UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 21st March 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/International Relations

World Happiness Report 2025 - India’s Happiness Ranking Improves but Still Trails Pakistan

Why in News?

The World Happiness Report 2025, released by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, highlights that Finland has been ranked as the happiest country for the eighth consecutive year. The report shows that India has made progress in its happiness score and ranking over the past three years. However, despite India's economic and governance strengths, it still ranks lower than Pakistan in terms of overall happiness.

• Finland is recognized as the happiest country for the eighth year in a row.
• India has improved its happiness ranking from 126th to 118th place.
• India's happiness score rose from 4.054 to 4.389 out of 10.
• India ranks lower than Pakistan, despite better economic indicators.

Additional Details

• Methodology: The rankings are based on data from Gallup World Poll surveys, where individuals rate their life satisfaction on a scale of 0-10 using the Cantril Ladder method. The 2025 rankings are based on data collected from 2022 to 2024.
• Key Indicators: Six primary factors influencing happiness include GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, perceived freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perception of corruption.
• India’s Performance: India improved its ranking and happiness score but still ranks lower than its neighbors like Nepal and Pakistan, despite having a higher GDP per capita and better health indicators.
• Discrepancy with Pakistan: Despite having a higher per capita income and better health statistics, India ranks lower than Pakistan, suggesting that social factors and perceptions of well-being are critical in determining happiness.

In conclusion, while India's improvement in its happiness ranking is a positive development, the findings of the report bring to light the importance of social connections and trust in contributing to happiness. The data indicates that economic prosperity alone is insufficient for ensuring overall happiness, emphasizing the need for investments in social well-being and community support.

GS2/International Relations

The Assault on Multilateralism and International Law

Why in News?

The independent actions of the United States have the potential to invite global pushback, while simultaneously providing an opportunity for non-Western nations to emerge as leaders on the world stage.

• The U.S. has signalled withdrawal from multiple key multilateral institutions during the Trump administration.
• Non-Western nations are increasingly poised to take on leadership roles in global governance.

Additional Details

• World Health Organization (WHO): In 2020, the U.S. announced its withdrawal, accusing WHO of mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic and being overly influenced by China.
• United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): The U.S. exited in 2018, citing alleged bias against Israel and ineffective handling of human rights abuses.
• Paris Climate Agreement: The U.S. formally withdrew in 2020, arguing that the agreement unfairly burdened its economy while benefiting competitors like China and India. This withdrawal hampered global climate efforts, as the U.S. is one of the largest carbon emitters.
• International Criminal Court (ICC): In 2020, the U.S. imposed sanctions on ICC officials, rejecting its authority over American troops and allies, particularly regarding investigations into alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan.
• World Trade Organization (WTO): The U.S. blocked appointments to the WTO Appellate Body, crippling its ability to resolve trade disputes and leading to a breakdown in the global trade dispute resolution system, affecting countries like India and China.

The proposed Disengaging Entirely from the United Nations Debacle (DEFUND) Act seeks to withdraw the U.S. from the UN entirely, cutting all funding and revoking diplomatic immunity for UN officials in the U.S. This poses a significant threat to the legitimacy of the United Nations.

Impact of the DEFUND Act

• Financial Crisis for the UN: As the largest financial contributor, halting U.S. contributions would severely affect UN operations, particularly its peacekeeping missions and humanitarian aid programs in conflict zones like Syria and Yemen.
• Weakening of Multilateral Cooperation: The Act would repeal key legislation, undermining U.S. engagement with the UN and potentially encouraging other nations to follow suit, diminishing the UN's credibility.
• Legal and Diplomatic Challenges: Revoking diplomatic immunity would disrupt UN functions and hinder international negotiations, complicating operations at the UN Headquarters in New York.

U.S. Stance on the International Criminal Court (ICC)

• The U.S. stance has undermined international justice mechanisms and weakened the ICC's ability to investigate war crimes, particularly in conflict zones like Afghanistan and Palestine.
• Encouraging non-cooperation with the ICC, the U.S. non-recognition has emboldened other nations to ignore its rulings, limiting the court's effectiveness in ensuring accountability. For instance, Israel rejected ICC jurisdiction in its investigations regarding war crimes in Palestinian territories, citing U.S. opposition.
• This has weakened the principle of universal justice, setting a precedent for selective accountability, where powerful nations evade scrutiny while weaker states are held accountable.

