Brief Summary
This video provides a comprehensive weekly revision of current affairs for UPSC aspirants, focusing on news and editorials from the previous week. It covers a range of topics relevant to the UPSC syllabus, including science and technology, polity, international relations, environment, and economy. The session aims to reinforce learning and provide additional insights for exam preparation.
- AstroSat mission completion of 10 years
- Motoko community demand for ST status
- China's Panda Diplomacy
- Heart health as a national priority
- India-Bhutan Rail Connectivity
- South-South Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)
- NCRB Crime in India 2023 Report
- RoDTEP Scheme extension
- Antilleans species discovery
- New coffee plant discovery
- Red Sanders conservation
- New Ramsar sites
- Sir Creek dispute
- Wheat MSP hike
- H125 helicopter manufacturing
- Electrolyzer market
- Stable coins
- Cough syrup controversy
- Clean energy
- Poland joining NATO's Fuel Network Pipeline
AstroSat Mission
The AstroSat mission, India's first space observatory, recently completed 10 years. Launched on September 28, 2015, via the PSLV C30 rocket from Sriharikota, it is designed to detect multi-wavelength UV and X-rays. AstroSat is equipped with five instruments: UVIT (Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope), LAXPC (Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter), CZTI (Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager), Soft X-ray Telescope, and SSM (Scanning Sky Monitor). It has made significant discoveries, including black holes and neutron stars, and involved both domestic (ISRO) and international (Canada and UK) collaborations.
Motoko Community
The Motoko community in Assam is in the news due to their demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. They are currently part of an autonomous council with limited powers and are advocating for ST status to access government welfare schemes and benefits. The community also seeks inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would grant them greater autonomy through an Autonomous District Council, allowing them to govern their laws, political representation, land rights, social customs, and traditional laws.
China's Panda Diplomacy
China's Panda Diplomacy involves gifting or loaning pandas to other countries to enhance friendship and improve relationships. Before 1980, China gifted pandas to increase its soft power, but after 1980, it started loaning pandas for a fee, known as Panda Loans. This approach allows China to gain financially while the host countries benefit from increased zoo visits and revenue. Giant pandas, belonging to the bear family and primarily feeding on bamboo, are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.
Heart Health as a National Priority
Heart health is a national priority due to the increasing number of young people in India suffering from heart attacks. Factors such as lifestyle stress, alcohol consumption, smoking, poor sleep, and poor diet contribute to this issue. Ignoring warning signs like chest pain, fatigue, and breathing difficulties can lead to severe consequences. Maintaining good heart health is essential for the country's progress, as healthy individuals contribute more to the nation's development.
India-Bhutan Rail Connectivity
India and Bhutan are establishing their first-ever railway link, with two rail lines connecting Kokrajhar (Assam) to Galephu (Bhutan) and Banarhat (West Bengal) to Samse (Bhutan). The total distance will be 89 km, benefiting Bhutan by connecting it to India's extensive rail network. This connectivity will boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people relations, helping Bhutan, a landlocked country, access global markets through India's ports. India is also supporting Bhutan's 13th five-year plan with ₹100 crore and has invested in hydropower projects in Bhutan.
South-South Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)
South-South Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) involves cooperation between developing countries, developed countries, and international organizations like the United Nations. India plays a significant role in SSTC, having funded over 75 projects in 56 countries through the India UN Fund. India's digital public infrastructure exports, such as Aadhaar Card and UPI System, are reaching developing nations, especially in Africa and the Caribbean. The theme of SSTC for 2025 is Innovation and Opportunities.
NCRB Crime in India 2023 Report
The NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) Crime in India 2023 report indicates a 7.2% increase in overall crime, with a significant rise in cybercrime. Cybercrime cases have increased by 31.2%, with Karnataka, Telangana, and UP reporting the highest numbers. Crimes against women, SCs, STs, and children have also increased. Economic offenses, such as fraud and forgery, are on the rise. The NCRB, established in 1986 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, collects and presents data on various types of crimes and accidents across the country.
RoDTEP Scheme Extension
The RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) scheme has been extended until March 2026. This scheme supports exporters by refunding duties, charges, and taxes, including central, state, and local taxes, to enhance the country's exports. The Department of Revenue oversees the scheme, with a budget allocation of ₹1570 crore. The main purpose is to provide full assistance to exporters, ensuring timely refunds and discounts to maximize exports.
