ stakeholder consultations and associations.
• Based on over 7,300 responses from a pan-India survey conducted.
• Includes inputs from 750+ stakeholder consultations and associations.
• LEADS Report 2024 Performance Highlights:
Category | Achievers | Fast Movers | Aspirers
Coastal States | Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh, Goa | Kerala, West Bengal
Landlocked States | Haryana, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand | Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan | Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand
North-Eastern | Assam, Arunachal Pradesh | Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura | Manipur
Union Territories | Chandigarh, Delhi | Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Puducherry | Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ladakh
Insta links:
Army Promotion Policy
Source: TOI
Context: India's move toward creating tri-Service theatre commands necessitates the alignment of promotion policies across the Army, Navy, and Air Force to ensure merit-based appointments for apex-level roles.
About Revamp of Army Promotion Policy:
• Old Promotion Policy:
• Procedure: Promotions were primarily based on seniority, date of birth, and vacancy availability. Applicability: Applied to Lieutenant Generals for appointments as Commanders-in-Chief (C-in-C). Criteria: Officers required at least 18 months of service remaining before retirement.
• Procedure: Promotions were primarily based on seniority, date of birth, and vacancy availability.
• Applicability: Applied to Lieutenant Generals for appointments as Commanders-in-Chief (C-in-C).
• Criteria: Officers required at least 18 months of service remaining before retirement.
• New Promotion Policy:
• Procedure: Introduction of a quantified Annual Confidential Report (ACR) system with attributes graded on a 1-9 scale. Merit becomes the primary criterion for promotions to apex-level roles. Aligns Army practices with the Navy and Air Force, where quantified appraisals for equivalent ranks already exist.
• Procedure: Introduction of a quantified Annual Confidential Report (ACR) system with attributes graded on a 1-9 scale. Merit becomes the primary criterion for promotions to apex-level roles. Aligns Army practices with the Navy and Air Force, where quantified appraisals for equivalent ranks already exist.
• Introduction of a quantified Annual Confidential Report (ACR) system with attributes graded on a 1-9 scale.
• Merit becomes the primary criterion for promotions to apex-level roles.
• Aligns Army practices with the Navy and Air Force, where quantified appraisals for equivalent ranks already exist.
• Applicability: Applies to Lieutenant Generals (except Vice Chief and seven Commanders-in-Chief of operational and training commands).
• Applies to Lieutenant Generals (except Vice Chief and seven Commanders-in-Chief of operational and training commands).
• Significance:
• Merit-Based Selection: Promotes excellence and accountability among top-ranking officers. Uniformity Across Services: Aligns Army practices with Air Force and Navy for tri-Service synergy. Preparedness for Theatre Commands: Ensures qualified leadership for integrated commands managing threats from China, Pakistan, and the Indian Ocean Region. Transparency and Objectivity: Reduces subjectivity and potential bias in promotions.
• Merit-Based Selection: Promotes excellence and accountability among top-ranking officers.
• Uniformity Across Services: Aligns Army practices with Air Force and Navy for tri-Service synergy.
• Preparedness for Theatre Commands: Ensures qualified leadership for integrated commands managing threats from China, Pakistan, and the Indian Ocean Region.
• Transparency and Objectivity: Reduces subjectivity and potential bias in promotions.
Insta links:
• Theatre-commands
Mission ShakthiSAT
Source: TOI
Context: ISRO has brought together about 12,000 talented girls from 108 countries for an all-girls flight to the lunar orbit, Mission ShakthiSAT.
About Mission ShakthiSAT:
• What it is: An all-girls lunar mission involving the design, build, and launch of a satellite to the lunar orbit, showcasing global talent in space exploration.
• Expected Launch: Scheduled for September 2026, to be launched by ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
• Organizations Involved:
• ISRO: Leading the mission. Space Kidz India (SKI): Coordinating student participation and payload development. IN-SPACe: Facilitating private sector involvement in the project.
• ISRO: Leading the mission.
• Space Kidz India (SKI): Coordinating student participation and payload development.
• IN-SPACe: Facilitating private sector involvement in the project.
• Objective:
• Promote gender inclusivity in STEM by empowering young women. Inspire global collaboration in space science and technology. Conduct scientific experiments in lunar orbit using student-developed payloads.
• Promote gender inclusivity in STEM by empowering young women.
• Inspire global collaboration in space science and technology.
