Current Affairs for UPSC – 23-02-2025

• Brazil has announced its decision to join OPEC+, a group of leading oil-exporting countries.

Background: 

• OPEC+ is an extended version of OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) that includes non-OPEC oil-producing nations like Russia.

Significance:

• Strengthens Brazil’s influence in global energy markets.
• OPEC+ controls a significant share of global crude oil production, impacting prices.
• India, being a major oil importer, may face price fluctuations due to Brazil’s inclusion.

UPSC Relevance: 

• Economy (Energy Sector), International Relations (India-Brazil Relations).

2. Harvard University Tops World Reputation Rankings Again

Context: 

• Harvard University ranked No.1 for the 14th consecutive year in the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings.

Background: 

• The ranking measures universities’ global reputation in research and teaching.

Significance:

• Reaffirms Harvard’s position as a global leader in higher education.
• Highlights the gap between Indian and global universities in rankings.

UPSC Relevance: 

• Education Policies, Higher Education Reforms in India.

3. LIC Introduces ‘One Man Office’ (OMO) for Rural Insurance Access

Context: 

• LIC has launched ‘One Man Office’ (OMO) to expand insurance access in remote areas.

Significance:

• Promotes financial inclusion by ensuring insurance penetration in rural regions.
• Supports government schemes like PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana.

UPSC Relevance: 

• Economy (Insurance Sector), Government Initiatives for Financial Inclusion.

4. Green Shipping Conclave 2025 Held in Mumbai

Context: 

• The conclave focused on reducing carbon emissions in maritime transport.

Background:

•  India aims to de-carbonize shipping under its ‘Maritime Vision 2030’.

Significance:

• Promotes use of alternative fuels like hydrogen and LNG.
• Aligns with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.

UPSC Relevance: 

• Environment (Sustainable Development), Infrastructure (Shipping Industry).

5. Uttar Pradesh to Develop Ayodhya as a ‘Model Solar City’

Context: 

• UP Budget 2025 designates Ayodhya as a Model Solar City.

Significance:

• Promotes renewable energy under India’s National Solar Mission.
• Sets an example for sustainable urban development.

UPSC Relevance: 

• Energy (Renewable Energy Policies), Governance (Smart Cities).

6. France Establishes International Alliance Against Climate Change

Context: 

• France launched an international coalition to combat climate change.

Significance:

• Aims to implement global climate policies effectively.
• Supports COP28 commitments for carbon neutrality.

UPSC Relevance: 

• Environment (Climate Change), International Relations (Paris Agreement).

7. India’s First Solar-Powered Railway Station in Gujarat

Context: 

• Indian Railways inaugurated its first solar-powered railway station in Gujarat.

Significance:

• Reduces dependence on conventional electricity.
• Aligns with India’s target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

UPSC Relevance: 

• Infrastructure (Railways), Renewable Energy Policies.

8. PM Modi Unveils National Solar Energy Policy 2025

Context: 

• The policy aims to boost solar energy adoption nationwide.

Significance:

• Provides financial incentives for solar projects.
• Supports India’s target of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

UPSC Relevance: 

• Energy (Solar Energy Mission), Economy (Green Investments).

9. Uttar Pradesh Launches ‘Women Safety Scheme’

Context: 

• The state government introduced a new initiative for women’s security.

Significance:

• Strengthens legal protection against crimes against women.
• Promotes women’s empowerment and social welfare.

UPSC Relevance: 

• Social Issues (Gender Equality), Governance (Women-Centric Schemes).

10. French Film ‘Paris, Paris’ Wins Best International Feature Film at Oscars

Context: 

• The film won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

Significance:

• Highlights the global influence of French cinema.
• Strengthens France’s soft power in cultural diplomacy.

UPSC Relevance: 

• International Relations (Cultural Exchange), Art & Culture.

11. Bengaluru Introduces India’s First ‘Water Metering Project’

Context: 

• The project aims to regulate water usage through smart meters.

Significance:

• Helps in efficient water resource management.
• Supports urban water conservation initiatives.

UPSC Relevance: 

• Environment (Water Conservation), Infrastructure (Urban Planning).

12. China Inaugurates World’s Largest Renewable Energy Project

Context: 

• China launched a massive renewable energy project in the Gobi Desert.

Significance:

• Strengthens China’s leadership in clean energy.
• Challenges India’s position in the renewable energy sector.

UPSC Relevance: 

• Energy (Global Renewable Policies), International Relations.

13. ‘Presidential Medal for Gallantry’ Awarded to Indian Soldiers

Context: 

• The medal was conferred for exceptional bravery in military operations.

Significance:

• Recognizes acts of valor by the armed forces.
• Enhances the morale of defense personnel.

UPSC Relevance: 

• Internal Security (Gallantry Awards), Defence Studies.

14. PM Modi Unveils ‘Swachh Survekshan 2025’

Context: 

• The annual cleanliness survey ranks Indian cities on sanitation performance.

Significance:

• Encourages urban areas to adopt better waste management practices.
• Strengthens India’s Swachh Bharat Mission.

UPSC Relevance: 

• Governance (Sanitation Policies), Sustainable Development.

15. India Announces ‘Integrated Agriculture Policy 2025’

Context: 

• The policy aims to boost agricultural productivity and farmer welfare.

Significance:

• Promotes organic farming and sustainable agriculture.
• Supports the ‘Doubling Farmers’ Income’ goal.

UPSC Relevance: 

• Economy (Agriculture Reforms), Environment (Sustainable Farming).

Conclusion

For UPSC aspirants, understanding current affairs in depth is essential. The topics above cover a broad spectrum of subjects, including economy, governance, international relations, environment, and technology. To prepare effectively:
Prelims Strategy: