UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 16th March 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Science and Technology

What is Melioidosis?

Why in News?

A recent study has highlighted the seasonality of melioidosis disease in Odisha, with a notable increase in infections occurring during and after the monsoon season.

• Melioidosis is caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei.
• The disease is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia and northern Australia.
• It can lead to a high Case Fatality Rate (CFR), ranging from 16% to 50% in endemic areas.

Additional Details

• Transmission: Humans and animals can contract melioidosis, but it is not transmitted from animals to humans. It spreads through direct contact with contaminated soil, air, or water, with increased cases following severe weather events like hurricanes and heavy rain.
• Demographics: The disease primarily affects adults aged 40 to 60 who have underlying health conditions, while children under 15 are rarely affected.
• Symptoms: Infections can present as localized infections (e.g., cutaneous abscess), pneumonia, meningoencephalitis, sepsis, or chronic suppurative infections. Common symptoms include fever, headache, localized pain or swelling, ulceration, chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, hemoptysis, and lymph node swelling.
• Treatment: Melioidosis is treatable with antibiotics, although some chronic infections may require long-term treatment.

This information underscores the significance of understanding melioidosis, especially in regions where it is endemic, to mitigate risks associated with the disease.

GS2/Governance

Relocation of Assam Rifles Battalions to Mizoram

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Home Minister announced the relocation of Assam Rifles battalions to Mizoram, marking a significant change in the operational strategy of this central armed police force.

• Assam Rifles is one of the six Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• It plays a crucial role in conducting counterinsurgency operations in northeastern India.
• The operational command of Assam Rifles is with the Indian Army, led by a Lieutenant General.
• Its headquarters is located in Shillong, unlike other paramilitary forces which are based in New Delhi.

Additional Details

• History of Assam Rifles: Originating in 1835 as the 'Cachar Levy', this force was established to safeguard British tea estates against tribal raids and evolved into the 'Frontier Force' for conducting punitive expeditions.
• The force transitioned to the Assam Rifles in 1917 and has since evolved through various roles, including significant contributions during the Sino-India War in 1962 and the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) operations in Sri Lanka in 1987.
• The number of battalions has expanded from 17 in 1960 to 46 today, reflecting its growing importance in maintaining peace and security in the region.

This relocation signifies a new era for urban development in Mizoram and highlights the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen security in sensitive areas.

GS3/Science and Technology

North East Center for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR)

Why in News?

The Union Minister of Science and Technology has recently inaugurated the foundation stone for the permanent campus of the North East Center for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) located at Mawdiangdiang, Shillong.

• NECTAR is an autonomous society established under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.
• It was formed in 2012 by merging two missions: the National Mission for Bamboo Application (NMBA) and the Mission for Geospatial Applications (MGA).
• The center aims to apply advanced technologies to support development in the northeastern region of India.

Additional Details

• Focus Areas:NECTAR will work on applying appropriate technologies in various sectors, including:
  • Biodiversity concerns
  • Watershed management
  • Telemedicine
  • Horticulture
  • Infrastructure planning & development
  • Planning and monitoring
  • Tele-schooling
• Technology Solutions: The center will utilize cutting-edge MESHNET solutions to enhance employment generation through the utilization of local products and resources, along with associated skill development.
• Partnership Role: NECTAR will act as a partnership institution, providing technological assistance to state governments in the northeastern region, focusing on technology-assisted decision support systems.
• Current Operations: Currently, NECTAR operates from the Survey of India Campus in Shillong and has branch offices in Delhi and Agartala.

In conclusion, NECTAR is poised to play a significant role in leveraging technology for sustainable development in the northeastern states of India, ensuring that local resources are utilized effectively for community advancement.

GS2/International Relations

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The International Criminal Court and Its Reach

Why in News?

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte was flown to the Netherlands on March 12 to face charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC). His indictment marks a significant moment for the ICC, which has often struggled to enforce its warrants.

