UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 11th March 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Science and Technology

Chandrayaan-3: New Discoveries on Lunar Water Ice

Why in News?

Recent findings from India's Chandrayaan-3 mission have revealed that water ice may exist on the Moon beyond its polar regions, expanding our understanding of lunar resources.

• The mission aims to explore the presence of water ice, crucial for future lunar habitation and potential fuel for interplanetary travel.
• Chandrayaan-3 is ISRO's second attempt at a successful Moon landing following Chandrayaan-2.
• New data suggests possible water-ice deposits outside the Moon's polar areas.

Additional Details

• Chandrayaan-3: This mission comprises a Lander Module (LM), a Propulsion Module (PM), and a Rover, all designed to advance interplanetary mission technologies.
• Launch Vehicle: The Chandrayaan-3 was launched using ISRO's LVM3 rocket, characterized by its three-stage design and cost-effective deployment into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• Scientific Instruments: The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad utilized data from the Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE), which identified a significant temperature difference between the lunar surface and deeper layers.
• ChaSTE's findings indicate that the Moon's surface layer is highly non-conductive, providing valuable insights into its thermal properties and composition.

The ongoing exploration of the Moon through missions like Chandrayaan-3 not only enhances our scientific knowledge but also paves the way for future lunar exploration and habitation initiatives.

GS3/Economy

Kisan Credit Card

Why in News?

There has been a significant rise of 42% in the bad loans associated with Kisan Credit Card (KCC) accounts among scheduled commercial banks, excluding regional rural banks (RRBs), indicating financial stress in the agriculture sector.

• The Kisan Credit Card scheme was launched in 1998 to provide farmers with easy access to credit for agricultural inputs.
• In 2018-19, the KCC facility was expanded to include fisheries and animal husbandry farmers.
• The scheme is executed by various banking institutions, including Scheduled Commercial Banks and Small Finance Banks.

Additional Details

• Kisan Credit Card (KCC): This scheme enables farmers to purchase essential agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, and to withdraw cash for their operational needs.
• Implementation: The KCC scheme is managed by Scheduled Commercial Banks, RRBs, Small Finance Banks, and Cooperatives, ensuring broad access to credit for farmers.
• Objective of the Scheme:The Kisan Credit Card aims to provide timely and adequate credit support for various agricultural needs, including:
  • Short-term credit for crop cultivation
  • Post-harvest expenses
  • Loans for marketing produce
  • Household consumption needs
  • Working capital for maintaining farm assets
  • Investment credit for agricultural and allied activities
• Eligibility:The scheme is available to:
  • Individual or joint borrowers who are owner cultivators
  • Tenant farmers, oral lessees, and sharecroppers
  • Self Help Groups (SHGs) or Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) of farmers
• Kisan Rin Portal:This portal facilitates farmers in accessing subsidized loans under the KCC scheme and includes features such as:
  • Comprehensive farmer data
  • Details on loan disbursement
  • Interest subvention claims
  • Progress tracking of scheme utilization

In summary, the Kisan Credit Card scheme plays a crucial role in supporting farmers by providing them with essential credit facilities to enhance their agricultural productivity and financial stability.

GS2/Polity

The Indian University and the Search for a V-C

Why in News?

The Draft University Grants Commission (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025, has ignited significant debate regarding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) in Indian universities. The focus is primarily on the method of these appointments and the qualifications required for this prestigious position within the context of India's evolving federal structure and relevant Supreme Court legal precedents.

• The Draft UGC Regulations, 2025 aim to reduce state executive involvement in V-C appointments.
• Legal precedents emphasize the need for a merit-based selection process free from political interference.
• Concerns from state governments about maintaining regional educational priorities and accountability persist.

