DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 15th February 2025

Syllabus:

• Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT

Context: As Kerala’s Wayanad district grapples with the deaths of four people in 48 hours due to elephant attacks, the Union environment ministry has informed the Rajya Sabha that the state recorded 460 deaths and 4,527 injuries due to human-wildlife conflict in the 2020-2024 period.

Background: –

• Kerala MPs have sought amendments to the Wildlife Protection Act to prioritise human safety in light of a spate of attacks.

Key takeaways

• The human-wildlife management issue has also been discussed by the National Board for Wildlife. In the board’s last meeting, Kerala’s chief wildlife warden and officials from other states suggested that a national policy should be developed for managing human-wildlife conflict.
• A 2018 study by Dehradun’s Wildlife Institute of India and the Periyar Tiger Conservation Foundation in Kerala, has found two major drivers of human-animal conflict in the state.
• First is the decline in the quality of forest habitats, largely due to the cultivation of alien plants — mainly acacia, mangium and eucalyptus — in forest tracts for commercial purposes. With 30,000 hectares of forest land in Kerala being used for cultivation of these species, animals are deprived of their natural habitat and food sources. Moreover, these water-guzzling species also strain the forest’s natural water resources. 
• Invasive species such as lantana, mikania and senna, planted by forest department over decades, have also hindered growth of natural vegetation in forests.
• While the Kerala forest department banned the cultivation of acacia and eucalyptus in forest tracts in 2018, the process of regenerating natural forests, such that animals do not face shortage of food and water, will take time. 
• So far only 1115 hectors of forest could be reconverted into natural habitats through eco-restoration process.
• The study also found that changing agri-practices were also responsible for drawing animals. In recent years, owing to poor returns, more farmland is being left unattended. This makes them targets for wildlife looking to snack on bananas and pineapples. Moreover, the increase in wildlife attacks has further pushed people to safer settlements away from their farms. This further entices animals to raid estates neighbouring forests.
• The crisis in Kerala’s farm sector has also driven many towards animal husbandry. But domesticated animals are also prime targets for tigers and other carnivores.
• Apart from declining quality of forests and changing agri-practices, a number of other human activities, including waste disposal near forested areas, fragmentation of animal habitats due to wanton construction, and increased human presence in and around animal habitat also contribute to increasing animal-human conflict in Kerala.

How Kerala is addressing the issue

• The state has several initiatives – schemes for the construction of elephant-proof trenches, elephant-proof stone walls, and solar powered electric fencing.
• To keep animals in forests, Kerala has also undertaken eco-restoration programmes. The state is also running a scheme to acquire land from farmers, to be then converted into forestland.
• In areas which see the highest incidence of human-animal conflict, Rapid Response Teams have also been established.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus:

• Prelims & Mains – POLITY

Context: With Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar set to retire on February 18, a three-member selection committee headed by Prime Minister is set to meet on February 17 to pick his successor.

Background: –

• This is the first time that a CEC will be selected under the provisions of the new law — the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. Before this, Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu had been selected under the new law.

Key takeaways

• Earlier, Election Commissioners and the Chief Election Commissioner were appointed by the President based on the recommendations of the government.
• The law came into effect after the Supreme Court, in its ruling in March 2023, mandated a selection panel be formed and said that it should comprise the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India. The court said the order would hold good until a law was made by Parliament.
• However, when the law was passed, the Centre replaced the CJI with a Union Minister as the third member, giving the government a dominant role in the appointment process. On February 17, the panel will select a name from a list of five prepared by a search committee.
• The Act says, “A Search Committee headed by the Minister of Law and Justice and comprising two other members not below the rank of Secretary to the Government of India, shall prepare a panel of five persons for consideration of the Selection Committee, for appointment as the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners”.
• After Mr. Rajiv Kumar, Mr. Gyanesh Kumar is the senior-most Election Commissioner. The committee is also likely to select an Election Commissioner in case current Mr. Gyanesh Kumar is elevated to the top post.
• According to the law, the CEC and other ECs will be appointed from among persons who are holding or have held a post equivalent to the rank of secretary to the government of India and will be persons of integrity with knowledge of and experience in management and conduct of elections.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus:

• Prelims – ART & CULTURE

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted Dokra artwork to French President Emmanuel Macron.

Background:

• Dhokra (also spelt Dokra) is non–ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique. 

Key takeaways

• Dhokra Art is an ancient Indian metal casting tradition that has been practiced for over 4,000 years, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. 
• This art form is renowned for its distinctive lost-wax casting technique, producing non-ferrous metal artifacts that are celebrated for their primitive simplicity, enchanting folk motifs, and robust forms.
• The term “Dhokra” is derived from the Dhokra Damar tribes, traditional metalsmiths of West Bengal and Odisha. Their craftsmanship traces back to the Indus Valley Civilization, with the famous “Dancing Girl” bronze statue from Mohenjo-Daro being a prime example of early lost-wax casting.
• Geographical Spread: Over centuries, Dhokra artisans migrated across India. Today, Dhokra art is practiced nationwide, with each region infusing its unique cultural nuances into the craft.

