Current Affairs – April 11, 2025

{GS1 – A&C – Religion} Philosophy of Jainism *

• Context (IE): Mahavir Jayanti, also called Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira, the 24^th and last Tirthankara of Jainism.

Jainism

• Jainism is an ancient religion based on nonviolence, austerity, and spiritual purity.
• Pre-Mahavira Origins: The faith predates Mahavir, with historical validation for Parsvanatha & Mahavir.

Tirthankaras of Jainism

• Jainism recognises 24 Tirthankaras or enlightened teachers who show the path to liberation.
• The Rig Veda refers to Rishabha and Arishtanemi, indicating ancient roots of Jain tradition.
• Rishabhdeva (1^st Tirthankara): Born in Ayodhya to Nabhi and Marudevi, his symbol is the bull, and he attained moksha at Mount Kailash.
• Parshvanatha (23^rd Tirthankara): Born in Varanasi, symbol is serpent, attained moksha at Shikharji (Jharkhand), and preached Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha.
• Mahavira (24^th Tirthankara): Born in 599 BCE (debatable) in Kundalagrama (Bihar) to King Siddhartha & Queen Trishala. Renounced royal life at age 30; spent 12 years in rigorous asceticism. Travelled across India for 30 years spreading Jain philosophy.
  • Expanded Parshvanatha’s teachings by adding Brahmacharya (celibacy) as the fifth vow.

Symbolic and Cultural Expressions

• Jain Emblem: Depicts the universe (Loka), raised hand with Ahimsa symbol, three dots for the Ratnatraya, and a crescent denoting Siddhashila, i.e., abode of liberated souls.
• Panch Parameshti: Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu, revered in Navkar Mahamantra. Represent progressive stages of spiritual evolution.
• Jina Image Worship: Tirthankara idols depicted in meditative posture (Padmasana or Kayotsarga), denoting detachment and inner purity.
• Ritual Practices: Include Paryushana, of which the last day is Samvatsari (forgiveness day), Pratikramana (introspection ritual) and temple worship.
  • Sallekhana: Ritualistic fast unto death; spiritual vow practiced at the end of life to purify karma.

Sects within Jainism

• Digambara Vs. Shvetambara: Split in sects caused by migration post-famine during Chandragupta Maurya’s reign; when returned monks wore clothes.
  • Main Difference: Digambaras saints practice nudity, while Shvetambaras saints wear white robes. Digambaras deny female salvation directly; Shvetambaras allow women to attain jina-hood.

Fundamental Jain Philosophy

• Panch Mahavratas (Five Great Vows): Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), Aparigraha (non-possession).
• Triratna or Three Gems: Right Faith (Samyag-darshana), Right Knowledge (Samyag-jnana), Right Conduct (Samyag-charitra).
• Anekantavada and Syadavada: Reality is manifold & complex. Hence, relative truth applies.
• Spiritual Detachment: Material body states (childhood, youth, old age) are illusionary; true identity lies in the soul.
• Everything has substance (dravya), quality (guna), and mode (paryaya), reflecting constant change.
  • Dravya (Substances): Six eternal categories- Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Dharma (motion), Adharma (rest), Akasha (space), and Kala (time).
  • Guna (Qualities): Every Dravya possesses inherent and permanent attributes (Gunadharma) that determine its nature and behavior.
  • Paryaya (Modes): Temporary states or modifications of substances; all things constantly change without losing their essential identity.

• Doctrine of Jiva & Ajiva: Jiva (soul) is eternal & conscious; Ajiva (non-soul) includes matter, space, time.
  • Soul (Jiva): Every soul possesses infinite knowledge, faith, bliss & power (anantacatustaya).
    • Types of Knowledge: Mati Jnana (sensory perception), Sruta Jnana (scriptural knowledge), Avadhi Jnana (clairvoyance), Manahparyaya Jnana (telepathy) & Kevala Jnana (omniscience).
    • Anantacatustaya (Four Infinities): An omniscient soul possesses four infinite attributes, i.e., Ananta Jnana (infinite knowledge), Ananta Darshana (infinite perception), Ananta Sukha (infinite bliss), and Ananta Virya (infinite energy).
• Karma and Rebirth: Subtle karmic matter binds the soul; even unintentional acts generate karma; hence occupations causing harm are avoided, eg, agriculture, animal transport, and related trades.
  • Moksha: Liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) by shedding Karmic particles.
    • Ascetic Traditions: Extreme asceticism, fasting & meditation are means of liberation (Kaivalya).
  • Steps to Kaivalya: Asrav (influx of karmas), Samvara (stoppage of karmic inflow), Nirjara (shedding of karmas) and Kaivalya or Kevala Jnana (attainment of omniscience).

Historical Jain Councils

• First Council (Patliputra, 3^rd Century BC): Presided by Sthulbhadra.
• Second Council (Vallabhi, 512 AD): Presided by Devardhi Kshmasramana. 12 Angas were compiled.

