17 January 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

 1. Phased Ceasefire in Gaza: Prisoner Swaps, Military Withdrawals, and Fragile Progress Toward Stability

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 14)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

A phased ceasefire deal was brokered in Doha, Qatar, aiming to address the Gaza conflict.

Analysis of the news:

Phased Ceasefire and Exchange of Detainees

• In the first 42-day phase, Hamas will release 33 hostages, while Israel will free 900-1,650 Palestinian detainees, including those detained post-October 7, 2023. 
• This phase sets the groundwork for eventual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, including critical areas like the Netzarim and Philadelphi Corridors, contingent on subsequent negotiations. 
• The phased structure aims to build trust while addressing humanitarian concerns.

Geopolitical and Domestic Shifts Enabling the Deal

• Key changes in Israel’s political landscape, such as Gideon Sa’ar joining Netanyahu’s coalition, diluted the influence of far-right figures.
• International pressure, particularly from the U.S. under Biden and President-elect Trump, further propelled the ceasefire. 
• Netanyahu’s strategic considerations for leveraging U.S. relations during Trump’s second term also influenced his decision to accept the agreement.

Key Terms and Implications

1. Withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor:

Israel’s commitment to vacate this critical buffer zone by the end of phase one addresses long-standing Egyptian and Hamas demands. 

2. However, Israeli officials remain cautious, leaving room for renegotiation based on security concerns.
3. Prisoner Exchange Dynamics:
   Israel’s history of high-stakes prisoner swaps resurfaces, with at least 250 life-sentenced detainees set for release. This concession risks political backlash, challenging Israel’s 2014 law limiting such exchanges.

Implications for Hamas and Israel

• Hamas:
  The ceasefire offers Hamas breathing space to regroup, rebuild its resources, and maintain its influence in Gaza. Its evolving tactics and local command strength highlight resilience, despite leadership losses.
  • Hamas appears to be positioning itself for a permanent role in Gaza’s governance, emulating Hezbollah’s integration into Lebanon’s post-war framework.
• Israel:
  Despite military successes against Hamas and Hezbollah, Israel’s core objective of eradicating Hamas from Gaza remains unmet. While the deal secures the release of hostages, Netanyahu risks domestic criticism for perceived concessions, potentially weakening his far-right support.

Conclusion: A Complex Road Ahead

• The ceasefire reflects a temporary pause in violence and opens pathways for broader negotiations, including reconstruction and governance in Gaza. 
• However, unresolved security and political challenges highlight the fragility of this agreement, leaving the region’s long-term stability uncertain.

About Gaza Strip

Location: It is a Palestinian enclave on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.  It shares a border with Israel and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. The Gaza Strip along with the West Bank makes up the State of Palestine. Both these territories are separated by Israel. Administration: Since winning a majority in 2006, the Gaza Strip has been ruled by Hamas, which is considered a politico-military organisation. Occupied: Israel controls the air space over Gaza and its shoreline. It has imposed restrictions on the movement of goods into the Gaza Strip.Egypt also controls one of Gaza’s borders and has at times restricted movement. Conflict: Gaza Strip is described as the ‘world’s largest open-air prison’ due to the strict movement restrictions placed by Israel on its nearly 2 million residents.

Practice Question:  Discuss the implications of the recent phased ceasefire agreement in Gaza for regional stability. (150 Words /10 marks)

2. India Achieves Historic Space Docking Milestone: ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission Paves the Way for Advanced Space Exploration

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 14)

Topic: GS3 – Science & Technology

Context

ISRO Successfully Demonstrates Space Docking with SpaDeX Mission, Advancing India’s Space Station and Lunar Ambitions.

Analysis of the news:

What is Space Docking?

• Space docking is the process of bringing two fast-moving spacecraft into the same orbit, maneuvering them close to each other, and finally joining them together. 
• This capability is essential for missions requiring the assembly of large structures like space stations, refueling in orbit, or carrying crew and supplies to orbiting platforms.
• India’s successful docking demonstration makes it the fourth country globally, after the US, Russia, and China, to achieve this feat, marking a significant step in ISRO’s technological evolution.

Significance of the Achievement

This accomplishment is critical for future space missions:

• Space Station Development: India’s Bharatiya Antariksh Station, planned by 2035, will rely on docking to assemble its modular components in orbit.
• Lunar Missions: Chandrayaan-4, India’s planned lunar sample-return mission, will require docking capabilities to transfer collected samples back to Earth.
• Human Spaceflight: Future manned missions, including those to the Moon by 2040, will depend on docking technology for crew and equipment transfers.