The Lost-Wax Casting Process:

• Core Creation: Artisans begin by shaping a core from clay, roughly outlining the desired artifact’s form.
• Wax Modeling: This clay core is enveloped in a layer of beeswax, which is meticulously sculpted to incorporate intricate designs and details.
• Mold Formation: Multiple layers of fine clay are applied over the wax model to create a sturdy mold. Once dried, the assembly is heated, causing the wax to melt and drain away, leaving a hollow clay mold.
• Metal Casting: Molten metal, typically brass or bronze, is poured into the vacant mold cavity. After cooling, the clay mold is broken open to reveal the metal artifact, which is then polished and finished.

Cultural and Artistic Significance:

• Product Range: Dhokra artisans craft a diverse array of items, including figurines of deities, animals, and humans, as well as functional objects like lamps, jewelry, and utensils.
• Design Aesthetics: The art is characterized by its rustic charm, with motifs reflecting tribal folklore, nature, and daily life, often showcasing elongated forms and intricate patterns.

Source: NDTV

Syllabus:

• Prelims & Mains – ECONOMY

Context: India’s push to fund green investments through Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) is facing muted investor demand, restricting the Union government’s ability to secure a meaningful green premium—lower yields compared to regular bonds—from the debt market.

Background: –

• When the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) auctioned two new SGrBs worth Rs 10,000 crore in November and January, bonds valued at Rs 7,443 crore remained unsold and were devolved to primary dealers as investors sought high yields. This came despite a rule change allowing NRIs and foreign portfolio investors to participate without restrictions.

Key takeaways

• Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) are debt instruments issued by governments to finance environmentally sustainable projects.
• In November 2022, the Indian government approved the Sovereign Green Bonds framework, outlining the deployment of proceeds in public sector projects that aid in decreasing the economy’s emissions intensity.
• A ‘green project’ classification is based on the following principles: 
  • Encourages energy efficiency in resource utilization 
  • Reduces carbon emissions and greenhouse gases 
  • Promotes climate resilience and/or adaptation 
  • Values and improves natural ecosystems and biodiversity especially in accordance with SDG principles 
• Government of India will use the proceeds raised from Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrB) to finance and/or refinance expenditure (in parts or whole) for eligible green projects falling under ‘Eligible Categories’.
• Excluded Projects : 
  • Projects involving new or existing extraction, production and distribution of fossil fuels, including improvements and upgrades; or where the core energy source is fossil-fuel based 
  • Nuclear power generation 
  • Direct waste incineration 
  • Alcohol, weapons, tobacco, gaming, or palm oil industries 
  • Renewable energy projects generating energy from biomass using feedstock originating from protected areas 
  • Landfill projects 
  • Hydropower plants larger than 25 MW

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus:

• Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT

Context: India is among the nations hit hardest by extreme weather over the past 30 years, according to the newly released 2025 Climate Risk Index (CRI).

Background: –

• Between 1993 and 2022, the country endured more than 400 extreme events — including floods, heatwaves, and cyclones — leading to 80,000 fatalities and economic losses nearing $180 billion.

Key takeaways

• The Climate Risk Index (CRI) is an analytical tool developed by the non-governmental organization Germanwatch to assess the impacts of extreme weather events on countries and regions. 
• It evaluates both economic losses and human fatalities resulting from such events over specific periods, providing insights into countries’ exposure and vulnerability to climate-related hazards.

Key Features of the Climate Risk Index:

• Assessment Parameters: The CRI analyzes data on extreme weather events and their associated impacts. It considers metrics such as the number of fatalities, economic losses (both absolute and relative to GDP), and the frequency of events.
• Timeframes: The index offers both annual assessments and long-term evaluations, typically spanning 20 to 30 years.
• Purpose: By highlighting the countries most affected by extreme weather events, the CRI aims to raise awareness about the need for climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

Recent Findings:

• According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2025, India has shown improvement in its ranking. 
• In 2019, India was the 7th most affected country globally due to extreme weather events, but by 2022, it improved to the 49th position. However, in the long-term assessment from 1993 to 2022, India remains among the top 10 most affected countries, ranking 6th.

Source: Business Standard

Q1.) With reference to Dokra artwork, consider the following statements:

1. Dokra art is a non-ferrous metal casting technique that uses the lost-wax method.
2. The art form originated during the Mughal period.
3. Dokra artwork is primarily associated with tribal communities in Kerala.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Q2.) With reference to the Climate Risk Index (CRI), consider the following statements:

1. The CRI is published annually by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
2. It assesses countries based on the impact of extreme weather events, including economic losses and human fatalities.
3. According to the Global Climate Risk Index 2025, India ranks among the top 10 most affected countries in the long-term assessment (1993–2022).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Q3.) With reference to Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs), consider the following statements:

1. These bonds are issued by private corporations to finance environmentally sustainable projects.
2. The Indian government introduced its Sovereign Green Bond framework in 2022.
3. Funds raised through SGrBs can be used for fossil fuel-based energy projects if they promote energy efficiency.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) – b

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – d