9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 15th February, 2025

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Modi’s visit to Washington impacted India-US relations

Source: The post India’s Growing Influence in the Indian Ocean has been created, based on the article “Express View on Modi and Trump’s meeting: A promising future” published in “Indian Express” on 15th February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting

Context: The article discusses India-US relations after Modi’s visit to Washington. It covers trade, immigration, and defense cooperation. Both leaders aim to resolve differences and strengthen ties. India will repatriate illegal immigrants. The US wants better market access. Defense and technology partnerships will expand.

How are India and the US strengthening their strategic partnership?

1. Modi and Trump aimed to reduce differences and expand cooperation.
2. A new framework, COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology), was introduced to enhance military, trade, and technology partnerships.
3. The summit marked a commitment to a “result-driven agenda”, which India needs to implement effectively.
4. Modi’s visit set the stage for deeper ties before Trump’s expected visit to India later in the year.

What are the key issues in trade and immigration?

1. Trump emphasized reducing the US trade deficit, which had shifted in India’s favor.
2. He demanded better market access for US goods and criticized India’s tariffs.
3. Reciprocal tariffs were expected by spring, giving India a chance to negotiate a fair trade arrangement.
4. Both countries set an ambitious target of $500 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030.
5. On illegal immigration, India agreed to repatriate verified illegal immigrants from the US.
6. Both nations planned to combat human trafficking by targeting criminal networks.
7. The US acknowledged the importance of legal and sustainable mobility for skilled Indian professionals, students, and businesspeople.

In which sectors are India and the US increasing cooperation?

1. Energy: India, a major hydrocarbon importer, aimed to benefit from US energy exports.
2. Nuclear energy: Both countries agreed to expand cooperation, as the sector was experiencing a revival.
3. Defense: India planned to increase US arms imports, and Trump agreed to review restrictions on defense technology transfers.
4. Technology: Both leaders committed to expanding cooperation in emerging areas like Artificial Intelligence.
5. Regional security: They pledged to enhance engagement in the Indo-Pacific and broaden their focus on the Middle East.

What is the broader impact of the Modi-Trump partnership?

1. Modi’s “India First” and Trump’s “America First” policies found common ground.
2. Both leaders emphasized self-interest and deal-making in international relations.
3. Their partnership set India and the US on a promising path for economic and strategic collaboration.

Question for practice:

Evaluate how Modi’s visit to Washington impacted India-US relations in terms of trade, immigration, and defense cooperation.

India’s Growing Influence in the Indian Ocean

Source: The post India’s Growing Influence in the Indian Ocean has been created, based on the article “What India needs to do in the Indian Ocean” published in “Indian Express” on 15th February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses India’s role in the Indian Ocean and its maritime influence. It highlights historical trade, security challenges, and India’s naval neglect. It also covers efforts like the SAGAR initiative and India’s hosting of the Eighth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat.

For detailed information on India’s rising power in the Indian Ocean read this article here

Why is the Indian Ocean important?

1. The Indian Ocean is the world’s third-largest ocean and connects 26 countries.
2. It handles 70% of global container traffic and 80% of India’s external trade.
3. 90% of India’s energy trade passes through its waters.
4. The region is crucial for landlocked nations like Nepal and Bhutan.
5. Global powers like the US, UK, France, and China have a strong presence here.

What was India’s historical role in the Indian Ocean?

1. Ancient Indian traders like the Manigramam Chettis and Nanadesis dominated maritime trade.
2. Indian kingdoms like the Andhras, Pallavas, and Cholas traded with the Arab world and Southeast Asia.
3. Kautilya’s Arthashastra mentioned port commissioners, showing India’s early focus on maritime affairs.
4. The British colonial rulers did not develop India’s naval power.
5. After independence, India continued to focus more on land-based defense.

What challenges does the Indian Ocean region face today?

1. Security threats include piracy, terrorism, arms trafficking, and illegal fishing.
2. Climate challenges include rising sea levels, disaster relief, and evacuations.
3. Undersea cables, mostly controlled by European and Chinese firms, are critical for global communication.
4. The region has become a crowded space with ships from major global powers.

How is India strengthening its maritime presence?

1. India ranks 20th in global shipbuilding, with only 0.06% market share.
2. Diplomat K M Panikkar, in India and the Indian Ocean (1945), warned about India’s maritime dependence.
3. The SAGAR Initiative (Security And Growth for All in the Region) was launched in 2015.
4. India is hosting the Eighth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Muscat with 30 countries participating.

What is the future of India’s role in the Indian Ocean?

1. Geopolitical strategist Alfred T. Mahan said that control over the Indian Ocean is key to global power.
2. India aims to become a strong blue-water navy and lead the Global South.

3.Regional leaders must ensure that the Indian Ocean remains under their control and is not dominated by external powers.

Question for practice:

Examine the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean and the challenges it faces today.

China’s restrictions threaten India’s manufacturing and growth

Source: The post China’s restrictions threaten India’s manufacturing and growth has been created, based on the article “Dealing with China’s weaponisation of e-supply chains” published in “The Hindu” on 15th February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: China is restricting its engineers and critical equipment exports to India, affecting Apple-Foxconn’s production. This move is to slow India’s manufacturing growth. India must develop local industries, invest in skilled labor, and attract private capital for long-term manufacturing independence.

For detailed information on Issue with China’s Export Restrictions read this article here

Why is China Restricting Engineers and Equipment to India?

1. China has stopped its engineers and technicians from working in Foxconn’s India facilities. It is also restricting exports of critical manufacturing equipment.
2. This move affects Apple-Foxconn’s production in India. China is using its dominance in advanced machinery and skilled workforce to slow India’s progress.
3. China is reacting to India’s growing role in global supply chains.
4. Many companies are adopting a China Plus One strategy to reduce dependence on China. India, Vietnam, and Mexico are gaining from this shift. China wants to protect its role in global production and maintain its geopolitical advantage.

How Does This Impact India’s Manufacturing Growth?

1. Disrupts Apple-Foxconn’s Production: China’s restrictions on engineers and critical equipment are slowing down manufacturing in India.
2. Affects India’s Global Manufacturing Ambitions: Apple-Foxconn is key to India’s goal of becoming a manufacturing hub.
3. Creates a Manpower Shortage: Foxconn is replacing Chinese engineers with Taiwanese workers.
4. Hurts Production of iPhones: In FY 2023-24, Apple assembled $14 billion worth of iPhones in India.
5. Exposes Dependence on China: India relies on China for specialized machinery and components.
6. Threatens Supply Chain Growth: India benefits from the China Plus One strategy but needs self-reliance.

What is India Doing to Boost Manufacturing?

1. Encouraging Apple-Foxconn’s Growth: In FY 2023-24, Apple assembled $14 billion worth of iPhones in India through Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics.
2. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: The Union Budget 2024 increased allocation to ₹8,885 crore ($1.02 billion) from ₹6,125 crore ($0.70 billion).
3. Removing Import Duties: The Union Budget 2025 removed import taxes on mobile phone components and lithium-ion battery machinery.
4. Expanding the National Manufacturing Mission: India is promoting technological clusters and worker skill development programs for a self-sufficient electronics ecosystem.
5. Attracting Private Investment: India encourages private capital to develop domestic contract manufacturers.

How Do India-China Relations Affect This Issue?

1. India and China signed a patrolling agreement in October 2024 to ease military tensions in Ladakh.
2. However, China’s restrictions show that economic ties do not always depend on stable borders. Competition between India and China is expected to increase.

What Should India Do Next?

1. India must plan for long-term self-reliance in manufacturing. It should involve Apple and Foxconn to negotiate with China.
2. At the same time, India should:

• Develop a strong domestic supply chain for components and machinery.
• Invest in worker training and skill development programs.
• Support private capital to create Indian contract manufacturers.
• Expand the National Manufacturing Mission with more financial support.

3. India needs a holistic manufacturing ecosystem to reduce dependence on China and become a global leader in electronics production.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the impact of China’s restrictions on engineers and critical equipment exports to India on India’s manufacturing growth and its efforts to achieve self-reliance.

GS PAPER - 3

Rebuilding Teesta-3 Dam poses risks and challenges

Source: The post Rebuilding Teesta-3 Dam poses risks and challenges has been created, based on the article “The Teesta dam and the long shadow of climate change” published in “The Hindu” on 15th February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Disaster and disaster management.

Context: The article discusses the risks of rebuilding the Teesta-3 dam in Sikkim after its destruction by a 2023 glacial lake outburst flood. Experts warn that climate change increases such risks, and rebuilding should prioritize local safety over commercial viability.

For detailed information on Issue with hydropower projects on the Teesta River read this article here

Why Was the Teesta-3 Dam Destroyed?

1. Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF): In October 2023, the Teesta-3 dam was destroyed by a GLOF originating from South Lhonak Lake.
2. Moraine Slope Failure: The dam’s destruction was triggered by a slope failure at the lake’s moraine, causing rocks to tumble into the water, creating a powerful ripple effect.
3. Volume of Water Released: Satellite data showed that approximately 50 billion litres of water surged into the valley below, carrying dam debris that intensified the destruction downstream.
4. Catastrophic Impact: The flood killed over 100 people and affected more than 80,000 across four districts, also triggering landslides about 30 to 40 kilometres downstream.

