28 March 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. The flawed push for a third language

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

Introduction

• Evidence-based policymaking should rely on data, research, and analysis rather than ideology.
• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 mandates a three-language policy but lacks strong evidence to support its effectiveness.

Survey Findings on Language Learning in India

• International Ranking: India performed poorly in the 2009 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), ranking 73rd out of 74 countries. India has since withdrawn from PISA, unlike top-performing nations such as Singapore and South Korea.
• National Achievement Survey (NAS): In 2017, only 48% of Class 8 students could read a simple paragraph in their regional language, and 47% could write an essay. The 2021 survey showed slight improvements but still indicated weak learning outcomes.
• Annual Status of Education Report (ASER): In 2018, 27% of Class 8 students could not read a Class 2-level text in their regional language, and this worsened to 30.4% in 2022. English proficiency remained poor, with 53.3% of Class 8 students unable to read simple sentences.
• Lack of Third-Language Evaluation: No national survey assesses proficiency in a third language, raising doubts about its effectiveness.

Challenges in Learning a Third Language

• Cognitive Load: Research suggests that learning a third language while struggling with the first and second can cause mental fatigue, reducing overall learning efficiency.
• Language Similarity Issues: Students whose first language shares similarities with Hindi (such as Marathi or Punjabi) may find learning a third language easier, while others (such as Tamil or Mizo speakers) face additional learning burdens.
• Time Constraints: Practicing three languages reduces the time available for core subjects like math, science, and emerging technologies.

Implementation Difficulties in Schools

• Financial Constraints: Hiring teachers and developing materials for multiple languages is costly, particularly in rural schools.
• Limited Choices for Students: While NEP 2020 allows students to choose their third language, schools often cannot provide many options due to cost constraints. In non-Hindi-speaking States, this often leads to a preference for Hindi or Sanskrit, limiting true linguistic diversity.

Use of Modern Technology

• AI-powered translation tools can help students learn additional languages without the need for rigid classroom instruction.
• Instead of enforcing a third language, policymakers could integrate technology-based language learning solutions for flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Lessons from Global Education Policies

• Successful Language Policies: Some countries have chosen a bilingual model instead of a multilingual one to balance economic growth with cultural preservation.
• Economic Impact of English Education: Countries that prioritize English education tend to perform better in higher education, science, and technology.

Challenges in Promoting a Single National Language

• Language Diversity in India: The 2011 Census states that Hindi speakers make up 43.63% of the population, but this figure includes multiple independent languages. Excluding them, true Hindi speakers are around 25%.
• Low Inter-State Migration: 95% of Indians remain within their home States, making regional languages more relevant than a single national language.
• Lessons from History: Countries that imposed a single national language faced resistance and divisions, while India’s multilingual flexibility has contributed to its unity.

Need for a Pragmatic Approach

• Prioritizing Foundational Literacy: Strengthening proficiency in two languages rather than struggling with three can improve learning outcomes.
• Adopting a Two-Language Policy: A focus on English for global competitiveness and regional languages for cultural preservation could be a more effective strategy.
• Policymakers should base decisions on research, economic needs, and educational success rather than cultural or ideological preferences.

2. Green iron is a prize worth billions, winning is the trick

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 13)

Steel Industry and Carbon Emissions

• The steel industry contributes 7% to 9% of global carbon emissions, making it the largest industrial emitter.
• The main source of emissions is converting iron ore into pig iron, which relies heavily on coal.
• Achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 requires transforming this process.

Technological Solutions and Emission Reduction

• New technologies can reduce carbon emissions to 300 kg per ton of steel, down from the current 2.2 tons per ton of steel.
• These technologies involve using green hydrogen instead of coal.
• Though steel will not be completely emissions-free, emissions can be significantly reduced.

Investment and Infrastructure Requirements

• Transitioning to green steel requires massive capital investments and cheap green energy.
• Governments must coordinate policies and incentives across resource-producing and steel-making countries.
• Hundreds of billions of dollars are needed to build the required energy and processing infrastructure.