Opportunities for Non-Western Nations

• Expanding Economic and Political Influence: Emerging economies like China, India, and Brazil are enhancing their global influence through trade, technology, and strategic alliances.
• Strengthening Regional and Multilateral Institutions: Non-Western nations are shaping global governance through alternative institutions, such as the BRICS bloc's New Development Bank.
• Leadership in Global Crisis Management: Developing nations are addressing global challenges, exemplified by India's Vaccine Maitri initiative, which supplied COVID-19 vaccines to over 100 countries.

Impact on India

• The U.S. exit from institutions like the UN, WHO, and WTO threatens the global rules-based order, complicating international cooperation and negotiations in areas such as trade and climate change.
• However, this also presents an opportunity for India to assume a more prominent leadership role in global governance and advocate for reforms in multilateral institutions.

In conclusion, India should actively engage in multilateral diplomacy, strengthen strategic alliances with other nations, and position itself as a stabilizing force in global governance.

Mains PYQ:

Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. (UPSC 2020)

The WHO has faced criticism and withdrawal calls from nations, posing challenges to multilateral institutions. This PYQ directly assesses WHO's role and relevance during a global crisis, underscoring the ongoing discussions regarding the assault on multilateralism.

GS2/Polity

The Challenge of Policing Digital Giants

Why in News?

The digital age has transformed data into a crucial asset for market dominance, raising concerns about monopolistic practices among technology giants. The recent order by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) against Meta signifies an escalating scrutiny of data exploitation and anti-competitive behavior in digital markets. This scenario highlights the necessity to examine the implications of CCI's decision, its effects on the global regulatory framework, and the urgent need for India to reform its competition laws to effectively combat data-driven monopolies.

• The CCI imposed a fine of ₹213.14 crore on Meta, including a five-year ban on sharing WhatsApp user data with other Meta-owned platforms.
• Meta’s privacy policy update in 2021 was deemed an abuse of its dominant position, reinforcing its market power.
• Legal challenges from Meta and Google illustrate the complexities of regulating tech giants that rely on data for market control.

Additional Details

• CCI's Order Against Meta: On November 18, 2024, the CCI found that WhatsApp's 2021 privacy policy update forced users into a "take-it-or-leave-it" consent model, thus limiting competition and enhancing Meta's market power.
• Data's Role in Market Dominance: In the current digital economy, data is likened to oil, offering significant competitive advantages through aggregation and reuse, which strengthens market positions and deters new entrants.
• Global Regulatory Landscape: The U.S. and EU are taking aggressive steps against digital monopolies, with the U.S. FTC filing lawsuits against Meta and Google for anti-competitive practices, while the EU implements the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and GDPR to regulate major digital platforms.
• The CCI's proactive stance on regulating data monopolization is a significant move, yet India’s existing competition laws, established in 2002, need updates to address the nuances of digital market dynamics effectively.

In conclusion, the actions taken by the CCI against Meta mark an important step in regulating the digital economy. However, they also highlight the urgent need for comprehensive legal reforms in India. As data-driven monopolies continue to influence market dynamics, it is imperative for India to modernize its competition laws, drawing lessons from global regulatory efforts, to foster a fair and competitive digital landscape while ensuring consumer privacy and innovation.

GS3/Environment

Holocene Epoch

Why in News?

The study of rates of relative sea-level rise during the final stage of the last deglaciation, particularly in the early Holocene, is crucial for predicting future ice melt and sea-level changes in the context of a warming climate.

• The Holocene Epoch is the current geological period.
• It began approximately 12,000 to 11,500 years ago, marking the end of the Paleolithic Ice Age.
• This epoch is characterized by significant warming and relative climate stability compared to earlier glacial periods.

