UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 8th March 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Science and Technology

SpaceX Starship

Why in News?

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft experienced an explosion shortly after its launch from Texas, marking the second consecutive failure this year in Elon Musk's Mars rocket program aimed at deploying mock satellites.

• Starship is a two-stage fully reusable launch vehicle being developed by SpaceX.
• Super Heavy, the first stage of the Starship system, is the most powerful launch vehicle ever created.
• Mechazilla is a large rocket-catching structure designed to catch the Super Heavy booster during its return to Earth.

Additional Details

• Starship: This spacecraft consists of two main components: the Starship itself, which carries crew and cargo, and the Super Heavy rocket, which serves as the booster.
• Super Heavy:
  • It is powered by 33 Raptor engines that use sub-cooled liquid methane (CH4) and liquid oxygen (LOX).
  • It can carry up to 150 metric tonnes when fully reusable and 250 metric tonnes when expendable.
  • Designed for a range of missions, it can transport crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
  • Capable of point-to-point transport on Earth, it enables travel to any global destination in one hour or less.
• Raptor Engine: The Raptor engine is a reusable methane-oxygen staged-combustion engine, providing twice the thrust of the Falcon 9 Merlin engine.
• Mechazilla: This nickname refers to the 400-ft tall rocket-catching structure at SpaceX's Starbase, which features two large mechanical arms designed to catch the Super Heavy booster as it descends back to Earth.

The recent explosion of the Starship highlights the challenges faced in the development of advanced space technology, as SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of aerospace engineering in its quest to reach Mars and beyond.

GS3/Science and Technology

Woolly Mice: A Breakthrough in Genetic Engineering

Why in News?

Scientists have achieved a remarkable feat by successfully editing the DNA of laboratory mice to incorporate genes from the woolly mammoth, resulting in the creation of the first-ever furry "woolly mice." This pioneering work sheds light on how ancient species adapted to extreme cold climates.

• The woolly mice are genetically engineered by modifying seven specific genes.
• Key genes include FGF5 for longer hair and MC1R for a golden coat.
• This project serves as proof-of-concept for de-extinction efforts through gene editing.

Additional Details

• Identifying Mammoth Genes: Scientists compared mammoth DNA with that of the Asian elephant, its closest living relative, to pinpoint genetic differences that contribute to traits like hair length, thickness, texture, color, and body fat.
• Selecting Relevant Traits: They identified 10 mammoth gene variants associated with these traits and matched them with known genetic variants in laboratory mice for targeted editing.
• Gene Editing in Mice: Utilizing CRISPR technology, scientists made eight precise edits to modify seven genes, introducing mammoth-like traits that promote a woolly coat and enhance cold adaptation.
• The genetically modified mice exhibited thicker, longer fur, validating that the selected mammoth genes indeed influenced hair growth and cold resistance, as anticipated by computational models.

This groundbreaking research not only demonstrates the potential of gene editing in reviving extinct species but also provides insights into the genetic adaptations necessary for survival in harsh environments.

GS3/Science and Technology

An Equitable Future for Women in Science in India

Why in News?

Women in science continue to face significant challenges that impede their progress, beginning from early education and extending throughout their professional careers. Despite growing awareness, issues such as gender biases, societal expectations, and institutional barriers persistently limit their opportunities. It is crucial to examine these obstacles, recognize the importance of retaining women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and identify necessary interventions to foster a more inclusive and equitable scientific community.

• Women encounter educational and cultural hurdles that discourage careers in STEM fields.
• Systemic discrimination and workplace harassment contribute to high attrition rates among women in STEM professions.
• Government initiatives in India aim to improve gender equity in STEM, yet further reforms are needed.

