Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 19-03-2025

Mudumal Menhirs Added to UNESCO’s Tentative List: The megalithic menhirs in Telangana’s Narayanpet district are being considered for World Heritage Site status in 2025.

What are Menhirs: Large, upright stones sculpted and placed by humans, often tapered at the top. The term comes from Brittonic words meaning “long stone.”

Global Significance: Menhirs exist worldwide, with European examples dating back to 7,000 BP. France’s Grand Menhir Brisé was the tallest.

Mudumal’s Significance: These are India’s oldest menhirs (3,500–4,000 BP), located near the Krishna River. They are well-preserved megalithic burial sites.

Astronomical Alignment: The Mudumal menhirs are precisely aligned with solar events and feature a stone with cup-marks of Ursa Major, representing an early star representation in South Asia. UNESCO calls the site a “megalithic astronomical observatory.”

Local Traditions: Locals worship the menhirs as “Niluralla Thimmappa,” with one revered as Goddess Yellamma, preserving ancient traditions.

Not Hero Stones: Menhirs are distinct from hero stones (Veeragallu/Natukal), which are memorials for fallen warriors.

Insight into Ancient Cultures: Menhirs provide insight into the ingenuity of early humans, their understanding of physics, astronomy and cultural beliefs. They offer valuable information about cultures that have left no written records.

Defence Cooperation MoU: India and New Zealand signed an MoU to strengthen defence and security collaboration, including joint exercises, training, and port visits. This aims to institutionalize their partnership.

Maritime Security Focus: Emphasis on maritime security and safe sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific, addressing the region’s strategic importance. Navies are already cooperating in the Combined Task Force-150.

Counter-Terrorism Stance: Both countries, having experienced terrorism in Mumbai and Christchurch, share a commitment to combating it.

Concerns about Anti-India Activities: India raised concerns regarding pro-Khalistan activities in New Zealand and received assurances of cooperation.

Economic Ties & FTA: Discussions initiated for a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to boost bilateral trade and investment in sectors like dairy, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.

Diplomatic Expansion: New Zealand will increase its diplomatic presence in India by 60%, signalling deeper engagement.

Indo-Pacific Commitment: While New Zealand clarified it won’t join the Quad, it’s cooperating with like-minded countries to counter regional threats.

Development vs. Expansionism: PM Modi stated India believes in development, not expansionism.

Sporting Relations: In 2026, India and New Zealand will celebrate 100 years of sporting relations.

Lowest Disinvestment Receipts Since 2014-15: FY25 disinvestment receipts stand at ₹9,319.05 crore, the lowest since 2014-15. This is significantly lower than the ₹16,507.29 crore achieved in FY24.

Shift from Targets to Value Creation: The government has stopped setting annual disinvestment targets since FY24.

Focus on PSE Performance: A strategic shift towards optimizing Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) performance instead of aggressive stake sales. This includes higher capital expenditure and improved dividends.

Phased Market Dilution & Strategic Privatization: The new strategy incorporates phased market dilution and strategic privatization where feasible.

Disinvestment Definition: Disinvestment involves the government selling its stake in PSEs to raise funds and encourage private participation.

Types of Disinvestment: Strategic Disinvestment (substantial stake sale with management transfer) and Minority Stake Sale (partial sale without management transfer).

Disinvestment Methods: Methods

DIPAM’s Role: The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) under the Ministry of Finance manages the disinvestment process.

FEMA Background: The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) of 1999 replaced the more restrictive Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) of 1973. It came into force on June 1, 2000, as part of India’s economic liberalization.

FEMA’s Purpose: FEMA aims to facilitate external trade and payments and ensure the orderly development of the foreign exchange market in India.

Key Aspects: FEMA governs all foreign exchange transactions, including acquisition, holding, payment, settlement, and the import/export of currency.

Regulatory Framework: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the primary regulator, framing rules and guidelines.

Offence Nature & Penalties: Violations are civil offenses, not criminal. Penalties include fines up to three times the amount involved or ₹2 lakh, and potential asset seizure.

Scope of Application: FEMA applies to individuals, companies, firms, and Indian entities and offices abroad.

Entities & Transactions Covered: Includes foreign exchange, securities, export/import, banking, insurance, and overseas companies with significant NRI ownership.

ED Investigation: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is the primary agency responsible for investigating FEMA violations.

ED Raids: The ED conducted raids on eight Bengaluru premises linked to entities allegedly associated with George Soros, in connection with suspected FEMA violations involving at least ₹25 crore.

Alleged Violations: The ED investigation alleges that Soros-linked entities, like the Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF), used FDI or consultancy/service fees to channel funds to three Indian companies (Rootbridge Services Private Limited, Rootbridge Academy Private Limited, and ASAR Social Impact Advisors Private Limited), potentially bypassing restrictions on foreign donations to NGOs.

