02 April 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

Table of Contents

Toggle

1. Why India needs to clean its air

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Persistent Crisis

• Air pollution in India is a year-round issue, not just a seasonal problem.
• Every winter, pollution worsens, causing health crises, school closures, and economic disruptions.
• Indian cities frequently top global pollution rankings.

Current Efforts and Challenges

• The government has launched programs like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Bharat VI fuel standards, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), and efforts to reduce coal-burning industries.
• However, these initiatives remain fragmented, and implementation is slow.
• Effective solutions require better coordination and integration of policies.

Understanding the Root Cause

• Air pollution is often viewed as a technical issue, but it is also influenced by governance, economic factors, and social behavior.
• Local-level workers such as municipal officers and engineers play a key role but face budget constraints and outdated infrastructure.
• Strengthening local governance is crucial for sustained progress.

Meeting Air Quality Targets

• India aims to reduce PM2.5 levels by 40% by 2026 (compared to 2017 levels).
• Achieving this goal requires detailed data on pollution sources like transportation, fuel types, and industrial emissions.
• Without accurate local data, national targets may not translate into effective action.

Funding and Resource Allocation

• India’s clean air budget is much lower than some other countries.
• NCAP’s budget is ₹11,542 crore, while additional programs like PMUY (₹18,128 crore) and FAME II (₹10,795 crore) also contribute indirectly.
• However, only 60% of NCAP funds were utilized from 2019 to 2023, highlighting inefficiencies in resource allocation.
• Better tracking of funds and results is needed to improve accountability.

Data-Driven Solutions

• A three-phase approach is recommended:
  • Identify major pollution sources using local emissions data.
  • Allocate funds based on real pollution data, not just general estimates.
  • Measure reductions in emissions, not just pollution levels, to track actual progress.

Avoiding Ineffective Solutions

• High-tech solutions like smog towers and AI-based pollution tracking have limited impact if basic sources like biomass burning and old industrial methods are not addressed.
• Urban areas may get advanced tools, but rural and informal sectors contribute significantly to pollution and need better attention.
• Research and practical implementation must be separated to ensure immediate action.

Lessons from Other Countries

• China shut down coal plants, Brazil improved waste management, and California reinvested pollution revenue into poor communities.
• India must design solutions that fit its governance structure, economy, and social realities.

Way Forward

• Pollution control must be integrated into daily governance.
• Solutions should focus on people, partnerships, and action, rather than just technology and policies.
• Clean air should be a right for all, requiring bold decisions and strong execution.

2. The radical and enduring legacy of Shivaji

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 11)

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: A Visionary Leader

Opposition to Mughal Expansion

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj played a key role in resisting Mughal expansion in India.
• He started as a warrior and eventually established an independent kingdom.
• Leading from the front, he inspired loyalty among his soldiers, who willingly sacrificed their lives.
• His efforts led to the creation of Hindavi Swarajya, a self-governed Indian state.

Guerrilla Warfare Tactics

• Chhatrapati Shivaji used Ganimi Kawa, or guerrilla warfare, to counter larger Mughal forces.
• He relied on swift cavalry raids, disruption of enemy supply lines, and hit-and-run tactics.
• His army was highly mobile, disciplined, and accustomed to harsh conditions, unlike the slow-moving Mughal forces.
• Contemporary foreign travelers admired his military organization and leadership.

Meritocratic Rule and Inclusive Governance

• Chhatrapati Shivaji’s administration was inclusive, with officers from various social backgrounds.
• His army included individuals from different castes, tribal communities, and even non-Hindus.
• His leadership was based on merit rather than hereditary privilege.
• At the time of his death, none of the 240 forts of his kingdom were controlled by hereditary nobles.

Social and Religious Reforms

• He allowed individuals to reconvert to Hinduism, a progressive step for that era.
• Orthodox religious authorities opposed his coronation due to caste identity disputes.
• On his deathbed, he ensured that his wives were not forced into Sati, promoting women’s dignity.

Promotion of Indigenous Languages

• Shivaji Maharaj sought to replace Persian legal terms with Indian languages.
• In 1677, he sponsored the “Rajavyavaharakosha”, which translated over 1,500 Persian terms into Sanskrit.
• Marathi became the official language of administration and literature, making governance accessible to common people.

