UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 16th April 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/International Relations

Reimagining India’s Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) Framework

Why in News?

The Union Budget 2024-25 proposes a revamp of the 2015 Model BIT to attract more foreign investment. Experts recommend a dual-model BIT strategy that aligns with India's diverse relationships with both capital-exporting and capital-importing countries.

• The 2015 Model BIT has been criticized for being defensive, focusing heavily on sovereignty and regulatory autonomy.
• A proposal for dual BIT models aims to create tailored treaties for different types of economic relationships.
• Key issues with the dual BIT approach include legal inconsistencies and the challenge of categorizing countries based on their capital relations.

Additional Details

• 2015 Model BIT: This model emphasized the need for mandatory exhaustion of local remedies for at least five years before investors could seek international arbitration and included a narrow definition of investment.
• Flaws in the Dual BIT Approach:
  • The dynamic nature of capital relationships makes it difficult to classify countries consistently as capital importers or exporters.
  • Legal inconsistencies may undermine India’s credibility in international negotiations.
• Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Clause: This clause has historical roots in multilateral treaties and ensures non-discriminatory treatment among treaty partners, enhancing fairness in BITs.

In conclusion, India must develop a BIT model that adapts to evolving global investment patterns while ensuring legal consistency and credibility. A strategic, balanced, and investor-conscious BIT framework is essential for attracting foreign investments and protecting Indian investors abroad.

GS3/Science and Technology

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)

Why in News?

Recently, two individuals in the United States reportedly succumbed to a rare and incurable brain disorder known as Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) within a few months of each other, highlighting the serious nature of this condition.

• CJD is a rare brain disorder that leads to dementia.
• It belongs to a group of diseases known as prion disorders, or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs).
• Symptoms of CJD can resemble those of Alzheimer's but progress much faster.
• About 1 to 2 cases of CJD are diagnosed per million people worldwide each year.
• Most commonly affects older adults.

Additional Details

• Cause: CJD and other prion diseases are caused by abnormal proteins called prions. Healthy prion proteins are found throughout the body, particularly in the nervous system, but their exact role is not fully understood.
• Abnormal prions can induce healthy prions to become malformed, leading to a buildup in brain tissue that can cause nerve cell loss and brain damage.
• Main Symptoms: The primary symptoms of CJD include cognitive decline leading to dementia, involuntary muscle jerks (myoclonus), and lack of coordination.
• Most individuals diagnosed with CJD typically die within a year after symptoms begin, often due to infections.
• Treatment: Currently, there is no cure for CJD. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and enhancing comfort, which may involve medications like antidepressants for anxiety and pain relief.

In summary, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease is a serious and rare condition that requires awareness and understanding due to its rapid progression and severe impact on health.

GS3/Science and Technology

Miniature Laser Grown on Silicon Chip

Why in News?

Recent research published in Nature highlights a significant breakthrough in the field of silicon photonics, showcasing the successful fabrication of miniature lasers directly on silicon wafers.

• This advancement integrates a light source (laser) directly onto silicon chips, addressing a long-standing technological challenge.
• Traditionally, lasers were manufactured separately and attached, which caused slower operations and higher costs.
• The new method employs a scalable process compatible with standard CMOS technology, the foundation of modern semiconductor manufacturing.

Additional Details

• Photonics: This field involves the use of photons (light particles) for transmitting information, which is faster and more efficient than traditional electron-based methods.
• Photons offer higher bandwidth and lower energy losses, making them suitable for next-generation computing applications such as data centers and quantum computing.
• The photonic silicon chip comprises four essential components:
  • Light source (laser)
  • Waveguides for channeling photons
  • Modulators to encode or decode data onto light signals
  • Photodetectors to convert light into electrical signals
• The principle of stimulated emission is utilized in laser formation, where electrons transition to lower energy levels, emitting coherent photons.
• While silicon has an indirect bandgap and is not efficient for light emission, materials like gallium arsenide are preferred for laser construction.
• The system is enhanced with a protective layer of indium gallium phosphide and includes electrical contacts to power the laser.

