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Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 03 March 2025

Content: EC to Remove All Duplicate Voter ID Numbers Centring Care in India’s Economic Policy Women in South India, Delhi, Punjab Have Higher Levels of Obesity Jobs Rising but Salaries Not Keeping Pace with Inflation’ In a First, Private U.S. Spacecraft Lands Upright on Lunar Surface Euclid Space Telescope Discovers New ‘Einstein Ring’ in Nearby Galaxy EC to remove all duplicate voter ID numbers Election Commission’s Stand Acknowledged reports of identical voter ID numbers across different states. Clarified that while some numbers may match, other details (demographics, constituency, polling booth) remain unique. Stated that a voter can only vote in their designated polling station in the enrolled state/UT. Relevance : GS 2 (Polity, Elections) Cause of Duplication Resulted from manual and decentralised processes used before digitization. Some State/UT CEO offices used the same EPIC series, leading to identical numbers across states. ERONET (Election Roll Management System) was later introduced for better electoral roll management. Steps Taken by the EC Commitment to assign unique EPIC numbers to each voter. ERONET 2.0 update planned for seamless rectification of duplicate IDs. Ensuring transparency and voter roll integrity ahead of future elections. Political Controversy West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee alleged that: BJP is manipulating voter rolls with EC’s support. Duplicate EPIC numbers are used to add out-of-state voters to Bengal’s list. EC dismissed allegations, calling it an issue of past administrative practices. Implications Trust in electoral process: Ensuring unique IDs strengthens credibility. Political ramifications: Opposition parties may continue raising concerns over electoral transparency. Upcoming elections: Resolution of this issue is crucial before the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls. Centring care in India’s economic policy Record Allocation: ₹4,49,028.68 crore allocated to the Gender Budget (GB), a 37.3% increase from FY24. Percentage of Total Budget: GB constitutes 8.86% of the total Union Budget 2025. Primary Driver: Increase due to inclusion of PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (24% of GB), rather than investments in care infrastructure or gender-responsive schemes. Missed Opportunity: Despite emphasis on care economy in Economic Surveys 2023-24 and 2024-25, tangible investments in care infrastructure remain absent. Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues) , GS 3(Indian Economy) Unpaid Care and Domestic Work (UCDW) – A Gendered Burden Global Average: Women spend 17.8% of their time on unpaid care and domestic work. India’s Disproportionate Burden: Indian women shoulder 40% more UCDW than their counterparts in South Africa and China. Labour Force Impact: 53% of Indian women remain out of the workforce due to care responsibilities, compared to 1.1% of men (ILO data). Women in low-income households juggle 17–19 hours of daily tasks, leading to ‘time poverty’ and deteriorating well-being. Structural Challenges in the Global South Broader Scope of UCDW: Involves household care, farm work, water and fuel collection, cleaning, cooking. Time Burden: Women spend five hours daily collecting water vs. 1.5 hours for men. 73% of their time spent on unpaid work due to poor infrastructure. Climate Change Impact: Water-related unpaid labour in India projected to cost $1.4 billion by 2050 (high-emissions scenario). Exacerbated by low public investment and rigid social norms. Proposed Solutions & Policy Imperatives Recognise Care Work Economic Survey 2023-24: Public investment equivalent to 2% of GDP could create 11 million jobs while reducing care burden. ‘Three R Framework’: Recognise, Reduce, Redistribute, Represent. Time-Use Survey 2019: Revealed women spend 7 hours daily on UCDW. Solution: Integrate Time-use modules into existing household surveys. Reduce UCDW Burden Infrastructure & Technology: Time-saving technologies and expanded access to affordable care services. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Extended till 2028 to achieve 100% potable water coverage. Challenges: 4.51% decline in budget allocation; only half of villages have functional tap connections. Need for stronger implementation and water sustainability measures. Expansion of childcare centres, eldercare support, and assistive technologies to boost women’s workforce participation. Redistribute Care Work From Home to State & Market: Urban Challenge Fund (₹1 lakh crore) → ₹10,000 crore allocated for FY 2025-26. Can finance up to 25% of bankable projects in urban redevelopment, water, sanitation. Smart Cities Mission: Leverage funds to scale up pilot care models like Bogotá’s Care Blocks (centralised care hubs). Strengthen Women’s Representation Policy Inclusion: Women’s participation in decision-making increases effectiveness by 6-7 times. Need for Gender-Sensitive Economic Strategy: India must move beyond symbolic ‘Nari Shakti’ rhetoric. Budget must prioritise care work as a central pillar of inclusive economic growth. Women in South India, Delhi, Punjab have higher levels of obesity Key Findings from NFHS (2019-21) About 25% of men and women in India were overweight or obese, marking a 4 percentage point increase from 2015-16. Obesity is more prevalent among women in South Indian states, Delhi, and Punjab. The rate of increase in obesity among men was higher than that among women. The proportion of thin individuals (BMI below 18.4) declined significantly in both genders. Relevance : GS 2(Health) BMI Trends and Gender-Wise Changes BMI Increase (2015-16 to 2019-21): Men: Increased by 0.6 points (from 21.8 to 22.4). Women: Increased by 0.5 points (from 21.9 to 22.4). Overweight & Obesity: Overweight women: Increased from 15.5% to 17.6%. Overweight men: Increased from 15.9% to 18.9%. Obese women: Increased from 5.1% to 6.4%. Obese men: Increased from 3% to 4%. Thinness Decline: Mildly thin women: Dropped from 13.3% to 11%. Mildly thin men: Dropped from 12.2% to 9.6%. Moderately/severely thin women: Dropped from 9.6% to 7.7%. Moderately/severely thin men: Dropped from 8% to 6.6%. Regional Trends Women’s obesity rates were highest in Delhi, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana. Men’s obesity rates were also highest in Delhi and South Indian states. Dietary Patterns Linked to Obesity Over 40% of men and women consume fried foods regularly. Aerated drinks consumption: 16% of women 25% of men Government Awareness & Call for Action PM Modi, in Mann Ki Baat, warned against rising obesity, particularly among children. Recommended reducing oil consumption by 10% per month for a healthier lifestyle. ‘Jobs rising but salaries not keeping pace with inflation’ Employment Growth: According to NITI Aayog member Arvind Virmani, jobs in India have been increasing steadily. PLFS (Periodic Labour Force Survey) data indicates that the worker-population ratio (WPR) has increased from 34.7% in 2017-18 to 43.7% in 2023-24, outpacing population growth Relevance : GS 3(Economy) Stagnation in Real Wages: While jobs are increasing, real wages for regular salaried jobs have not kept pace with inflation over the past seven years. This stagnation in wages is more prominent in formal employment. Skill Deficiency as the Main Cause: Lack of skilled workers is cited as the primary reason for stagnant real wages. The gap in skilled labor lowers productivity, affecting wage growth. Need for Skilling Initiatives: Emphasis on improving the quality of education, training, and skill development to address the wage stagnation issue. Government efforts are in place, but states and districts also need to enhance skilling programs. Implications Positive Employment Trend: The rising worker-population ratio signals an expansion in job opportunities, countering claims of job stagnation. Challenges in Wage Growth: The failure of wages to keep up with inflation can lead to reduced purchasing power, affecting overall economic growth and consumption. Urgency for Skill Development: Addressing skill gaps is crucial to boosting productivity and improving real wages, ensuring sustainable wage growth alongside job creation. Decentralized Approach Needed: Skilling initiatives must go beyond central schemes and be implemented effectively at the district level, where job creation is more localized. In a first, private U.S. spacecraft lands upright on lunar surface Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 successfully landed on the Moon on March 3, 2025, at Mons Latreille in the Mare Crisium region. This marks the second private moon landing and the first to land upright. The mission is part of NASA’s Artemis program, aimed at reducing costs and supporting future crewed missions to the Moon. Relevance :GS 3(Science and Technology) Mission Details The lander, nicknamed “Ghost Riders in the Sky”, launched on January 15, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The spacecraft autonomously navigated a rocky lunar surface before slowing down from thousands of miles per hour to just 2 mph for touchdown. Unlike the previous private moon lander (February 2024), which landed sideways, Blue Ghost landed stable and upright. Scientific Objectives & Payload The lander, about the size of a hippopotamus, carries 10 scientific instruments, including: Lunar soil analyzer to study the composition of the Moon’s surface. Radiation-tolerant computer to test long-term electronics survival. Navigation experiment using Earth’s satellite system to determine feasibility for future lunar missions. Upcoming Observations March 14, 2025: Blue Ghost will capture high-definition imagery of a total solar eclipse, when Earth blocks sunlight from the Moon. March 16, 2025: The lander will record a lunar sunset to study how dust levitates above the Moon’s surface—phenomenon first observed during the Apollo missions. Significance Strengthens public-private partnerships in space exploration under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS). Provides critical data to support future Artemis missions and crewed Moon landings. Demonstrates advancements in autonomous navigation and lunar surface exploration. Euclid space telescope discovers new ‘Einstein ring’ in nearby galaxy Background: Discovery: The Euclid space telescope (ESA) spotted an Einstein ring in the galaxy NGC 6505, 590 million light-years away. Significance: Only five other gravitational lenses at similar distances have been found. The ring is composed of distorted images of a galaxy 4.5 billion light-years away. Discovery Process: First noticed by astronomer Bruno Altieri in September 2023 in an unfocused image. Confirmed after Euclid’s systems were fully operational. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) Scientific Background: Gravitational Lensing: Massive objects like galaxies bend light, acting as cosmic lenses. Einstein’s Prediction: In his General Theory of Relativity, Einstein predicted that mass curves spacetime, altering the path of light. Einstein Ring: A special case of strong gravitational lensing where the background object, lens, and observer are nearly perfectly aligned, forming a ring-like structure. First Einstein Ring: Discovered in 1998, over 80 years after Einstein’s prediction. Scientific and Astronomical Impact: Testing General Relativity: Einstein rings provide experimental validation of relativity. Understanding Dark Matter: Can help trace dark matter distributions, which remain undetectable otherwise. Cosmic Expansion: Offers insights into the universe’s expansion rate and distant galaxy evolution. Euclid’s Mission & Future Prospects: Launched by ESA in July 2023. Began full-scale scanning on February 14, 2024. Goal: Expected to discover 100,000 new gravitational lenses. Limitations: Finding another Einstein ring as close as Altieri’s is unlikely due to the limited observable volume near Earth. Conclusion: The discovery of Altieri’s Ring underscores Euclid’s potential in advancing astrophysics, especially in understanding dark matter and cosmic structures. Future observations may refine knowledge of gravitational lensing and the universe’s large-scale structure.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 01 March 2025

