Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 29-03-2025

Supreme Court’s denial of late-term abortions reignites debate: The court’s refusal to allow abortions in borderline foetal viability cases (24-30 weeks) highlights ongoing challenges to reproductive rights.

Legal barriers persist despite reforms: While the MTP Act, 1971 (amended in 2021), allows abortions under certain conditions, access remains limited due to procedural hurdles and ethical dilemmas. Abortion is conditional, not on demand.

Foetal viability is a contentious issue: The lack of a clear definition of foetal viability leads to legal and ethical arguments, particularly in borderline cases. Advances in neonatal care further complicate the issue.

Medical board delays and lack of standardized protocols: Case-by-case decisions by medical boards cause delays, and subjective ethical considerations often outweigh clinical evidence.

Shortage of specialists and infrastructure: Rural areas lack access to gynecologists and obstetricians, and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are scarce, hindering access to safe abortions.

Legal fear and stigma: Healthcare providers fear legal repercussions, particularly in complex cases. Women face stigma and judgment, especially unmarried women, minors, and widows.

Mandatory pregnancy registration violates confidentiality: Policies like mandatory pregnancy registration compromise women’s privacy and may drive them towards unsafe abortions.

Doctors’ ethical concerns: Many healthcare providers express ethical concerns about performing abortions, particularly late-term ones, impacting access.

Courts prioritize foetal life over mother’s well-being: Some court decisions prioritize the foetal right to life, even when the mother’s mental and physical health is at risk.

Potential solutions: Shifting to a rights-based framework, enhancing privacy protections, increasing access to MTP pills, expanding the provider base, improving rural healthcare, and improving sex education are crucial steps to improve access to abortion care.

China’s Bomber Deployment: China deployed two H-6 long-range bombers around Scarborough Shoal. This was revealed by satellite images obtained by Reuters.

Timing: The deployment occurred shortly before the U.S. Defense Secretary’s visit to the Philippines.

Location: Scarborough Shoal is

Disputed Territory: Both China and the Philippines claim the atoll. China has de facto control since 2012, maintaining a coast guard presence.

Philippine Claim: The Philippines claims the shoal based on its proximity to the country and its inclusion within its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

China’s Claim: China, which calls it Huangyan Island, claims the area historically, citing ownership since the Yuan Dynasty.

Importance: The deep waters around the shoal are rich in marine life, making it a productive fishing area.

Strategic Significance: Regional analysts believe the deployment is a signal of China’s military capabilities, potentially meant as a deterrent.

U.S. Response: The U.S. Defense Secretary reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to its mutual defense treaty with the Philippines.

Tri-service, multi-domain warfare exercise: Exercise Prachand Prahaar integrated the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force in a simulated modern battlefield scenario.

Location and Timing: Conducted in Arunachal Pradesh’s high-altitude terrain from March 25-27, 2025.

Focus: Validating an integrated approach to surveillance, command and control, and precision firepower. This builds upon the November 2024 Exercise Poorvi Prahar, which focused on aviation asset integration.

Advanced Platforms Used: Employed long-range reconnaissance aircraft, UAVs, armed helicopters, space-based assets, fighter jets, rocket systems, 155 mm artillery, swarm drones, kamikaze drones, and loitering munitions.

Simulated Warfare: Exercise involved identifying and neutralizing simulated targets through coordinated strikes in an electronically contested environment.

Operational Readiness: The exercise aimed to enhance operational readiness and inter-service integration, showcasing seamless integration of surveillance and strike capabilities.

Significance: Underscores India’s increasing emphasis on jointness, technological superiority, and preparedness for multi-domain threats, particularly along the India-China border. It demonstrates the military’s capacity for complex, coordinated operations in challenging terrain.

CBI Reform Need: A Parliamentary committee recommends significant reforms for the CBI, citing the need for greater autonomy and improved functioning.

Independent Recruitment: The committee proposes an independent recruitment framework for CBI personnel, potentially using SSC, UPSC, or a dedicated body, to establish a permanent cadre. It also suggests reducing reliance on external specialists by developing in-house expertise teams.

Lateral Entry: Allowing lateral entry for specialists in cybercrime, forensics, financial fraud, and legal fields is another key recommendation to bolster CBI’s capabilities.

Separate Law for CBI: The committee urges a separate law to grant CBI wider investigative powers, especially in national security and integrity cases, without needing state government consent. This is crucial, as eight states have withdrawn general consent for CBI investigations.

Current Legal Hurdle: Currently, the CBI requires state consent to investigate cases under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, unless exceptions apply, such as Supreme Court or High Court orders.

Impact of State Consent Withdrawal: The withdrawal of general consent restricts CBI’s ability to investigate corruption and organized crime cases in affected states.