Antilleans Species Discovery
Two new Antillean species have been discovered in Kerala. Antilleans are insects with a life cycle involving egg, larva, pupa, and winged adult stages. The larval stage, lasting one to two years, is beneficial as it feeds on ants and small insects in the soil. The two new species, Indophenis keralensis and Indophenis sahadriensis, were found in the Western Ghats.
New Coffee Plant Discovery
A new coffee plant species, Ophiorsia acnetata, has been discovered in Kerala. It is associated with Ophiorsia mungos, a plant used in cancer medicine, suggesting potential benefits. The world's largest coffee producers are Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia, with India being the seventh-largest producer. Coffee varieties include Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Coffee originated in Ethiopia and spread worldwide.
Red Sanders Conservation
The National Biodiversity Authority has announced ₹82 lakh to conserve Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), an endemic species found mainly in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Red Sanders grows in dry, hot climates and is used for medicines and cultural purposes. Due to its high value in the international market, it faces smuggling threats. It is listed as endangered by the IUCN and placed in Appendix Two of CITES and Schedule Four of the Wildlife Protection Act. The National Biodiversity Authority, established in 2003, is a statutory body with its headquarters in Chennai.
New Ramsar Sites
Two new Ramsar sites have been added in Bihar: Gokul reservoir in Buxar and Udaipur Lake in West Champaran, both oxbow lakes. Ramsar sites are wetlands of international importance, designated under the Ramsar Convention, an agreement signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. India joined the convention in 1982, aiming to protect wetlands.
Sir Creek Dispute
The Sir Creek dispute involves a 96 km water strip near Gujarat, claimed by both India and Pakistan. India asserts its claim based on the Mid Channel principle. Recent statements from India's defense minister indicate a firm stance against any aggression from Pakistan in the area. Sir Creek is important due to its rich fish population and potential oil and gas reserves.
Wheat MSP Hike
The government has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat by ₹160 per quintal. The MSP is decided by the government union cabinet based on the recommendations of the CACP (Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices). Wheat, a Rabi crop grown in winter, is primarily produced in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. India is the second-largest producer of wheat in the world, after China.
H125 Helicopter Manufacturing
India will manufacture the H125 helicopter in Kolar, Karnataka, in collaboration with Tata and Airbus. The first deliveries are expected to begin in 2027. The H125 is a light, single-engine, multi-role helicopter suitable for tourism, air ambulance services, and rescue operations. This initiative promotes Make in India and the Self-reliant India Initiative.
Electrolyzer Market
The electrolyzer market is crucial for producing green hydrogen by separating hydrogen from water using renewable energy. There are two main types of electrolyzers: alkaline electrolyzers and PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) electrolyzers. PEM electrolyzers are more advanced but require iridium and platinum, while alkaline electrolyzers are cheaper and use niche and steel. China may dominate the alkaline electrolyzer market due to its abundant niche and steel resources.
Stable Coins
Stable coins are digital coins issued by private companies, with their value linked to assets like gold or dollars to maintain stability. These coins are packed with assets, providing them with stability. Finance ministers are discussing the need for nations to prepare for deals involving stable coins.
Cough Syrup Controversy
A cough syrup controversy arose after nine children died in Madhya Pradesh and two in Rajasthan due to the presence of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol in the syrup. These toxic compounds can cause kidney failure, nervous system failure, and liver failure. The incident has raised concerns about India's image and the need for stronger surveillance and monitoring of pharmaceutical companies.
Clean Energy
Clean energy is essential, and India is third in terms of solar power contribution, with 5% of its total economy coming from clean energy. Clean energy includes solar and wind energy. The Ministry of Finance estimates that $7.5 trillion is needed by 2030 for clean energy initiatives. Green bonds are being used to raise funds for climate change mitigation, with the money used for solar and wind energy projects.
Poland Joining NATO's Fuel Network Pipeline
Poland is joining NATO's Fuel Network Pipeline, extending the pipeline from Germany to Poland. This will ensure fuel supply to NATO military bases in Poland. NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, has 32 member countries, including Sweden and Finland, and is headquartered in Brazil. Article 5 of NATO states that an attack on one member is an attack on all.
