UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 7th April 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Economy

Core Gaps in India’s Start-Up Priorities

Why in News?

The recent comments made by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal have ignited a critical discussion on the contrasting priorities of Indian and Chinese start-ups. While Indian entities primarily focus on sectors like online delivery and gaming applications, their Chinese counterparts are making significant strides in strategic fields such as electric mobility and artificial intelligence (AI). Goyal's remarks highlight a concerning trend: despite being the world's third-largest start-up ecosystem, India's innovation landscape diverges markedly from that of global frontrunners.

• Indian start-ups largely target consumer services like food delivery and fantasy sports.
• Chinese start-ups are venturing into advanced technologies, including AI and electric vehicles.
• India needs to enhance its intellectual property (IP) in critical sectors.
• Challenges in funding for deep tech start-ups hinder India's global competitiveness.

Additional Details

• Indian Start-Up Focus: Indian start-ups are heavily invested in areas such as food delivery, instant groceries, and influencer-driven platforms, raising questions about their alignment with the country’s long-term growth potential.
• The Chinese Model: In contrast, Chinese entities are prioritizing deep tech innovations, including electric vehicles, AI, and robotics, which positions them to solve complex global challenges.
• IP-Led Growth: India is called to develop its own IP, particularly in frontier technologies, as current initiatives like the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme for semiconductors aim to bridge this gap.
• Technological Lag: India lags behind in electric mobility and battery technology, heavily relying on Chinese advancements while American companies excel in AI development.
• Domestic Market Limitations: The scalability of Indian start-ups is constrained by a domestic market that lacks sufficient spending power, with 90% of the population unable to contribute significantly to growth.
• Global Competitiveness: Unlike successful Chinese firms like TikTok and Alibaba that have established strong global brands, Indian start-ups often struggle with international expansion due to intense global competition.
• Deep Tech Challenges: Indian deep tech start-ups face significant funding difficulties as investors perceive them as high-risk, limiting their potential for innovation and competitiveness.
• Success in SaaS: India has made notable achievements in the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) sector, with companies like Zoho and Freshworks leading, although growth has often stemmed from cost advantages rather than groundbreaking innovation.
• UPI Innovation: India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) serves as a benchmark for global digital payment solutions, yet monetization remains a challenge due to its free model.

In summary, while India has made strides in various sectors, there is an urgent need for a shift in focus towards deep technology and innovation. By addressing these core gaps, India can align its start-up ecosystem with global standards and enhance its competitive edge.

GS3/Economy

PM Inaugurates New Pamban Bridge

Why in News?

The newly inaugurated Pamban Bridge by PM Modi replaces a century-old structure, enhancing connectivity between Rameswaram and the Indian mainland.

• The original Pamban Bridge, completed in 1914, was India's first sea bridge and an engineering marvel.
• The new bridge features advanced design elements, including a vertical lift span for improved functionality.

Additional Details

• Historical Significance: The original bridge featured a double-leaf bascule span, allowing ships to pass when lifted, and stood 12.5 meters above sea level.
• The old bridge faced numerous challenges, including severe cyclones and structural issues, leading to its closure in December 2022.
• Modern Features: The new bridge has a vertical lift span that can be raised in just 5 minutes, providing a clearance of 22 meters above sea level for larger vessels.
• The design allows trains to travel at speeds up to 75 km/h, a significant improvement from the previous limit of 10 km/h.
• The modernization addresses safety concerns due to corrosion and structural weaknesses of the old bridge.
• Enhancing the bridge's infrastructure is vital for the economic growth and tourism potential of Rameswaram, a region rich in cultural and religious significance.
• The new structure is designed to withstand extreme weather, considering the area's vulnerability to cyclones.

The inauguration of the New Pamban Bridge marks a significant advancement in India's infrastructure, promising better safety, speed, and connectivity, which are essential for the region's development.

GS2/Polity

Judicial Asset Disclosure in India

Why in News?

Recent data reveals that only 12.35% of judges in India's High Courts have publicly disclosed their assets. This raises significant concerns about transparency within the judiciary, especially as courts like Kerala and Himachal Pradesh exemplify high levels of disclosure, while others, such as Madras and Chhattisgarh, show notably low compliance.