This innovative approach to integrating lasers directly onto silicon chips could potentially revolutionize computing technology, making it faster and more cost-effective.

GS2/Polity

A Proclamation of Democracy in Legislative Process

Why in News?

The Supreme Court of India’s recent judgment in The State of Tamil Nadu vs Governor of Tamil Nadu has marked a significant turning point in the constitutional framework of the country. This ruling asserts the judiciary's authority over executive inaction and aims to reinforce the sanctity of democratic legislative processes within India’s federal structure.

• The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to impose time limits on gubernatorial and presidential assent to State Bills.
• The judgment clarifies that Governors are constitutional functionaries, not veto-wielders, required to respect legislative will.
• The ruling emphasizes the need for reasoned orders from Governors and Presidents when withholding assent to legislation.

Additional Details

• Judicial Authority: The Court's decision highlights the principle that neither the Governor nor the President can indefinitely delay their response to Bills, thereby recalibrating executive-legislative relations at the State level.
• Constitutional Interpretation: The judgment adopts a progressive interpretation of constitutional provisions, moving beyond rigid textualism to align with evolving democratic ideals.
• Accountability: The insistence on reasoned orders ensures that constitutional functionaries are held accountable, which strengthens judicial review over executive actions.
• Criticism and Suggestions: While praised for its merits, the judgment has faced criticism for judicial overreach. Suggestions include issuing shorter, more efficient verdicts and enhancing case management processes within the Court.

The Supreme Court’s verdict in the Tamil Nadu vs Governor case stands as a monumental affirmation of democratic values, correcting structural imbalances in the federal setup. By adopting purposive interpretation and asserting judicial oversight over executive inaction, the Court has paved the way for a more accountable constitutional order, crucial for maintaining the delicate balance between power and accountability in India’s democracy.

GS3/Science and Technology

China Halts Export of Rare Earth Magnets

Why in News?

China has recently suspended exports of a variety of critical minerals and magnets in response to the United States' tariff embargo, raising concerns over the global supply chain of rare earth elements (REEs).

• China dominates the global supply of rare earth elements, producing 70% and controlling 80% of the refining capacity.
• Rare earth magnets, which are significantly stronger than traditional magnets, are crucial for high-tech electronics.

Additional Details

• Rare Earth Elements (REEs): A group of 17 elements in the periodic table, including Lanthanum (La), Neodymium (Nd), Europium (Eu), and Ytterbium (Yb). Despite their name, these elements are not particularly rare, but they are found in low concentrations, making their extraction challenging and costly.
• Classification:
  • Light REEs (LREEs): Elements 57-63, such as Cerium (Ce) and Samarium (Sm).
  • Heavy REEs (HREEs): Elements 64-71, including Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), and Erbium (Er). Scandium and Yttrium are classified with HREEs due to their similar chemical properties.
• Rare earth magnets are made from elements like Samarium (Sm) and Dysprosium (Dy), and are essential in many high-tech applications due to their superior strength and efficiency compared to traditional magnets.
• China's Bayan Obo mine is a significant source of REEs, with Australia, the USA, Brazil, and Russia also contributing to the supply, albeit to a lesser extent. China largely controls refining processes, although other nations are developing their capabilities to decrease dependency.

The recent developments regarding China's export restrictions on rare earth materials highlight the geopolitical implications of resource dependency, particularly for high-tech industries around the globe.

GS3/Environment

Delamination of the Indian Plate

Why in News?

Recent research published by the American Geophysical Union indicates that the Indian Plate is undergoing a significant geological change, splitting into two parts. The lower section is detaching and descending into the Earth’s mantle, a process referred to as delamination.

• Delamination involves the lower part of a continental plate splitting and sinking into the asthenosphere.
• This geological process is driven by density differences and can trigger rapid uplift and changes in seismic activity.

