25 March 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. The need for a localised urban agenda

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Topic:  GS2 – Indian Polity, GS3 – Indian Economy

Context

India is expected to have the largest urban population in the world in the coming years. The Central government has led urban development through various key initiatives.

The Role of the Central Government

• Urban development is a State subject, but the Centre has influenced urbanization through various centrally sponsored schemes.
• Housing and welfare programs, such as housing schemes and essential services initiatives, have significantly shaped city development.
• Infrastructure and mobility projects, especially metro rail, have been prioritized, consuming a large share of the budget.
• However, these centrally driven missions often take a top-down approach, leaving States with limited flexibility.

Why Does the Centre Control Urban Finances?

• Cities are seen as economic growth engines, making them crucial for national development.
• Infrastructure is considered essential for increasing India’s competitiveness and achieving economic goals.
• Budgetary transfers from the Centre, even when given as grants, come with conditions, limiting the autonomy of city governments.
• Successive finance commissions have imposed requirements, such as increasing property tax collection, to shape urban financial structures.

The Need for a Decentralized Approach

• Different States and regions experience urbanization differently due to factors like migration, economic activity, and demographics.
• A uniform approach does not work because cities have unique needs—some require better housing, while others may need improved sanitation or water supply.
• Current policies often impose solutions that do not align with local priorities.

Proposed Financial Devolution Model

• Around 70% of the Union Budget should be directly transferred to States and city governments, with only 30% allocated for national priorities.
• Cities should have the authority to decide their own spending priorities in key areas such as mobility, sanitation, housing, and water.
• This approach would prevent inefficient spending and ensure funds are used where they are needed most.

The Importance of Local Governance in Urban Development

• National governments should focus on broader policy areas, while local governments should handle urban management.
• Centrally controlled missions often fail to address the real needs of citizens, leading to unused funds or poorly planned infrastructure.
• Strengthening city governments can create a stronger link between the government and the people, improving tax collection and conflict resolution.

Conclusion

• A fundamental shift is needed in how urban development is planned and funded.
• Decentralization can help address the challenges of rapid urbanization while maintaining India’s diverse urban landscape.
• Empowering city governments will lead to better urban planning, improved infrastructure, and a more sustainable future for India’s cities.

PYQ: With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme’ (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2016)

Practice Question:  Discuss the role of the Central government in shaping India’s urbanization process. Critically analyze the need for financial decentralization to strengthen local governance in urban development. (150 Words /10 marks)

2. What are DNA polymorphisms and how do they differentiate between people?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 11)

Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology

Context

DNA fingerprinting is widely used for forensic investigations, paternity tests, ancestry tracing, disaster victim identification and crime scene analysis. This article details DNA fingerprinting using STRs, PCR, electrophoresis, and polymorphisms.

What is DNA?

• DNA is present in almost all cells of the body, such as skin, blood, and bones.
• Each person has 46 DNA molecules: 23 from the father and 23 from the mother.
• DNA is packed into chromosomes, with chromosome 3 containing 6.5% of total DNA.
• DNA remains intact for thousands of years, with some samples preserved for 65,000 years.

DNA Polymorphism

Definition: DNA polymorphism refers to variations in DNA sequences among individuals in a population. Cause: It occurs due to mutations, insertions, deletions, or duplications in the genetic sequence. Types: Includes Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). Significance: Helps in forensic identification, ancestry tracing, and disease research. Example: Differences in STR lengths among individuals form unique DNA fingerprints.

What are STRs (Short Tandem Repeats)?

• STRs are short sequences of DNA bases repeated multiple times.
• These sequences vary among individuals, making them useful for identification.

How is DNA copied?

• Scientists use Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to make copies of specific DNA segments.
• PCR involves heating, cooling, and using enzymes like DNA polymerase to replicate DNA quickly.

What is a DNA fingerprint?

• A unique DNA profile is created using capillary electrophoresis, which separates DNA based on size.
• This fingerprint can be obtained from teeth, bones, blood, saliva, and skin cells.