Additional Details

• Introduction of the Term: The term "Holocene" was first introduced by Gervais in 1869 and was recognized by the International Geological Congress in 1885.
• Anthropocene Epoch: This term is sometimes used to describe the current period, highlighting the global changes driven by human activity.
• The sediments from the Holocene cover a larger area of the globe than any other epoch in the geological record.
• It coincides with significant developments in human history, including the rise of complex civilizations and the advent of agriculture.

Overall, the Holocene Epoch is remarkable not only for its climatic stability but also for the unprecedented advancements in human society and environmental interactions.

GS3/Economy

Samarth Incubation Programme

Why in News?

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) has recently initiated the ‘Samarth’ incubation programme aimed at fostering innovation and growth in the technology sector.

• Launched by C-DoT, an autonomous Telecom R&D centre under the Government of India.
• Focus on supporting startups in telecom software, cybersecurity, 5G/6G technologies, AI, IoT, and quantum technologies.
• Hybrid delivery mode with a maximum of 18 startups per cohort, totaling 36 startups across two cohorts.
• Grants of up to Rs 5 lakh for selected startups along with access to mentorship and facilities.

Additional Details

• Objective: The program aims to nurture sustainable and scalable business models while providing access to advanced resources, facilitating the transition from ideation to commercialization.
• Implementation Partner: C-DoT has partnered with the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) to execute this initiative.
• Eligibility: Applications are invited from startups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
• Selected startups will gain access to office space at the C-DoT campus, laboratory facilities, and mentorship from industry experts and C-DoT technical leaders.

This initiative presents a significant opportunity for startups in the technology sector to grow and innovate with the support of a well-established research organization, ultimately contributing to the advancement of India’s telecommunications landscape.

GS1/Indian Society

Health Expenditure at 1.84% of GDP

Why in News?

The Union government has consistently increased its spending on healthcare, with the expenditure rising to 1.84% of GDP in 2021-22, up from 1.15% in 2013-14. This reflects a growing commitment to enhancing the public healthcare system in India.

• The government health expenditure (GHE) has shown a steady increase.
• Health expenditure is projected to reach the National Health Policy 2017 target of 2.5% of GDP by 2025.
• There was a significant 37% increase in government spending from 2020-21 to 2021-22 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• This increase has improved healthcare accessibility and reduced the financial burden on individuals.

Additional Details

• Total Health Expenditure (THE): Refers to the total current and capital expenditures on healthcare by the government, private sector, and external sources in a specified period.
• Current Health Expenditure (CHE): Ongoing spending on healthcare services, including hospitals, doctor visits, and medical supplies.
• Capital Expenditure: Investments in healthcare infrastructure, such as constructing hospitals and purchasing medical equipment.
• India's total health expenditure was estimated at ₹7,39,327 crores, constituting 3.73% of GDP, with per capita expenditure of ₹5,436. This figure increased to ₹9,04,461 crores, or 3.83% of GDP, indicating a proactive governmental response to healthcare challenges.

Reasons for Reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)

• Increased government health spending has made healthcare more affordable.
• Expansion of public health services, including vaccination and preventive care, has contributed to this reduction.
• Growth in government-funded health insurance and social security programs has decreased reliance on personal funds.
• Health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat have alleviated financial burdens on families.
• Improved public healthcare access and financial protection have helped reduce hardship for low- and middle-income families.

In conclusion, the increase in health expenditure signifies India's commitment to improving its healthcare system, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government's efforts to enhance accessibility and reduce out-of-pocket expenses are crucial for sustaining a healthy population.

GS2/Polity

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)

Why in News?

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has recently announced regulations to operationalize the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) under the National Pension System (NPS) for the year 2025.

• PFRDA is a statutory regulatory body established under the PFRDA Act of 2014.
• The primary objective is to promote old-age income security and protect the interests of pension fund subscribers.
• PFRDA operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance and is headquartered in New Delhi.

