19 March 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
1. Chandrayaan-3 data says water ice easier to find on moon than believed
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)
| Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology |
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Moon Water as a Key Resource
- Countries like the US, China, Russia, and India are planning long-term moon missions.
- Water on the moon is essential for astronauts’ survival and can also be used as fuel for space missions.
- A recent study has found that water ice on the moon is more accessible than previously believed.
Temperature Studies by Chandrayaan-3
- Understanding the temperature on the moon is important to estimate water availability.
- The study used data from the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan-3, which landed on the moon in August 2023.
- The study focused on temperature variations up to 10 cm below the lunar surface.
Use of RTD Sensors for Temperature Measurement
- The Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) onboard Vikram measured the lunar surface temperature.
- A probe with 10 highly accurate temperature sensors was used.
- The data was collected for about 10 Earth days, from August 24 to September 2, 2023.
Temperature Findings and Implications
- The surface temperature at the landing site reached 82°C during the day.
- At night, the temperature dropped drastically to -181°C.
- These extreme temperature variations suggest unique thermal properties of the moon’s surface.
New Findings on Water Ice Distribution
- Earlier, scientists believed water ice was stable only at the moon’s poles.
- The study found that certain high-latitude areas could also support water ice at shallow depths.
- This means water can be accessed in more locations, making future moon missions easier.
Future Implications
- The findings help in planning future moon exploration and human settlements.
- Understanding moon thermophysics will improve water ice mapping for future missions.
- The research supports the long-term goal of using the moon as a base for deep space missions.
| Chandrayaan-3 Mission: |
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| Practice Question: Chandrayaan-3’s findings on lunar surface temperatures have significant implications for future moon exploration and resource utilization. What is the importance of these discoveries in the context of future space missions? (150 Words /10 marks) |
2. What factors influence women’s political participation?
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 11)
| Topic: GS2 – Int |
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Paradox of Women’s Political Engagement
- India has had influential women leaders, yet overall political participation among women remains low.
- Unlike other countries where the gender gap in political participation narrowed in the 1990s, India saw this shift only in the 2010s.
- Women voters are often treated as a single group, ignoring differences in caste, class, religion, and region.
Rising Voter Turnout Among Women
- The voter turnout of women increased significantly in the 2010s, leading political parties to introduce women-focused welfare schemes.
- However, these schemes often frame women as passive beneficiaries rather than active political participants.
- Despite higher turnout, women’s political power remains limited, as their votes are often seen as influenced by welfare benefits rather than independent decision-making.
Beyond Voting: Political Engagement
- Voting is just one form of political participation; involvement in rallies, campaigns, and advocacy is also crucial.
- Women continue to lag behind men in deeper political engagement.
- Only 14% of women report seeking advice from their spouses before voting, showing some independence but still higher than men.
Impact of Caste, Class, and Region on Voting
- Women’s voting choices are shaped by regional, caste, and class factors, not just gender identity.
- In States with strong regional parties, women’s preferences align more with local political movements than national trends.
- The voting behavior of women from different socioeconomic backgrounds varies based on community interests rather than a shared gender perspective.
Women’s Support for Different Political Parties
- One national party has historically received more support from women than men, except in 2014, when its voter base declined.
- Another party has traditionally faced a gender disadvantage but has narrowed the gap in recent years.
- However, much of the increased support from women comes from welfare beneficiaries rather than broader political alignment.
- Region-specific trends show that women’s support for parties varies across different States.
Key Takeaways
- Women’s voter turnout has increased, but their overall political engagement remains lower than men’s.
- Women’s voting behavior is influenced by multiple factors, including caste, class, and regional politics.
- No distinct women’s voting constituency has emerged, as electoral choices remain shaped by broader socio-political factors.
| Practice Question: To what extent has increased women’s voter turnout in India led to their greater political agency beyond elections? (250 Words /15 marks) |
3. Kerala Protests Against Offshore Mining Over Environmental and Livelihood Concerns
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 15)
| Topic: GS3 – Environment |
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Analysis of the news:
Background and Legislative Context
- The protests in Kerala stem from the Centre’s decision to allow private sector participation in offshore mining through the amended Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 (OAMDR Act).
