9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 1st February, 2025

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

NIPUN Bharat Mission improves foundational learning outcomes

Source: The post NIPUN Bharat Mission improves foundational learning outcomes has been created, based on the article “Behind NEP’s success story, the real heroes” published in “Indian Express” on 1st February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Context: The article highlights improvements in foundational learning in India, driven by the NIPUN Bharat Mission. It explains government efforts, funding, and teacher training. It shares success stories from states and suggests extending the program to 2030 for sustained impact.

For detailed information on Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 read this article here

How has foundational learning improved?

1. For the first time in years, ASER 2024 data shows positive trends in Grade III learning outcomes. More students can read and solve basic math problems.
2. In Uttar Pradesh, the percentage of Grade III students reading Grade II texts increased from 24% to 34%. The percentage of students solving subtraction problems improved from 29% to 41% between 2022 and 2024.
3. Odisha has also seen progress due to its innovative use of workbooks.

What is NIPUN Bharat, and how does it work?

1. NIPUN Bharat (National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy) was launched in 2021 to improve foundational literacy and numeracy.
2. The program allocates Rs 500 per child for teaching-learning materials.
3. Rs 5,000 per teacher is given for capacity-building workshops, and Rs 150 per teacher for resource materials.
4. States receive Rs 10-20 lakh for assessments to track learning outcomes.
5. Rs 25 lakh to Rs 1 crore is provided for Project Management Units at state and district levels.

For detailed information on Union Education Minister to launch NIPUN Bharat read this article here

What are some success stories?

1. Uttar Pradesh: Learning Through Songs

• Ravi Sharma, a primary school teacher, uses songs to teach math.
• Students chant, “ek-do thaila lo, teen-chaar chalo bazaar” while learning numbers.

2. Odisha: Confidence in Reading

• Second-grader Shragatika Ghosh now reads Odia stories confidently.
• Colourful and contextualised workbooks improved foundational literacy.

What challenges remain?

1. Struggles with Advanced Concepts: Many children face difficulties in higher grades after early learning gains.
2. Gaps in Learning Readiness: Marginalised children often start school without basic skills.
3. Need for Long-Term Support: NIPUN Bharat took four years to show results. Expanding it to 2030 will deepen impact.
4. Bridging the Gap: Extending learning support to Grades III–V and investing in Early Childhood Education (ECE)is essential.

Question for practice:

Discuss the impact of the NIPUN Bharat Mission on foundational learning outcomes in India, including improvements, success stories, and remaining challenges.

Trump’s Policies Impact India’s Economy and Workers

Source: The post Trump’s Policies Impact India’s Economy and Workers has been created, based on the article “A note for New Delhi on dealing with ‘Trumperica’” published in “The Hindu” on 1st February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests,

Context: The article discusses the impact of Donald Trump’s policies on India. It covers immigration crackdowns, trade tariffs, and AI developments. It highlights risks for Indian workers, businesses, and diplomacy. India must adjust policies to handle these economic and geopolitical changes effectively.

For detailed information on Trump’s Re-election and India US Relations read this article here

How Will Trump’s Immigration Policies Affect India?

1. Strict Immigration Rules: Trump has ordered border security, visa restrictions, and mass deportations.
2. High Number of Undocumented Indians: 7.25 lakh undocumented Indians live in the U.S.; 18,000 face deportation.
3. Loss of Remittances: Deportation will reduce remittances and increase unemployment in India.
4. Trade Penalties Risk: Trump forced Colombia to accept deportees by threatening 25% tariffs; India could face similar pressure.
5. H-1B Visa Restrictions: Trump removed spousal work rights and opposed birthright citizenship, affecting skilled Indian workers.

How Will Trump’s Trade Policies Impact India?

1. Trump’s “America First Trade Policy” prioritizes U.S. industries.
2. India lost its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits under Trump’s first term.
3. The U.S. forced India to stop oil imports from Iran and Venezuela.
4. Trump’s 10% tariff on China may shift global trade dynamics.
5. U.S. withdrawal from global agreements may reduce economic cooperation with India.

What Is Trump’s Strategy Toward China?

