UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 27th February 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Economy

Over 70% Farmers Still Use Cash to Sell Their Produce

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) survey on agricultural transactions highlights that cash is still the predominant mode of payment among farmers in India. Despite a gradual increase in digital payment methods like Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and mobile banking, over 70% of Indian farmers continue to rely on cash for selling their produce.

• In 2019, 88% of farmers used cash for transactions.
• This figure decreased to 79% in 2022 and further to 72% in 2024.
• The share of farmers using electronic payments rose from 8% in 2019 to 18% in 2024.
• Among traders, electronic payment adoption increased from 8% in 2019 to 31% in 2024.
• Retailers saw an increase from 3% in 2019 to 22% in 2024.

Additional Details

• Reasons Behind Low Digital Adoption:
  • 55% of farmers use cash to determine market prices, up from 47% in 2019.
  • 47% rely on fellow farmers for information, while fewer than 10% utilize apps or websites to check market rates.
• Dependence on Traditional Information: Despite the growth of agri-tech platforms, most farmers still depend on word-of-mouth for price information.
• Intermediaries: Multiple intermediaries in the supply chain reduce farmers’ share in the final consumer price.
• Crop Damage: 64% of farmers reported crop damage during the 2023-24 rabi season, primarily due to unseasonal rainfall (37%) and heatwaves (30%).
• Importance of Weather Forecasts: 90% of farmers consider weather forecasts the most important factor in decisions related to crop sowing and harvesting.

This survey underscores the slow transition towards digital payment adoption among farmers, indicating a need for increased awareness and support for digital payment methods in agriculture.

GS2/Governance

Why PwDs Are Worried About Digital Personal Data Protection Rules

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is preparing to conclude public consultations on the draft Rules for the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 by March 5. This has drawn attention due to significant concerns raised by disability rights activists regarding certain provisions of the act.

• The DPDP Act mandates legal guardians' consent for processing personal data of adult Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
• This provision is criticized for undermining the autonomy of PwDs and misinterpreting guardianship laws.

Understanding the Controversial Provision – Section 9(1)

• Consent Requirement: The DPDP Act requires organizations (data fiduciaries) to obtain verifiable consent from a parent or legal guardian before processing personal data of any child or PwD.
• This provision groups all PwDs together, implying that those with guardians are incapable of making their own decisions.
• Verification Clause: Rule 10(2) necessitates that guardians be verified as appointed by a court or designated authority, but lacks clarity on its application for PwDs.

Reasons Behind PwDs and Activists' Concerns

• Undermining Autonomy: The provision wrongly suggests that all PwDs with guardians lack decision-making abilities, contradicting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD) Act, 2016, which promotes supported decision-making.
• Legal Confusion: PwDs are covered under both the RPWD Act, 2016 (which allows limited guardianship) and the National Trust (NT) Act, 1999 (which allows full guardianship). The DPDP Act does not distinguish between these, applying a blanket rule.
• Practical Challenges: There are no clear guidelines for how digital platforms should obtain consent from guardians, risking essential services access for PwDs if consent is denied.
• Gender-based discrimination could result, particularly affecting women with disabilities who may face additional barriers.

Risk to Digital Rights of PwDs

• The requirement for guardian consent could lead to exclusion from critical digital platforms such as online banking and healthcare services.
• This rule may increase guardians' control over PwDs' choices, limiting their personal decision-making freedom.
• Legal ambiguities could expose guardians to penalties under the DPDP Act for potential data misuse.
• A survey by PACTA and Saksham Disability found that while 27.4% of PwDs had legal guardians, many managed their affairs independently, highlighting the flaws in assumptions made by the DPDP Act.

Government's Response and the Way Forward

• The government contends that refining the definition of PwDs under Section 9(1) addresses some concerns, yet activists argue it complicates the matter further.
• Recommended Changes: Activists suggest aligning Section 9(1) with the RPWD Act, 2016 to ensure PwDs maintain decision-making autonomy.
• They also call for clear guidelines on how data fiduciaries should address guardian-based consent for PwDs.
• Addressing digital accessibility barriers is crucial, as many platforms are not yet user-friendly for PwDs.

In conclusion, while the DPDP Act, 2023 aims to regulate digital personal data and protect user rights, its strict guardianship rules pose a threat to the digital autonomy of PwDs. This could potentially exclude them from online services and undermine their decision-making ability. A balanced approach, incorporating feedback from disability rights groups, is essential to ensure that data protection laws do not inadvertently violate the rights of PwDs.

GS3/Environment

Coal Power is Costing India Up to 10% of Its Rice and Wheat Crops

Why in News?

Recent research from Stanford University indicates that coal-fired power plants in India are contributing to a significant reduction in rice and wheat production, resulting in losses of up to 10% in several states. This highlights the adverse impact of coal pollution on agriculture.

• Coal accounts for 65% of India's electricity, primarily due to low costs and abundant reserves.
• Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) emissions from coal plants have direct negative effects on crop health.
• Research links NO₂ emissions to reduced rice and wheat yields in several states.

Additional Details

• Phytotoxic Effects: NO₂ is harmful to plants, disrupting cellular functions and reducing chlorophyll levels, which diminishes plant vitality and yields. For instance, areas near coal plants show lower chlorophyll levels leading to reduced crop production.
• Ozone Formation: NO₂ contributes to ground-level ozone formation, which further limits photosynthesis and causes oxidative stress in plants. This is particularly problematic in regions like Chhattisgarh, especially during peak growing seasons.
• Research Gaps: Although global studies have established links between NO₂ and agricultural damage, there was previously a lack of systematic studies in India, which this recent research addresses.
• Satellite Data: Advanced satellites like TROPOMI facilitate precise tracking of NO₂ emissions, providing valuable data on the pollutant's impact on agriculture.

In conclusion, the findings underscore the serious implications of coal-fired power generation on agricultural productivity in India. Addressing these environmental challenges is critical for safeguarding food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

GS3/Science and Technology

SPHEREx Telescope

Why in News?

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is set to launch a new megaphone-shaped space telescope, the SPHEREx, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

• The SPHEREx telescope aims to map the universe by detecting optical and infrared cosmic light.
• It will investigate cosmic inflation, which occurred approximately 14 billion years ago.
• The telescope will help understand the formation of the universe and the growth of galaxies.
• SPHEREx will complement the research conducted by the James Webb Space Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope.

Additional Details

• Cosmic Inflation: This refers to a rapid expansion of the universe that took place shortly after the Big Bang, expanding faster than the speed of light for a brief moment.
• The telescope will utilize spectroscopic imaging to measure the 3D positions of approximately 450 million galaxies throughout cosmic history.
• By mapping the entire sky, SPHEREx will assist astronomers in identifying potential regions for life and gathering large-scale data to discern significant patterns from anomalies.
• This mission is crucial for understanding the conditions necessary for forming biogenic molecules in space, offering insights into the origins of life.

The launch of SPHEREx represents a transformative step in the ongoing quest to explore the universe and search for life beyond Earth.

GS2/Polity

Delimitation and the South

Why in News?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reassured that southern states will not lose any parliamentary seats following delimitation, addressing the concerns of states such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Due to slower population growth in the southern region compared to the northern states, delimitation based on the latest census data could have significantly increased the number of seats for northern states.

• Delimitation involves redrawing constituency boundaries and is expected after the delayed Census, initially set for 2026.
• In Independent India, delimitation has occurred four times: 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002.

Additional Details

• Need for Delimitation: It is a constitutional mandate conducted after each Census to adjust the number of seats in Parliament and state Assemblies and redefine constituency boundaries.
• Article 82 of the Constitution: This article mandates that the allocation of Lok Sabha seats must be adjusted based on population changes after each Census.
• Article 81: This article limits the total number of Lok Sabha members to 550, with 530 from states and 20 from Union Territories. It requires uniformity in the ratio of seats to the population across states to ensure equal representation.
• History of Delimitation in India:
  • Pre-1976: Redistribution of seats in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and state Assemblies occurred after the 1951, 1961, and 1971 Censuses.
  • 42nd Amendment (1976): During the Emergency, the total number of seats was frozen until the 2001 Census to prevent states with higher population growth from losing representation.
  • 2001 Delimitation: Constituency boundaries were redrawn, but the number of seats remained unchanged due to opposition from southern states.
• Impact of Delimitation on Lok Sabha Seats:
  • The number of seats allocated to each state post-delimitation will depend on the average population set by the delimitation commission.
  • If the average population per MP remains at 10.11 lakh, Lok Sabha strength could rise to nearly 1,400 based on 2025 population projections.
  • States like Uttar Pradesh could see their seats increase significantly, while southern states such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala would see only moderate increases.
• Concerns of Southern States Over Delimitation:
  • Regional parties in the South are concerned that delimitation based on population will benefit northern parties.
  • Southern states fear a reduction in parliamentary representation, weakening their political influence.
  • Tamil Nadu's CM M.K. Stalin has called for an all-party meeting to address these concerns.