Additional Details

• Barriers to Women in STEM:
  • Educational and Cultural Hurdles: Gendered societal norms often deter girls from pursuing science-related careers, compounded by limited access to quality education and lack of role models.
  • Workplace Discrimination: Women face hiring biases, unequal pay, and a lack of institutional support, leading to high attrition rates.
  • The 'Leaky Pipeline': This metaphor illustrates how women drop out of STEM roles due to biased systems and hostile environments.
• The Importance of Retaining Women in Science:
  • Innovation: A diverse STEM workforce enhances creativity and leads to significant scientific advancements.
  • Role Models: Increased representation of women in STEM provides inspiration for future generations and helps normalize women's involvement in these fields.
  • Gender Equity: Ensuring women's full participation is essential for a fair and productive scientific community.
• Government Initiatives:
  • Programs like Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI) and Women in Science and Engineering-Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (WISE-KIRAN) are designed to promote inclusivity.
  • Despite these initiatives, the need for expanded policies and institutional support remains crucial for lasting change.

Addressing gender inequity in STEM necessitates a multifaceted approach that tackles cultural barriers, workplace discrimination, and systemic biases. While current initiatives in India are commendable, they require significant expansion to create an enduring impact. Ensuring that women can fully participate in science is not only a matter of fairness but also essential for global scientific and technological advancement. A genuinely inclusive STEM workforce will serve as a powerful example, emphasizing that progress is meaningful only when it benefits everyone.

GS1/Indian Society

What Ails Pre-Clinical PG Courses?

Why in News?

This year has seen many postgraduate medical seats remaining vacant due to a noticeable reluctance among students to enroll in pre-clinical courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, forensic medicine, microbiology, and pharmacology, particularly at the Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre (VIMS) in Bengaluru. The editorial discusses the underlying issues affecting postgraduate medical education in India, particularly in Karnataka, which is relevant for General Studies Paper 2 and 3.

• High vacancy rates in pre-clinical courses due to limited job opportunities.
• Lower salary prospects compared to clinical counterparts.
• Limited career progression and geographic mobility for pre-clinical graduates.
• High capital requirements deter self-employment in the diagnostic field.
• Persistent under-enrollment signals disinterest in these courses.

Additional Details

• Lack of Job Opportunities: Pre-clinical graduates often find themselves unable to practice as doctors and are confined to roles in laboratories or as academic faculty. For instance, despite reduced tuition fees and job guarantees, private institutions struggle to fill pre-clinical seats due to limited employment options.
• Lower Salary Compared to Clinical Courses: Pre-clinical roles typically offer salaries that are significantly lower than those available in clinical practice. While clinical doctors have the potential to earn higher salaries in hospitals or private practice, pre-clinical graduates often face stagnation in their earnings.
• Limited Career Progression: Graduates from clinical courses can work globally and across various sectors, whereas pre-clinical graduates are mostly limited to teaching or research roles.
• High Capital Requirement for Self-Employment: Setting up independent diagnostic centers requires substantial investment, which discourages pre-clinical graduates from pursuing entrepreneurial opportunities.
• Persistent Seat Vacancies Reflect Low Demand: The continuing under-enrollment in pre-clinical courses indicates a long-term disinterest, with alarming statistics showing that only 6 out of 104 MD Anatomy seats were filled in Karnataka for the 2024-25 academic year.

Overall, the trends indicate a significant increase in PG medical seats at the all-India level, yet the challenges of under-enrollment, geographic disparities in seat distribution, and concerns about the quality of education remain important issues that need to be addressed.

GS3/Science and Technology

AI Kosha Platform Launch

Why in News?

The Union Government of India has launched the AI Kosha platform, which is dedicated to providing access to non-personal datasets. This initiative represents a significant advancement in the country’s efforts in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development.

• AI Kosha: A government-supported platform designed to serve as a centralized repository of structured datasets to facilitate AI model training, particularly for Indian languages.
• IndiaAI Datasets Platform: AI Kosha is an integral part of this initiative, which is one of the seven pillars of the ₹10,370 crore IndiaAI Mission aimed at democratizing access to AI and fostering innovation.
• The platform currently features 316 datasets, with particular emphasis on resources for language translation tools.
• The government has increased the number of GPUs for AI research to 14,000, enhancing computing power for advanced research and training.

