UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 February 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 February 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents 

GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 February (2025)

1. Sacred Groves

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Trickle-Down vs. Trickle-Up Approach

2. Nigeria’s Waste-to-Wealth Model

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)

2. Navigation With Indian Constellation (NavIC) System

3. Fort William

4. Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicle

5. Grameen Credit Score

Mapping:

1. Teesta River

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 February 2025

GS Paper 3 :

Sacred Grooves

Syllabus: Ecology

Source:  TH

Context: The Supreme Court’s December 18, 2024 ruling directs Rajasthan to map and classify sacred groves as forests under the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), 1972. This contradicts the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, which upholds community ownership over forest lands instead of government control.

About Sacred Groves:

What are Sacred Groves?

• Community-protected Forest patches with cultural and ecological significance, conserved through traditional customs and religious beliefs.
• Found across India, these groves serve as biodiversity hotspots and water recharge zones.

The Supreme Court Case:

• T.N. Godavarman v. Union of India (1996) established that any land with forest characteristics should be considered forest land.
• Rajasthan’s expert committee (2004) identified sacred groves as forests only if they met specific criteria (e.g., 5 hectares with 200+ trees per hectare).
• The SC’s December 18 ruling overrides this, directing that all sacred groves be mapped, classified as forests, and declared as community reserves.

The Issue:

• Conflict between WLPA and FRA:
  • The FRA, 2006, recognizes community forest resources under gram sabhas, while the SC directive places them under government control.
  • This could disrupt traditional conservation practices and weaken community rights over these forests.

Distribution of Sacred Groves in India

• Sacred groves exist across all states, with the highest concentration in:
  • Western Ghats & Central Plateau: Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh.
  • Northeastern States: Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Tribal Belts: Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh.
• Estimated 100,000 to 150,000 sacred groves exist in India, making it the highest globally.

Significance of Sacred Groves:

• Biodiversity Conservation: Home to rare and endemic species, acting as genetic reservoirs.
• Water Conservation: Many groves are associated with springs, ponds, and rivers, ensuring aquifer recharge.

E.g. Sarpa Kavu groves in Kerala are crucial for maintaining local water tables and streamflow.

• Soil Conservation & Climate Regulation: Dense vegetation prevents soil erosion and stabilizes ecosystems.

E.g. Sarna forests in Jharkhand, conserved by tribal communities, prevent land degradation and desertification.

• Cultural & Religious Importance: Integral to local traditions, rituals, and spiritual beliefs across tribal and rural communities.

E.g. Mawphlang sacred forest in Meghalaya is central to Khasi tribal rituals and remains untouched for centuries

• Disaster Mitigation: Helps prevent floods, landslides, and droughts, supporting climate resilience.

Challenges to Sacred Groves:

• Urbanization & Encroachment: Rapid development, land conversion, and infrastructure projects threaten sacred groves.

E.g. Sacred groves in Gujarat’s Dahod region are shrinking due to road expansion and real estate projects.

• Decline in Traditional Beliefs: Modernization and loss of indigenous knowledge weaken community-driven conservation.
• Sanskritization & Religious Conversion: Replacement of nature worship with temple-centric rituals affects grove preservation.

• Invasive Species: Exotic species like Lantana camara, Eupatorium odoratum, and Prosopis juliflora degrade native flora.

E.g. Lantana invasion in Madhya Pradesh’s sacred groves has displaced indigenous medicinal plants.

• Government Policies & Legal Conflicts: The WLPA’s community reserve framework contradicts FRA’s recognition of community forest rights, causing administrative conflicts.

E.g. Tamil Nadu’s temple-controlled groves face excessive regulation, restricting community involvement.

Way Forward:

• Recognition Under Forest Rights Act (FRA): Sacred groves must be recognized as community forest resources under gram sabhas.
• Inventorization & Mapping: Conduct a nationwide survey to document sacred groves and their ecological significance.
• Strengthen Community-Based Conservation: Empower local communities, elders, and tribal groups in grove management.
• Regulating Urban Expansion: Implement buffer zones to protect groves from infrastructure projects and deforestation.
• Reviving Indigenous Practices: Promote traditional ecological knowledge and involve youth in conservation initiatives.

