21 March 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. How do habitual offender laws discriminate?

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

Current Status of Habitual Offender Laws in India

• As of March 11, 2025, the Government of India revealed that such laws are still in force in 14 States and Union Territories.
• Some States, like Punjab, have stopped using them, while others, like Haryana, have repealed them.
• Gujarat has defended the law, arguing that its intent is not to harass people.
• Some States, like Goa, claim they do not misuse the law because they do not have denotified tribes.

Historical Background

• The classification of communities as “criminal” began in 1793.
• The Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 labeled certain tribes as “criminal,” leading to widespread discrimination.
• The Act was repealed in 1952, and affected communities were reclassified as denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic tribes.
• Despite this, various States introduced “habitual offender” laws, focusing on individuals instead of entire communities.

Definition and Application

• A “habitual offender” is defined based on past criminal convictions.
• The law has been used to justify additional restrictions on individuals, including in jail manuals.
• Certain crimes, such as “belonging to a gang of dacoits” or “living on the earnings of prostitution,” have been included under these laws.

Concerns and Calls for Repeal

• Rights groups and commissions have criticized these laws for reinforcing discrimination.
• In 1998, a custodial death in West Bengal led to national outrage and calls for repeal.
• A UN committee in 2007 recommended the repeal of these laws.
• In 2014, a government committee noted that the “habitual offender” label continues the stigma of past criminal tribe laws.

State-Level Responses

• Punjab and Odisha have stopped using the law in the past five years.
• Andhra Pradesh has confirmed that no one in its jails is imprisoned under this law.
• Uttar Pradesh argues that similar provisions exist under the Goondas Act.
• Delhi has the highest proportion of “habitual offenders” in prisons at 21.5%.

Conclusion

• Despite Supreme Court concerns, some States defend the law, while others have discontinued its use.
• The government continues to discuss the issue with States, with no nationwide decision on repeal yet.

2. The TB crisis and women: why gender issues matters more than ever

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Challenges Faced by Women

• Women in India struggle with under-diagnosis and financial barriers while accessing TB treatment.
• They face social stigma and discrimination, making their journey to recovery difficult.
• Many women are abandoned by their families and lose their jobs after being diagnosed with TB.
• The burden of household responsibilities and lack of social support often prevents them from seeking timely treatment.

Impact of Gender Norms

• Gender differences affect access to TB-related services in both public and private healthcare sectors.
• Many women ignore symptoms or prioritize family needs over their own health.
• The mental and emotional toll of TB is severe, leading to isolation and depression.

TB Burden in India

• 27% of the world’s TB cases are from India.
• In 2022, 331,000 deaths occurred due to TB, with 23 deaths per 100,000 people.
• 2.5% of new cases and 13% of previously treated cases are drug-resistant.

Government Initiatives for TB Elimination

• India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, ahead of the global 2030 target.
• The National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) focuses on early detection, treatment, and prevention.
• Nikshay Poshan Yojana provides ₹1,000 per month to TB patients during treatment.
• Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan offers additional nutritional support through community contributions.

Need for Stronger Implementation

• NGOs urge better implementation of benefit schemes to ensure proper nutrition and medicines reach the poor.
• The government is working on engaging private sectors and raising awareness to eliminate TB effectively.

3. India’s Power Grid Faces Instability Amid Rapid Renewable Expansion and Thermal Constraints

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 18)

Analysis of the news:

Thermal Power Constraints in Non-Solar Hours

• While India has significantly expanded its renewable energy capacity, with over 165 GW excluding large hydro, coal-based thermal power has only marginally increased to 220 GW.
• Unlike renewables, thermal plants provide crucial baseload support and can be ramped up as needed.
• However, with most thermal plants already running at high capacity, there is little room to compensate for fluctuations in solar and wind generation, leading to potential power shortages.

Projected Power Shortages in Summer 2025

• India’s peak power demand has surged from 169 GW in 2018-19 to a projected 270 GW in 2025.
• The National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) has warned of significant power deficits during non-solar hours, particularly in May and June 2025.
• The risk of unmet demand ranges from 15-20 GW, with a high likelihood of supply shortfalls, necessitating emergency measures like forced load shedding.

Need for Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

• To address grid instability, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has called for co-locating energy storage systems with solar projects.
• However, India’s installed storage capacity remains minimal—less than 5 GW as of 2024.
• While battery energy storage system (BESS) prices have dropped, their deployment has been slow, with India requiring 208.25 GWh of storage by 2030.
• Timely commissioning of storage solutions is crucial to balancing intermittent renewable energy generation.

Challenges in Thermal Power Expansion

• To counter supply shortages, the government is considering invoking Section 11 of the Electricity Act, 2003, to mandate higher operation of imported coal-based plants.
• However, high costs and policy missteps, such as discouraging new thermal projects in the 2017-22 National Electricity Plan, have led to stagnation in coal-based capacity.
• Delays in under-construction thermal plants due to theft, fires, and raw material shortages have further aggravated the situation.