Uses of DNA Fingerprinting

• Forensic investigations – Identifies suspects using DNA from crime scenes.
• Disaster victim identification – Helps recognize remains at disaster sites.
• Parentage testing – Establishes parent-child relationships.
• Organ donation matching – Confirms compatibility between donors and recipients.
• Solving old cases – DNA from archives helps resolve past crimes.
• Exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals – Clears innocent people of false charges.

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of DNA fingerprinting in forensic investigations and biological identification. Highlight its applications, challenges, and ethical concerns. (150 Words /10 marks)

 

3. As ice frozen for millennia thaws, Kashmir wakes up to new risks

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Topic: GS3 – Environment – Environmental pollution and degradation

Context

A new study has found that thawing permafrost in the Kashmir Himalayas could affect 193 km of roads, 2,415 households, 903 alpine lakes, and eight hydropower projects.

What is Permafrost?

• Permafrost refers to ground that has remained frozen for at least two years.
• It stores large amounts of organic carbon, which is released as methane when it melts, worsening climate change.

Extent of Permafrost in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh

• Permafrost covers 64.8% of the total geographic area of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
• 26.7% of this area has continuous permafrost, 23.8% has discontinuous permafrost, and 14.3% has sporadic permafrost.
• The Ladakh plateau has the highest permafrost coverage (87%), while the foothill plains of Jammu, Shigar Valley, and Siwaliks do not have any permafrost.

Main Causes of Permafrost Degradation

• Rising surface temperatures due to global warming are the primary cause of permafrost melting.
• Human activities such as deforestation, land-use changes, and wildfires impact permafrost stability.
• Infrastructure development, including roads, dams, and real estate projects, disturbs permafrost.
• Tourism and related activities increase environmental pressure in these regions.

Potential Risks and Hazards

• Thawing permafrost threatens thousands of glacial lakes in the Indian Himalayas.
• In Jammu & Kashmir, 332 proglacial lakes have been identified, with 65 posing a risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
• Melting ice in steep mountain regions can trigger avalanches and landslides, similar to past disasters in Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
• Permafrost degradation may also impact groundwater reserves and river flow.

Need for Sustainable Planning

• Future road construction should consider permafrost presence to prevent long-term damage.
• Environmental impact assessments for hydroelectric projects must account for permafrost-related risks.
• Settlements in permafrost-rich areas, including military infrastructure in Ladakh, face increased risks.
• Installing in-situ monitoring systems, such as data loggers, can provide accurate temperature data for better permafrost monitoring.

Practice Question:  How does permafrost degradation in the Kashmir Himalayas contribute to environmental and infrastructural challenges? Suggest measures for its sustainable management.  (150 Words /10 marks)

4. Judicial Accountability in Focus: CJI Initiates Probe Against Delhi HC Judge

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 16)

Topic: GS2 – Polity

Context

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has initiated a three-member in-house inquiry into allegations against Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, following the discovery of currency notes at his residence after a fire incident. This internal judicial probe, distinct from the impeachment process, will be conducted by three senior High Court judges.

Analysis of the news:                                 

Process of Judge Removal

• The impeachment of a High Court or Supreme Court judge is governed by Article 124(4) and Article 218 of the Constitution.
• A judge can be removed by Parliament on grounds of “proved misbehaviour” or “incapacity” through a motion that requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses.
• Once approved, the President issues the final removal order. However, parliamentary dissolution can halt the process.

Need for an In-House Procedure

• Judicial accountability gaps became evident in 1995 when financial misconduct allegations surfaced against Bombay HC Chief Justice A.M. Bhattacharjee.
• The Supreme Court, in C. Ravichandran Iyer v. Justice A.M. Bhattacharjee, highlighted the absence of mechanisms to address “bad conduct inconsistent with judicial office” that does not meet the high threshold of impeachment.
• To bridge this gap, in 1997, a five-member committee formulated an in-house procedure for handling complaints against judges.
• It was officially adopted in 1999 to uphold judicial ethics without resorting to impeachment.