Conclusion:

While the SC directive aims at conservation, it risks disrupting community rights and customs. A balanced approach that respects indigenous traditions while ensuring ecological protection is essential for the sustainable preservation of sacred groves.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 February 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Trickle-Down vs. Trickle-Up Approach

Context: Jasmine Shah’s book, The Delhi Model highlights Delhi’s trickle-up economics, contrasting it with India’s traditional trickle-down approach.

About Trickle-Down vs. Trickle-Up Approach:

• Trickle-Down Economics:

• • Focuses on wealth accumulation at the top, assuming benefits will gradually reach lower income groups.
  • Prioritizes corporate tax cuts, subsidies for big businesses, and deregulation.

E.g. India’s corporate tax cuts (2019) reduced revenue for social programs.

• Trickle-Up Economics:

• • Directly invests in lower and middle-income groups to boost demand and economic growth.
  • Prioritizes public welfare, education, healthcare, and employment programs.

E.g. Delhi’s economic model reduced unemployment (1.9%) and public debt-to-GSDP ratio (3.9%).

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper 1 (Society & Development): Impact of economic inequality on social structures.
• GS Paper 2 (Governance & Welfare Policies): Welfare schemes and their effectiveness in poverty alleviation.
• GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy & Growth Models): Economic development strategies and policy analysis.
• Essay Paper: Critical evaluation of economic models and inclusive growth

Nigeria’s Waste-to-Wealth Model

Context: Nigeria’s plastic bottle collectors are transforming waste into economic opportunities, addressing both pollution and unemployment.

About Nigeria’s Waste-to-Wealth Model:

• Informal Waste Collection as a Business:

• • Plastic bottle collectors turn waste into economic value, creating employment and income opportunities.

• Socio-Economic Factors Influencing the Model:

• • Education: Higher education improves business approach towards waste collection.
  • Family Size: Larger families view it as a means to sustain livelihood.
  • Religion & Culture: Islamic teachings on resource management (Israf & Zakat) and African traditional values encourage waste collection.
  • Gender Dynamics: Women face barriers to entry, requiring microfinance and support programs.

• Policy Measures to Improve Waste Management:

• • Government-backed education programs to improve waste collectors’ business knowledge.
  • Formalization of waste collection through cooperatives, microfinance, and inclusion in urban policies.
  • Community engagement programs leveraging cultural and religious values to encourage sustainable waste collection.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper 1 (Society & Social Issues): Gender inclusion, cultural norms, and community-led economic activities.
• GS Paper 2 (Governance & Policy Interventions): Sustainable waste management policies and urban development.
• GS Paper 3 (Economy & Environment): Circular economy, waste-to-wealth models, and informal sector contributions.
• Essay Paper: Sustainable urbanization and the role of informal economies in environmental conservation.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 February 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)

Source:  TOI

Context: The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is set to begin its meeting in Mumbai, with expectations of a potential rate cut amid efforts to boost consumption-led demand post the Union Budget.

About Monetary Policy Committee (MPC):

• What is MPC?
  • The MPC is a statutory body established under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, as amended by the Finance Act, 2016. It is responsible for setting the benchmark policy rate (repo rate) to control inflation within a specified target range.
• Members:
  • RBI Governor (Chairperson)
  • RBI Deputy Governor in charge of monetary policy
  • One official nominated by the RBI Board
  • Three external members representing the Government of India
• Tenure:
  • External members serve a four-year term.
  • RBI Governor and Deputy Governor serve ex-officio.
• Meetings:
  • The MPC meets at least four times a year.
  • Additional meetings can be convened if necessary.
• Quorum for Decision:
  • A minimum of four members is required for a quorum.
  • The Governor (or Deputy Governor in their absence) must be present.
  • Decisions are made by majority vote; in case of a tie, the Governor has the casting vote.
• Function and Role:
  • Primary role: To determine the repo rate to maintain inflation within the target range (currently 4% +/- 2%).
  • Replaced the earlier Technical Advisory Committee.
  • Decisions are binding on the RBI.
  • The RBI’s Monetary Policy Department (MPD) assists the MPC in policy formulation.

