UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 February 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 February 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 February (2025)

• Bill Proposing 100 days Parliamentary Sitting

Bill Proposing 100 days Parliamentary Sitting

• Deportation

Deportation

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Organic Farming India

Organic Farming India

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Delhi Assembly

Delhi Assembly

• India Has Achieved the Milestone Of 100 GW Solar Energy Capacity

India Has Achieved the Milestone Of 100 GW Solar Energy Capacity

• ‘Bank.in’ Domain

‘Bank.in’ Domain

• Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

• TROPEX-25

TROPEX-25

• Quantum Teleportation

Quantum Teleportation

• Repo Rate

Repo Rate

Mapping:

• Sarandí Stream

Sarandí Stream

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 February 2025

#### GS Paper 2 :

Bill Proposing 100 days Parliamentary Sitting

Syllabus: Polity

Source: TH

Context: Senior Opposition leaders in the Rajya Sabha have introduced Private Member Bills seeking to mandate a minimum of 100-120 parliamentary sittings per year to enhance legislative accountability and scrutiny.

About Proposed 100 Days Sitting in a Year:

• Objective of the Proposal: Seeks to ensure minimum working days (100-120 days) for Parliament to strengthen deliberative functions and improve governance accountability. Inspired by the General Purposes Committee (1955) and National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC, 2002).

• Seeks to ensure minimum working days (100-120 days) for Parliament to strengthen deliberative functions and improve governance accountability.

• Inspired by the General Purposes Committee (1955) and National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC, 2002).

• Current Scenario of Parliamentary Sittings: No constitutional mandate for minimum sittings, only Article 85 and Article 174 mandate that Parliament and state legislatures must meet at least twice a year. The 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024) had the lowest full-term sitting (274 days) in Indian history.

• No constitutional mandate for minimum sittings, only Article 85 and Article 174 mandate that Parliament and state legislatures must meet at least twice a year.

• The 17th Lok Sabha (2019-2024) had the lowest full-term sitting (274 days) in Indian history.

• Comparison with Other Democracies: United Kingdom (150-160 days), USA (133-140 days), Canada (130-140 days) have higher parliamentary sittings ensuring robust debates and scrutiny.

• United Kingdom (150-160 days), USA (133-140 days), Canada (130-140 days) have higher parliamentary sittings ensuring robust debates and scrutiny.

Legislative Powers with Respect to Sittings:

• Article 85 & Article 174 of the Constitution Mandates that the gap between two sessions should not exceed six months, but does not specify a minimum number of sittings.

• Mandates that the gap between two sessions should not exceed six months, but does not specify a minimum number of sittings.

• State Legislature & Governor’s Role Governor convenes the session on the Cabinet’s advice, leading to the executive’s control over legislative sittings.

• Governor convenes the session on the Cabinet’s advice, leading to the executive’s control over legislative sittings.

Need for Such a Move:

• Enhancing Legislative Scrutiny: 44% of all Bills in 2023 werepassed within a day of introduction, reducing the scope for debate and scrutiny.

• Strengthening Government Accountability: Ensures detailed deliberations on budgetary allocations, policies, and executive actions, preventing arbitrary decision-making.

• Mitigating Judicial Overload: Proper legislative debate reduces the need for judicial intervention, ensuring constitutional compliance of laws.

• Boosting Public Trust in Legislatures: Declining sittings and disruptions weaken public confidence in legislative institutions.

• Addressing Electoral Pressures: Frequent elections divert political attention from legislative functions, reducing effective policymaking.

Challenges to Implementation:

• Executive Dominance Over Legislature: The ruling government controls session schedules, often curtailing sittings to avoid scrutiny.

• Rising Disruptions in Parliament: Frequent walkouts, protests, and adjournments lead to non-productive hours, reducing effective discussion time.

• Political Fragmentation: Increased political polarization and lack of consensus hinder meaningful deliberation.

• Lack of Parliamentary Committees in States: Unlike Parliament, most state assemblies lack active committee systems, reducing independent scrutiny of bills.

• Financial and Logistical Constraints: Extending sittings requires additional budgetary allocations for infrastructure, security, and legislative staff.

Way Ahead:

• Mandating Minimum Sittings via Constitutional Amendment: A constitutionally backed framework would ensure legislatures meet for adequate days annually.

