Current Affairs – March 07, 2025

{GS1 – Geo – PG – Climatology} Cyclone Alfred

• Context (IE): Cyclone Alfred, a Category 2 storm, is moving towards Australia’s east coast, affecting areas unprepared for tropical storms.

What is a Tropical Cyclone?

• A rapidly rotating storm originating over tropical or subtropical oceans, characterised by violent winds, torrential rain, and thunderstorms. Forms due to low-pressure systems over warm sea waters, causing moist air to rise and spin due to Earth’s rotation.
• Classified as a ‘Tropical Cyclone’ when wind speeds exceed 63 kph (World Meteorological Organization).

Conditions Favourable for Tropical Cyclone Formation

• Large sea surface with temperatures higher than 27° C,
• Presence of the Coriolis force enough to create a cyclonic vortex,
• Small variations in the vertical wind speed,
• A pre-existing weak low-pressure area or low-level-cyclonic circulation,
• Upper divergence above the sea level system.

Why is Cyclone Alfred Rare?

• Unusual Path: Formed farther south than typical cyclones. Cyclones typically hit northern Australia; the last major cyclone in the Gold Coast region was Cyclone Zoe in 1974.
• Potential Link to Climate Change: Rising sea temperatures provide more energy for storms, leading to unpredictable paths.
• Influence of High-Pressure System: A high-pressure system over the Tasman Sea pushed the cyclone westward, leading to its rare trajectory.
• Slow Movement: Expected landfall delayed, increasing rainfall and storm impact.

Why is a Slow-Moving Cyclone Dangerous?

• Increased Rainfall: The longer a cyclone hovers, the more rain it dumps, increasing flood risks.
• Extended Storm Surges & Coastal Erosion: Prolonged strong waves worsen coastal flooding & erosion.
• Sustained Wind Damage: Weak steering winds slow its movement, prolonging storm impact.

{GS1 – IS – Issues} Delhi HC’s ‘Guiding Principles’ on Use of Smartphones

• Context (IE): Delhi HC provided certain “guiding principles” for the use of mobiles on school premises.

Delhi HC’s Observations

• There are certain beneficial aspects to children bringing smartphones to school. However, its indiscriminate use can be “deleterious and harmful” to students.
• A complete ban on smartphones in schools would be an undesirable and unworkable approach.

Guiding Principles on the Use of Smartphones

• Regulation: Smartphones should not be “barred”, but their use in schools should be “regulated and monitored”. It should not be permitted for “entertainment/recreational use”.
• Smartphone Deposit Facility: Where possible, students should be required to deposit their smartphones for safekeeping when they enter school and pick them up when they leave.
• Prohibited Use of Smartphones in Class: As it “must not disrupt classroom teaching, discipline, or the overall educational atmosphere”.
• Educate Students About Ethical Use: Students must be educated about how to ethically use smartphones and counselled about the negative effects.
• Policy for Smartphone Use: Policy should be transparent and provide fair, consistent and enforceable punishments for students such as temporary confiscation without being “excessively harsh”.
• Regular Review: Given the “fast-paced advancement of technology”, smartphone policies should be regularly reviewed and revised to tackle “emerging challenges”.

Use of Smartphones by Students

• ASER, 2024: Access to smartphones is close to universal among the 14-16 age group. Almost 90% of both girls and boys report having a smartphone at home.
  • 82.2% of all children in 14-16 age group reported knowing how to use a smartphone. Of these, 57% reported using it for an educational activity, while 76% used it for social media.

Positive Effects

• Access to Information: Students can quickly find educational resources and e-books.
• Enhanced Learning: Online courses and digital tools improve understanding and engagement.
• Communication & Collaboration: Smartphones enable students to connect with teachers and peers for academic discussions.
• Emergency Use: Smartphones provide safety by allowing quick communication in emergencies.