Sacred Texts and Literature

• Agamas: Canonical Jain scriptures; teachings compiled by Ganadharas (chief disciples) based on Mahavira’s discourses.
  • Shvetambara Canon: 12 Angas (Principal canonical scriptures; Eg, Acharanga Sutra, Bhagavati Sutra), Upangas, Prakirnas, Cheda Sutras, and Mula Sutras.
  • Written in Ardh-Magadhi Language; compiled at Pataliputra and later in Valabhi.
  • 14 Purvas: Earlier texts, now mostly lost.
• Charitas: Hagiographies like Kalpa Sutra, Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Charitra, and Mahapurana by Jinasena, chronicling the lives of Tirthankaras and other ideal beings.
• Puranas: Adi Purana (life of Rishabha), Harivamsha Purana (Jain version of Mahabharata), Parishishtaparvan by Hemachandra (history and politics).
• Tattvartha Sutra: Foundational Jain philosophical text authored by Umasvati, accepted by both Digambara and Svetambara sects.
• Samayasara: Core spiritual text by Acharya Kundakunda emphasising nature of soul & self-realization.

Boosting Jain Pilgrimage

• Tirthankar Circuit under Swadesh Darshan: Ministry of Tourism is developing religious tourism circuits including Jain Tirthankar sites in Bihar- Vaishali, Arrah, Masad, Patna, Rajgir, Pawapuri, Champapuri.
  • Promote spiritual tourism & cultural heritage through centrally sponsored theme-based circuits.

{GS2 – IR – Middle East} India-UAE Bilateral Outcomes 2025

• Context (IE): During high-level talks between the Indian PM and the UAE President, major initiatives were finalised to boost the India-UAE strategic partnership.

  

Key Bilateral Outcomes

• IIM-Ahmedabad Campus in Dubai: India’s premier management institute will establish a campus in Dubai with its first program starting in September 2025, marking India’s first business school overseas.
• IIFT Campus at India Pavilion, Expo City Dubai: Indian Institute of Foreign Trade will set up its first overseas campus focused on trade, logistics & international business education at the iconic Expo site.
• Bharat Mart Project Begins: Construction of Bharat Mart, a logistics-cum-retail hub for Indian exporters in the UAE, has begun.
• UAE-India Friendship Hospital in Dubai: Land has been granted for a UAE-India Friendship Hospital, which will serve as a symbol of medical cooperation and people-to-people ties in the health sector.
• Ship-Repair Clusters in Kochi and Vadinar: India and the UAE will jointly develop ship-repair facilities in Kochi and Vadinar to strengthen maritime cooperation and boost India’s port-based infrastructure.
• India Office of Dubai Chamber of Commerce is to be opened to deepen commercial linkages, facilitate two-way investments, and support Indian businesses in the Gulf region.

Also refer to Indo-UAE Relations; IMEC.

{GS2 – Polity – Laws} Section 271: Spread of Deadly Diseases

• Context (IE): A Noida restaurant owner was booked under Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) Section 271.

Legal Framework on Infectious Disease Spread

• Section 271 of BNS: Punishes negligent acts likely to spread infection of any disease dangerous to life with imprisonment up to 6 months; bailable offence.
• Section 272 of BNS: Punishes malignant acts done with intent to spread such infections; also carries a maximum 6-month imprisonment; bailable.
  • Negligence vs Malignancy
    • Negligence: Lack of due care while acting.
    • Malignancy: Conscious and intentional action to cause harm.
  • Core Legal Requirement for Prosecution:
    • The infection must be of a disease “dangerous to life.”
    • Requirement of Mens Rea (Mental Element): Courts require proof of either negligence or malicious intent and the accused’s knowledge of the risk involved.
  • Identical to Previous IPC Provisions: Sections 271 and 272 of BNS are verbatim reproductions of Sections 269 and 270 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
• Non-Lethal Infections Not Covered: The law excludes infections that are not life-threatening, limiting its scope to serious communicable diseases.

Interpretations and Precedents

• SC on Consent and Disease (2003): In Mr X v Hospital Z, the Court ruled that Section 269 could not be invoked when a spouse willingly married an HIV-positive partner.
• Widespread Use of IPC Sections 269 and 270 During COVID-19 Pandemic: States invoked these to enforce lockdowns and quarantine violations. Eg– Kanika Kapoor Case (2020) where the singer was booked under Section 269 for attending social events despite being Covid-positive.
• Application to Tuberculosis Reporting (2018): Health Ministry warned that failure to notify TB cases could attract Sections 269 and 270 action.
• Overlap with Sectoral Laws (2008): In Shiv Kumar v State of Punjab, the Madras HC held that sale of adulterated paneer fell under food safety laws, not IPC provisions on infection spread.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Diseases} Magnesium Deficiency *

• Context (IE): Recently, magnesium deficiency was in the news.