Way Forward

• India must adopt a balanced approach, integrating renewables with adequate energy storage and maintaining sufficient thermal capacity to ensure grid stability.
• Policy adjustments, faster deployment of BESS and pumped storage plants, and strategic use of coal-based power during high-demand periods are essential for managing the growing energy demand efficiently.

4. Prashad Scheme

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113287 )

PRASHAD Scheme:

• It provides financial assistance to State Governments and Union Territories for infrastructure development.
• The scheme aims to develop pilgrimage sites in an inclusive, integrated, and sustainable manner, focusing on livelihoods, skills, cleanliness, security, accessibility, and service delivery.
• 48 projects have been sanctioned across 27 States and Union Territories under the scheme.
• Key initiatives include tourist facilitation centres, sound and light shows, multi-storied parking, ghats development, solid waste management, solar panels, and CCTV installations.
• The scheme promotes employment generation, skill development, and sustainability, enhancing the overall pilgrim experience.
• It complements the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme, which aims to develop iconic tourist centres to a global scale.

5. Government steps to Strengthen Strategic Petroleum Reserves

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113233 )

Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) in India

• Total storage capacity:5.33 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) at three locations:
  • Vishakhapatnam – 1.33 MMT
  • Mangaluru – 1.5 MMT
  • Padur – 2.5 MMT

Expansion of Strategic Reserves

• In July 2021, the government approved two more SPR facilities with 6.5 MMT capacity:
  • Chandikhol (Odisha) – 4 MMT
  • Padur (Karnataka) – 2.5 MMT
• These facilities will be developed through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Crude Oil Diversification

• To reduce dependence on a single region, India imports crude oil from the Middle East, Africa, North America, and South America.
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) imports have also been diversified to include Australia, USA, and UAE.

Strategies to Reduce Fossil Fuel Dependence

• Promoting natural gas as an alternative fuel.
• Encouraging the use of renewable energy like ethanol, biodiesel, compressed biogas (CBG), and green hydrogen.
• Improving refinery efficiency and energy conservation.
• Increasing domestic oil and natural gas production through various policies.

Key Government Initiatives for Clean Energy

• SATAT Initiative promotes the use of Compressed Bio Gas (CBG) as an automotive fuel.
• Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme blends ethanol with petrol.
• Biodiesel Blending Programme promotes blending biodiesel with diesel.
• These efforts ensure energy security, sustainability, and price stability.

6. Transforming India’s Agricultural and Dairy Sectors

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113351 )

Revised National Program for Dairy Development (NPDD)

• The NPDD, a Central Sector Scheme, received an additional budget of ₹1,000 crore, raising the total to ₹2,790 crore for 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Key Objectives

• Enhancing milk procurement, processing, and quality control.
• Improving market access and pricing for farmers.
• Strengthening the dairy supply chain for rural income growth.

Components

• Component A: Focus on improving dairy infrastructure.
• Component B: Dairying through Cooperatives (DTC) in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Expected Outcomes

• Establishment of 10,000 new Dairy Cooperative Societies.
• Creation of 3.2 lakh jobs, with 70% benefiting women.

Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)

• The RGM received an additional ₹1,000 crore, increasing the budget to ₹3,400 crore for 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Ongoing Activities

• Strengthening artificial insemination and semen stations.
• Bull production and breed improvement.
• Farmer awareness programs and skill development.

Expected Outcomes

• Increased income for 8.5 crore dairy farmers.
• Conservation of indigenous bovine breeds.

Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying in Union Budget 2024-25

• Agriculture is a key focus, emphasizing productivity, rural infrastructure, and self-sufficiency.

Key Agriculture Sector Provisions

• Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: Aims to enhance productivity in 100 low-yield districts, benefiting 1.7 crore farmers.
• Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme: Focuses on skilling and investment in agriculture, covering 100 districts in Phase-1.
• Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses: Six-year mission for Tur, Urad, and Masoor with climate-resilient seeds.
• Comprehensive Programme for Vegetables and Fruits: Encourages production, value addition, and processing.
• National Mission on High Yielding Seeds: Supports pest-resistant, high-yield seed research.
• Cotton Productivity Mission: Five-year plan to enhance cotton yields and sustainability.
• Kisan Credit Card Loan Limit: Raised from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh, benefiting 7.7 crore farmers.
• Urea Plant in Assam: New plant with a 12.7 lakh metric ton annual capacity to boost self-sufficiency.
• Makhana Board in Bihar: Supports makhana farming and processing.
• Fisheries Development Framework: Focus on sustainable marine sector growth in Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep.

Credit and Financial Inclusion

• Grameen Credit Score: Public Sector Banks to create a rural credit framework.
• Micro Enterprises Credit Expansion: ₹5 lakh customized credit cards for 10 lakh enterprises.

Research and Infrastructure Development

• Gene Bank for Crops Germplasm: Establishing a second gene bank with 10 lakh germplasm lines.
• Agriculture Research and Development: Enhanced private-sector participation.

Conclusion

• A balanced approach that includes policy support, infrastructure development, and sustainable practices is crucial to maximizing benefits in agriculture and the dairy sector.
• This ensures higher farmers’ income, environmental sustainability, and long-term growth.