In conclusion, delimitation is a critical process for ensuring equitable representation in Parliament, but it raises significant concerns for southern states regarding their future political influence and representation.

GS1/History & Culture

What is the Tea Horse Road?

Why in News?

Recently, China’s Ambassador to India highlighted the historical significance of the Tea Horse Road in fostering Sino-Indian ties.

• The Tea Horse Road originated during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE).
• It served as a crucial trade route connecting China, Tibet, and India.
• The network of routes spanned over 2,000 km, crossing treacherous mountain passes.

Additional Details

• Historical Background: The route was first recorded by Buddhist monk Yijing (635-713 CE), who mentioned exchanges of sugar, textiles, and herbs.
• Trade Focus: By the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), the trade primarily involved exporting tea to Tibet and importing horses for China’s military.
• Routes:
  • Yunnan Route: Started from Pu’er and Dali, passed through Lijiang, reaching Lhasa (Tibet) and extending into India via Sikkim, Nepal, and Bhutan.
  • Sichuan Route: Connected Chengdu (Sichuan) to Tibet and North India, with tea from southwestern China transported to Kolkata and beyond.
• The rise of modern roads and railways in the mid-20th century led to the gradual decline of this historic trade route.

Historical Significance

• Trade & Economy: Connected Tibet and China to India's markets, facilitating Chinese tea exports and Tibetan wool to Kolkata, while Indian textiles and spices moved northward.
• Horses for Indian Cavalry: Tibetan horses transported through the route were crucial for Indian military campaigns, especially during the Mughal and British periods.
• Spread of Buddhism: The route enabled Buddhist scholars and monks to travel between Nalanda, Tibet, and China, promoting cultural and religious exchanges.
• Political & Diplomatic Relations: British India sought control over Sikkim and Tibet’s trade routes, leading to interventions like the 1904 British expedition to Tibet.
• Impact on Himalayan Regions: Strengthened trade and cultural ties between Ladakh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tibet, influencing their shared heritage and economy.

The Tea Horse Road is a significant historical trade route that not only facilitated commerce but also played a vital role in cultural exchanges and political dynamics in the region.

GS3/Environment

Kundi Water Harvest System

Why in News?

The Kundi Water Harvest System represents a remarkable fusion of traditional knowledge and innovative architecture, effectively addressing the water scarcity challenges faced in arid regions.

• The Kundi system is a traditional rainwater harvesting method found mainly in the desert areas of Rajasthan, India.
• This system captures and stores rainwater, which is vital in regions with limited water resources and erratic rainfall patterns.

Additional Details

• Structure: The Kundi consists of a deep, circular or rectangular pit that can be either dug into the ground or constructed above ground. It is typically reinforced with stones or bricks to prevent seepage.
• Functionality: Rainwater is collected via channels from rooftops and funneled into the Kundi, which is often covered with a lid or stone slab to avoid contamination and reduce evaporation.
• Significance: This harvesting system is crucial for water conservation, ensuring availability for drinking, irrigation, and domestic use during dry spells when rainfall is scarce.

The Kundi Water Harvest System exemplifies how traditional practices can contribute to sustainable water management, demonstrating the importance of local solutions in addressing global environmental challenges.

GS1/Indian Society

Cholanaikkan Tribe

Why in News?

The Samagra Shiksha Kerala programme has initiated an innovative educational effort by creating 30 audio-visual texts in the unique language of the Cholanaikkan tribe, aimed at educating a bed-ridden girl from this community.

• The Cholanaikkan tribe is a diminishing community in India, with a population of fewer than 400 members.
• They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• This tribe prefers isolation from both agrarian and urban lifestyles, relying heavily on forest resources for their survival.
• They are known as the "Cavemen of Kerala," as they still utilize natural caves for dwelling.

Additional Details

• Location: The Cholanaikkan tribe resides deep within the Karulai and Chungathara forest ranges of the Western Ghats, specifically in the Nilambur region of the Malappuram district.
• Language: The community communicates in a distinct Dravidian language called Cholanaikkan, which is integral to their cultural identity.
• The tribe's way of life is characterized by their preference for forest produce, reflecting their deep-rooted connection to nature.

This initiative not only aims to provide education but also emphasizes the importance of preserving the unique cultural heritage of the Cholanaikkan tribe.

GS3/Environment

Svalbard Global Seed Vault

Why in News?

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault has recently received over 14,000 new seed samples, further enhancing its role as a critical facility for global crop diversity preservation.