1. Trump proposed a lower tariff of 10% on China, which is significantly less than his previous threat of 60%.
2. He invited China’s President Xi Jinping to the U.S. inauguration, signaling a possible shift towards more favorable relations.
3. The softer approach contradicts his previous harsh stance on China, including reversing the TikTok ban.
4. His approach hints at a revival of the U.S.-China “G-2” concept, which would impact India’s position in U.S.-China tensions, previously beneficial for India’s economic strategy.

How Will Trump’s AI Policies Impact Indian Workers?

1. Trump launched a $500 billion AI project to boost U.S. technology.
2. Impact on Indian workers:

• Reduced demand for migrant tech workers due to increasing automation.
• Potential job losses for mid-level engineers as AI takes over coding and other tasks.
• Example: Google CEO Sundar Pichai said AI generates 25% of new code.

3. India’s IT sector (40% of exports) depends on U.S. demand for skilled workers.

What Should India Do?

1. India must prepare for reduced migration opportunities and job losses.
2. Trade policies must adapt to potential U.S. tariffs and changing global partnerships.
3. The government should focus on skilling workers for AI and automation.
4. India needs to reassess its foreign policy to protect economic interests in “Trumperica.”

Question for practice:

Examine how Donald Trump’s immigration and trade policies affect India.

Myanmar faces conflict and suffering without solution

Source: The post Myanmar faces conflict and suffering without solution has been created, based on the article “Four years on, Myanmar and its continuing nightmare” published in “The Hindu” on 1st February 2025

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

Context: The article discusses Myanmar’s ongoing crisis since the 2021 military coup. Armed conflict continues, displacing millions. ASEAN and the UN failed to mediate. China’s influence has grown. Elections seem unlikely to bring peace. Myanmar’s people suffer while leaders refuse dialogue.

For detailed information on On The Myanmar Crisis read Article1, Article2

What is the current situation in Myanmar?

1. Ongoing Conflict: Armed battles continue across Myanmar between the military, ethnic armed organizations (EAOs), and people’s defense forces (PDFs).
2. High Casualties and Arrests: The military has arrested 28,405 people, with 21,683 still detained. It has killed 6,224 people, while 2,900 deaths remain unverified.
3. Mass Displacement: Over 3.3 million people are internally displaced due to violence.
4. Failed Elections: The military’s attempts to hold elections have failed. Half of the country is beyond its control.

Who are fighting in Myanmar?

1. Myanmar’s Military (Junta): The military seized power in a coup on February 1, 2021, overturning the 2020 election results. It uses force to suppress opposition.
2. Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs): These groups control parts of Myanmar, especially near borders. They have long resisted military rule.
3. People’s Defense Forces (PDFs): Civilian groups formed after the coup to fight the military. They operate across the country, including in central regions.
4. National Unity Government (NUG): An unrecognized government coordinating resistance.

What role is ASEAN playing?

1. ASEAN was given the responsibility to mediate Myanmar’s crisis after the 2021 coup.
2. It introduced the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) to stop violence and start dialogue.
3. The plan failed because both the military and resistance groups rejected negotiations.
4. ASEAN foreign ministers advised Myanmar’s military to focus on dialogue instead of elections.
5. The military ignored ASEAN’s advice and continued violent suppression.
6. Elections under current conditions will not represent the people, as half the country is outside military control.
7. ASEAN’s mediation remains ineffective, leaving Myanmar in deep crisis.

How are Myanmar’s Neighbors Responding?

1. China’s Influence is Growing: Since the coup, China has expanded its role in Myanmar. It remains the most powerful external player.
2. Border Areas Under Rebel Control: Myanmar’s borders with India and Bangladesh are controlled by Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs). The government has lost authority there.
3. India-Bangladesh Issues: Relations between India and Bangladesh are strained. This prevents coordinated action.
4. Thailand’s Limitations: As an ASEAN member and neighbor, Thailand is well-placed to help but lacks sufficient influence.
5. Lack of Regional Consensus: Due to mistrust, neighbors have not formed a unified strategy to resolve Myanmar’s crisis.

What is the future for Myanmar?

Myanmar’s people cannot rely on outside help. If leaders continue fighting instead of negotiating, the suffering will continue. Without dialogue, the conflict will not end, and civilians will keep paying the price.

Question for practice:

Examine the role of ASEAN in mediating Myanmar’s crisis and the reasons for its failure.