• Magnesium is a crucial mineral that supports a wide range of bodily functions, including energy production, muscle and bone health, and nerve function.

Importance of Magnesium for Human Health

• It plays a key role in cellular energy metabolism, helping convert food into usable energy.
• Magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation.
• Magnesium is required for energy production, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis.
• It contributes to the structural development of bone and is required for synthesising DNA, RNA, and the antioxidant glutathione.
• Food Source: Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, are good sources. In general, foods containing dietary fiber provide magnesium.

Impact of Magnesium Deficiency

• A lack of magnesium can lead to fatigue, weakness, and a general feeling of lethargy. It may also cause muscle cramps, spasms, or twitches, especially in the legs, feet, or even facial muscles.
• Deficiency can impact the nervous system, contributing to irritability, anxiety, and in severe cases, even seizures, as magnesium is essential for neurotransmitter regulation and cognitive function.
• Magnesium deficiency can have serious cardiovascular consequences.
  • Low levels are associated with irregular heartbeats, palpitations, and a heightened risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), making adequate intake vital for maintaining heart health.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Diseases} Sudan Virus Disease

• Context (IE): The Sudan Virus Disease (SUDV) was recently in the news.

• It belongs to the same family as the Ebola virus disease caused by the Sudan virus.
• It was first identified in southern Sudan in June 1976. The current outbreak is in Uganda. SUDV is enzootic and present in animal reservoirs in the region.
• Symptoms: It is typically characterised by acute onset of fever with non-specific symptoms/signs (e.g., abdominal pain, anorexia, fatigue, malaise, myalgia, sore throat), usually followed several days later by nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and occasionally a variable rash.
• Transmission: Person-to-person transmission occurs directly with blood, other bodily fluids, organs, or contaminated surfaces and materials.
• Mortality Rate: Varies by outbreak but generally between 41% to 100%
• Vaccine: Currently, no specific treatment or licensed vaccine for the Sudan virus disease.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Initiative} Homoeopathy in India

• Context (PIB): India celebrates World Homoeopathy Day by hosting its largest-ever symposium in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Homoeopathy

• Foundational Principle: Based on the concept of “Like Cures Like” meaning a substance causing symptoms in a healthy person can treat similar symptoms in a sick person.
• Nature of Treatment: Holistic, natural and gentle system enhancing the body’s innate healing power without side effects.

India’s Homoeopathy Ecosystem

• It includes 3.45 lakh doctors, 8,500+ dispensaries, 277 colleges, 384 pharma firms, 35+ research centres, and 28 regulatory councils ensuring accessible care, education, research, and ethical practice.
• Central Oversight: Entire ecosystem governed by National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) under Ministry of AYUSH.

Institutional and Legal Framework

• Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 provided a uniform regulatory and educational framework.
• National Commission for Homoeopathy Act, 2020 replaced the 1973 Act to modernise regulation.
  • Later, 2023 regulation standardises ethical & scientific research in homoeopathy under NCH.
• Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH): Apex body under Ministry of AYUSH promoting and coordinating scientific research through numerous institutes and OPD/IPD centres.
  • National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH): Statutory body under the 2020 Act regulating homoeopathy and replacing the Central Council of Homoeopathy and Board of Governors.
• Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H): Est. in 2010, develops pharmacopoeias, formularies & drug-testing protocols; renamed in 2014 to include homoeopathy.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} Palna Scheme under Mission Shakti

• Context (PIB): GoI has revamped the National Crèche Scheme as the Palna Scheme.

• Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Samarthya sub-scheme of Mission Shakti, reorganised in 2022 from the erstwhile National Crèche Scheme.
• Implemented by the Ministry of Women & Child Development with Centre-State funding ratios of 60:40 (States & UTs with legislature), 90:10 (NE & Special Category States) & 100% central funding for UTs without legislature.
• Integrated Childcare Services: Provides day-care, early stimulation, preschool education, nutrition under Poshan 2.0 and essential health services like immunisation and growth monitoring.
• Provides institutional care for abandoned/orphaned children below 6 yrs & facilitates their adoption while also offering structured crèche support for all working mothers, irrespective of their employment status.
• Supervised by Anganwadi Workers; coordinated with ASHA workers and PHCs.
• Standardized Operational Norms: Each crèche serves up to 25 children, operates 26 days a month for 7.5 hours daily and must be located within 0.5-1 km of mothers’ homes or workplaces.
• Ensures enforcement of Section 11A of the Maternity Benefit Act for crèche facilities in establishments with 50+ employees and aligns with labour laws and ICDS.

Also refer to Palna Scheme.

{GS3 – S&T – Space} Planets’ Temperatures

• Context (IE): Recently, the temperatures of planets were in news.