Negative Effects

• Distraction from Studies: Social media, gaming, and entertainment can reduce focus on academics.
  • Incoming notifications or the mere proximity of a mobile device can be a distraction.
• Health Issues: Excessive screen time may cause eye strain, sleep disturbances etc.
• Cybersecurity Risks: Exposure to online threats like cyberbullying and data breaches.
• Addiction: Over-reliance on smartphones can negatively impact productivity and mental health.

Way Forward

• The use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has a positive impact on education up to a threshold. Beyond this point, research has found diminishing academic gains.”
• Considering both the positive and negative effects of smartphone use, a balanced approach should be followed when integrating smartphones into classroom learning.”

{GS2 – IR – Issues} Trump Imposed Reciprocal Tariffs

• Context (IE): Trump imposed reciprocal tariffs on India, China, the EU, Canada, and Mexico.

About Reciprocal Tariffs Policy

Trump’s Reciprocal Tariffs Policy

• High Tariffs by Trading Partners: India imposes over 100% tariffs on U.S. auto imports, while China, Canada, the EU, Brazil, and Mexico levy higher tariffs on U.S. goods than vice versa.
• Mechanism: The U.S. matches import tariffs with the rates imposed on its exports, covering goods, services, and non-tariff barriers.
• Negotiation Strategy: Aims to pressure countries into lowering tariffs for U.S. market access, with India reducing some tariffs (e.g., bourbon whiskey) but offering no major concessions.
• WTO Concerns: Contradicts the WTO’s Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) principle, which prohibits discriminatory trade policies.
• Legal Justification: The U.S. may invoke WTO’s Article XXI (national security) or Article XX (general exceptions) to defend the policy.

Potential Consequences of Reciprocal Tariffs

• Trade War Risks: China, Canada, and Mexico may retaliate with tariffs, disrupting global supply chains and escalating trade tensions.
• Rising Consumer Costs: Higher import tariffs increase consumer prices, fuel inflation, and burden businesses dependent on imported raw materials.
• Economic Volatility: Uncertainty in trade policies lowers investor confidence, slows economic growth, and destabilises global markets.
• WTO Disputes & Diplomatic Strain: Countries may challenge U.S. tariffs at the WTO, leading to legal battles and worsening bilateral relations.
• Market Protectionism: Reciprocal tariffs may push nations toward more protectionist policies, limiting free trade and economic cooperation.
• Boost for U.S. Manufacturing: Higher tariffs could boost domestic manufacturing and job creation but raise costs for industries reliant on foreign components.
• Impact on India: Higher U.S. tariffs may affect India’s auto exports and GDP, with potential trade growth if tensions ease.

Way Forward for India

• Trade Diversification: Reduce dependency on U.S. markets by expanding exports to Europe, ASEAN, and African markets.
• Bilateral Negotiations: Continue engaging with the U.S. to negotiate tariff reductions, leveraging India’s growing consumer market as a bargaining chip.
• Strengthening Domestic Industries: Boost domestic manufacturing through incentives and production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes. Reduce reliance on imported components in auto and electronics sectors.
• Utilizing WTO Mechanisms: Challenge unfair tariffs at the WTO to seek legal remedies against discriminatory trade policies.
• Enhancing Export Competitiveness: Improve ease of doing business and logistics efficiency to make Indian exports more competitive globally.

{GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} Landmark Verdict on Right to Equality

• Context (IE): SC’s 1952 ruling in the Anwar Ali Sarkar case struck down the Special Courts Act, 1950, for violating Article 14, establishing a precedent for the right to equality in legal proceedings.

Article 14

• Article 14: Guarantees equality before the law and equal protection of the laws to all individuals, including foreigners.

Exceptions to Article 14

• Special Courts for Classes of Offenses: Courts for economic offences, sexual assault cases, etc., are valid as they deal with a specific category rather than an individual case.
• Legal Immunities: The President, Governors, foreign diplomats, and UN officials have limited immunity under Articles 361 and 361A.
• Directive Principles Override: Article 31C permits laws enforcing certain DPSPs to override Article 14.