Additional Details

• New Selection Structure:The proposed search-cum-selection committee will consist of highly qualified individuals with significant academic leadership experience. Key members include:
  • A nominee of the Chancellor of the university (often the Governor).
  • A nominee of the university's executive body (e.g., Senate or Board of Governors).
  • A nominee from the UGC.
• Judicial Precedents: Several Supreme Court cases have established that state executive influence in V-C appointments is unconstitutional, reinforcing the autonomy of higher education institutions.
• State Governments’ Concerns: State governments argue that their financial support for universities grants them the right to participate in leadership selection to ensure alignment with regional educational goals.

In conclusion, while the Draft UGC Regulations mark a significant shift towards independent and merit-based V-C appointments, it is crucial to balance this with the legitimate concerns of state governments. Finding a cooperative approach that respects judicial mandates while addressing state interests will be essential for the effective governance of higher education in India.

GS3/Economy

Stagnation of Real Wages for Salaried Workers in India

Why in News?

Recent reports from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) indicate that while employment in India is on the rise, the real wages of salaried workers have not changed since 2019. This situation raises concerns about the economic stability and growth prospects for the salaried class.

• Real wages for salaried workers decreased by 1.7% in June 2024 compared to June 2019.
• The share of salaried employment dropped from 22.9% in 2019-20 to 21.7% in 2023-24.

Additional Details

• Inflation Outpacing Wage Growth: Rising consumer prices have reduced the purchasing power of salaries, despite nominal increases. For instance, real wages were 1.7% lower in June 2024 compared to June 2019, according to PLFS data.
• Excess Labour Supply: An oversupply of qualified workers has diminished the wage premium for higher education, limiting salary growth. The proportion of self-employed workers rose from 53.5% in 2019-20 to 58.4% in 2023-24.
• Depressed Private Sector Investment: A decline in the private sector investment-to-GDP ratio from 28% in 2011-12 to 21.1% in 2022-23 has hindered job creation and wage growth.
• Impact of Policy Shocks: Economic disruptions from demonetisation and GST have weakened small and medium enterprises, leading to a decrease in formal employment.
• Shift Toward Informal Work: Companies are increasingly hiring temporary and gig workers, which results in lower pay and fewer benefits.

The increase in wages for casual labor, while significant, is not necessarily beneficial for the overall economy. This is due to several factors:

• Lower Productivity Contribution: Casual labor often involves low-skilled work without substantial productivity gains, resulting in stagnant economic output.
• Informal Nature of Work: Casual jobs lack social security and job stability, leading to long-term economic insecurity.
• Wage-Price Spiral Risk: Rising wages in low-skilled sectors can lead to increased costs for goods and services, exacerbating inflation.
• Limited Skill Development: Casual employment typically provides fewer opportunities for training, hindering upward mobility.
• Depressed Consumption and Savings: Casual laborers usually earn low wages, which limits their ability to save and spend, affecting long-term economic growth.

Real wages for self-employed workers began to recover post-pandemic, yet they remained 1.5% lower than pre-pandemic levels as of June 2024. Notably, real wages for self-employed workers in rural areas increased by 3.02%, while urban counterparts saw a decline of 5.2%.

Impact of Policy Decisions: The implementation of demonetisation and GST has disrupted informal and small-scale enterprises, leading to job losses and slowed wage growth. This has accelerated the shift toward informal and gig work, which generally offers lower pay and fewer benefits.

Way Forward: To address these challenges, it is crucial to enhance formal employment and skill development, promote labor-intensive sectors, and strengthen social security and wage policies for informal workers to ensure income stability and healthcare benefits.

In conclusion, addressing the stagnation of real wages for salaried workers requires a multifaceted approach that includes enhancing formal job creation, supporting skill development, and ensuring social protection for the workforce.

GS3/Defence & Security

Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) Deployed by China

Why in News?

China has recently deployed a sophisticated Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) in Yunnan province, located near the China-Myanmar border. This development has significant implications for regional security dynamics, particularly concerning India.