- The Act was amended in 2023 to introduce competitive auctions for offshore mining of resources such as polymetallic nodules, lime-mud, and construction sand.
- In November 2024, the government auctioned 13 offshore blocks, including three off the Kerala coast.
Proposed Mining off Kollam Coast
- A Geological Survey of India (GSI) study identified approximately 745 million tonnes of construction-grade sand off the Kerala coast, with 300 million tonnes in the three blocks off Kollam.
- The proposed mining depth ranges from 48 to 62 meters.
- Since these blocks lie beyond 12 nautical miles, they are under the Centre’s control as per the OAMDR Act.
Fishermen’s Concerns
- Damage to Fisheries – Kollam Parappu (Quilon Bank) is a productive fishing ground. Mining could reduce marine catch by clouding the water and shrinking the euphotic zone, where photosynthesis occurs.
- Sediment Plumes – Mining could trigger sediment plumes that spread over large areas, harming fish and marine ecosystems.
- Toxic Release – Mining could release harmful substances into the sea, affecting aquatic life.
- Safety Threat – Large mining vessels could disrupt fishing activities and pose safety risks to fishermen.
- Loss of Revenue – All mining royalties will go to the Centre, leaving the state without any direct financial benefit.
Union Government’s Stand
- The Centre maintains that the mining blocks are outside the state’s jurisdiction and that 130 marine protected areas have been excluded from the mining zones.
- An Offshore Areas Mineral Trust has been set up to mitigate environmental and livelihood impacts, with coastal states as stakeholders.
Political and Environmental Fallout
- Kerala’s Assembly passed a unanimous resolution against the mining plan, citing ecological and livelihood threats.
- Protests by MPs and state legislators in Delhi highlight the growing political resistance to the Centre’s push for private sector-led offshore mining.
Conclusion
- The proposed offshore mining off Kerala’s coast has sparked strong opposition due to its potential environmental and economic impact on the fishing community.
- While the Centre emphasizes regulatory safeguards and mitigation measures, Kerala demands the plan’s withdrawal to protect marine biodiversity and fishermen’s livelihoods.
| Practice Question: Discuss the implications of the proposed offshore mining off the Kerala coast on the environment and the livelihoods of the fishing community. Suggest measures to balance economic development with ecological sustainability. (150 Words /10 marks) |
4. Vigyan Dhara: A Catalyst for India’s Scientific Progress
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112121 )
| Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Initiatives |
| Context |
| The Vigyan Dhara scheme is a unified initiative by the Government of India to promote scientific research, innovation, and technology development. |
Introduction
- It started on January 16, 2025, and integrates three major umbrella schemes.
- The total budget for 2021-26 is ₹10,579.84 crore, with a sharp increase from ₹330.75 crore in 2024-25 to ₹1,425 crore in 2025-26.
Key Components
- Science and Technology (S&T) Capacity Building
- Develops advanced research labs in universities.
- Supports faculty and student research programs.
- Encourages international collaboration in science.
- Research and Development (R&D)
- Focuses on basic and applied research in fields like energy and water.
- Provides access to global research facilities.
- Expands India’s scientific workforce to boost innovation.
- Innovation & Technology Development
- Supports startups and entrepreneurs in science and technology.
- Encourages the development of new technologies.
- Promotes industry-academia partnerships for real-world applications.
Special Focus Areas
- Gender Equality: Encourages women’s participation in science.
- International Collaboration: Supports joint research projects with other countries.
Conclusion
- The Vigyan Dhara scheme is a transformative step toward making India a global leader in science and technology.
- It aligns with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, ensuring long-term progress in research and innovation.
| Practice Question: Discuss the significance of the Vigyan Dhara scheme in strengthening India’s scientific research and innovation ecosystem. (150 Words /10 marks) |
5. WAVEX 2025: A Game-Changer for Media & Entertainment Startups
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112412 )
| Topic: GS2 – Governance –Government Initiatives |
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WAVEX 2025: A Boost for Media & Entertainment Startups
- It is organized in collaboration with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and will be held at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, from May 1 to 4, 2025.
