Context: With the Union Budget 2025 on the horizon, electric twowheeler (e2W) players are urging the government to introduce critical policy measures and incentives to revitalise the sector. Key demands include relooking at the PM EDRIVE scheme, reduced goods and services tax (GST) rates across the entire EV ecosystem, providing targeted subsidies and innovative financing models. PM EDRIVE Scheme PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Upgrade (PM EDRIVE Scheme) is India’s latest push toward the promotion of electric mobility as the replacement to the earlier FAME II policy. It has fiscal as well as infrastructural interventions geared toward a hastened take-up of EVs specifically in two/three-wheeler as well as in bus segments but remarkably, this one does not extend direct subsidy benefits to electric cars. Comparison with the FAME Scheme Impact of Exclusion of Electric Cars in PM EDRIVE Support Measures for Electric Mobility beyond Subsidies Challenges and Way Forward
Hypersonic Missiles
Context: In a crucial milestone in the development of next-generation hypersonic munitions, the DRDO has successfully demonstrated a cutting-edge active cooled scramjet combustor ground test for the first time in India. This is the effort to develop a long-duration supersonic combustion scramjet powered hypersonic technology. Hypersonic Missiles Hypersonic missiles are those missiles that fly at speeds of Mach 5 or higher, which is over five times the speed of sound. They are very maneuverable and can fly low. Hypersonic vs Supersonic Missiles Hypersonic Supersonic
Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP)
Context: India and France have agreed to boost cooperation in “high-end technology sectors”, as senior officials held Foreign Office consultations in Paris, and talks between the two sides have not resolved issues on the much-delayed Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project in Maharashtra, despite a revised techno-commercial offer being made by French energy company EDF (Electricite De France) in 2022. Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP) The Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP) is a proposed nuclear power plant in Jaitapur, Maharashtra, India. The project is a collaboration between India and France to generate nuclear power for peaceful purposes.
Indus Water Treaty
Context: The World Bank appointed the Neutral Expert NE Michel Lino to announce his competence for adjudicating differences between India and Pakistan about the design of hydroelectric projects on Indus system rivers. Indus Water Treaty Key Provisions Permanent Indus Commission Both countries establish a commission that is required to meet every year for cooperation and resolve any water disputes. Projects Inspected Under IWT Indus River and Its Tributaries River Source Joins Jhelum Spring at Verinag, Kashmir Valley Chenab at Trimmu, Pakistan Chenab Chandra and Bhaga streams near Bara Lacha Pass Satluj after receiving Jhelum and Ravi Ravi Kullu hills near Rohtang Pass Chenab near Rangpur, Pakistan Beas Near Rohtang Pass Satluj at Harike Barrage, India Satluj Manasarovar-Rakas Lakes, Tibet Indus a few kilometers above Mithankot, Pakistan Challenges to the IWT Framework Key Disputes in Interpretation Challenges Way Forward UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q1. With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such a river that joins the Indus direct? (2021) (a) Chenab(b) Jhelum(c) Ravi(d) Sutlej Ans: (d) Q2. Consider the following pairs (2019) Glacier River 1. Bandarpunch Yamuna 2. Bara Shigri Chenab 3. Milam Mandakini 4. Siachen Nubra 5. Zemu Manas Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) 1, 2 and 4(b) 1, 3 and 4(c) 2 and 5(d) 3 and 5 Ans: (a) Mains Q. Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. (2016) Q. The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (2020)
Smart Cities Mission
Challenges Recommendations for Strengthening the Smart City Mission UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Mains Q. With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme.’ (2016)
Trump’s Second Term and International Law Impact
Context: The second term of Trump represents continued disruptive leadership and challenges to international norms. His policy promotes U.S. Exceptionalism by maintaining its position in making international law, yet demanding other countries comply. Key Highlights: Trump 1.0: A Sovereigntist Approach Trump 2.0
Tariffs on BRICS Nations!
Context: US President Donald Trump reiterated to impose 100 per cent import tariffs on the BRICS countries if they took any steps towards cutting the use of the dollar in global trade. The BRICS nations include Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and India. India’s Approach and Possible Effects Implications for India BRICS US Lifts Restrictions on Indian Nuclear Entities
U.S. Citizenship
Context: After being sworn in, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order cancelling the provision of “citizenship by birth”, which could directly affect thousands of Indian professionals working in the U.S. under H-1B and other temporary visas, who hoped to raise their families there. Citizenship in U.S. There are two major modes through which the United States may grant a person the status of citizen. Birthright Citizenship in the United States Assured by the 14th Amendment The first clause of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, which was adopted on July 9, 1868 assures birthright citizenship to people born in US territory, except for American Samoa. Dual Citizenship in India!
