Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 10-03-2025

India’s Low R&D Investment: Despite having a large pool of STEM graduates, India’s R&D spending is only 0.65% of its GDP, significantly lower than China (2.43%) and developed nations.

Need for Increased R&D: Critical for global competitiveness, economic growth, and escaping the middle-income trap. R&D is vital for industrial development, especially in pharma, chemicals, automotive, and deep-tech startups (quantum computing, biotechnology, robotics, nanotechnology).

Challenges in India’s R&D Ecosystem:

• Low investment compared to global standards.
• Heavy reliance on government funding.
• Weak links between academia and industry, hindering innovation.
• Lack of diversification in R&D focus.
• Bureaucratic hurdles in technology transfer.

Reforms for Strengthening R&D:

• Increase R&D spending, with more private sector contribution.
• Utilize the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) to encourage investment.
• Promote university-led research and industry collaboration.
• Implement efficient project management models (like DARPA).
• Encourage risk-taking in early-stage research.

Importance of Tech Talent: India possesses a large tech talent pool, as indicated by the presence of development centers of global corporations.

Way Forward: Robust R&D investment, industry-academia collaboration, and policy reforms are essential for India to become a global S&T leader and drive economic growth.

Discovery: Marine biologists have discovered a new species of amphipod, Dulcibella camanchaca, in the Atacama Trench.

Location: Found in the Atacama Trench, one of the deepest parts of the ocean, located off the coast of South America, specifically in the South Pacific Ocean near Chile at a depth of approximately 8,000 meters (26,000 feet).

Unique Characteristics: Dulcibella camanchaca is an amphipod crustacean, measuring about 4 centimeters in length. Unlike most deep-sea amphipods, it is an active predator with specialized appendages for capturing and consuming smaller crustaceans, marking the first known predatory amphipod in the hadal zone (depths beyond 6,000 meters).

Significance:

• Highlights the incredible adaptability of life to extreme environments.
• Provides insights into how life can thrive in conditions of crushing pressure, frigid temperatures, and complete darkness.
• The discovery is a reminder of how much we still have to learn about the deep ocean.

Implications: This discovery has implications for the search for life beyond Earth, as the extreme environment mirrors conditions on some moons. Studying how Dulcibella camanchaca survives helps scientists understand the potential for life in similar environments on other worlds.

Importance of Conservation: Underscores the importance of deep-sea exploration and conservation, especially with threats from deep-sea mining and climate change. Protecting these habitats is critical, as human activities reach even the most remote parts of the ocean.

India’s First Domestically Made Chip: India aims to produce its first domestically manufactured semiconductor chip by 2025. Why: This signifies a crucial step towards self-reliance in a strategically important technology sector.

Semicon India Programme: Launched in 2021, this program supports the development of India’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Why: It’s the government’s primary initiative to drive growth in this sector.

Manufacturing Facilities Under Construction: Five facilities are currently under construction, including the Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Facility in Assam and the Dholera Fab facility in collaboration with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation. Why: These facilities are the physical manifestation of the government’s investment and industry partnerships.

High Import Dependency: India heavily relies on importing semiconductors, with significant growth in imports of Monolithic Integrated Circuits, memory chips, and amplifiers over the past decade. Why: This highlights the urgency of reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and securing domestic supply chains.

Import Trends: Imports of critical components like Monolithic ICs, memory chips and amplifiers have increased significantly (2,000%, 4,500%, and 4,800% respectively) between FY16-FY24, with China being the top supplier. Why: It illustrates a growing risk associated with over-reliance on imports.

Challenges and Gaps: India lags in Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software, core IP, wafer production, and fab tools, and also in chip design capabilities. Why: These are critical components India needs to master to become a fully self-sufficient semiconductor manufacturer.

Koch-Rajbongshis, a large community in Assam and West Bengal, are demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. This demand has been ongoing for decades.

They are renewing their demand ahead of Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Assam.