• Only 95 out of 769 High Court judges have disclosed their assets.
• High Courts with high transparency include Kerala (93.18%) and Himachal Pradesh (91.66%).
• Madras and Chhattisgarh have significantly low disclosure rates.

Additional Details

• Importance of Judicial Asset Disclosure:
  • Promotes public trust by ensuring judges' financial integrity.
  • Acts as a deterrent against corruption through public scrutiny.
  • Ensures accountability, as judges are public servants funded by taxpayers.
  • Reduces conflicts of interest, ensuring unbiased judicial decisions.
  • Strengthens institutional ethics and governance standards.
• Supreme Court's Role: The Supreme Court's April 2025 resolution mandating asset disclosures sets a national benchmark for transparency.
• Enforcement Mechanisms: Key institutions include the Supreme Court, High Courts, and Parliament, which can enforce asset disclosures through legislative measures.

The push for judicial asset disclosures is pivotal for fostering a culture of accountability and integrity within the judiciary. Legislative efforts could further enhance transparency and public confidence in the judicial system.

GS1/History & Culture

PM Modi at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

Why in News?

PM Narendra Modi recently visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple located in the historic city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. This visit highlights the cultural and historical significance of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree.

• The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree is recognized as the oldest living cultivated plant in the world.
• This tree is believed to have originated from a branch of the original Bodhi Vruksha in Bodhgaya, where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
• The branch was brought to Sri Lanka by Sanghamitra, the eldest daughter of Emperor Ashoka.

Additional Details

• Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree: This tree is a significant symbol of Buddhism and represents the continuity of Buddhist teachings.
• The original Bodhi tree under which Buddha meditated was reportedly destroyed, which adds to the historical importance of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.
• Sanghamitra's arrival in Sri Lanka with the tree is commemorated during the Uduvapa Poya festival, celebrated annually on a full moon night in December.

Legend of Sanghamitra’s Journey to Sri Lanka

Sanghamitra, originally named Ayapali, lived from 282 BC to 203 BC. Following the Third Buddhist Council, convened in 250 BC during Emperor Ashoka’s reign, it was resolved to send missionaries to various regions, including Sri Lanka, to propagate Buddhism.

• The mission to Sri Lanka was led by Mahinda (Mahendra), Ashoka’s son, who converted King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura to Buddhism.
• As there was interest among royal ladies in joining the Buddhist monastic order, Mahinda called upon his sister, Sanghamitra, to initiate them.
• Both Sanghamitra and Mahinda lived in Anuradhapura for the remainder of their lives, with Sanghamitra playing a crucial role in establishing the Order of Nuns (Bhikkhuni Sangha or Meheini Sasna) in Sri Lanka, which later expanded to other Theravada Buddhist countries such as Burma, China, and Thailand.

This visit by PM Modi underscores the historical and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka, particularly in the context of Buddhism.

GS2/Polity

UGC’s New Equivalence Regulations for Foreign Degrees: A Step Toward Global Education Standards

Why in News?

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced new regulations aimed at simplifying the process of recognizing and granting equivalence to academic qualifications obtained from foreign institutions. This reform is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and is set to enhance clarity and structure in validating foreign degrees for Indian students and institutions.

• The new regulations will take effect from April 2025.
• They replace the previous role of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) in issuing equivalence certificates.
• The framework covers a wide range of academic qualifications obtained from foreign institutions.
• Professional qualifications governed by statutory councils remain outside this framework.

Additional Details

• Scope and Applicability: The regulations apply to degrees, diplomas, and certificates from foreign institutions, including offshore campuses, for various purposes such as admissions into Indian higher education, research, and employment.
• Key Conditions for Granting Equivalence:
  • The awarding institution must be recognized by relevant accreditation bodies in its home country.
  • Entry-level requirements should align with similar programs in India.
  • Qualifications obtained through distance or online learning may be included based on public feedback.
  • Franchise arrangements where institutions operate under the name of a foreign entity are not recognized.
• Online Application Process: A dedicated online portal will facilitate equivalence applications, with a standing committee evaluating submissions within 10 working days.
• Transition from AIU to UGC: This shift aims to establish a more accountable and transparent system, directly aligned with national education reforms.
• Impact on Students and Institutions: The new regulations are expected to streamline the integration of students returning from abroad into the Indian education and job market.
• Safeguarding Standards: The UGC emphasizes the importance of recognizing qualifications only from legitimate accrediting bodies to maintain the integrity of Indian higher education.

