24 Feb 2025 Daily Current Affairs

for UPSC IAS, CDS, CAPF AC Exams.

1. Fishery Survey of India (FSI)

A deep-sea fishing expedition by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) recently revealed several highly productive, potentially untouched fishing grounds in the Arabian Sea.

About Fishery Survey of India (FSI):

The FSI, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, is the nodal fishery institute in India.
Primary Responsibility: Survey and assessment of fishery resources in the Indian exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and adjoining areas for their optimum utilization and sustainable development.
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
History:
- It was established in the year 1946 as Deep Sea Fishing Station with the objective of augmenting food supply through the development of deep-sea fishing.
- It graduated to the status of a survey institute in the year 1974 under the name Exploratory Fisheries Project, with bases known as Offshore Fishing Stations in all the maritime states.
- The objectives of exploratory fishing and charting of fishing grounds, training of fishing operatives, and testing commercial possibilities of deep-sea fishing were assigned to it.
- In 1983 it was reorganized and upgraded as a national institute, the FSI.
- It was recognised as a Science & Technology Institute in the year 1988.

Source : New fishing grounds in Arabian Sea discovered

2. What is Vancomycin?

A study led by the University of Birmingham recently found that vancomycin, a commonly used antibiotic for diarrhea, could effectively treat a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) linked to autoimmune liver disease.

About Vancomycin:

It is a glycopeptide antibiotic used to treat severe but susceptible bacterial infections such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
It is commonly used to treat infections in the bloodstream, skin and soft tissues, heart valves (endocarditis), bones, joints, and certain intestinal infections like difficile-associated diarrhea.
However, it may cause some serious side effects, including damage to hearing and kidneys. These side effects may be more likely to occur in elderly patients.
Vancomycin will not work for colds, flu or other viral infections.

● Mechanism of Action of Vancomycin:

It works by interfering with the bacterial cell wall synthesis.
- Bacterial cells have a rigid outer layer called the cell wall, which provides structural support and protects the cell from bursting.
- Vancomycin binds to specific components in the cell wall, preventing the formation of a stable cell wall structure.
- As a result, the bacterial cell becomes weak and more susceptible to damage, leading to its death.

Source : Common antibiotic that treats diarrhea can also treat inflammatory bowel disease: Study

3. Bailey Bridge

A suspension Bailey bridge over the Teesta river at Sangkalang in the Mangan district of north Sikkim collapsed recently.

About Bailey Bridge:

A Bailey bridge is a portable, prefabricated truss bridge, capable of supporting vehicular traffic.
It was conceptualized and designed by Sir Donald Bailey, UK in 1941 and used extensively since World War II.
The characteristics of the Bailey bridge were standardization and simplicity of panels, readiness of assembly in the field, capacity for additional strengthening by doubling or tripling the truss girders, and adaptability to long spans with the aid of pontoons.
Bailey bridge assembly covers a small area, which can avoid the situation that large hoisting equipment cannot enter the construction site.
It is limited by its structure and bearing capacity, and the standard length should not exceed 60 meters. Therefore, it is generally used in terrains that span rivers, valleys, and spans that are not very large.

Source : Bailey bridge over Teesta river in north Sikkim collapses, no injuries reported

4. Crocodile Catfish

The recent discovery of the Crocodile Catfish in the Bahini River, located in the Basistha locality of Guwahati, has raised alarm over potential ecological disruptions.

About Crocodile Catfish:

Crocodile Catfish, commonly known as the Asian giant river catfish, crocodile goonch catfish, or the giant devil catfish, is a species of catfish that belongs to the family Sisoridae.
It is one of the largest freshwater catfish species in Asia.
Scientific name: Bagarius suchus
Distribution: It is native to freshwater habitats in South and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand.
Habitat:
- It is typically found in large rivers and deep pools with slow to moderate currents.
- They are often associated with rocky and gravelly substrates in their natural habitats.
Appearance:
- It can reach impressive lengths of up to 1.5 meters or more and can weigh over 50 kilograms.
- It has a long, cylindrical body with a broad head and a wide mouth.
- Its body is typically dark brown or black, and it may have irregular patches or spots on its body.
- The dorsal fin is long and extends almost the entire length of the back.
Behaviour:
- It is a carnivorous predator. It primarily feeds on other fish and various aquatic organisms.
- It is known for its voracious appetite and can consume prey that is relatively large compared to its own size.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

Source : Assam: Rare Crocodile Catfish discovery in Guwahati sparks ecological concerns

5. Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

The state government's move to build a village for tribals in the buffer zone of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary has raised questions over their safety, besides concerns over fueling wildlife conflicts.

About Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary:

It is nestled in the Western Ghats in the Kodagu district of Karnataka.
It covers an area of about 181 sq.km.
The sanctuary gets its name from the highest point, the Brahmagiri peak, which is 1607 m in height.
Rivers: The Lakshmana Tirtha River originates in the sanctuary and is a tributary of the Cauvery River.
Terrain: The area is generally of undulating terrain with several steep valleys and hillocks.
Flora:
- The primary vegetation of the sanctuary includes evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, shoal forest patches in grasslands, and bamboos.
- It is surrounded by coffee and cardamom plantations.
Fauna:
- It is the home of the lion-tailed macaque, which is a rare and endangered species.
- Tiger, elephants, bonnet macaque, common langur, barking deer, mouse deer, Malabar giant squirrel, giant flying squirrel, and Indian Gaur are the big mammals commonly found here.

Source : Concerns raised over proposal to build tribal village close to Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary

6. SAFTA

Recently, the Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) has requested the Government to regulate the inflow of edible oils from Nepal and other SAARC countries due to misuse of SAFTA norms.