Revisions in 2014: Seven-Step Process

Following a sexual harassment complaint against a sitting judge in 2014, the Supreme Court outlined a seven-step in-house procedure in ADJ ‘X’ v. Registrar General, HC of Madhya Pradesh:

1. Complaints can be received by the CJI, Chief Justice of an HC, or the President.
   
   
2. If deemed serious, the CJI may seek a preliminary report from the concerned HC Chief Justice.
   
   
3. If a deeper probe is warranted, a three-member inquiry committee (two HC Chief Justices, one HC judge) is constituted.
   
   
4. The inquiry follows natural justice principles, allowing the accused judge to respond.
   
   
5. The committee submits a report to the CJI, stating whether misconduct occurred and its severity.
   
   
6. If misconduct is minor, the CJI may advise the judge. If serious, the CJI may recommend resignation or voluntary retirement.
   
   
7. If the judge refuses to resign, the CJI informs the President and Prime Minister, initiating formal removal proceedings.
   
   

Current Status of Justice Varma’s Case

• CJI Khanna has already instructed the Delhi HC Chief Justice not to assign judicial work to Justice Varma, signaling a serious investigation.
• If the inquiry finds substantial evidence of misconduct, further actions including impeachment may follow.

Conclusion

• This case underscores the judiciary’s commitment to internal accountability while maintaining constitutional integrity.
• The outcome will influence future judicial oversight mechanisms and reinforce public trust in the judicial system.

PYQ: Explain the reasons for the growth of public interest litigation in India. As a result, has the Indian Supreme Court emerged as the world’s most powerful judiciary? (2024)

Practice Question: Discuss the significance of the in-house procedure for judicial accountability in India. How does it differ from the constitutional process of impeachment for High Court and Supreme Court judges?  (250 Words /15 marks)

5. Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 16)

Topic: GS2 – Polity

Context

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 has sparked nationwide protests and criticism over its provisions altering waqf property regulations and governance.

Analysis of the news:

What is a Waqf Property?

• A Waqf is a property donated by Muslims for a specific religious, charitable, or private purpose. Ownership of the property is considered to belong to God, while its benefits are directed to the specified purposes.
• Establishment: A Waqf can be established through a written deed, legal instrument, or orally.
• Use and Permanence: A property may be recognized as Waqf if it has been used for religious or charitable purposes over an extended period. Once declared Waqf, the property’s status is permanent and irreversible.

Representation on Waqf Boards

• The Bill allows non-Muslims to be appointed as Chief Executive Officers and members of state waqf boards, which has sparked opposition.
• Critics argue that waqf is a religious matter and should be managed exclusively by Muslims.
• While the requirement for appointees to have knowledge of Muslim law was introduced as an amendment, the controversy persists over religious representation.

Government Control Over Waqf Property

• A key concern is the transfer of authority to determine waqf status from the Waqf Tribunal to a state government officer.
• Since this officer is part of the state administration, critics argue there is a conflict of interest, fearing that decisions may be biased in favor of the government when disputes arise.

Abolition of ‘Waqf by User’

• The Bill removes the concept of “waqf by user,” which allowed properties used for religious or charitable purposes over time to be recognized as waqf, even without formal documentation.
• This change could lead to disputes over existing mosques, graveyards, and other waqf properties lacking legal paperwork.

Mandatory Waqf Database Registration

• The Bill mandates that all waqf properties be registered in a central database within six months, failing which legal protections could be lost.
• While amendments allow the Waqf Tribunal to extend this deadline, the lack of clarity on eligibility for extensions raises concerns about potential property disputes and encroachments.

Changes in Waqf Tribunal Powers

• The composition of the Waqf Tribunal has been altered, now including a state government officer alongside a District Judge.
• Additionally, the Tribunal’s decisions are no longer final and can be challenged in High Courts, potentially leading to prolonged legal battles.

Conclusion

• The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduces structural changes that critics argue could weaken waqf institutions and increase government control.
• The concerns revolve around religious representation, legal safeguards for waqf properties, and the potential for increased litigation.
• The Bill’s impact will largely depend on its implementation and judicial scrutiny.

Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 Significance

The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 is a significant legislative proposal aimed at modernizing and improving the management of Waqf properties in India. It is significant for the following reasons: Transparency and Accountability: Enhances oversight and regulations to prevent abuse and mismanagement of Waqf properties. Streamlined Administration: Updates processes and uses technology to improve record-keeping and reduce bureaucratic delays. Protection of Properties: Introduces stricter penalties and increases Waqf Board powers to prevent encroachment and illegal transfers. Inclusion and Diversity: Mandates more women and non-Muslims on Waqf Boards to promote diversity and community representation. Addressing Historical Issues: Introduces new regulations to tackle corruption and inefficiency in Waqf property management.

 

Practice Question: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 has sparked widespread criticism over its provisions related to waqf governance, property disputes, and judicial oversight. Critically analyze the key changes introduced by the Bill and their potential implications on religious and property rights in India. (250 Words /15 marks)

6. Strategic Supply Chain Management for Critical Minerals

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2114467 )

Topic: GS2 – Governance – Government Policies

Context

Approved on January 29, 2025, the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) aims to ensure a sustainable supply of critical minerals, strengthening India’s exploration, mining, and processing capabilities.

National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) – Key Highlights

• Comprehensive Value Chain: Covers all stages from exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and recovery from end-of-life products.
• Increasing Domestic Production: Focus on enhancing domestic extraction and refining of critical minerals.
• Overseas Asset Acquisition: Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) leads overseas acquisitions to secure mineral supplies.
• Argentina Collaboration: KABIL signed an agreement with CAMYEN for lithium brine exploration across 15,703 Ha in Argentina.
• Australia Partnership: MoU signed with Australia’s CMFO for joint due diligence and investment in lithium and cobalt assets.
• Processing & Recycling Budget: ₹500 crore allocated for processing parks, ₹1,500 crore for recycling.
• Skill Development & R&D: Provisions have been made for workforce training and research support.
• Governance Framework: Empowered Committee led by the Cabinet Secretary, with NITI Aayog CEO and key ministry officials.

7. EDUCATION FOR ALL

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2114376 )

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education

Context

The Department of School Education and Literacy is implementing Samagra Shiksha, an integrated centrally sponsored scheme for school education.

Overview

• It covers pre-primary to Class XII in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• The scheme ensures quality, equitable, and inclusive education, considering students’ diverse backgrounds, languages, and academic abilities.

Key Provisions for Students

• Financial assistance is provided to States and UTs for various components, including:
  • Free uniforms and textbooks at the elementary level.
  • Transport and escort facilities for students up to the secondary level.
  • Special training programs for out-of-school children to help them rejoin education.
  • Support for older students (16-19 years) through NIOS/SIOS for completing education.
  • Bilingual teaching materials and Holistic Progress Cards.

School Infrastructure Development

• Funding is provided for:
  • Opening and strengthening new schools up to the senior secondary level.
  • Construction of school buildings, classrooms, hostels, and labs under various government programs.
  • Smart Classrooms, ICT Labs, and digital initiatives like PM e-Vidya, DIKSHA, and SWAYAM PRABHA DTH-TV Channels.

Support for Children with Special Needs (CwSN)

• Assistance includes:
  • Identification and assessment using the Prashast App.
  • Braille kits, books, and learning materials for differently-abled students.
  • Stipends for girl students with disabilities.
  • Infrastructure like ramps, handrails, and accessible toilets.
  • Teacher training under NISHTHA to support inclusive education.

New India Literacy Programme (NILP) – ULLAS

• Targets non-literate individuals aged 15+ who missed formal schooling.
• Implemented from FY 2022-23 to 2026-27.
• ULLAS App helps in registering learners and volunteer teachers.
• Over 2.20 crore learners and 40 lakh volunteer teachers have registered.
• The app provides learning materials in all languages.

PYQ: “Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (200 words/12.5m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2016)

Practice Question:  How does the Samagra Shiksha scheme contribute to bridging educational disparities in India? Examine its alignment with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. (250 Words /15 marks)

Prelims Facts

1. Govt. notifies revisions to investment, turnover criteria for MSMEs

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

Context

The government has revised MSME classification criteria, increasing investment and turnover limits, effective April 1, to support business growth and expansion.