• The ICC accuses Duterte of being "individually responsible" for mass killings linked to his "war on drugs" campaign from 2011 to 2019, which resulted in approximately 30,000 deaths.
• Duterte withdrew the Philippines from ICC jurisdiction in 2019, yet ICC prosecutors maintain that crimes committed prior to the withdrawal still fall under the court's authority.

Additional Details

• ICC Background: The ICC was established under the Rome Statute of 1998 to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It has 125 signatory states obliged to cooperate with its mandates.
• Challenges in Enforcement: The ICC lacks its own enforcement body and relies on national governments and Interpol to execute arrest warrants. Compliance is often inconsistent, influenced by political resistance and geopolitical interference.
• Implications: Duterte's arrest is seen as a rare success for the ICC, showcasing the court's vulnerabilities, including accusations of Western bias and political tool usage, particularly in cases involving leaders from developing nations.
• Way Ahead: Duterte faces a pre-trial hearing to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. This phase will involve the Prosecutor’s Office presenting its case, and Duterte’s defense may argue for dismissal or interim release.

Regardless of the outcome, Duterte's indictment represents a major step in international justice, highlighting both the strengths and limitations of the ICC in holding leaders accountable for severe human rights violations.

GS3/Environment

Uniyala Keralensis: A Newly Identified Shrub Species

Why in News?

The shrub species named Uniyala keralensis, which is endemic to southwest India, has been identified and described by researchers. This species is named after the Indian state of Kerala.

• Growth Characteristics: Uniyala keralensis is classified as a “small to large shrub,” reaching heights of up to one to three metres.
• Floral Features: The shrub is noted for its attractive light purple florets.
• Leaf Characteristics: It possesses larger leaves with fairly long petioles and fewer lateral veins.
• Flowering Period: The species flowers and fruits from August to April.
• Habitat: Found in open areas of the western mountain slopes of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR) at elevations between 700 to 1,400 metres.
• Population: Approximately 5,000 plants are distributed across four subpopulations covering an area of 250 square kilometres.
• IUCN Status: The species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD) according to the IUCN Red List Criteria (IUCN 2024).

Additional Details

• Habitat Details: Uniyala keralensis thrives in specific mountainous ecosystems which contribute to its unique characteristics and conservation status.
• Conservation Concerns: As a newly identified species with limited distribution, it highlights the importance of biodiversity and the need for conservation efforts in its native habitat.

This discovery emphasizes the rich biodiversity of India's flora and the significance of ongoing research in understanding and conserving endemic species.

GS3/Economy

Billion-Dollar Fund to Support Creators’ Economy

Why in News?

The Central government of India has announced a significant investment of $1 billion aimed at bolstering the country's creators' economy. This initiative is designed to enhance the skills of creators, improve production quality, and facilitate their entry into global markets, as stated by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

• Investment of $1 billion to support India's creators' economy.
• Focus on skill enhancement and production quality for creators.
• Encouragement for expansion into international markets.

Additional Details

• Creators' Economy: This term refers to a digital-driven ecosystem where individuals like content creators, influencers, bloggers, and independent artists monetize their skills through social media, digital content, and online businesses. It is also known as the Orange Economy.
• Employment & Economic Growth: The creators' economy has the potential to generate self-employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, thus reducing reliance on conventional job markets.
• Challenges Faced: Indian creators encounter various hurdles such as inconsistent monetization opportunities, stringent platform algorithms, and limited brand collaborations. Intellectual property protection is also a significant concern due to content piracy.
• Government Initiatives: The Indian government has launched policies like Digital India, Make in India, and Startup India to create a conducive environment for digital entrepreneurship.
• WAVES 2025: The upcoming World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit will serve as a platform for joint ventures and co-productions, emphasizing the intersection of creativity, media, and technology.

This billion-dollar initiative signifies a strategic move by the Indian government to nurture the creators' economy, which is pivotal for fostering economic growth, cultural representation, and technological innovation in India.

GS3/Environment

Rationale for Creating India’s Latest Tiger Reserve

Why in News?