Current Affairs 21 January 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz21 January, 2025 International Affairs 1. Paris Agreement Context: U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration announced the United States’ intention to withdraw from the Paris climate accord for a second time, a defiant rejection of global efforts to combat planetary warming as catastrophic weather events intensify worldwide. Paris Agreement COP 21 It is a multilateral agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC to reduce and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions Adopted in December 2015 at COP 21 in Paris and signed by 196 countries Nationally Determined Contributions NDCs Indias Role and Measures Emissions in India India’s Initiatives Core Elements of the Paris Agreement Climate Ambition Summit 2020 What’s New? COP29: Takeaways and Stand of India UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Prelims Q. The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (2016) (a) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East(b) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change(c) capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank(d) plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals Answer: b Q. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016) Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 3 only(b) 2 only(c) 2 and 3 only(d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: b Mains Q. ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (2017) Q. Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021) 2. World Economic Forum (WEF) Context: World Economic Forum (WEF) is hosting its Annual Meeting from 20–24 January 2025 Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. Theme: WEF 2025’s theme is “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” highlighting the importance of partnerships for a future driven by sustainable innovation and technological advancements. World Economic Forum (WEF) About WEF is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. Evolution In 1973 events such as the collapse of the Bretton Woods fixed exchange rate mechanism and Arab-Israeli War made Annual Meeting expand its focus in addition to management issues to economic and social issues. Diplomatic Moments of WEF India’s Presence at World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 Source: PIB UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year’s Question (PYQs) Prelims Q1. Consider the following provisions under the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of India: (2012) Which of the above are the Gandhian Principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy? (a) 1, 2 and 4 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (b) Q2. A legislation that confers on the executive or administrative authority an unguided and uncontrolled discretionary power in the matter of the application of law violates which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India? (a) Article 14 (b) Article 28 (c) Article 32 (d) Article 44 Ans: (a) Mains Q. Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizens a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. (2015) 3. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Scope and Design It is a network of multimodal transportation, connecting rail, ship-to-rail, and roads.Besides, it is going to house electricity cables, hydrogen pipelines, and high-speed data cables.It contains two major corridors: Part and Participant countries Objectives: Importance of IMEC In the Context of Geopolitical Effects Economic Benefits Trade Enhancement Challenges to IMEC Way Forward National Affairs 1. De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes of India Context: The Anthropological Survey of India and Tribal Research Institutes have conducted a comprehensive ethnographic study of 268 denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes in India. The study, commissioned by a NITI Aayog panel, recommended the inclusion of 179 of these communities in the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes lists of 26 states and union territories. What are De-Notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes of India? 2. Dam Safety Act of 2021 Context: The Supreme Court asked the States of Tamil Nadu and Kerala to address it on whether the supervisory committee formed by the court would be more effective in taking care of the 129-year-old Mullaperiyar dam or the job must be given to a statutory committee envisaged under the new Dam Safety Act of 2021. Mullaperiyar Dam Mullaperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam constructed on the Periyar River in Kerala, India. The dam was constructed between 1887 and 1895 by John Pennycuick, and it lies 150km south east of Kochi and 200km north east of Trivandrum. The catchment area of the dam is located entirely in Kerala and not an inter-State river. It is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu. The water level hit 142 feet for the first time in 35 years in 2014 and again topped its maximum limit in 2018. According to the report of UNU-INWEH, published in 2021, the dam is seismically active with significant structural flaws and places 3.5 million people in danger if it collapses. Dam Safety Act of 2021 3. Custodial Death Context: A protest erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, with hundreds of people gheraoing the Raisatti police outpost under the Nakhas police station limits demanding justice over the alleged custodial death of a 35-year-old man. Custodial Death in India Definition: Death of a person in the custody of law enforcement or correctional facilities, caused by excessive force, neglect, abuse, or other factors. Custodial Violence: Defined by the Law Commission of India as crimes committed by public servants against detained or arrested individuals. Statistics (2017-2022). Gradual increase in custodial deaths
Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)
Context: Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) Definition and Concept Purchasing Power Parity PPP is a theory that asserts that currencies are in equilibrium if their purchasing power is equal in two different countries.The theory posits that the value of a currency should be determined by the price ratio of a basket of consumer goods in both nations.Law of One Price is the foundation of PPP that shows excluding transportation costs similar goods must have the same price in other countries when expressed in a common currency. PPP Formula The basic formula of PPP is given by( S = \frac{P1}{P2} ) Where, This enables the comparison of the value of currencies by the purchasing power of products in each country. Versions of PPP Significance of PPP International Comparison Program ICP The ICP managed by the World Bank is an initiative in comparing price levels and computing PPPs for over 170 countries. India Rankings in Global PPP Challenges and Issues with PPP