Abolition of Slavery

• During Mughal rule, slavery was widespread, with laws justifying its practice.
• Shivaji Maharaj banned the slave trade in his territories and ordered Dutch traders to stop its practice.
• He actively enforced this ban, warning traders of consequences for violating the law.

Economic and Land Reforms

• Shivaji Maharaj abolished the Vatandari system, which allowed landlords to exploit peasants.
• He introduced the Ryotwari system, giving cultivators direct control over their land.
• His policies reduced the dominance of landlords, preventing them from amassing excessive power.

Legacy as a Social Reformer

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s governance ensured that peasants and common people had better economic opportunities.
• His reforms created a more just society by limiting the power of feudal landlords.
• His progressive policies earned him the title Shakakarta, or epoch maker.

3. Mahabodhi Temple Dispute: Buddhist Protests Renew Demand for Full Control

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 14)

Analysis of the news:

Historical and Religious Significance of the Temple

• The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, marks the site where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment and became the Buddha in 589 BCE.
• Originally built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, the temple underwent several modifications under different dynasties, including the Guptas and the Palas.
• However, with the decline of Buddhism in India, the temple fell into disrepair and came under the control of Hindu priests, leading to a long-standing dispute over its governance.

The Legal Framework: Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949

• The Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BGTA), 1949, was enacted to manage the temple’s affairs through a committee with equal Hindu and Buddhist representation.
• However, the Act mandates that the committee chairman be Hindu if the District Magistrate of Gaya (who is the ex-officio chairman) is non-Hindu.
• This provision effectively ensures Hindu dominance over the temple’s administration, leading to dissatisfaction among Buddhists who demand full control over the shrine.

The Current Dispute and Buddhist Protests

• Recent protests erupted when Buddhist monks fasting against the presence of Hindu rituals at the temple were forcibly removed on February 27.
• The demonstrations, led by the All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF), call for repealing the BGTA and granting full administrative rights to Buddhists.
• Protestors argue that Hindu traditions have overshadowed Buddhist practices at the site, diluting its religious character.

Legal Hurdles: Places of Worship Act, 1991

• A major legal obstacle in the Buddhists’ claim is the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which maintains the religious status quo of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947.
• This law prevents any change in the management structure of the Mahabodhi Temple and has blocked legal challenges by Buddhist groups seeking control.
• A petition to repeal the BGTA was filed in the Supreme Court in 2012, but the case remains pending.

Way Forward

• The dispute underscores the need for a balanced resolution that respects the religious significance of the temple for Buddhists while addressing historical complexities.
• A possible solution could involve amending the BGTA to grant greater administrative powers to Buddhists while ensuring shared heritage preservation.
• Given the legal challenges, a judicial or legislative intervention may be required to address Buddhist grievances and uphold India’s pluralistic ethos.

4. India and Chile to Begin Talks on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Economy, Page – 15)

Analysis of the news:

India-Chile Talks on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)

• India and Chile have announced the initiation of talks to establish a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), focusing on critical minerals such as lithium and copper.
• These minerals are essential for electric vehicle (EV) battery production, making Chile, with the world’s largest lithium and copper reserves, a key partner in the global supply chain.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted that the agreement would focus on strengthening resilient supply chains and value chains in critical minerals, areas in which both nations are keen to collaborate.

Growing Bilateral Trade

• India-Chile trade has been steadily growing, with bilateral trade reaching $3.8 billion in 2024, up from $1.5 billion in 2020.
• Chile is India’s fifth-largest trading partner in South America, with copper and related products making up a significant portion of imports.
• India’s exports to Chile mainly consist of automobiles and pharmaceuticals. Despite challenges such as the 2014 carbon tax on diesel vehicles, India’s exports have recovered, demonstrating the resilience of trade relations between the two countries.

