Current Affairs Analysis January 28, 2025

 

1. India-China Relations: Steps Toward Rebuilding Ties

  • Key Developments:
    • Resumption of direct flights, issuance of visas, and Mansarovar pilgrimage to restart.
    • Agreement on sharing hydrological data for trans-border rivers, including the Brahmaputra.
    • Commemorative events planned for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
    • Discussions on trade curbs, with India concerned over API restrictions and China over investment approvals.
  • Background:
    • India-China relations have been strained since the Galwan clash in 2020.
    • Regular mechanisms for dialogue were suspended, and trade tensions escalated.
    • The Mansarovar pilgrimage, an essential spiritual route for Indian devotees, was also halted due to political tensions.
  • Relevance for UPSC (GS2 - International Relations):
    • Bilateral agreements in trade, people-to-people exchanges, and regional stability.
    • Importance of hydrological cooperation for water resource management.
  • Practice Questions:
    • Discuss the significance of hydrological cooperation between India and China in managing trans-border rivers.
    • Analyze the impact of people-to-people exchanges on improving bilateral relations.

2. Uttarakhand Implements Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

  • Key Developments:
    • UCC implemented for all residents except Scheduled Tribes and migrants.
    • Focuses on banning practices like talaq, halala, and iddat, and ensuring equal inheritance rights.
    • Online portal for marriage registration launched, integrating data across government departments.
  • Background:
    • UCC is part of Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 44 of the Constitution.
    • Advocates argue it promotes equality and national integration, while opponents cite cultural diversity concerns.
  • Relevance for UPSC (GS2 - Polity and Governance):
    • Examines the constitutional mandate for UCC and its implications for federalism and secularism.
  • Practice Questions:
    • Critically analyze the feasibility and challenges of implementing a Uniform Civil Code in India.
    • How does the UCC balance between individual rights and cultural practices?

3. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Outbreak in Pune

  • Key Developments:
    • Rising cases of GBS, prompting a team visit by the central government.
    • GBS is a rare neurological disorder where the immune system attacks nerves.
    • Possible linkage to infections or post-vaccination responses.
  • Background:
    • GBS was previously linked to Zika virus outbreaks and influenza vaccines.
    • Characterized by muscle weakness and paralysis; requires early intervention.
  • Relevance for UPSC (GS3 - Health):
    • Understanding rare diseases and their public health impact.
    • Importance of a responsive healthcare system to manage outbreaks.
  • Practice Questions:
    • What are the public health measures required to manage outbreaks of rare diseases like Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
    • Explain the role of immune responses in causing neurological disorders.

4. Debate on Simultaneous Elections

  • Key Developments:
    • PM Modi advocates for “One Nation, One Election,” highlighting benefits for governance and reducing costs.
    • Frequent elections impact teachers’ duties, exam preparations, and policy implementation.
  • Background:
    • Simultaneous elections were last held in 1967; thereafter, political instability caused staggered cycles.
    • Requires constitutional amendments and consensus among states.
  • Relevance for UPSC (GS2 - Governance):
    • Challenges in implementing electoral reforms.
    • Link between stable governance and economic development.
  • Practice Questions:
    • Discuss the advantages and challenges of holding simultaneous elections in India.
    • Evaluate the constitutional and administrative reforms needed for implementing “One Nation, One Election.”

5. Environmental Issue: Arms Recovery in Manipur

  • Key Developments:
    • Recovery of a sniper rifle and other arms in joint operations amid ethnic tensions.
    • Operations conducted to curb violence and restore peace.
  • Background:
    • Manipur has been witnessing ethnic conflicts between the Meitei and Kuki communities since 2023.
    • The region is critical for national security and has strategic importance due to its location near the Indo-Myanmar border.
  • Relevance for UPSC (GS3 - Internal Security):
    • Managing insurgencies in Northeastern India.
    • Role of armed forces in maintaining law and order.
  • Practice Questions:
    • Analyze the factors contributing to ethnic conflicts in Northeastern India.
    • Examine the role of security forces in restoring peace in conflict-prone regions.

General Notes for UPSC Preparation:

  1. Focus on constitutional provisions, historical agreements, and policy implications when analyzing news.
  2. Develop interlinkages between topics such as governance, environment, and health for GS3 essays and case studies.
  3. For factual clarity, delve into past UPSC question papers to understand the framing of current-affairs-based questions.

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