Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 15th January 2025

Small Language Models:

Big Tech firms that announced large language AI models also released Small Language Models subsequently.

• SLMs represent a specialized subset within the broader domain of artificial intelligence, specifically tailored for Natural Language Processing (NLP).
• They are AI models designed to process and generate human language.
• They are called “small” because they have a relatively small number of parameters compared to large language models (LLMs) like GPT-3.
• They are characterized by their compact architecture and less computational powe
• This makes them lighter, more efficient, and more convenient for apps that don’t have a ton of computing power or memory.
• SLMs are engineered to efficiently perform specific language tasks, with a degree of efficiency and specificity that distinguishes them from their LLM counterparts.
• They are specialized in specific tasks and built with curated, selective data sources.

Mission Mausam: Ready To Launch

Prime Minister will launch ‘Mission Mausam’ during the 150th foundation day celebration of the India Meteorological Department.

• Mission Mausam aims to boost India’s weather- and climate-related science, research, and services and make India a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation.
• The ambitious programme, with an outlay of Rs 2,000 crore over two years, will chiefly be implemented by the India Meteorological Department, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting.
• It will enhance forecasting accuracy, provide near real-time local weather forecasts and research the development of weather management technologies.
• The mission aims to achieve this by developing cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies and systems, implementing high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars and satellites, and high-performance computers.
• By leveraging these technologies, the program aims to refine data collection and analysis to improve the spatial and temporal accuracy of forecasting and to help address the challenges posed by climate change.
• It will also focus on improving the understanding of weather and climate processes, and provide air quality data that will help strategise weather management and intervention in the long run.
• It will help to better equip stakeholders, including citizens and last-mile users, in tackling extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change.

India Meteorological Department (IMD):

• IMD was established in 1875. It is the National Meteorological Service of the country and the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.

Clouded Leopard : Study

A new study addresses critical gaps in understanding the Clouded Leopard habitat suitability, fragmentation, and connectivity across its historical and current ranges, offering a conservation roadmap.

• Clouded Leopard is a wild catinhabiting dense forests of the Himalayas through mainland Southeast Asia into South China.
• There are two species of clouded leopards: the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), found on the mainland of southeastern Asia, and the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi), found on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.
• They are one of the most ancient cat species. However, they are neither a true great cat nor a true small cat, because they cannot roar or purr.
• It is found in Nepal, Bangladesh, and India through Indochina to Sumatra and Borneo, and northeastward to southern China and formerly Taiwan.
• It prefers to live in lowland tropical rainforests. However, it can also be found in dry woodlands and secondary forests, and even in mangrove swamps (in Borneo).
• It has been found at relatively high altitudes in the Himalayas.
• It is the State animal of Meghalaya.
• Conservation status: Both the species are classified as ‘Vulnerable’under the IUCN Red List.

59th death anniversary of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri:

11th January marked the 59th death anniversary of Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second Prime Minister of India.

• Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on 2nd October 1904, in Mughalsarai, near Varanasi.
• A key figure in India’s freedom struggle, Shastri was deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi.
• He was known for his integrity, humility, and dedication to public service, rising through the ranks of the Indian National Congress.
• As Prime Minister (1964-1966), Shastri displayed decisive leadership during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, authorizing military action to defend Kashmir.
• Shastri’s legacy includes the famous slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”, emphasizing the importance of soldiers and farmers in India’s progress.
• Shastri died suddenly in Tashkent on 11th January 1966, shortly after signing the Tashkent Declaration; his death remains a subject of mystery.

Makaravilakku Festival:

Sabarimala is fully prepared for the Makaravilakku festival, with 5,000 police deployed and enhanced security measures.

• Makaravilakku is a significant annual festival celebrated at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala.
• It takes place on the day of Makara Sankranti.
• The festival marks the culmination of the annual pilgrimage season to the temple.
• On Makaravilakku day, the sacred Thiruvabharanam, the royal ornaments of Lord Ayyappa, are brought to the temple from the Pandalam Palace.
• The highlight of the Makaravilakku festival is the sighting of a celestial light, known as the “Makarajyothi” or “Makaravilakku.”
• According to popular belief, the light is a divine manifestation of Lord Ayyappa himself.
• It is said to appear on the horizon of the Ponnambalamedu hill, located near the Sabarimala Temple.
• The Makaravilakku festival extends beyond the actual day of Makara Sankranti.
• The festival lasts for seven days and ends with the ritual known as ‘Guruthi ” an offering conducted to propitiate the gods and goddesses of wilderness.
• No one remains in the temple premises after the performance of Guruthi.

Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) Link Project:

The flagship river-link irrigation project, which will provide a lifeline to 23 districts in Rajasthan, envisages the submergence of 37 sq km in the Ranthambhore tiger reserve.

• Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) Link Project is an inter-state river-linking project combining the PKC link and Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP).
• Launched in: Conceived in 2017 and modified in 2023.
• Aim is to optimize water resources for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use, benefiting people in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
• Total cost: ₹72,000 crore (90% by the Central Government).
• Provides 4,100 MCM water to Rajasthan and 3,000 MCM to Madhya Pradesh.
• Rivers involved: Chambal, Parbati, Kalisindh, Banas, and their tributaries

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:

• Situated at the junction of the Aravalis and Vindhyas in Eastern Rajasthan.

Amrit Bharat Trains 2.0:

The Railway Minister announced that the Ministry has introduced 12 significant improvements to the Amrit Bharat Version 2.0 trains.

Amrit Bharat Trains 2.0:

• The new trains are designed to cater to low and middle-income families, offering a comfortable experience.
• Under this initiative 50 upgraded trains will be manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) over the next 2 years.
• The upgraded trains boast 12 notable enhancements
• The Amrit Bharat train is a Push Pull Train with LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch).
• This train has locos at both ends for better acceleration.
• It provides improved facilities for rail passengers like beautiful and attractive designed seats, better luggage rack, mobile charging point with suitable mobile holder, LED lights, CCTV, public information system, among others.
• Its first version was launched in 2024.

Nag Mk 2 Missile:

Raksha Mantri has congratulated DRDO on successful Field Evaluation Trials of Nag Mk 2 missile.

• Nag Mk 2 Missile is an indigenously-developed third-generation Anti-Tank Fire-and-Forget Guided Missile.
• Features:
  • Third-Generation Fire-and-Forget Technology: Enables precision targeting with minimal operator intervention post-launch
  • Versatile Performance: Capable of neutralising modern armoured vehicles equipped with explosive reactive armour (ERA)
  • Platform Compatibility: Successfully integrated with NAMICA, enhancing battlefield mobility and deployment flexibility
• During the three field trials, the missile systems destroyed precisely all the targets – maximum and minimum range, thus validating its firing range.
• Field Evaluation Trials of this missile were successfully conducted recently at Pokhran Field Range.
• The Nag Missile Carrier version-2 was also field evaluated. With this, the entire weapon system is now ready for induction into the Indian Army.

Petition on Same-Sex Marriage:

The 5-bench Supreme Court of India (SC), in a recent judgment rejected review petitions against its October 2023 ruling that had refused to legalize same-sex marriage.In the October 2023 ruling, the Bench headed by Chief Justice of India delivered a 3:2 majority verdict against granting constitutional validity to same-sex marriages.Same-sex marriages refer to marriages between two individuals of the same gender, i.e. marriage between two men or between two women.

Watershed Development Component 2.0 of PMKSY:

The Ministry of Rural Development sanctioned 56 new Watershed Development Projects under the Watershed Development Component 2.0 of Prime Minister Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMKSY-WDC 2.0), in 10 best performing States. 10 States include Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim covering around 2.8 lakh hectares of degraded land.

India’s Humanitarian Assistance to Cuba:

India has sent humanitarian aid to Cuba following the devastating impact of Hurricane Rafael. India’s aid aligns with its philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) and its commitment to global solidarity and support for nations in crisis.Cuba is located in the Northern Caribbean Sea at the confluence of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Its capital, Havana, is the country’s largest city and a key economic, commercial, and industrial hub.

Indian Navy announced the commissioning of Nilgiri, Surat, and Vaghsheer:

The Indian Navy announced the commissioning of Nilgiri, Surat, and Vaghsheer, built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), on 15th January 2025, at Mumbai.Nilgiri: The lead ship of Project 17A, represents a major upgrade over the Shivalik-class frigates, featuring advanced stealth technology and state-of-the-art weapon systems to strengthen naval defense. Surat: The fourth and final destroyer under Project 15B, is an enhanced version of the Kolkata-class destroyers, equipped with long-range missiles and indigenous weapons systems.