Economic Potential of Green Iron

• Australia’s current iron ore exports are worth $85 billion, while metallurgical coal adds $34 billion.
• Converting to green iron could increase export value to $252 billion per year.
• A 40% conversion by 2050 could still generate $110 billion annually.

Commitments from Stakeholders

• Steel mills in China, Japan, and South Korea must commit to buying green iron.
• They must switch to electric arc furnaces, which do not require coal for smelting.
• Mining companies must invest in renewable energy and hydrogen production.

Role of Governments and Market Challenges

• Green steel is more expensive to produce than traditional steel.
• Governments must introduce carbon taxes or subsidies to encourage the transition.
• Consumer demand alone may not be enough to drive change.

Need for Transition

• The transition to green steel requires strong initial efforts to gain momentum.
• Collaboration among miners, steel producers, and governments is essential.
• If successful, this shift could create a more sustainable and profitable steel industry in the long run.

3. Supreme Court Stays Allahabad HC Ruling on Attempt to Rape

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 18)

Analysis of the news:

Supreme Court Stays Allahabad HC Ruling on Attempt to Rape

• The Supreme Court (SC) has stayed an Allahabad High Court (HC) judgment that dismissed attempted rape charges against three accused, reducing their offense to a lesser charge under Section 354B of the IPC.
• The SC criticized the ruling for its lack of sensitivity, highlighting concerns over the interpretation of “preparation” versus “attempt” in criminal law.

Distinction Between ‘Preparation’ and ‘Attempt’

The legal debate hinges on whether the accused merely prepared to commit rape or had taken concrete steps toward committing the offense. According to established SC precedents, an attempt requires:

1. Intent to commit the crime.
   
   
2. Preparation to commit the crime.
   
   
3. A proximate act beyond mere preparation, moving toward actual commission.
    The Allahabad HC ruled that the accused had not crossed the threshold of preparation, citing old English legal precedents. However, the SC noted that such interpretations need a more sensitive and updated approach.
   
   

Judicial Standards and Past Rulings

• Indian courts have historically relied on outdated standards, including an 1836 English judgment requiring clear resistance from the victim to establish attempted rape.
• The Rajasthan HC (2024) and SC (2004) have previously reduced attempted rape charges based on this reasoning, raising concerns over the adequacy of legal protections for victims.

Conclusion

• By taking suo motu cognizance, the SC now has a chance to redefine the legal threshold for attempted rape in India.
• This case could set a precedent for ensuring that courts adopt a more survivor-centric and legally robust approach in sexual assault cases.

4. India’s Deep-Sea Leap: Matsya-6000 Submersible Successfully Tested

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 18)

Analysis of the news:

India’s Milestone in Deep-Sea Technology

• India recently completed wet testing of the Matsya-6000 submersible, marking a significant step toward deep-sea exploration.
• Capable of reaching depths of 6 km, this technology will enhance India’s ability to explore underwater mineral resources and strengthen its maritime capabilities.

Matsya 6000 Features

• It is equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including advanced life support systems, navigation equipment,robotic arms for sample collection, and high-resolution imaging systems.
• Matsya 6000 will house a 2.1-metre internal diameter Titanium alloy personnel sphere to safely carry humans to a 6000 m depth.
• The Titanium alloy personnel sphere is being integrated in collaboration with ISRO.
• The manned submersible will also be “equipped with subsystems for buoyancy management enabling descent/ascent, power, and control systems, maneuvering propellers, subsea intervention manipulators, navigation and positioning devices, data and voice communication systems, on-board energy storage batteries, as well as systems for emergency support.
• The submersible is designed to enable continuous operations at 6000 m depth for up to 12 hours with an emergency endurance of up to 96 hours for conducting deep water observation and exploration.

Global Deep-Sea Developments and Strategic Concerns

• China’s unveiling of a deep-sea cable-cutting device highlights growing underwater security threats.
• With nations increasing oceanic activities for economic and strategic reasons, deep-sea technology is now a crucial aspect of global power dynamics.