Content: 10,000 FPOs Achieved under Government’s Flagship Scheme National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 10,000 FPOs Achieved under Government’s Flagship Scheme Introduction The Central Sector Scheme for “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)” was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29th February 2020. Budget outlay of ₹6,865 Crore till 2027-28. ₹254.4 Crore in equity grants released to 4,761 FPOs. ₹453 Crore credit guarantee cover issued to 1,900 FPOs. 10,000th FPO launched in Khagaria district, Bihar, focusing on maize, banana, and paddy. Over 30 lakh farmers connected to FPOs, with 40% women participation. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ),GS 3(Agriculture) What are FPOs? Definition: Collectives of farmers registered under the Companies Act or Co-operative Societies Act. Purpose: Achieve economies of scale in production, marketing, and access to institutional support. Implementing Agency: Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Need for FPOs Small and marginal farmers face challenges in: Access to technology, quality inputs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides), and credit. Market linkages and fair pricing due to low bargaining power. FPOs strengthen farmers’ economic capacity by facilitating: Collective purchase and sales. Direct market access, reducing dependency on middlemen. Value addition and processing capabilities. Objectives of the Scheme Form 10,000 FPOs to create a sustainable farming ecosystem. Improve productivity, market linkages, and access to institutional finance. Provide handholding support for 5 years, including₹18 lakh financial assistance per FPO. Enable FPOs to become self-sustaining through entrepreneurship training. Convergence of Ministries for FPO Development Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: Provides input licenses, dealership support, and market linkage via ONDC, e-NAM. Ministry of Food Processing: Offers 35% capital subsidy, 50% branding/marketing grants. Ministry of MSMEs: Provides credit guarantees, equity grants, and capacity-building programs. Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying: Funds dairy cooperatives and fodder FPOs. APEDA: Supports export-oriented FPOs. Spices Board: Aids in export promotion and value addition for spices. Key Services and Activities of FPOs Input Supply: Seeds, fertilizers, pesticides at wholesale rates. Machinery Rental: Custom hiring of farm equipment. Value Addition: Cleaning, grading, sorting, and packaging. Market Aggregation: Collective marketing for better price realization. Logistics Support: Storage, transportation, and loading/unloading services. Higher-Income Activities: Seed production, beekeeping, mushroom cultivation, etc. Major Initiatives under the Scheme Credit Guarantee Fund (CGF): Dedicated CGF created to facilitate bank loans for FPOs. Ensures better access to credit from financial institutions. ONDC Registration: 5,000 FPOs onboarded on ONDC to enable digital marketing and online sales. Strengthens B2B and B2C transactions, reducing dependence on intermediaries. MoU for Converting FPOs into CSCs: Collaboration between CSC SPV & Ministry of Agriculture. 10,000 FPOs to be converted into CSCs for digital service delivery. Inclusivity and Social Impact Special focus on marginal farmers, women SHGs, SC/ST farmers. Ensuring financial and social empowerment of weaker sections. Promotion of sustainable and climate–resilient farming practices. National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, 2025 Context and Significance Inland waterways have been underutilized in India despite their potential for cost-effective, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly cargo transport. The new regulations aim to unlock private sector investments, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce transportation costs. This move aligns with the broader infrastructure development goals of the government, fostering Ease of Doing Business (EODB) and promoting the inland waterways sector as a growth engine. Relevance : GS 3(Infrastructure) Key Features of the Regulations Permission and Approval Process Any public, private, or joint venture entity must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) before developing a terminal. Both new and existing jetties/terminals fall under the purview of these regulations. Classification of terminals: Permanent terminals: Can be operated throughout their lifetime. Temporary terminals: Initially granted for five years, extendable based on performance and compliance. Role of the Terminal Developer and Operator The technical design and construction responsibility lies with the developer, ensuring compliance with business and environmental standards. Adequate connectivity and access must be provided to facilitate efficient cargo movement. Digital Portal for Transparency and Efficiency IWAI is developing an online portal for: Application submission for jetties/terminals. Tracking the approval process in real time. Ensuring transparency, efficiency, and ease of access in regulatory procedures. Impact on Infrastructure and Economic Growth Private Sector Involvement and Investment Encourages public-private partnerships (PPPs), leading to greater capital inflow into inland waterways infrastructure. Reduces government expenditure burden while leveraging private sector efficiency. Boost to Cargo Movement and Trade Cargo transport on national waterways increased from 18 million tonnes to 133 million tonnes in FY 2023-24. Enhanced infrastructure will further increase freight movement, making waterways a competitive alternative to road and rail transport. Expected to lower logistics costs and reduce congestion on highways and rail networks. Environmental and Cost Benefits Inland water transport is cheaper and has a lower carbon footprint compared to road and rail. Aligns with India’s sustainability goals by reducing fossil fuel consumption in logistics. Government Initiatives Strengthening the Waterways Sector Jalvahak Scheme Aims to shift 17% of cargo transport to national waterways, reducing reliance on road and rail networks. Provides financial and operational incentives to promote water-based logistics. Digitalization and Process Simplification Online portals and streamlined regulatory frameworks reduce bureaucratic delays, ensuring a seamless investment climate. Alignment with PM Gati Shakti and Maritime Vision 2030 Supports the broader PM Gati Shakti initiative, which focuses on multi-modal connectivity and integrated infrastructure planning. Complements Maritime Vision 2030, which aims to establish India as a global maritime power. Challenges and Way Forward Infrastructure Bottlenecks Need for modernizing existing jetties and developing last-mile connectivity to integrate waterways with road and rail. Regulatory and Compliance Issues Ensuring fast approvals and clear policy guidelines for private investors. Need for a robust dispute resolution mechanism to build investor confidence. Awareness and Adoption Challenges Limited awareness among businesses about the cost benefits of inland waterways. The government must undertake capacity-building initiatives and provide financial incentives for faster adoption.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 01 March 2025

Content : The necessity of mainstreaming wetland conservation The steps that will shape India’s AI ambition Truce under fire The necessity of mainstreaming wetland conservation Introduction: Wetlands, among the most biologically productive ecosystems, provide critical ecological, economic, and climate-related benefits but face severe threats from urbanization, pollution, and climate change, necessitating their mainstreaming in developmental planning. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Practice Question:Discuss the necessity of mainstreaming wetland conservation in developmental planning, considering its ecological, economic, and climate change mitigation roles. (250 words) Importance of Wetlands High Ecological Productivity: Wetlands provide crucial ecosystem services, covering 6% of the Earth’s surface but contributing 40.6% of global ecosystem services. Water Regulation: They act as natural sponges, absorbing floodwaters and replenishing groundwater. Biodiversity Hotspots: Home to 81% of inland wetland species and 36% of coastal and marine species. Climate Regulation: Function as carbon sinks, mitigating climate change effects. Livelihood Support: Provide resources for fishing, agriculture, and tourism. Declining Wetland Coverage Global Trends: 50% of wetlands lost since 1900. 35% reduction in wetland surface area (1970-2015). WET Index shows an annual decline of 0.78%, higher than natural vegetation loss. India’s Scenario: 75 Ramsar sites covering 1.33 million hectares, only 8% of India’s total wetlands (15.98 million ha). 30% of natural wetlands lost in four decades due to urbanization, agriculture, and pollution. Case studies: Mumbai: 71% wetland loss (1970-2014). East Kolkata: 36% loss (1991-2021). Chennai: 85% wetland loss (WWF report). Challenges in Wetland Conservation Rapid Urbanization: Encroachment and pollution degrade urban wetlands. Agricultural Expansion: Conversion to farmland reduces wetland areas. Industrialization: Unregulated waste discharge increases contamination. Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall alter wetland hydrology. Governance Gaps: Conservation efforts are often fragmented and not integrated into developmental plans. Need for Mainstreaming Wetland Conservation Holistic Development Planning: Wetlands should be integrated into urban and rural planning. Ramsar COP14 Directives: Align conservation with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Link wetland management to climate policies (UNFCCC, IPCC). Support the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Economic Valuation: Loss of ecosystem services due to wetland degradation leads to economic costs (e.g., Cali, Colombia: $76,827/ha/year loss). Policy Implementation: Strengthen the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017. Improve monitoring with GIS mapping and satellite imagery. Way Forward Ecosystem-Based Management: Shift from isolated conservation efforts to a landscape-based approach. Community Participation: Engage local communities in wetland restoration. Strict Regulatory Frameworks: Enforce environmental laws against encroachments and pollution. Financial Incentives: Promote payment for ecosystem services and sustainable tourism models. Inter-Departmental Coordination: Wetland governance should integrate multiple sectors (water resources, urban planning, forestry, etc.). The steps that will shape India’s AI ambition India’s Position in the Global AI Race India is at a critical juncture, competing with Silicon Valley while being pursued by China and Southeast Asia. The key challenge is not just technological adoption but also regulatory policies that may slow down AI progress. Indian software developers struggle against global competitors due to capability gaps, despite a strong IT workforce. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) Practice Question :Discuss the major challenges in AI adoption in India and suggest a strategic approach to enhance India’s AI competitiveness while addressing ethical concerns. (250 words) Challenges in AI Adoption in India Export Competitiveness: AI is crucial for maintaining India’s dominance in IT and services sectors. Job Losses: Routine jobs are at risk as AI-driven automation expands. Algorithmic Discrimination: AI systems can reinforce biases and lead to unfair decision-making. Deepfakes and Misinformation: The proliferation of AI-generated misinformation can destabilize political and social structures. Market Domination by Foreign Tech Giants: Startups in India find it difficult to compete as global platforms set the rules of engagement. Regulatory and Competitive Challenges Indian developers have raised concerns about monopolistic practices, filing complaints against Google with the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Regulatory intervention in AI could hamper innovation and put India at a disadvantage against China and the U.S., which have largely left AI unregulated. Compliance costs associated with AI regulation could slow down India’s AI sector growth. Navigating the Global AI Policy Landscape The European Union (EU) has opted for strict regulations due to concerns over human rights and AI-based surveillance. The United States (U.S.) follows a more innovation-friendly approach, focusing on market-driven AI development. India must find a middle ground—balancing regulation with competitiveness—rather than following EU or U.S. policies blindly. Risks of Over-Regulation AI regulations could push companies to relocate IT development to AI-friendly regions. Heavy regulation might reduce India’s attractiveness for global AI investments. China’s dominance in AI hardware and cloud computing already poses a competitive challenge. Strategic Steps for India’s AI Growth Encourage Open-Source AI Development: Keeping AI tools open and accessible will help Indian firms innovate and compete globally. Strengthen Existing Laws: Instead of new AI-specific regulations, India should enhance its existing antitrust, corporate liability, and public order laws. International Collaboration: Partnerships for AI standardization, computing resources, and energy security will be key. Policy Consistency: Conflicting policies from different regulatory agencies should be streamlined to avoid a fragmented AI policy landscape. Truce under fire Background of the Ceasefire Agreement The Israel-Hamas ceasefire was structured into three phases: Phase 1: Israeli repositioning, prisoner-hostage exchanges. Phase 2: End of the war. Phase 3: Reconstruction of Gaza. Initial compliance was observed with Hamas releasing 38 hostages and Israel freeing hundreds of prisoners. However, Israel’s reluctance to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor raises concerns