• Planets’ temperatures are mostly determined by their structural properties and closeness to the Sun. However, Venus stands out as a unique situation because its thick atmosphere creates a greenhouse effect, resulting in surface temperatures exceeding lead’s melting point.
• Mercury, on the other hand, has a slow rotation and a scant atmosphere, resulting in a temperature differential of more than 1000°F between its day and night sides.

Also Read> Planets of the Solar System.

{GS3 – S&T – Space} Sunbird

• Context (IE): Sunbird, a nuclear fusion-based rocket aiming to drastically cut space travel times.

Credit: CNN

Key Features

• It is being developed by a team from Pulsar Fusion (UK) and Princeton Satellite Systems (USA). It’s a super ambitious project with the potential to change how we explore the solar system.
  • Sunbird is still in the early stages of construction.
• Unlike traditional chemical rockets like Starship, Sunbird won’t operate independently but will attach to larger spacecraft to help them cover interplanetary distances.
• Sunbird’s propulsion system is fueled by a new Dual Direct Fusion Drive (DDFD) technology. The engine uses a combination of helium-3 and deuterium to produce propulsion.

Duel Direct Fusion Drive (DDFD)

• It is a compact nuclear fusion engine that could provide both thrust and electrical power for spaceships.
• Unlike traditional fusion reactors, where the energy produced must be converted to thrust, the DDFD produces charged particles that can be converted for propulsion.
• This technology opens unprecedented possibilities to explore the solar system in a limited amount of time and with a very high payload-to-propellant mass ratio.

Significance

• The nuclear fusion-powered rocket could help spacecrafts reach speeds up to 805,000 km/h, much faster than the Parker Solar Probe.
• If the nuclear fusion-powered rocket becomes operational, it would cut the time required to reach Mars by half and reach Pluto in just four years.

{GS3 – S&T – Tech} 3D Printing in Construction Innovation **

• Context (IE): Japan has built the world’s first operational 3D-printed train station within 6 hours.

• Modular Construction: Components were printed remotely and transported for on-site assembly.

  

  Source: The Guardian

3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing)

• 3D Printing is the layer-by-layer creation of physical objects from a digital model using various materials.
• Unlike subtractive manufacturing, which removes material, 3D printing minimises waste and allows for complex design structures.
• Components of 3D Printing: Involves creating a digital blueprint designed using a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model, slicing it into horizontal layers using slicing software, and printing it layer by layer with a 3D printer using materials like thermoplastics, resin, metals, cement or biocompatible tissues.

Common Technologies in Use

• Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM): Most popular method using melted plastic filaments like PLA/ABS.
• Stereolithography (SLA): Cures liquid resin using UV light; known for fine detailing.
• Selective Laser Sintering: Uses lasers to fuse powdered material; ideal for industrial & functional parts.
• Direct Metal Laser Sintering: Fuses metal powders; used in aerospace, defense & medical equipment.
• Direct Energy Deposition (DED): DED uses a high-energy heat source to melt and deposit material and is often used in metal printing.
• Material Jetting: Photopolymer droplets are UV-cured; suited for high-accuracy-colored prototypes.

Strategic Importance of 3D Printing in Construction

• Addressing Aging Infrastructure: Ideal for replacing outdated public infrastructure in remote regions.
• Manpower: Reduces dependency on a large skilled workforce, key for aging societies (eg, Japan).
• Logistical Flexibility: Remote production and modular transport enable decentralised construction.
• Showcasing Technological Edge: This reflects an innovation-led approach in public service delivery.
• Efficient, Customizable & Eco-Friendly: 3D printing ensures faster production, precise customisation, minimal material waste and supports complex design freedom.
• Cost-Effective & Locally Viable: It is ideal for low-volume, mold-free manufacturing while enabling localised production that reduces transport and storage needs.

Limitations

• Material Constraints: Not all materials are printable or compatible with each printer.
• High Capital Cost: Industrial-grade printers and inputs are expensive.
• Size Limits: Large structures have to be printed in modules and assembled.
• Post-Processing Needs: Finished products require curing, sanding, or painting.
• Low Mass Production Speed: Not suited for high-speed assembly line production.
• Intellectual Property Risks: Digital designs are easily replicated and distributed illegally.
• Skill & Regulation Gap: Standardization and skilled technicians are lacking in many regions.

Applications Across Sectors

• Construction & Infrastructure: Homes, shelters, stations, and even bridges. Eg- India’s first 3D-printed post office in Bengaluru by L&T (2023).
• Healthcare: Custom prosthetics, dental devices, organ models, and bio-printed tissues.
• Aerospace & Defense: Durable, lightweight parts for satellites and UAVs. Eg- DRDO’s experimentation with metal 3D-printed components.
• Education & Research: Teaching models and lab equipment for STEM.
• Food Industry: Novel culinary designs like layered chocolates or edible art.