The 2025 UGC regulations represent a significant advancement in India's educational policy, ensuring transparency and consistency in recognizing foreign qualifications. This timely regulatory framework will support India's aspiration to become a global education hub, reflecting the increasing number of Indian students studying abroad.

GS3/Science and Technology

CAPTCHA: A Digital Border Between Humans and Bots

Why in News?

This newscard highlights the significance of CAPTCHA as a security measure in the digital landscape. It has garnered attention due to its role in differentiating human users from automated bots, particularly in light of increasing security concerns on websites.

• CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart.
• It was developed in the early 2000s as a response to the rise of automated bots that created fake accounts and spammed websites.
• The first patent for CAPTCHA was filed in 2003.

Additional Details

• How Does CAPTCHA Work: CAPTCHA presents tasks that are easy for humans but challenging for machines, such as recognizing distorted text or images.
• Image Recognition CAPTCHA: Users identify specific objects in images (e.g., cars, traffic lights).
• reCAPTCHA: Launched by Google in 2009, this system aids in digitizing text from scanned documents while verifying users.
• Invisible reCAPTCHA: Introduced in 2014, it analyzes user interactions without requiring a challenge.

Limitations of CAPTCHA

• Accessibility Issues: CAPTCHA can be difficult for individuals with disabilities, including visual or hearing impairments.
• User Inconvenience: Solving CAPTCHAs can hinder user experience, especially on mobile devices.
• Advancing Bot Technology: As AI technology improves, bots are increasingly able to bypass CAPTCHA systems.

In conclusion, while CAPTCHA serves as an essential tool for enhancing online security, it also faces challenges regarding accessibility and the evolving capabilities of automated bots. Continuous advancements in technology may necessitate the development of more sophisticated security measures.

GS2/Governance

Health and Sanitation as the Pillars of a Healthy India

Why in News?

On World Health Day, the global community reflects on the foundations of human well-being. India highlights that health and sanitation are interlinked, with significant initiatives led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at transforming public health through water and sanitation movements.

• The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) are key initiatives reshaping India’s public health landscape.
• India declared itself Open Defecation Free (ODF) in 2019, ahead of the global Sustainable Development Goal deadline.
• Universal access to clean drinking water has the potential to prevent numerous deaths and improve overall health outcomes.

Additional Details

• Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Launched in 2014, SBM aimed to improve sanitation and hygiene across rural areas, resulting in India becoming ODF ahead of schedule.
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Initiated in 2019, JJM focuses on providing clean drinking water to every rural household, which is crucial for improving health and gender equity.
• The initiatives have collectively saved rural households approximately ₹50,000 annually in healthcare costs due to reduced diarrhoeal diseases.
• Women are empowered through these initiatives, taking on roles as water quality testers and sanitation leaders, thus influencing gender dynamics positively.
• India’s approach is a model for global cooperation, emphasizing community participation and inter-ministerial collaboration in public health.

In conclusion, India's ongoing efforts in health and sanitation demonstrate that foundational public health improvements come from accessible clean water and sanitation, as well as empowered communities. The experiences gained from these initiatives provide valuable lessons for sustainable global health strategies.

GS2/International Relations

Ottawa Convention

Why in News?

Recently, NATO member countries, including Poland, Finland, and the three Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), have indicated intentions to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention.

• The Ottawa Convention aims to ban the use, production, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel mines.
• As of March 2025, 165 countries are signatories, but major powers like the United States, China, Russia, India, and Israel have not signed.

Additional Details

• About the Ottawa Convention: Adopted in 1997, this international treaty is also known as the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty. It specifically targets anti-personnel mines while excluding anti-vehicle mines and other types of munitions.
• Key Features: Signatories are required to destroy all stockpiled anti-personnel mines within 4 years of ratification, with some allowances for training-related mines.
• Objectives of the Treaty:
  • End Human Suffering: The primary goal is to eliminate the human suffering caused by landmines.
  • Prevent Civilian Casualties: It aims to reduce civilian casualties long after conflicts have ended.
  • Rehabilitation and Restoration: The treaty seeks to assist in the rehabilitation of victims and the restoration of previously mined land for civilian use.
• Significance of the Convention: According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), over 80% of mine victims are civilians, and the convention includes provisions to support these victims, many of whom face permanent disabilities.