Additional Details

• Foundational AI Model: AI Kosha aims to support the development of India's first foundational AI model, akin to China’s DeepSeek.
• It operates alongside the Open Governance Data Platform (data.gov.in), which already includes 12,000 datasets from various government agencies.
• The platform emphasizes the development of AI solutions for regional languages and includes diverse datasets such as health records, satellite imagery, Census 2011 data, and environmental data.
• AI Kosha also facilitates access to high-performance computing (HPC) resources, ensuring robust support for AI development.
• It is equipped with secure API access, data encryption, and real-time filtering to ensure data protection.

In conclusion, the launch of AI Kosha marks a pivotal step in enhancing India's capabilities in AI research, focusing on language accessibility and technological advancement in the field.

GS2/Governance

Ladki Bahin Yojana

Why in News?

The Maharashtra government has allocated a significant sum of ₹17,500 crore to benefit 2.38 crore women under the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, as reported in the Economic Survey presented in the State Assembly.

• The program is aimed at financially supporting economically disadvantaged women aged 21 to 65.
• It promotes rehabilitation, economic development, and empowerment of eligible women.

Additional Details

• Scheme Overview: The Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched by the Maharashtra Government in 2024, is a crucial welfare initiative.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • The applicant must be a permanent resident of Maharashtra.
  • Age Limit: Applicants should be between 21 and 65 years old.
  • Family Income: The family's annual income must not exceed ₹2.5 lakh.
  • Income Tax: No family member should be an income taxpayer.
• Benefits: Eligible women will receive ₹1,500 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

This initiative aims to uplift the socio-economic status of women in Maharashtra, ensuring they are empowered and supported financially.

GS3/Economy

What is Insider Trading?

Why in News?

Recently, Nestle India received a warning from the country's markets regulator due to a breach of insider trading regulations involving a designated person within the company.

• Insider trading involves the buying or selling of a company's securities by individuals with access to confidential information.
• Insiders include employees, directors, relatives, bankers, legal counsel, and others associated with the company.
• Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI) is critical information that has not been disclosed to the public.

Additional Details

• Insider: According to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), an insider is any individual who has access to price-sensitive information about a company's shares or securities, which can include employees, directors, relatives, and others associated with the company within the past six months.
• Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI): UPSI refers to exclusive details related to a firm's stock prices, quarterly results, mergers, or other sensitive activities that have not been released to the public, giving insiders an unfair advantage in trading.
• SEBI regulates insider trading in India under the Insider Trading Regulations, 2015, imposing strict penalties for violations.
• For example, if a company director informs a friend about a pending deal, and the friend shares that information, both could be held accountable under the Prohibition of Insider Trading (PTI) Regulations.

Insider trading is considered one of the most serious malpractices in financial markets, and regulatory bodies like SEBI work to ensure fair trading practices to protect the interests of common investors.

GS1/Indian Society

Inclusion in Public Spaces; From Fear to Freedom

Why in News?

India faces significant challenges regarding gender inequality, particularly concerning the accessibility and safety of public spaces for women. Ranking 128 out of 177 on the Women, Peace, and Security Index 2023, it underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in this area.

• Public spaces are often designed and regulated in ways that limit women's mobility.
• Studies indicate that women's access to public spaces is often based on necessity, not choice.

Additional Details

• Gendered Spatial Control: Public spaces are predominantly male-dominated, which reinforces gendered spatial control, limiting women's freedom to move. For instance, as per the National Family Health Survey-4 (2015-16), only 54% of Indian women could visit markets alone.
• Fear of Violence: The high prevalence of gender-based violence in public spaces creates a culture of fear that restricts women's mobility. Many women adopt defensive strategies, such as avoiding poorly lit areas and modifying their appearance to deter harassment.
• Victim-Blaming Culture: Women who face harassment are often subjected to victim-blaming, which undermines their autonomy and discourages reporting incidents. Questions like "Why was she out so late at night?" highlight this issue.
• Consequences of Restricted Access: Limited access to public spaces leads to decreased economic participation, reduced social engagement, and psychological impacts such as stress and anxiety.