• Conduct scientific experiments in lunar orbit using student-developed payloads.
• Features:
• Global Representation: Participation from 12,000 girls across 108 countries. Age Criteria: African/Latin American countries: Girls aged 14–18 years. Other regions: Girls aged 14–16 years. Skill Development: Top 108 girls will be trained in Chennai to build payloads for the satellite.
• Global Representation: Participation from 12,000 girls across 108 countries.
• Age Criteria: African/Latin American countries: Girls aged 14–18 years. Other regions: Girls aged 14–16 years.
• African/Latin American countries: Girls aged 14–18 years.
• Other regions: Girls aged 14–16 years.
• Skill Development: Top 108 girls will be trained in Chennai to build payloads for the satellite.
Insta links:
• Cabinet-has-approved-the-chandrayaan-4-mission
Tranquilizers
Source: IE
Context: The capture of the runaway tigress Zeenat in West Bengal highlights the delicate art of tranquilizing wild animals.
About Tranquilizers:
• What is a Tranquilizer?
• A chemical agent used to immobilize animals by inducing sedation or unconsciousness through remote injection mechanisms like dart guns.
• A chemical agent used to immobilize animals by inducing sedation or unconsciousness through remote injection mechanisms like dart guns.
• Tranquilizers in the Past:
• Rudimentary Methods: Manual Capture: Early methods involved traps, pitfalls, and chasing animals with nets. Early Chemical Tranquilizers: Curare: Derived from tree bark, used by South American tribes for hunting. It paralyzed animals but didn’t sedate them. Narcotic Bullets (1912): Carried morphine for painless kills but lacked precision in immobilization. Mercy Bullets (1928): Hypodermic needles with basic sedative chemicals, first introduced by Captain Barnett Harris. Often unreliable and lethal in incorrect doses.
• Rudimentary Methods: Manual Capture: Early methods involved traps, pitfalls, and chasing animals with nets.
• Manual Capture: Early methods involved traps, pitfalls, and chasing animals with nets.
• Early Chemical Tranquilizers: Curare: Derived from tree bark, used by South American tribes for hunting. It paralyzed animals but didn’t sedate them. Narcotic Bullets (1912): Carried morphine for painless kills but lacked precision in immobilization.
• Curare: Derived from tree bark, used by South American tribes for hunting. It paralyzed animals but didn’t sedate them.
• Narcotic Bullets (1912): Carried morphine for painless kills but lacked precision in immobilization.
• Mercy Bullets (1928): Hypodermic needles with basic sedative chemicals, first introduced by Captain Barnett Harris. Often unreliable and lethal in incorrect doses.
• Hypodermic needles with basic sedative chemicals, first introduced by Captain Barnett Harris.
• Often unreliable and lethal in incorrect doses.
• Chemicals Used in Modern Tranquilizers:
• Etorphine (M99): Strong opioid used for large mammals like elephants. Xylazine: A sedative often combined with Ketamine for extended immobility. Ketamine: Dissociative anesthesia; effective but prone to misuse. Telazol: Ready-to-use combination of Tiletamine and Zolazepam, gaining popularity.
• Etorphine (M99): Strong opioid used for large mammals like elephants.
• Xylazine: A sedative often combined with Ketamine for extended immobility.
• Ketamine: Dissociative anesthesia; effective but prone to misuse.
• Telazol: Ready-to-use combination of Tiletamine and Zolazepam, gaining popularity.
• How Tranquilizers Work:
• Delivered via dart guns powered by compressed CO2 gas. The dart injects the chemical subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The tranquilizer acts on the central nervous system, inducing sedation or anesthesia
• Delivered via dart guns powered by compressed CO2 gas.
• The dart injects the chemical subcutaneously or intramuscularly.
• The tranquilizer acts on the central nervous system, inducing sedation or anesthesia
• Other Tranquilizers Commonly Used:
• Neuromuscular Blockers (e.g., Curare): Earlier methods; high mortality rates and less humane. Alpha-Adrenergic Tranquilizers: Safer, reversible sedatives like Xylazine.
• Neuromuscular Blockers (e.g., Curare): Earlier methods; high mortality rates and less humane.
• Alpha-Adrenergic Tranquilizers: Safer, reversible sedatives like Xylazine.
