UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 14th March 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Science and Technology

Understanding Hantavirus and Its Transmission

Why in News?

The recent death of Betsy Arakawa, the wife of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, due to a respiratory illness associated with hantavirus has drawn public attention to this rare disease transmitted by infected rodents.

• Hantavirus is a family of viruses primarily carried by rodents.
• It can lead to severe illnesses in humans, notably Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).

Additional Details

• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS): This is a serious respiratory illness that can be fatal, particularly prevalent in the Americas.
• Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS): This illness affects the kidneys and can cause internal bleeding, mostly occurring in Asia and Europe.
• Transmission Methods:Hantavirus spreads primarily through contact with infected rodent waste, mainly via:
  • Inhalation (Aerosolization): Breathing in particles from rodent urine, droppings, or saliva.
  • Direct Contact: Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Open Wounds: The virus can enter through cuts or scratches.
  • Rodent Bites: Although rare, bites can also transmit the virus.
• Human-to-Human Transmission: This is extremely rare, with the exception of the Andes virus found in South America.

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for hantavirus. Medical care is focused on managing symptoms, which may include oxygen therapy for breathing difficulties and ICU support or mechanical ventilation in severe cases. Early detection is crucial; it is important to seek medical assistance immediately following potential exposure to rodent waste.

GS2/Polity

India’s Choice Between Progress and Parochialism

Why in News?

India is currently grappling with the dual challenge of advancing in global technology while simultaneously promoting cultural nationalism. This presents contradictions between the country's linguistic policies and its aspirations for global technological leadership.

• Promotion of global technological innovation versus the push for linguistic nationalism.
• Impact of a dual education system on access to global opportunities.
• The role of English proficiency in economic advancement.
• Examples of regions in India that demonstrate positive educational and economic outcomes through multilingual approaches.

Additional Details

• Promotion of Global Tech Leadership vs. Linguistic Nationalism: The Indian government is encouraging technological innovation and global collaboration, as seen in PM Modi’s co-chairing of the AI Action Summit in Paris. However, cultural nationalist groups like the RSS advocate for the rejection of English in favor of indigenous languages. For example, Maharashtra's mandate prioritizing Marathi in government offices conflicts with the necessity for English proficiency in global technology and business environments.
• Dual Education System: In India, private schools focus on English, equipping students for global opportunities, while many government schools center on regional languages, limiting access to international knowledge. Graduates from elite private institutions often secure jobs in multinational tech firms, while those from regional-language schools face challenges in competitive sectors like AI and software development.
• Language as Identity vs. Economic Pragmatism: While India views language as a cultural marker, other nations, such as China and South Korea, prioritize English to drive technological growth. India's linguistic nationalism may hinder similar advancements.
• Global Collaboration vs. Linguistic Isolation: Success in emerging fields like AI necessitates collaboration in English-led international forums, yet domestic policies discourage the widespread adoption of English. For instance, Israel mandates English alongside STEM education, facilitating participation in global research, whereas India's restrictive policies impede such integration.
• Access to AI and Digital Technologies: AI technologies are primarily developed in English, and India's linguistic policies limit access to these for many citizens, hindering the global scalability of Indian startups in AI and machine learning.

Importance of English Proficiency

• Access to Global Knowledge and Innovation: Most research papers and AI frameworks are published in English. Without proficiency, Indian professionals struggle to engage with the latest advancements.
• Enhanced Employment Opportunities: English is essential in multinational companies and global tech ecosystems. Proficiency can lead to better job prospects and international collaborations.
• Participation in Global AI Governance and Policy: As AI evolves, discussions and regulatory frameworks are predominantly in English. India's ability to influence global AI norms depends on having experts who can engage in these dialogues.

Regions with Better Educational and Economic Outcomes

• Southern States (Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu): These states implement a three-language policy (regional language, Hindi, and English) in schools, ensuring English proficiency while preserving local identity. Bengaluru, a major tech hub, benefits from a skilled, multilingual workforce.
• Western States (Maharashtra, Gujarat): Urban areas in these states emphasize English-medium education, allowing access to both domestic and international job markets. Mumbai's multilingual workforce supports thriving sectors like finance and media.
• Union Territories (Delhi, Chandigarh): The education systems here integrate English, Hindi, and local languages, fostering linguistic adaptability and attracting businesses that require bilingual professionals.

In conclusion, a balanced approach towards language policies that promotes both regional languages and English is essential for enhancing India's global competitiveness. Investing in an inclusive digital ecosystem that translates AI resources into regional languages can bridge the linguistic divide and support progress in emerging technologies.

GS2/Governance

The Gender Budget — Bigger Allocations, Little Impact

Why in News?

The Union Budget for 2025-26 has allocated ₹4.49 lakh crore for women-centric schemes, marking a 37.25% increase from the previous year's ₹3.27 lakh crore. This rise is notable even when considering an estimated inflation rate of 3.61%.

• Challenges in fund utilization under Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP).
• The impact of digitalization on marginalized women's access to welfare schemes.
• Lessons from Kerala's Kudumbashree mission for improving gender budget effectiveness.

Additional Details

• Bureaucratic Delays: Lengthy approval processes and administrative hurdles hinder timely disbursement of funds, exemplified by delays in the “Post-Matric Scholarship for SC/ST Students.”
• Lack of Community Involvement: Insufficient consultation with SC/ST communities leads to poorly designed schemes that do not meet their specific needs, particularly in tribal areas.
• Inadequate Awareness: Many eligible beneficiaries lack awareness of programs like the “Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana,” limiting their access.
• Misallocation of Funds: Intended development funds are often diverted to general welfare projects, undermining their impact on SC/ST communities.
• Digital Barriers: The transition to digital processes has excluded many SC/ST beneficiaries, particularly where digital literacy is low, as seen in Rajasthan's “PVTG Development Programmes.”
• Lack of Gender-Disaggregated Data: The absence of gender-specific data hinders the assessment of initiatives targeting SC/ST women, leading to ineffective policy design.
• Digital Literacy Issues: Many women from marginalized groups lack the skills to navigate digital platforms, impacting their access to services like the “Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.”
• Case Study - Kudumbashree Mission: Emphasizes a community-led participatory approach that enhances scheme relevance and resource allocation through grassroots involvement.

In conclusion, addressing bureaucratic inefficiencies, enhancing community involvement, and improving digital literacy are crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of gender budgets and ensuring that marginalized women benefit from welfare schemes.

GS3/Science and Technology

ISRO Undocks SpaDeX Satellites in First Attempt

Why in News?

On March 14, 2025, India reached a significant milestone in space technology by successfully undocking satellites as part of the SpaDeX mission. This achievement marks ISRO's first undocking operation, occurring just two months after the initial docking. With this success, India joins an elite group of nations—including the U.S., Russia, and China—that have demonstrated capabilities in space docking and undocking.

• ISRO's SpaDeX mission successfully undocked satellites for the first time.
• India becomes the fourth country to achieve space docking technology.
• The mission enhances India's capabilities for future space exploration.

Additional Details

• PSLV-C60 SpaDeX Mission: This landmark mission aims to demonstrate in-space docking and undocking technology.
• Objective: The mission's goal is to showcase the docking, undocking, and rendezvous capabilities of two satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO), facilitating power transfer between docked spacecraft.
• Satellite Specifications:
  • SDX01 (Chaser): Equipped with a High-Resolution Camera (HRC).
  • SDX02 (Target): Carries a Miniature Multispectral Payload (MMX) and a Radiation Monitor (RadMon).
• Launch Configuration: The satellites will be launched using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) in a core-alone (CA) configuration, without strap-on boosters, and placed in a 476-km circular orbit with a 55° inclination.
• Post-Docking Operations: After the docking demonstration, the satellites will continue standalone missions for two years, focusing on imaging, natural resource monitoring, and radiation environment studies.
• Significance:The mission is a strategic step towards several ambitious space objectives, including:
  • Preparation for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.
  • Enabling Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return missions.
  • Development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s proposed space station.

In summary, the successful undocking of the SpaDeX satellites represents a critical advancement in India's space capabilities and sets the stage for future explorations and missions in space technology.

GS3/Science and Technology

Neurobiological Basis of Substance Abuse Addiction

Why in News?

A recent study from the University of British Columbia, published in Nature Mental Health, has uncovered that addiction is characterized by a complex neural circuit that governs cravings, emotions, and decision-making. This research is poised to shift current approaches to treatment and recovery.

• Addiction affects a network of brain regions rather than isolated areas.
• The brain's reward system is hijacked by addictive substances, reinforcing compulsive use.
• Withdrawal from substances leads to significant emotional distress.
• Decision-making abilities are impaired due to brain changes.
• Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to addiction.
• Neuroadaptations resulting from addiction can persist even after periods of abstinence.

Additional Details

• Altered Brain Networks: A comprehensive study involving 144 neuroimaging studies and 9,000 participants confirmed that addiction disrupts a circuit responsible for craving and emotional regulation, rather than affecting isolated brain areas.
• Reward System Hijack: The nucleus accumbens releases dopamine, reinforcing pleasurable behaviors. Addictive substances manipulate this system, leading to a compulsive need for substance use over time.
• Emotional Distress During Withdrawal: The extended amygdala is activated during withdrawal, resulting in stress, anxiety, and irritability, which drives individuals back to substance use to alleviate discomfort.
• Impaired Decision-Making: Changes in the prefrontal cortex lead to reduced impulse control and rational thinking, complicating the quitting process despite awareness of harmful consequences.
• Increased Vulnerability in Adolescents: The prefrontal cortex matures last, making early exposure to substances heighten the risk of long-term addiction.
• Persistent Neuroadaptations: Changes in the brain due to addiction may not immediately reverse, heightening the risk of relapse even after extended periods of sobriety.

The understanding of addiction as a three-stage cycle—Binge/Intoxication, Withdrawal/Negative Affect, and Preoccupation/Anticipation—illustrates how addiction is a self-reinforcing loop, complicating recovery efforts.

PYQ:

[2007] Which one of the following parts of the human brain is the regulating center for swallowing and vomiting?

• (a) Cerebellum
• (b) Cerebrum
• (c) Medulla oblongata
• (d) Pons

​GS3/Defence and Security

INS Imphal

Why is it News?

• Recently, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Imphal made its first visit to Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius. This visit comes ahead of Mauritius' 57th National Day celebrations, which will take place on March 12.

About INS Imphal

• INS Imphal was commissioned in December 2023 and is the third ship in the Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class of stealth-guided missile destroyers.
• The other destroyers in this class include INS Visakhapatnam, INS Mormugao, and INS Surat.
• Designed by the Navy's Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Ltd. (MDL), INS Imphal is a versatile platform capable of a wide range of maritime warfare tasks and missions.
• Notably, it is the first warship named after a city in India's Northeast region, specifically Imphal, the capital of Manipur.
• Additionally, INS Imphal was the first naval warship to be commissioned with facilities for women officers and sailors.

Features of INS Imphal

• Size and Capacity: One of the largest destroyers built in India, measuring 164 meters in length and weighing over 7,500 tonnes.
• Speed: Capable of reaching speeds up to 56 km/h.
• Anti-Submarine Warfare: Equipped for anti-submarine operations.
• Indigenous Content: 75% of the ship's components are made in India, including advanced systems like the BrahMos missile, torpedo tube launchers, and a 76mm super rapid gun mount.
• Surveillance and Radar: Features modern surveillance radar that provides target data to weapon systems.
• Crew Protection: Includes a Total Atmospheric Control System (TACS) to protect the crew from chemical, biological, and nuclear threats.
• Crest Design: The ship's crest features the Kangla Palace and the 'Kangla-Sa,' a mythical guardian from Manipur's history.

GS3/Environment

World Air Quality Report 2024

Why is it News?

• Delhi holds the title of the most polluted capital city globally, with an average PM 2.5 concentration of 91.8 μg/m3, as reported in the 2024 World Air Quality Report.

About the World Air Quality Report 2024

• The World Air Quality Report is an annual publication by the Swiss organization IQAir. The 2024 report assesses the global air quality situation for the year 2024.
• It provides a comprehensive analysis of PM2.5 air quality data gathered from 8,954 cities across 138 countries, regions, and territories.

Findings Specific to India

• Delhi remains the most polluted capital city in the world, with an average PM 2.5 concentration of 91.8 μg/m3, according to the 2024 World Air Quality Report.
• The report highlights that 13 out of the 20 most polluted cities globally are in India, with Byrnihat, located on the Assam-Meghalaya border, being the most polluted.
• Other severely polluted cities include Faridabad, Loni (Ghaziabad), Gurgaon, Greater Noida, Bhiwadi, Noida, Muzaffarnagar, New Delhi (Central Delhi), and Delhi (averaged across the city).
•  India is ranked as the fifth most polluted country in the world, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 50.6 μg/m3. This is ten times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual PM2.5 guideline of 5 μg/m3. In 2023, India was the third most polluted country.

GS3/Environment

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Why is it News?

Recently, a wildfire has spread across approximately 50 hectares within the Sajjangarh Sanctuary in Udaipur.

About Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Situated on the outskirts of Udaipur city in Rajasthan, nestled within the Aravalli hill range.
• Area: Covers roughly 5.19 square kilometers.
• Historical Significance: The Sanctuary is located around the Sajjangarh Fort, which was constructed in 1874 by Maharana Sajjan Singh of Mewar on Bansdara Hill.
• Bari Lake: Also known as Tiger Lake, this water body is located on the western slope of the Sanctuary. It was built by Maharana Raj Singh of the Mewar dynasty.
• Vegetation: The Sanctuary features a mix of deciduous and semi-evergreen forests.
• Flora: Dominated by trees such as teak, mango, neem, jamun, khair, and ber. The presence of abundant bamboo groves adds to the habitat.
• Fauna: Home to various animals including panthers, hyenas, wild boars, jackals, sloth bears, sambar deer, spotted deer, and four-horned antelopes.