About SAFTA:

It is the free trade arrangement of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
The agreement came into force in 2006, succeeding the 1993 SAARC Preferential Trading Arrangement.
SAFTA signatory countries: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
SAFTA recognizes the need for special and differential treatment for LDCs in its preamble.
The objectives of this Agreement are to promote and enhance mutual trade and economic cooperation among Contracting States by, inter-alia:
- Eliminating barriers to trade in, and facilitating the cross-border movement of goods between the territories of the Contracting States;
- Promoting conditions of fair competition in the free trade area, and ensuring equitable benefits to all Contracting States, taking into account their respective levels and pattern of economic development;
- Creating effective mechanism for the implementation and application of this Agreement, for its joint administration and for the resolution of disputes; and
- Establishing a framework for further regional cooperation to expand and enhance the mutual benefits of this Agreement.

Source : SEA urges Centre to regulate edible oil imports from Nepal due to misuse of SAFTA norms

7. Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum

The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) is being organized in New Delhi during February 12-14, 2025.

About Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum:

It is a triennial event of the Asian Fisheries Society which has a strong legacy of fostering global collaboration in the sector.
Since its inception, the forum has been successfully hosted in multiple countries across Asia.
This prestigious event is being hosted in India for the 2nd time after the 8AFAF held at Kochi in 2007.
The forum will provide a platform to showcase India’s contributions, strengthen international partnerships and promote innovative approaches for sustainable, resilient, and economically viable fish production systems.
With a rapidly expanding blue economy, progressive government policies and significant scientific advancements, India has emerged as a key player in sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
Today, India occupies 2nd position in total fish production and also aquaculture production globally.
Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Key facts about 14th AFAF:

It has brought together key players from the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and will host around 1,000 delegates from 24 countries, including researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders.
Theme of 14th AFAF: “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific”
It is being jointly organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Kuala Lumpur; Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi; the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India; and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore.

Source : 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) on “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific” to be held in Delhi

8. UK-India Young Professionals Scheme

The ballot for this year’s United Kingdom-India Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) will open next week.

About UK-India Young Professionals Scheme:

It was conceived as part of an India-U.K. Migration and Mobility MoU signed in May 2021 and was announced in November at the 2022 G20 summit in Bali.
It was formally launched in February 2023.
Features:
- It allows Indian citizens between 18 and 30 years old to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.
- It will enable candidates to enter the UK at any time while their visa is valid and leave and return anytime during their stay.
Eligibility to get Visa under this initiative:
- One has to be an Indian national aged between 18 and 30 years.
- One must have a bachelor’s degree or above.
- One must have 2,530 pounds in savings.
- Onemust not have any children under the age of 18 who live with you or whom you are financially supporting.
- A person must be selected in the India Young Professionals Scheme ballot before s/he can apply for a Young Professionals Scheme visa.
- S/hecannot apply if already been in the UK under this scheme or the Youth Mobility Scheme visa.
- In case the applicant is issued a visa, s/hemust enter the UK within six months of the date on which the visa was issued.
Once in the UK, the applicant can:
- Study -for certain degree programs, such as post-graduation or research in sensitive subjects in the UK, an additional certificate under the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) needs to be applied before starting the course or research.
- Be self-employed and set up a company - as long as the premises are rented, equipment is not worth more than £5,000 and does not have any employee

Source : Ballot for UK-India Young Professionals Scheme opens next week: Everything you need to know

9. Market Intervention Scheme

Recently, the central government has revised the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) guidelines.

About Market Intervention Scheme:

It is implemented on the request of the State/UT Government for procurement of various perishable agricultural/horticultural commodities such as tomato, onion and potato etc. for which Minimum Support Price (MSP) is not applicable.
It is implemented only when there is a minimum reduction of 10% in the prevailing market price as compared to the previous normal year.
Revised Market Intervention Scheme Guidelines:
- It made MIS a component of the integrated scheme of PM-AASHA.
- The procurement/coverage limit of production quantity of crops has been increased from the existing 20 percent to 25 percent.
- The States have also been given the option to pay the difference between the Market Intervention Price (MIP) and the selling price directly into the bank account of the farmers in place of physical procurement.
- Reimbursement: The operational cost incurred in storage and transportation of crops from the producing State to other consuming States will be reimbursed by Central nodal agencies like NAFED and NCCF, in the interest of farmers.

Source : Govt. revises guidelines for Market Intervention Scheme, increasing procurement limit of crops to 25% from 20%

10. Devolution Index

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj will release the comprehensive Devolution Index Report on 13th February, 2025, at Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi.

$Devolution Index$

About Devolution Index:

It is a result of meticulous research and empirical analysis, providing insights into the progress of decentralization across States and Union Territories.
The Index evaluates six critical dimensions: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Building, and Accountability of the Panchayats
The Index specifically examines how ‘free’ Panchayats are to make and implement independent decisions, reflecting the true spirit of Article 243G of the Constitution.
- This article empowers State legislatures to devolve powers and responsibilities to Panchayats across 29 subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule.
It serves as a tool for strengthening cooperative federalism and local self-governance, enabling States to identify areas for improvement and adopt best practices for more empowered and effective Panchayats.
What sets this Index apart is its practical utility for multiple stakeholders.
- For citizens, it provides transparency in tracking Panchayat functioning and resource allocation.
- For elected representatives, it offers data-driven insights for advocacy and reform.
- For government officials, it serves as a roadmap for implementing effective decentralization policies.
- Policymakers can use it to assess the overall health of local governance and identify where reforms are most urgently needed.
Significance: The initiative aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat, where Panchayats serve as the foundation for rural transformation, driving inclusive growth and sustainable development at the grassroots level.

Source : Minister of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel to Release Devolution Index Report in New Delhi on 13th February 2025