Challenges in Deep-Sea Operations

• Technological Barriers: Developing sound communication, pressure-resistant vessels, and low-frequency wave transmission requires advanced R&D and high investment.
  
  
• Extreme Conditions: The ocean depth in India’s EEZ reaches 3,741 meters, requiring specialized materials and engineering solutions.
  
  

Importance of Deep-Sea Capabilities for India

• Economic Potential: The ocean offers valuable resources such as minerals, oil, gas, and marine biodiversity.
  
  
• Security Considerations: Undersea cables facilitate global communication and financial transactions. Protecting them is essential for national security.
  
  
• Scientific and Environmental Research: Deep-sea mapping contributes to climate studies and disaster preparedness.
  
  

Strategic Steps for India

• Strengthening R&D: India must invest in deep-sea science centers and technology development.
  
  
• Institutional Reforms: Upgrading the Department of Ocean Development to a full-fledged ministry can accelerate progress.
  
  
• Mission-Mode Execution: A ten-year plan with clear objectives, funding, and accountability is needed.
  
  

The Dual-Use Nature of Deep-Sea Technology

• Deep-sea equipment has both civilian and military applications.
• India must ensure technological advancements align with national security interests while fostering economic growth.

Conclusion

• India’s advancements in deep-sea technology, including the Matsya-6000 submersible, mark a significant step toward harnessing oceanic resources and strengthening maritime security.
• However, to compete with global powers and address emerging threats like undersea infrastructure vulnerabilities, India must accelerate research, invest in deep-sea capabilities, and establish a dedicated ocean ministry.
• A strategic, well-funded, and time-bound approach will be crucial for securing India’s interests in the evolving blue economy and maritime domain.

5.  INSPIRE SCHEME

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2115859 )

The INSPIRE Scheme:

• It aims to expand the R&D base of India by supporting students from school to postdoctoral levels.
• The INSPIRE scheme comprises multiple components, supporting students from school to postdoctoral research levels.
• INSPIRE Internship exposes the top 1% of Class X students to science camps, Nobel Laureates, and renowned scientists to encourage scientific curiosity.
• INSPIRE Scholarship for Higher Education (SHE) provides 12,000 scholarships of ₹80,000 per year for five years to top science students for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
• INSPIRE Fellowship supports M.Sc. 1st rank holders and INSPIRE Scholars with funding for a full-time Ph.D. program in recognized institutions.
• INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship offers ₹1,25,000 per month and a ₹7 lakh annual research grant to postdoctoral researchers for five years.
• The scheme covers basic and applied sciences, engineering, medicine, agriculture, and veterinary sciences to promote research careers.

6. Restoration of mangroves

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2115836 )

Mangrove Cover in India

• Mangrove forests are found along the coastline in 9 States and 4 Union Territories.
• As per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, India has 4,991.68 sq. km of mangrove cover.
• This accounts for 0.15% of the country’s total geographical area.
• Between 2013 and 2023, India saw a 7.86% increase in mangrove cover (363.68 sq. km).
• Between 2001 and 2023, the mangrove cover increased by 11.4% (509.68 sq. km).

Regulatory Measures for Mangrove Protection

• The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019 classifies mangroves as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs).
• Limited activities are allowed in these areas to ensure their protection.
• If mangrove cover exceeds 1,000 square meters, a 50-meter buffer zone is required.
• If any mangroves are lost due to development, three times the lost trees must be replanted.

Promotional Measures for Mangrove Conservation

Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI)

• Aims to restore and conserve 540 sq. km of mangroves across India.
• Educates coastal communities about the environmental benefits of mangroves.
• ₹17.96 crore has been allocated for mangrove restoration efforts in 2024-25.

Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs Scheme

• Provides financial assistance to 38 identified mangrove sites and 4 coral reef sites.
• Funds are shared in a 60:40 ratio between the Central and State Governments.
• ₹8.58 crore has been given to 7 coastal states (2021-2023) for mangrove conservation.

Enhancing Coastal Resilience of Indian Coastal Community (GCF-ECRICC)

• Aims to restore 10,575 ha of mangroves in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha.
• 3,114.29 ha of mangroves have been restored between 2019 and 2024.