• Introduction of a Fixed Parliamentary Calendar: A predetermined session schedule, similar to the UK model, would ensure regular sittings.

• Strengthening Legislative Committees: Expanding standing and select committees to scrutinize bills before passage.

• Reforming Parliamentary Conduct Rules: Mechanisms to address frequent disruptions and ensure productive sessions.

• Public Awareness & Civil Society Engagement: Greater citizen involvement in legislative monitoring through live streaming, transparency, and feedback mechanisms.

Conclusion:

Ensuring 100-120 sittings per year will strengthen India’s democratic process, improve legislative efficiency, and enhance accountability. With legislatures being the cornerstone of governance, adopting such reforms is crucial for a more transparent, deliberative, and responsible parliamentary system.

Insta Links:

• Declining-legislative-productivity

• To what extent, in your view, the Parliament is able to ensure accountability of the executive in India? [UPSC-2021]

Deportation

Syllabus: International Relations

Source: TP

Context: The U.S. deported 104 Indian nationals for alleged immigration law violations, with deportees arriving in Amritsar on a U.S. military aircraft in shackles, prompting diplomatic concerns from India over their treatment and human rights violations.

Understanding Deportation:

• What is Deportation? Deportation is the forced removal of foreign nationals from a country due to visa violations, illegal entry, criminal activity, or threats to public safety. It is governed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which enforces immigration laws and removal processes.

• Deportation is the forced removal of foreign nationals from a country due to visa violations, illegal entry, criminal activity, or threats to public safety.

• It is governed by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which enforces immigration laws and removal processes.

• Why is Deportation Happening? Stricter U.S. Immigration Policies: Recent crackdown on illegal migration under the Trump administration. Overstay & Visa Violations: Large numbers of Indian nationals overstay their visas or enter through unauthorized means. Final Removal List: The U.S. identified 487 Indians for deportation, citing national security concerns. Use of Military Aircraft: The latest deportation was classified as a “national security operation”, unlike previous cases using commercial flights.

• Stricter U.S. Immigration Policies: Recent crackdown on illegal migration under the Trump administration.

• Overstay & Visa Violations: Large numbers of Indian nationals overstay their visas or enter through unauthorized means.

• Final Removal List: The U.S. identified 487 Indians for deportation, citing national security concerns.

• Use of Military Aircraft: The latest deportation was classified as a “national security operation”, unlike previous cases using commercial flights.

• How Deportations are Carried Out? Immigration Detention Centers: Violators are detained before deportation. Legal Proceedings: They may apply for asylum or face expedited removal if found without proper documentation. Transport Mechanism: The U.S. covers deportation costs, using commercial or military aircraft in extreme cases.

• Immigration Detention Centers: Violators are detained before deportation.

• Legal Proceedings: They may apply for asylum or face expedited removal if found without proper documentation.

• Transport Mechanism: The U.S. covers deportation costs, using commercial or military aircraft in extreme cases.

Issues Surrounding Mass Deportations

• Human Rights Violations: Shackling of deportees, including women and children, raised concerns over inhumane treatment.

• Diplomatic Implications: India, Brazil, and Colombia raised formal objections over unfair deportation practices.

• Lack of Legal Assistance & Due Process: Deportees face limited legal aid, with expedited removals bypassing judicial review.

• Socioeconomic & Psychological Impact: Deportees return to economic hardship, social stigma, and financial instability.

• Rising Trend of Immigration Crackdowns: Strict U.S. border enforcement threatens 7.25 lakh undocumented Indians with removal.

Way Ahead:

• Diplomatic Engagement & Bilateral Dialogue: India must push for humane deportation processes through diplomatic negotiations.

• Rehabilitation & Reintegration Programs: Employment, legal aid, and psychological support should be provided to deportees.

• Stronger Immigration Awareness Programs: Campaigns on legal migration pathways are needed to prevent visa fraud and trafficking.

• Monitoring of Immigration Agents: Strict regulations are required to curb fraudulent agents misleading migrants.

• Global Legal Framework for Ethical Deportations: India should push for humane deportation protocols at UN forums.

Conclusion:

The mass deportation of 104 Indians raises serious humanitarian concerns, demanding a more structured diplomatic and legal approach. India must ensure fair treatment of its nationals while strengthening legal migration frameworks to prevent future deportations and safeguard citizen rights.