Focus on Critical Minerals and Green Mining Investments

• The focus of the CEPA talks will be on securing a stable supply of critical minerals for India’s growing EV, renewable energy, and electronics sectors. Chile’s rich reserves of copper and lithium are crucial for India’s manufacturing ambitions in these areas.
• In addition, India is keen on exploring mining investments in Chile, both in existing and new mining projects, to strengthen bilateral and business-to-business (B2B) partnerships.

Historical Trade Agreements

• The CEPA talks build upon a 2016 agreement to expand the India-Chile Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), which increased the number of tariff lines from 474 to 2,829.
• This expanded agreement has helped foster a more robust trading relationship. India’s National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) further supports this initiative, aiming to secure the materials needed for India’s evolving industries.

Future Prospects

• India and Chile’s growing economic partnership is expected to deepen with the potential for further investments in Chile’s mining sector, particularly in lithium exploration.
• The visit of Chile’s President Gabriel Boric to India signals a commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and space.
• As the relationship between the two nations strengthens, the CEPA could pave the way for greater trade liberalization and deeper economic integration.

5. MEASURES TO IMPROVE INDIA’S GLOBAL RANKING IN TEXTILE MANUFACTURING

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2117114 )

Government Initiatives to Promote Indian Textiles: Key Schemes and Initiatives

• PM MITRA Parks Scheme aims to create modern, world-class textile infrastructure.
• PLI Scheme focuses on large-scale manufacturing of Man-Made Fibre (MMF) fabric, MMF apparel, and technical textiles.
• National Technical Textiles Mission supports research, innovation, and market development.
• SAMARTH Scheme provides skill training for employment in the textile sector.
• Silk Samagra-2 promotes sericulture development.
• National Handloom Development Program supports the handloom sector.
• National Handicrafts Development Programme and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme aid handicraft artisans through marketing, skill development, and technology support.
• The government ensures Minimum Support Price (MSP) for cotton farmers to prevent distress sales.

Global Branding and Promotion

• Kasturi Cotton India has been registered as a trademark to enhance the identity of premium Indian cotton.
• The BHARAT TEX 2025 event in February showcased India’s textile industry, highlighting manufacturing strength, global competitiveness, and sustainability.

6. India Achieves Historic Milestone in Renewable Energy Capacity Addition

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2117501 )

Solar Power Growth

• The solar power sector led the growth, with capacity additions rising from 15 GW in FY24 to nearly 21 GW in FY25, a 38% increase.
• India surpassed 100 GW of installed solar capacity this year.

Expansion in Domestic Solar Manufacturing

• Solar module manufacturing capacity nearly doubled from 38 GW in March 2024 to 74 GW in March 2025.
• Solar PV cell manufacturing capacity tripled from 9 GW to 25 GW.
• India’s first ingot-wafer manufacturing facility (2 GW) started production.
• Investments of ₹41,000 crore under the PLI Scheme created 11,650 jobs.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana

• The scheme benefited 11.01 lakh households by March 2025.
• Financial assistance was provided to beneficiaries to promote the adoption of rooftop solar systems.

Green Hydrogen Development

• Incentives of ₹2,220 crore were given for 1,500 MW per annum electrolyser manufacturing.
• Significant investments were made to boost Green Hydrogen production and support pilot projects for decarbonizing the steel and transport sectors.
• These initiatives include manufacturing electrolysers, producing Green Hydrogen, and introducing hydrogen-fueled vehicles along with refueling infrastructure.

PM-KUSUM Scheme Achievements

• 4.4 lakh solar pumps installed, a 4.2-fold increase from FY24.
• A significant increase was recorded in the installation and solarization of pumps under different components of the scheme.
• The total number of installed and solarized pumps crossed a major milestone, showing rapid progress.
• Financial expenditure for the scheme saw a sharp rise compared to the previous year.

Prelims Facts

1. CERN reveals plan for Large Hadron Collider’s successor

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 15)

Analysis of the news:

• This collider will be 91 kilometers long, much bigger than the current Large Hadron Collider, which is 27 kilometers long.
• It will be built underground along the French-Swiss border, including an area beneath Lake Geneva.
• The FCC will first study known physics in greater detail and later, by 2070, conduct powerful collisions to explore new scientific discoveries.
• Independent experts will check the project before CERN’s 24 member countries decide in 2028 whether to approve it.
• If approved, construction will start, and the collider will begin working in the mid-2040s.
• The total cost of the project is estimated at 14 billion Swiss francs.

