15 March 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. Aditya-L1 mission: scientists observe a flareless coronal mass ejection

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 5)

Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

On July 5, 2024, scientists observed a flareless coronal mass ejection (CME) using Aditya-L1’s VELC, improving understanding of solar magnetic instabilities.

Observation of a Flareless CME

• This observation provides crucial insights into magnetic instabilities that cause both flares and CMEs.

• The results of this study will be published in an international peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Importance of CME Monitoring

• With the sun approaching the peak of Solar Cycle 25, CMEs are expected to become more frequent.

• The continuous monitoring of the sun with VELC will provide valuable data for both Indian and global scientific communities.

• The unique design of VELC helps in studying CMEs close to the sun’s surface, improving understanding of their association with solar flares.

Nature of CMEs and Solar Flares

• Solar flares and CMEs are powerful explosions on the sun caused by magnetic reconnection.

• Solar flares release energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation from heated plasma.

• CMEs involve the massive ejection of plasma and magnetic fields, weighing about a trillion kilograms and moving at speeds up to 3,000 km/s.

• The connection between CMEs and solar flares is not yet fully understood, making continuous observation essential.

About Aditya-L1 Mission:

India’s First Solar Mission: Aditya-L1 is India’s first space mission dedicated to studying the Sun. Location: Placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange Point 1 (L1), about 1.5 million km from Earth. Main Goal: To study the Sun’s corona, solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and solar winds. VELC Instrument: The Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) observes solar activity and helps predict space weather. Continuous Sun Monitoring: The L1 position allows uninterrupted observation of the Sun without Earth’s shadow. Scientific Importance: Helps understand solar storms and their impact on satellites, power grids, and communication systems on Earth.

2. PM Surya Ghar: India’s Solar Revolution

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2111106 )

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Initiatives

Context

India has launched the world’s largest rooftop solar initiative to provide free electricity to households, reduce carbon emissions, and promote renewable energy adoption.

Introduction

• The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is the world’s largest rooftop solar initiative.

• It has reached a major milestone, with 10 lakh homes now powered by solar energy as of March 10, 2025.

• The scheme was launched on February 13, 2024, to promote solar energy adoption in households.

Key Achievements

• A total of 47.3 lakh applications have been received.

• ₹4,770 crore has been disbursed in subsidies to 6.13 lakh beneficiaries.

• 3.10 lakh loan applications have been received, with 1.58 lakh sanctioned and 1.28 lakh disbursed.

• The subsidy transfer process is completed within 15 days.

State-Wise Progress

• Chandigarh and Daman & Diu have achieved 100% of their government building rooftop solar targets.

• Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are among the top-performing states.

• The government is monitoring progress to ensure the goal of 1 crore solar-powered homes by 2026-27.

Key Benefits

• Households receive free electricity through subsidized rooftop solar panels.

• The scheme will help the government save ₹75,000 crore annually in electricity costs.

• Carbon emissions are reduced, supporting environmental sustainability.

Subsidy and Financing

• Subsidies range from ₹30,000 to ₹78,000 based on electricity consumption.

• Households can apply through the National Portal and select vendors for installation.

• Collateral-free loans up to ₹2 lakh are available at a 6.75% subsidized interest rate.

Impact and Future Goals

• Households save on electricity bills and can earn by selling surplus power.

• The scheme aims to add 30 GW of solar capacity.

• It is expected to create 17 lakh jobs in various sectors.

Model Solar Village Initiative

• One village per district will be selected as a Model Solar Village.

• ₹1 crore will be provided to each selected village.

• The initiative promotes energy self-reliance in rural areas.

Conclusion

• The scheme is making solar power accessible and affordable.

• It supports energy self-reliance, sustainability, and economic growth.

• The initiative is crucial in India’s transition to clean energy.

Practice Question: Discuss the significance of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in promoting renewable energy in India. How can such initiatives contribute to energy security and sustainability? (150 Words /10 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. A school closure that must be called out

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Context

The closure of Maharashtra’s only Gondi-medium school highlights challenges in preserving tribal languages and cultural identity amid bureaucratic hurdles.

Gondi Language:

• Spoken by Tribal Communities: Gondi is mainly spoken by the Gond tribe, one of India’s largest indigenous groups.

• Geographical Spread: It is spoken in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

• Large Speaker Base: According to the 2011 Census, over 2.9 million people speak Gondi.

• Not in the Eighth Schedule: Despite its large number of speakers, Gondi is not included in the Constitution’s Eighth Schedule.

• Oral Tradition: Gondi has a rich oral tradition with folk tales, songs, and religious beliefs passed down through generations.

• Unique Script: It originally had its own script but is now often written in Devanagari, Telugu, or Latin scripts.

• Threat of Extinction: Due to urbanization and lack of formal education, the language is declining.

• Preservation Efforts: Linguists and activists are working to document and revive Gondi through education and literature.

2. Syria’s new constitution gives sweeping powers, offers no protection for minority

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 12)

Context

Syria’s new temporary constitution grants absolute power to interim President Jolani – creating multiple concerns by weakening democracy.

Key provisions in Syria’s new temporary constitution:

• President’s Absolute Power: The interim President has full control over the government, including appointing ministers and judges. There is no Prime Minister.

• Five-Year Transitional Period: Elections will be held only after five years, once a new permanent constitution is created.

• Legislative Control: The President appoints one-third of the assembly and forms a committee to select the rest.

• Judicial Appointments: The judiciary is called “independent,” but the President appoints top judges, reducing real independence.

• Islamic Law: Islamic jurisprudence is now the “main source” of law, making religious rules stronger in governance.

• No Minority Protections: The constitution does not protect minority rights.

• Official Language & Religion: Arabic is the only official language, and the President must be Muslim.