GS PAPER - 3

India’s Economic Growth Challenges and Policy Reforms

Source: The post India’s Economic Growth Challenges and Policy Reforms has been created, based on the article “Donald Trump, climate change: Global threats to India’s growth story” published in “Indian Express” on 1st February 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation, of resources, growth, development.

Context: The article discusses India’s economic growth, fiscal policies, and investment trends. It highlights slower GDP growth, inflation concerns, and private investment challenges. It stresses the need for deregulation, better capital spending, energy transition, and policy reforms to sustain long-term economic growth.

For detailed information on India’s Economic Challenges and Policy Reform Needs read Article1, Article2, Article3

How is India’s GDP Growth and Global Economic Environment Changing?

1. India’s first advance GDP growth estimate for this fiscal year is 6.4%, lower than last year’s 2. 2. Economic Survey projection of 6.5-7%.
2. This is slightly below the pre-pandemic decadal average of 6.6%.
3. Nominal GDP growth is 9.7%, lower than the 10.5% target in the budget.
4. The US is growing near its trend rate of 2% in 2025, while China is slowing and Europe is below trend.
5. Donald Trump’s tariff threats could impact India’s trade with the US.
6. The World Bank forecasts India’s growth at 6.7% next year, while the IMF expects 6.5%.

What is Driving India’s Investment and What Challenges Remain?

1. Public and household investments are driving post-pandemic recovery.
2. Private corporate investments are still weak.
3. The Economic Survey notes that India competes for investments with both emerging and advanced economies.
4. The budget projected 17.1% growth in capital expenditure (capex), down from 28.2% last year.
5. Capex growth is lagging due to slow spending by the Centre and states.
6. Nearly 40% of central projects (costing over ₹150 crore) exceeded budgets and deadlines.

How Can India Improve Manufacturing and Trade?

1. India needs a clear, long-term tariff policy for inputs, intermediates, and final products.
2. A stable tariff regime will boost investment, especially in manufacturing.
3. The Economic Survey stresses the need for deregulation to unlock domestic-led growth.

What are the Inflation and Energy Transition Challenges?

1. Inflation is expected to moderate next year.
2. Crisil forecasts 4.4% retail inflation, assuming a normal monsoon and crude oil at $75 per barrel.
3. Food inflation remains high (8.4% in December 2024), delaying interest rate cuts.
4. India must strengthen food processing, climate-resilient crops, and cold storage to control food inflation.
5. India faces an energy transition challenge, as industry and infrastructure sectors are carbon-intensive.
6. India depends on imports for solar energy components like polysilicon, ingots, and wafers.
7. A strategic policy shift is needed to build domestic capacity.

What Reforms are Needed for Growth and Fiscal Stability?

1. India must ease regulatory hurdles in labour laws, land acquisition, taxation, and dispute resolution.
2. The PM Gati Shakti plan improved logistics; a similar approach can accelerate broader reforms.
3. High nominal GDP growth (14.2% between 2022-24) helped fiscal consolidation.
4. This fiscal year, nominal GDP grew only 9.7%, below budget expectations.
5. Fiscal consolidation should be gradual to maintain economic momentum.

Question for practice:

Examine the factors affecting India’s GDP growth and the policy measures needed to sustain long-term economic growth.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Suzetrigine

News: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Suzetrigine, a new non-opioid painkiller.

About Suzetrigine

• Suzetrigine is a  non-opioid painkiller developed by US-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
• Unlike opioids, which work in the brain, suzetrigine blocks pain signals before they reach the brain.
• It targets nociceptors (specialized nerve endings that sense pain). This prevents the brain from perceiving pain despite the presence of tissue injury.
• Since it does not stimulate opioid receptors, it does not cause euphoria or addiction.

Significance of Suzetrigine

• Non-addictive alternative to opioids, addressing the opioid crisis in the US.
• Potential to reduce opioid dependency among pain patients.
• Can help prevent opioid overdose deaths, which reached 82,000 in 2022.
• Targets post-surgical pain and other moderate-to-severe pain conditions.

About Opioids

• Definition: Opioids are drugs that either derive from or mimic substances found in the opium poppy plant.
• Common Opioids: Morphine, oxycodone, codeine, fentanyl, and heroin.
• How They Work: They bind to opioid receptors in brain cells, blocking pain signals and creating feelings of pleasure or euphoria.
• Addiction Risk: While effective for pain relief, opioids can be highly addictive, leading to dependence and misuse.