Legal Principles Established by SC Ruling

• Violation of Article 14: The Special Courts Act arbitrarily singled out specific cases for special treatment, denying equal protection of the law.
• Equality Before Law: No individual or group should be treated arbitrarily under legal provisions.
• Equal Protection of Laws: Laws must apply uniformly unless a rational classification justifies exceptions.
• The ruling set the foundation for the “reasonable classification” test to assess laws under Article 14.
• Application to Future Cases: Forms the basis for upholding or striking down discriminatory laws in various domains, including economic policies and affirmative action.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Diseases} Gut Microbiome for Vitiligo Treatment

• Context (TH): A natural compound derived from gut-friendly bacteria can slow vitiligo progression and potentially restore pigmentation.

Vitiligo

• Chronic autoimmune disorder causing depigmented white patches due to immune system attacks on melanocytes (cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives colour to skin, hair, and eyes).
• Affected Areas: Commonly starts on hands, forearms, feet & face; can affect hair & the inside of mouth.
• Progression: Patches expand over time, with two peak onsets, in adolescence & between 40-50 yrs.
• Impact: Primarily cosmetic but leads to psychological distress, self-confidence issues & social stigma.
• Prevalence: Affects 0.5% to 2% of the population; more visible in darker skin tones. In India prevalence ranges from 0.25% to 4% in dermatology outpatients, reaching 8.8% in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• Health Risks: Associated with increased cardiovascular risk and endocrine disorders in some patients.

Source: TH

Current Treatment Options

• Medications: Corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and immunomodulators to slow depigmentation.
• Light Therapy: Narrowband UVB phototherapy to stimulate melanocytes.
• Surgical Interventions: Skin grafting and melanocyte transplantation in severe cases.
• Camouflage: Cosmetic solutions like makeup and tattooing for concealment.

Gut Microbiome-Vitiligo Link

• A microbial compound from gut-friendly bacteria suppressed disease progression, reducing pigment loss by 74% over 18 weeks.
• It balanced the immune response by decreasing harmful killer T cells, boosting protective regulatory T cells, and preventing T-cell attacks on melanocytes from stabilising vitiligo.
• Broader Applications: The same microbial compound might be effective against other autoimmune diseases involving killer T cells.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Menopause *

• Context (TH): Understanding Menopause can help women navigate this transition with confidence.

• Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life that marks the end of fertility and menstruation. It is confirmed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 months.
• Average Age: Between 47 and 50 years.
• Types: Early Menopause which occurs before age 45. Premature Menopause occurs before age 40 due to genetic, autoimmune, or medical conditions.

Stages of Menopause

1. Perimenopause: Begins 5-10 years before menopause, with irregular periods and hormonal changes.
2. Menopause: Diagnosed after 12 months without menstruation; ovaries stop producing eggs.
3. Post-Menopause: The years following menopause, with increased risks of osteoporosis and heart disease due to low estrogen.

Causes of Menopause

• Natural Aging: Decline in ovarian function and estrogen production.
• Surgical Menopause: Removal of ovaries leads to immediate menopause.
• Medical Induced Menopause: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy can damage ovaries.
• Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Ovaries fail to produce normal hormone levels due to genetic factors or autoimmune diseases.

Common Symptoms

• Metabolic Changes: Slower metabolism leads to weight gain, especially around the abdomen.
• Physical Symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, joint pain, vaginal dryness & irregular periods.
• Emotional Changes: Mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability, and low libido.

Managing Menopause

• Healthy Diet: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, calcium & vitamin D to support bone health.
• Exercise & Stress Management: Walking, yoga, and strength training aid weight management and mood, while meditation and deep breathing reduce anxiety.
• Hormonal & Non-Hormonal Treatments: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) helps severe symptoms, while low-dose antidepressants & vaginal estrogen therapy relieve hot flashes and dryness.
• Bone & Heart Health: Regular bone density scans prevent osteoporosis, and monitoring cholesterol and blood pressure reduces cardiovascular risks.
• Contraception: Pregnancy is possible until post-menopause, making contraception necessary.