Insta Links:

• H1B Visa

• “What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions” Explain with suitable examples. [UPSC-2019]

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 February 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Organic Farming India

Context: The Government of India is actively promoting organic farming through Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER).

Government Initiatives to Promote Organic Farming:

• Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Implemented across all states and UTs (except the Northeast) to support organic farming practices. Financial assistance of ₹31,500/ha for 3 years, including ₹15,000 via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for organic inputs. Encourages value addition, certification, marketing, and capacity building.

• Implemented across all states and UTs (except the Northeast) to support organic farming practices.

• Financial assistance of ₹31,500/ha for 3 years, including ₹15,000 via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for organic inputs.

• Encourages value addition, certification, marketing, and capacity building.

• Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER): Dedicated scheme for Northeastern states focusing on farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and organic input support. ₹46,500/ha for 3 years, with ₹32,500 for organic inputs, including ₹15,000 as DBT.

• Dedicated scheme for Northeastern states focusing on farmer producer organizations (FPOs) and organic input support.

• ₹46,500/ha for 3 years, with ₹32,500 for organic inputs, including ₹15,000 as DBT.

• Organic Certification Systems: Third-Party Certification (NPOP): Under Ministry of Commerce, ensuring compliance for export-oriented organic produce. Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India): A self-regulatory system under Ministry of Agriculture for the domestic market.

• Third-Party Certification (NPOP): Under Ministry of Commerce, ensuring compliance for export-oriented organic produce.

• Participatory Guarantee System (PGS-India): A self-regulatory system under Ministry of Agriculture for the domestic market.

• Market & Value Addition Support: Financial assistance under PKVY (₹4,500/ha for 3 years) and MOVCDNER (₹10,000/ha for 3 years) for certification, training, and marketing. Jaivik Kheti Portal: An online marketplace connecting organic farmers with consumers, with 6.22 lakh farmers registered.

• Financial assistance under PKVY (₹4,500/ha for 3 years) and MOVCDNER (₹10,000/ha for 3 years) for certification, training, and marketing.

• Jaivik Kheti Portal: An online marketplace connecting organic farmers with consumers, with 6.22 lakh farmers registered.

• Awareness & Promotion: Seminars, trade fairs, workshops, and organic festivals to enhance the reach of organic produce in domestic and global markets.

• Seminars, trade fairs, workshops, and organic festivals to enhance the reach of organic produce in domestic and global markets.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper 3 – Agriculture & Food Security Role of organic farming in sustainable agriculture and food security. Government schemes for rural development and farmer welfare.

• Role of organic farming in sustainable agriculture and food security.

• Government schemes for rural development and farmer welfare.

• GS Paper 2 – Governance & Policy Role of government policies in promoting eco-friendly agriculture. Impact of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in agriculture.

• Role of government policies in promoting eco-friendly agriculture.

• Impact of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in agriculture.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 February 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Delhi Assembly

Source: LM

Context: The Election Commission is all set to declare the most awaited 70-member Delhi Assembly Election 2025 results today.

About Delhi Assembly:

• Historical Background: Delhi’s first legislative Assembly was constituted in 1952, with limited powers under the Part-C state classification. The Assembly was abolished in 1956, and Delhi became a Union Territory, remaining without an Assembly for 37 years until 1993.

• Delhi’s first legislative Assembly was constituted in 1952, with limited powers under the Part-C state classification.

• The Assembly was abolished in 1956, and Delhi became a Union Territory, remaining without an Assembly for 37 years until 1993.

• Governance Structure: From 1956 to 1993, Delhi was governed by a Metropolitan Council with recommendatory powers, while the central government retained control over key areas like law and order and land. In 1993, Delhi regained its legislative Assembly with 70 seats, but critical functions like police and land remained under central jurisdiction.

• From 1956 to 1993, Delhi was governed by a Metropolitan Council with recommendatory powers, while the central government retained control over key areas like law and order and land.

• In 1993, Delhi regained its legislative Assembly with 70 seats, but critical functions like police and land remained under central jurisdiction.