Revised Classification Criteria for MSMEs

Enterprise Type	Old Investment Limit	New Investment Limit	Old Turnover Limit	New Turnover Limit
Micro	₹1 crore	₹2.5 crore	₹5 crore	₹10 crore
Small	₹10 crore	₹25 crore	₹50 crore	₹100 crore
Medium	₹50 crore	₹125 crore	₹250 crore	₹500 crore

2. Glaciers losing ice at record levels around the globe: UN

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Context

According to the UNESCO report State of the Cryosphere 2024 released on March 21, glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate, contributing to rising sea levels.

Key Findings of the Report:

• Record Ice Loss: Glaciers have lost 9 trillion tonnes of ice since 1975, equivalent to an ice block the size of Germany with a thickness of 25 meters.
• Acceleration of Melting: Five of the last six years recorded the largest losses, with 450 billion tonnes of ice lost in 2024 alone.
• Sea Level Rise Contribution: Melting glaciers are a major contributor to sea level rise, putting millions at risk of floods.
• Water and Energy Impact: Glacial loss threatens hydroelectric energy and water availability for billions.
• Mountain Communities at Risk: 1.1 billion people face hazards like avalanches, landslides, and flash floods.
• Regional Impact: East Africa’s Rwenzori Mountains may lose all glaciers by 2030, worsening local conflicts over water.
• Urgent Action Needed: Climate change mitigation is crucial to slowing glacier loss and its global consequences.

3. India Navy announces maiden India-African exercise, IOS Sagar

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

Context

Against the backdrop of rising security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Indian Navy is enhancing maritime cooperation with African nations. A key initiative is the Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME), a multinational naval exercise with 10 African countries.

Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar:

• Objective: IOS Sagar is an initiative to strengthen cooperation between India and Indian Ocean Region (IOR) nations in maritime security and capacity building.
• Deployment: The offshore patrol vessel INS Sunayna will be deployed in the Southwest IOR from April 5 to May 8, 2024.
• Participating Countries: A combined crew of India and nine Friendly Foreign Countries (FFC)—Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
• Strategic Importance: It aligns with India’s role as a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ and ‘First Responder’ in the IOR under the MAHASAGAR initiative.

4. Indian Cities’ Heat Action Plans Lack Long-Term Strategy, Study Finds

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 16)

Context

Most Indian cities’ Heat Action Plans (HAPs) lack long-term strategies and effective implementation, increasing the risk of heat-related deaths.

Analysis of the news:

What is a heat action plan?

• Aim– Its aim is to increase preparedness and lower the adverse impacts of extreme heat by outlining strategies and measures to prepare for, address, and recover from heatwaves.
• Mapping Heat Risks-They give an overview of each region’s heat conditions, showing past heatwaves, trends in summer temperatures, land surface temperature, and more. Then, they assess vulnerability to identify areas needing urgent attention and plan a response.

Lack of Long-Term Planning

• The study highlights that most Indian cities have focused primarily on short-term emergency measures like access to drinking water and work schedule adjustments.
• However, long-term strategies, such as improving cooling infrastructure and electricity grid reliability, are either missing or poorly implemented.
• This gap in planning increases vulnerability to future heat waves.

Limited Implementation and Institutional Constraints

• Even when long-term measures exist, their execution is weak due to institutional constraints.
• Poor coordination between municipal, district, and state government departments hinders effective action.
• Additionally, inadequate funding limits the ability to implement comprehensive heat resilience strategies.

Health-Focused Approach Over Prevention

• The study finds that most HAPs emphasize health system responses rather than preventive measures.
• Expanding urban shade and green spaces is often undertaken without targeting the most heat-exposed populations, reducing the effectiveness of such initiatives.

Rising Heat-Related Deaths

• The increasing trend of heat-related deaths underscores the urgency of strengthening heat resilience strategies.
• While reported deaths dropped in 2024, data inconsistencies and underreporting raise concerns about the actual impact of extreme heat events.

Need for Comprehensive Action

• A holistic approach is needed to enhance preparedness.
• This includes integrating urban planning with climate adaptation, improving inter-departmental coordination, and ensuring adequate funding for long-term resilience measures.