- The event is part of the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES).
- It focuses on gaming, animation, extended reality (XR), metaverse, generative AI, and next-gen content platforms.
- Startups will get investment opportunities through pitching sessions with venture capitalists and celebrity angel investors.
- The event includes mentorship, networking, and collaborations with media-tech firms.
- Selected startups will present ideas in a high-stakes televised finale.
- The goal is to establish India as a global hub for media-tech entrepreneurship.
6. STEPS TO CURB CYBER CRIME
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112244 )
| Topic: GS2 – Governance –Government Initiatives, GS3 – Internal Security – Security |
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Steps Taken by the Government to Curb Cybercrime
Institutional Framework
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Established to coordinate cybercrime prevention, investigation, and awareness.
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP): Enables citizens to report cybercrimes, especially those targeting women and children.
Law Enforcement Support
- National Cyber Forensic Laboratory: Provides forensic assistance to state and UT police.
- Joint Cyber Coordination Teams (JCCTs): Formed in cybercrime hotspots for better inter-state cooperation.
Financial Fraud Prevention
- Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System: Helps in immediate reporting and recovery of funds.
- Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC): Collaborates with banks, telecom providers, and law enforcement agencies.
Awareness and Public Outreach
- Caller Tune Campaigns: Promotes cybercrime helpline 1930 and NCRP.
- Digital Arrest Scam Awareness: Includes advertisements, metro announcements, and social media campaigns.
International Cooperation
- Bilateral Cyber Dialogues: Conducted with various countries.
- BHARATPOL Portal: Facilitates global law enforcement coordination through INTERPOL and CBI.
| PYQ: What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2022) (250 Words /15 marks) |
| Practice Question: What are the key initiatives taken by the Government of India to curb cyber crimes? Evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing cybersecurity (250 Words /15 marks) |
7. Prime Minister’s Young Authors Mentorship Scheme (YUVA) Scheme
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112207 )
| Topic: GS2 – Governance –Government Initiatives |
| Context |
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Introduction
- The scheme supports young writers under 30 years, helping them improve their creative writing skills.
- It promotes India’s cultural heritage and aligns with the Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat vision.
Features and Objectives of YUVA 3.0
- The themes include Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building, Indian Knowledge System, and Makers of Modern India (1950-2025).
- The scheme aims to train writers to document India’s past, present, and future contributions.
Selection Process
- Applications are invited through MyGov India’s portal.
- 50 young writers are selected after submitting a 10,000-word book proposal.
Mentorship and Support
- Selected authors receive ₹50,000 per month for six months.
- The mentorship program includes workshops, publishing support, and participation in literary events.
Previous Editions: YUVA 1.0 and 2.0
- YUVA 2.0 (2022): Focused on democracy, selecting 75 authors. Books were translated into multiple languages.
- YUVA 1.0 (2021): Focused on India’s freedom movement under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, selecting 75 authors.
Conclusion
- The scheme has nurtured young literary talent, expanded India’s literary heritage, and amplified young voices on national and global platforms.
Prelims Facts
1. Pockets of insulated sound
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)
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Context |
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What are audible enclaves?
- Audible enclaves are small areas where sound is heard only by specific people while others nearby cannot hear it.
- They are created using advanced sound technology that focuses sound waves into a narrow beam.
- Traditional sound waves spread out in all directions, but special speakers can direct sound precisely.
- Parametric array loudspeakers use high-frequency waves that transform into audible sound only in a specific area.
- A recent study showed that using two high-frequency waves of different frequencies can create sound only at their intersection.
- This means sound can be delivered to a person in a crowded place without others hearing it.
- This technology can be useful in museums, airports, advertisements, and private communication.
2. Standing stones of Mudumal in Telangana on tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 3)
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Menhirs From Telangana:
- The site is located on the banks of the Krishna River, which separates Telangana from Karnataka.
- Mudumal is a well-known Megalithic site, featuring around 1,200 large menhirs (standing stones) arranged in a structured manner.
