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UPSC Current Affairs


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International Relations


Introduction
The United Kingdom has made history by becoming the first country to criminalize AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This landmark decision marks a significant step in combating the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) for exploitative purposes. The British government is introducing strict legal measures to prevent the creation and distribution of AI-generated CSAM, ensuring severe consequences for offenders.
New Legislation Against AI-Generated CSAM
On February 1, 2025, the UK Home Office announced a series of legislative changes aimed at curbing AI-generated CSAM. These laws will be part of a broader Crime and Policing Bill, expected to be introduced in Parliament soon. The legislation is a response to the growing concerns that AI tools are being used to create highly realistic CSAM, making it easier to produce and distribute such illegal content undetected.
What is AI-Generated CSAM?
AI-generated CSAM refers to images and videos that are either partially or entirely created using artificial intelligence. These tools can manipulate existing images, generate highly realistic abusive content, and even replace a child’s face with another in explicit materials. The increasing sophistication of generative AI has raised alarms about its potential to facilitate child exploitation.
Alarming Rise in AI-Generated CSAM
According to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), AI-generated CSAM reports have surged by 380% in just one year. In 2024, 245 confirmed cases of AI-generated child abuse content were reported, compared to just 51 cases in 2023. Experts warn that AI advancements have made it significantly easier for criminals to produce and share illicit materials at an unprecedented scale.
Key Provisions of the New UK Laws
The UK’s new legislation introduces four major provisions to tackle AI-generated CSAM:
Criminalizing AI Tools for CSAM
The creation, possession, or distribution of AI-powered tools designed to generate CSAM is now illegal.
Offenders face a maximum prison sentence of five years.
Ban on AI-Generated Paedophile Manuals
AI-generated manuals that instruct offenders on creating CSAM are now outlawed.
Possession of such manuals carries a prison sentence of up to three years.
Crackdown on Online CSAM Platforms
Websites or forums that facilitate the sharing of CSAM or provide guidance on child grooming will be shut down.
Operators of such platforms face up to 10 years in prison.
Empowering Border Force to Inspect Devices
The UK’s Border Force now has the authority to inspect digital devices of individuals suspected of possessing CSAM.
Offenders attempting to bypass the law by storing content outside the UK will be prosecuted.
Immigrants found with AI-generated CSAM could face up to three years in prison.
Global Implications of the UK’s AI CSAM Laws
The UK’s decision to criminalize AI-generated CSAM sets a global precedent, urging other nations to adopt similar regulations. As AI capabilities continue to evolve, the threat of child exploitation through deepfake technology and AI-generated abuse material is growing. By taking a strict stance on digital crimes and child protection, the UK is leading the way in ensuring international cooperation against AI-driven exploitation.
Conclusion
The UK’s move to criminalize AI-generated CSAM represents a significant victory in the fight against online child exploitation. With AI technology advancing at a rapid pace, strong legal frameworks are necessary to prevent its misuse. The new legislation serves as a model for other countries, reinforcing the global effort to protect vulnerable children from digital abuse.





Introduction
Sri Lanka experienced its highest deflation rate in 65 years, with consumer prices falling by 4.0% in January 2025. This marks the fifth consecutive month of deflation, signifying a significant shift in the country's economic trajectory. The decline follows reductions in electricity and fuel costs as Sri Lanka continues its recovery from a severe financial crisis.
Deflation in Sri Lanka
Consumer prices fell by 4.0% in January 2025, marking the steepest deflation since July 1960.
This is the fifth consecutive month of falling prices, according to the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI).
Declining fuel and electricity costs played a major role in driving down overall prices.
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka projects an annual inflation rate of 5.0% for 2025, signaling efforts to stabilize the economy.
Economic Crisis and Recovery
Sri Lanka’s inflation rate peaked at a record 69.8% in September 2022 during its worst economic meltdown.
The crisis led to severe shortages of essential goods, triggering mass protests and social unrest.
In response, the country secured a $2.9 billion bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
As part of the IMF-backed economic reforms, the government under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has implemented higher taxes and spending cuts to stabilize finances.
Understanding Deflation
Deflation is the sustained decline in the general price level of goods and services, typically caused by lower demand and excess supply. While it can benefit consumers in the short term, prolonged deflation poses risks to economic stability.
Effects of Deflation
Positive Aspects:
Lower prices enhance consumer affordability.
Cost of living decreases, providing relief to households.
Negative Aspects:
Businesses face declining revenues, leading to job cuts and hiring freezes.
Investment slows down as profits shrink.
Economic growth may stagnate due to reduced consumer spending.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka's record-breaking deflation reflects the impact of economic reforms and cost-cutting measures. While lower prices may provide temporary relief to consumers, experts warn of potential risks such as slowing economic growth and reduced investments. As the country continues implementing IMF-backed policies, the focus remains on long-term economic stability and sustainable recovery.