The Koch-Rajbongshis were once rulers of the Kamata kingdom. They are considered indigenous to the region.

Their primary livelihood is agriculture. They have diverse religious affiliations, primarily Hindu, but also including Muslim, Christian, and Buddhist members.

The community currently holds Other Backward Classes (OBC) status in Assam, Scheduled Caste (SC) status in Bengal, and Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in Meghalaya.

Granting ST status is opposed by existing ST communities in Assam who fear being marginalized in education, employment, and political representation.

The Koch-Rajbongshis’ demand also includes the “re-establishment of the historic Kamatapur State” and the creation of a Chilarai Regiment in the armed forces.

The BJP had previously promised ST status to six communities, including the Koch-Rajbongshis, before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

The Koch-Rajbongshis were granted ST status briefly in 1996, but it was revoked due to concerns about disproportionate access to reserved quotas.

The community has threatened protests if their concerns are ignored and if they are used for electoral gains.

Jalantheeswarar Temple (Thiruvooral), in Thakkolam, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu, is in disrepair. A northern outer wall has collapsed, and the temple tank is neglected.

The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Jalantheeswarar (a sand lingam), boasts Dravidian architecture with a three-tiered gopuram.

Its construction began with the Pallavas, expanded by Cholas, and its current structure dates to the Nayak period (16th century).

The temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, significant in Saivite tradition. It holds numerous inscriptions crucial for understanding Chola dynasty chronology.

Inscriptions mention the temple’s ancient names: Thiruvural and Aparajita-chaturvedimangalam, and its association with Pallava and Chola kings.

Thakkolam’s historical significance is highlighted by the CISF renaming its Arakkonam training center after Rajaditya Chola, a prince killed in a battle near Thakkolam in 949 CE.

The temple’s poor condition and the need for restoration are currently in the news, with local officials seeking HR&CE department approval for kumbabishekam (consecration). The last consecration was over 15 years ago.

Preventive detention is the detention of an individual without trial or conviction. Its aim is to prevent future offenses, not punish past ones.

It’s a draconian measure requiring careful scrutiny, as highlighted by a recent Supreme Court case.

The Supreme Court quashed a Nagaland preventive detention order because the detaining authority failed to independently apply its mind. The order merely stated satisfaction with supporting documents, lacking specific grounds for detention.

Article 22 of the Indian Constitution provides protections for those arrested or detained, including provisions for preventive detention. It limits detention to three months unless an advisory board approves extension.

Detainees have a right to know the grounds of their detention, though this can be withheld in the public interest.

Laws permitting preventive detention exist at both the national and state levels in India (e.g., NSA, UAPA, PSA). These allow detention for periods up to 12 months without trial.

The detaining authority must provide opportunities for the detainee to make representations against the detention.

Parliament holds exclusive power to enact preventive detention laws for reasons of defense, foreign affairs, or national security. Both Parliament and state legislatures can enact such laws for public order or essential supply maintenance.

Historical Ties: Strong historical connection with Mauritius due to Indian origin population (70%) and cultural exchange. Prime Minister Modi’s visit celebrates these long-standing ties and offers an opportunity to connect with the newly elected Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, whose father worked with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

People-to-People Connections: Significant Indian diaspora in Mauritius with diverse linguistic groups. India supports cultural preservation through institutions like the Mahatma Gandhi Institute and the World Hindi Secretariat.

Economic and Trade Cooperation: Bilateral trade reached $554 million in 2022-23. Mauritius acts as a gateway to Africa due to its African Union membership and preferential trade agreements. The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) makes Mauritius a major channel for foreign investment into India.

Maritime Security Cooperation: Mauritius’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean is crucial. India and Mauritius collaborate on maritime security through the Colombo Security Conclave. India supports surveillance with radar stations, the Agaléga joint facility, and access to the Information Fusion Centre.