Prelims Facts

1. Tata Comm unveils AI cloud service Vayu

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 12)

About Vayu:

• It aims to address high cloud costs, multi-cloud complexities, and AI infrastructure challenges.
• Vayu integrates Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service, AI platform, security, and cloud connectivity.
• It offers 15-25% cost savings compared to large cloud providers.
• No data egress charges or hidden fees ensure transparent pricing.

2. AI Appu to tutor children in India

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 12)

About Appu:

• Supported by Google.org, Appu was developed with a $1.5 million grant.
• It is designed for children aged 3 to 6 years to provide personalized learning experiences.
• Piloted by thousands of children, it aims to reach 50 million families by 2030.
• The initiative includes government-run Anganwadi centres and pre-schools.
• 85% of brain development occurs by age six, making early education crucial.
• Appu seeks to enhance India’s IQ, leverage its demographic dividend, and bridge the AI divide.

3. Rising from the ashes

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

About Theyyam:

• Theyyam is a traditional ritualistic dance form from Kerala, particularly popular in the Malabar region.

• It is performed as part of temple festivals, known as Kaliyattam, where performers are believed to embody deities.
• Theyyam combines dance, music, and elaborate makeup and costumes, creating a visually striking performance.
• The performers, often from lower-caste communities, undergo rigorous training and follow specific rituals before the act.
• The themes of Theyyam are based on local myths, legends, and historical events, often depicting warriors, deities, or spirits.
• Drums, cymbals, and folk songs accompany the performance, creating an intense and dramatic atmosphere.
• Some well-known Theyyam forms include Kandanar Kelan, Vayanattu Kulavan, and Muchilottu Bhagavathy.
• It serves both as a religious offering and a cultural tradition, attracting devotees and tourists a like.

4. Fijian Iguanas

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 18)

Analysis of the news:

Unusual Geographic Distribution

• Fiji and Tonga’s native iguanas pose a biological puzzle, as all other living iguana species are found in the Americas.
• Understanding how these reptiles reached isolated Pacific islands has long intrigued scientists.

Rafting Across the Ocean

• New research suggests that the iguanas’ ancestors likely arrived via rafting, a process where animals travel on floating vegetation across vast distances.
• While invertebrates commonly disperse this way, lizards and snakes—due to their slow metabolism—have also been observed surviving oceanic journeys.

The Longest Known Vertebrate Rafting Event

• Previous studies confirmed iguanas rafting short distances, such as a 300 km voyage in the Caribbean.
• However, the nearly 8,000 km journey to the South Pacific is unprecedented.
• Earlier theories suggested these iguanas were remnants of an extinct group that reached Fiji via land routes through Asia or Australia.

Genetic Evidence and Timing

• By analyzing DNA from 14 iguana species, researchers found that Fijian iguanas are closest to Dipsosaurus, a genus found in the American Southwest and Mexico.
• The genetic split occurred 30–34 million years ago, aligning with the emergence of the Fijian islands.
• During this period, cold polar conditions made land migration implausible, strengthening the case for overwater rafting.

Survival Factors

Several factors made the journey feasible:

• A three- to four-month crossing coincides with iguana hibernation, reducing food needs.
• Floating vegetation provided food for the herbivorous reptiles.

Significance of the Study

• This research reinforces the idea that long-distance dispersal played a crucial role in the evolution of many animal species, challenging prior assumptions about migration and biogeography.

5. Aurangzeb’s Tomb Controversy

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 18)

Analysis of the news:

Historical Background and Aurangzeb’s Final Years

• Aurangzeb, the longest-serving Mughal emperor, spent his final years in military campaigns against the Marathas in the Deccan.
• He died in 1707 and was buried in Khuldabad (formerly Rauza) in a simple grave, as per his wishes.
• Unlike his predecessors, who have grand tombs, Aurangzeb’s grave reflects both his personal austerity and the declining grandeur of the Mughal Empire.

Religious and Political Symbolism

• Aurangzeb is often viewed as a religious hardliner, yet his burial site in the dargah of a Sufi saint reflects a contrast in his religious views.
• His grave, similar to that of his sister Jahan Ara, who supported his rival Dara Shikoh, symbolizes the complexities within the Mughal dynasty.
• The fact that later Mughal rulers did not construct a grand tomb for him also underscores the weakening of the empire.

Modern Controversy and Political Context

• The recent calls for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb stem from a broader ideological movement seeking to rectify perceived historical wrongs.
• Hindutva groups view Aurangzeb as a symbol of oppression, particularly due to his policies against Hindu rulers and temples.
• However, historical narratives are often complex, and using historical figures to justify modern-day conflicts risks distorting historical realities.

Lessons from History

• Aurangzeb’s grave is not just a burial site but a reminder of the Mughal empire’s rise and fall.
• His own reflections in his last letter to his son highlight his realization of the limitations of his rule.
• The current controversy should be viewed in light of historical facts rather than as a tool for political mobilization.

Understanding history in its full complexity is essential to avoid reducing it to a simplistic narrative of villains and heroes.

Check out this 20 March 2025 : Daily Current Affairs