Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 30th January 2025

Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024:

After a prolonged decline due to learning losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, there has now been a modest recovery in foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) among school students, according to the ASER 2024, released recently.

Highlights of ASER 2024:

• During the pandemic years, there was a big jump in government school enrolment, with the proportion of 6–14-year-old children enrolled in government schools rising from 65.6 percent in 2018 to 72.9 per cent in 2022. This number is back to 66.8 percent in 2024.
• Private school enrolment has been steadily rising since 2006 in rural India.
• The proportion of 6-14-year-olds enrolled in private schools rose from 18.7 percent in 2006 to 30.8 percent in 2014 and stayed at that level in 2018.
• The report also noted that not only has there been a full recovery from the pandemic-induced learning loss, the learning levels in the primary grades are higher than past levels in some cases.
• The percentage of Class 3 children who can perform at least subtraction at the basic arithmetic level was 33.7% in 2024, up from 25.9% in 2022 and higher than the pre-pandemic rate of 28.2% in 2018.
• While private schools saw a rise of about 4 percent, government schools saw a sharper 7 percent surge in this field.
• The percentage of Class 5 children who can now read a text at the Class 2 level was 44.8% in 2024, up from 38.5% in 2022 and nearly matching the 2018 rate of 44.2%.
• However, this percentage has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels at private schools; in 2024, it was 59.3%, up from 56.8% in 2022, but still less than 65.1% in 2018.
• More than 82 percent of children in the 14-16 age group know how to use a smartphone, but only 57 percent of them use it for educational purposes.
• The data in the report shows that both teacher and student attendance in government elementary schools has increased.
• From 72.4% in 2018 to 73% in 2022 to 75.9% in 2024, the average student attendance rose.
• Meanwhile, from 85.1% in 2018, the average teacher attendance rose to 86.8% in 2022 and 87.5% in 2024.
• In pre-primary schools for children aged 5, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Nagaland are among the states with enrollment rates above 90%.

Asian Waterbird Census-2025:

As per the Asian Waterbird Census-2025, a record number of 39,725 birds belonging to 106 species have been sighted in the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining wetlands.

• Asian Waterbird Census is a citizen-science programme that supports the conservation and management of wetlands and waterbirds worldwide.
• It is conducted annually to monitor the population of waterbirds in the Asian region, and is part of the global International Waterbird Census (IWC), coordinated by the Wetland International.
• It was initiated in 1987 and has grown rapidly to cover major region of Asia, from Afghanistan eastwards to Japan, Southeast Asia and Australasia.
• The census thus covers the entire East Asian – Australasian Flyway and a large part of the Central Asian Flyway.
• In India, it is conducted under the aegis of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in early January.

‘When-listed’ Platform:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is looking to launch a ‘when-listed’ platform.

• ‘When-listed’ has been launched for trading of shares of companies that have finished their Initial Public Offering (IPO) and are yet to be listed on stock exchanges.
• It is aimed at reducing the activity in the grey market, which is unregulated and has a significant influence on listings.
• Once the IPO is closed, shares have to be listed on trading platforms in trading plus three working days (T+3), with T being the closing day of the offer. The allotment of shares is done on T+1 day.
• In the period between the allotment of shares and listing day, investors trade in the grey market.
• Grey Market refers to an unofficial trading of securities even before they are listed on a stock exchange. This is an unregulated market and works on demand and supply.

Lezim Dance:

A scene of Lezim dance in the upcoming Bollywood film Chhava, based on the life of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has led to controversy in Maharashtra.

• Lezim Dance is a folk dance from
• It gets its name after a musical instrument – a unique wooden stick, with jingling cymbals attached to it that the dancers carry while performing the dance.
• The dance is accompanied by a dhol or dhalgi (small dhol).
• Lezim is a kind of musical instrument which was traditionally used in all folk dances but today it is primarily used in Ganesha procession.
• Lezim dance is a rigorous physical exercise in which the formations are in twos and fours and sometimes even a circle.
• There are no winds or string instruments accompanying it, often there is no song accompaniment either, but sometimes, a song can be sung.

Organophosphate : J&K’s Baddal village Death Cause

Doctors treating patients from J&K’s Baddal village said that organophosphate could be behind the 17 deaths that had spread panic in the village.