Geopolitical Significance: Cooperation assumes special importance as China’s influence in the Indian Ocean grows. The visit provides an opportunity to strengthen this partnership, and its importance to India’s security interests.

58th Tiger Reserve: Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh has been declared India’s 58th tiger reserve. This also makes it the ninth tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh.

• Why: Enhances tiger conservation efforts and boosts the protection status of the park.

Location and Background: The park is located in the Shivpuri district of the Chambal region, Madhya Pradesh. Established in 1959, it was formerly a hunting ground for the Scindia royal family.

• Why: Provides context to the location and historical significance, and clarifies its importance as a protected area.

Tiger Population: Currently, the reserve has five tigers, including two cubs. More tigers may be released soon. Three tigers (two females) were introduced in 2023 as part of a reintroduction project.

• Why: Highlights the ongoing conservation efforts and tiger population growth.

Notable Features: The park includes Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar lakes, designated a Ramsar site in 2022. It also has George Castle, built in 1911.

• Why: Details unique features and recognition, indicating the park’s importance for biodiversity.

Fauna: The park is home to various mammals like Chinkara, Chital, Nilgai, and predators, as well as reptiles (Mugger crocodile) and migratory birds.

• Why: Demonstrates the biodiversity present in the park.

Government Recognition: The decision was announced by the Union Environment Minister and applauded by the Prime Minister.

• Why: Highlights the significance of the event and the importance given to wildlife conservation by the government.

Project Approval: The Sharavathi pumped-storage project received final approval from the Karnataka state government, following a prior nod from the State Wildlife Board.

Location: Situated on the Sharavathi River in Karnataka, known for its hydroelectric potential and the Jog Falls.

Environmental Concerns: The project has raised environmental concerns because of its location within the Sharavathi Lion Tailed Macaque Sanctuary.

Capacity and Design: The project aims to generate 2,000 MW of power through eight units, using the Talakalale and Gerusoppa reservoirs as upper and lower water storage, respectively.

Operation: Water will be pumped between the reservoirs to store energy during low-demand periods and released to generate power during peak demand.

Sharavathi River’s Importance: The Sharavathi River is a vital west-flowing river originating in the Western Ghats. Its importance lies in its water resources, hydroelectric power generation, and biodiversity.

The Issue: “One Candidate, Multiple Constituencies” (OCMC) allows candidates to contest elections from multiple constituencies. This practice, permitted by law, is under scrutiny.

Legal Framework:

• Candidates can contest a maximum of two constituencies.
• If elected to multiple seats, they must resign all but one.
• Bye-elections fill vacated seats within six months.
• Constitutional provisions (Article 101) address dual membership.

Challenges of OCMC:

• Favors Ruling Parties: They gain an advantage in bye-elections.
• Financial Burden: Frequent bye-elections are costly.
• Administrative Disruptions: Model Code of Conduct enforcement delays policies.
• Breach of Voter Trust: Prioritizes political interests over the electorate.
• Parachute Candidacy: Candidates lacking local connection.
• Low voter turnout: Public apathy in bye-elections.
• Organisational disruptions: Disregarding local leaders.
• Political Expediency: Enhances the possibility of getting elected

Proposed Reforms:

• Ban OCMC: Implement “One Election, One Candidate, One Constituency.”
• Recover Bye-Election Costs: Candidates should bear the expenses.
• Delay Bye-Elections: Extend the cooling-off period.
• Mandatory Resignation: Resign before contesting another election.
• Restrictions on sitting legislators contesting another election.
• Cooling period immediately after the election and before the dissolution of the legislature.

Arguments For & Against: The right to be elected is a constitutional right. However, the cons, such as low voter turnout and parachuting of candidates outweigh the advantages.

International Context: Other countries like Canada and Australia have restrictions.

Low Market Share: Despite being the largest spice producer and exporter, India holds only 0.7% of the global seasoning market. China (12%) and the US (11%) have significantly larger shares.

Export Target: The Spices Board of India aims for a USD 10 billion export target by 2030, requiring increased production and value addition.