Additional Details

• Delamination: This term describes the phenomenon where the lower crust and/or lithospheric mantle of tectonic plates become denser and less buoyant, leading to their descent into the asthenosphere. This can occur in various tectonic settings, including compressional zones, subduction zones, and intraplate regions.
• The Indian Plate has been colliding with the Eurasian Plate for approximately 60 million years, resulting in the formation of the Himalayas and influencing regional seismic activity.
• Currently, the Indian Plate is moving northward at a rate of about 5 cm per year, with the denser lower part sinking into the Earth’s mantle.
• This delamination process could lead to increased seismic activity, particularly in areas like the Himalayan collision zone, where it creates fractures and raises the likelihood of earthquakes.

This ongoing geological evolution highlights the dynamic processes affecting the Indian Plate and emphasizes the importance of monitoring seismic activity in the region.

Consider the following geological phenomena:

• 1. Development of a fault
• 2. Movement along a fault
• 3. Impact produced by a volcanic eruption
• 4. Folding of rocks

Which of the above cause earthquakes?

• Options:
• (a) 1, 2 and 3
• (b) 2 and 4
• (c) 1, 3 and 4
• (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

GS3/Environment

India, Rising Power Demand and the ‘Hydrogen Factor’

Why in News?

The transition to a net-zero economy represents one of the most significant challenges of the 21st century. As countries worldwide move toward sustainable energy systems, the electrification of energy end-uses is emerging as a foundational aspect of this transformation. However, this shift goes beyond merely substituting fossil fuels with renewable electricity; it necessitates a comprehensive rethinking of industrial processes and energy generation, prominently featuring nuclear power and hydrogen.

• The need for a net-zero economy drives the demand for electrification and hydrogen integration.
• Nuclear energy plays a crucial role in meeting rising power demands alongside renewable energy sources.
• Challenges exist in balancing low-carbon energy sources, especially regarding grid stability and the intermittency of renewables.
• Hydrogen electrolysis offers a promising solution for grid balancing by utilizing surplus electricity to produce hydrogen.

Additional Details

• Electrification: This refers to the process of replacing fossil fuel usage with renewable electricity across various sectors, requiring a complete overhaul of energy systems.
• Hydrogen’s Role: In industrial processes, hydrogen can replace fossil-derived molecules, such as in steel manufacturing, where it serves as a cleaner alternative to carbon.
• Nuclear Energy Expansion: The Indian government aims for 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, with ongoing projects in states like Gujarat and Rajasthan utilizing Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
• Challenges of Renewables: The variability and intermittency of solar and wind energy complicate grid management, necessitating stable power sources like nuclear energy.
• Hydrogen Electrolysis: This technology allows for the production of hydrogen during periods of excess electricity, thus stabilizing the grid and reducing renewable energy wastage.

In conclusion, achieving a net-zero economy requires a coordinated effort to transform energy generation and industrial practices. The integration of electrification and hydrogen is essential, with nuclear energy providing the necessary stability to accommodate growing power demands. Innovative policies that promote hydrogen as a key energy carrier can facilitate this transition.

GS1/Geography

Thangjing Hills

Why in News?

Tension has recently emerged near the buffer zone in the Thangjing Hill range of Manipur, which serves as a dividing line between areas inhabited by the Kuki and Meitei communities in Churachandpur district.

• Thangjing Hill, also known as Thangching Hill and Thangting Hill, is a prominent mountain peak located in the Indian state of Manipur.
• The hill is part of a north-south mountain range referred to as the Thangjing range, which forms the western border of the Imphal Valley.

Additional Details

• Significance: The Thangjing Hills are believed by the Manipuri people to be the dwelling place of Thangching, the ancestral deity of Moirang, making it a sacred site particularly for the Meitei community.
• The Meitei traditionally visit this hill during the month of 'Sajibu', which usually occurs in April.
• In Meitei cosmology, various natural features of the land symbolize different parts of the body of Manipur, with Thangjing Hill representing its right leg.