• Organophosphate is a chemical that is used in pesticides and insecticides, and absorbed through inhalation and ingestion.
• It is formed through the esterification process involving phosphoric acid and alcohol.
• It is generally used to protect crops from pests and even to control the spread of disease by insects and have extensive application in manufacturing plastics and solvents.
• It disrupts the transmission of nerve signals in exposed organisms, which is fatal.
• Certain organophosphates have caused a different kind of neurotoxicity consisting of damage to the afferent fibers of peripheral and central nerves and associated with inhibition of “neuropathy target esterase”

Guidance on other effective area-based conservation measures : IUCN Report

A new report titled “Guidance on other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs)” has been released by the IUCN, World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) and WWF.

• The guidelines, with case studies, focus on conserving land, water, and marine areas to achieve GBF Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) 2022 to conserve 30% of these areas by 2030.
• An OECM is defined as a geographically defined area that is not a protected area, but is governed and managed to achieve positive, sustained, long-term outcomes for the in situ conservation of biodiversity.
• These areas conserve ecosystem functions and services, including cultural, spiritual, socio-economic, or other local values.
  e.g., Agricultural lands, forests for timber etc.

Telangana CM Launched Welfare Schemes on Republic Day:

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy unveiled four significant welfare initiatives aimed at supporting farmers, landless agricultural laborers, and marginalized communities.

• These schemes were part of the Congress Party’s promises during the 2023 Telangana Legislative Assembly elections, where they secured a decisive victory.
  • Rythu Bharosa: This program offers financial assistance of ₹12,000 per acre of arable land to eligible farmers. The funds are directly credited to the farmers’ bank accounts, providing timely support for agricultural activities.
  • Indiramma Aathmeeya Bharosa: Under this scheme, landless agricultural labor families receive an annual financial support of ₹12,000. This initiative aims to enhance the livelihoods of those dependent on agriculture without owning land.
  • Indiramma Indlu: Targeting homeless Dalits, Tribals, and backward classes, this housing scheme provides financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for constructing homes. The government has set an ambitious target to build 4,50,000 houses in the fiscal year 2024-2025, with a budget allocation of ₹22,500 crore.

The Youth Mind: Rising Aggression and Anger

A study by Sapien Labs, titled “The Youth Mind: Rising Aggression and Anger”, highlights the troubling link between early smartphone use and deteriorating mental well-being in adolescents aged 13-17 in India and the US.

Key Findings of the Study:

• Smartphone Use and Mental Health: The study based on Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) of adolescents reveals a significant correlation between the early initiation of smartphone use and the decline in mental health among adolescents, with symptoms such as aggression, anger, irritability, and hallucinations becoming more prevalent.
  Adolescents who start using smartphones at a younger age show more pronounced mental health issues.
  In addition to sadness and anxiety, new symptoms like intrusive thoughts and detachment from reality were observed, indicating a deeper mental health crisis.
• Online Exposure Risks: Early smartphone access exposes young people to inappropriate content, disrupts sleep, and reduces in-person interactions, which are vital for developing social skills and coping with conflict.
  Gender Differences: The study points out that females are particularly vulnerable, with rising aggression and anger being observed more frequently among girls. Notably, 65% of adolescent girls reported distress, significantly higher than boys.
• Cultural Differences: The decline in mental well-being is slower in India compared to the US.
  The decline in mental well-being is evident in both males and females in the US, but only females in India show a decline, with some aspects improving in males.
• Educational Technology as a Solution: The study suggests using educational technology and restricted access to smartphones with parental controls as potential solutions to mitigate the mental health impact.

Mass Nesting of Olive Ridley Turtles:

The Olive Ridley turtles are expected to return in large numbers to the Rushikulya River mouth in Odisha for their mass nesting, a vital occurrence for the conservation of this species.