How Is Climate Change Making GLOFs More Dangerous?

1. Accelerated Glacier Melting: Rising temperatures are melting Himalayan glaciers faster, increasing water accumulation in glacial lakes.
2. Increase in Glacial Lakes: Between 2011 and 2024, the number of glacial lakes grew by 10.8%, and their surface area expanded by 33.7% (Central Water Commission report).
3. Black Carbon Deposition: Soot from industries speeds up glacier melting, worsening the risk.
4. Unstable Geological Formations: Glacial retreat weakens mountain slopes, making landslides and floods more likely. For example – South Lhonak Lake: It grew to 167 hectares by 2023, leading to the Teesta-3 dam disaster.

Why Is the Government Planning to Rebuild the Dam?

1. Successful and Commercially Viable: The Teesta-3 dam was considered a successful project before its destruction and was commercially profitable.
2. Power Generation Equipment Intact: The hydroelectric machinery survived the GLOF, making restoration easier.
3. Growing Power Demand: India’s rising electricity needs require continued hydropower production.
4. Stronger Design Proposed: The new design includes a larger spillway, stronger concrete construction, and an early-warning system.
5. Worst-Case Scenario Modeling: The India Meteorological Department used maximum future rainfall predictions to guide reconstruction.

Why Is Rebuilding the Dam Controversial?

1. Seismic and Landslide Risks: The dam is in an earthquake- and landslide-prone area, making it vulnerable to future disasters.
2. Flawed Clearance Process: The dam has faced public interest litigations over techno-economic approval issuesand alleged corruption.
3. Unpredictable Disaster Patterns: Experts warn that rainfall models alone cannot predict future floods, as seen in 2023 GLOF.
4. Potential for Greater Destruction: If another, stronger flood occurs, the new dam might fail catastrophically, causing greater downstream damage.
5. Erosion and Sediment Transport: A study in January 2025 highlighted that existing models do not fully account for erosion and sediment transport, making risk predictions uncertain.
6. Engineering Limitations: Some experts argue that engineering solutions alone cannot prevent climate-related disasters and suggest that long-term safety measures should be prioritized.

For detailed information on On Dam Safety read this article here

What Are the Broader Risks?

1. The dam increased damage in the 2023 flood by obstructing water flow.
2. A stronger or different flood in the future could cause even greater destruction.
3. Some experts argue that rebuilding in disaster-prone areas is unsustainable.
4. They suggest prioritizing local safety, social security, and economic resilience over commercial viability.
5. The cost of risk mitigation should be included in the dam’s power tariff.

Question for practice:

Examine the risks and challenges associated with rebuilding the Teesta-3 dam in Sikkim after its destruction by the 2023 Glacial Lake Outburst Flood.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Indirect Prompt Injection

News: Indirect prompt injection attacks have recently gained attention as a serious cybersecurity threat targeting AI chatbots powered by large language models (LLMs).

About Indirect Prompt Injection:

• It is a technique used to manipulate AI chatbots into executing malicious commands.
• Exploits the chatbot’s ability to follow embedded instructions within processed content.
• How It Works
  • Attackers embed hidden commands in emails, documents, or web pages.
  • When an AI chatbot interacts with these materials, it unknowingly executes malicious actions.
  • Unlike direct prompt injection, users do not actively input malicious prompts—the AI extracts and follows hidden instructions.
• Advanced Techniques Used
  • Delayed Tool Invocation: AI follows malicious instructions only when triggered by specific user responses, making detection harder.
  • Persistent Memory Manipulation: False information can be embedded into the chatbot’s long-term memory, leading to ongoing misinformation.
  • Security Risks:
• Data Breaches: AI may be tricked into revealing sensitive user or company information
  • Misinformation: Attackers can plant false knowledge that persists in chatbot memory.
  • Unauthorized Actions: AI could be induced to alter settings, generate harmful content, or spread misleading data.

TRUST Initiative

News: The India-US TRUST Initiative is a recent agreement between India and the United States to work together to secure the supply of critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements (REEs), essential for advanced technologies, energy, and pharmaceutical production.

About TRUST Initiative

• TRUST stands for: Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology.
• It is a partnership between India and the US to:
  • Improve the supply of critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements (REEs).
  • Strengthen supply chains for pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, and high-tech products.
  • Reduce dependence on China, which currently dominates the global supply of critical minerals.