Prelims Facts

1. Early alert for forest fire

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 14)

About ‘Silvaguard’:

• Silvaguard is an autonomous, AI-based drone system designed for early forest fire detection and suppression.
• It is developed by Dryad Networks and works in combination with the Silvanet system, a solar-powered wireless network.
• The Silvanet system enables communication in remote forest areas where mobile network coverage is unavailable.
• Silvaguard uses AI-powered sensors to detect wildfire smoke and differentiate it from other sources like vehicle emissions, reducing false alarms.
• Once a fire is detected, AI-driven drones autonomously assess and help suppress the fire, ensuring a rapid response.
• The system significantly reduces fire response times, helping to prevent large-scale forest destruction.
• Silvaguard has successfully detected unauthorized wildfires within minutes, proving its efficiency in wildfire management.

2. Israel passes law enabling political control over judicial appointments

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 14)

Analysis of the news:

A legal challenge has already been filed to oppose this legislation.

The law is part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reforms, which have faced massive protests.

The Israeli Supreme Court and Opposition parties strongly oppose these reforms, calling them a threat to democracy.

The new law changes the composition of the judicial selection committee, giving the government more control.

It replaces the previous system, where judges, lawmakers, and bar association representatives had more balanced influence.

Critics argue that this law undermines judicial independence and strengthens the executive’s power.

3. Gaia Space Observatory

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 18)

Analysis of the news: 

Gaia Mission: A Revolutionary Space Observatory

• Launched in December 2013, the Gaia mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) aimed to create the most precise 3D map of the Milky Way.
• Over a decade, Gaia took 3 trillion observations of 2 billion stars and objects, significantly advancing astronomical research.
• The mission officially concluded on March 27, 2025, with the spacecraft being passivated to ensure it remains inactive.

Scientific Contributions and Discoveries

• Gaia fundamentally transformed our understanding of the Milky Way’s structure, evolution, and future trajectory.
• It revealed that our galaxy’s disc is warped and wobbles, likely due to past collisions with smaller galaxies.
• The mission also led to the discovery of a new class of black holes, unseen through traditional methods, and mapped over 150,000 asteroids, some potentially hazardous to Earth.

Post-Mission Plans and Data Utilization

• Though Gaia’s active operations have ended, data analysis continues. A substantial portion of its findings is yet to be processed, with additional releases planned in the coming years.
• The ESA will release its next dataset in 2026, covering the first five-and-a-half years of observations, while a final dataset will be available by the decade’s end.

Gaia’s Legacy and Future of Astrometry

• Despite its extensive contributions, Gaia has mapped only 2% of the galaxy’s estimated 100 billion stars, leaving vast areas still unexplored.
• However, the mission has set a foundation for future space telescopes, enhancing our capability to study cosmic evolution, black holes, and planetary threats.
• Gaia’s success underscores the need for continued investment in astrometry and deep-space exploration.

4. Studio Ghibli’s Art Style

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

Analysis of the news:

What Makes Studio Ghibli Unique?

• Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli is known for its hand-drawn animation, vibrant color palettes, and minimal reliance on computer graphics.
• Its films, such as Spirited Away and The Boy and The Heron, are celebrated for their deep storytelling, feminist themes, environmental messages, and anti-war sentiments.

Miyazaki’s Legacy and Views on AI

• Hayao Miyazaki, often compared to Walt Disney, has voiced strong opposition to AI-generated art.
• In a 2016 interview, he called AI animation an “insult to life itself,” criticizing its lack of emotional depth and understanding of human pain.
• His views highlight the ethical concerns surrounding AI in creative fields.

Ethical and Legal Questions

• AI’s ability to mimic artistic styles raises concerns about artistic integrity, copyright infringement, and the future of human creativity.
• While AI can democratize art, it also challenges the boundaries of originality, ownership, and the role of artists in a world where technology can replicate their signature styles effortlessly.

check more – 27 March 2025 : Daily Current Affairs