• Olive ridley turtles are an olive or grayish-green with a heart-shaped carapace (top shell).
• They closely resemble Kemp’s ridleys (primarily found in the Gulf of Mexico) and are the smallest sea turtles.
• Their size and shape vary by region, with the largest found in West Africa.
• Major nesting sites in India: Rushikulya, Gahirmatha, Devi River mouth in Odisha, and the Andaman Islands.
• Protection Status:
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
  • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I

UNCTAD Global Investment Trends Monitor Report:

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has released its Global Investment Trends Monitor for 2024, reporting an 8% decline in global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

• This threatens funding for critical sectors like infrastructure and renewable energy which are essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Highlights of the Global Investment Trends Monitor for 2024 Report:

• Global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows increased by 11% reaching about USD 1.4 trillion in 2024. However, when excluding flows through European conduit economies, FDI decreased by around 8%.
• Conduit economies are countries that allow financial flows to be diverted to other countries for tax avoidance. Eg: Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the UK.
• FDI into developed economies surged by 43%, driven primarily by multinational transactions passing through conduit economies.
• FDI flows to developing economies declined by 2% in 2024, following a 6% drop in 2023.
• FDI in Europe dropped 45% (excluding conduit economies) but North America saw a 13% rise.
• Greenfield project announcements in developed economies fell by 10%, but the value of greenfield projects rose by 15%, mainly due to semiconductor megaprojects.
• Greenfield investment announcements decreased by 6% in number.
• Africa and Asia saw the largest declines in greenfield project numbers, with nearly 200 fewer projects in Africa and 150 fewer in Asia.
• It also declined in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• FDI in Africa surged by 84% to USD 94 billion, mainly driven by a large project in Egypt.
• FDI in Central America has increased.
• FDI flows to developing Asia decreased by 7%, with China experiencing a 29% decline, while ASEAN saw a 2% increase and India saw a 13% rise.
• India experienced growth in greenfield projects. The international project finance in India dropped by 23% in number and 33% in value.
• Investments in sectors related to the SDGs, including infrastructure, agrifood systems, and water and sanitation, decreased by 11% in 2024.
• Renewable energy project finance slowed, with international deals down 16%, and domestic finance down 60%.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra:

India and China agreed to revive the annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY).Mount Kailash is a diamond-shaped peak made of black rock, located in Tibet.India organizes the KMY annually between June and September through the Lipulekh Pass (since 1981) in Uttarakhand and the Nathu La Pass (since 2015) in Sikkim.Mount Kailash stands at 6,638 meters and is considered a sacred peak by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bons (indigenous religion of Tibet).

Namdapha Tiger Reserve : In News

NamdaphaTiger Reserve (NTR) in Arunachal Pradesh has recorded the first sighting of an adult male elephant in 12 years.Elephants traditionally migrated between Namsai (Arunachal Pradesh) and Myanmar via NTR, however, encroachments since 1996 have blocked migration corridors, confining them in northern areas.Namdapha Tiger Reserve Location: Changlang District (Arunachal Pradesh) Declared as Wildlife Sanctuary in 1972, National Park and Tiger Reserve in 1983.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set the interest rate on the Government of India Floating Rate Bonds 2035:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently announced that the interest rate for the Government of India Floating Rate Bonds 2035 (GOI FRB 2035) will be set at 6.66% per annum. This rate will be applicable for the period from January 25, 2025, to January 24, 2030. The rate is determined based on the prevailing 5-year yield on Government of India securities as of January 24, 2025, reflecting the market conditions.

JioSoundPay:

Jio has launched JioSoundPay on JioBharat phones to help small businesses such as kirana stores easily handle UPI payments. This feature offers instant multilingual audio confirmations for every transaction eliminating the need for additional sound boxes, and saving merchants around ₹1,500 annually.

Banks are moving away from the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code:

Banks are moving away from the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) due to falling recovery rates (down to 28% in FY24 from 40% in FY23) and prolonged resolution timelines (often exceeding 600 days). The number of cases admitted to NCLT has also droppedThe Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), once a pivotal tool for resolving distressed assets in India, is experiencing a slowdown in case admissions. Banks are increasingly hesitant to utilize this channel due to diminishing recovery rates and prolonged resolution timelines. This shift has led financial institutions to explore alternative recovery methods.