Insta links:
• Prevalence-and-extent-of-substance-use-in-India
Transgender Identity Change
Source: IE
Context: The Karnataka High Court ruled that transgender individuals can change their name and gender on their birth certificates, reinforcing the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
Procedure for Changing Name and Gender Identity
• Court Judgment Highlights:
• Case Reference: Ms. X vs State of Karnataka (2024). The court upheld the 2019 Act as a special law, directing that the 1969 Registration of Births and Deaths Act must comply with it. The Registrar of Births and Deaths must issue corrected birth certificates based on identity certificates.
• Case Reference: Ms. X vs State of Karnataka (2024).
• The court upheld the 2019 Act as a special law, directing that the 1969 Registration of Births and Deaths Act must comply with it.
• The Registrar of Births and Deaths must issue corrected birth certificates based on identity certificates.
• Officials Responsible for Changes:
• District Magistrate (DM): Processes applications for identity certificates. Registrar of Births and Deaths: Issues revised birth certificates based on identity certificates.
• District Magistrate (DM): Processes applications for identity certificates.
• Registrar of Births and Deaths: Issues revised birth certificates based on identity certificates.
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Must identify as transgender and file an affidavit with the DM. For revisions post-sex-reassignment surgery, a medical certificate is required from the Chief Medical Officer or Medical Superintendent.
• Must identify as transgender and file an affidavit with the DM.
• For revisions post-sex-reassignment surgery, a medical certificate is required from the Chief Medical Officer or Medical Superintendent.
• Procedure for Changes:
• Application for Identity Certificate: Submit affidavit declaring gender identity to the DM. DM issue’s identity certificate and transgender identity card within 30 days. Revised Identity Certificate (Post-Surgery): Obtain a medical certificate from a recognized authority. Apply for revision with the DM, processed within 15 days. Updates in Official Documents: Submit valid identity certificate to authorities for Aadhaar, passport, or birth certificate changes. Changes must be implemented within 15 days of application.
• Application for Identity Certificate: Submit affidavit declaring gender identity to the DM. DM issue’s identity certificate and transgender identity card within 30 days.
• Submit affidavit declaring gender identity to the DM.
• DM issue’s identity certificate and transgender identity card within 30 days.
• Revised Identity Certificate (Post-Surgery): Obtain a medical certificate from a recognized authority. Apply for revision with the DM, processed within 15 days.
• Obtain a medical certificate from a recognized authority.
• Apply for revision with the DM, processed within 15 days.
• Updates in Official Documents: Submit valid identity certificate to authorities for Aadhaar, passport, or birth certificate changes. Changes must be implemented within 15 days of application.
• Submit valid identity certificate to authorities for Aadhaar, passport, or birth certificate changes.
• Changes must be implemented within 15 days of application.
Insta links:
• Transgender
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 January 2025 Mapping:
Hotan Prefecture
Source: NIE
Context: India has lodged a protest with China over the establishment of two new counties, He’an and Hekang, in the Hotan Prefecture, which encompasses parts of the disputed Aksai Chin region.
• This area is administered by China but claimed by India as part of Ladakh.
About Hotan Prefecture:
• What it is: Hotan Prefecture is an administrative division in southwestern Xinjiang, China, and encompasses disputed territories like Aksai Chin.
• Location: Located in the Tarim Basin, it borders Tibet to the south, and Ladakh and Gilgit-Baltistan to the west. The region spans vast deserts and mountainous terrains.
• History:
• Aksai Chin became a contentious area during the Sino-Indian War of 1962. Administered by China since 1962, Hotan was designated as a prefecture in 1971.
• Aksai Chin became a contentious area during the Sino-Indian War of 1962.
• Administered by China since 1962, Hotan was designated as a prefecture in 1971.
• Geographical Features:
• Taklamakan Desert: A vast desert covering the northern part of the prefecture. Kunlun Mountains: Form the southern border, offering a natural divide from Tibet. Oases: Hotan city and other settlements thrive on oases, enabling agriculture and trade.
• Taklamakan Desert: A vast desert covering the northern part of the prefecture.
• Kunlun Mountains: Form the southern border, offering a natural divide from Tibet.
• Oases: Hotan city and other settlements thrive on oases, enabling agriculture and trade.
• Demographics: Predominantly Muslim Uyghurs inhabit the prefecture, living in oases between the Taklamakan Desert and Kunlun Mountains.
Insta links:
• 1962-India-China-war
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 4 Jan 2025
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