• The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is the world's largest backup facility for crop diversity.
• Located in the Norwegian archipelago, it aims to safeguard unique crop genetic material.
• It provides free, long-term storage for duplicates from various gene banks worldwide.

Additional Details

• Purpose: The Seed Vault's primary goal is to protect the genetic material of crops while minimizing unnecessary duplication.
• Storage Conditions: Seeds are stored under black box conditions, ensuring that only the depositing institution can access them.
• The facility was established in 2008 and is strategically located deep inside a mountain to withstand various disasters, from nuclear conflicts to climate change.
• It has the capacity to store up to 4.5 million varieties of crops, playing a vital role in humanitarian efforts to conserve plant genetic diversity.
• The Seed Vault operates under the guidance of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as part of an international system for conservation.

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault is an essential resource for maintaining global crop diversity, ensuring that future generations have access to a wide variety of plant genetic materials, which is crucial for food security and agricultural sustainability.

GS3/Environment

Gharials Conservation Efforts in Madhya Pradesh

Why in News?

Recently, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh announced the release of 10 gharials into the Chambal River at the National Chambal Gharial Sanctuary located in Morena. This initiative aims to bolster the population of this critically endangered species.

• The gharial is a species of freshwater crocodile classified under the Crocodylia Order and Crocodylidae Family.
• The name "gharial" is derived from the Hindi word "ghara," which means pot, due to the bulbous shape of the males' snouts.
• Gharials are critically endangered, with conservation efforts being vital for their survival.

Additional Details

• Distribution: Historically, gharials were found in rivers across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Significant populations exist in three tributaries of the Ganga River: the Girwa Rivers in India and the Rapti-Naryani River in Nepal. Gharial reserves in India are mainly in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
• Features: Gharials are one of the largest crocodilian species, with males reaching lengths of 16 to 20 feet (5 to 6 meters) and females growing to 11.5 to 15 feet (3.5 to 4.5 meters). They possess unique characteristics, such as a long, thin snout and a distinctive bulb at the tip of adult males' snouts called the 'ghara'. They are predominantly aquatic and rarely move far from water.
• Reproduction: Gharials mate between November and January and lay eggs from March to May, contributing to their population cycle.
• Threats: The main threats to gharials include overhunting for their skins and eggs, as well as their use in traditional medicine.
• Conservation Status: Gharials are listed as critically endangered by IUCN and are protected under CITES Appendix I and the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972 under Schedule I.

The conservation of gharials is crucial not only for maintaining biodiversity but also for the health of river ecosystems. Ongoing efforts in Madhya Pradesh highlight the importance of protecting these remarkable reptiles and their habitats.

GS2/Governance

A Leap Backward for Maternity Entitlements

Why in News?

In recent years, several Indian states have prioritized direct cash transfers to women as a form of social security. However, pregnant women, one of the most vulnerable groups, continue to lack access to their legal right to maternity benefits. The National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 mandates a minimum financial aid of ₹6,000 per child, but its implementation has been inadequate. This situation calls for an exploration of the shortcomings of maternity benefit schemes in India, the challenges in their implementation, and the urgent need for policy reform.

• The NFSA mandates maternity benefits for all pregnant women, excluding those in the formal sector.
• The PM Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) provides limited benefits, violating the universal nature of maternity entitlements.
• Implementation challenges and reliance on digital systems hinder access to benefits.
• Successful state-level programs in Tamil Nadu and Odisha highlight better approaches to maternity benefits.

Additional Details

• Implementation Failures: The PMMVY has faced serious challenges, with effective coverage peaking at only 36% in 2019-20 and dropping to 9% in 2023-24 due to bureaucratic hurdles and technical issues.
• Digital Exclusion: Over-reliance on Aadhaar and digital verification excludes marginalized women, raising concerns about deliberate cost-cutting measures.
• Tamil Nadu's Model: Tamil Nadu provides ₹18,000 per child with a focus on accessibility and minimal documentation, achieving 84% coverage in 2023-24.
• Odisha's Mamata Scheme: This program has expanded benefits to ₹10,000 per child and achieved 64% coverage by simplifying procedures and ensuring timely fund disbursement.
• Recommendations for Improvement: The PMMVY should expand coverage, increase benefits, simplify implementation, and ensure political commitment for better maternal health support.

The stark contrast between state-level programs and the PMMVY highlights the urgent need for policy reform at the national level. The central government must revamp maternity benefits to align with NFSA's intent by ensuring universal coverage, adequate financial support, simplified access, and enhanced transparency. Recognizing the shortcomings of the PMMVY is essential to uphold the rights of pregnant women and contribute to broader social and economic benefits.