Details of the Docking Experiment

ISRO used two 220-kg satellites, SDX01 (“Chaser”) and SDX02 (“Target”), for the experiment. The process involved:

1. Sequentially bringing the satellites closer, holding positions at key distances (5 km, 500 m, 3 m, etc.).
2. Successfully joining and locking the satellites in orbit.
3. Demonstrating combined control and functionality of the satellites as a composite unit.

Future steps include sharing electrical power between the satellites and demonstrating “undocking,” where the satellites separate and drift apart.

Challenges Overcome During the Mission

• The docking faced delays due to unexpected drifts and inaccuracies during initial attempts. 
• ISRO refined simulations and conducted additional maneuvers to achieve the precise alignment needed for successful docking. 
• This iterative process highlights ISRO’s growing expertise in handling complex space operations.

Key Technologies and Innovations

• Sensors: Advanced sensors like Laser Range Finder and Proximity and Docking Sensor were used for precise measurements.
• Navigation: A new processor based on satellite navigation determined the relative positions and velocities of the spacecraft.
• Simplified Mechanism: The androgynous docking system used only two motors, compared to the 24 used in international standards, demonstrating innovation and efficiency.

Future Implications

This mission is a precursor to India’s broader space ambitions:

• Space Station: The Bharatiya Antariksh Station will use this technology for modular assembly.
• Lunar Exploration: Docking will be central to sample-return missions and potential human expeditions to the Moon.
• Autonomy: Developing autonomous docking systems will reduce dependency on navigation data, enhancing efficiency for future missions.

Conclusion

• The SpaDeX docking mission underscores India’s growing technological prowess in space exploration. 
• It is a critical step toward ISRO’s ambitious goals of establishing a space station, conducting lunar sample-return missions, and enabling human exploration of the Moon, marking India’s ascent as a significant player in global space endeavors.

PYQ: Consider the following statements: (2016)The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit the Mars in its very first attempt Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only  (b) 2 and 3 only  (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (c)

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of ISRO’s successful space docking experiment in the context of India’s future space missions, including its planned space station and lunar exploration. What technological advancements are demonstrated in this mission? (250 Words /10 marks)

3. PM to distribute over 65 lakh property cards to property owners under SVAMITVA Scheme on 18th January

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2093538&reg=3&lang=1)

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Initiatives

Context

On January 18, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute over 65 lakh property cards under the SVAMITVA Scheme to property owners in 50,000+ villages across 230 districts in 10 states and 2 Union Territories.

About SVAMITVA Scheme

• The SVAMITVA Scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to empower rural India by providing property ownership rights using drone technology. 
• The initiative enhances economic opportunities, reduces disputes, and facilitates comprehensive village planning, ensuring sustainable rural development.

Objective of SVAMITVA Scheme

• Launched to boost rural economic progress by providing property ownership records (“Record of Rights”) through drone-based surveys in inhabited village areas.

Benefits of the Scheme

• Enables property monetization and access to institutional credit via bank loans.
• Reduces property-related disputes and facilitates better property tax assessment.
• Supports comprehensive village-level planning.

Progress Achieved

• Drone surveys completed in 3.17 lakh villages (92% of the target).
• Over 2.25 crore property cards prepared for 1.53 lakh villages.

Saturation Achieved

• Full implementation achieved in Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Tripura, Goa, Uttarakhand, and Haryana.
• Significant progress in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and various Union Territories.

Conclusion:

The SVAMITVA Scheme marks a transformative step in empowering rural India by granting property ownership rights, reducing disputes, and enhancing access to credit. With significant progress and full saturation in multiple regions, the scheme is paving the way for economic development and better governance in rural areas.

4. Sriharikota to get third launch pad

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, with an outlay of ₹3,984.86 crore.

Approval of Third Launch Pad

• The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.
•  The project aims to strengthen India’s space infrastructure, with an allocated outlay of ₹3,984.86 crore.

Planned Timeline

• The construction of the launch pad is expected to be completed by early 2029, ensuring readiness for future space missions and advancements in space technology.

Facilitating Next-Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs)

• The third launch pad will support the launch of Next-Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs), which ISRO plans to operationalize by 2031. 
• This development aligns with ISRO’s vision to cater to the growing demands of advanced and heavier-class launch vehicles.