World Hindi Day 2025:

Vishwa Hindi Divas or World Hindi Day is celebrated annually on 10th January to expand Hindi’s presence on the international stage.This date commemorates the historic moment in 1949, when Hindi was first spoken at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).The theme for World Hindi Day 2025 is “A Global Voice of Unity and Cultural Pride,” focusing on promoting linguistic exchange and fostering cultural pride through Hindi.

Cyclone Dikeledi:

Cyclone Dikeledi hit Mayotte, a French Indian Ocean territory, located in the Mozambique Channel (Indian Ocean).Mayotte consists of two islands of the Comoros archipelago, with the main island called Mayotte (or Grande Terre) and the smaller island Pamandzi (Petite Terre). It is the poorest territory in both France and the European Union.

Odisha Joins Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY Scheme:

Odisha becomes the 27th state to adopt Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), with 26 states and all 18 union territories already on board (Delhi and West Bengal have not joined AB PM-JAY). AB PM-JAY is a centrally sponsored scheme with a cost ratio of 60:40 for the Centre and states and 90:10 for the north-eastern states, Himalayan states and Union Territories. States have the option to opt out of the scheme.

Surge in domestic urea production:

India has witnessed a surge in domestic urea production with significant investments in new plants to achieve self-reliance under the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.India’s current urea production capacity stands at over 31.4 million tonnes (MT) as of 2023-24, up from 22 MT in 2011-12. Six greenfield plants have added 7.55 MT of urea production since 2019, with another plant at Talcher (Odisha) under development.

e-Oath Against Drugs:

A de-addiction drive launched in Rajasthan’s Sriganganagar district yielded positive results by mobilising the youth. About 1.25 lakh people took an e-oath against the consumption of narcotic substances during the campaign.An innovative digital initiative that allows individuals to take an online pledge against drug consumption. it is A dedicated web portal and QR codes pasted across public places facilitate easy participation.

Gaza Truce Deal:

A significant breakthrough was reported in the Gaza truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas.Gaza Truce Deal is A proposed ceasefire agreement to end the prolonged conflict in Gaza, including provisions for a phased truce, hostage release, and further negotiations for lasting peace.

Purulia Observatory:

The S N Bose Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBCBS), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, inaugurated a new observatory atop Panchet Hill in Purulia district, West Bengal.S N Bose Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBCBS) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India. it is An advanced astronomical observatory equipped with a 14-inch telescope for scientific observations and training. Located in: Panchet Hill, Garpanchakot area, Purulia district, West Bengal, at an elevation of 600 meters.

Makar Sankranti 2025::

Makar Sankranti is a vibrant and ancient Hindu festival that celebrates the Sun’s movement from the Sagittarius zodiac sign to Capricorn. This event marks the end of the long winter nights and the beginning of longer days, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. In 2025, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 14.

The first-ever Kho Kho World Cup began:

The inaugural edition of the Kho Kho World Cup kicked off with great enthusiasm on January 13, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The ceremony began with a sand art projection paying homage to Mother Earth, followed by a ceremonial parade and cultural performances. The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) unveiled the World Cup trophy for both men’s and women’s tournaments, which was met with loud cheers. The Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, lit the torch to officially open the tournament. The opening match was between India and Nepal.

India’s Retail Inflation Drops to 5.22% In December:

India’s retail inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), decreased to 5.22% in December 2024 from 5.48% in November, marking a four-month low. This decline is primarily attributed to a slowdown in food price increases, particularly in vegetables, cereals, and pulses.

Anju Bobby George Named Chairperson of AFI’s Athletes Commission:

Anju Bobby George, the legendary long-jumper and a 2003 World Championships bronze medalist, was named the Chairperson of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Athletes Commission. The new commission comprises a mix of prominent retired athletes, with Neeraj Chopra, the two-time Olympic medalist, being the most notable male member. The commission marks step towards gender parity in the AFI setup, with six women out of nine members.

Nicolas Maduro, the 46th President of Venezuela, was sworn in for a third six-year term after a disputed election:

Nicolas Maduro, the President of Venezuela (46th President), was sworn in for a third six-year term following a contentious election. His opponent, Edmundo Gonzalez, claimed voter fraud and declared himself the rightful winner of the July elections
Nicolas Maduro took the oath for a third consecutive term on January 13, 2025.