9th February 2025 – Daily Current Affairs for UPSC & BPSC
In this Article, I break down the current affairs for the day, taken out from the The Hindu (Delhi Edition) along with other important sources, making the relevant analysis for UPSC & BPSC Prelims and Mains examinations. Issues covered relate to politics, economy, international relations, science & technology, and environment, along with previous year question (PYQ) linkages, anticipated issues, and MCQs.
1. Political Developments
BJP Wins Delhi Assembly Elections After 26 Years
Context:
Voting for the Delhi Assembly elections took place on 5 February, 2025 with the results being declared on 9 February, 2025.
BJP gained 48 seats out of the 70, marking the end of AAP's decade rule.
AAP was only able to grab 22 seats where the major leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sysodia lost their constituencies.
For the third time in a row, congress was unable to grab any seat.
Key Takeaways:
BJP Strategy:
Concentrated on the alleged corruption of AAP (excise policy scam, Kejriwal’s house renovation).
Assured the continuation of welfare policies (free electricity, water).
Conducted more than 5,000 grassroots level meetings, focused on women and slum voters.
AAP Setback:
Lost Kejriwals "clean image" narrative due to corruption allegations.
Failed to counter the BJP's allegations effectively.
Congress Decline:
Lost their traditional bases of vote.
Lack of major campaign coups.
UPSC Correlation:
Polity & Governance: The impact of elections in politics, the role of corruption in elections.
Indian Constitution: Events leading to the formation of the state government, the authority of the LG in Delhi.
PYQ Connection:
Evaluate the role played by allegation of corruption in helping or hindering different political parties in India to win elections.
Expected Question for Mains:
To what extent does anti-incumbency affect the results of elections to different states in the country? Explain with suitable examples.
MCQ for Prelims:
Which political party emerged victorious in the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections?
(a) BJP
(b) AAP
(c) Congress
(d) None of the above
Ans: (a) BJP
2. Economy & Financial Affairs
RBI Cuts Interest Rates to Stimulate Growth
Context:
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decreased interest rates post Union Budget 2025.
Targeted at increasing the level of private investment and the consumer's demand.
Fiscal policy coordination was stressed on by FM Nirmala Sitharaman.
Key Takeaways:
Why did RBI cut rates?
Slow economic growth in the Q3 2024-25 GDP report.
It's crucial to get the private sector to invest.
Tax incentives amounting to ₹1 Lakh crores in the budget 2025 were allocated in hopes of increasing demand.
Implications:
Decreased costs for the businesses to borrow money.
Increase in the stock market because of the added cash flow, leading to more liquidity.
If demand rises too high, there may be some inflation consequences.
UPSC Relevance:
Monetary policy, fiscal policy, economic policy, and growth policy.
PYQ Related Questions
How monetary policy can change a nation’s economic development? Cite India’s recent economic policies to support your answer.
Expected Question for Mains:
Evaluate the effect of interest rate reductions on inflation and economic performance in India.
Multiple Choice Question for Prelims:
For what reason did the RBI decrease rates of interest in 2025?
a) With the intention of increasing the fiscal deficit b) To enhance private investment and demand c) To control the growth of the economy d) To reduce inflation only
Answer: b) To enhance private investment and demand
3. International Relations
Trump's Trade War & Its Impact on India
Context:
Donald Trump’s reinstatement as the President of the United States has sparked fresh hostilities towards China.
India might experience an increase in export tariffs, but also has an option to capitalize on the shifts happening to international trade relations.
Key Takeaways:
Potentially Restrictive Trade Policies By The Us: Increased tariffs on steel and electronics exportation from India as well as limitation in providing H-1B visa opportunities for Indian IT specialists.
Opportunities for India:
Indian manufacturers might benefit from the shift of supply chains by the United States.
Pharmaceuticals, defense, and IT services are some sectors where bilateral trade agreements between India and America are likely.
UPSC Relevance:
International Relations: Trade and strategic ties of India with America.
Indian Economy: Consequences of global economic protectionism.
PYQ Connection:
What do you think are the economic repercussions of the US protectionist policies on India?
Expected Question for Mains:
Assess how Trump’s trade policies are adversely affecting India economically and geopolitically.
MCQ for Prelims:
Due to Trump’s trade policies, which is the most plausible problem India will have to contend with?
(a) Exports expected to bear the brunt of increased tariffs.
(b) Intercontinental Trade Partnerships.
(c) Exponentially increase from US business interests.
(d) All of the above
Answer:(a) Exports expected to bear the brunt of increased tariffs.
