Daily Current Affairs 18 January 2025

 

1. Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Exchange

  • Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:
    • GS2: International Relations – India and its neighborhood, West Asia politics, international peacekeeping.
  • Summary:
    • Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement brokered by Qatar and the U.S., ending a 15-month conflict. The deal includes the release of 33 hostages held in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. This development may influence West Asia's political stability.
  • UPSC Significance:
    • India's interests in West Asia, including diaspora safety, energy security, and its stand on international conflict resolution.
  • Practice Question:
    • Discuss the role of international mediators in resolving regional conflicts, citing examples from the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

2. Indian Nationals in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

  • Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:
    • GS2: Diaspora – Issues faced by Indians abroad.
    • GS3: Security – Role of external factors on national security.
  • Summary:
    • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed 126 Indian men joined the Russian Army in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Among them, 12 were killed, and 16 remain missing. Many were reportedly lured by promises of high salaries and citizenship.
  • UPSC Significance:
    • Highlights challenges in safeguarding Indian nationals abroad and bilateral relations with Russia amidst global conflicts.
  • Practice Question:
    • Examine the challenges faced by the Indian government in protecting the rights of its diaspora in conflict zones.

3. Rat-Hole Mining in Assam and Meghalaya

  • Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:
    • GS3: Environment – Mining and its environmental impact.
  • Summary:
    • Despite being banned, the dangerous practice of rat-hole mining persists in Northeast India, leading to environmental degradation and health risks.
  • UPSC Significance:
    • Examines challenges in enforcing environmental regulations and sustainable mining.
  • Practice Question:
    • Analyze the environmental and social impact of illegal mining practices in India, suggesting measures for effective regulation.

4. Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM)

  • Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:
    • GS2: Governance – Health policies, federalism issues.
  • Summary:
    • The Supreme Court stayed a Delhi High Court order mandating the Delhi government to sign an MoU with the Centre to implement the PM-ABHIM scheme. This brings to focus federal tensions and policy implementation challenges.
  • UPSC Significance:
    • Highlights cooperative federalism and the interplay between state and central policies.
  • Practice Question:
    • Discuss the challenges of implementing central schemes in states with differing policy priorities.

5. Shrinking Population in China

  • Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:
    • GS1: Society – Demographic trends.
    • GS3: Economy – Implications of demographic changes.
  • Summary:
    • China's population decline for the third consecutive year poses challenges for its economy, labor market, and global standing.
  • UPSC Significance:
    • Impacts on global economic trends and lessons for India's demographic dividend.
  • Practice Question:
    • Evaluate the socio-economic implications of population decline in China and its lessons for India.

6. National Sports Awards

  • Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:
    • GS2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections, Development of sports.
  • Summary:
    • National Sports Awards were distributed, recognizing excellence in sports and emphasizing the government's role in promoting talent.
  • UPSC Significance:
    • Highlights government efforts in nurturing sports infrastructure and talent.
  • Practice Question:
    • Critically analyze the role of government schemes in promoting sports in India.

7. Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

  • Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:
    • GS3: Infrastructure, Economic development, and sustainable technologies.
  • Summary:
    • PM Modi emphasized making India a hub for mobility manufacturing, focusing on EVs, hydrogen fuel, and renewable energy.
  • UPSC Significance:
    • Aligns with sustainable development goals and India's push for self-reliance in manufacturing.
  • Practice Question:
    • Discuss India's strategies for promoting green and sustainable mobility solutions in the context of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.

8. Judicial Accountability and Communal Comments

  • Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:
    • GS2: Judiciary – Ethics, integrity, and accountability.
  • Summary:
    • Senior advocates urged the Chief Justice of India to investigate communal remarks by an Allahabad High Court judge, citing a breach of judicial impartiality.
  • UPSC Significance:
    • Reinforces the importance of ethics in public service and judicial accountability.
  • Practice Question:
    • Discuss the importance of impartiality and accountability in maintaining public trust in the judiciary.

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