Additional Details

• Composition:According to Section 4 of the PFRDA Act, the Authority consists of:
  • One Chairperson
  • Three whole-time members
  • Three part-time members, appointed by the Central Government, ensuring representation from economics, finance, and law.
• Functions:The PFRDA has several key functions, including:
  • Regulating the National Pension System (NPS) and other pension schemes.
  • Educating subscribers and the public on pensions and retirement savings.
  • Providing pension schemes not covered by other laws.
  • Protecting subscriber interests in NPS and approved schemes.
  • Approving schemes and establishing investment guidelines.
  • Registering and regulating intermediaries, such as NPS Trust and Pension Funds.
  • Ensuring reasonable operational costs and enhancing the grievance redressal process.
  • Adjudicating disputes between intermediaries and between intermediaries and subscribers.

The PFRDA plays a crucial role in securing the financial future of individuals through effective regulation and development of pension schemes.

GS1/History & Culture

Why Pots are Integral to Understanding Culture?

Why in News?

This newscard is an excerpt and extension of the original article published in the Indian Express, discussing the significance of pottery in analyzing cultural aspects throughout history.

• Pottery serves as a reflection of daily life and technological advancement in ancient societies.
• Different types of pottery indicate varying economic statuses and cultural practices.
• Pottery plays a crucial role in understanding socio-economic indicators and religious customs.

Additional Details

• Material Culture: Pottery is a direct reflection of daily life and technological expertise. It reveals how ancient societies lived, worked, and expressed their culture through both artistic and functional objects.
• Socio-Economic Indicators: The types of pottery indicate economic status. For instance, luxury pottery was often reserved for the elite, while common pottery reflects the everyday lives of the broader society.
• Cultural and Religious Practices: Pottery held significant ritualistic and symbolic importance, often used in religious ceremonies and burial rituals. Specific pots represented deities or were filled with sacred items like coconuts, bananas, and flowers.
• Technological and Artistic Development: The evolution of pottery-making marks the increasing artistic sophistication of ancient civilizations, highlighting advancements in both craftsmanship and creativity.
• Chronological Understanding: Pottery assists in dating ancient sites, providing key insights into the timeline of cultural and technological progress. This allows historians to map out the development of civilizations and better understand their historical context.

In conclusion, the study of pottery not only enriches our understanding of ancient cultures but also provides vital insights into their social structures, economic conditions, and artistic achievements.

GS2/International Relations

India a Stabilising Factor in the Arctic

Why in News?

At a recent India-Russia Arctic conference, the Russian Ambassador to India highlighted India's emerging role as a stabilising influence in the Arctic, particularly in light of increasing militarisation by NATO countries. The conference was hosted by the Vivekananda International Foundation in collaboration with The Northern Forum of Russia.

• India's strategic and economic interests are growing in the Arctic region.
• India-Russia relations are strengthening, particularly concerning Arctic cooperation.
• India's 2022 Arctic Policy adopts a comprehensive governmental approach focusing on sustainability, economy, and governance.
• India needs to address geopolitical dynamics, including militarisation and great power rivalries.

Additional Details

• Economic Opportunities: The melting Arctic ice is transforming global shipping routes. Although the Northern Sea Route (NSR) offers limited benefits for India, connecting the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) with Russia’s Unified Deep-Water System (UDWS) could enhance cost efficiency and promote hinterland development.
• Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor: This initiative aims to connect with the NSR, potentially reducing travel time to Europe by two weeks.
• China's Presence: China is heavily investing in the Russian Arctic through its Polar Silk Road initiative, which poses a challenge to India's strategic interests. A US$10 billion investment by China necessitates collaboration between India and Russia on the NSR to mitigate this threat.
• Geopolitical Dynamics: The Arctic is increasingly viewed as a strategic area, with China declaring itself a "near-Arctic state." India must balance its focus on sustainability with the need for strategic partnerships to safeguard its interests.
• Investment in Russian Energy: With 50-55% of the Arctic coastline under Russian jurisdiction, India has invested approximately $15 billion in oil and gas projects in Russia, consolidating its foothold in the Arctic.
• Bilateral Trade Goals: During the 22nd Indo-Russia Summit, both nations pledged to enhance trade and investment in the Arctic, aiming for bilateral trade to reach $100 billion by 2030.
• Scientific Collaboration: Both countries are engaged in joint research efforts in areas like climate change and glaciology, with Indian scientists examining the Arctic's impact on South Asian monsoons.