about adherence to the truce. Relevance : GS 2(international Relations) Practice Question:The ongoing conflict in Gaza highlights the limitations of military solutions in resolving deeply rooted political issues. Analyze the factors leading to the failure of Israel’s objectives in Gaza and suggest measures for a sustainable peace in the region. (250 words) Israeli War Objectives and Current Reality Declared Objectives (October 7, 2023): Dismantling Hamas. Securing the release of hostages. Ground Reality (15 Months Later): Over 48,000 Palestinians killed, more than 1,00,000 wounded. Hamas remains operational. Hostages still held. Political and military pressure forced Netanyahu into a ceasefire agreement. Challenges in Implementing the Ceasefire Political Dilemma for Netanyahu: Full withdrawal would mean Hamas remains in power, threatening his coalition government. Right-wing allies oppose withdrawal, pushing for continued military presence. Israel’s Continued Occupation Violates Ceasefire Terms: Israeli troops remain in Gaza. Non-compliance weakens trust in negotiated settlements. Hamas’ Remaining Hostages: Over 60 hostages still in captivity. Increases leverage for Hamas in further negotiations. U.S. Influence: U.S. rhetoric, particularly Trump’s controversial statement about “owning Gaza” and ethnic cleansing, has complicated diplomatic efforts. Instead of inflammatory statements, the U.S. should push Israel to comply with the ceasefire terms. Potential Consequences of Continuing the War War of Attrition: If Israel continues occupation, a prolonged guerrilla-style conflict may ensue. Civilian casualties and destruction will rise. Diplomatic Fallout: International pressure on Israel is mounting. Arab states, global bodies may push for stronger action against Israeli policies. Economic and Security Costs: Continued military operations in Gaza will strain Israel’s economy. Security risks increase due to radicalization in the region. Way Forward: Achieving a Lasting Peace Israel’s Withdrawal from Gaza: Compliance with ceasefire terms is crucial. A Comprehensive Peace Plan: The U.S. and Arab nations must lead efforts to establish governance and reconstruction in Gaza. Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis: Immediate rebuilding of infrastructure, healthcare, and essential services in Gaza. A Political Settlement: Long-term stability requires a viable two-state solution or an internationally mediated governance mechanism for Gaza.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 01 March 2025

Content: GDP grows 6.2% on rising govt., consumer spending ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission unlocks solar flare secrets with new image SC sets aside dismissal of two women judicial officers India to go past U.S. in scientific publications by 2029, says Minister Recognition of universities will be revoked if they flout discrimination rules: Centre ndian digital economy ranked 28th on user spending: report India must hasten reforms to speed up growth: World Bank GDP grows 6.2% on rising govt., consumer spending Context :GDP Growth Rate: India’s real GDP grew 6.2% in Q3 FY 2024-25 (Oct-Dec 2024). Higher than 5.6% in Q2, but significantly lower than 9.5% in Q3 of 2023. Growth was 0.2 percentage points below RBI’s estimates. Factors Driving Growth: Government spending rose 8.3% (compared to 2.3% in Q3 2023). Private consumption increased 6.9% (compared to 5.7% in Q3 2023). Exports surged by 10.4%, a sharp rise from 3% growth last year. Declining Investment & Imports: Gross Fixed Capital Formation (Investment rate) slowed to 5.7% (from 9.3% last year). Imports fell by 1.1%, attributed to rupee depreciation. Supporting Indicators: High-frequency indicators like GST collections, public spending, electricity generation, and exports showed improvement. Implications Consumption-led recovery: Increased government and private spending is driving growth. Weaker investment sentiment: Slowdown in capital formation raises concerns about long-term growth sustainability. Trade impact: Export growth is positive, but declining imports signal lower domestic demand or higher import costs due to currency depreciation. Fiscal Policy Role: Government spending remains a key driver, indicating reliance on fiscal measures to sustain economic momentum. ISRO’s Aditya-L1 mission unlocks solar flare secrets with new image Introduction : Historic Observation: India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, captured the first-ever image of a solar flare ‘kernel’ in the lower solar atmosphere. Payload Involved: The Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) onboard Aditya-L1 recorded the phenomenon in the photosphere and chromosphere. Significance: Marks a major step in understanding solar flares and their impact on Earth. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology)   Scientific Breakthroughs X6.3-Class Solar Flare Observed: Captured on February 22, 2025. One of the most intense categories of solar eruptions. Near Ultraviolet (NUV) Detection: SUIT detected brightening in the 200-400 nm range. First time such observations were made with this level of detail. Energy Transfer Across Solar Layers: Confirms that energy released from flares spreads through different layers of the Sun’s atmosphere. Provides insights into the physics of solar explosions. Temperature Linkage Confirmed: Plasma temperature rise in the solar corona directly linked to brightening in the lower solar atmosphere. Validates existing solar flare theories and provides new data for refining solar physics models. Mission Background Launch Date: September 2, 2023. Current Orbit: Placed in a halo orbit around the Earth-Sun Lagrange Point L1 on January 6, 2024. Relevance & Impact Space Weather Research: Helps in predicting solar activity that affects Earth’s communication and power grids. Scientific Advancements: Enhances understanding of solar flares, benefiting future solar missions. Global Contribution: Strengthens India’s position in space-based solar studies. SC sets aside dismissal of two women judicial officers Judgment Context: The Supreme Court ruled in favor of two women judicial officers from Madhya Pradesh, Savita Choudhary and Aditi Kumar Sharma, who were dismissed for alleged inefficiency and misconduct. Their dismissal was deemed punitive, arbitrary, and illegal. Relevance : GS 2(Judiciary) Judiciary’s Sensitivity to Women’s Well-Being: Justice B.V. Nagarathna, leading the Bench, emphasized the need for a sensitive and inclusive work environment for women judges. She highlighted the physical and mental health challenges faced by women in the judiciary due to heavy workloads and long hours. Gender as a Consideration in Performance Evaluation: While gender cannot excuse inefficiency, it is a critical factor in assessing judicial performance. Case example: One of the dismissed officers had suffered a miscarriage, battled COVID in the ICU, and dealt with her brother’s cancer diagnosis. Greater Representation of Women in Judiciary: The judgment stresses that increased women’s representation in the judiciary can shift gender stereotypes and change patriarchal perceptions. Women judges in higher positions can encourage more women to seek justice and enforce their rights. Legal and Human Rights Perspective: The SC referenced Article 10 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, which mandates special protection for mothers. Justice Nagarathna acknowledged the physical toll on women judges, including working through menstrual pain and post-miscarriage trauma. Directive for Reinstatement: The SC ordered the reinstatement of both officers within 15 days with seniority intact. Senior advocate Indira Jaising hailed the verdict as a step toward an “enabling environment” for women in the judiciary. Broader Implications Judiciary as a Model for Gender Equality: The SC emphasized that the judiciary should set an example for the government and legislature in ensuring gender-sensitive policies. Workplace Reforms Needed: The case underscores the necessity of structural reforms for women’s well-being in high-pressure jobs like the judiciary. Potential Precedent: This ruling could influence future cases concerning gender sensitivity in workplaces, particularly in public service and decision-making roles. India to go past U.S. in scientific publications by 2029, says Minister Context : Projection: India is expected to surpass the U.S. in the number of scientific publications by 2029, as per Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh. Relevance : GS 3(Science , Research) Current Global Ranking (2023 Data – National Science Foundation, U.S.): China: 8,98,949 publications (Rank 1) U.S.: 4,57,335 publications (Rank 2) India: 2,07,390 publications (Rank 3) Indian Scientists in Global Rankings: Top 2% Scientists List (2024 – Stanford University & Elsevier): India: 5,351 scientists (Rank 10) U.S.: 71,392 scientists (Rank 1) China: 27,165 scientists (Rank 2) Budgetary Growth in Science & Technology: Department of Science and Technology (DST) Budget: 2013-14: ₹2,777 crore 2024-25: ₹28,509 crore Increase: 926% Significance: Reflects India’s growing research output and global scientific recognition. Increased budget allocations demonstrate India’s commitment to scientific advancement. May boost India’s technological innovations, patents, and global collaborations. Challenges & Considerations: Need for quality enhancement along with quantity growth. Strengthening research infrastructure and funding for high-impact publications. Retaining top talent and fostering innovation in emerging scientific domains. Recognition of universities will be revoked if they flout discrimination rules: Centre Context : Strict Measures Proposed: The Union Government informed the Supreme Court about new UGC regulations empowering it to derecognize higher education institutions (HEIs) if they flout anti-discrimination norms. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) Legal Basis: The UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2025 are currently open for public comments before final notification. Punitive Actions: HEIs found non-compliant can be debarred from UGC schemes, degree offerings, and distance/online programs. UGC can remove universities from the list of recognized institutions under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956. Section 12B (funding restrictions) may also be imposed on errant institutions. Additional punitive actions can be taken on a case-to-case basis. Context & Supreme Court Hearing: Petitioners: Mothers of Rohith Vemula and Payal Tadvi, victims of on-campus caste discrimination leading to suicide. Legal Representation: Senior advocate Indira Jaising highlighted 18 student suicides in the last 14 months due to discrimination in HEIs. Government’s Stance: Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta emphasized the UGC’s strengthened role to ensure compliance. New Safeguards in HEIs: Equity Committees to be formed in all HEIs, including members from: Civil society Faculty and students Mandated representation from SC, ST, and women Justice Surya Kant’s Remarks: Acknowledged past violations and the low compliance levels, stressing the need for stronger enforcement. Concerns Raised: Some IITs, IIMs, and national law schools failed to respond to a UGC directive seeking data on Equal Opportunity Cells. Need for a robust monitoring mechanism to prevent and penalize discrimination in higher education institutions. Implications: Stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination policies in universities. Greater accountability for HEIs through direct UGC intervention. Potential resistance from autonomous institutions like IITs, IIMs, and NLUs. Improved inclusivity in higher education with systemic checks against caste and religious bias Indian digital economy ranked 28th on user spending: report Context : India’s Digital Economy Ranking: India is the third-largest economy globally, but its user digitaleconomy ranks 28th in terms of spending. Indicates a gap between aggregate digitalization and individual user spending. Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy) Reasons for Disparity: Internet connectivity density is comparable to other nations. However, the spending and usage per user remain lower. Potential for Growth: India’s digital economy is growing at twice the rate of its overall economy. Expected to contribute 20% of GDP by 2029. Scope for higher investments in digital penetration and infrastructure. CHIPS Framework Analysis: The report evaluates India using the ‘CHIPS’ framework (Criteria: access quality, AI readiness, etc.). Indiaranks: 3rd in overall economy size. 28th in user digital spending. 8th in the combined ranking of these metrics. Implications: Policy Focus Areas: Need to enhance affordability and accessibility of digital services. Bridging the gap between infrastructure availability and actual usage. Encouraging AI adoption and digital skill development. Investment Opportunities: Growth potential for e-commerce, fintech, and digital services. Increased scope for private and public sector investments in digital infrastructure. Future Outlook: India’s digital growth trajectory remains strong, but user adoption and spending need to catch up. The focus should be on inclusive digital transformation to maximize economic benefits. India must hasten reforms to speed up growth: World Bank Key Findings from the Report Growth Target: India needs to grow at 7.8% annually for the next 22 years to achieve high-income status by 2047. Past Performance: India has averaged 6.3% growth (2000-2024), providing a strong foundation for future reforms. Relevance : GS 3(indian Economy ,Infrastructure) Global Lessons for India Countries like Chile, Korea, and Poland successfully transitioned to high-income status through global integration. India must accelerate reforms and leverage past achievements to achieve similar success. Key Requirements for Achieving High-Income Status Faster & Inclusive Growth Across States Higher Investment: Increase total investments from 33.5% to 40% of GDP by 2035. Labour Force Growth: Raise labour force participation from 56.4% to 65%. Productivity Acceleration: Boost overall productivity growth. Demographic Dividend Utilization Investing in Human Capital for skill development. Enhancing Job Creation with better wages and security. Raising Female Labour Participation from 35.6% to 50% by 2047. Four Key Policy Areas for Growth Acceleration Increase Investments (Public & Private). Create More & Better Jobs through labour market reforms. Boost Structural Transformation, Trade, and Technology Adoption. Ensure States Grow Faster & Together for balanced regional development. Current Growth Status India has accelerated its growth to 7.2% in the past three fiscal years. Achieving 7.8% sustained growth requires ambitious reforms and effective implementation. Conclusion India has a strong economic foundation, but to reach high-income status, it must speed up policy reforms, boost investments, and enhance labour force participation.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 27 February 2025