Current Export Status: India exported spices worth USD 4.4 billion (nearly 14 lakh tonnes) in 2023-2024. Chilli is the top export.

Value Addition Gap: Only 48% of India’s spice exports are value-added products. Increasing this to 70% is crucial for reaching the export target.

Challenges:

• Competition: Rising competition from countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, China, and others.
• Quality & Processing: Issues include adulteration, pesticide residues, poor processing, inadequate post-harvest handling, and limited mechanization impacting quality and shelf life.
• Domestic Focus: 85% of Indian spices are consumed domestically, indicating room for export growth.

Opportunities:

• Exploring nutraceutical and pharmaceutical uses of spices.
• Leveraging India’s 15 agro-climatic zones for diverse spice cultivation.
• Developing high-yielding, climate-resistant varieties.
• Increasing production to meet export demands and finding ways to bring down the cost of production.

Initiatives: The World Spice Organisation (WSO) is working with FPOs to improve safety, quality, and sustainability in spice cultivation through training on quality control, pesticide usage, integrated pest management, and hygiene practices.

Vanuatu is an island nation in the South Pacific, comprising 83 volcanic islands, only 65 inhabited. Its location is east of Australia and north of New Zealand.

It has a diverse geography featuring volcanoes (including the accessible Mount Yasur), mountains, and coral reefs.

The capital is Port Vila, located on Efate Island. The population is small (around 300,000), predominantly Melanesian, with Bislama as the national language and English and French as official languages.

Vanuatu’s economy relies on agriculture (copra, kava), tourism, fishing, and importantly, offshore financial services.

A significant revenue source is its “golden passport” citizenship-by-investment program, costing around $150,000 USD. This allows visa-free travel to 56 countries.

The country’s lack of income tax, capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and exchange controls contributes to its appeal as a tax haven.

Recent news highlights Vanuatu’s citizenship program due to its use by individuals seeking to avoid legal issues in their home countries, like fugitive former IPL chief Lalit Modi.

Kursk Region is located in Russia, near the border with Ukraine.

It’s historically significant, hosting the Battle of Kursk (1943), a pivotal WWII tank battle.

The region boasts fertile soil (“Black Earth”) and a diverse industrial base (machine building, food processing, etc.).

Recently, Ukrainian forces briefly captured parts of the Kursk region in a surprise attack.

Russia is currently launching a counter-offensive to retake this territory.

This Russian advance threatens Ukraine’s bargaining position in the ongoing war.

Kursk city is the administrative center of the region and has been a strategically important location throughout history.

The name “Kursk” is derived from the Kur River.

The region’s strategic importance and recent military developments have brought it into the news.

The Issue: West Bengal Chief Minister alleged voter duplication by the Election Commission of India (ECI), citing identical Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers for multiple voters across different states.

ECI’s Response: The ECI admitted to duplicate EPIC numbers, attributing them to pre-ERONET legacy data errors (manual data entry, decentralized systems). The ECI clarified that, despite identical EPIC numbers, a voter can only vote at their designated polling station within their registered constituency. They’ve committed to eliminating duplicates via ERONET 2.0.

What is EPIC: A 10-digit alphanumeric voter ID issued by the ECI since 1993, designed to prevent voter impersonation and electoral fraud. It’s linked to a voter’s photo, constituency, and polling station.

How EPIC is managed: EPIC numbers are generated and managed through ERONET, a web-based platform that automates the electoral roll process.

TMC’s Counter-Argument: Trinamool Congress (TMC) rejected the ECI’s explanation, raising concerns about potential voter disenfranchisement due to photo mismatches when using duplicate EPICs. They alleged a conspiracy to suppress votes in non-BJP areas. They cited that the EPIC number is linked to voter photos on electoral rolls, creating a problem.

US Withdrawal: The United States has withdrawn from the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF). This decision was communicated in a March 4 letter by the US representative on the LDF board.