• Article 239AA of the Indian Constitution: Insertion and Special Status: Introduced by the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1991, granting special status to Delhi based on the S Balakrishnan Committee (1987) Composition and Representation: The Delhi Assembly has 70 elected members, a party must win 36 seats to form government. The Council of Ministers is limited to 10% of the Assembly’s strength, meaning Delhi can have a maximum of 7 Ministers. Legislative Powers: The Assembly can make laws on State List and Concurrent List subjects, except for Public Order, Police, Land, and related entries (64, 65, 66) in the State List, which remain under Central control. Governance Structure: The Chief Minister is appointed by the President and advises on ministerial appointments. The Governor (LG) acts as the administrator, with the power to summon, prorogue, and dissolve the Assembly. Judicial Interpretations: Two Constitution Benches of the Supreme Court (2018 & 2023) clarified Delhi’s governance framework and the extent of its legislative and executive powers. Supporting Legislation: The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, was enacted to define Delhi’s administrative structure and governance framework post-Article 239AA.

• Insertion and Special Status: Introduced by the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1991, granting special status to Delhi based on the S Balakrishnan Committee (1987)

• Composition and Representation: The Delhi Assembly has 70 elected members, a party must win 36 seats to form government. The Council of Ministers is limited to 10% of the Assembly’s strength, meaning Delhi can have a maximum of 7 Ministers.

• The Delhi Assembly has 70 elected members, a party must win 36 seats to form government.

• The Council of Ministers is limited to 10% of the Assembly’s strength, meaning Delhi can have a maximum of 7 Ministers.

• Legislative Powers: The Assembly can make laws on State List and Concurrent List subjects, except for Public Order, Police, Land, and related entries (64, 65, 66) in the State List, which remain under Central control.

• Governance Structure: The Chief Minister is appointed by the President and advises on ministerial appointments. The Governor (LG) acts as the administrator, with the power to summon, prorogue, and dissolve the Assembly.

• Judicial Interpretations: Two Constitution Benches of the Supreme Court (2018 & 2023) clarified Delhi’s governance framework and the extent of its legislative and executive powers.

• Supporting Legislation: The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, was enacted to define Delhi’s administrative structure and governance framework post-Article 239AA.

Insta links:

• Government-of-national-capital-territory-of-delhi-amendment-bill-2023

India Has Achieved the Milestone Of 100 GW Solar Energy Capacity

Source: EW

Context: India has achieved the milestone of 100 GW solar energy capacity, reinforcing its global leadership in renewable energy and progress toward a 500 GW non-fossil fuel target by 2030.

About Recent Achievements of India in Solar Energy:

• Solar Energy Target and Capacity Expansion:

• India achieved 100 GW of solar capacity as of January 2025, aiming for 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Solar energy now contributes 47% of total installed renewable capacity, showing its dominance in clean energy.

• India achieved 100 GW of solar capacity as of January 2025, aiming for 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

• Solar energy now contributes 47% of total installed renewable capacity, showing its dominance in clean energy.

• Rapid Growth Trends in Solar Installations:

• A 3,450% increase in solar capacity from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 100 GW in 2025. 2024 saw record-breaking 24.5 GW solar additions, doubling from 2023, with 18.5 GW utility-scale installations. Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh lead in large-scale solar deployment.

• A 3,450% increase in solar capacity from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 100 GW in 2025.

• 2024 saw record-breaking 24.5 GW solar additions, doubling from 2023, with 18.5 GW utility-scale installations.

• Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh lead in large-scale solar deployment.

• Key Government Schemes Driving Solar Growth:

• PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (2024): Boosting rooftop solar adoption, nearing 9 lakh installations. Solar Parks Scheme: Developing large-scale solar clusters across states. PLI Scheme for Solar Manufacturing: India’s solar module production surged from 2 GW (2014) to 60 GW (2024), targeting 100 GW by 2030.

• PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (2024): Boosting rooftop solar adoption, nearing 9 lakh installations.

• Solar Parks Scheme: Developing large-scale solar clusters across states.

• PLI Scheme for Solar Manufacturing: India’s solar module production surged from 2 GW (2014) to 60 GW (2024), targeting 100 GW by 2030.

Insta links:

‘Bank.in’ Domain

Source: IT

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced the exclusive ‘bank.in’ domain for Indian banks to tackle financial fraud, enhance cybersecurity, and ensure safer digital transactions.

