Current Affairs – 2nd February 2025

📰 National News (India)

1️⃣ Gujarat Bus Accident near Saputara

• A bus carrying pilgrims fell into a gorge near Saputara, Gujarat.
• Casualties: 5 dead, 35 injured.
• Why it matters?
  • Highlights road safety concerns in hilly regions.
  • Raises questions about transport infrastructure and emergency response.
• UPSC Relevance:
  • Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 – Safety measures in public transport.
  • Disaster management strategies for road accidents.

🌍 International News

2️⃣ US-Russia Summit Preparations in Saudi Arabia

• Purpose: Discussing a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.
• Who’s involved?
  • United States (President Joe Biden).
  • Russia (President Vladimir Putin).
  • Saudi Arabia (Mediator).
• Why it matters?
  • Affects global geopolitics and energy prices.
  • India’s neutral stance on Russia-Ukraine conflict is significant.
• UPSC Relevance:
  • India’s foreign policy: Balancing ties with US, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
  • Energy security: Impact on oil prices.

3️⃣ British Duke of Edinburgh Visits India

• Where? Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Purpose: Strengthen India-UK relations.
• Key engagements:
  • Met Maharashtra’s Governor.
  • Visited Wankhede Stadium and Taj Palace Hotel.
• Why it matters?
  • Boosts bilateral relations between India and the UK.
  • Encourages educational and cultural exchanges.
• UPSC Relevance:
  • Soft diplomacy and trade relations between India and UK.

🌱 Environment & Disaster Management

4️⃣ Severe Flooding in Townsville, Australia

• Cause: Heavy rainfall led to urban flooding.
• Impact:
  • Six suburbs evacuated.
  • One casualty as a rescue boat capsized.
• Why it matters?
  • Shows the climate change impact on extreme weather patterns.
  • Raises concerns about disaster management in urban areas.
• UPSC Relevance:
  • India’s urban flooding challenges (Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru).
  • Disaster preparedness strategies.

🔬 Science & Technology

5️⃣ ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission Update

• What’s new? ISRO completed crew module testing for the Gaganyaan mission.
• Why it matters?
  • India’s first human spaceflight mission in 2025.
  • Boosts India’s space research capabilities.
• UPSC Relevance:
  • Atmanirbhar Bharat in space technology.
  • ISRO vs. NASA, SpaceX, Roscosmos comparisons.

🛑 Social Issues

6️⃣ Antisemitic Vandalism in Sydney, Australia

• What happened? Two more cases of antisemitic graffiti were reported.
• Political response: Linked to pro-Palestine protests.
• Why it matters?
  • Highlights rising hate crimes and religious intolerance.
  • Raises concerns about global communal tensions.
• UPSC Relevance:
  • India’s policies on religious harmony and secularism.
  • Freedom of speech vs. hate speech debates.

📝 Section 1: National Affairs

1️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding the Saputara bus accident in Gujarat:

1. The accident occurred in the Western Ghats region of Gujarat.
2. Poor road infrastructure and lack of safety measures in hilly areas have been cited as major reasons for frequent accidents.
3. The Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 plays a crucial role in regulating transport safety in India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

✅ Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
💡 Explanation:

• Saputara is in Gujarat’s Sahyadri Hills, not in the Western Ghats.
• The Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 focuses on road safety regulations, penalties, and vehicle fitness norms.

2️⃣ Which of the following provisions are included in the Motor Vehicles Act, 2019?

1. Higher penalties for traffic violations.
2. National Register for Driving Licenses.
3. Compensation for road accident victims.
4. Mandatory airbags and safety features in vehicles.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

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

✅ Answer: (a) 1, 2, and 3 only
💡 Explanation:

• The Motor Vehicles Act, 2019 imposes heavier penalties and ensures better compensation for accident victims.
• Airbags and other safety features come under Bharat NCAP and AIS safety norms, not the Motor Vehicles Act.

🌍 Section 2: International Affairs

3️⃣ Consider the following statements about the US-Russia summit preparations in Saudi Arabia:

1. The summit aims to establish a permanent ceasefire in Ukraine.
2. Saudi Arabia is acting as a mediator between the US and Russia.
3. India has supported economic sanctions on Russia since the start of the Ukraine conflict.

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

✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
💡 Explanation:

• India has not imposed sanctions on Russia and has maintained a neutral stance.
• Saudi Arabia is increasingly acting as a mediator in global conflicts.

4️⃣ The India-UK relationship has historically been based on which of the following pillars?

1. Trade and Investment
2. Defense and Security Cooperation
3. Cultural and Educational Exchange
4. Environmental and Climate Change Cooperation

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

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

✅ Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
💡 Explanation:
The UK and India have strong economic ties (FTA discussions ongoing), collaborate in climate change initiatives, and have deep historical relations dating back to the colonial period.

🌱 Section 3: Environment & Disaster Management

5️⃣ With reference to urban flooding, which of the following statements are correct?

1. Climate change has led to increased frequency and intensity of urban flooding.
2. Encroachment of floodplains and poor urban planning contribute to urban floods.
3. India has a dedicated national policy for urban flood management.

Select the correct answer:

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

✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
💡 Explanation:

• Climate change is causing intense and unpredictable rainfall, leading to urban flooding.
• Encroachment of lakes, poor drainage, and unregulated urbanization worsen floods.
• India does not have a dedicated policy on urban floods; the NDMA guidelines provide recommendations.

🛸 Section 3: Science & Technology

6️⃣ Which of the following are objectives of ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission?

1. To demonstrate human spaceflight capability.
2. To establish a permanent space station by 2030.
3. To enable India’s participation in global space missions.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

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

✅ Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only
💡 Explanation:

• Gaganyaan aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities, not establish a space station yet.
• India has plans for a space station by 2035, but this is separate from Gaganyaan.

🛑 Section 3: Social Issues & World Affairs

7️⃣ Which international conflicts are currently affecting global geopolitics?

1. Israel-Palestine conflict
2. Russia-Ukraine war
3. China-Taiwan tensions
4. South China Sea disputes

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

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

✅ Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
💡 Explanation:

• Russia-Ukraine War continues to impact global geopolitics.
• Israel-Palestine tensions have escalated with ongoing conflicts.
• China-Taiwan tensions and US-China rivalry affect Asia’s security.
• South China Sea disputes involve territorial claims by multiple countries.

8️⃣ With reference to hate speech and religious intolerance, consider the following statements:

1. Hate speech is explicitly defined in Indian Penal Code (IPC).
2. India has a separate law for criminalizing hate speech.
3. The Indian Constitution allows restrictions on freedom of speech and expression in case of public disorder.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

✅ Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only
💡 Explanation:

• No specific definition of “hate speech” exists in IPC. However, sections like 153A, 295A, and 505 of IPC deal with offenses related to promoting enmity between groups.
• India does not have a separate law against hate speech, but such cases are prosecuted under IPC and IT Act.
• Article 19(2) of the Constitution allows reasonable restrictions on free speech for maintaining public order and sovereignty.