Insta links:

Navigation With Indian Constellation (NavIC) System

Source:  IE

Context: The partial failure of the NVS-02 navigation satellite marks another setback for India’s indigenous Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, highlighting challenges in maintaining a fully operational satellite navigation network.

About NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation):

• What is NavIC?
  • NavIC, formerly known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), is India’s indigenous satellite navigation system designed to provide accurate positioning, navigation, and timing services over India and its surrounding regions.
• Organization: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• Aim: NavIC aims to reduce India’s dependence on foreign navigation systems like GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), and Galileo (Europe) by providing a reliable and autonomous positioning system for both civilian and strategic applications.
• How it Works:

• • NavIC operates through a constellation of seven satellites: three in geostationary orbit (GEO) and four in geosynchronous orbit (GSO).
  • The system uses dual-frequency signals (L5 and S bands) to provide accurate positioning data.
  • Ground stations, including control centers and monitoring stations, ensure seamless operation and signal integrity.

• Features:

• • Coverage: Provides services over India and a region extending up to 1,500 km beyond its borders.
  • Accuracy: Offers position accuracy better than 20 meters and timing accuracy better than 50 nanoseconds.
  • Dual Services:
    1. Standard Positioning Service (SPS): For civilian use, including transportation, disaster management, and personal navigation.
    2. Restricted Service (RS): Encrypted service for strategic and military applications.
  • Interoperability: NavIC signals are compatible with other global navigation systems like GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo.
  • New Developments: Introduction of L1 band signals (1575.42 MHz) for enhanced civilian use, starting from 2023.

• Applications:

• • Transportation (land, air, and marine navigation).
  • Disaster management and resource monitoring.
  • Scientific research and surveying.
  • Time synchronization for critical infrastructure.
  • Strategic and defense applications.

Insta links:

Fort William

Source:  IT

Context: Fort William, the historic British-era military fortification in Kolkata, has been renamed “Vijay Durg” as part of the Indian government’s efforts to shed colonial legacies and promote indigenous traditions.

About Fort William:

• Located in: Fort William is situated in Kolkata, West Bengal, on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River, a major distributary of the Ganga.
• Built in:

• • The original Fort William was constructed in 1696 and completed in 1706.
  • The current fort was rebuilt between 1758 and 1781 after the Battle of Plassey.

• Built by:

• • The original fort was built by the British East India Company under Sir John Goldsborough.
  • The current fort was reconstructed under the supervision of Robert Clive after the British regained control of Kolkata following the Battle of Plassey (1757).

• History:

• • Original Fort (1696-1706):
    • Constructed during the early years of British rule in Bengal.
    • Named after King William III of England.
    • Captured and destroyed by Siraj-ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, in 1756 during the Siege of Calcutta.
  • Rebuilt Fort (1758-1781):
    • Reconstructed by the British after their victory in the Battle of Plassey (1757).
    • Designed as a massive military fortification to prevent future attacks.

• Features:

• • Architecture:
    • Spread over 70 hectares, the fort is one of the largest British-era military structures in India.
    • Designed in a star-shaped layout for enhanced defense capabilities.
  • Current Use:
    • Headquarters of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command.
  • Historical Significance:
    • The site of the infamous “Black Hole of Calcutta” incident in 1756.
    • Home to the first Indian Masonic lodge, established in 1730.
  • Cultural and Military Heritage:
    • Houses a war memorial and museum showcasing artifacts from the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War and the Bangladesh Liberation War.
  • Recent Changes:
    • Along with it, Kitchener House renamed Manekshaw House, and St. George’s Gate renamed Shivaji Gate as part of the “Indianisation” of military traditions.

Insta links:

Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicle

Source:  TH

Context: India-U.S. defence cooperation advances with progress in the Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) deal, with a plan for co-production in India.

About Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV):

• What is Stryker?

• • Eight-wheeled armoured infantry combat vehicle (ICV) designed for rapid deployment and enhanced battlefield mobility.
  • Developed by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) Canada and U.S.

• Purpose of Stryker ICV:

• • Designed for quick response in counter-insurgency and war-like situations.
  • Provides better survivability against IEDs compared to other light-armoured vehicles.
  • Supports infantry squads with firepower, protection, and mobility in high-threat environments.

