Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 20-03-2025

Serbia Accusations: Serbia’s government faces allegations of using a banned sonic weapon to disperse protesters in Belgrade.

What Sonic Weapons Are: Acoustic or sonic weapons deliver loud sounds over distances, employing audible or inaudible sound waves to disrupt, disorient, or incapacitate.

How They Work: These devices use transducers to create highly concentrated sound beams. Authorities control the frequency, volume, and duration of the sound.

Types and Their Effects:

• LRAD: Long-Range Acoustic Devices can project sound over 8,900 meters, causing ear pain, hearing damage, nausea, and dizziness.
• Mosquito: Emits high-pitched sounds, irritating younger people (under 30).
• Infrasonic: Emits low-frequency sounds, causing pain and disorientation; still under research.

Health Risks: Sonic weapons can cause ear damage, hearing loss, headaches, nausea, vertigo, and loss of balance.

Purpose: Primarily used for crowd control and military operations, though their deployment may violate legal standards.

Location: Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Kundal town in the Sangli district of Maharashtra.

Unique Feature: It is India’s first manmade wildlife sanctuary.

High Deer Population: The sanctuary boasts a significant deer population, with 536 sambars and 295 cheetals, making it one of the highest among man-made sanctuaries.

Artificial Ecosystem: The sanctuary is an artificially cultivated forest without a constant water supply, and its wildlife was largely introduced.

Vegetation: The forests consist of southern dry mixed deciduous and southern thorn forest.

Flora: Major flora includes Tamarind, Neem, Eucalyptus, Acacia, Agave, and Khair trees.

Fauna: The sanctuary is home to various deer species (Sambar Deer, Chital), wild boar, peacocks, and small carnivores like hyenas, foxes, and porcupines. Blackbuck, however, is extinct.

Recent Study: A recent study using a line transect method and trap cameras estimated the sambar and cheetal density.

Population Dynamics: The study indicates a balanced deer population relative to the available resources.

Conservation Efforts: Deer are being translocated to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve to serve as prey for tigers, which will be introduced once the prey base is sufficient.

De-Dollarization: The Core Idea
Efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar in global trade and finance, seeking alternatives.

Driving Forces for De-Dollarization

• BRICS+ initiatives like mBridge, BRICS Bridge/Clear, and a potential new settlement currency (“Unit”).
• Increased use of the Petro-Yuan.

Global Benefits

• Reduced geopolitical risks, insulating countries from US sanctions.
• Diversification of currencies, promoting financial balance.
• Strengthened regional currencies and reduced vulnerability to US monetary policy.
• Growth in gold’s use and advancements in digital currencies.

Global Concerns

• Short-term market instability during transitions.
• Limited acceptance of alternative currencies compared to the dollar.
• Risk of economic fragmentation and potential geopolitical tensions.
• US economic repercussions and exchange rate complications.

India’s Stance and Impacts

• Cautious approach, not aiming to undermine the dollar.
• Benefits for India: Promoting the Rupee in trade, greater monetary policy autonomy, reserve diversification, and reduced exposure to US sanctions.
• Concerns: Impact on foreign investment, challenges in diversifying reserves, potential disruption of remittances.

India’s Path Ahead

• Strengthening the Rupee through bilateral trade and internationalizing UPI/RuPay.
• Diversifying reserves and managing risks through multi-currency systems.
• Strengthening India’s financial position by positioning Mumbai as a hub.

China’s Role: China’s development of CBDCs and cross-border payment systems.

• Why: Develops interoperability and operational expertise in maritime operations.

• Why: Demonstrates an ongoing commitment to military cooperation.

• Why: Shows active participation and collaboration between the two navies.

• Why: Enhances skills in various maritime aspects, improving overall preparedness.

• Why: Enables collaborative responses to maritime security challenges and promotes seamless operations.

• Why: Underscores the commitment of both defense forces to maintaining strong relations.

• Why: Shows the involvement of modern, upgraded Indian Navy assets.