Key Objectives of TRUST

• Strengthen supply chains for: Critical minerals (lithium, rare earth, cobalt, etc.), Pharmaceuticals (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients – APIs) and advanced materials used in technology and defence.
• Encourage technology sharing: It reduce export controls between India and the U.S.A and speed up the transfer of advanced technology between the two countries.
• Boost manufacturing and innovation in Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum computing, Defence technology, Space exploration and clean energy solutions.

Benefits for India and U.S.A 

(i) Stronger Pharma Supply Chain:

• TRUST will help India secure the minerals needed for drug production and reduce dependence on China.
• Helps India maintain its position as a major exporter of medicines to the US.

(ii) Securing Critical Minerals:

• Lithium and rare earth minerals are needed for electric vehicles, batteries, and defence equipment.
• India and the US will work on exploring and processing these minerals together.
• Less reliance on China, making supply chains safer.

(iii) Encouraging Innovation:

• TRUST will bring together experts from universities, companies, and governments.
• Focus on new technologies in defence, space, AI, and renewable energy.
• Semiconductors and batteries are key areas for cooperation.

Extended Reality (XR)

News: The XR Creator Hackathon is in the news because its Delhi chapter was recently held on 8th February 2025 at 91 Springboard, Noida, as part of the WAVE Summit initiative.

About Extended Reality (XR)

• Extended Reality (XR) is a broad term that includes all immersive technologies that blend the real and virtual worlds.
• It covers Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR).
• These technologies transform how we interact with digital content, making it feel more realistic and engaging.

Key Types of XR Technologies

XR Technology	Description	Example Applications
Virtual Reality (VR)	Creates a fully immersive digital environment where users experience a simulated world through VR headsets.	Gaming, Training Simulations, Virtual Tours
Augmented Reality (AR)	Overlays digital content (images, information, objects) onto the real world through smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses.	AR Filters, Navigation Apps, Product Visualization
Mixed Reality (MR)	Combines real and virtual worlds, allowing digital objects to interact with the physical environment in real-time.	Industrial Design, Remote Collaboration, Education

Sudan Virus

News: The Ugandan government and the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed a new Sudan virus disease (SVD) outbreak in February 2025.

About Sudan Virus

• Caused by: Sudan virus (SUDV) is part of the Orthoebolavirus genus, the same family as the Ebola virus.
• Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, fatigue, diarrhoea, vomiting, and internal and external bleeding.
  • Symptoms resemble those of Ebola virus disease. Sudan virus causes severe hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate.
• Transmission:
  • Spread through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, or contaminated materials.
  • Healthcare settings with poor infection control are high-risk areas
• Diagnosis:
  • Requires laboratory testing (PCR tests or antigen detection tests).
  • Early isolation is critical even before confirmation.
• Treatment & Vaccines:
  • No specific vaccine or antiviral treatment is approved for the Sudan virus.
  • Phase 1 vaccine trial is underway for the virus.
  • Supportive care: Fluid replacement, fever management, pain relief, and treatment of co-infections.
  • Experimental vaccine candidates and monoclonal antibody treatments are under development.
• Control Measures:
  • Contact tracing, isolation, and infection prevention protocols are the most effective containment tools.
  • Weak healthcare systems and poor infection control accelerate transmission.
• Climate Change Impact:
  • Climate change is influencing the spread of infectious diseases, including Sudan virus and other hemorrhagic fevers.
  • Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and yellow fever are also spreading to new regions, including Europe and North America.

Concept of Tax Year

News: The concept of tax year is in the news because it is a key feature introduced in the new Income-Tax Bill, 2025 during the presentation of the Union Budget on February 1, 2025.

About the Concept of Tax Year

• The ‘tax year’ is defined as a 12-month period starting from April 1 and ending on March 31.
• This aligns with India’s financial year but replaces the earlier term ‘assessment year’ used under the Income-tax Act, 1961.
• The new tax year concept is expected to come into effect from April 1, 2026, along with the rest of the provisions of the new Income-Tax Bill, 2025.
• Objective of the Change:
  • The simplification aims to align tax reporting directly with the financial year to avoid confusion regarding assessment and previous years.
  • It is expected to pave the way for a more fluid and transparent income tax reporting system.
• Impact on Taxpayers:
  • Taxpayers will report income and file returns based on the income earned within the same tax year.
  • This reduces confusion, especially for new taxpayers, as the concept of ‘previous year’ and ‘assessment year’ was often misunderstood.
  • Reduction in compliance complexity as reporting will follow a straightforward tax year approach.
• Applicability for Businesses/Professions:
  • For a newly established business or profession, the tax year will begin from the date of commencement of the business/profession and end on the same March 31 of that financial year.
  • This allows businesses to align their tax reporting with their operational start date within the same financial cycle.