Recently, Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh has been designated as India’s 58th tiger reserve. With this addition, Madhya Pradesh now boasts nine tiger reserves, the highest number among all Indian states. In comparison, Maharashtra has six tiger reserves, while Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka each have five.

• Madhav National Park is now India's 58th tiger reserve.
• Madhya Pradesh leads the country with nine tiger reserves.
• The establishment aims to enhance tiger conservation efforts.

Additional Details

• Decline in Tiger Population: Tigers were once plentiful in India, with an estimated population of 40,000 in the early 20th century. However, due to factors such as hunting, poaching, and deforestation, their numbers drastically fell to between 2,000 and 4,000 by the 1960s.
• Conservation Efforts Begin: Alarmed by the decline, naturalists prompted the Indian Board for Wild Life (IBWL) to recommend a ban on wild cat skin exports in 1969, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classified tigers as endangered, urging for a ban on tiger killings.
• Launch of Project Tiger (1973): With tiger numbers dropping to 1,863, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi established a Task Force to create a conservation strategy. Project Tiger was officially launched on April 1, 1973, at Corbett Tiger Reserve.
• Scientific Management Framework: Project Tiger evolved into the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in 2006, instituting a structured management approach for tiger reserves, which must adhere to site-specific management plans.
• Core and Buffer Zones: Tiger reserves are divided into core zones, which are strictly protected, and buffer zones that allow regulated human activity to assist conservation efforts.
• Funding Mechanism: The funding for tiger reserves generally involves a 60%-40% cost-sharing between the Central and State Governments, with a different arrangement for northeastern and Himalayan states (90%-10%).

The designation of Madhav National Park as a tiger reserve reflects India's commitment to conserving its tiger population and ensuring sustainable wildlife management. It also highlights the importance of strategic ecological corridors in facilitating the coexistence of various species, including tigers and cheetahs.

GS2/Polity

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Linking Aadhaar with Voter ID - Election Commission's High-Level Meeting

Why in News?

The Election Commission of India (EC) is convening a meeting with officials from the Union Home Ministry, Law Ministry, and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to discuss the process of linking Aadhaar numbers with the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), also known as voter ID cards. This initiative arises in response to concerns raised by the Opposition regarding irregularities in the electoral roll.

• The meeting aims to address electoral roll irregularities.
• Linking Aadhaar with EPIC is intended to enhance the integrity of electoral processes.

Additional Details

• Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC): This card serves as an identification document for registered voters but does not grant voting rights unless the voter's name is listed on the electoral roll.
• Issuance of EPIC: Introduced in 1993, the EPIC is distributed by state governments and its issuance is governed by the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
• Unique EPIC Number: Each EPIC has a unique 10-digit alphanumeric code, which includes 7-digit numeric sequences and alphabetic characters. This number links a voter to their photo, constituency, and polling station.
• Purpose of Linking Aadhaar and Voter ID: This initiative aims to eliminate duplicate voter registrations, ensuring electoral roll integrity and preventing electoral fraud and manipulation.
• Opposition's Concerns: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has raised allegations of identical EPIC numbers existing across multiple states, prompting calls for increased scrutiny of the electoral rolls.
• EC's Response: The Election Commission acknowledged the existence of duplicate EPIC numbers and committed to correcting these errors within three months.
• Government and EC Stand: The Law Ministry asserts that submission of Aadhaar for EPIC linkage is voluntary, with voters being able to declare the non-availability of Aadhaar.

The upcoming discussions are crucial for addressing concerns about electoral integrity through the Aadhaar-EPIC linkage. While the Opposition views this as a delayed response, the EC believes that the process will enhance the credibility of electoral rolls. The outcomes of these meetings could significantly influence future electoral processes and reforms.

GS2/Governance

What is PM-YUVA 3.0?

Why in News?

The Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education has recently launched PM-YUVA 3.0, which stands for the Prime Minister's Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors.