Telangana Assembly Passes SC Sub-Categorisation Bill: The Telangana Legislative Assembly has passed the Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservation) Bill, 2025, facilitating sub-categorisation within the existing SC reservation.

Background: Supreme Court Verdict: This action follows a Supreme Court ruling that supports SC sub-categorisation, affirming states’ rights to legislate in this area. This references a previous case (E.V. Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh) where a similar law was struck down, highlighting the significance of the new SC ruling.

Reservation Structure: The Bill divides the 15% SC quota into three groups: Group I (1% reservation), Group II (9% reservation), and Group III (5% reservation).

Community Allocation: The Bill categorizes 59 SC communities into these three groups based on their socio-economic and educational status. Group I comprises 15 of the ‘most disadvantaged’ SC communities (3.288% of the SC population), Group II includes 18 communities (62.748%), and Group III consists of 26 communities (33.963%).

Rationale: The goal is to provide more focused benefits to the most marginalized communities within the Scheduled Castes, addressing the idea that SCs are not a homogenous group.

Historical Context: A similar attempt at sub-classification was made in Punjab in 1975, offering preferential treatment to Balmiki and Mazhbi Sikh communities.

Legal Challenges: A similar Andhra Pradesh law was struck down in 2004 (E.V. Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh), highlighting the legal complexities surrounding SC sub-categorization before the recent Supreme Court ruling.

What is MDR: Merchants pay MDR to payment processors for accepting digital payments (credit/debit cards, UPI, etc.). It covers fees for banks, PoS terminals, and network providers. It’s a percentage of the transaction.

MDR’s purpose and components: MDR encompasses all charges associated with digital payments and varies based on transaction volume, card type, and transaction value.

Recent Incentive Scheme: The government approved a Rs 1,500 crore incentive scheme to promote low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (up to Rs 2,000) from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.

Zero MDR for Small Merchants: Small merchants will pay no MDR for low-value BHIM-UPI transactions.

Bank Incentives: Banks will receive a 0.15% incentive per transaction for low-value UPI transactions.

Incentive Distribution: Incentives are routed through acquiring banks and then distributed to issuer banks, payment service providers, and app operators, with 80% released unconditionally

Industry Concerns: Some industry leaders believe the scheme is underfunded, potentially hindering UPI growth.

Partners: The Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) are collaborating on the Sansad Bhashini Initiative. Why: This collaboration brings together parliamentary expertise with technological resources.

Purpose: The initiative aims to integrate AI to provide multilingual support, improve documentation, and streamline parliamentary operations. Why: This enhances accessibility, transparency, and efficiency within the parliamentary processes.

AI-Powered Tools: The initiative will use AI applications like real-time speech-to-text transcription, speech-to-speech translation, and interactive AI chatbots. Why: These tools will facilitate the translation of parliamentary proceedings and documents into multiple Indian languages.

Transcription Features: The transcription system includes features like background noise reduction, customizable vocabulary, and efficient documentation tools. Why: These enhance the accuracy and usability of the transcribed text, making it a valuable resource.

Automatic Summarization: AI will automatically summarize debates. Why: This feature will assist in quicker decision-making and simplify record-keeping.

QUAD’s Core Purpose: A strategic forum involving India, the US, Japan, and Australia, focused on maritime security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. It aims to maintain a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

Concerns over China: Senior defence officials from Quad nations are concerned about China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, particularly regarding its activities in the South China Sea and its potential actions related to Taiwan.

Not a Military Alliance: QUAD is not a formal military alliance, unlike NATO, but a strategic grouping that engages in summits, meetings, intelligence sharing, and military drills.

Key Activities & Structure: The Quad operates through annual summits, foreign ministers’ meetings, and working groups covering health, climate, technology, space, infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Joint military exercises like the Malabar Exercise are conducted.

Significance of Indo-Pacific: The Indo-Pacific, encompassing the Indian and Pacific Oceans, is of immense strategic, economic, and geopolitical importance. It is a major trade route, facilitating a significant portion of global maritime trade.