• Zomi: An ethnic group also known as the Chin, Mizo, or Kuki, belonging to the Tibeto-Burman group. They are spread across Northeast India, Burma, and Bangladesh. Christianity is the dominant religion.
• Hmar: A tribe residing in Northeast India, belonging to the Chin-Kuki Mizo group. Traditionally cultivators who practice slash-and-burn agriculture and speak the Kuki-Chin language group. They have converted to Christianity.

Launch and Purpose: The Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) was launched by India in November 2019 at the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit (EAS) to foster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. This promotes a free and open Indo-Pacific and a rules-based regional order.

Underlying Initiative: IPOI builds upon the “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) initiative, announced by the Indian Prime Minister in 2015, showing continuity in India’s approach to maritime security.

Nature of the Initiative: IPOI is a non-treaty-based voluntary arrangement, emphasizing cohesion through common understanding and actions related to shared interests. This flexible approach allows for broad participation.

Mechanism: It leverages the existing EAS mechanism, including ASEAN members and dialogue partners, rather than creating a new institutional framework. This leverages existing structures for efficiency.

Pillars of Cooperation: IPOI encompasses seven pillars, with countries leading on specific areas like Maritime Security (UK & India), Maritime Ecology (Australia & Thailand), and Trade (Japan & US), among others. The collaborative approach is designed to allow countries to work where they choose.

New Zealand’s Participation: The recent welcome to New Zealand’s participation highlights the shared interest in regional peace and stability, demonstrating growing international support.

Supreme Court Order: The Supreme Court has ordered the Rajasthan state government to remove replica structures from the ‘Seven Wonders’ park located in the wetland area of Ana Sagar Lake within six months. The state government is permitted to relocate the structures elsewhere.

Location: Ana Sagar Lake is an artificial lake situated in Ajmer, Rajasthan.

Historical Significance: The lake was constructed by Arnoraja Chauhan (also known as Anaji), the grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan, between 1135 and 1150 AD. It was named after him.

Additional Features: The lake features Baradari (pavilions) built by Shah Jahan in 1637 AD, and the Daulat Bagh Gardens were built by Jehangir. An island exists in the lake’s center, accessible by boat. A circuit house, previously the British Residency, is located on a nearby hill.

Seasonal Impact: The lake experiences seasonal changes and dries up during the summer months.

What it is: Audible Enclaves are localized sound zones, shielded from surrounding noise, that deliver private audio experiences.

How it works: The technology manipulates sound waves. It employs two inaudible high-frequency waves which, when they intersect, generate an audible sound wave only at the intersection point. This localized sound generation ensures privacy.

Significance: Enables private listening in public spaces, using sound wave manipulation to target audio to specific individuals within a defined zone.

Technology Explained: It’s an advancement on parametric array loudspeakers, which create focused sound beams. Higher-frequency sounds diverge more, and these waves are utilized to target a specific sound zone.

Scientific Validation: The technology and its method is reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, providing validation.

Debate: Calls are growing to classify cancer as a notifiable disease in India, but the Union government resists, citing its non-communicable nature. This stance is challenged by precedents like snakebites being made notifiable (2024) and the US listing lead poisoning (1995).

Notifiable Disease Definition: A disease legally required to be reported to authorities for tracking, resource allocation, and intervention.

Arguments For:

• Improved Data: Current data collection (NCRP covering 16% of population) is inadequate. Better data can help control preventable risk factors.

• State-Level Action: 17 states have made cancer notifiable, indicating a need for national action.

• Global Examples: Australia has cancer notifiable; the UK mandates cancer registration.

Arguments Against:

• Non-Communicable: Cancer isn’t contagious, so mandatory notification may be unnecessary.

• Privacy Concerns: Stigma exists, and mandatory reporting may deter treatment.

• Burden on Healthcare: Notification may create legal burdens without improving care. Cancer requires long-term management, not emergency containment.

Strengthening Cancer Surveillance:

• Phased Approach: Start with high-risk cancers as “documentable diseases.”

• Digital Integration: Link data with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.

• Expanded Screening: Increase Population Based Registries (PBRs) and universal screening.

• Community Involvement: Empower local health workers for reporting and awareness.

• Financial Support: Expand insurance coverage under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

• Reduce Stigma: Partner with leaders, influencers, and survivors.

Alternative Approaches: Strengthen existing cancer registries (NCRP) by expanding hospital-based and population-based registries. Promote voluntary data contribution from healthcare providers.

Key Function: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is responsible for ensuring fair competition in the Indian market, aiming to prevent anti-competitive practices and protect consumer interests.

Raids and Investigations: The CCI recently raided major media agencies (GroupM, Dentsu, IPG Media brands) and the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) due to alleged collusion in fixing IPL advertisement rates and discounts. Why this matters: This action highlights the CCI’s active role in policing market practices to prevent unfair pricing and ensure competition in the advertising sector.