In conclusion, India's increasing involvement in Arctic affairs not only aims to bolster its energy security but also positions it as a key player in the evolving geopolitical landscape of the region. The ongoing collaboration with Russia is crucial for maintaining a balance against other powers and ensuring India’s long-term strategic interests are safeguarded.

GS2/Polity

India’s Habitual Offender Laws: A Legacy of Discrimination

Why in News?

The Government of India has recently disclosed in Parliament that laws labeling certain criminals as “habitual offenders” are still active in 14 States and Union Territories. These laws are intended to identify and monitor individuals who repeatedly commit specific crimes, but they have faced significant criticism for institutionalizing discrimination, particularly against denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic tribes (DNTs, NTs, SNTs).

• Habitual offender laws have roots in colonial legislation that targeted specific communities.
• The Supreme Court has raised concerns regarding the constitutional validity of these laws.
• There is a persistent social stigma against denotified tribes despite formal denotification.
• Current implementation of these laws varies across different states.

Additional Details

• Historical Roots: The origins of habitual offender laws trace back to colonial regulations such as Regulation XXII (1793) and the Criminal Tribes Act (CTA) of 1871, which labeled entire communities as “criminal by birth.” The CTA was repealed in 1952 after the Criminal Tribes Enquiry Committee Report (1949-50), yet states introduced new laws targeting individual behavior.
• Supreme Court’s Intervention: In October 2024, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, expressed concern over the classification of habitual offenders, urging states to reconsider these laws as they profile entire communities.
• Impact on Denotified Tribes: Despite being formally denotified, these communities continue to experience police surveillance and social ostracization. The custodial death of Budhan Sabar in 1998 highlighted ongoing injustices faced by DNTs.
• Reports from various committees have emphasized ongoing discrimination and the need for comprehensive reforms.
• Current Status Across States: Reactions to the Supreme Court's observations are mixed. Some states, like Punjab and Odisha, report no recent use of the law, while others, such as Delhi, have high percentages of habitual offender classifications.

In conclusion, while habitual offender laws may seem neutral in theory, their colonial legacy and biased enforcement have made them instruments of oppression against marginalized communities. The need for a nationwide review and repeal of these laws is more pressing than ever to ensure justice and inclusion for denotified and nomadic tribes. Empowering these communities requires not just policy changes but a concerted effort to dismantle systemic legal discrimination.

GS1/Geography

Spring Equinox, 2025

Why in News?

March 20 marks the arrival of the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, which signals the beginning of the spring season.

• The vernal equinox occurs around March 20-21 each year.
• It results in almost equal lengths of day and night across the globe.

Additional Details

• What are Equinoxes: An equinox happens when the Earth's axis is neither tilted towards nor away from the Sun. This results in approximately equal lengths of day and night.
• Equinoxes occur twice a year:
  • Vernal Equinox: Around March 20-21, marking the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Autumnal Equinox: Around September 22-23.
• On an equinox, the Sun is directly above the Equator, leading to nearly equal distribution of sunlight between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
• What are Solstices: A solstice occurs when the Earth's axis is most tilted towards or away from the Sun, resulting in the longest or shortest day of the year in each hemisphere.
• Solstices also occur twice a year:
  • Summer Solstice (Northern Hemisphere): June 20-22, the longest day and shortest night of the year.
  • Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere): December 20-23, the longest night of the year.
• Solstices lead to unequal distributions of sunlight, impacting seasonal weather patterns.

Cultural Significance of the Equinox

• Nowruz: Celebrated on March 20-21, it marks the beginning of the Persian New Year and has been observed for over 3,000 years by the Zoroastrian community, including the Parsi community in India.
• Vernal Equinox Day: A national holiday in Japan celebrating the arrival of spring.
• Easter: One of the most significant days in Christianity, determined based on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox.
• Passover: The Jewish festival that begins on the first full moon after the vernal equinox.

Previous Year Question (PYQ)

[UPSC 2019] On 21st June, the Sun:

• (a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
• (b) does not set below the horizon at the Antarctic Circle
• (c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
• (d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

The spring equinox is a significant astronomical event that not only marks seasonal changes but also holds cultural importance across various societies.