Content: Mahakumbh 2025: A Spectacle of Faith, Unity, and Tradition SWAYATT initiative on GeM celebrates 6 years of transformative impact Mahakumbh 2025: A Spectacle of Faith, Unity, and Tradition Cultural Roots: Originating from the Samudra Manthan mythology, it embodies ancient spiritual traditions centered on purification and liberation through holy river baths. Recognized globally as an intangible cultural heritage, it’s a testament to India’s enduring cultural legacy. Relevance : GS 1(Culture , Heritage ) , GS 2(Governance) Historical Evolution: Documented since the Maurya and Gupta eras, with Mughal support and colonial records, it reflects continuity through centuries of change. Held every 12 years across Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik, with the rare Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj every 144 years, making 2025 a historic event. Inclusivity: Featuring 13 Akharas, including Kinnar and Mahila Akharas, it showcases progressive inclusion within traditional frameworks. Governance and Administration Event Magnitude: Managed over 66 crore attendees in 45 days (exceeding the projected 45 crore), demonstrating exceptional administrative capacity. A temporary city, Maha Kumbh Nagar, with luxury tents like IRCTC’s “Maha Kumbh Gram,” reflects innovative planning for mass gatherings. Infrastructure: Renovation of 92 roads, construction of 30 pontoon bridges, and 800 multilingual signages ensured accessibility and navigation. Collaboration between central and state authorities highlights effective coordination. Health Management: Deployed 2,000+ medical personnel across 23 hospitals with 360 beds, offering services from minor treatments to surgeries. Netra Kumbh tested 5 lakh eyes and distributed 3 lakh spectacles, showcasing large-scale welfare initiatives. Security: A seven-tier system with 50,000+ personnel, AI-powered cameras, and underwater drones ensured safety. Cyber security measures, including 56 experts and a helpline (1920), tackled modern threats. Economic and Developmental Aspects Economic Boost: Affordable medicine sales via Jan Aushadhi Kendras targeted ₹2,000 crore (₹1,500 crore achieved), supporting local economies. Promotion of district-specific products and village industries enhanced small-scale entrepreneurship. Tourism Growth: Drew visitors from South Korea, Spain, and beyond, with promotion at international fairs positioning Uttar Pradesh as a tourism hub. Luxury accommodations and curated travel packages spurred economic activity. Digital Economy: Initiatives like DakPay QR and a banking helpline encouraged cashless transactions, aligning with broader financial inclusion goals. Environmental Sustainability Eco-Friendly Measures: Planted 119,700 saplings, including Miyawaki forests, and enforced a plastic ban to promote sustainability. Trash skimmers cleared 10-15 tons of river waste daily, protecting water bodies. Green Dialogue: The January 31 Green Maha Kumbh event engaged 1,000+ experts on water conservation and environmental balance. Sanitation: 22,000 workers, 12,000+ toilets, and bio-toilets maintained cleanliness, setting a high standard for public hygiene. Technological Advancements Technology Integration: Used 2,750 AI-powered cameras, drones, and multilingual tools (11 Indian languages) for security and accessibility. The Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot provided real-time assistance, enhancing user experience. Communication: BSNL’s 90 BTS towers and free SIMs ensured connectivity for millions, supporting self-reliance in telecom. Digital Reach: 33 lakh website visitors from 183 countries and live broadcasts amplified global engagement. Social Welfare and Inclusivity Healthcare Outreach: AYUSH services treated 2.18 lakh pilgrims, integrating traditional healing into public health. Provided free meals to 20,000 daily and issued 25,000 ration cards, emphasizing welfare. Worker Support: Offered housing, schools, and fair wages to 10,200 sanitation workers, prioritizing labor dignity. Diversity: Inclusive Akharas and international participation fostered social cohesion across borders and communities. International Relations and Global Image Global Appeal: Attracted tourists from 183 countries, British travel writers, and was showcased at international fairs, enhancing India’s global presence. Cultural Exchange: The Incredible India Pavilion and multilingual services positioned India as a spiritual and cultural leader. Economic Ties: Partnerships with airlines and tourism stakeholders opened avenues for investment. Governance Lessons Scalability: Successfully handled an unprecedented crowd, offering insights into large-scale logistics. Coordination: Integrated efforts across railways, health, security, and tourism departments set a collaborative benchmark. Innovation: Leveraging AI, drones, and digital tools modernized event management. Sustainability: Balanced faith-based activities with eco-friendly practices, creating a replicable framework. Broader Implications National Unity: Brought together diverse communities, reinforcing India’s pluralistic ethos. Policy Insights: Provides a blueprint for health, security, and environmental strategies in mass gatherings. Global Relevance: Positions India as a leader in managing cultural events with modern governance tools. SWAYATT initiative on GeM celebrates 6 years of transformative impact Introduction: Women Entrepreneurs on GeM Women entrepreneurs account for 8% of registered sellers on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). As of February 2025, 1,77,786 Udyam-verified women micro and small enterprises (MSEs) have been registered. The cumulative order value fulfilled by women-led MSEs on GeM is ₹46,615 Crore. Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues, Governance) , GS 3(Indian Economy SWAYATT Initiative: Enhancing Women’s Participation Launch Date: 19th February 2019. Objective: To increase participation of women-led enterprises, youth, and startups in public procurement. Key Focus Areas: Training and onboarding of last-mile sellers. Women entrepreneurship development through direct market linkages. Encouraging small businesses in government procurement. Collaboration with FICCI Ladies Organisation (FICCI-FLO) GeM signed an MoU with FICCI-FLO, which represents 9,500+ women entrepreneurs. Key Benefits of Partnership: Direct access to government buyers for women entrepreneurs, eliminating intermediaries. Better pricing for products due to direct sales. Hyper-local job creation and inclusive economic growth. Training and onboarding support for local businesses. Increased participation of women in public procurement. Growth & Impact of SWAYATT Initiative Initial Status (2019): 6,300 women-led enterprises onboarded. 3,400 startups on GeM. Current Status (2025): 29,000+ startups onboarded. Women-led MSEs fulfilling a cumulative order value of ₹46,615 Crore. Startups fulfilling orders worth ₹35,950 Crore. Addressing Challenges in Public Procurement for Women Entrepreneurs Access to Market: Digital platforms like GeM provide wider visibility and direct access to government procurement. Dedicated storefronts like “Startup Runway” and “Womaniya” enhance discoverability. Access to Finance: Market linkages through GeM enable financial growth for small businesses. E-market integration removes dependency on intermediaries. Access to Value Addition: Collaboration with industry bodies helps in capacity building. Women-led MSEs benefit from training, outreach, and advocacy efforts. Future Roadmap & Goals Onboarding 1 lakh DPIIT-registered startups onto GeM. Doubling the number of women entrepreneurs on the platform. Increasing women entrepreneurs’ share in public procurement from 3.78% to a higher percentage. Strengthening last-mile women MSEs, FPOs, SHGs, Startups, and Cooperatives through capacity-building initiatives. Conclusion: Strengthening Women’s Role in Public Procurement SWAYATT and GeM are actively bridging gender gaps in public procurement. Empowering women-led enterprises through digital platforms fosters economic inclusivity. Strategic collaborations like GeM-FICCI FLO partnership will further accelerate participation, economic contribution, and financial independence of women entrepreneurs in India.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 27 February 2025

Content : A leap backward for maternity entitlements The bigger tragedy is the Railways and its systemic inertia A leap backward for maternity entitlements Context : Despite legal entitlements under the NFSA, the PMMVY has failed in coverage, implementation, and adequacy, leaving most pregnant women without essential maternity benefits. Legal and Policy Framework National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 Entitles all pregnant women (except those covered in the formal sector) to maternity benefits of ₹6,000 per child. The amount, adjusted for inflation, should be at least ₹12,000 today. Recognizes the importance of maternity benefits in ensuring maternal health and newborn care. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Social Issue) Practice Question: Despite legal entitlements, maternity benefits in India remain inadequate and poorly implemented. Critically analyze the challenges in the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and suggest measures for effective maternity benefit delivery.(250 Words) Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), 2017 Replaces NFSA’s universal entitlement with restricted benefits. Initially covered only the first child, later extended to the second child (if a girl). Reduces the entitlement to ₹5,000 for the first child instead of the legally mandated ₹6,000. Introduces strict eligibility conditions and digital processes that make access difficult. Declining Coverage and Budget Cuts Limited Reach Effective coverage peaked at 36% (2019-20) but has since plummeted. By 2023-24, coverage dropped to a shocking 9%. A sharp contrast to NFSA’s intended universal coverage. Budgetary Allocation Trends PMMVY budget for 2023-24 was just ₹870 crore, one–third of its 2018-19 level. Estimated requirement for full implementation: ₹12,000 crore annually. Indicates a deliberate effort to reduce expenditure rather than improve implementation. Barriers to Access Restrictive Eligibility Criteria Limits benefits to only the first child (later extended to the second child if a girl). Excludes a large section of women, especially in marginalized communities. Digital Exclusion Aadhaar-based payments lead to authentication failures, particularly affecting women in rural areas. Complicated application process, requiring multiple documents and approvals. Software glitches in 2023-24 further reduced disbursements. Lack of Transparency Ministry of Women and Child Development does not disclose key PMMVY data. No proactive publication of statistics, violating Section 4 of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Lessons from Tamil Nadu and Odisha Tamil Nadu’s Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme Provides ₹18,000 per child, with planned increase to ₹24,000. Achieved 84% coverage in 2023-24. Odisha’s Mamata Scheme Provides ₹10,000 per child (doubled before the 2024 elections). Achieved 64% coverage in 2021-22. Key Takeaways Higher monetary support than PMMVY. Simpler application process with better implementation. Significantly higher coverage compared to the <10% under PMMVY. Stark Inequality Between Formal and Informal Sectors Formal Sector Benefits Women in the organized sector receive 26 weeks of paid maternity leave (Maternity Benefits Act, 1961). More generous than the WHO norm of 14 weeks. Informal Sector Neglect Women in the unorganized sector receive a mere ₹5,000, often after navigating bureaucratic hurdles. Need for Reform Full Implementation of NFSA Provisions PMMVY must align with NFSA to ensure universal maternity entitlements. Budgetary Expansion The ₹5,000 cap must be raised and indexed to inflation. ₹12,000 crore annual budget required to cover 90% of births. Simplification of the Process Remove first-child restriction and Aadhaar-related hurdles. Ensure easy access to funds without excessive documentation. Transparency and Accountability Regular publication of data on coverage and fund utilization. RTI compliance for greater public scrutiny. The bigger tragedy is the Railways and its systemic inertia Introduction: The February 15, 2024, stampede at New Delhi Railway Station underscores persistent issues in railway crowd control and safety. Despite previous tragedies (e.g., Elphinstone Road, Mumbai 2017; Allahabad Kumbh Mela 2013), the Railways has failed to implement preventive measures effectively. The systemic inertia within the Railways has led to repeated failures in handling predictable crowd surges. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Disaster Management) Practice Question : The recurring tragedies in Indian Railways highlight a deeper issue of systemic inertia rather than mere operational failures. Critically examine the causes and suggest measures to improve passenger safety and crowd management. (250 words) Core Issues Leading to the Tragedy A. Failure in Planning and Anticipation Lack of Risk Assessment: The predictable surge of passengers due to Kumbh Mela was underestimated. Inadequate Infrastructure: New Delhi station’s design and facilities remain outdated, unable to handle massive crowds. Weak Passenger Flow Management: No clear segregation of unreserved and reserved passengers led to chaotic movements. B. Crowd Control Lapses Platform Change Confusion: Though Railways denied it, the last-minute announcement of an additional train caused a surge of conflicting movement. Escalators as Bottlenecks: Failure to stop escalators despite real-time CCTV monitoring exacerbated congestion. Inadequate Security & Barricading: RPF deployment was insufficient to manage the crowd. C. Administrative Apathy and Mismanagement Blame Shifting to Passengers: The narrative focused on passenger behavior rather than operational lapses. Delayed & Conflicting Responses: The Railways’ inconsistent statements ranged from denial to obfuscation. Superficial Post-Tragedy Measures: Actions like increasing security and restricting platform tickets came after loss of lives. D. Lack of Accountability & Transparency Flawed Inquiry Mechanism: Internal Railway officials are investigating their own failures, bypassing independent oversight. Pattern of Evasion: Similar tragedies have occurred, but corrective measures remain superficial and reactive. The Larger Malaise: Systemic Inertia in Indian Railways Institutional Resistance to Change: Modernization efforts are hindered by bureaucratic rigidity. Focus on Grand Announcements Over Safety: Prioritization of high-profile projects (e.g., Vande Bharat) over basic passenger safety reforms. Lack of Data-Driven Decision Making: Absence of predictive models for crowd movement despite available technology. Accountability Deficit: Rarely are officials held responsible for preventable accidents. Way Forward: Addressing the Crisis Systematically Preemptive Crowd Management Strategies: Advance ticket-based crowd estimation, dynamic platform allocation. Infrastructure Upgradation: Wider foot-over bridges, better exit planning, dedicated unreserved ticket areas. Technology Integration: AI-based crowd monitoring, automated emergency response protocols. Independent Oversight Mechanisms: CRS or third-party audits to ensure impartial inquiries. Institutional Reforms: Decentralization of decision-making, greater operational accountability.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 27 February 2025

Content: Govt. questions petitions in apex court for lifetime ban on convicted politicians Over 70% farmers still use cash to sell their produce Why are PwDs worried about DPDP rules? Trump’s Russia-Ukraine policy hangs over EU-India talks Panel seeks penalties to end proxy rule by male kin of women panchayat leaders Cancer-related mortalities increased faster among women in the past decade EU says ready to address India’s specific concerns on carbon tax levy on imports Indian peacekeepers serve with commitment: UN Coal-fired power plants in India cut rice, wheat yield by up to 10% Govt. questions petitions in apex court for lifetime ban on convicted politicians Context : The Centre has opposed a lifetime ban on convicted politicians from contesting elections or holding legislative positions. It argues that penal punishments are finite in nature and that once a sentence is served, rights should be restored. The Supreme Court had questioned the “apparent conflict of interest” in allowing convicted politicians to return as lawmakers. Relevance : GS 2(Polity , Governance) Government’s Stand Current disqualification provisions under Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA) are sufficient (disqualification lasts for the prison term + 6 years). Lifetime ban would be excessive – Punishments under penal law apply only for a fixed term, after which citizens regain their full rights. Legal consistency – Other convicts in society do not face permanent loss of rights after completing their sentence. Supreme Court’s Concerns Conflict of interest – Lawbreakers should not become lawmakers. Question of public trust – A convicted individual re-entering politics could undermine governance and legislative integrity. Key Constitutional & Legal Aspects Article 14 (Right to Equality) – Lifetime ban may be seen as discriminatory. Article 19 (Freedom of Speech & Expression) – Restrictions on political participation must be reasonable. Moral & Ethical Governance – Legislators should uphold the law, not exploit legal loopholes. Arguments For Lifetime Ban Ensuring Clean Politics – Prevents criminal elements from influencing governance. Enhancing Democratic Integrity – Restores public trust in the electoral process. Precedent in Other Fields – Bureaucrats and judges face lifelong restrictions post-conviction. Arguments Against Lifetime Ban Rehabilitation & Reintegration – Convicts should be given a second chance. Selective Disqualification – No such rule exists for corporate leaders, bureaucrats, or other public figures. Potential for Political Misuse – Opponents may use criminal charges to permanently eliminate rivals. Over 70% farmers still use cash to sell their produce Key Findings from RBI Survey: Cash Transactions Dominant: Over 70% of farmers still use cash for selling produce. Pre-pandemic (2019): 88% farmers used cash. Post-pandemic (2024): 72% farmers still rely on cash. Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues) , GS 3(Economy ) Slow Growth in Digital Payments: Farmers: Electronic payments usage grew from 8% (2019) → 18% (2024). Traders: Electronic transactions increased from 8% (2019) → 31% (2024). Retailers: Digital payments surged from 3% (2019) → 22% (2024). Limited Digital Awareness for Market Prices: 55% farmers rely on traders for price information (↑ from 47% in 2019). 47% farmers depend on fellow farmers (↓ from 51% in 2019). Digital sources (apps/websites) remain underutilized (only 10% use them in 2024). Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture: 64% farmers reported crop damage in the 2023-24 rabi season. Key Reasons for Crop Damage: Unseasonal Rainfall: 37% farmers affected. Heatwaves (Climate Change Impact): 30% reported losses. Weather Forecasts Influence Sowing Decisions: 90% farmers rely on weather forecasts. Irrigation availability (60%) and expected prices (40%) rank lower. Farmers’ Share in Final Retail Prices (2024): Highest Share: Wheat (67%), Lentils/Chana (60%) (Govt. Procurement Involved). Lowest Share: Perishable goods like potatoes, mangoes, cauliflower (40%). Key Takeaways: Digital penetration remains low in agricultural transactions and price discovery. Climate change is increasingly affecting crop yields and sowing decisions. Market inefficiencies lead to lower price realization for perishable goods Why are PwDs worried about DPDP rules? Key Concerns of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) Mandated Guardian Consent: Section 9(1) of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023 requires legal guardians to provide consent for the processing of personal data of PwDs, equating them with children. Activists argue this undermines the autonomy of PwDs and assumes their inability to make decisions in the digital space. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) Lack of Clarity in Implementation: The draft Rules limit the number of disabilities covered under Section 9(1), but critics say they do not address all practical challenges. Rule 10 requires data fiduciaries to verify the guardian’s legal status, but no clear guidelines exist for different disabilities or their severity. Mismatch with Guardianship Laws: Two laws govern PwD guardianship in India: National Trust Act (NT Act), 1999 → Full guardianship for PwDs with autism, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities. Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016 → Limited guardianship, supporting PwDs in decision-making rather than replacing their autonomy. DPDP Act fails to differentiate between the two types of guardianship, raising concerns about forced dependence on guardians. Challenges & Conflicts Violation of UNCRPD Principles: The DPDP Act assumes that having a guardian implies an inability to make decisions, contradicting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which India has ratified. Gender & Intersectionality Issues: A PwD woman may require guardian consent even for essential online purchases like sanitary napkins, restricting their rights. Confusion in Definition of PwDs: The draft Rules include “physical impairment” under disabilities requiring guardian consent, but there is no provision for physical disabilities to have legal guardians. Practical Issues in Digital Data Handling Data Collection & Privacy Risks: Platforms may have to ask whether a user has a disability and whether they have a guardian. If a user is disabled but does not have a guardian, their disability status still gets recorded without any legitimate purpose. Legal Accountability of Guardians: If the legal guardian is the data principal, they may face penal consequences under the DPDP Act. This could lead to guardians acting in their own interest rather than that of the PwD. Accessibility Issues Remain Unaddressed A 2023 accessibility study by Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy found that apps like Paytm, Swiggy, Zomato, and Flipkart had low accessibility scores, highlighting that digital barriers remain a bigger issue for PwDs than data privacy rules. Trump’s Russia-Ukraine policy hangs over EU-India talks Context & Background European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and 21 EU Commissioners are visiting India for two days. The visit aims to strengthen EU-India ties amidst shifting U.S. foreign policy, particularly on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The trip is termed “unprecedented” by the EU, as such a large delegation has never traveled together to any country before. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Key Issues & Developments Impact of U.S. Foreign Policy Changes Donald Trump’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine war has caused concerns in Europe. The U.S. recently opposed an EU-backed UN resolution calling for Russian troop withdrawal. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is negotiating with Trump on a ceasefire proposal. EU-India Relations & Strategic Focus The visit seeks to reset EU-India ties, which have been overshadowed by the Ukraine conflict. No EU-India annual summit has taken place since 2020, though a Leaders’ Summit was held in 2021. A formal EU-India summit is planned for later in 2025. Trade & Economic Cooperation EU-India Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) negotiations, relaunched in 2022, remain stuck over tariff issues on cars, wine, spirits, and non-tariff barriers. The visit aims to provide political momentum before the next round of trade talks (March 10-14 in Brussels). The Trade and Technology Council (TTC) will discuss AI policies, semiconductors, quantum computing, and green technology. EU’s Stance on Russia-Ukraine & India’s Position The EU imposed its 16th round of sanctions on Russia. Despite U.S. policy shifts, the EU remains committed to enforcing sanctions. India, which has rejected sanctions and increased Russian oil imports, is unlikely to alter its stance. Geopolitical Implications Discussions will cover the EU-India Strategic Roadmap (2020-2025), with a focus on Indo-Pacific cooperation. The timing of the visit is crucial ahead of the March 6 extraordinary European summit. Panel seeks penalties to end proxy rule by male kin of women panchayat leaders Background & Context The Supreme Court directed the Union Panchayati Raj Ministry (September 2023) to address the issue of proxy leadership by male relatives of women panchayat leaders. Women’s reservation in panchayats was introduced through the 73rd Constitutional (Amendment) Act, 1992, mandating one-third reservation of seats. 