Establishment and Mandate: Established in 2009 under the Competition Act, 2002, replacing the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act (MRTP), 1969. This shift reflects India’s economic liberalization. Why this matters: The CCI’s formation was part of a broader effort to align India’s economic regulations with global standards, encouraging competition.

Powers and Functions: The CCI is a quasi-judicial body that investigates and penalizes anti-competitive practices. This includes:

• Preventing Anti-competitive practices: Addressing cartels, price-fixing, and market manipulation. Example: Imposing a ₹1,337 crore penalty on Google for Android ecosystem dominance.
• Regulating Abuse of Dominance: Preventing companies from using market power unfairly (e.g., predatory pricing). Example: Investigating Apple’s in-app payment monopoly.
• Controlling Mergers & Acquisitions: Reviewing mergers to avoid monopolies. Example: Scrutinizing the Jio-Star India merger.
• Ensuring Consumer Protection: Monitoring unfair trade practices to protect consumer rights.
• Advising the Government: Providing opinions on competition-related issues.

Structure and Expertise: The CCI is headed by a Chairperson and six members appointed by the Central Government, all possessing expertise in fields like law, economics, finance, and international trade. Members must have a minimum of 15 years of professional experience. Why this matters: The expertise of the CCI members ensures informed decision-making and effective enforcement of competition laws.

• National Referral Centre for Wildlife (NRC-W): Inaugurated in Junagadh, Gujarat, to investigate mortalities, facilitate diagnostics, and support treatment. It will be a key hub for wildlife health management.
• National Wildlife Health Information System: Proposed to streamline disease reporting and surveillance across regions, working with existing animal disease systems. Will act as centralised repository of real-time or near-time surveillance data, historical data along with databases from animal husbandry and human health.
• Satellite Diagnostic Labs: Plans to enhance disease diagnostics and ensure timely detection near key habitats.
• Cross-sectoral Collaboration: Aims to unify disease surveillance and reporting, fostering cooperation between the Environment Ministry, Ministry of Agriculture, and wildlife biologists, and other bodies.

IAEA Director Praises India’s Nuclear Sector: The Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, acknowledged India’s growing nuclear sector, calling it “one of the most dynamic” globally, especially within Asia.

Cooperation with India: The IAEA is closely collaborating with India on various aspects of nuclear technology, including regulations, safety, security, and technological advancement.

IAEA’s Role: The IAEA is a key intergovernmental forum for nuclear cooperation, working to ensure the safe, secure, and peaceful application of nuclear science and technology.

Functions of IAEA: The agency promotes the peaceful uses of nuclear technology through monitoring, inspection, and information analysis. It implements safeguards, particularly through the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Autonomous UN Organization: The IAEA is an autonomous organization within the United Nations system, reporting to both the General Assembly and Security Council, dedicated to maximizing the contribution of nuclear technology to society while verifying its peaceful use.

Raisina Dialogue Participation: The IAEA Director General participated in the Raisina Dialogue, a significant Indian conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, where discussions covered nuclear safety and non-proliferation issues.

India’s Role in Nuclear Workforce: The IAEA highlighted India’s importance in developing a skilled workforce for the nuclear industry, emphasizing its partnership with India in training the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers.

IAEA’s Structure: The IAEA consists of a General Conference (all members), Board of Governors (35 members), and a Secretariat headed by the Director General.

• Water Scarcity: Groundwater depletion is critical in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana with extraction exceeding recharge. Rising water salinity affects West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.
• Soil Degradation: Soil erosion is projected to worsen, and salinity-affected areas are increasing.
• Climate Change Impacts: Rainfed rice and wheat yields are projected to decline significantly by 2050 and 2080 due to climate change. Erratic rainfall patterns, with increased dry spells, are also a concern.

Massive Discovery: France has found a 46-million-ton white hydrogen reserve in the Moselle region, valued at $92 trillion, challenging the assumption that hydrogen must be artificially produced.

White Hydrogen Definition: Naturally occurring underground hydrogen deposits, unlike other forms that require industrial production.

Zero Emissions Potential: White hydrogen emits no CO2, offering a potentially clean energy source.

Extraction Challenges: Currently not commercially viable due to difficulties in extraction from underground deposits.

Focus on Hydrogen: This discovery highlights hydrogen as a future clean energy source that emits only water when burned, contrasting with fossil fuels.

Significance: The finding underscores the existence of natural hydrogen reserves, opening new avenues for clean energy exploration and reducing reliance on manufactured hydrogen.

Classifications of hydrogen: Classified based on method with varying impacts on

• Negotiations to begin for a balanced trade agreement under NZ’s “Opening Doors to India” Policy.
• Authorized Economic Operators Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO-MRA) signed for easier goods movement.