Support for Human Spaceflight Missions

• The new launch pad will also play a key role in India’s manned spaceflight program, with the first mission targeted for 2026, as stated by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan.

Universal and Adaptable Design:

The third launch pad is being designed with universal and adaptable configurations to support:

• NGLVs equipped with semi-cryogenic stages.
• Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3) and its enhanced configurations.
• Future advancements in launch vehicle technology.

Enhancing ISRO’s Launch Capabilities

• With the second launch pad in operation for nearly two decades, the addition of the third launch pad will act as a standby and expand India’s launch capacity, meeting the needs of evolving space transportation requirements.

Catering to Future Needs

• This facility is designed to address India’s space transportation demands for the next 25-30 years, supporting both heavier-class vehicles and advanced mission profiles.

Strategic Importance

• The establishment of the third launch pad underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its space exploration capabilities, enabling greater frequency and diversity in launch missions while strengthening its position in the global space sector.

Conclusion

The approval for the third launch pad at SDSC Sriharikota marks a crucial step in enhancing ISRO’s space infrastructure. This new facility will support Next-Generation Launch Vehicles, manned space missions, and future technological advancements, strengthening India’s position in global space exploration. The project ensures ISRO’s readiness to meet evolving space transportation needs for the next 25-30 years.

 

Prelims Facts

1. India Launches Fast Track Immigration Programme at Major Airports to Streamline International Travel

(Source – Indian express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 14)

Context

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Launches Fast Track Immigration Programme at Seven Airports to Ease International Travel.

Analysis of the news:

Overview of the FTI-TTP Initiative

• The Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP), launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is designed to streamline and expedite international travel. 
• It aims to provide world-class immigration facilities for travelers, offering a faster and more secure immigration process. 
• The initiative will be inaugurated at key airports across India, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad, after its initial rollout at New Delhi’s IGI Airport in June 2024.

Objectives and Timeline

• The FTI-TTP is part of the Indian government’s vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’, aligning with the goal of transforming India into a developed nation by its centenary of independence. 
• It was first launched at IGI Airport with a focus on Indian Nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), providing these groups with free and faster immigration clearance. 
• The programme has now expanded to seven airports and will later extend to foreign travelers, aiming to simplify the immigration process.

Functionality and Operation

• The FTI-TTP is based on a digital platform, allowing travelers to register online and submit necessary documents. 
• Once approved, travelers become part of a ‘Trusted Traveller’ list and can access e-gates at the airport for seamless immigration clearance. 
• At the e-gates, passengers will scan their boarding passes and passports, while biometric authentication will grant them automatic immigration clearance, reducing wait times and enhancing security.

Required Documentation

• Applicants must upload a passport-sized photograph that meets specific standards, along with scanned copies of their passport and, for OCI cardholders, their OCI card. 
• The documentation process ensures that only authorized individuals are enrolled in the programme, helping to maintain security while enhancing convenience for legitimate travelers.

Implementation Phases

• The FTI-TTP will be rolled out in two phases. The first phase, which begins on January 16, will cover Indian citizens and OCI cardholders, while the second phase will extend the programme to foreign travelers. 
• The programme will eventually be implemented at 21 major airports across India, streamlining the international travel experience for a larger number of passengers.

2. New QS future skills report ranks India 2nd in job market readiness, 25th overall

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Economy – Page No. – 13)

Context

India Ranks Second in Future Job Skills, but Faces Gaps in Skills Fit and Innovation, Says QS World Future Skills Index 2025

Analysis of the news:

What is the QS World Future Skills Index?

• The QS World Future Skills Index evaluates how well countries are equipped to meet the evolving demands of the international job market. 
• It aims to empower governments to align education and skills with future demand, fostering innovation, sustainable global competition and talent development. 

India’s Position in the QS World Future Skills Index 2025

• India ranks second globally for preparedness for future job skills, including AI and green competencies, just behind the United States, as per the QS World Future Skills Index 2025. 
• This positions India as a “future skills contender,” reflecting its readiness to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving global job market, particularly in digital, AI, and green skills. 
• The country’s commitment to technological innovation and youth empowerment is highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledges the role of the government in equipping youth with the necessary skills for economic prosperity.

India’s Strength in ‘Future of Work’ Readiness

• India scored highly, particularly in the ‘future of work’ category, where it ranked second. 
• This indicator evaluates a country’s ability to meet the growing demand for digital, AI, and green competencies in job markets, reflecting India’s preparedness for future employment trends. 
• The assessment, based on over 280 million job postings worldwide, shows India’s strong positioning in preparing its workforce for technological and sustainable industries, critical for the evolving economic landscape.