Awards


Introduction
Indian-American musician and business leader Chandrika Tandon has won the Grammy Award for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for her project ‘Triveni’, a collaboration with Wouter Kellerman and Eru Matsumoto. The prestigious award was presented at the 67th Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Tandon, known for blending ancient mantras with modern musical styles, expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the album’s focus on peace and healing.
What Makes ‘Triveni’ a Unique Musical Creation?
‘Triveni’ stands out as a cross-cultural masterpiece, bringing together diverse musical influences. The album fuses:
South Asian vocal traditions (Tandon)
South African flute melodies (Kellerman)
Japanese-American cello harmonies (Matsumoto)
This unique blend of sounds aims to uplift listeners through the incorporation of ancient Sanskrit mantras, modern instrumental arrangements, and a meditative tone promoting emotional and spiritual well-being.
Describing the album’s essence, Tandon called it a “true confluence of three artistic spirits united in a higher purpose of music for healing” (PRNewswire). This innovative mix has resonated with audiences globally, securing its place among the best in the New Age music genre.
Who is Chandrika Tandon Beyond Music?
Chandrika Tandon is not only a renowned musician but also a successful business leader, philanthropist, and education advocate. Some of her notable achievements include:
Becoming the first Indian-American woman to become a partner at McKinsey & Company.
Founding Tandon Capital Associates, a financial advisory firm.
Donating $100 million to New York University in 2015, leading to the renaming of its engineering school as NYU Tandon School of Engineering (Wikipedia).
Her contributions across business, education, and philanthropy make her Grammy win even more significant, reinforcing her commitment to artistic and humanitarian efforts.
Has Chandrika Tandon Won a Grammy Before?
This is not the first time Chandrika Tandon has been recognized by the Recording Academy:

She was nominated for a Grammy in 2011 for her album ‘Soul Call’, which featured spiritual music in the Contemporary World Music category (Grammy.com).
While she did not win that year, her latest success with ‘Triveni’ reflects her continued dedication to creating meaningful and soulful music.
How Did Tandon Represent Her Indian Heritage at the Grammys?
At the award ceremony, Chandrika Tandon proudly showcased her Indian roots by:

Wearing a traditional silk salwar suit, accessorized with statement necklaces.
Emphasizing the album’s message of peace, unity, and healing through music.
Expressing gratitude towards her supporters and collaborators for making ‘Triveni’ a reality.
Conclusion
Chandrika Tandon’s Grammy win for ‘Triveni’ is a testament to her musical innovation and dedication to global cultural fusion. Her ability to merge traditional Indian music with contemporary elements has not only earned her international recognition but also reinforced the importance of music as a tool for healing and unity. As she continues to break barriers and inspire audiences worldwide, her journey remains a beacon for aspiring artists blending tradition with modernity.



Sports


Introduction
R Praggnanandhaa achieved a major milestone in his career by securing his first-ever Tata Steel Masters title on February 2, 2025. In a thrilling finale, he defeated D Gukesh 2-1 in a dramatic tie-breaker. The tournament, held in the Netherlands, featured intense competition, unexpected upsets, and a gripping finish. Praggnanandhaa’s victory further cements his position as a rising star in the world of chess.
Key Highlights of Tata Steel Masters 2025
Tournament Venue: Netherlands.
Top Contenders: Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh both finished the tournament with 8.5 points, leading to a tie-breaker.
Final Outcome: Praggnanandhaa won the tie-breaker 2-1, claiming his first title at Tata Steel Masters.
Tie-Breaker Match Details
The decider was played over two rapid games and a sudden-death match.
Game 1: Gukesh won after Praggnanandhaa blundered, losing a full rook.
Game 2: Praggnanandhaa equalized with technical precision.
Sudden-Death Game: Praggnanandhaa emerged victorious as Gukesh lost control, losing a pawn and his last knight.
Praggnanandhaa’s Appreciation for Arjun Erigaisi
Praggnanandhaa humorously thanked Arjun Erigaisi, who defeated Gukesh in the first round, leading to a crucial tie in the standings.
Upsets During the Tournament
Both Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh suffered surprising losses but managed to stay at the top.
Gukesh lost to Arjun Erigaisi, while Praggnanandhaa was defeated by Germany’s Vincent Keymer.
Gukesh’s Consecutive Tie-Breaker Loss
This was Gukesh’s second consecutive year losing in the tie-breaker after sharing first place in the regular standings.
Conclusion
Praggnanandhaa’s victory at the Tata Steel Masters 2025 marks a significant step forward in his career, highlighting his resilience and tactical brilliance. His performance against top-ranked players further solidifies his reputation as one of India’s most promising chess talents. With this win, he joins an elite list of champions, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the future.