About ‘bank.in’:

• Definition & Purpose: ‘bank.in’ is an exclusive internet domain for all registered Indian banks. It aims to differentiate legitimate banking websites from fraudulent ones, reducing cyber threats.

• ‘bank.in’ is an exclusive internet domain for all registered Indian banks.

• It aims to differentiate legitimate banking websites from fraudulent ones, reducing cyber threats.

• How It Works? Starting April 2025, all Indian banks must operate under ‘bank.in’, ensuring a secure and verified online presence. Customers can easily identify genuine banking platforms, preventing phishing and financial fraud.

• Starting April 2025, all Indian banks must operate under ‘bank.in’, ensuring a secure and verified online presence.

• Customers can easily identify genuine banking platforms, preventing phishing and financial fraud.

• Key Features & Functions: Fraud Prevention: Eliminates fake banking sites that deceive customers. Regulatory Compliance: Mandatory for all Indian banks, ensuring a standardized domain structure. Customer Protection: Enhances public trust by providing a verified and secure banking domain. Cybersecurity Enhancement: Reduces risks from phishing attacks, cyber frauds, and identity theft. Financial Sector Expansion: RBI plans to introduce ‘fin.in’ for broader financial services beyond banking.

• Fraud Prevention: Eliminates fake banking sites that deceive customers.

• Regulatory Compliance: Mandatory for all Indian banks, ensuring a standardized domain structure.

• Customer Protection: Enhances public trust by providing a verified and secure banking domain.

• Cybersecurity Enhancement: Reduces risks from phishing attacks, cyber frauds, and identity theft.

• Financial Sector Expansion: RBI plans to introduce ‘fin.in’ for broader financial services beyond banking.

• Additional Cybersecurity Measures: Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) extended to international digital transactions. NBFCs and banks required to enhance cyber risk detection and incident response strategies.

• Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) extended to international digital transactions.

• NBFCs and banks required to enhance cyber risk detection and incident response strategies.

Insta links:

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle

Source: TH

Context: A surge in Olive Ridley Sea turtle deaths has been reported along the Chennai and Chengalpattu coasts of Tamil Nadu, with over 1,200 carcasses found in January 2025.

About Olive Ridley Sea Turtle:

• Scientific Classification: Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea IUCN Status: Vulnerable.

• Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea

• IUCN Status: Vulnerable.

• Physical & Biological Features: Smallest sea turtle species, weighing up to 45 kg, with a heart-shaped olive-green carapace. Omnivorous diet, feeding on crustaceans, algae, mollusks, and jellyfish. Unique arribada (mass nesting) behavior, with thousands nesting simultaneously on select beaches. The mating season of Olive Ridley turtles occurs between November and April, leading to mass nesting (arribada) on select beaches.

• Smallest sea turtle species, weighing up to 45 kg, with a heart-shaped olive-green carapace.

• Omnivorous diet, feeding on crustaceans, algae, mollusks, and jellyfish.

• Unique arribada (mass nesting) behavior, with thousands nesting simultaneously on select beaches.

• The mating season of Olive Ridley turtles occurs between November and April, leading to mass nesting (arribada) on select beaches.

• Habitat & Distribution: Found in tropical waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. Nesting sites in India include Odisha (Gahirmatha, Devi, Rushikulya), Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

• Found in tropical waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans.

• Nesting sites in India include Odisha (Gahirmatha, Devi, Rushikulya), Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

• Recent Mortality Along Indian Coast: Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Chengalpattu): 1,200+ carcasses found, three times the annual average. Andhra Pradesh (Tirupati, Nellore, Visakhapatnam): Over 2,000 deaths reported in January 2025.

• Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Chengalpattu): 1,200+ carcasses found, three times the annual average.

• Andhra Pradesh (Tirupati, Nellore, Visakhapatnam): Over 2,000 deaths reported in January 2025.

• Reasons for Mass Deaths: Illegal bottom trawling & gill nets: Turtles drown after getting entangled in fishing gear. Lack of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs): Many trawl boats violate marine regulations. Plastic Pollution & Habitat Destruction: Polluted beaches and coastal infrastructure (groynes, seawalls) obstruct nesting. Climate Change & Rough Sea Conditions: Extended monsoons & strong currents disrupt turtle migration patterns. Poaching & Egg Harvesting: Though illegal, turtle eggs are still collected in some regions.