Areas of Weakness: Skills Fit and Innovation in Sustainability

• Despite India’s strong showing in future skills preparedness, the country struggles with critical gaps in other areas. 
• India’s ‘skills fit’ score was the lowest among the top 30 countries, particularly in adapting its workforce to rapidly changing economic demands. 
• This gap underscores challenges in aligning India’s higher education system with evolving industry needs. Moreover, India’s performance in future-oriented innovation in sustainability is concerning. 
• Scoring only 15.6 out of 100, India lags behind other nations in fostering innovation for sustainability, an area where improvement is necessary to support long-term economic transformation.

Economic Transformation and the Need for Education Reform

• India’s economic transformation, driven by growth and workforce efficiency, faces challenges in terms of innovation and investment. 
• The report suggests that India must invest in aligning its economic momentum with higher education reforms to remain competitive globally. 
• To address the skills gap, the report recommends that Indian universities focus on creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills within their curricula. 
• Stronger collaboration with industries is also essential to ensure that education aligns better with the evolving workforce demands, ensuring a more dynamic and competitive position in the global economy.

3. Centre approves establishment of eighth pay panel

(Source – The Hindu, Section – The Hindu News- Page No. – 4)

Context

The Eighth Pay Commission has been approved by the Union government to address the long-standing demands of employees and trade unions for wage and pension revisions.

Approval of Eighth Pay Commission

• The Union government has approved the establishment of the Eighth Pay Commission, fulfilling the long-standing demand of Central trade unions and employees’ organizations.

Beneficiaries

• The recommendations of the Pay Commission will benefit approximately 50 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners, including serving and retired defense personnel. 
• Delhi alone houses around 4 lakh Union government employees.

Composition and Appointment

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the formation of the commission ahead of the Seventh Pay Commission’s term ending in 2026.
• The Chairperson and two members will be appointed soon, with the chair traditionally being a retired Supreme Court judge (e.g., Justice A.K. Mathur headed the Seventh Pay Commission).

Impact of Recommendations

• The recommendations will serve as the basis for wage settlements in public sector undertakings and similar pay revisions in States.
• The Seventh Pay Commission’s implementation in 2016 cost the exchequer ₹1 lakh crore in the fiscal year 2016-17.

Economic and Social Benefits

• The decision is expected to boost consumption and economic growth while improving the quality of life for government employees.
• It reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing employee welfare.

Trade Union Reactions

• Trade unions welcomed the move and emphasized the need for clear terms of reference, particularly on “living wage” and “living pension” concepts.
• The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-backed Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) appreciated the decision and urged for the early constitution of the panel.

Timeline for Recommendations

• As per precedence, a Pay Commission usually takes about two years to submit its report, making this early approval significant for timely implementation.

Significance

• The establishment of the Eighth Pay Commission underscores the government’s proactive approach to addressing employee demands and ensuring their financial well-being, further contributing to economic growth.

Conclusion

The approval of the Eighth Pay Commission highlights the government’s commitment to employee welfare and economic growth. Its timely formation will address wage and pension demands, benefiting millions of employees and pensioners while boosting consumption and overall economic activity.

4. Singapore to help India’s semiconductor industry

(Source – The Hindu, Section – The Hindu News- Page No. – 4)

Context

Singapore and India is exploring initiatives to manufacture semiconductors and build a semiconductor ecosystem in the country in the 60th year of diplomatic relationship

Strategic Relationship

• Singapore’s President, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, emphasized the strong and long-standing partnership between India and Singapore, established since India’s recognition of Singapore’s independence in 1965.
• Singapore has been the largest investor in India for several years.

Digital Initiatives

• Both nations are exploring the possibility of a secure data corridor between Gift City (India) and Singapore to facilitate safe financial data exchange.
• Renewable Energy and Regional Development
• Collaboration is being pursued in renewable energy.
• India’s eastern states, such as Odisha and Assam, were highlighted for their natural resources and potential in logistics, connectivity, and petrochemicals.

Upgraded Relations

• Relations between India and Singapore were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Singapore in September 2024.

Commemoration of Diplomatic Ties

• President Shanmugaratnam, along with President Droupadi Murmu, launched a joint logo to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
• The year 2025 will witness a series of events and exchanges to celebrate this milestone.

For more such UPSC-related Current Affairs, Check Out- 16 January 2025: Daily Current Affairs