Important Days


Introduction
World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), observed annually from February 1-7, is a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) initiative aimed at fostering mutual understanding, interfaith dialogue, and cooperation among different religious communities. Since its establishment in 2010, this global observance has encouraged diverse communities to work together for peace, tolerance, and harmony.
Theme of World Interfaith Harmony Week 2025
Each year, WIHW is celebrated with a specific theme to address contemporary issues related to religious harmony and peace:

2025 Theme: ‘Uniting for Peace’
2024 Theme: ‘Harmony in a Troubled World’
These themes serve as guiding principles for discussions, events, and initiatives worldwide.
History and Origin of World Interfaith Harmony Week
Proposal and Adoption by the United Nations
The concept of World Interfaith Harmony Week was introduced by King Abdullah II of Jordan at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 23, 2010.
Recognizing the urgent need for interfaith dialogue, King Abdullah II proposed this initiative to foster peaceful coexistence among diverse religious communities.
The UNGA unanimously adopted the resolution on October 20, 2010, declaring the first week of February every year as World Interfaith Harmony Week.
First Celebration of WIHW
The first official celebration took place in 2011, and since then, it has been embraced by governments, institutions, and civil society organizations worldwide.
WIHW continues to grow, gaining recognition and active participation from religious and secular organizations.
The Role of ‘The Common Word’ Initiative
The foundation of WIHW is based on the pioneering work of The Common Word Initiative, launched in 2007. This initiative encouraged dialogue between Muslim and Christian religious leaders based on two shared fundamental religious principles:
Love for God
Love for One’s Neighbor
By highlighting common values across faiths, WIHW builds upon this initiative to encourage governments, institutions, and communities to actively promote interfaith harmony.
Objectives and Importance of WIHW
Encouraging Mutual Understanding
WIHW provides a platform for religious communities to engage in meaningful discussions, reducing misconceptions and stereotypes.
Strengthening Interfaith Dialogue
The initiative fosters open communication among different faith groups, promoting tolerance, respect, and coexistence.
Promoting Peace and Coexistence
WIHW creates a global environment where religious diversity is celebrated rather than seen as a source of division.
Uniting Governments, Institutions, and Civil Society
Governments, religious institutions, and NGOs collaborate to organize events, discussions, and community service programs.
Encouraging Acts of Kindness and Compassion
WIHW encourages individuals to participate in charitable activities, voluntary fasting, and community outreach programs to promote social unity.
Observance of World Interfaith Harmony Week
Participation in Places of Worship
Religious leaders and communities spread the message of inter-religious harmony in churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other places of worship.
Conferences and Seminars
Educational institutions and interfaith organizations host workshops, lectures, and panel discussions to foster greater understanding.
Community Outreach Programs
Governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) conduct awareness campaigns, interfaith dialogues, and social service initiatives.
Social Media Campaigns
With the rise of digital platforms, WIHW leverages social media to promote messages of peace, tolerance, and unity.
Voluntary Fasting and Acts of Worship
Many communities observe voluntary fasting, prayers, and meditative practices as a symbol of commitment to interfaith harmony.
Conclusion
World Interfaith Harmony Week serves as a powerful global initiative to unite people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. By promoting peace, understanding, and interfaith dialogue, WIHW fosters a more inclusive and harmonious world. With continued participation from individuals, communities, and governments, this initiative plays a crucial role in bridging religious divides and strengthening global cooperation for a peaceful future.





