UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 20th March 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Polity

A Delimitation Red Flag: Lessons from J&K, Assam

Why in News?

The upcoming delimitation exercise in India scheduled for 2026 has ignited significant discussions regarding its potential implications for democratic governance, particularly in terms of power dynamics between States, minority representation, and the integrity of India's federal structure.

• The disparity in population growth across different regions raises questions about equitable representation.
• Redistribution of Rajya Sabha seats may help mitigate the loss of influence for certain States.
• Recent delimitation exercises in Jammu and Kashmir and Assam highlight risks of political bias and communal polarization.

Additional Details

• Population Growth Disparity: Northern States like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have seen rapid population growth, while southern States like Tamil Nadu have stabilized their populations. This discrepancy could lead to a reduction in representation for southern States if delimitation is based solely on population.
• Rajya Sabha Representation: Proposals suggest redistributing Rajya Sabha seats to ensure fair representation across geographic zones, which could enhance cooperative federalism.
• Recent Experiences: The delimitation in Jammu and Kashmir added more seats to the Jammu region than to Kashmir, raising concerns of communal bias in redistricting. Similarly, developments in Assam showed a trend towards eliminating Muslim-majority constituencies.
• Communal Polarization Risks: The opposition has not adequately addressed the dangers of redistricting along communal lines, which could shift voting patterns and increase tensions.

In conclusion, the upcoming delimitation exercise presents significant challenges that could disrupt India's democratic framework and federal integrity. It is crucial for policymakers to implement a fair and transparent delimitation process that emphasizes equitable representation and addresses the potential for political and social fragmentation.

GS2/Polity

Debate on Freebies: Rajya Sabha Chairman Calls for Structured Policy

Why in News?

Recently, Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar criticized the growing trend of "freebies" and proposed that Parliament engage in a thorough debate on this pressing issue.

• The need for a national policy regarding government expenditures is emphasized.
• Concerns raised over the fiscal sustainability of freebies and their impact on essential services.

Additional Details

• Understanding Freebies:Freebies are government-funded benefits such as:
  • Free electricity, water, or transportation.
  • Direct cash transfers without conditions of productivity.
  • Loan waivers for specific sectors.
  • Provision of free smartphones, laptops, or other consumer goods.
• Subsidies:These are aimed at addressing specific economic needs, including:
  • Agricultural subsidies for fertilizers and seeds.
  • Food security through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
  • Education and healthcare subsidies for underprivileged populations.
• The Vice President supports the concept of direct benefit transfers (DBT) for welfare schemes to enhance efficiency and reduce corruption.
• Key Issues Highlighted:
  • Freebies can lead to significant financial burdens on both state and central governments.
  • They often result in higher fiscal deficits, necessitating cuts in essential sectors like infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
  • Populist strategies using freebies can disrupt policy continuity and governance efficiency.

The call for a structured policy on freebies highlights the need for responsible governance and fiscal discipline in India. While welfare schemes are vital for poverty alleviation, they must be sustainable and effectively targeted. With the Vice-President's initiative, there is potential for a broader discussion on government spending, political accountability, and necessary electoral reforms.

GS1/History & Culture

Kamba Ramayana

Why in News?

The South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC), under the Ministry of Culture, is launching an initiative to preserve and promote the Kamba Ramayana, a significant work in Tamil literature. This initiative aims to revive the oral tradition of Kamba Ramayana recitals through performances, workshops, symposia, and educational competitions, ensuring that future generations appreciate this epic text that is integral to Tamil heritage.

• The Kamba Ramayana, also known as Ramavataram, was penned by the poet Kambar (Kamban) in the 12th century.
• It is a crucial adaptation of the Valmiki Ramayana and holds a significant place in Tamil literature.
• Kamban's writing is characterized by poetic beauty and emotional depth, offering unique interpretations of the original text.

Additional Details

• Style: Kamban’s writing style is noted for intricate descriptions and emotional resonance, adding cultural nuances to the narrative.
• Cultural Context: The Kamba Ramayana reflects the socio-cultural and religious atmosphere of Tamil Nadu during the Chola period, integrating Tamil traditions and values.
• Comparison with Valmiki’s Ramayana:
  • It follows the broad structure of Valmiki's Ramayana while introducing regional variations and unique character interpretations.
  • The Kamba Ramayana is more devotion-centric, incorporating philosophical and ethical discourses.
• Themes and Significance:
  • Dharma and Morality: Explores themes of duty, righteousness, and the struggle between good and evil.
  • Bhakti (Devotion): Highlights devotion to God, particularly through Rama as an incarnation of Vishnu.
  • Human Emotions: Kamban's portrayal of characters like Rama, Sita, and Hanuman is rich in emotional depth, enhancing relatability.
  • Cultural Integration: Reflects the synthesis of Sanskrit and Tamil traditions, showcasing India's cultural unity.

The initiative by SZCC not only aims to celebrate the Kamba Ramayana but also serves as a vital effort to keep this literary treasure alive for future generations, ensuring its appreciation and understanding within the rich tapestry of Tamil culture.

GS3/Environment

Sagreshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Why in News?

The Sagreshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Sangli district of Maharashtra, is notable for its significant deer population, including 536 sambars and 295 cheetals (spotted deer). This sanctuary holds the distinction of being one of the highest in deer populations among manmade wildlife sanctuaries.

• Located in Sangli district, Maharashtra, India.
• First manmade wildlife sanctuary in India.
• Area covers 10.87 square kilometers.
• Named after the ancient Sagareshwar temple.

Additional Details

• Unique Features: The sanctuary is an artificially cultivated forest without a perennial water supply, and most wildlife species found here were introduced artificially.
• Vegetation: The sanctuary consists of southern dry mixed deciduous and southern thorn forests. Major flora includes Tamarind, Neem, Eucalyptus, Acacia, Agave, and Khair trees.
• Fauna: The sanctuary is home to various large animals, such as Sambar Deer, Blackbucks, Muntjac, and Chital, as well as wild boar and peacocks. Small carnivores like hyenas, foxes, and porcupines also inhabit the area.

The Sagreshwar Wildlife Sanctuary serves as an essential habitat for diverse wildlife and promotes ecological balance. Its unique characteristics and significant deer population make it a vital area for conservation efforts.

GS2/International Relations

Trump's New Strategy Amid U.S. Strikes on Houthis

Why in News?

The U.S. has recently conducted more than 40 precision strikes in Yemen, targeting areas controlled by the Houthis in Sanaa, Sadaa, and Hodeidah Port. This military action aims to counter Iran-backed militants. Former President Donald Trump has warned both the Houthis and Iran, asserting that any Houthi attack will be treated as an attack from Iran, which could lead to serious consequences.

• The U.S. strikes are a response to Houthi aggression in the region.
• Trump's stance emphasizes the linkage between Houthi actions and Iranian support.
• Houthi missile strikes on U.S. warships have escalated tensions in the Red Sea.

Additional Details

• U.S. Attacks on Houthis: The recent U.S. military actions were triggered by ongoing Houthi missile strikes, which have affected global shipping.
• Biden's Policy (2024): The Biden administration has classified the Houthis as Specially Designated Global Terrorists but stopped short of designating them as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
• Operation Prosperity Guardian (2023): This U.S. Navy-led mission aims to safeguard shipping lanes in response to Houthi threats.
• Trump's Renewed Focus: Trump's recent communications highlight that any Houthi aggression is seen as Iranian hostility, reaffirming U.S. dedication to protecting maritime security.
• Strategic Balancing: Trump's military actions are designed to deter Iran while avoiding direct military conflict.
• Impact on Global Trade: Houthi attacks have forced vessels to reroute, significantly raising shipping insurance costs and disrupting trade routes.
• Houthi Resilience: Despite facing over 20,000 airstrikes since 2015, the Houthis have maintained their operational capabilities through advanced warfare strategies.

The ongoing conflict reflects the complexities of regional power dynamics, with Iran's influence being significant but not absolute. The U.S. military strategy aims to address immediate threats while navigating broader international relations, particularly with Arab states hesitant to fully support U.S. actions against the Houthis.

GS1/Geography

Betwa River

Why in News?

The Betwa River is currently experiencing significant ecological challenges, including a marked decline in water levels, which poses a threat to its surrounding environment and the communities that depend on it.

• The Betwa River, also known historically as Vetravati, has been crucial to the cultural and historical identity of Madhya Pradesh.
• It is a tributary of the Yamuna River and flows through the states of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
• With a length of approximately 590 km, the river rises in the Vindhya Range and flows northeastward.

Additional Details

• Origin: The Betwa River originates in the Vindhya Range, near Barkhera village in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh.
• Confluence: It merges with the Yamuna River in Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh.
• Historical & Cultural Significance: The river is referenced in ancient texts and is linked to the Mahabharata and various Puranic traditions. Notable historical locations along its banks include Orchha, famous for its medieval temples and forts.
• Economic Importance: The Betwa River plays a vital role in irrigation and agriculture for Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, supporting crops such as wheat, pulses, and oilseeds. It also provides essential water resources for drinking and industrial use.

In summary, the Betwa River is not only a crucial water source but also a significant cultural and historical landmark, necessitating immediate attention to address its ecological degradation.

GS2/Governance

Extradition Challenges and India's Legal Vacuum on Torture

Why in News?

The recent ruling by the King’s Bench Division of the High Court of Justice in London, which denied the extradition of fugitive Sanjay Bhandari, alongside the ongoing appeal by Tahawwur Rana in the U.S. Supreme Court, raises significant legal and human rights issues. These cases emphasize the urgent need for India to enact a comprehensive anti-torture law to bolster its legal framework and meet its international obligations.

• Sanjay Bhandari's extradition was denied due to concerns over custodial torture in Indian jails.
• Tahawwur Rana's appeal cites the U.K. ruling, highlighting India's poor human rights record.
• India's failure to ratify the United Nations Convention against Torture (UNCAT) undermines its legal standing.
• Judicial inaction and political inertia contribute to the absence of anti-torture legislation in India.