To combat these issues, it is essential to implement urban design improvements, establish stronger legal frameworks, and promote public awareness campaigns. Encouraging women's presence in public spaces is crucial for fostering equity and autonomy. By reshaping societal attitudes and the built environment, India can create a future where women can fully reclaim and own public spaces.

GS3/Environment

Himalayan Tragedy: On Avalanches in the Himalayan States

Why in News?

Earlier this week, the Indian Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police rescued 23 workers trapped under snow and ice after an avalanche in Mana village, Uttarakhand. This incident highlights the critical challenges faced during rescue operations in high-altitude regions prone to natural disasters.

• The rescue teams operated in harsh weather conditions at an elevation of 10,500 feet.
• Blocked access routes complicated the logistics of the rescue operation.
• Rescuers faced physical exhaustion from long shifts while working in challenging environments.
• Buried structures made detection and extraction of trapped individuals difficult.
• Poor visibility hindered navigation, necessitating advanced technology for effective rescue efforts.

Challenges Faced by Rescue Teams

• Harsh Weather Conditions: Rescuers worked under heavy snowfall and extreme cold.
• Blocked Access Routes: Snow-blocked roads required helicopter evacuations, complicating logistics.
• Physical Exhaustion: Rescuers endured nearly 60-hour shifts, testing their stamina.
• Buried Structures: Workers' containers were buried under several feet of snow and ice.
• Limited Visibility: Poor weather necessitated the use of drone-based detection systems.

Vulnerability of Mana Village

• High-Altitude Location: At 10,500 feet, Mana village is prone to heavy snowfall and extreme weather, increasing avalanche risks.
• Geological Instability: The tectonically active region is susceptible to landslides and other natural hazards.
• Seasonal Climate Extremes: Harsh winters create unstable snowpacks, heightening avalanche potential.
• Construction and Human Activity: Infrastructure projects disturb the environment, increasing disaster risks.
• Proximity to Glacial Zones: Areas near glaciers face risks from melting ice and shifting snowpacks.

Lessons from Other Hazardous Environments

• Enhanced Shelter Design for Safety: Reinforced shelters, similar to Antarctic research stations, can withstand extreme conditions.
• Advanced Early Warning Systems: Real-time monitoring with technology can detect potential hazards.
• Comprehensive Safety Protocols: Specialized training and emergency drills for workers are essential in high-risk zones.

Way Forward: Improving Infrastructure and Safety Measures

• Improved Worker Shelters: Construct insulated, avalanche-resistant shelters with emergency exits and heating systems.
• Real-Time Monitoring Systems: Implement geospatial technology to track snow accumulation and predict avalanches.
• Enhanced Emergency Response Infrastructure: Establish permanent rescue facilities equipped with specialized equipment for quicker responses.

In conclusion, addressing the challenges faced by workers in high-altitude, disaster-prone areas requires a multifaceted approach that includes improved infrastructure, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety training.

GS2/Governance

Plight of Prisoners with Disabilities Needs Attention from the Supreme Court

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has recognized a critical issue concerning the absence of disabled-friendly infrastructure in prisons. This acknowledgment follows a petition highlighting the traumatic and inhumane conditions experienced by Professor G. Saibaba and Stan Swamy, leading to a call for urgent reforms.

• The Supreme Court underscores the lack of a legal framework to protect the rights of disabled prisoners, despite the existence of the Persons with Disabilities Act (2016).
• Disabled prisoners face numerous challenges, including inaccessible infrastructure, denial of medical care, psychological distress, and data deficiency regarding their conditions.