2. Between fire and sea

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 15)

What is volcanic fissure?

• A volcanic fissure is a long crack in the Earth’s surface from which lava erupts.
• It forms when the Earth’s crust stretches and breaks due to underground magma movement.
• Unlike a single volcanic cone, fissures can be several kilometers long.
• Lava flows out slowly or erupts forcefully, depending on pressure and magma type.
• Fissure eruptions mostly occur in volcanic regions like Iceland and Hawaii.
• These eruptions can create lava fields, new land, or even small volcanic cones.
• Fissures release gases like sulfur dioxide, which can affect air quality.
• They are often part of rift zones where tectonic plates move apart.
• Scientists monitor fissures to predict eruptions and ensure safety.
• Fissure eruptions can last days, months, or even years.

3. Six districts ‘most-affected’ by left-wing extremism: Shah

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Decline in Left-Wing Extremism Areas

• The government aims to eliminate Naxalism completely by March 31, 2026.
• The total number of Naxal-affected districts has decreased from 38 to 18.
• The six most-affected districts are in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra.
• Six districts of concern require additional resources for security and development.
•  The six most-affected districts by Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in India are:
• Bijapur – Chhattisgarh
• Kanker – Chhattisgarh
• Narayanpur – Chhattisgarh
• Sukma – Chhattisgarh
• West Singhbhum – Jharkhand
• Gadchiroli – Maharashtra
• The government provides financial aid of ₹30 crore to the most-affected districts and ₹10 crore to the districts of concern.
• New security camps and infrastructure development have improved the situation.
• Government welfare schemes have reached more villages, aiding progress.

4. Saturn’s Moon Count Soars to 274 with Discovery of 100+ New Moons

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 15)

Analysis of the news: 

Saturn’s Expanding Moon Count

• These small celestial bodies, detected using the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope in 2023, were confirmed by the International Astronomical Union.
• Many are just a few miles across, but they qualify as moons due to their stable orbits around Saturn.

Observations and Tracking

• The discovery process involved tracking tiny objects moving around Saturn over time.
• The newly identified moons are classified as irregular because they have inclined orbits and, in some cases, move in the opposite direction of Saturn’s major moons like Titan and Enceladus.
• Their orbits range between 6.5 million and 18 million miles from the planet.

Possible Origins: Cosmic Collisions

• The presence of these irregular moons suggests that they were captured by Saturn’s gravity or are remnants of past collisions.
• Researchers believe that some originated from impacts elsewhere in the solar system, while others may have resulted from violent moon-on-moon collisions.
• A significant subgroup, named Mundilfari, may have formed from a cosmic crash within Saturn’s orbit just 100 million years ago—a relatively recent event in cosmic terms.

Future Research and Implications

• Studying these tiny moons is challenging due to their small size and great distances.
• However, astronomers hope that advanced telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope may provide more insights into their composition and origins, helping to unravel the history of Saturn’s dynamic moon system.

5. India Launches ‘Operation Brahma’ to Aid Earthquake-Hit Myanmar with Massive Relief Effort

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Express Network, Page – 09)

Analysis of the news:

 Naval and Air Operations

• INS Gharial departed from Visakhapatnam with 440 tonnes of relief materials, including rice, edible oil, and medicines.
  
  
• INS Satpura and INS Savitri delivered 40 tonnes of supplies upon arrival in Yangon on March 31.
  
  
• INS Karmuk and LCU 52 reached Yangon on April 2 with 30 tonnes of aid.
  
  
• Indian Air Force aircraft delivered rescue teams and medical equipment.
  
  

Field Hospital for Medical Aid

• The Indian Army has set up a field hospital in Mandalay, which is now operational, providing medical care to the injured.

India’s Commitment to Regional Stability

• India’s swift response highlights its commitment to regional humanitarian assistance and strengthens diplomatic ties with Myanmar.
• The mission aligns with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, reinforcing its role as a first responder in crises.

check more – 01 April 2025 : Daily Current Affairs