• Features of Stryker ICV:

• • V-hull structure for enhanced mine and blast protection.
  • Equipped with 30 mm cannon and 105 mm mobile gun for combat effectiveness.
  • Composite armour with ceramic tiles for enhanced protection.
  • Manned by two crew members and carries a nine-member infantry squad.
  • Top speed: 100 km/h, Range: 483 km.
  • Can be airlifted by Chinook helicopters, improving mobility in difficult terrains.
• Significance for India:
  • Enhances infantry mobility and firepower in high-altitude warfare.
  • Provides better protection for troops against IEDs and small arms fire.
  • Strengthens India’s border security in sensitive regions like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Supports ‘Make in India’ initiative with a potential co-production agreement involving Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML).
  • Boosts India-U.S. defence ties, expanding military collaboration beyond aircraft and missile systems.

Insta links:

Grameen Credit Score

Source:  Mint

Context: The Grameen Credit Score, introduced in the Union Budget 2025 by Finance Minister, aims to enhance financial inclusion for rural women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

About Grameen Credit Score:

• What it is:
  • The Grameen Credit Score is a digital framework designed to assess the creditworthiness of rural women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). It aims to bridge the gap between informal rural economies and formal financial systems.
• Aim:

• • To promote financial inclusion for rural women and SHGs.
  • To formalize SHG transactions and integrate them into India’s central credit system.
  • To empower rural women entrepreneurs by providing them access to credit, loans, and financial products.

• How it works:

• • Credit Assessment:
    • The score evaluates the creditworthiness of SHGs and rural women based on their financial transactions, repayment history, and business activities.
    • It uses a digital framework to analyze data, ensuring transparency and accuracy.
  • Integration with Financial Institutions:
    • Public sector banks are primarily responsible for developing and implementing the scheme.
    • Financial institutions use the score to offer tailored financial products, such as loans and credit cards, to SHGs and rural women.

• Institutions Covered: Public sector banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Microfinance institutions (MFIs), Other financial institutions involved in rural credit.
• Features:

• • Enhanced Financial Access:
    • Enables rural women to access credit cards, loans, and other financial products.
    • Introduces concepts like EMIs, creditworthiness, and loan repayment to SHGs.
  • Customized Financial Products:
    • Offers tailored credit cards for micro-enterprises with limits up to ₹5 lakh.
    • Provides flexible loan options to support business expansion.
  • Improved Credit Assessment:
    • Addresses gaps in the current credit bureau system, which often overlooks SHG members.
    • Ensures a fair and transparent evaluation of creditworthiness.
  • Economic Stability:
    • Empowers rural women to contribute more effectively to their households and communities.
    • Promotes sustainable development and poverty alleviation.
  • Digital Framework:
    • Leverages technology to create a seamless and efficient credit assessment system.
    • Ensures easy access to credit scores and financial products for rural women.

Insta links:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 February 2025 Mapping:

Teesta River

Source:  TH

Context: The Environment Appraisal Committee (EAC) has approved the reconstruction of the Teesta-3 dam in Sikkim, despite concerns over environmental safety and disaster risks.

About Teesta River:

• Origin:

• • The Teesta River originates from Tso Lhamo Lake in the Himalayas, near the Pahurni and Khangse glaciers in Sikkim.

• States it pass through: Sikkim and West Bengal.
• Tributaries:

• • Left-bank Tributaries: Lachung Chhu, Chakung Chhu, Dik Chhu, Rani Khola, Rangpo Chhu.
  • Right-bank Tributaries: Zemu Chhu, Rangyong Chhu, Rangit River.

• End Point:

• • The river merges with the Brahmaputra (Jamuna) in Bangladesh.

• Unique Features

• • Vital for Agriculture & Hydropower: Teesta’s waters are crucial for irrigation and hydroelectric projects in India and Bangladesh.
  • Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Risks: The river is vulnerable to flash floods from glacial lakes, as seen in the 2023 Sikkim disaster.
  • Disputed Water Sharing: India and Bangladesh have long debated the Teesta water-sharing treaty, affecting bilateral relations.

Insta links:

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 6 Feb 2025

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