Context: The Assam coal mining tragedy occurred when a sudden influx of water flooded an illegal rat-hole mine in Dima Hasao district, Assam on January 6, 2025. The mine was abandoned by the state’s Mines and Minerals Department 12 years ago. Definition and Hazards of Rat-Hole Mining Rat-hole mining, a method of manually digging narrow holes in North East India for coal extraction, is banned by the National Green Tribunal but still used by artisanal mining operations in Meghalaya. Techniques Ban and Continued Practice Dima Hasao Tragedy Coal and Coal Mining in India
Roman Script for Kokborok in Textbooks
Context: About 12 members of the Twipra Students Federation (TSF) were detained for staging a protest at the entrance of the Tripura Assembly to press for their demand for the use of the Roman script for Kokborok in textbooks and for official work. A majority of the tribes in the State speak Kokborok, which has been recognised as the second State language after Bengali. The Roman Script The Roman script, also known as Latin script, is a writing system that uses the letters of the Latin alphabet. It is used to write many languages in Europe, Africa, America, and Oceania. Why Roman script for Kokborok? Kokborok Kokborok is a language that appears in textbooks in Tripura, India, and neighboring areas of Bangladesh. It is a Sino-Tibetan language that is spoken by the Borok people, also known as Tripuris.
US Lifts Restrictions on Indian Nuclear Entities
Context: The United States Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) had lifted its restrictions on three Indian nuclear entities, which was imposed during the Cold War era: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR) and Indian Rare Earths (IRE). Background and Statements 2008 Civil Nuclear Agreement The US-India 2008 civil nuclear agreement allows India to purchase civilian nuclear power and fuel on the basis of the 123 Agreement. Both India’s Minister of Finance Mr. Pranab Mukherjee and USA’s Secretary Ms. Condoleezza Rice signed the contract on October 10, 2008. Advantages created by the Contract It is the 3rd India-U.S. Civil Nuclear Agreement. In the year 2008, an agreement was passed that would enable the U.S. civilian nuclear technology to be shared with India. The deal marks a great milestone, but such regulatory ban upon Indian institutions resulted in the signing after more than ten years of delays. Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) is one of India’s premier nuclear research centres. It was established in 1971 and is situated in Tamil Nadu. It was an exclusive centre dedicated to the pursuit of fast reactor science and technology, due to the vision of Vikram Sarabhai. Originally, it was called Reactor Research Centre (RRC). It was renamed to Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) by the then Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi in December 1985. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, also known as BARC, is India’s leading nuclear research center, located at Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It was established by Homi Jehangir Bhabha as the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET) in January 1954 as a multidisciplinary research program essential for India’s nuclear program. IREL (India) Limited IREL (India) Limited is an Indian Public Sector Undertaking based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It specializes in mining and refining rare earth metals. Founded in 18 August 1950.
Israel-Palestine War
Context: Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies. Background Role of Countries in Mediation Course of the War The Israel-Palestine conflict is a deeply rooted conflict in historical, religious, and political factors. The modern conflict began in the early 20th century, although the region’s significance dates back to ancient times, with Jerusalem being sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Historical Context Declarations Ongoing Conflicts Postwar Gaza: Primary Uncertainties and Challenges Uncertainty in Return of the Palestinians UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q 1. Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea? (2015) (a) Syria(b) Jordan(c) Lebanon(d) Israel Ans: (b) Mains Q1. ‘Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. (2019) Q2 . “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (2018)
Current Affairs 15 January 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz15 January, 2025 International Affairs 1. Indo-Pacific Region The Indo-Pacific region is a maritime area that includes the Indian and Pacific Oceans, as well as the countries and islands that border them. It comprises the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, the western and central Pacific Ocean, and the seas connecting the two. It’s a major area of geopolitical interest and economic activity. UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions (PYQ) Prelims Q.With reference to “Look East Policy” of India, consider the following statements: (2011) Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (d) Mains Q1. The new tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (2021) 2. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ASEAN is a political and economic union of 10 Southeast Asian states, with a population of more than 600 million and a land area of over 4.5 million km2. Established to promote political and social stability in post-colonial Asia. ASEAN’s Objectives Recent Developments Member Nations India-ASEAN Cooperation 3. India-ASEAN Relations Historical Context and Elevation of Partnership Economic Powerhouse-Gateway to Southeast Asian Markets Strategic Counterbalance: Connectivity Catalyst Cultural Confluence Technological Synergy Maritime Security Cooperation Energy Security and Sustainability Important Issues of India-ASEAN Relations India-ASEAN Trade Inequality and Measures to Improve Relations Major Issues Steps toward Strengthening Relations UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Prelims Q1. India is a member of which among the following? (2015) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) India is a member of none of them Ans: (b) Q2. Consider the following countries: (2018) Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN? (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 (b) 3, 4, 5 and 6 (c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 (d) 2, 3, 4 and 6 Ans: (c) Q3. The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as (2016) (a) G20 (b) ASEAN (c) SCO (d) SAARC Ans: (b) Q4. In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not a participant/ participants? (2015) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 5 Ans: (c) Mains Q. Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (2016) National Affairs 1. Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) Context: The govt has reconstituted the executive council of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) with former principal secretary to the PM Modi, Nripendra Mishra, getting another five-year term as its chairperson. Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) The Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library Society previously known as the Nehru Museum and Library Society is a museum and library in New Delhi, India, which aims to preserve and reconstruct the history of the Indian independence movement. Background The Nehru Memorial Library was established in the year 1964 as an autonomous institution under the Indian Ministry of Culture. It was made the world resource center on India’s first prime minister, which contained Mahatma Gandhi’s writings and private papers of many leaders. Noted among its published works are Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru, Man of Destiny by Ruskin Bond, and Nehru Anthology (1980). 2. INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer Why in News? PM Narendra Modi will dedicate 3 frontline naval combatants — INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer , to the nation on their commissioning at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. INS Surat INS Surat is the fourth ship in the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided-missile destroyers of the Indian Navy, the last of the entire line built under Project 15, which includes the Delhi-class and Kolkata-class destroyers. Initially named after Porbandar, it was later named as Surat. Other warships of this class include INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Imphal. INS Nilgiri INS Nilgiri is the lead ship of the Nilgiri-class stealth guided missile frigates being built by Mazagon Shipyard Dock Limited for the Indian Navy. The Nilgiri-class frigates, which are also referred to as the Project-17 Alpha frigates or P-17A, are stealth guided-missile frigates built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers for the Indian Navy. The INS Vagsheer The INS Vagsheer (s-26) is a French Naval Group-designed diesel-electric attack submarine from the Indian Navy, capable of eluding enemy radar, area-surveillance, intelligence gathering, and using precision-guided weapons, 18 torpedoes, and tube-launched anti-ship missiles. UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Q.1 Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? (2016) (a) Amphibious warfare ship(b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ans: (c) Q.2 Consider the following in respect of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): (2017) Which of the above statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only(b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: (b) 3. Labour Legislation Context: The Union labour ministry is aiming to “standardise and harmonise” the rules made by state governments, except West Bengal, under the four new labour codes, which may pave the way for implementing the labour legislation. Labor Legislation Labor legislation is a set of laws that protect the rights of workers and establish a balance between employees and employers. It also aims to create a healthy and safe working environment, and to provide a legal framework for people to find jobs. Labour Laws in India 4. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is an initiative of large-scale urban renewal, aimed at changing one of the biggest and most densely populated slums in the world. It is located in Mumbai, India. The challenges are overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and poor living conditions in this area. The project promotes inclusive development. 5. Wind Energy Context: In an effort to help Indian Railways achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, the Ministry of Railways is considering leveraging wind
BharatPe is Targeting an Initial Public Offering (IPO)
Context: Fintech firm BharatPe is targeting an initial public offering (IPO) in the next 18 to 24 months with the company expecting profitability at an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and ammotisation level for FY25, chief executive officer (CEO) Nalin Negi said. EBITDA EBITDA or Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization, is a financial metric. Companies use it extensively to compute their business’ performance in terms of finances. Furthermore, it offers a distinct idea to the investors and lenders about the profitability and of a company.
Atal Innovation Mission
Context: GOI’s Atal Innovation Mission argue that results so far have been excellent, including incubating apps like DigiYatra. The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a government of India initiative to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. It was launched in 2016 by the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) Recent Update The Union Cabinet has sanctioned the continuation of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) with an increased budget of Rs. 2,750 crore, marking the launch of AIM 2.0 to strengthen India’s innovation ecosystem until 2028. Key Programs Under AIM 2.0 UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q. Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (2019) (a) Department of Science and Technology (b) Ministry of Labour and Employment (c) NITI Aayog (d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Ans: (c)
Effects of Trade Deficit on India’s Economy
Context: China sold goods and services worth $3.6tn to other countries in 2024, bought stuff worth $2.6tn, and finished with a trade surplus of almost $1tn an all-time record even after adjusting for inflation. A trade deficit occurs when the value of any country’s imports exceeds the value of its exports which creates a negative balance of trade. Effects of Increased Trade Deficit to India’s Economy Reasons for India’s Higher Trade Deficit Trade Deficit
Sebi Proposes Demat Shares for Corporate Restructuring
Context: Sebi is proposing to issue all shares in demat mode in case a company splits or consolidates the face value of its shares. The regulator is also proposing to issue demat shares in case of corporate restructuring. Definition of SEBI’s Proposal and Keywords
Currency Volatility
Context: RBI will retain its policy of currency market intervention to check excessive volatility as part of its overall strategy for macro-economic management, amid reports indicating a more “flexible approach”. The RBI is adhering to the policy of entering the currency market for controlling the extreme volatility in currency. Currency Volatility Currency volatility refers to the fluctuation of the value of a currency over time. It is also termed foreign exchange (forex) volatility. The fluctuation and deviation in the values of a currency over others results in trade and investment and brings about instability to the economy of a country.
