Current Affairs Analysis February 13, 2025 UPSC

 

1. India’s Retail Inflation Drops to 4.31% in January 2025

Key Points:

• Retail inflation fell to a five-month low of 4.31% in January 2025.
• December 2024 inflation was 5.22%, marking a significant decrease.
• Food inflation eased to 6% from 8.4% in December.
• Prices of vegetables fell, but edible oils and fruits saw sharp price rises.
• The RBI recently cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to stimulate growth.
• Rupee depreciation could lead to imported inflation, affecting oil and essential commodities​.

Why Did This Happen?

• The decrease in inflation is mainly due to lower vegetable prices.
• The global crude oil price remains stable, reducing fuel inflation.
• The RBI’s monetary policy actions to control inflation are taking effect.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS3 (Economy): Inflation trends, monetary policy.
• Concepts to Study:
  • Consumer Price Index (CPI)
  • Monetary Policy and Inflation Targeting
  • Impact of currency depreciation on inflation.

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2. India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) Gains Momentum

Key Points:

• India and France agreed to work closely on implementing the IMEC project.
• IMEC aims to connect India to Europe through the Middle East via land and sea routes.
• The project, announced at G-20 Summit in September 2023, faced setbacks due to the Israel-Gaza war​.

Why Did This Happen?

• IMEC is being developed as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
• It strengthens India’s connectivity and trade partnerships with Europe.
• France, a strategic partner, supports India’s geopolitical vision.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS2 (International Relations)
• Concepts to Study:
  • India’s Connectivity Strategy
  • Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) vs. IMEC
  • Economic and Geopolitical Impact of IMEC.

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3. 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: Sajjan Kumar Convicted

Key Points:

• Former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar was convicted for a dual murder case during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
• He was found guilty of murder, rioting, dacoity, and arson.
• The case involved killing of two Sikh men in Delhi.
• The conviction was secured after years of legal battles​.

Why Did This Happen?

• The 1984 anti-Sikh riots occurred after the assassination of PM Indira Gandhi.
• Several Congress leaders were allegedly involved in inciting violence.
• Judicial delays and lack of evidence delayed justice for victims.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS1 (History & Society): Communal riots in India.
• GS2 (Governance): Rule of law, judicial delays.
• Concepts to Study:
  • Communal violence in India
  • Role of judiciary in ensuring justice
  • Political accountability in riots.

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4. Bird Flu Outbreak in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana’s Response

Key Points:

• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) or Bird Flu detected in Andhra Pradesh.
• Over 7,000 poultry birds died within two days.
• Telangana declared high alert and set up 24 check posts to stop poultry imports​.

Why Did This Happen?

• Bird flu outbreaks are seasonal and often occur due to migratory birds.
• Lack of biosecurity measures in poultry farms increases the spread.
• Poultry trade and transportation can accelerate the spread across states.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS3 (Environment & Health): Zoonotic diseases.
• Concepts to Study:
  • Zoonotic diseases and public health
  • Preventive measures for bird flu
  • Role of WHO and ICAR in disease surveillance.

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5. Industrial Production Growth Falls to 4-Month Low

Key Points:

• India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) fell to 3.2% in December 2024.
• Manufacturing and mining sectors showed weak growth.
• Consumer non-durables contracted by 7.6%.
• However, capital goods and infrastructure output increased​.

Why Did This Happen?

• Weak consumer demand post-festive season led to lower production.
• Slower global growth impacted India’s exports.
• High-interest rates in previous months affected borrowing and investment.

UPSC Relevance:

• GS3 (Economy)
• Concepts to Study:
  • Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
  • Factors affecting industrial growth
  • Government policies for industrial development.