4. Science & Technology
The Indian Heart Failure Patients Die 10 years Earlier Than Average. Study Done In India.
Context:
A recent research report indicated that heart failure patients from India die ten years earlier than the global average.
Key Takeaways:
Reasons:
- Lack of exercise with increased salt consumption leads to lifestyle diseases.
- Lack of education results in late or no awareness diagnosis.
- Cardiac Care is not easily accessible to the diagnostic community.
Government Initiatives:
- Free heart surgeries under Ayushman Bharat scheme.
- Improved diagnostics under the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM).
UPSC Relevance:
- The Health and the Disease Burden in India.
- The Government Healthcare Schemes and Policies.
PYQ Connection:
What steps need to be taken to lessen the burden of heart disease in India?
Expected Question for Mains:
Explain how preventive healthcare can help India reduce the disease burden.
MCQ for Prelims
What is a major reason for heart failure mortality in India?
- (a) Early diagnosis
- (b) Lack of awareness and access to care
- (c) Low salt consumption
- (d) Excessive government interference
Ans: (b) Lack of awareness and access to care
5. Environment and Sustainable Development
The Increasing Need for Edible Insect Protein
Context:
Experts around the world have forecast a growing trend in the consumption of edible insects for their protein by the year 2030.
India is not fully equipped to handle this shift at this point.
Key Takeaways:
Sustainability Offers:
- Lesser carbon emission compared to traditional meat.
- Greater amount of protein at a lower price.
Challenges in India:
- Social attitude towards consuming insects.
- Absence of Government policies pertaining to insect-based foods.
Important for UPSC:
- Agriculture Sustainability and Alternative Proteins.
- Policies on Food Security and Nutrition.
1. Previous Year's Questions Connection:
What do you think are the issues in India with the adoption of alternative proteins?
2. Anticipated Question for Mains:
Assess the potential of using insects as a protein source in the context of climate change in India.
MCQ for Prelims:
Identify the primary hindrance regarding the usage of insect protein in India?
(a) Inability to maintain a basic production level.
(b) Acceptance of the product in society.
(c) Systemic Opposition.
(d) None of the above.
Ans: (b) Acceptance of the product in society.
6. National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) Extended for Three Years
Context:
The Union Cabinet has endorsed the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for an additional term of three years.
This commission focuses on resolving the issues and facilitating the rehabilitation for manual scavengers.
About NCSK:
Commenced in 1994 by the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act of 1993.
Served as a statutory organization until 2004; currently operates as a non-statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The only organization monitoring the sewer deaths in India.
Functions of NCSK:
Supervises the enforcement of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act in 2013.
Councils the government on Safai Karamcharis welfare schemes.
Reviews the petitions of employees working in the sanitation, sewer, and waste management industry.
UPSC/BPSC Relevance:
Polity & Governance: Institutions of the government, workers’ rights, social justice.
Vulnerable Sections: Issues in manual scavenging and caste-based occupational practices.
PYQ Connection:
Examine the participation of statutory and non-statutory bodies in enforcing policies in India.
Expected Mains Question
In what way do naval exercises like the TROPEX enhance India’s maritime security?
Prelims Mock Questions:
What does the abbreviation TROPEX refer to?
(a) Tactical Regional Operations Exercise
(b) Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise
(c) Trans-Oceanic Resource Exploration Exercise
(d) Technical Readiness Operation Exercise
Ans: (b) Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise
Explanation: TROPEX is a Indian Navy's bi-annual war naval s w ar exercise to augment its fighting efficiency
7. Marsupials:
IVF Technology Enables First Kangaroo Embryo Development
Context:
In a bid to save endangered marsupials, scientist achieved a breakthrough for in vitro fertilization (IVF) of kangaroo embryos.
About Marsupials
Pouched mammals primarily located in Australia and partially in South America Kangaroos, koala, opossums, Tasmanian devils are examples: marsupials.
What is IVF?
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an assisted maternity procedure (ART) that enables an individual to give birth.
UPSC/BPSC Relevance
Biodiversity & Conservation: Ignition of marsupial extinction, Advanced Pregnancy methods
Science & Tech: Uses of biotechnology.
PYQ Connection
What is the role of biotechnology in conservation efforts?
Expected Mains Question
What are the contributions of IVF towards Wildlife Conservation?
Prelims Mock Questions
Which continent do marsupials originate from:
(a) Asia
(b) Europe
(c) Australia
(d) Africa
Answer: (c) Australia Explanation: Kangaroo and koala and wombats are marsupials that come from Australia and South America.