• Illegal bottom trawling & gill nets: Turtles drown after getting entangled in fishing gear.

• Lack of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs): Many trawl boats violate marine regulations.

• Plastic Pollution & Habitat Destruction: Polluted beaches and coastal infrastructure (groynes, seawalls) obstruct nesting.

• Climate Change & Rough Sea Conditions: Extended monsoons & strong currents disrupt turtle migration patterns.

• Poaching & Egg Harvesting: Though illegal, turtle eggs are still collected in some regions.

Insta links:

TROPEX-25

Source: PIB

Context: The Indian Navy’s biennial Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX-25) is currently underway in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from January to March 2025.

About Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX-25):

• What is TROPEX? Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX) is the Indian Navy’s largest biennial maritime exercise, testing combat readiness and joint warfighting capabilities.

• Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX) is the Indian Navy’s largest biennial maritime exercise, testing combat readiness and joint warfighting capabilities.

• Location: Hosted by India, the exercise is conducted across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), including strategic maritime zones.

• Participation: Led by the Indian Navy, with substantial participation from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

• Led by the Indian Navy, with substantial participation from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

• Key Features & Objectives:

• Focuses on maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, cyber and electronic warfare, and live weapon firings.

• Tests integrated response strategies against conventional, asymmetric, and hybrid threats.

• Includes joint work-up phases, amphibious exercises, and combat scenario simulations.

Insta links:

• Maritime-exercises

Quantum Teleportation

Source: NDTV

Context: Scientists at the University of Oxford have achieved a breakthrough in distributed quantum computing, successfully linking quantum computers via quantum teleportation for the first time, paving the way for large-scale networked quantum computing.

About Quantum Teleportation:

• What is Quantum Teleportation? A quantum phenomenon where the state of a particle is transmitted instantly to another distant particle using quantum entanglement, without physical transfer. Used in quantum computing and secure quantum communication.

• A quantum phenomenon where the state of a particle is transmitted instantly to another distant particle using quantum entanglement, without physical transfer.

• Used in quantum computing and secure quantum communication.

• How It Works? Quantum Entanglement: Two particles become interlinked, so changes in one instantly reflect in the other, even at large distances. Quantum State Transfer: Instead of moving physical qubits, their state is transferred across a network link, enabling distributed computing. Logical Gate Teleportation: Researchers teleported quantum gates (fundamental computational components) instead of individual qubits, enhancing scalability.

• Quantum Entanglement: Two particles become interlinked, so changes in one instantly reflect in the other, even at large distances.

• Quantum State Transfer: Instead of moving physical qubits, their state is transferred across a network link, enabling distributed computing.

• Logical Gate Teleportation: Researchers teleported quantum gates (fundamental computational components) instead of individual qubits, enhancing scalability.

• Key Features of Quantum Teleportation: Instantaneous State Transfer: Allows faster, more secure quantum communication. No Physical Movement Required: Eliminates information loss or decoherence during transfer. Enhances Distributed Computing: Enables linking small quantum processors into large-scale quantum networks. High Computational Speed: Reduces bottlenecks, making quantum computing scalable and efficient. Potential for Quantum Internet: Opens pathways for global quantum networks with ultra-secure data transmission.

• Instantaneous State Transfer: Allows faster, more secure quantum communication.

• No Physical Movement Required: Eliminates information loss or decoherence during transfer.

• Enhances Distributed Computing: Enables linking small quantum processors into large-scale quantum networks.

• High Computational Speed: Reduces bottlenecks, making quantum computing scalable and efficient.

• Potential for Quantum Internet: Opens pathways for global quantum networks with ultra-secure data transmission.

• Scientific & Technological Significance: Advances Quantum Computing Scalability: Overcomes challenges in expanding quantum processors. Boosts Cryptographic Security: Enables unbreakable encryption for cybersecurity. Revolutionizes Data Transmission: Supports high-speed, lossless quantum communication. Bridges the Gap Between Theory and Practical Application: Shows real-world feasibility of large-scale quantum computing. Foundation for Future Quantum Networks: Can lead to the development of global quantum internet.

• Advances Quantum Computing Scalability: Overcomes challenges in expanding quantum processors.

• Boosts Cryptographic Security: Enables unbreakable encryption for cybersecurity.