India’s Forex Reserves Declined:

India’s forex reserves dropped to $625.87 billion as of January 10, 2025, down from $634.59 billion the previous week. The decline is due to RBI interventions to stabilize the rupee, global economic challenges, and currency depreciation.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been actively intervening in the forex market to stabilize the rupee amidst global economic headwinds. These interventions have led to a depletion of reserves. Additionally, the rupee’s depreciation against the U.S. dollar has intensified the need for such measures.

SBI Payments & Pine Labs Boost Partnership for Digital Commerce Growth:

State Bank of India (SBI) Payments and Pine Labs have announced the strengthening of their 12-year-old partnership. This new phase of collaboration, which began on January 25, 2025, is focused on driving the adoption of digital payments across India. By enhancing merchant solutions and creating seamless payment experiences, the partnership aims to transform the digital payment landscape in the country, benefiting both consumers and businesses.

Ladakh Tops Khelo India Winter Games 2025:

The first phase of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 concluded with Ladakh emerging as the top performer. Hosted in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, the games featured exciting competitions, including a thrilling men’s ice hockey final where the Indian Army successfully defended its title. The games also showcased impressive performances in skating and ice hockey, with notable achievements from Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games in Dehradun:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, marking an important milestone for the state as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The event highlighted India’s growing sports culture and provided a platform for youth across the country to showcase their talent. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of sports in shaping the future, promoting fitness, and boosting the local economy. The Games are being held under the theme of ‘Green Games,’ showcasing the nation’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Honored with Maharaja Hari Singh Award:

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was conferred with the prestigious Maharaja Hari Singh Award at a grand ceremony held at Satyam Resort, Jammu. The event, organized by the Gulistan News Network, was part of the ‘Maharaja Hari Singh Peace and Harmony Award 2024-25’ celebrations. The award recognized LG Sinha’s contributions to reforms and planning in Jammu and Kashmir.

India and Oman to Amend Tax Treaty and Accelerate Trade Pact Negotiations:

India and Oman have taken significant steps to strengthen their economic relationship. The two nations have agreed to expedite discussions for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and have signed a protocol to amend their existing Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).

PM Modi Inaugurates ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ Business Conclave:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025’ at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. The event, which was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw.The two-day conclave aims to promote investment, boost industrial growth, and position Odisha as a key economic hub in Eastern India.

ICC Women’s Championship Trophy:

Australia has once again asserted its dominance in women’s cricket by winning the ICC Women’s Championship for the third consecutive time. The team was presented with the prestigious ICC Women’s Championship Trophy in Melbourne after emerging victorious in the 10-team competition that serves as a pathway to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. Captain Alyssa Healy received the trophy from Cricket Australia Chair and ICC Director Mike Baird.

Beating Retreat Ceremony:

The Beating Retreat Ceremony marks the formal conclusion of India’s Republic Day celebrations. Held on January 29 at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi, this historic event is a spectacular display of India’s military traditions, musical excellence, and patriotic fervor. The ceremony sees massed bands from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Delhi Police, and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) performing soulful tunes, creating an ambiance of nostalgia and national pride.

Cabinet Approves Rs 16,300 Crore National Critical Mineral Mission:

The Union Cabinet has approved the National Critical Mineral Mission (CMM) with an outlay of Rs 16,300 crore. This initiative is aimed at addressing the critical need for minerals that are essential for key technologies and defense manufacturing. The CMM seeks to boost the domestic production of critical minerals, reduce dependence on imports, and enhance India’s resource security by fostering both onshore and offshore mining activities.

International Saraswati Mahotsav:

The International Saraswati Mahotsav 2025 is set to be celebrated on a grand scale in Haryana, following the success of Geeta Jayanti celebrations. Dhuman Singh Kirmach, Vice President of the Haryana Saraswati Heritage Development Board, announced in a press conference that the festival will take place from January 29 to February 4, 2025, at Pehowa Saraswati Tirtha Sthal. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will inaugurate the festival from Adibadri.

National Table Tennis Champions 2025:

The 2025 Senior National Table Tennis Championships concluded on January 26 at the Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Indoor Stadium in Surat, witnessing thrilling performances. Manush Shah and Diya Chitale claimed the men’s and women’s singles titles, respectively, showcasing remarkable skill and resilience. Both champions represented the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and delivered exceptional performances in their respective finals.