21 States and 2 Union Territories increased this quota to nearly 50%, but in many areas, male relatives exercise de facto power, reducing women leaders to mere figureheads. Relevance : GS 2(Polity and Governance) Key Recommendations by Advisory Panel “Exemplary Penalties” for Proxy Leadership The panel suggests punitive action to deter male relatives from controlling women-led panchayats. However, it does not specify whether penalties should be financial or legal. Multi-Pronged Strategy for Women’s Empowerment Policy Interventions & Structural Reforms: Legal mechanisms to enforce women’s leadership. Technological Monitoring: Use of digital tools to track decision-making authority. Peer Support Programs: Federations of women leaders for collective empowerment. Gender-Exclusive Quotas: Inspired by Kerala’s model, allocating certain panchayat subject committees exclusively to women. Public Swearing-In Ceremonies: Gram Sabha participation to strengthen women’s legitimacy. Accountability & Oversight Mechanisms Helplines & Women Watchdog Committees: Confidential reporting of proxy leadership. Whistleblower Rewards: Incentivizing verified complaints against male interference. Minimum Education Requirement Debate A field recommendation suggested minimum school education for panchayat president candidates. Haryana had set a Class 8 minimum qualification for women candidates, upheld by the Supreme Court in 2021. However, the advisory panel did not include this in its final nine-point recommendations due to ongoing debates on educational eligibility. Challenges & Implications Enforcement of Penalties: Without clear legal backing, penalizing proxy leadership may face resistance. Grassroots Resistance: Societal norms may continue enabling male control despite legal safeguards. Education Mandate Controversy: Could disenfranchise rural women with low literacy rates, limiting their political participation. Conclusion The panel’s recommendations reflect a serious push for women’s true leadership in local governance. However, success depends on effective enforcement, cultural shifts, and legal clarity on punitive actions. Cancer-related mortalities increased faster among women in the past decade Context : Key Findings from ICMR & GLOBOCAN (2022) Cancer-related deaths have increased faster among women (1.2%-4.4% annual growth) compared to men (1.2%-2.4%) in the past decade. Three out of five individuals in India die after a cancer diagnosis. Cancer burden expected to rise due to demographic shifts, with more people moving into middle and geriatric age groups. Five most common cancers contribute 44% of India’s total cancer burden. Relevance : GS 2(Health) Gender Disparities in Cancer Incidence & Mortality Women have higher crude incidence & mortality rates compared to men. Population Factor (2022): Females: 0.676 billion Males: 0.731 billion Crude rates (new cases or deaths per population) show a significant cancer impact on women. Age-Wise Cancer Risk Lowest risk: Childhood & reproductive age (0.08%-1.3%). Highest risk: Middle-aged & geriatric population, leading to an expected cancer epidemic in the near future. Concerns & Implications Demographic Transition: India’s aging population may significantly increase cancer cases & deaths. Healthcare Preparedness: Rising cancer burden demands better screening, early detection, and treatment facilities. Gender-Specific Interventions: Need for targeted cancer awareness & healthcare strategies for women. Conclusion Cancer mortality is rising at a faster pace among women, highlighting the need for improved cancer care, awareness, and policy interventions to address gender disparities in healthcare. EU says ready to address India’s specific concerns on carbon tax levy on imports Key Highlights EU acknowledges India’s concerns over the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a tax on carbon-intensive imports starting in 2026 (with a transition phase from 2023). EU claims CBAM is WTO-compatible, but is open to addressing specific concerns. EU unlikely to include CBAM in the Modi-von der Leyen talks on Friday, though India wants to raise the issue. EU Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra: 90% of companies may be excluded from CBAM. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) India’s Concerns on CBAM Economic impact on Indian exports, particularly steel, aluminum, cement, and other carbon-intensive sectors. Potential trade barriers affecting India’s competitiveness in the EU market. Compliance burden for Indian companies, given CBAM’s strict reporting and carbon pricing requirements. EU’s Stand While some concerns are considered “illegitimate”, the EU is willing to share experiences to facilitate implementation. Asserts CBAM is not protectionist but a climate action tool aligned with WTO rules. Potential Implications for India Higher export costs for carbon-intensive sectors. Need for decarbonization investments to remain competitive. Possibility of negotiations or exemptions for Indian exporters. Conclusion India is pushing for dialogue on CBAM’s impact, while the EU remains firm on implementation but open to discussions. Long-term solution: India may need to accelerate green energy transitions and explore carbon pricing mechanisms to mitigate trade risks. Indian peacekeepers serve with commitment: UN Context : Indian peacekeepers serve with commitment, says UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean Pierre Lacroix. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Peacekeeping mission in Congo faces restrictions in M23 rebel-controlled areas, affecting movement and supply. India recognized as an important member in global peacekeeping efforts. Conference on ‘Women in Peacekeeping — A Global South Perspective’ held in India (Feb 24-25), bringing together representatives from 35+ countries. Call for UN Security Council reforms to reflect current global realities. Situation in Congo remains concerning, with M23 gaining territory, backed by Rwandan armed forces. India among top troop contributors: As of October 2024, 5,466 Indian personnel (5,046 military) deployed in UN missions, ranking fourth after Nepal, Rwanda, and Bangladesh. Challenges for UN Peacekeepers in Congo Restrictions on movement & supply chains in M23-controlled areas. Threats to civilians and regional instability due to armed conflict. Peacekeepers’ safety concerns, though they are not directly targeted. India’s Role in UN Peacekeeping Long-standing contribution to global peace operations. Women peacekeepers’ participation highlighted in recent conference. Advocacy for UN reforms, including Security Council restructuring. Geopolitical Context Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 rebels worsening instability in Congo. No immediate prospects of ceasefire in Ukraine, UN monitoring still uncertain. Conclusion India’s commitment to UN peacekeeping reaffirmed, despite challenges in volatile regions. Continued advocacy for global governance reforms and greater representation in international peace efforts. Coal-fired power plants in India cut rice, wheat yield by up to 10% Context : Key Findings from the Study Yield Loss: Coal-fired power plants reduce rice and wheat yields by up to 10% in several states. Primary Cause: Nitrogen oxides (NO₂) from coal plants are phytotoxic, causing cellular stress in plants and affecting enzymatic activities. Impact of NO₂: Contributes to ozone formation, worsening crop damage. Produces particulate matter, reducing sunlight for photosynthesis. Relevance : GS 3(Agriculture , Environment) Methodology of the Study Conducted by Stanford University researchers, led by Kirat Singh. Used satellite data (TROPOMI) to track NO₂ concentration across agricultural regions. Used Near-Infrared Reflectance of Vegetation (NIRv) as a proxy for plant health. Analysed wind patterns to differentiate coal pollution from other sources. Regional Impact Chhattisgarh: Highest coal-related NO₂ pollution (19% in monsoon, 12.5% in winter). Uttar Pradesh: High NO₂ levels but only a small portion from coal. Tamil Nadu: Low NO₂ levels, but majority from coal power. West Bengal: 5.7% of cropland near coal plants could see 5-10% yield increase if coal-related NO₂ is eliminated. Madhya Pradesh: 5.9% of cropland could gain 5-10% yield; 11.9% could gain more than 10%. Economic Impact Estimated ₹7,000 crore annual gain from reduced NO₂ pollution: ₹3,500 crore ($420 million) increase in rice production. ₹3,300 crore ($400 million) increase in wheat production. Targeting a few highly polluting plants can significantly benefit agriculture. Policy Implications Coal power is crucial for India’s energy needs (255% budget increase for Ministry of Coal in FY 2025-26). Need for pollution-control policies balancing energy and food security. Strategic installation of pollution-control equipment in high-impact coal plants could maximize agricultural benefits. Findings could aid policymakers in prioritizing power plants for emission reduction measures. Future Research Directions Further studies on the impact of other coal pollutants on agriculture. Identifying optimal locations for emission control investments. Exploring alternative energy solutions to reduce reliance on coal while sustaining agricultural productivity.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 25 February 2025

Content: Cultivating the Future India poised to host the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific in Jaipur Cultivating the Future Biotechnology in Agriculture: Transforming Crop Production Climate-Smart Crops: SAATVIK (NC 9): Newly approved drought-tolerant chickpea variety with enhanced yield under drought stress. Addresses climate resilience and food security challenges. Relevance : GS 3(Agriculture , Environment) Genome-Edited Crops: Genome editing in MTU-1010 rice to improve yield and productivity. DEP1 genome-edited rice lines show increased grain numbers and larger spikes. Potential to mitigate yield gaps and enhance farmer incomes. Genotyping Arrays: IndRA (Rice) and IndCA (Chickpea): First-ever 90K Pan-genome SNP arrays. Applications: DNA fingerprinting, genetic purity testing, and variety identification. Accelerates breeding programs with precision agriculture techniques. Amaranth Genetic Resources: Development of Amaranth Genomic Resource Database and 64K SNP chip. Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) used for nutritional screening. Amaranth accessions show potential in addressing obesity-linked diets. Fungal Biocontrol: Nano-formulation from Myrothecium verrucaria developed to combat powdery mildew. Eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for tomatoes and grapes. Kisan-Kavach (Farmer Safety Gear): Anti-pesticide suit to prevent pesticide-induced toxicity. Enhances occupational safety in agriculture. Revolutionizing Animal Biotechnology: Enhancing Livestock Productivity Livelihood Impact: India’s largest livestock population supports two-thirds of rural households. Focus on small and marginal farmers for inclusive rural development. Innovations (Though specifics not detailed in the release): Breakthroughs in veterinary medicine and disease management. Livestock genetics improvement programs for higher milk and meat yields. Biosafety measures and vaccines under development to prevent animal diseases. Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology: Towards Sustainable Blue Economy Shrimp Diet Innovation: Fish meal replacement with yeast-fermented soybean meal. Inclusion up to 35% in shrimp feed increases growth by approximately 8.5%. Reduces reliance on unsustainable fish meal sources, promoting environmental conservation. CIFA-Brood-Vac: Novel vaccine to reduce fish spawn mortality, ensuring stable aquaculture productivity. Interactive Fish Feed Designer (IFFD) Version 2: Software to develop cost-effective fish feed using non-conventional ingredients. Promotes affordability and efficiency for aquaculture farmers. Significance and Future Outlook Biotechnology serves as a catalyst for: Climate resilience in agriculture. Sustainable aquaculture production. Livestock health and productivity improvements. Focus on environmental sustainability, farmer safety, and inclusive growth Continued research and commercialization pivotal to ensuring: Nutritional security. Increased farmer incomes. Robust rural economy aligned with global sustainable development goals (SDGs). Key Takeaways Biotechnology is key to solving challenges of productivity, climate stress, and food security. Innovations like genome editing, biocontrol, and farmer-friendly technologies (Kisan-Kavach) ensure practical solutions for the grassroots. Integration across agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture sectors ensures holistic rural development and economic resilience. India poised to host the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific in Jaipur Overview of the Forum India will host the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum at the Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur, from March 3-5, 2025. The theme: “Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.” Organizedby the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, in collaboration with: Japan’s Ministry of the Environment United Nations ESCAP, UNCRD, UNDSDG, UNDESA Government of Rajasthan Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Participation & Engagement Over 500 international and domestic delegates expected. Representation from 38 member countries, 15-line ministries, 60+ cities, 40+ start-ups and businesses, and 120+ speakers. Three-day conference featuring: Plenary sessions on sustainable waste management. Country-specific discussions to tailor policies for regional needs. Theme-based roundtables for in-depth technical deliberations. Technical field visits to Jaipur’s solid & liquid waste management facilities. Visits to Jaipur’s key heritage sites to integrate sustainability and cultural preservation. Virtual participation available via the official website. ‘India Pavilion’ – Showcasing National Achievements A dedicated India Pavilion will highlight India’s remarkable initiatives in 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and circular economy. Exhibitions from key government ministries and national missions showcasing India’s policy-driven approach to sustainability. Interactive knowledge-sharing events, including: Ministers & Ambassadors Roundtable Dialogue Mayors’ Dialogue on urban sustainability Policy Dialogue for regulatory frameworks Signing of agreements under CITIIS 2.0 program Key Knowledge Products & Exhibitions Launch of a compendium of 100+ best practices in circular economy, prepared by National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA). International 3R Trade & Technology Exhibition: Over 40 Indian and Japanese businesses & start-ups showcasing circular economy solutions. Exchange of best practices, technology innovations, and cross-learning opportunities. ‘Waste-to-Wealth’ Initiatives: Special focus on NGOs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) demonstrating sustainability-driven entrepreneurship. Jaipur Declaration (2025-34): Strengthening the Circular Economy The Jaipur Declaration will be the key outcome of the Forum. Aims to provide a voluntary, non-binding policy framework for Asia-Pacific nations to transition to a resource-efficient, circular economy. Builds upon the Hanoi Declaration (2013-23) and aligns with global efforts to move away from the linear economy (‘Take-Make-Dispose’ model). The Declaration will be handed over to the next host country for continuity of initiatives. India’s Leadership in 3R & Circular Economy India previously hosted the 8th Regional 3R Forum (2018, Indore). Significant policy interventions include: Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban – Driving waste management reforms. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – Encouraging industries to manage waste. Plastic Waste Management Rules – Reducing single-use plastic dependency. Smart Cities Mission – Integrating sustainability in urban governance. Strategic Importance of the Forum Provides policy direction for Asia-Pacific nations to implement 3R strategies. Aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and carbon neutrality targets. Strengthens international partnerships in waste management and sustainability. Encourages private sector participation in circular economy initiatives. Enhances regional collaboration on environmental sustainability. Conclusion The 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum is a significant step toward sustainable waste management and circular economy transformation in Asia-Pacific. India, as the host, is set to drive policy innovation, knowledge exchange, and practical implementation of 3R principles. The Forum’s outcomes, particularly the Jaipur Declaration, will shape future strategies for resource efficiency across the region.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 25 February 2025

Content: The RTI is now the ‘right to deny information’ Fencing out interfaith relationships in the new India The RTI is now the ‘right to deny information’   Background of the RTI Act: Enacted in 2005 to ensure transparency, accountability, and curb corruption in governance. Empowered citizens to access information from public authorities, reinforcing participatory democracy. RTI was seen as a tool to realize the ideals of ‘swaraj’ and citizen sovereignty. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) Practice Question: The Right to Information Act, 2005 was hailed as a milestone in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. Critically analyze how recent legislative developments and judicial interpretations have transformed it into a ‘Right to Deny Information.’ Suggest measures to uphold the original spirit of the Act.(250 Words) Early Government Resistance: RTI shifted power from bureaucracy to citizens, creating discomfort among public officials. Within a year of enactment, the government attempted amendments to weaken the Act but withdrew them due to public protests. Erosion of RTI Implementation: Appointment of Information Commissioners: Predominantly retired bureaucrats with little interest in transparency. Positions seen as post-retirement benefits rather than accountability roles. Poor Case Disposal Rates: High Court judges average over 2,500 cases annually; RTI commissioners less so, despite simpler cases. Growing backlog, with delays stretching beyond a year. The 30-day information provision timeline not mirrored at the commission level, reducing RTI’s effectiveness. Weak Enforcement of Penal Provisions: Reluctance to penalize non-compliant public information officers, diluting accountability mechanisms. Judicial Interpretations Undermining RTI: Supreme Court Verdict (2011) – CBSE vs. Aditya Bandopadhyay: Shifted interpretation of Section 8 exemptions from narrow to broader reading. Raised concerns about “indiscriminate demands” under RTI affecting administrative efficiency. Resulted in RTI users being viewed negatively, legitimizing information denial. Girish Ramchandra Deshpande Case (2012): Redefined ‘personal information’ broadly under Section 8(1)(j), denying access to public servant records. Ignored the proviso that information accessible to Parliament should be available to citizens. Precedent for restricting information, used in subsequent cases and legislation. Legislative Developments Furthering Erosion: Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA): Draws from judicial precedents to amend RTI provisions, emphasizing privacy over transparency. Raises concerns about prioritizing data protection to the detriment of accountability. Consequences of RTI Dilution: Right to Information morphing into Right to Deny Information (RDI): Growing culture of secrecy and bureaucratic resistance. Erosion of citizen trust and democratic accountability. Reduced Vigilance Against Corruption: Delays and denials weaken citizen oversight of government actions. Way Forward: Citizens and Media Role: Defend the original spirit of the RTI Act and resist distortions. Increase awareness campaigns to uphold transparency rights. Need for Transparent Governance: Strict adherence to RTI timelines and punitive provisions for non-compliance. Appointment of commissioners committed to transparency, not post-retirement benefits. Judicial Responsibility: Interpret RTI provisions to protect citizen rights rather than prioritizing bureaucratic convenience. Fencing out interfaith relationships in the new India Introduction On January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Objectives: Ensure gender justice, uniformity, and address administrative issues. Critique: UCC, combined with anti-conversion laws, heightens surveillance over private relationships and interfaith unions. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) Practice Question: The implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, combined with anti-conversion laws, has raised debates over privacy, secularism, and individual freedoms. Critically examine how these legal frameworks affect interfaith and inter-caste relationships. Suggest measures to balance uniformity with individual rights and constitutional values.(250 Words) Existing Challenges to Interfaith Marriages Social Barriers: 2014 survey: Less than 10% of urban Indians had family members in inter-caste marriages. Interfaith unions rarer (barely 5% in urban areas). Legal Barriers Under Special Marriage Act, 1954: Mandatory 30-day notice period invites scrutiny and harassment. Impact of Anti-Conversion Laws: Enforced in states like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan. Mandatory declarations, long waiting periods, and district magistrate approvals deter conversions for marriage. Encourage vigilantism; e.g., 63 out of 101 complaints in U.P. filed by third-party vigilante groups. UCC’s Expanded Surveillance Over Live-in Relationships Mandatory registration with district authorities. Registration Process: 16-page application with Aadhaar cards and residence proof. Approval from religious leaders or community heads. Notification to family members. Penalties for Non-compliance: Up to 6 months imprisonment and ₹25,000 fine. Impact on Privacy: Only one live-in couple registered in Uttarakhand post-enactment. Vigilante groups accessing live-in registration details raises privacy concerns. Mechanisms Institutionalising Segregation A. Strengthening Traditional Religious Institutions: Reinforces the authority of religious leaders over personal choices. Undermines secular constitutional guarantees. B. Heightening Familial Control Over Women: Women disproportionately affected; increased vulnerability to honour-based violence. Legal requirement to inform families strips women of agency. C. Providing Legal Cover for Vigilantism: Vigilantes monitor and harass interfaith couples under the guise of legality. Public notice requirements enable third-party interference. Broader Implications for Pluralism and Individual Rights Legal framework fosters segregation akin to historical apartheid or Nazi-era laws against inter-racial unions. Erodes the secular and pluralistic fabric of Indian society. Restricts individual rights to marry or cohabit beyond religious boundaries. Possible Spread to Other States Rajasthan and Gujarat considering similar UCC models. Rajasthan’s High Court reviewing mandatory live-in registrations. Movement signals a trend toward regulating personal relationships across states. Conclusion While pitched as a tool for uniformity and gender justice, the UCC combined with anti-conversion laws raises serious concerns over individual freedom and community integration. Legal barriers and surveillance disproportionately target interfaith and inter-caste relationships. These developments challenge the core constitutional values of secularism, privacy, and personal liberty.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 25 February 2025

