Explore the Daily Current Affairs 27 November 2025, relevant for UPSC exam. Download quick REVISION NOTES from our telegram channel – https://t.me/CivilMentorIAS.
Mars crater named after Indian Geologist M.S. Krishnan
Context: The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has named a 3.5-billion-year-old Martian crater after M.S. Krishnan, a pioneering Indian geologist and former Director of the Geological Survey of India.
Several Kerala-based names – Valiamala, Thumba, Bekal, Varkala, and Periyar, have also been approved for smaller craters and a valley associated with the main crater. The plain inside the crater is now officially called Krishnan Palus, and a channel passing through it has been named Periyar Vallis, marking the first time Kerala place names have been used for Martian geographical features.
Significance for India:
- Recognition of scientific heritage.
- Highlights India’s rising profile in planetary sciences.
- Helps in detailed mapping and study of Mars’ surface.
- Reflects the growth of planetary geology in Indian academia.
- Builds upon India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) legacy.
About M.S. Krishnan:
- Born: 1898, Thanjavur.
- First Indian Director of the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
- Pioneer in structural geology and Indian stratigraphy.
Prelims practice Question:
Q1. Which international body is responsible for naming planetary surface features?
(a) UNESCO
(b) IAU
(c) COSPAR
(d) UNGA
Answer: (b) IAU – International Astronomical Union
Q2. Which of the following planetary surface terms is correctly matched with its meaning?
- Crater – Circular depression formed by impact
- Palus – Muddy or low-lying plain
- Vallis – Valley or channel
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: D
Mains practice Question
Q1. “India’s growing contributions to planetary science reflect its expanding scientific capacity.” Elaborate with recent examples.
Rupee Depreciation Highlights India’s External Vulnerabilities
Context: recent depreciation of the Indian rupee highlights structural vulnerabilities in India’s external sector.
What is Rupee Depreciation?
Depreciation of the rupee refers to a fall in the value of the Indian rupee against foreign currencies, especially the US dollar, in the foreign exchange (forex) market. Example: If ₹83 = $1 and it moves to ₹89 = $1, the rupee has depreciated.
Depreciation is different from devaluation: Devaluation is a deliberate fall in currency value by the government whereas depreciation happens due to market forces in a floating or managed float system.
Present Scenario: Rupee has fallen ~7% against the US dollar between Nov 2024 and early 2025.
Depreciation driven by severe external pressures:
- Strong US dollar
- High US interest rates
- Capital outflows
- High tariffs imposed by the US
- Rising bullion imports (hedge against uncertainty)
- Widening Current Account Deficit (CAD)
RBI’s Tools to Manage Volatility:
- Forex market intervention: RBI sold ~$50 billion between Nov 2024–Feb 2025.
- Dollar–Rupee swaps (liquidity management): Swaps add rupee liquidity and strengthen reserves during stress. Example – 2019: $5 billion swap, Feb 2025: $10 billion buy-sell swap
Swaps add rupee liquidity and strengthen reserves during stress.
Prelims practice Question:
Q3. Dollar–rupee swap operations by the RBI primarily aim to:
(a) Reduce fiscal deficit
(b) Provide long-term liquidity and stabilise forex markets
(c) Increase import tariffs
(d) Regulate stock market volatility
Answer: (b)
Mains practice Question:
Q2. “Rupee depreciation amid global dollar strength exposes structural weaknesses in India’s external sector.” Discuss.