Additional Details

• Inaccessible Infrastructure: Most prisons are devoid of essential features such as ramps, handrails, wheelchair-accessible cells, and necessary assistive devices.
• Denial of Medical Care: Many disabled prisoners do not receive adequate medical treatment, physiotherapy, or basic aids like hearing devices or walking supports.
• Psychological Distress: Factors such as isolation and mistreatment lead to heightened anxiety, depression, and overall deterioration of mental health among disabled prisoners.
• Data Deficiency: There are no official records tracking the number or conditions of disabled prisoners, complicating effective policy implementation.

The rights of disabled prisoners are protected under Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law, and Article 21, which upholds the right to life and dignity, including humane treatment. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016) mandates accessible public spaces and medical care, yet its implementation in prisons remains inadequate. The Model Prison Manual (2016) suggests necessary reforms, including disability-friendly infrastructure and healthcare provisions, but many states have yet to adopt these recommendations.

Supreme Court judgments, such as Upendra Baxi vs. State of U.P. (1983) and Rama Murthy vs. State of Karnataka (1996), reaffirm the entitlement of prisoners to humane treatment and emphasize the need for prison reform, respectively. The case of Stan Swamy also highlighted the denial of essential assistive tools for patients, bringing further attention to these critical issues in prison reform.

Previous committees, including the Mulla Committee (1983) and Krishna Iyer Committee (1987), have recommended improvements for disabled inmates' welfare and prison conditions, yet many of their suggestions remain unimplemented. The lack of adherence to guidelines set by the Model Prison Manual (2016) by various states continues to hinder progress.

GS2/Polity

Issue of Duplicate Voter ID

Why in News?

The Election Commission (EC) has committed to addressing the persistent problem of duplicate voter ID numbers within a three-month timeframe. This initiative follows apprehensions raised by Opposition parties regarding potential voter manipulation. The EC has acknowledged that it is possible for different individuals to possess the same Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number due to the use of similar alphanumeric series by various states, but it denied that this indicates the presence of fake voters. Opponents argue that duplicate voter IDs exist even within the same state.

• The EC aims to resolve the issue of duplicate EPIC numbers promptly.
• Concerns have been raised about the integrity of electoral rolls due to alleged duplicate IDs.
• The EC's Manual on Electoral Rolls, 2023 stipulates that all EPICs should have unique numbers.

Additional Details

• Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPICs): These cards serve as identity documents but do not confer the right to vote. Only those listed in the electoral roll of a constituency are eligible to vote.
• Nature of EPICs: An EPIC contains the voter's name, age, residence, specified particulars, a photograph, and the facsimile signature of the registration officer.
• Unique EPIC Number System: According to the EC Manual on Electoral Rolls, 2023, each EPIC is assigned a unique alphanumeric number consisting of three alphabetical codes followed by a seven-digit number, which includes a Functional Unique Serial Number (FUSN) for each Assembly constituency.
• Issuance Process: Since 2017, EPICs have been generated through the EC's ERONET portal, and can only be created online. A unique EPIC number is assigned to voters upon the first issuance, while replacements retain the original number.
• A prominent political party has claimed that numerous voters share the same EPIC number, raising alarm about the electoral roll's integrity. They also alleged that non-residents are being brought into Bengal to vote using duplicated EPIC numbers.
• The EC has confirmed the existence of duplicate EPIC numbers but clarified that this does not imply the existence of fake voters.
• Reason for Duplication: Prior to the launch of the ERONET platform, various states utilized the same alphanumeric series for EPICs, leading to the duplication issue. However, other voter details such as name, address, constituency, and polling booth remained unique.
• Clarification on Voting Rights: The EC emphasized that an elector can only vote at their designated polling station within their registered constituency, irrespective of their EPIC number.
• Plan for Rectification: To mitigate these concerns, the EC has assured that unique EPIC numbers will be assigned to all registered voters. The ERONET 2.0 platform will be enhanced to facilitate this process, and new EPIC numbers will be issued to those affected by duplication.

In summary, the EC is actively working to address the issue of duplicate voter IDs to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and maintain public confidence in the electoral system.