Content: Internet shutdowns highest in 2024 globally, India tops in government-ordered curbs Remarkable rise in India’s social security coverage: ILO chief How does space travel affect health of an astronaut? The UGC’s mandate is to elevate, not strangulate Why are pilots asking for more rest hours? Indian tech industry revenue projected to grow 5.1% even as job loss concerns persist Surveillance capitalism: the power to control personal data Internet shutdowns highest in 2024 globally, India tops in government-ordered curbs Global Context: 2024 witnessed 296 global Internet shutdowns, the highest ever. India accounted for 28% of global shutdowns with 84 instances, second only to Myanmar (85). Relevance : GS 2(Governance) India-Specific Insights: Government Role: Union and State governments in India led in government-ordered shutdowns globally. Regional Breakdown: Manipur: 21 shutdowns Haryana: 12 shutdowns Jammu & Kashmir: 12 shutdowns Reasons for Shutdowns: Protests: 41 instances Communal violence: 23 instances Exam-related curbs: 5 instances (criticized as disproportionate) Notable Exam-related Shutdowns: Jharkhand: During Graduate Level Competitive Exams (5.5 hours, Sept 22) Assam: For government job exams (Sept, most districts) Rajasthan: For Public Service Commission exam (Jan) Myanmar Comparison: Myanmar topped with 85 shutdowns. Some imposed by external actors like China (2), Thailand (4), and local armed groups (NUG, MNDAA, TNLA). Advocacy Concerns: Access Now: Criticized exam-related shutdowns as excessive measures. Broader concerns on freedom of speech, digital rights, and democratic implications. Trend Observation: India’s shutdowns decreased from 2023 but remain disproportionately high. Global rise in shutdowns indicates increasing digital control during unrest and sensitive events. Remarkable rise in India’s social security coverage: ILO chief Key Highlights: India’s social protection coverage increased from 24% to 49%, nearly doubling in a short span. Data sourced from the World Social Protection Report 2024-26 by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Relevance : GS 1(Society ), GS 2(Social Issues , Governance) ILO’s Observations (Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General): Commended the strong India-ILO partnership and decisive government actions. Highlighted India’s balanced focus on business growth and social protection as a global model. Appreciated digital initiatives like e-Shram for expanding employment opportunities and social security coverage. Lauded India’s commitment to inclusive economic growth. Significance and Implications: Improved social protection fosters inclusive growth and reduces vulnerability. Digital platforms enhance accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in welfare delivery. Strengthened labour welfare measures can lead to improved human capital development and productivity. Broader Context: India’s progress aligns with global efforts toward achieving social justice and sustainable development goals (SDGs). The Regional Dialogue on Social Justice serves as a platform to exchange best practices and strengthen global cooperation. How does space travel affect health of an astronaut? Environmental Challenges in Space: Space presents microgravity conditions and high-energy radiation exposure, unlike Earth. Lack of Earth’s atmospheric and magnetic protection increases health risks, especially beyond low-earth orbit (e.g., Moon missions). Physiological Effects of Space Travel: Radiation Exposure: Leads to DNA damage, increased cancer risk, neurodegeneration, and immune system dysregulation. Microgravity Effects: Fluid shifts upward → Increased intracranial pressure affecting vision. Bone and muscle loss due to absence of mechanical loading → Bone density loss, muscle atrophy. Cardiovascular changes → Difficulty regulating blood pressure upon return. Inner ear dysfunction → Balance and coordination issues. Vision Impairment: Linked to spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome from fluid shifts and intracranial pressure changes. Psychological and Behavioral Challenges: Isolation and confinement → Psychological stress, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances. Limited social interaction and absence of natural stimuli aggravate mental health challenges on long-duration missions. Recovery After Space Missions: Short-duration missions (few days): Approximately 95% of biological damage reverses post-return. Long-duration missions (months): Recovery correlates with time spent in space. Some physiological functions gradually normalize, but vision and certain neurological issues may persist. Need for Countermeasures: Focus on developing personalized risk profiles and targeted mitigation strategies. Researchers emphasize collecting more data from astronauts with diverse health backgrounds and mission types. Broader Implications: Ensuring astronaut health is crucial for future deep-space explorations (e.g., Mars missions). Continued research aims at balancing human endurance limits with space exploration ambitions. The UGC’s mandate is to elevate, not strangulate Context: UGC’s recent directive on the appointment procedure of vice-chancellors (VCs) has faced resistance from states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu. States argue that the directive infringes on their constitutional prerogatives and promotes central overreach through Governor-appointed VCs. Relevance :GS 2(Education , Governance , Polity) Key Points of Contention: Federalism Concerns: States fund and establish universities, asserting that elected state governments should have the final say. The increasing role of Governors (appointed by the Centre) in appointing VCs is seen as undermining state autonomy. UGC’s New Qualification Norms for VCs: Rescinds the requirement for VCs to be solely from academic backgrounds. Opens eligibility to distinguished individuals from fields like industry, politics, and journalism. Global and Indian Examples: International: Oxford, Cambridge, and U.S. universities often appoint non-academics as heads. India: G. Parthasarathy’s successful tenure as JNU’s first VC. Critique of the UGC’s Broader Role: Deviation from Core Mandate: Established in 1956 to maintain higher education standards but focuses more on uniform regulations than quality improvement. Persistent concerns over the poor quality of graduates, as highlighted by judiciary and industry leaders. Overemphasis on Procedural Controls: Excessive regulation on attendance, faculty hours, record-keeping, and curriculum decisions. Resembles colonial-era surveillance practices, limiting institutional autonomy and faculty agency. Result: Faculty disengagement and decline in accountability for learning outcomes. Impact on Higher Education Quality: Despite economic growth, public universities have declined in global stature. India lags in research and innovation, with little presence in global knowledge production (e.g., AI advancements like China’s DeepSeek). Broader Implications: Micro-management and Political Interference: High compliance burdens and politicization hinder academic excellence and research output. Need for Structural Reforms: UGC should shift focus from procedural oversight to elevating teaching quality, research, and global competitiveness. Conclusion: While expanding eligibility for VCs is a progressive step, the UGC’s overarching micro-management stifles innovation and institutional growth. Strengthening autonomy, reducing political interference, and prioritizing educational excellence are key to reviving India’s higher education system Why are pilots asking for more rest hours? Delhi High Court Ruling New norms to be implemented: Liberalised duty and rest norms by DGCA (Jan 2024) to come into effect from July 1, 2025. Key provisions effective July 2025: Weekly rest increased from 36 to 48 hours. Airlines must submit quarterly fatigue complaint reports. Provisions effective by Nov 1, 2025: Night duty redefined: 00:00–06:00 hrs (earlier 00:00–05:00 hrs). Cap on landings: Max two landings during night duty. Reduced duty hours: Max 8 hours flying or 10 hours total duty on night duty. Special dispensation time reduced: From 3 hours to 2 hours in unforeseen circumstances. Relevance : GS 2 (Social Issues) , GS 1(Society) Why did pilots demand more rest? Increased workload post COVID-19: Upto 4 landings/day; 10 hours flying, 12–13 hours total duty. Approaches and landings demand high concentration. Circadian rhythm disruption: Two consecutive night flights affect natural body clock. 02:00–06:00 hrs toughest window (circadian low). Rosters issues: Erratic schedules: Sudden shift changes affect rest planning. Example: 10 AM duty changed to 4 PM ending at 2 AM, disrupting rest cycles. Cockpit conditions causing fatigue: Poor air flow, restricted movement, low light, noise, and pressure changes. Pilots often sleep 1.5–2.5 hours inside cockpit during short-haul flights.  Leave and Duty Structure Monthly flying hours: 50–90 hours; Total duty: 140–150 hours. Leave entitlements: Air India: 6 casual, 12 sick, 30 privilege leaves (PL) (apply a year in advance). IndiGo: 42 PLs (Captains), 22 PLs (First Officers). Weekly rest: Only on the 8th day (as per DGCA norms). No public holidays for pilots. Why did airlines oppose the relaxed rules? Operational challenges: Need to hire more pilots → Increased costs & time. Potential flight cancellations and fare hikes. Cost pressures: Post-pandemic: Higher airport tariffs and lease costs (+20–30%). Crew expenses: 3rd largest airline cost (8.7%). Airline profit margins slim: $7 profit/passenger (IATA, 2025 projection).  Airline Responses Air India: Claims robust Fatigue Risk Management (FRM) system in place. Uses Jeppesen Boeing Alertness Model (BAM) for fatigue analysis. Maintains a non-punitive, confidential fatigue reporting system. Has 3,500+ pilots—claims adequate staff for existing fleet. IndiGo: No official comments on fatigue management practices.  Triggering incidents & pilot concerns Pilot deaths: IndiGo pilot’s cardiac arrest (Aug 2023) highlighted fatigue risks. Reduced pay driving longer hours: Air India’s fixed pay now 40 flying hours (down from 70 hours) → Pilots fly more to earn. International comparison: DGCA norms based on U.S. & EU standards but Indian pilots lack union negotiation rights.  Future Outlook Demand for pilots rising: India’s fastest-growing aviation market; 1,000 aircraft on order (Air India & IndiGo) by 2035. Need for pilot utilisation vs. fatigue management will intensify. Bottom line: Pilots are seeking more rest due to excessive workloads, erratic rosters, and circadian disruption impacting safety and health. Airlines cite operational and cost concerns but face pressure to prioritise pilot well-being amidst rising travel demand. Indian tech industry revenue projected to grow 5.1% even as job loss concerns persist Revenue Projections: Indian tech industry revenue projected to grow 5.1% to $282.6 billion in FY 2025-26 (NASSCOM Annual Strategic Review 2026). Domestic revenue to grow faster at 7% to $58.2 billion, while exports projected at 4.6% growth. IT Services and Engineering R&D to continue dominating revenue share. Relevance : GS 3(Economy) Job Market & Hiring Trends: Despite revenue growth, 55% of surveyed CEOs expect hiring to plateau or reduce in FY26. AI adoption prompting companies to prioritize technology spending over human resources. Concerns over job shrinkage due to AI are increasing. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Focus: Around two-thirds of CEOs project over 10% of tech spending on AI. CEOs of HCL and Infosys urge firms to approach AI adoption with “paranoia” to avoid complacency and ensure competitiveness. Maharashtra aims to become an AI hub to support its $1 trillion economy target . Upskilling & Strategic Vision: Upskilling in niche tech areas emphasized as crucial for industry sustainability (Rajesh Nambiar, NASSCOM President). Sustaining growth requires a strategic vision beyond just AI investment. Government Initiatives & Competitiveness: Positive response to tender for 10,000 GPUs, with 18,000 orders placed at less than $1 per unit. Stressed the need to maintain industry competitiveness through proactive efforts by NASSCOM and government. Key Takeaways: Revenue growth remains robust but job growth lags amid AI-driven disruptions. Skill development and balanced tech adoption are vital to navigate emerging challenges. India’s tech competitiveness hinges on AI leadership and domestic market expansion. Surveillance capitalism: the power to control personal data What is Surveillance Capitalism? Economic system where personal data is commodified to predict and influence human behaviour. Coined by Shoshana Zuboff in The Age of Surveillance Capitalism (2018). Relies on tracking online/offline activities (clicks, searches, purchases, movements). Companies involved: Google, Meta, Amazon, etc. Relevance : GS 3(Economy, Technology) How It Works: Data extraction: Human experience converted into data. Predictive analytics: Algorithms predict behaviour, guiding user choices. Instrumentarian power: Control through subtle behavioural nudges (not coercion). Social physics (Alex Pentland): Studies human interaction patterns for behavioural prediction. Differences from Industrial Capitalism: Industrial Capitalism: Focus on production, labour exploitation, efficiency. Surveillance Capitalism: Focus on data extraction, behavioural manipulation, user engagement. Users become both consumers and raw data sources. Role of State Surveillance: Corporation-state collaboration: Tech firms provide data to governments. Data-sharing agreements often bypass democratic accountability. Example: States leverage private surveillance for intelligence and policing. Impact on Privacy and Autonomy: Erosion of autonomy: Users’ decisions influenced by targeted content. Behavioural conditioning: Algorithms subtly manipulate user preferences. Example: Cambridge Analytica scandal (2014) – Exploited Facebook data to influence US elections. Regulatory Challenges: Existing laws: EU’s GDPR: Data privacy focus but doesn’t curb commodification. India’s DPDPA: Aims for user control but lacks structural oversight. Obstacles: Corporate lobbying and political influence weaken regulations. Rise of tech leaders in politics protects corporate interests. Way Forward: Stronger regulations: Limit data commodification, increase accountability. Public awareness: Encourage critical engagement with digital platforms. Policy focus: Move beyond data privacy to address structural exploitation. Key Concerns: Loss of individual privacy and autonomy. Growing corporate-political nexus controlling digital ecosystems. Systemic fragility: Data breaches can trigger financial and information crises.

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