What it is: Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder where the immune system reacts to gluten.

• Why it matters: It explains the fundamental nature of the disease.

Cause: Consuming gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye) triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This leads to malabsorption (the intestine’s failure to absorb nutrients).

• Why it matters: This highlights the trigger (gluten) and the resulting damage, which is central to understanding the disease.

Symptoms: Can include diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, bloating, and anemia. In children, it can also affect growth and development.

• Why it matters: It emphasizes the impact on patient well-being and the varied ways the disease can manifest.

Risk Factors: Individuals with a first-degree relative with celiac disease have a higher risk. It can develop at any age after gluten consumption begins. It affects approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide.

• Why it matters: Understanding who is at risk is important for early detection and prevention.

Complications: If untreated or unmanaged, celiac disease can lead to serious complications.

• Why it matters: This highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment: The primary treatment is a strict gluten-free diet, which helps manage symptoms and heal the intestines.

• Why it matters: This is the essential management strategy for people with celiac disease, and highlights the need for a major lifestyle change for management.

Strategic Location: Greenland’s location in the North Atlantic, between North America and Europe, gives it significant strategic importance, particularly for missile defense systems. Pituffik Space Base is crucial for the US ballistic missile warning system.

US Interest & Acquisition Attempts: Former President Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in the US controlling Greenland, even attempting to purchase it in 2019 and reaffirming this desire recently.

Danish Sovereignty & Greenlandic Autonomy: Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, with foreign policy, defense, and monetary matters under Denmark’s control. Greenland gained self-governing status in 2009.

Natural Resources: Greenland possesses valuable natural resources, including minerals (particularly rare earth elements), oil, and natural gas, vital for US economic and technological interests. Most mining companies currently operating are not American.

Political Tensions: The recent US delegation’s visit, led by JD Vance, sparked criticism from Greenland’s new Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who called it a “lack of respect” and urged political unity. Denmark’s King Frederik has reaffirmed his support for Greenland.

Dog-Sled Race Controversy: The initial plans for the US delegation’s visit included a visit by Vance’s wife to a dog-sled race, which was met with public outrage, forcing the delegation to limit its visit to the military base.

US-Greenland Relations: The US has access to the Pituffik base under a 1951 agreement, which requires prior notification to Greenland and Denmark.

Economic Potential & Development: Greenland is known for its rich deposits of minerals, oil, and natural gas, but development has been slow.

The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) celebrated its 5th year in 2025. Launched in 2020, it aims to make India a global leader in technical textiles.

A ₹1480 crore budget was allocated for the mission (2020-21 to 2025-26).

NTTM’s four key components are: Research & Development (funding 168 projects totaling ₹509 crore), Market Development (promoting domestic and international adoption), Export Promotion (creating export strategies and councils), and Education & Skill Development (training 50,000 individuals).

The mission supports innovation through initiatives like the Grant for Internship Support for Technical Textiles (GIST 2.0) and the Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT) Scheme.

Success stories include the launch of India’s first bonded leak-proof period underwear and increased state-level support for technical textiles growth.

NTTM is contributing to India’s overall textile industry growth, which is projected to reach US$350 billion by 2030 and create 35 million jobs.

The news is significant because it highlights the progress of a key government initiative aimed at boosting a high-growth sector, driving economic development, and creating jobs. The five-year milestone provides an opportunity to assess the mission’s achievements and future direction.

Exercise Prachand Prahaar: The Indian Army conducted a tri-service integrated multi-domain warfare exercise in Arunachal Pradesh from March 25-27, 2025.

Focus: Validating a fully integrated approach to surveillance, command and control, and precision firepower across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Simulations: Simulated targets were neutralized through coordinated strikes using advanced platforms (long-range reconnaissance aircraft, UAVs, armed helicopters, space-based assets) and various weapons (fighter aircraft, rocket systems, artillery, kamikaze drones, swarm drones) in an electronically contested environment.

Integration: The exercise aimed to enhance operational readiness and integration of the three services, building on the previous “Exercise Poorvi Prahar” (Nov 2024) focused on aviation assets.

Platforms: Cutting-edge platforms like long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft, armed helicopters, UAVs, and loitering munitions were employed for total situational awareness.

Significance: The exercise highlights India’s emphasis on jointness, technological superiority, and readiness to face multi-domain threats.

Type: Project 885M Yasen-class nuclear-powered attack submarine (fourth generation).

Key Feature: The first Russian nuclear submarine to be equipped with the 3M22 Zircon hypersonic cruise missile as a standard feature.

Deployment: Scheduled to enter service with the Russian Navy in 2026.