These cultural and geographical aspects of the Thangjing Hills highlight their importance in the identity and heritage of the Manipuri people.

GS2/Governance

Beware of Child Traffickers, Supreme Court Cautions Parents

Why in News?

The Supreme Court recently issued a strong warning to parents about the dangers of child trafficking, emphasizing that hospitals will lose their licenses if newborn babies are reported missing. The Court also mandated that all pending child trafficking cases must be resolved within six months.

• The Supreme Court urged parents to be extremely vigilant against child trafficking.
• Negligence in safeguarding children can lead to severe, lifelong consequences.
• Traffickers exploit vulnerable families, particularly those from impoverished backgrounds.
• The Court criticized the legal system for inadequately addressing the rise in child trafficking.

Additional Details

• Vigilance Against Child Trafficking: The Supreme Court emphasized the need for parents to remain vigilant to protect children from trafficking intended for sexual exploitation, forced labor, or begging. Carelessness can have devastating effects.
• Consequences of Negligence: The court highlighted that the emotional pain of losing a child to trafficking is far worse than the grief of death, as it leads to lifelong uncertainty regarding the child’s fate.
• Exploitation of Poor and Vulnerable Families: Traffickers often target economically disadvantaged families, exploiting their desperation. Organized networks use technology to facilitate these crimes.
• Exploitation of Juvenile Justice Laws: Criminal gangs misuse the protections for minors under the Juvenile Justice Act, involving trafficked children in crimes like theft and drug trafficking, knowing that penalties are less severe.
• Demand-Supply Gap in Adoption System: Long waiting periods and a complicated legal process for adoption create a market for illegal child adoptions, which encourages trafficking.
• Weak State Response and Enforcement: The Supreme Court criticized states like Uttar Pradesh for failing to effectively track trafficking cases and appeal bail orders for traffickers.
• Response to Bail Granted by High Court: The Supreme Court condemned the Allahabad High Court for granting bail to traffickers, calling it "callous" and "insensitive". The court revoked these bail orders and mandated immediate custody of the accused.
• Actions Directed to Hospitals: Hospitals must ensure the protection of newborns and bear full responsibility if a baby goes missing. Failure to do so could lead to suspension of their license.
• Implementation of Protocols: The court stressed the need for strict procedures during childbirth and discharge, including thorough identity verification of guardians to prevent baby-swapping.

Moving forward, it is crucial to strengthen surveillance and coordination among agencies to combat child trafficking effectively. This includes establishing a centralized monitoring system and launching nationwide awareness campaigns to educate communities about the risks of trafficking and the importance of child protection laws.

GS3/Environment

Discovery of Clinidium lalitae: A New Beetle Species

Why in News?

Recently, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified a new species of beetle named Clinidium lalitae from the northeastern region of India, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh.

• The beetle was discovered in the Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It is named in honor of the late Dr. Lalita Ray Chaudhury, a notable coleopterologist.
• This species is part of a rare group of ground beetles that inhabit forest floors.
• Clinidium lalitae plays a vital ecological role in nutrient cycling and maintaining soil health.

Additional Details

• Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is located in the Lower Subansiri district and spans approximately 337 square kilometers, situated at elevations between 1,200 and 3,000 meters above sea level.
• Ecological Significance: The sanctuary is home to approximately 20 percent of India’s floral and faunal species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
• It features rivers such as Pange, Sipu, Karing, and Subansiri, which flow through the area.
• The sanctuary is inhabited by the Apatani tribe, known for their rich customs, traditions, and unique handicrafts.

Flora and Fauna

• Flora: The sanctuary boasts diverse subtropical and alpine forests, featuring species like silver fir trees, ferns, orchids, bamboo, and rhododendron. Notably, the Pleioblastus simone bamboo variety is exclusively found in this region.
• Fauna: It supports a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, barking deer, giant squirrels, porcupines, leopards, clouded leopards, and wild boars.

The discovery of Clinidium lalitae highlights the rich biodiversity of the Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and underscores the importance of conserving such unique ecosystems.

GS2/Polity

India’s Prison Conditions May Derail Global Extraditions, Warns Justice Lokur

Why in News?

Former Supreme Court Justice Madan B. Lokur has raised serious concerns regarding the challenges India faces in securing extraditions due to the prevailing poor conditions in its prisons. He emphasized that improvements are essential for India to maintain its standing in global legal circles.

• The UK court recently denied an extradition request based on concerns over prison conditions in India.
• Over 100 extradition requests from Indian authorities are at risk due to these issues.
• India's ability to bring back economic fugitives like Mehul Choksi is increasingly scrutinized.

Additional Details

• UK Court Verdict: The UK appellate court refused to extradite Sanjay Bhandari, citing India's failure to guarantee humane conditions in its jails, particularly in Tihar Jail.
• Prison Incidents: The court referenced alarming incidents, such as the public beating of inmate Tillu Tajpuria and the deaths of Jagtar Johal and Ankit Gujjar, which raise serious questions about safety and human rights in Indian prisons.
• India Justice Report 2025: This report highlights systemic issues in India's judicial system, including police shortages and overcrowded prisons, with Uttar Pradesh noted as having the most overcrowded facilities.

In conclusion, the conditions in Indian prisons not only impact the extradition process but also challenge India's commitment to human rights. Unless significant reforms are implemented, India’s reputation in international legal matters will continue to be adversely affected, as Justice Lokur warns that humane treatment in prisons is essential for future extradition agreements.

GS3/Science and Technology

What is Tensor Processing Unit (TPU)?

Why in News?

Recently, Google unveiled its seventh-generation Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), named Ironwood, which is designed to enhance the performance and efficiency of AI model training and inference.

• Ironwood is optimized for accelerating complex AI tasks, particularly neural networks and deep learning models.
• It builds on the advancements of previous TPUs, improving speed and efficiency for AI workloads.
• Initially used internally, Ironwood is now accessible via Google Cloud Platform, allowing businesses to leverage its capabilities without needing dedicated hardware.

Additional Details

• What is a TPU: A TPU is a specialized processor developed by Google for machine learning tasks, especially those involving TensorFlow. TPUs are optimized for tensor operations, which are essential for training deep learning models, leading to faster data processing and increased efficiency.
• Difference between TPU, GPU, and CPU:
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU): A general-purpose processor suited for a variety of computing tasks, primarily focused on sequential processing.
  • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): A specialized processor designed for parallel processing, originally intended for graphics rendering but now widely used for machine learning tasks.
  • Tensor Processing Unit (TPU): A specialized processor created by Google specifically to accelerate machine learning tasks, particularly those involving tensor computations.
• Performance Comparison:
  • CPUs are slower for AI tasks due to their sequential processing nature.
  • GPUs outperform CPUs in parallel tasks but are still less efficient for deep learning compared to TPUs.
  • TPUs are the fastest option for AI tasks, such as matrix multiplication, making them highly efficient for machine learning operations.
• Best Use Cases:
  • CPUs are ideal for running applications and managing systems.
  • GPUs excel in graphics rendering and parallel processing for machine learning.
  • TPUs are best utilized for deep learning and training neural networks.

In conclusion, the introduction of Ironwood marks a significant step forward in the capabilities of TPUs, enabling businesses to effectively enhance their AI applications through improved processing power and efficiency.

UPSC 2020 Question

With the current state of development, which of the following tasks can Artificial Intelligence effectively accomplish?

• (1) Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
• (2) Create meaningful short stories and songs
• (3) Disease diagnosis
• (4) Text-to-Speech Conversion
• (5) Wireless transmission of electrical energy

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
• (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
• (c) 2, 4 and 5 only
• (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5