Daily Current Affairs 20 January 2025

 

GS1: Indian Society, History, and Geography

1. Maha Kumbh Fire Incident

  • Event: A cylinder blast at the Maha Kumbh festival campsite caused significant damage.
  • Relevance:
    • Religious festivals like the Kumbh Mela represent India's intangible cultural heritage.
    • Safety and disaster management at mass gatherings are critical societal issues.
  • Significance for UPSC: Role of festivals in Indian culture and challenges in ensuring safety during large-scale events.

Practice Question: Discuss the cultural significance of the Kumbh Mela and the challenges in managing such large-scale religious events. (150 words)

GS2: Governance, Constitution, and International Relations

1. Investment Trends and Government Capex

  • Details:
    • Decline in private sector investments by 1.4% in Q3 of 2024-25.
    • Government capital expenditure (Capex) rose by 34.6%.
  • Relevance:
    • Government policy interventions in stimulating economic activity.
    • The balance between public and private investment in governance.
  • Significance for UPSC: Impact of fiscal policy and capital expenditure on economic recovery.

Practice Question: Evaluate the impact of public capital expenditure on economic growth in India. Illustrate with recent data. (250 words)

2. Gaza Ceasefire

  • Details: Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt.
  • Relevance:
    • Regional geopolitics and its implications for India.
    • Role of India in peacebuilding and global diplomacy.
  • Significance for UPSC: Understanding international relations dynamics and India's position.

Practice Question: Examine India’s diplomatic stance in the Israel-Palestine conflict. How does it align with India's strategic interests? (250 words)

3. Caste Census Debate

  • Details:
    • Rahul Gandhi termed Bihar’s caste census "fake."
    • Emphasis on the need for a nationwide caste census.
  • Relevance:
    • Constitutional provisions related to reservations.
    • Role of data in policymaking.
  • Significance for UPSC: Balancing equity and efficiency in policy interventions.

Practice Question: Critically analyze the need for a nationwide caste census in India. (250 words)

GS3: Economy, Environment, Science, and Technology

1. Private Investment Decline and Government Role

  • Details:
    • The fall in domestic private investments due to inflation and geopolitical uncertainty.
    • Increase in state-driven power and infrastructure projects.
  • Relevance:
    • Economic planning and government intervention during crises.
    • Inflation's impact on investment patterns.
  • Significance for UPSC: Fiscal policy as a tool for economic stabilization.

2. La Perouse Naval Exercises

  • Details: India and eight Indo-Pacific nations participate in naval drills hosted by France.
  • Relevance:
    • Indo-Pacific strategy and India’s maritime diplomacy.
    • Importance of strategic straits like Malacca and Lombok.
  • Significance for UPSC: Enhancing maritime security and India's role in global strategic alliances.

Practice Question: Analyze India’s Indo-Pacific strategy in the context of increasing maritime collaborations. (250 words)

GS4: Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude

1. Ethical Governance in Agricultural Policy

  • Details: Protests against the draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing.
  • Relevance:
    • Ethical dilemmas in policymaking balancing corporate and farmer interests.
  • Significance for UPSC: Ethics in public administration and policymaking.

Practice Question: Discuss the ethical challenges in balancing corporate interests and farmers’ welfare in agricultural policies. (150 words)

2. Custodial Deaths and Ethical Policing

  • Details: Deaths under judicial custody in Parbhani, Maharashtra.
  • Relevance:
    • Accountability in law enforcement.
    • Ethical policing and human rights.
  • Significance for UPSC: Ethical standards in public service.

Practice Question: Discuss the importance of ethical policing and its role in ensuring justice. (150 words)

General Analysis

  1. Political Insights:

    • BJP’s political dynamics, including "hat-trick lite" in elections.
    • Role of media in elections as a reflection of ethical journalism.

  2. Environmental Conservation:

    • Birth of Indian grey wolf pups at Bankapur Sanctuary.
    • Importance of wildlife conservation efforts for ecological balance.

    Practice Question: Examine India’s wildlife conservation policies and their efficacy in protecting endangered species. (250 words)

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