• Defense cooperation MoU signed for military exercises and naval visits.
• NZ interested in joining India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
• Commitment to strengthen and institutionalize defence and maritime cooperation including a roadmap for bilateral defence industry collaboration.
• Navies are working together in the Combined Task Force-150 for maritime security in the Indian Ocean

• Commitment to a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific, supporting rules-based order.
• NZ supports India’s bid for permanent UNSC membership and NSG entry.

Pi Day: Celebrated annually on March 14th (3/14), representing the first three digits of π. It’s a day for mathematics enthusiasts.

What is Pi: Pi (π) is a mathematical constant representing the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, it is an irrational, infinite number.

Historical Significance: Dates back to ancient Egypt, Babylon, and China. Celebrations began in 1988. US Congress officially designated March 14th as Pi Day in 2009 to promote interest in math and science.

Origin of the Symbol: The Greek letter π was first used in 1706 by Welsh mathematician William Jones, inspired by “periphery” and “perimeter.”

Indian Contributions: Aryabhata calculated an approximate value of pi. Srinivasa Ramanujan’s formulas formed the basis for early algorithms calculating pi to millions of digits.

Applications: Essential in math, physics, astronomy, and engineering. Used for calculating circle properties, wave equations, structural designs, antenna pointing, and determining sizes for equipment and systems.

Space Exploration: Space agencies like ISRO and NASA use π for orbital paths, satellite positioning, spacecraft trajectories, rocket propulsion, and communications. NASA holds a Pi Day Challenge with math-based games.

Albert Einstein: His birthday is also March 14th. Pi was important for his theories, and Pi Day celebrates his achievements.

Stephen Hawking: He died on March 14th, 2018. His quote about imperfection ironically contrasts with pi’s perfect mathematical nature.

Case Overview: State of Bombay v. Narasu Appa Mali (1951) revolved around the constitutional validity of the Bombay Prevention of Hindu Bigamous Marriages Act, 1946. Narasu Appa Mali was convicted under the Act for bigamy.

Bombay High Court Ruling: The High Court upheld the Act, stating that personal laws (unless codified) are not subject to constitutional scrutiny under Article 13. This allowed potentially regressive practices to persist.

Article 13 Implication: The ruling stated personal laws are immune from constitutional scrutiny even when violating fundamental rights.

Justification for Hindu-Only Application: The court reasoned Hindus were “more ripe” for monogamy reform, and Muslims have easier divorce, justifying the law’s limited scope.

“Laws in Force” Debate: The crucial question was whether religious customs/practices are “law” under Article 13 (laws violating fundamental rights should be struck down). The court found they weren’t.

Impact on Later Cases:

• Triple Talaq (2017): SC struck down instant triple talaq, distinguishing it as codified under the Shariat Act.
• Sabarimala (2018): SC criticized the Narasu judgment, asserting all laws, including personal laws, must follow constitutional principles.

Current Relevance: The case is central to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) debate and gender justice in religious laws. It is often cited to prevent interference in personal laws.

Call for Reconsideration: Experts advocate for revisiting the Narasu ruling to align personal laws with constitutional morality and ensure gender justice.

Ongoing Debate: Should religious customs and practices be considered “law”, and therefore subject to constitutional scrutiny regarding fundamental rights?

Climate Influence: Melioidosis, a bacterial infection, is significantly influenced by climate conditions like rainfall, temperature, and humidity.

Causative Agent: The disease is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, acquired through contact with contaminated soil and water.

Global Burden: South Asia, including India, accounts for 44% of global melioidosis cases.

Odisha Hotspot: Odisha, India, is a hotspot due to agriculture and extreme weather, increasing human exposure.

Diverse Symptoms: Symptoms range from mild skin infections to severe pneumonia and sepsis, with high fatality in septic cases.

Diagnostic & Treatment Challenges: Misidentification with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is common; treatment requires prolonged antibiotic therapy.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar & IIT Bhubaneswar Collaboration: A study in Odisha tracked melioidosis cases (2015-2023) correlating them with weather patterns.

Seasonality: Infections peak during and after the monsoon season.

High-Risk Regions: Cuttack, Balasore, Khordha, and Jajpur districts in Odisha show high potential for disease occurrence.

Climate-Driven Modeling: Highlights potential for climate-driven disease modeling beyond melioidosis, enhancing preparedness.

Need for Public Health Adaptation: Public health systems must incorporate climate analytics into disease surveillance.

Focus shift: Highlights the necessity to shift research focus from vector-borne to other environmental diseases like melioidosis, which have been neglected.

• Good Governance: Transparency, inclusiveness, accountability, respect for stakeholder rights.
• Sound Design and Planning: Clear conservation goals based on understanding the area’s values.
• Effective Management: Efficient, adaptive strategies based on best available knowledge.
• Successful Conservation Outcomes: Tangible, positive results in conserving values and contributing to biodiversity.