• The LPAR is capable of monitoring areas over 5,000 kilometers, allowing extensive surveillance of the Indian Ocean and parts of Indian territory.
• This radar system can detect and track ballistic missile launches in real time, enhancing China's military capabilities.

Additional Details

• Mechanism: Unlike traditional radar systems that depend on mechanical rotation, LPARs utilize electronically controlled antennas to scan large areas almost instantly. This feature enables them to track multiple targets, including ballistic missiles, with high precision.
• Strategic Role: LPARs are critical components of early warning systems and air defense networks, significantly enhancing a nation's ability to respond to threats.
• Global Comparison: Besides China, only the United States and Russia possess LPAR technology. The capabilities of China's LPAR are often compared to the US PAVE PAWS radar, which has a detection range of approximately 5,600 km and is designed to track various projectiles, including submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
• Concerns for India: The LPAR in Yunnan can monitor missile tests from India, especially from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island, which is crucial for testing strategic weapons like the Agni-V intercontinental ballistic missile and the K-4 submarine-launched missile.
• By collecting critical data on missile trajectories, speeds, and distances, China stands to gain a strategic advantage in developing countermeasures against Indian missile capabilities.

This new radar deployment underscores the shifting balance of power in the region and highlights the need for India to enhance its own surveillance and defense systems to counter potential threats.

GS3/Defence & Security

India's Position as the Second-Largest Arms Importer

Why in News?

India has retained its status as the world's second-largest arms importer, following Ukraine, despite experiencing a 9.3% decline in imports between the periods of 2015-19 and 2020-24, as reported by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

• India's arms imports have decreased, yet it remains the second-largest importer globally.
• Russia's share in India's arms imports has significantly dropped from 55% to 36%.
• India is diversifying its arms suppliers, notably increasing imports from France, the U.S., and Israel.

Additional Details

• About SIPRI: The SIPRI is an independent organization established in 1966, located in Stockholm, Sweden. It conducts research on conflict, arms control, and disarmament, providing comprehensive data on global arms imports, exports, and military expenditures.
• India’s Arms Imports: From 2015-19 to 2020-24, India has reduced its dependence on Russia while enhancing arms agreements with countries like France and the U.S., including significant contracts for Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines.
• Global Arms Trade Highlights: Ukraine emerged as the largest arms importer due to the ongoing war, with the U.S. being the dominant supplier. European countries have also increased imports significantly due to security threats.

In conclusion, India's strategic shift in arms procurement reflects a broader trend in the global arms market, where countries are reassessing their defense partnerships in light of changing geopolitical dynamics.

GS2/International Relations

KHANJAR-XII: India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise

Why in News?

The 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise, known as Khanjar-XII, is scheduled to occur in Kyrgyzstan. This annual military exercise aims to enhance cooperation between the two nations, focusing on counterterrorism techniques and special forces' operations.

• Khanjar-XII is an annual exercise alternately held in India and Kyrgyzstan.
• The exercise was first launched in December 2011 in Nahan, India.
• The Indian contingent comprises troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while the Kyrgyz contingent is represented by the Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.

Additional Details

• Primary Objective: The exercise aims to exchange expertise in counterterrorism operations and special forces tactics, particularly in challenging mountainous and high-altitude environments.
• Training Modules: The training will cover advanced sniping, close-quarters combat, complex building interventions, and mountain warfare techniques.
• In addition to military drills, the exercise will promote cultural ties, including the celebration of Nowruz, the Kyrgyz New Year festival.

This exercise not only strengthens military collaboration but also fosters camaraderie and cultural understanding between India and Kyrgyzstan.

GS3/Environment

La Niña

Why in News?

Climate scientists are warning that climate change is intensifying, and the cooling effects of La Niña may weaken in a warmer future, particularly in light of current heat trends across much of the country.

• La Niña is characterized by the cooling of surface-ocean waters along the tropical west coast of South America.
• It is the counterpart to El Niño, which features unusually warm ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific.
• La Niña and El Niño are the "cold" and "warm" phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
• La Niña events are indicated by a decrease in sea-surface temperatures of more than 0.5 degrees Celsius for at least five successive three-month seasons.

Additional Details

• Causes: La Niña results from the accumulation of cooler-than-normal waters in the tropical Pacific, driven by strong eastward-moving trade winds that cause upwelling, leading to a drastic drop in sea-surface temperatures.
• Effects on Weather: La Niña lowers air pressure over the western Pacific, increasing rainfall in some regions while causing droughts in others. It enhances summer monsoons in South Asia, benefiting agriculture in India and Bangladesh, but can lead to severe flooding in northern Australia.
• Global Impacts: La Niña alters global rainfall patterns, bringing more rain to southeastern Africa and northern Brazil while creating drier conditions in areas like the west coast of tropical South America and the Gulf Coast of the US.
• Economic Impact: The upwelling associated with La Niña supports the fishing industry by bringing nutrient-rich waters to the surface, which promotes plankton growth and benefits fish populations.
• Duration: La Niña events typically last between one and three years and tend to peak during the Northern Hemisphere winter.

In summary, La Niña plays a significant role in global weather patterns and climate, with varied effects on agriculture, rainfall, and fishing industries across different regions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for adapting to climate change impacts.

GS2/International Relations

India - Mauritius Ties

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Mauritius for two days, which marks his second visit since 2015. He will serve as the Chief Guest at the National Day celebrations of Mauritius on March 12.

• Mauritius is a strategically important island nation in the Indian Ocean with a significant Indian-origin population.
• Historical ties between India and Mauritius date back to early diplomatic relations established in 1948.
• India has invested significantly in infrastructure and development projects in Mauritius over the past decade.

Additional Details

• Geographical Location: Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar, and is considered part of Africa geographically. It lies in the Southern Hemisphere, just above the Tropic of Capricorn.
• Colonial History and Indian Migration: Originally a French colony, Mauritius was later governed by the British. During the 1700s, Indians were brought to Mauritius as artisans and masons. Between 1834 and the early 1900s, approximately 500,000 Indian indentured workers arrived, with many settling permanently.
• Indian Connection to National Day: The National Day of Mauritius, celebrated on March 12, coincides with Gandhi's Dandi March, honoring his visit in 1901, which inspired local Indian workers on education and empowerment.
• Political Leadership: The political landscape in Mauritius has been dominated by two major families: the Ramgoolams and the Jugnauths. Navin Ramgoolam has previously served as Prime Minister twice and is a notable figure in the current political scene.
• Sovereignty Concerns: Speculations regarding India establishing a military base in Agaléga were refuted by the Mauritian Prime Minister, reaffirming the country's sovereignty.
• Defence and Maritime Security: India and Mauritius are enhancing defence cooperation, including agreements for sharing maritime information to safeguard trade routes and enhance regional security.
• Trade and Investment: Mauritius is a key economic partner for India, being the second-largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India after Singapore.
• Space Cooperation: Collaborative efforts in space research have been ongoing since 1986, culminating in a recent MoU for developing a joint satellite.
• Capacity Building and Education: The ITEC program has trained nearly 4,940 Mauritians since 2002, with a significant number of Indian students pursuing higher education in Mauritius.

The upcoming visit by PM Modi underscores the strong bilateral ties between India and Mauritius, highlighting their shared cultural heritage and mutual interest in enhancing cooperation across various sectors.

GS2/International Relations

An India-U.S. Trade Agreement and the Test of WTO Laws

Why in News?

On February 13, 2025, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the U.S., both nations agreed to commence discussions for a multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall 2025. Given that India and the U.S. are both members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), any agreement must adhere to WTO regulations.

• The BTA negotiations could significantly impact trade relations between India and the U.S.
• Legal challenges may arise due to the need to comply with WTO laws during negotiations.

Additional Details

• Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Principle: WTO rules stipulate that any trade advantage provided to one member must also be extended to all members. For instance, if the U.S. were to reduce tariffs on Indian textiles without offering similar benefits to other countries like China, this would violate the MFN principle.
• Substantially All Trade Requirement: According to Article XXIV.8(b) of GATT, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) must encompass “substantially all trade.” A BTA that focuses solely on specific sectors may not meet this requirement. For example, a BTA limited to technology and defense products while excluding agriculture may not qualify as a valid FTA under WTO law.
• Notification and Transparency Obligations: WTO members are required to inform the organization of new regional trade agreements and demonstrate compliance with Article XXIV of GATT. If India and the U.S. fail to submit clear timelines for tariff reductions, it could lead to legal disputes.
• Bound Tariff Commitments: Both countries have committed to maximum tariff limits under WTO rules. Any preferential treatment exceeding these limits could result in accusations of breaching commitments. For instance, if India reduces tariffs on American agricultural products below its bound rates, it may violate WTO commitments.
• Misuse of the Interim Agreement Clause: Article XXIV.5 allows for interim agreements only if they lead to a full FTA within a reasonable timeframe (typically 10 years). Prolonging a partial BTA without significant progress toward a full FTA could attract legal scrutiny.

The MFN principle is crucial for evaluating the legality of the proposed India-U.S. BTA as it prevents discrimination between trading partners and ensures fair competition. Compliance with WTO rules regarding notification and transparency is essential to avoid trade fragmentation and to maintain a rule-based trading environment.

To structure the proposed BTA as an “interim agreement” under Article XXIV of GATT without violating WTO norms, it is necessary to:

• Define a commitment to develop a full Free Trade Area (FTA) within a reasonable timeframe, ideally within 10 years.
• Ensure transparency and notify the WTO about the interim agreement, including comprehensive trade coverage and implementation timelines.
• Maintain non-discriminatory practices that do not unjustly disadvantage other WTO members during the transition period.

By adhering to these guidelines, India and the U.S. can work towards a trade agreement that aligns with WTO standards, promoting a robust and fair trade relationship.

GS3/Economy

Regulating Ultra-Processed Foods - The Need for Stronger Policies

Why in News?

Prime Minister Modi has emphasized the urgency of addressing obesity in India, while the 2025 Economic Survey suggests introducing a 'health tax' on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to mitigate their consumption. India is grappling with a significant obesity crisis, as highlighted by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), which reveals that one in four adults is either obese or diabetic/pre-diabetic.

• Urgent need for effective policies to combat obesity and related health issues.
• Current food labeling and advertising regulations are weak and ineffective.
• The flawed Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) system misleads consumers about food healthiness.
• Global best practices exist that could guide improvements in food regulation.

Additional Details

• Regulatory Challenges: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has not implemented strong food labeling and advertising regulations since 2017. Existing regulations are ambiguous and industry-friendly, lacking front-of-pack warning labels despite rising health risks.
• Flawed Indian Nutrition Rating (INR) System: Proposed in September 2022, this system assigns 1 to 5 stars to packaged foods based on their nutritional content. Criticism arises from its potential to mislead consumers by creating a false perception of healthiness.
• Example of Misclassification: High-sugar soft drinks might receive 2 stars, while sugary cornflakes could get 3 stars, thus misleading consumers.
• Ineffective Advertising Regulations: Despite having four laws regulating HFSS (High Fat, Salt, Sugar) foods, none are effective in ensuring responsible advertising.
• Global Best Practices: Chile’s 'High In' warning labels have successfully reduced UPF consumption by 24%, and the WHO recommends clear front-of-pack warning labels.

In conclusion, the rising obesity rates in India signify a failure of policy rather than a failure of the public. The laxity in food labeling and advertising regulations has allowed junk food companies to thrive at the public's health expense. The Economic Survey outlines necessary steps, emphasizing that immediate regulatory actions are vital to achieve PM Modi's vision of a healthier India.