Evolving Maritime Threats: The Quad nations are focused on safeguarding vital trade routes and responding to evolving maritime threats, including from state, quasi-state, and non-state actors.

Specific Concerns: The panel discussed Chinese activities in the South China Sea, including the building of artificial islands which give them effective control and it will be harmful for the world economy, also Chinese actions regarding Taiwan and the military presence near Australia.

Supreme Court’s Ruling: The Supreme Court (SC) ruled in favor of the Auroville Foundation, emphasizing a “golden balance” between development and environmental protection. It overturned a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order and a Madras High Court decision that halted development activities.

Balancing Rights: The SC acknowledged the right to a clean environment as a fundamental right (Articles 14 and 21) but also underscored the importance of development through industrialization (Articles 14, 19, and 21). The judgment highlights the need for sustainable development.

Case Background: The NGT had initially stopped Auroville’s construction in Tamil Nadu (Darkali forest) due to environmental concerns. The SC, however, upheld the Auroville’s Master Plan, which had statutory authority.

Forest Classification: The SC determined that the area in question (“Darkali forest”) was not legally classified as a forest under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. This was a key factor in overturning the NGT’s decision.

Master Plan’s Validity: The SC recognized the Auroville’s Master Plan as valid, having been approved by the governing board, the Minister of Human Resource Development, and published in the official gazette. The Court found that the NGT shouldn’t have interfered with the plan’s implementation.

Fundamental Rights: The court emphasized that Article 14 ensures a fair balance between environmental protection and development, Article 19 safeguards the right to trade and industrial activities, and Article 21 includes the right to a clean environment and sustainable economic progress.

• Why: The report highlights current warming is between 1.34°C and 1.41°C above pre-industrial levels, indicating a close proximity to the critical limit.

• Why: 19 out of the last 20 months have already surpassed this limit, suggesting a persistent and concerning trend.

• Why: The report mentions record displacements due to cyclones, floods, and droughts, along with heat waves affecting multiple regions.

• Why: Atmospheric CO₂ levels in 2023 reached 151% of pre-industrial levels, the highest in 800,000 years, directly contributing to warming.

• Why: Arctic sea ice hit record lows for 18 years consecutively, and Antarctic sea ice extent reached its 2nd lowest in 2024 indicating the impact of climate change.

• Why: Ocean warming rates have doubled since 1960, and sea levels are rising at an increasing pace, with glacier melt also at record levels. These changes have severe long-term consequences.

• Why: Suggesting accelerated glacier melting worldwide.

India’s NTD Elimination Efforts: India is actively working towards eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) through government support, community involvement, and regional collaboration. This includes successes like trachoma elimination and significant reductions in Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) incidence.

What are NTDs? NTDs are a diverse group of infectious diseases prevalent in impoverished communities in tropical and subtropical areas, caused by various pathogens. They cause significant health, social, and economic consequences.

Prevalence & Impact: These diseases disproportionately affect vulnerable populations where access to water, sanitation, and healthcare are lacking. Over 1 billion people are affected globally.

India’s Specific NTD Burden: India combats about 12 NTDs, including soil-transmitted worm infections, lymphatic filariasis, visceral leishmaniasis, leprosy, and rabies.

Challenges & Strategies: The complex epidemiology of NTDs, including animal reservoirs and vector-borne transmission, makes elimination challenging. India has launched a five-pronged strategy for Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) elimination.

Community Involvement: Community participation, including college students, women in Self-Help Groups, and school children, is crucial. Successful Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaigns and the involvement of Panchayats and volunteers are key.

Regional Cooperation: Collaboration with neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal is essential for sustainable elimination, given cross-border movement and shared ecological conditions.

Future Outlook: India focuses on innovative solutions, digital tracking, and sustained WASH programs. The country aims for long-term health outcomes by leveraging community models, strong leadership, and ongoing investment.

Initiative: The Ministry of Culture, through the South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC), is launching a comprehensive initiative to revive the oral tradition and cultural impact of the Kamba Ramayana in Tamil Nadu. This is important because the oral tradition is declining, and younger generations are becoming unfamiliar with this significant Tamil literary work.

Inauguration: Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, will inaugurate the event on March 18, 2025, at Sreerangam Temple, Trichy. Kamba Ramayana Mandali (cultural troupes) from across Tamil Nadu will participate.

Program Components: The initiative includes performances, workshops, symposia, and educational competitions. This multifaceted approach aims to engage diverse communities and ensure the Kamba Ramayana’s transmission to future generations.

Two-Phase Program:

• Phase I: Inaugural ceremony at Sreerangam Temple followed by performances at key temples across Tamil Nadu.
• Phase II: A week-long festival at Kambar Medu (Kambar’s birthplace) featuring recitals, dance dramas, and scholarly discussions.

Key Features: Isai (music/performance), Iyal (literature/scholarly engagement), and Natakam (theatre/dance drama) will be central to the program.

Objectives: To sustain and promote the oral tradition, engage younger generations, and establish a comprehensive statewide program.

Long-Term Vision: An annual Kamba Ramayana festival and a museum at Kambar Medu dedicated to Kambar and his work. This aims to create a sustainable cultural legacy.

Significance of Kambar Medu: Kambar Medu is the birthplace of Kambar and important because it is significant to the history of Kamba Ramayana and also because the location is centre point for the festival which seeks to establish a annual event to uphold the importance of Kamba Ramayana for future generations.

Micro-lightning’s Role in Origin of Life: A Stanford study proposes that tiny electrical discharges within water droplets (micro-lightning) were crucial in forming organic molecules essential for life on Earth.

Why in News: This challenges the long-held Miller-Urey hypothesis, which focused on atmospheric lightning.

Key Findings: Splashing water generates electrical charges, leading to micro-lightning that facilitates the formation of biomolecules. The study demonstrated the spontaneous creation of uracil, glycine, and hydrogen cyanide, key building blocks for life.

Implications: Micro-lightning in water bodies like oceans and waterfalls might have driven prebiotic chemistry more significantly than previously thought.

Astrobiological Potential: Similar mechanisms could exist on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus, suggesting the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Comparison with Miller-Urey: The Miller-Urey hypothesis proposed lightning in the early atmosphere triggered chemical reactions that formed amino acids. This new research shifts the focus to micro-lightning within water bodies.

New Killifish Species Discovered: A new killifish species, Nothobranchius sylvaticus, has been identified in Kenya’s Gongoni Forest.

Endemic and Critically Endangered: The killifish is endemic to Kenya, meaning it’s found only there, and is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, facing a high risk of extinction.

First Forest-Dwelling Killifish: This is the first known killifish species to inhabit a forest environment, differentiating it from the more common ephemeral water body habitats.

Ancient Forest Habitat: The fish’s discovery highlights the importance of the Gongoni Forest, which is over 7.09 million years old. Its restricted habitat contributes to the fish’s endangered status.

Research Significance: The discovery is significant for evolutionary biology and conservation efforts, indicating a link between the fish’s evolution and the tectonic development of East Africa. Research involved DNA sequencing, physical trait analysis, and dating of the forest’s geological history.

Killifish Overview: Killifish are small, egg-laying fish that inhabit freshwater and brackish waters across several continents. They are known for their adaptability.

Context of Kenya: The news relates to Kenya, an East African nation, highlighting its diverse ecosystem. The article also mentions that India is sourcing cheetahs from Kenya for wildlife conservation.

US Airstrikes Intensify: The US has significantly increased airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, marking the largest US military operation in the Middle East since January 2025 under President Donald Trump.

• Why: To counter Houthi missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea and protect global shipping routes, which the US deems a threat.

Houthi Attacks and Targets: The Houthis, backed by Iran, have launched numerous attacks on ships off the Yemeni coast since late 2023, with a focus on Israeli-linked vessels in solidarity with Gaza.

• Why: Disrupting global commerce and responding to the Gaza conflict, with threats to target US ships as retaliation for US strikes.