Introduction
Cancer remains one of the most pressing global health challenges, with nearly 10 million deaths reported in 2022, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, highlights the need for awareness, action, and collaboration to combat this life-threatening disease. The 2025 theme, ‘United by Unique’, focuses on personalized cancer care and inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of tailored treatment and equal healthcare access.
History of World Cancer Day
Established: February 4, 2000, at the World Cancer Summit for the New Millennium in Paris.
Organized by: Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).
Paris Charter Against Cancer: Signed at the summit, outlining key goals:
Promote cancer research.
Improve patient care.
Raise global awareness.
Mobilize governments, communities, and individuals in the fight against cancer.
Theme of World Cancer Day 2025
The 2025 theme, ‘United by Unique’, marks the start of a three-year campaign (2025-2027) aimed at:
Highlighting personal stories of cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Encouraging personalized care, advocating for tailored treatments based on individual needs.
Fostering inclusivity, ensuring equal access to cancer care irrespective of socio-economic status or location.
Significance of World Cancer Day
Raises awareness about all types of cancer.
Encourages early detection, prevention, and effective treatment.
Promotes collective global action to reduce cancer-related deaths.
The Importance of Awareness in the Fight Against Cancer
Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment.
Screening programs help identify cancer at initial stages.
Educating people about symptoms and risk factors prevents late-stage diagnoses.
Public health campaigns promote vaccinations (e.g., HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention).
Lifestyle modifications, including healthy eating, physical activity, and avoiding tobacco/alcohol, reduce cancer risks.
Key Actions to Reduce Cancer Risk
Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management.
Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol Consumption.
Protect Your Skin: Use sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure.
Get Vaccinated: HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines lower cancer risks.
Regular Screenings: Early detection saves lives.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Cancer
Unexplained weight loss
Persistent fatigue
Skin changes (yellowing, darkening, or redness)
New lumps or swelling
Chronic pain without an obvious cause
Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Unexplained bleeding or bruising
Persistent cough or hoarseness
How to Participate in World Cancer Day
Educate yourself and others about cancer prevention.
Attend or organize awareness events.
Support cancer patients and caregivers.
Advocate for better healthcare access.
Get screened and encourage others to do the same.
Donate or fundraise for cancer research.
Spread awareness through social media campaigns.
Treatment Options for Cancer
Surgery: Removes cancerous tissue.
Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams destroy cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.
Targeted Therapy: Attacks specific cancer cell molecules.
Hormone Therapy: Blocks hormones that fuel cancer growth.
Stem Cell Transplants: Restores blood-forming cells in blood cancers.
Recent Advances in Cancer Research and Treatment
Liquid Biopsies: Non-invasive blood tests for early tumor detection.
AI in Cancer Diagnosis: Enhancing medical imaging accuracy.
mRNA Vaccines: Innovative cancer-targeting vaccines.
Targeted Therapy: Precision medicine for specific genetic mutations.
Advanced Radiation Therapy: Proton beam and image-guided techniques.
Personalized Medicine: Genetic-based treatment approaches.
Palliative Care Improvements: Enhanced pain management and patient quality of life.
Conclusion
World Cancer Day 2025 serves as a crucial global platform to spread awareness, promote prevention, and strengthen cancer treatment efforts. With initiatives focused on personalized care and inclusivity, the event seeks to unite individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers in the ongoing fight against cancer. Through education, innovation, and collective action, we can work towards a future where cancer-related deaths are significantly reduced, and every patient receives the care and support they deserve.





International Development Week 2025
During the first full week of February, International Development Week (IDW) is celebrated. The purpose of the week is to raise awareness of global development and showcase the ways in which people have helped eradicate poverty and create a more inclusive and peaceful world. This tradition, which started over 20 years ago, was initially exclusive to Canada and later gained global recognition.
International Development Week 2025: Date And Theme
Date: Sunday, February 2 to Saturday, February 8, 2025.
Theme: “Building a Better World Together”.
The week provides a unique opportunity to educate, uplift, engage, and commemorate people’s contributions to global development.
International Development Week 2025: History
Launched in 1988: The Canadian International Development Agency introduced Development Day in October 1988 as part of the global peace-promoting Education to Development Programme.
Adopted by Global Affairs Canada: To commemorate International Development Week, Global Affairs Canada took up the tradition and collaborated with Canadian NGOs.
Annual Celebration Since 1991: IDW has been celebrated every year during the first full week of February since 1991.
Global Participation: Schools, community organizations, corporate and charitable sectors, civil society, and Global Affairs Canada participate in the event worldwide.
International Development Week 2025: Significance
IDW is held annually in Canada to encourage world peace and progress.
The week’s message aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
17 SDGs envision a safe, peaceful society free from hunger, poverty, and inequality.
Goals include universal health coverage, full employment, high-quality education, gender equality, and environmental conservation.
IDW recognizes individuals with exceptional commitment to global aid and international issue resolution.
The event promotes active participation in the SDGs and global citizenship.
International Development Week 2025: How To Celebrate
Varied Regional Activities: Events differ from region to province.
Guest Speakers & Discussions: Civil society organizations invite international assistance sector leaders to discuss foreign aid significance.
Educational Participation: Schools and colleges host discussions and debates on global assistance and development issues.
Community Engagement: People are encouraged to support development initiatives, volunteer, and spread awareness.



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