Power Source: Pressurized water-cooled nuclear reactor generating 200 megawatts.

Performance: Capable of underwater speeds up to 31 knots and surface speeds of 16 knots.

Stealth: Designed for reduced acoustic signature through a 25-30 year core life and natural coolant circulation, eliminating mid-life refueling.

Operational Capabilities: Can dive to a maximum depth of 600 meters, remain submerged for up to 100 days.

Dimensions: 130 meters long, 13 meters wide, and a draft of 9.4 meters, with a crew of 64.

Rising Incomes and Reduced Poverty: The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24 shows significant income increases and poverty reduction, questioning the need for the current scale of food subsidies. Poverty is estimated at 4-4.5% (SBI) or 8.7% (World Bank), far lower than the 21.9% in 2011-12 when the NFSA was implemented.

NFSA Coverage Exceeds Need: The NFSA covers 81 crore people, significantly exceeding the number of people currently in poverty. This suggests many beneficiaries may no longer require subsidized food.

High Cost of NFSA: The NFSA’s annual cost of ₹2 lakh crore represents a significant opportunity cost. These funds could be redirected to other crucial sectors like employment generation.

Need for Reassessment: Data from HCES 2023-24 necessitates a reassessment of the NFSA’s beneficiary coverage and subsidy levels to ensure efficiency and equity.

Proposed Solutions: Recommendations include data-driven targeting of subsidies, a gradual shift to Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs) for non-poor households, and a focus on nutritional security rather than just food quantity. Exploring options like a Universal Basic Income (UBI) is also suggested to address broader socio-economic needs.

Technological Improvements: Using Aadhaar-linked databases and AI-based monitoring can improve transparency and prevent leakages within the food subsidy system.

• SDG-3 (Health): Maternal Mortality Ratio decreased.
• SDG-4 (Education): Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education increased.
• SDG-6 (Water): Access to improved water sources increased significantly in both rural and urban areas.
• SDG-7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): India’s renewable energy capacity expanded.

• War & Political Instability: Conflicts hinder progress, impacting basic needs like food, healthcare, and education.
• Economic Disparities: Developing nations’ economic dependence on resource extraction clashes with climate goals.
• Governmental Priorities: Some governments prioritize short-term gains over sustainability.
• Poverty & Inequality: Persistent poverty and hunger remain significant barriers.
• Global Economic Crises: Events like the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturns reverse SDG progress.

The IAEA supports India’s NSG bid, a crucial multilateral export control regime (MECR).

IAEA’s backing strengthens India’s chances of joining the NSG, despite past roadblocks, primarily from China.

MECRs are voluntary frameworks preventing the proliferation of WMDs and restricting sensitive technology transfers.

India is already a member of three other MECRs (Australia Group, MTCR, Wassenaar Arrangement).

India’s NSG membership is seen as logical given its active civil nuclear industry and participation in other MECRs.

The IAEA director general Rafael Grossi highlights the need for India’s inclusion in the NSG to avoid marginalizing a major global player in the nuclear industry.

China’s past opposition to India’s NSG bid, partly driven by concerns about Pakistan, is mentioned as a significant hurdle.

The current geopolitical climate, marked by the war in Ukraine and increased discussion of nuclear weapons, underscores the importance of non-proliferation efforts and the role of the IAEA.

India’s constructive diplomatic role in calming tensions, particularly concerning the Ukraine conflict, is praised by the IAEA director general.

Tamil Nadu declares Kasampatty (Veera Kovil) sacred grove as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS), the second in the state.

The grove is revered by local communities who worship Veeranan.

It plays a crucial role in climate regulation and biodiversity conservation.

BHS are defined areas (terrestrial, coastal, etc.) meeting criteria like: species richness, endemism, evolutionary significance, cultural value, and ecological fragility.

The concept aims to enhance conservation, not restrict traditional practices, and empower local communities.

BHS are notified by state governments under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, Section 37.

Examples of other BHS in India include the Nallur Tamarind Grove (Karnataka), Gundia Region (Karnataka), Majuli Island (Assam), and Glory of Allapalli (Maharashtra).

Arittapatti (Tamil Nadu) was previously notified in 2022.

The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice recommended significant CBI reforms in its 145th report. This is newsworthy because it addresses long-standing concerns about the agency’s effectiveness and independence.

Key recommendations include establishing an independent recruitment framework for a permanent CBI cadre, possibly through the SSC or UPSC, to reduce reliance on external specialists and deputation.

Lateral entry for specialists in areas like cybercrime and forensics is proposed to build in-house expertise.

The committee advocates for a separate CBI law granting wider investigative powers, especially in national security cases, overriding the need for state consent. Eight states have withdrawn general consent, hampering CBI investigations.