Additional Details

• Sanjay Bhandari's Case: The U.K. High Court ruled against his extradition due to the risk of torture, influenced by India's non-ratification of UNCAT.
• Tahawwur Rana: Accused in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, his case leverages concerns about India's human rights practices.
• India's Position on UNCAT: Despite supporting various international human rights treaties, India's lack of ratification of UNCAT places it alongside nations with poor human rights records.
• Judicial Inaction: Various bodies, including the Rajya Sabha Select Committee and the Law Commission of India, have called for anti-torture laws, but there has been no legislative action.
• Impact of Judicial Reluctance: The Supreme Court's reluctance to compel the government to legislate against torture undermines India's commitment to human rights.

The ongoing extradition cases have profound implications for India's credibility in upholding democratic values and human rights. The absence of an anti-torture law not only weakens India's extradition requests but also reflects political inertia, which ultimately damages its standing as a defender of human rights. Urgent legal reforms are necessary to align India's practices with its constitutional commitments and international obligations.

GS1/History & Culture

Anniversary of the Muzhara Movement

Why in News?

On March 19, the anniversary of the Muzhara movement is observed, marking a significant chapter in Punjab’s agrarian struggles.

• The Muzhara movement involved farmers, known as muzharas, who worked the land without ownership rights.
• Muzharas were part of a broader class of landless peasants in Punjab, facing oppressive feudal systems.
• The movement sought land ownership rights, opposing both feudal landlords and British colonial rulers.

Additional Details

• Muzharas: These were farmers who tilled the land for generations but lacked ownership rights, making them vulnerable to economic exploitation by feudal landlords and colonial authorities.
• March 1949 Incident: A significant confrontation occurred in Kishangarh village when authorities attempted to reclaim land from muzharas, leading to a violent standoff with the Patiala police, resulting in casualties.
• Contemporary Peasant Movements: The Muzhara movement is part of a larger context of agrarian struggles in India, including notable movements like the Champaran Satyagraha, Kheda Satyagraha, and others, which collectively aimed to improve the rights and conditions of peasants.

The Muzhara movement remains a vital chapter in the history of agrarian struggles in India, symbolizing the fight for land rights and justice against oppressive systems.

GS1/Indian Society

A Regional Divide in Blue-Collar Worker Migration from India

Why in News?

Recent data indicate a decline in remittances from Gulf countries to India, contrasting with an increase in contributions from advanced economies. This shift raises questions about the underlying factors affecting migrant workers and remittance flows.

• Decline in Gulf remittances attributed to wage stagnation and higher living costs.
• Increased migration of Indian professionals to high-income countries like the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
• Stringent localization policies in Gulf countries limit job opportunities for foreign workers.
• Exchange rate dynamics favor remittances from advanced economies.

Additional Details

• Wage Stagnation and Cost of Living: Wages in Gulf nations have not seen significant growth while living costs have escalated. For example, the introduction of a Value Added Tax (VAT) in the UAE in 2018 has burdened migrant workers.
• Shift in Migration Patterns: There is a noticeable migration trend toward high-income countries, driven by better job prospects and higher salaries.
• Localization Policies: Gulf nations have enacted policies such as Saudization in Saudi Arabia and Nitaqat in UAE, prioritizing local employment over foreign labor, which impacts Indian workers.
• Currency Depreciation: The stability of the Indian rupee against the U.S. dollar means remittances from the U.S. hold more value than those from Gulf nations.
• Expansion of IT and Healthcare Workforce: Skilled professionals in these sectors are increasingly securing positions abroad, resulting in higher remittances from developed countries.

The changing landscape of migration is significantly affecting various Indian states, especially those relying heavily on Gulf remittances. While states like Kerala benefit from skilled migration to advanced economies, others continue to face challenges due to lower earnings from Gulf jobs. As the government seeks to enhance migration pathways and skill development, the focus must shift towards reducing dependence on Gulf nations.

GS2/Polity

Sansad Bhashini Initiative

Why in News?

The Lok Sabha Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at launching the Sansad Bhashini initiative.

• This initiative is a joint effort between the Lok Sabha Secretariat and MeitY.
• It focuses on developing an in-house AI package to enhance parliamentary operations.
• Key features include multilingual support, real-time speech-to-text transcription, and AI chatbots.

Additional Details

• Objective of the Initiative: The Sansad Bhashini initiative aims to integrate advanced AI technologies to improve the accessibility and efficiency of parliamentary documentation.
• Technologies Involved:
  • Real-time speech-to-text transcription to make debates more accessible.
  • Speech-to-speech translation to facilitate communication across multiple Indian languages.
  • Interactive AI chatbots to assist users in accessing information easily.
• Benefits: The initiative is designed to foster inclusivity by translating parliamentary debates and legislative documents into various Indian languages, thereby promoting broader public engagement.
• The AI-driven transcription system will enhance usability through features like background noise reduction and customizable vocabulary.
• Additionally, the initiative will include AI-enabled automatic summarization of lengthy debates, streamlining record-keeping and expediting decision-making processes.

In conclusion, the Sansad Bhashini initiative represents a significant advancement in the use of AI for enhancing the functionality and accessibility of parliamentary operations, ultimately aiming to engage a wider audience in the democratic process.