{GS3 – Agri – Initiatives} Pashu Aushadhi Kendras *

• Context (IE): The government will open “Pashu Aushadhi” stores across the country to provide affordable generic veterinary medicines to people engaged in animal husbandry and dairying.

• Pashu Aushadhi Initiative: Conceptualised on the lines of existing Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras, which provide “quality generic medicines at affordable prices” to people.
  • “Generic medicines” are basically non-branded drugs, which are marketed under a non-proprietary or approved name rather than a proprietary or brand name.
• Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP): It is part of revised LHDCP.
• Outlay: Rs 75 crore have been provided for the Pashu Aushadhi component of LHDCP.
• Stores Will be Run By: Cooperative societies and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras.
• Ethnoveterinary Medicine: Pashu Aushadhi Kendras will also sell ethnoveterinary medicines based on traditional beliefs and indigenous knowledge and practices to treat animal diseases.

Need of Pashu Aushadhi Kendras

• The “productivity of livestock is impacted adversely due to diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, Peste des Petits Ruminants, Cerebrospinal Fluid, Lumpy Skin Disease, etc.”
  • As per the 20^th Livestock Census, India’s Livestock population stood at 535.78 million in 2019.
• A significant portion of the out-of-pocket expenditure of farmers goes into buying medicines to treat their cattle and other animals for illnesses.

Revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)

• LHDCP: The scheme has three components namely National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP), LH&DC and Pashu Aushadhi.
• LH&DC has three sub-components:
  1. Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP)
  2. Establishment and Strengthening of existing Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries – Mobile Veterinary Unit (ESVHD-MVU)
  3. Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD)
• Total Outlay: Rs.3,880 crore for two years i.e. 2024-25 and 2025-26.
• The Pashu Aushadhi is new component added to the LHDCP scheme.

Also Read > Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK).

{GS3 – DM – Issues} Geological Risk Assessments

• Context (IE): Telangana tunnel collapse incident highlights importance of Geological risk assessments.

• Geological Risk Assessment: It is a crucial process that helps us understand and evaluate the potential hazards posed by the Earth’s dynamic processes.
• Types of Geological Hazards: Earthquakes, Volcanic eruptions, Landslides, and Tsunamis etc.

Techniques and Tools for Geological Risk Assessment

• One commonly used method for geological risk assessment is remote sensing, which involves the use of satellites and aerial imagery to map and monitor geological features.
• Geographic information systems (GIS) also play a crucial role by integrating various data sources, enabling us to create comprehensive hazard maps and assess the exposure of assets and populations.

Factors Influencing Geological Risks

• Geological Structure: Different types of rock formations, fault lines, and tectonic activity can greatly influence the likelihood of earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions.
• Climate and Weather Patterns: Heavy rainfall, for instance, can trigger landslides and soil erosion in hilly or mountainous areas. Similarly, prolonged periods of drought can lead to ground subsidence.
• Human Activities: Construction and urbanization, for instance, can alter natural drainage patterns, leading to an increased risk of flooding.
  • Mining and extraction activities can weaken stability of ground, potentially causing landslides.
• Population Density and Vulnerability: Highly populated regions located in hazard-prone areas are at a greater risk of suffering significant human and economic losses.

Importance of Geological risk assessments

• Safeguarding Human Lives and Infrastructure: Geological risk assessment plays a vital role in safeguarding communities and infrastructure from natural disasters.
• Sustainable Land Planning: By identifying areas prone to geological hazards, we can implement effective land-use planning, construct resilient buildings, and develop early warning systems.
• Informed Decision Making: By conducting geological risk assessments, governments and organizations can make informed decisions; allocate resources wisely, and save lives.
• Resilient Infrastructure: Understanding Earth’s vulnerabilities allows for the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
• Mitigating Risk: Earth is constantly undergoing various geological processes. Thus, its a crucial to understand and assess vulnerabilities of our planet in order to mitigate these risks effectively.