• Revolutionizes Data Transmission: Supports high-speed, lossless quantum communication.

• Bridges the Gap Between Theory and Practical Application: Shows real-world feasibility of large-scale quantum computing.

• Foundation for Future Quantum Networks: Can lead to the development of global quantum internet.

Insta links:

• Quantum-computing

Repo Rate

Source: ET

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 6.25%, marking the first rate cut in nearly five years.

About Repo Rate:

• What is Repo Rate? The repo rate is the interest rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks for short-term needs. It is a key monetary policy tool used to control inflation, manage liquidity, and influence economic growth.

• The repo rate is the interest rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks for short-term needs. It is a key monetary policy tool used to control inflation, manage liquidity, and influence economic growth.

• How Does It Work?

• When the RBI lowers the repo rate, borrowing costs for banks decrease, enabling them to offer loans at lower interest rates to consumers and businesses. Conversely, an increase in the repo rate makes borrowing expensive, curbing excessive spending and controlling inflation.

• When the RBI lowers the repo rate, borrowing costs for banks decrease, enabling them to offer loans at lower interest rates to consumers and businesses.

• Conversely, an increase in the repo rate makes borrowing expensive, curbing excessive spending and controlling inflation.

• Impact of Repo Rate Reduction on the Economy:

• Cheaper Loans: A lower repo rate reduces interest rates on loans, making home, vehicle, and personal loans more affordable. Boost to Spending and Investment: Lower borrowing costs encourage individuals and businesses to spend and invest, stimulating economic activity. Job Creation: Increased investment and spending can lead to higher employment opportunities. Inflation Management: While a rate cut can spur growth, it may also risk higher inflation if not managed carefully. Global Alignment: The rate cut aligns India with global trends, where many central banks have adopted accommodative monetary policies to support growth.

• Cheaper Loans: A lower repo rate reduces interest rates on loans, making home, vehicle, and personal loans more affordable.

• Boost to Spending and Investment: Lower borrowing costs encourage individuals and businesses to spend and invest, stimulating economic activity.

• Job Creation: Increased investment and spending can lead to higher employment opportunities.

• Inflation Management: While a rate cut can spur growth, it may also risk higher inflation if not managed carefully.

• Global Alignment: The rate cut aligns India with global trends, where many central banks have adopted accommodative monetary policies to support growth.

Insta links:

• Monetary-policy-outcome

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 February 2025 Mapping:

Sarandí Stream

Source: TOI

Context: The Sarandí Stream near Buenos Aires turned crimson red, raising concerns over industrial chemical contamination.

About Sarandí Stream:

• Location and Hydrology: Sarandí Stream is located in Villa Inflamable, Avellaneda, near Buenos Aires, Argentina. It flows into the Río de la Plata, a major estuary shared by Argentina and Uruguay.

• Sarandí Stream is located in Villa Inflamable, Avellaneda, near Buenos Aires, Argentina.

• It flows into the Río de la Plata, a major estuary shared by Argentina and Uruguay.

• Pollution History & Industrial Presence: The area houses numerous tanneries and factories, contributing to severe chemical contamination. Residents report frequent discoloration of the stream, including shades of blue, green, violet, and brown.

• The area houses numerous tanneries and factories, contributing to severe chemical contamination.

• Residents report frequent discoloration of the stream, including shades of blue, green, violet, and brown.

• Cause of Blood-Red Color: Authorities suspect aniline, a toxic chemical used in dyes and pharmaceuticals, may be responsible. The strong foul odor reported by locals suggests the presence of hazardous industrial waste.

• Authorities suspect aniline, a toxic chemical used in dyes and pharmaceuticals, may be responsible.

• The strong foul odor reported by locals suggests the presence of hazardous industrial waste.

• Environmental Impact: The stream feeds into the heavily polluted Matanza-Riachuelo River basin, one of Latin America’s most contaminated waterways. Potential health hazards include skin diseases, respiratory issues, and waterborne illnesses for local residents.

• The stream feeds into the heavily polluted Matanza-Riachuelo River basin, one of Latin America’s most contaminated waterways.

• Potential health hazards include skin diseases, respiratory issues, and waterborne illnesses for local residents.

Insta links:

• Argentina

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 8 Feb 2025

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