Currently, the CBI’s power is limited by Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946, requiring state consent for investigations within their jurisdiction unless directed by a court or with pre-granted general consent.

The reforms aim to enhance the CBI’s autonomy, efficiency, and effectiveness in tackling corruption and crime, addressing concerns about its dependence on state governments and external experts.

Green grabbing accusations: A solar power project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Assam is facing protests for allegedly diverting 18,000 bighas of tribal land, violating the rights of local communities.

Constitutional concerns: The project clashes with the Sixth Schedule of the Indian constitution, which grants autonomy to tribal areas and prohibits land allotment without tribal consent.

Lack of free, informed consent: Local protestors argue that the project violates principles of free and informed consent, a global standard.

Environmental impact: The project’s impact on ecologically sensitive lands and local livelihoods is questioned. Local farmers rely heavily on paddy, sesame, maize, and other crops for sustenance and market. Plantations of lemongrass, rubber, and bamboo are also present.

Displacement concerns: The project’s resettlement plans affect 38 homes, displacing 1,277 families and potentially disrupting local economies.

ADB’s role: ADB is funding a significant portion of the project, which has been criticized for not fully considering the rights of local communities.

Private-public partnership model: The project utilizes a private-public partnership model, with significant funding from ADB and private investors.

Climate change mitigation: ADB argues the project aligns with India’s climate mitigation policies, but protestors counter that it prioritizes profit over community rights.

Eight states (Kerala, Punjab, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Telangana, Meghalaya, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu) have withdrawn general consent for CBI investigations. This significantly hinders the CBI’s ability to investigate corruption and organized crime.

A Parliamentary committee recommends a new law granting the CBI broader investigative powers, negating the need for state government consent in cases affecting national security and integrity. This is in response to the consent withdrawals.

The committee’s suggestion is to bypass Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, which currently requires state permission for CBI investigations within their jurisdictions (excluding Supreme Court/High Court orders).

The committee also urged the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to implement lateral entry into the CBI to address a shortage of suitable officers from state police forces. This shortage is impacting the agency’s operational efficiency.

The CBI, India’s premier investigative agency, operates under the DoPT and is currently constrained by the need for state-level consent in most cases. The new law proposal seeks to address this limitation, particularly in matters of national importance.

AI-powered wildfire detection: The Silvaguard drone uses AI to improve early detection, location, and monitoring of wildfires. This is crucial for minimizing damage and response time.

Developed by Dryad Networks: The drone is a product of Dryad Networks, an environmental IoT startup. This indicates a focus on innovative solutions for environmental challenges.

Complements Existing System: Silvaguard works with Dryad’s existing fire detection system, Silvanet. The integration ensures a comprehensive approach to wildfire management.

Detailed Imaging: The drone captures infrared images and provides other information, allowing for a more thorough analysis of the fire’s status. The infrared images provide firefighters with critical details.

Real-time Information for Firefighters: The system transmits geographic coordinates, video, and infrared images directly to firefighters. This facilitates more effective and efficient firefighting efforts.

Enhanced Firefighting Efficiency: The system aims to provide firefighters with precise fire locations and statuses in real-time. This is important for better resource allocation and quicker responses.

Household incomes and poverty have risen significantly: Recent surveys show increased monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) in both rural and urban areas, along with a substantial decline in poverty rates.

NFSA beneficiary coverage exceeds current need: The National Food Security Act (NFSA) provides subsidies to 81 crore people, but poverty levels have fallen to around 10%, suggesting many beneficiaries may

Significant government expenditure on NFSA: The annual cost of the NFSA is ₹2 lakh crore, which could be reallocated to other sectors like employment generation and infrastructure development.

Data from HCES 2023-24 highlights need for reassessment: Increased incomes and reduced poverty mean the 2013 NFSA data, based on 2011-12 figures, is outdated and needs review.

Poverty is substantially lower than 2013 levels: Various studies (SBI, World Bank) show that poverty rates today are much lower than when the NFSA was implemented. The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) supports this view.

NFSA should be revised to better target subsidies: The author suggests focusing on those most vulnerable, possibly those at risk of falling back into poverty, instead of covering a large portion of the population. This would help improve the program’s efficiency.

Technological tools can enhance targeting: Using Aadhaar and other data can help better identify and verify beneficiaries, minimizing leakages and ensuring that support reaches those in need.

Shifting towards nutritional security is critical: The article recommends focusing on providing nutritious food, beyond just subsidised grains, to address issues like malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.

Implementing a phased plan for reforms is essential: A gradual transition of Priority Households to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and a reduction in foodgrain subsidies for non-poor households is advisable.