Geopolitical Significance: The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial maritime chokepoint connecting the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, is being targeted by the Houthis. The situation is affecting global trade, and potentially impacting wider geopolitical tensions.

• Why: The area’s strategic importance makes it a focal point for conflict, directly impacting international trade and relations.

Humanitarian Impact: The US airstrikes have caused casualties, according to Houthi sources, with at least 53 people killed, including children and women, with 98 injured.

• Why: The military operations are causing casualties, highlighting the severity of the conflict’s impact on civilians.

Escalation and Reactions: Both the Houthis and the US have escalated their actions, with the Houthis vowing to continue attacks and the US responding with further strikes. International actors like Russia are also reacting.

• Why: This suggests a deepening of the conflict and increasing tensions in the region, with potential for wider ramifications.

Iran’s Role: Tensions exist between Iran, the Houthi’s primary backer, and the US, with warnings and threats exchanged.

• Why: Iran’s involvement is a central element, adding a layer of complexity and regional implications to the conflict.

Maritime Diplomacy’s Dual Role: Beyond soft power, it’s a tool for conflict containment, resolution, and prevention, utilizing a range of naval actions.

IOR Institutional Weakness: The Indian Ocean Region (IOR) lacks strong security institutions due to diversity and self-interest, leading to fragmented initiatives like IORA and BIMSTEC with limited success.

India’s IOR Role: Indian Navy acts as a “First Responder” for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), exemplified by its response to the 2004 tsunami.

Enhanced MDA: India strengthens Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) by sharing surveillance data with nations like Seychelles and Maldives, aiding in EEZ protection.

Naval Diplomacy Balance: Indian Navy supports foreign policy through warship deployments and joint exercises, blending cooperation with deterrence.

Need for Strategic Program: India needs a fully funded program for security and HADR assistance, including amphibious capabilities and a hospital ship, to realize its potential in the IOR.

Coordination Imperative: Eliminate MoD-MEA coordination gaps to ensure timely assistance delivery.

Whole-of-Government Approach: Integrate maritime strategy into national security policy for a cohesive approach.

What is APAAR ID: A digital student ID under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, designed as a “One Nation, One Student ID” to streamline student records and academic transfers.

Purpose: To accumulate and store students’ academic achievements digitally, facilitating seamless transfers between institutions and providing standardized digital records accessible through DigiLocker. It is also for educational policymaking and analysis.

Mandatory vs. Voluntary: Officially voluntary, but CBSE and some state governments (e.g., Uttar Pradesh) are pushing for 100% enrollment. Parents often are not explicitly informed of the voluntary nature.

Components: Linked to Aadhaar and stored in DigiLocker; utilizes the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system for credit transfer.

Concerns: Data security issues, lack of clarity over the program’s genesis, and potential misuse of children’s data. Duplication of data collection efforts.

Opt-out: Parents can opt-out by submitting a written request to schools.

Pressure for Enrollment: Despite being voluntary, schools are facing pressure, and some institutions may face consequences if not participating fully, as seen in Uttar Pradesh.

DGTR’s Role: The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) is a part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Its primary task is to protect Indian industries from unfair trade practices like dumping and import surges.

Current Action: DGTR has recommended a 12% duty on steel imports. This is in response to rising concerns of trade diversion.

Trade Diversion: Several countries, including the EU, Canada, and the UK, have implemented 129 trade remedy measures against steel. This forces steel from these regions to seek alternative markets, potentially flooding India.

US Tariffs: The US has imposed a 25% tariff on steel imports effective March 12, 2025, also contributing to trade diversion.

Overcapacity Concerns: Major steel producers like Japan, South Korea, and China produce far more steel than they consume domestically. This excess production increases the risk of dumped steel in export markets, potentially harming Indian producers.

Counterarguments and Concerns: Some experts and industry bodies question the recommended duty. There is concern that it will raise steel prices, harming downstream industries and potentially encouraging monopolistic practices.

MSME Impact: There are calls for measures to protect MSMEs and user industries from price hikes and supply disruptions, possibly through quotas and mechanisms to ensure access to steel at competitive prices.