Impact on Climate Commitments: This withdrawal reinforces the US’s disengagement from global climate commitments, including the Paris Agreement.

Loss and Damage Fund Overview: The LDF was established at COP27 to support developing nations and small island states facing climate-related losses. It’s designed to help with issues like rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

US Contribution and Previous Involvement: The US had contributed $17.5 million to the LDF before withdrawing and was one of the few countries to have already transferred its committed amount.

Implications for Vulnerable Nations: Vulnerable countries, like India (which faced significant weather-related damages), now face increased uncertainty in climate aid, potentially straining climate negotiations.

US Accountability: Climate activists view the US withdrawal as undermining global climate justice and failing to fulfill its responsibilities as a major historical emitter.

The 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is taking place at the UN headquarters in New York from March 10-21, 2025.

India’s Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi, leads the Indian delegation.

The CSW is the UN’s principal intergovernmental body dedicated to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

This year’s session marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

The session focuses on global progress in gender equality and women’s empowerment, including reviewing the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

India’s national statement will highlight government initiatives for women and girls’ development.

A side event, co-hosted by the Indian government and UN Women, will focus on financial and digital empowerment strategies for women.

The Minister will also interact with the Indian diaspora in New York, celebrating International Women’s Day.

Participants include UN member states, intergovernmental organizations, civil society, and private sector representatives.

The CSW’s work aims to promote women’s political, economic, civil, social, and educational rights.

International Women’s Day 2025 Significance: Celebrated globally on March 8th to recognize women’s achievements across various spheres. 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA), a critical framework for women’s rights.

Theme for 2025: “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” emphasizing inclusive rights and opportunities.

Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BPfA): A blueprint from 1995 adopted in Beijing, China promoting legal protection, service access, youth engagement, and social change for women. India is a signatory.

Current Status of Women in India – Key Indicators:

• Maternal Health: Institutional deliveries at 95%, with a decline in maternal mortality.
• Education: Improved sex ratio, increased female enrollment in higher education, schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao improving sex ratio.
• Financial Inclusion: 100 million women via SHGs, training in digital literacy.
• Addressing Gender-Based Violence: 770 One Stop Centres providing support.

Challenges to Women Empowerment:

• Political Underrepresentation (low percentage in parliament and leadership roles).
• Gender-Based Violence (increase in conflict-related sexual violence).
• Workplace Discrimination (wage gap, fewer women in workforce).
• Unpaid Care Work (disproportionate burden on women).
• Barriers in Education & Food (potential for girls remaining out of school).
• Legal Barriers (lack of equal rights in some countries).

Way Forward:

• Increased Gender-Responsive Budgeting for education, health, and social security.
• Strengthening Legal Protection to eliminate discrimination.
• Economic Empowerment with equal access to resources, and supporting entrepreneurs.
• Bridging Workplace Inequality through flexible work and childcare.

Government Initiatives in India: Constitutional and Legal Framework ensuring gender equality. Schemes for Education, Health, Economic Empowerment, Digital & Technological Empowerment, Safety & Protection are implemented.

Sighting at Zoological Park: Pelicans and painted storks have been sighted at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam.

Freedom After Cyclone: The birds, previously confined to enclosures, have been roaming freely since Cyclone Hudhud destroyed their enclosures in 2014. This is an unexpected positive impact of the disaster.

Habitat & Behavior: They now roam freely over the zoo’s greenery, sometimes visiting nearby water bodies for food and return to the trees at the zoo. They are demonstrating adaptability.

Pelican Characteristics: Pelicans are large, social water birds with long beaks and throat pouches, found on all continents except Antarctica. They are carnivores, eating fish and other animals, preferring warm waters.

Painted Stork Characteristics: Painted storks are large birds from South and

IUCN Status of Painted Stork: The painted stork is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, highlighting the importance of their conservation.

Visitor Experience: The free-roaming birds add to the