• PM-YUVA 3.0 aims to train young authors under the age of 30.
• The scheme promotes a culture of reading, writing, and authorship in India.
• It seeks to highlight the contributions of the Indian diaspora, the Indian Knowledge System, and the makers of modern India.
• A total of 50 authors will be selected for the mentorship program.

Additional Details

• Objective: PM-YUVA 3.0 is designed to develop a new generation of writers who can explore and articulate various aspects of India's history, culture, and future.
• Submission Requirements:Contestants need to submit a comprehensive book proposal, including:
  • A synopsis of 2000-3000 words
  • A detailed chapter plan
  • Two to three sample chapters consisting of 7000-8000 words
  • A bibliography and references
• Selection Process: A committee formed by the National Book Trust (NBT) will select the participants. Applicants from PM-YUVA 1.0 and 2.0 are not eligible for this round.
• Mentorship Benefits: Selected authors will have the opportunity to interact with established writers, participate in literary festivals, and contribute to a diverse literary landscape that reflects India's heritage and modern advancements.
• Financial Support: Each selected author will receive a monthly scholarship of Rs. 50,000 for six months, totaling Rs. 3 lakh. Additionally, authors will earn a royalty of 10% on their published works.
• Books produced under this initiative will be published by the National Book Trust, India, and translated into various Indian languages, thereby fostering cultural exchange.

Through PM-YUVA 3.0, the government aims to provide a platform for young authors to promote their works and support the national reading and writing culture, aligning with the vision of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.

GS3/Economy

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What is Foreign Exchange Reserve?

Why in News?

Recently, there has been a notable increase in the country’s foreign exchange reserves, which surged by $15.267 billion to reach a total of $653.966 billion. This marks the largest jump in over two years.

• Foreign Exchange Reserves, also known as Forex Reserves, are foreign currency assets held by a country's central bank.
• China holds the largest foreign exchange reserves in the world.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is responsible for managing India's foreign exchange reserves.

Additional Details

• Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs): These are reserves maintained in various currencies, including the US dollar, euro, pound sterling, Australian dollar, and Japanese yen.
• Gold: A significant part of the reserves, serving as a stable asset.
• Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): A form of reserve currency created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• Reserve Tranche Position (RTP): This refers to the reserve capital that a country has with the IMF.
• Foreign currency assets are the largest component of India's Forex reserves, followed by gold.

The primary purpose of maintaining foreign exchange reserves is to ensure that a country has sufficient liquidity to conduct foreign exchange transactions and manage balance of payments deficits. A central bank can utilize its foreign exchange reserves to intervene in the currency market to influence the exchange rate. For example, if the value of the Indian Rupee decreases due to heightened demand for foreign currency, the RBI may sell dollars in the Indian money market to stabilize the Rupee's value. Moreover, having a robust stock of Forex reserves enhances a country's reputation internationally, assuring trading partners about their payment security.

GS2/International Relations

Key Facts about Raisina Dialogue

Why in News?

The Raisina Dialogue, an influential conference focused on geopolitics and geo-economics, is set to convene in New Delhi, attracting high-profile attendees including the Prime Minister of New Zealand, foreign ministers from at least 18 nations, senior executives from global corporations, and renowned foreign policy experts.

• The Raisina Dialogue serves as India’s flagship conference on geopolitical and geo-economic issues.
• It has been held annually in New Delhi since 2016.
• It is modeled after prominent global dialogues, such as the Munich Security Conference and Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue.
• The conference fosters discussions among heads of state, cabinet ministers, local government officials, and thought leaders from various sectors.
• It is hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.

Additional Details

• Theme of Raisina Dialogue 2025: The upcoming dialogue will revolve around the theme "Kalachakra: People. Peace. Planet."
• The conference is supported by numerous institutions, organizations, and individuals dedicated to its mission of addressing global challenges.

The Raisina Dialogue represents a significant platform for international dialogue and collaboration on pressing global issues, underlining India’s role in fostering diplomatic engagement and policy-making.