- These stones were used for astronomical mapping over 3,000 years ago, marking the positions of constellations like Leo, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Virgo, and Taurus.
- The site provides insights into ancient astronomical knowledge and cultural practices of early civilizations.
- The inclusion in the tentative list highlights the site’s archaeological, cultural, and scientific importance in understanding ancient Indian civilizations.
3. India takes 24th spot in free speech survey
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 5)
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Analysis of the news:
Indians perceived improvement in free speech, though global rankings suggest a declining trend in India’s freedom of expression.
The survey found that support for controversial speech is declining globally, even in democratic nations.
Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0) ranked highest, while India scored 62.6, placing it between South Africa (66.9) and Lebanon (61.8).
Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0) saw the most improvement despite ranking low.
Hungary (85.5) and Venezuela (81.8) scored high, indicating a disconnect between government restrictions and public attitudes.
37% of Indian respondents supported government prevention of criticism, the highest among all countries surveyed.
Democratic backsliding was noted in India, Hungary, and Venezuela, where public support for free speech was high, but actual protection was low.
5. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Return After 9-Month Delay Due to Boeing Starliner Issues
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 19)
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Analysis of the news:
Unscheduled Delay in Return
● American astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that had carried them there in June 2024.
● Originally planned as a week-long mission, the return was delayed after Starliner was deemed unsafe for the trip back.
Rescue by SpaceX Dragon
● Although the Starliner itself returned safely to Earth in September 2024, Williams and Wilmore remained on the ISS until an alternative spacecraft became available.
● A SpaceX Dragon, which had brought four astronauts on a routine mission, is now bringing them back along with two other astronauts, Nick Hague and Aleksandr Gorbunov, who have completed their missions.
Record-Breaking Duration
● Williams and Wilmore’s 286-day stay is among the longer missions in space, though not the longest.
● Soviet cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov holds the record for the longest continuous stay at 438 days.
● US astronaut Frank Rubio recently completed 371 days at the ISS, while Russia’s Oleg Kononenko holds the cumulative record with 1,111 days in space over five missions.
Boeing’s Test Mission Challenges
● The mission was Boeing Starliner’s first attempt to carry humans under NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, which aims to enable private companies to handle astronaut transport to free NASA for deep space exploration.
● Despite initial helium leaks and in-flight issues, Starliner reached the ISS safely but was deemed unfit for the return journey.
Strategic Implications for NASA
● The delay allowed NASA to observe how human bodies respond to extended stays in space, particularly for astronauts who had not trained for such long missions.
● This data will be valuable for future long-duration missions, including NASA’s plans for a permanent facility on the Moon.
● The physiological and psychological responses of Williams and Wilmore will contribute to ongoing research on the impact of low gravity and prolonged space travel.
6. Tren de Aragua
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 15)
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Analysis of the news:
Origins and Expansion of Tren de Aragua
● Tren de Aragua (TdA) was founded in 2014 in the Tocorón prison in Venezuela, where crime bosses controlled drug and kidnapping operations.
● After Venezuela’s 2017 economic crisis, TdA expanded its influence into Colombia, Peru, and Chile, engaging in drug trafficking, extortion, and sex trafficking.
● Chile accused the Venezuelan government of colluding with TdA in the 2023 murder of a former opposition officer.
Size and Reach of the Gang
● TdA is estimated to have 5,000 members and generates $10–15 million annually.
● Only a few hundred members are believed to be in the US, out of an 800,000-strong Venezuelan population.
● Despite their small numbers, TdA members have been linked to violent crimes in cities like New York, Florida, and Texas.
US Justification for Deportation
● The White House described TdA as a “direct threat to national security,” citing violent crimes, including the shooting of two New York police officers and forced break-ins.
● In 2024, the Biden administration designated TdA as a “transnational criminal organization” alongside MS-13, offering a $12 million reward for its leaders.
Identification of TdA Members
● US authorities used broad criteria to identify TdA members, including gang tattoos, criminal convictions, and reports from reliable sources.
● Critics argue that these criteria are vague, and mere suspicion of gang affiliation can lead to deportation even if evidence is insufficient for prosecution.
check more – 18 March 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