In conclusion, the Ottawa Convention plays a crucial role in addressing the humanitarian impacts of landmines and reflects the international community's commitment to protecting civilians in conflict zones.

GS2/Governance

Police Torture and Unaccountability in India

Why in News?

A recent comprehensive study titled "Status of Policing in India Report (SPIR) 2024," released by Common Cause in collaboration with the Lokniti Programme of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), highlights systemic issues related to police violence, torture, and a significant lack of accountability. The findings are based on interactions with 8,276 police personnel across 17 states and Union Territories.

• 55% of police personnel support using tough methods to instill fear among the public.
• 25% justify mob justice in certain scenarios, while 22% prefer encounter killings over legal trials.
• 41% claim that arrest procedures are always followed, with Kerala reporting the highest compliance at 94%.
• 30% of police personnel justify third-degree torture in serious cases.
• Custodial deaths report zero convictions from 2018 to 2022.

Additional Details

• Understanding Torture: Under the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT, 1984), torture is defined as the intentional infliction of severe physical or mental pain by a public official for purposes such as punishment or coercion. India signed this convention in 1997 but has not ratified it, rendering it non-binding legally.
• Judicial and Medical Apathy: There is a consensus among legal professionals that confessions to the police should not be made inadmissible, and magistrates often act as silent spectators, failing to adequately interact with the accused.
• Victim Demographics: Victims of police torture are predominantly from marginalized groups, including Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, illiterates, and slum dwellers.
• Encouraging Insights: Despite the troubling findings, 79% of police personnel favor human rights training, and 71% support measures to prevent torture.

The Common Cause-CSDS report illustrates a troubling landscape of police torture and a lack of accountability within India's law enforcement system. Addressing these issues is crucial not only for upholding the rule of law but also for restoring public trust in the criminal justice system. A humane and rights-based approach to policing is not just a legal necessity; it is a moral and constitutional imperative.

GS2/Governance

Three Billion People Cannot Afford a Healthy Diet

Why in News?

A healthy and nutritious diet is significantly more costly than merely consuming enough calories to sustain life. Consequently, approximately three billion people across the globe lack the financial means to maintain a healthy diet.

• A calorie-sufficient diet lacks essential nutrients, while a healthy diet provides necessary nutrients for overall well-being.
• High costs of nutritious foods, low incomes, and prioritization of non-food essentials hinder access to healthy diets globally.
• Regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia show the highest percentages of populations unable to afford healthy diets.

Additional Details

• Primary Difference Between Diets:
  • Calorie-Sufficient Diet: Focused on providing minimum energy, often lacks micronutrients, and is typically made up of inexpensive staples.
  • Healthy Diet: Includes a variety of food groups—grains, fruits, dairy, and proteins—providing essential nutrients for growth and health.
• Affordability Issues:
  • Nutritious diets cost significantly more than basic staples. For instance, a meal with rice, lentils, vegetables, and milk costs more than a simple rice or maize meal.
  • In low-income countries, median incomes often fall below the cost of a healthy diet, forcing families to rely on cheaper, less nutritious options.
• Regions Affected:
  • In Sub-Saharan Africa, over 80% of the population lacks access to affordable healthy foods, with countries like Chad and Niger facing severe challenges.
  • South Asia also struggles, with countries such as India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, where basic healthy foods can take up an entire day's wage for rural families.
• Role of Subsistence Farmers:
  • These farmers often provide their own food but may still lack dietary diversity and sufficient nutrients.
  • Market access and income limitations prevent them from purchasing a variety of nutritious foods.

The Indian government has initiated several programs to combat malnutrition and improve dietary access, including the Poshan Abhiyaan and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, aimed at enhancing nutrition among vulnerable populations. Future strategies should focus on supporting local production, diversifying diets, and implementing policies to make healthy foods more affordable.