Also Read > Geological Survey of India

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} NBWL Meeting*

• Context (ToI): The PM chaired 7^th NBWL meeting at Gir National Park.

Key Wildlife Conservation Initiatives at 7^th NBWL

• National Referral Centre for Wildlife Health: Set up in Junagadh for wildlife healthcare, disease surveillance, and research.
• Asiatic Lion Population Estimation 2025: 16^th census to track lion numbers, with a focus on Barda Wildlife Sanctuary expansion.
• Centre for Human-Animal Conflict Mitigation: Set up at Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore, for rapid response strategies and tracking systems.
• New Conservation Projects Launched: Project Gharial, Great Indian Bustard Conservation Plan, and Tiger Conservation outside reserves.
• AI & Technology in Wildlife Protection: BISAG-N & WII collaboration for AI-driven tracking, geospatial mapping, and forest fire monitoring.

About National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

• Highest Wildlife Advisory Body: Established under Section 5A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Reconstituted in 2022: Replaced the Indian Board for Wildlife (1952).
• Composition: 47 members, including the PM (Chairperson), MoEFCC Minister (Vice-Chairperson), army chief, bureaucrats, MPs, NGOs, and environmentalists.
• Standing Committee: Reviews projects affecting wildlife habitats and protected areas.

Functions of NBWL

• Helps Build a Wildlife Conservation Policy: Advises the Central Government on conservation strategies.
• Approvals in Protected Areas (PA): Clearance for development projects inside PAs and Tiger Reserves.
• Boundary Alterations: No changes in PA boundaries can take place without NBWL recommendation.
• Tourism Regulation: Approves eco-tourism and infrastructure in protected areas.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: Develop strategies for reducing conflicts.
• Wildlife Research: Supports scientific research, AI-based wildlife tracking, and disease monitoring.

{GS3 – S&T – ISRO} ISRO Successfully Tests Semi-Cryogenic Engine

• Context (IE): ISRO conducted a successful PHTA test for SE2000 semi-cryogenic engine.

Power Head Test Article (PHTA)

• Significance: Key precursor test in semi-cryogenic engine development.
• Purpose: Validates the performance of key engine subsystems, including gas generator, turbo pumps, pre-burner, and control components.

Semi-Cryogenic Engine (SE2000)

• Propellant: Uses Liquid Oxygen (LOX) & kerosene. More efficient and storable than cryogenic engines.
• Thrust: Provides an enhanced thrust of 2,000 kiloNewtons (kN), enabling heavier payloads.
• Advantages: High-density impulse, less toxic, cost-effective and easier to handle compared to cryogenic engines using liquid hydrogen.
• Role in Launch Vehicles: Essential for first-stage boosters in heavy-lift missions like Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).

Cryogenic vs. Semi-Cryogenic Engines

About NGLV

• Design and Features: New human-rated, partially reusable launch vehicle with high payload capacity (Up to 30 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO)).
• Reusability: ISRO successfully tested the recovery of the NGLV’s first stage.
• Propulsion System: LOX-based first and second stages with a cryogenic upper stage, using semi-cryogenic propulsion for boosters with ISROSENE (refined kerosene) as fuel and LOX as the oxidiser.
• Useful for communication satellites, deep space missions, human spaceflight & cargo missions.

{Prelims – In News} Doomsday Clock *

• Context (IE): Germany’s Friedrich Merz’s statement that it is “five minutes to midnight for Europe” draws a parallel to the Doomsday Clock.

What is Doomsday Clock?

• Doomsday Clock: It is a design that warns the public about how close we are to destroying our world with dangerous technologies of our own making.
  • It is a metaphor, a reminder of the perils we must address if we are to survive on the planet.
• Created By: Bulletin of Atomic Scientists in 1947 to assess the probability of destruction of the world in a nuclear holocaust.
• Reimagined By: Graphic designer Michael Bierut in 2007.

Credit: ABC News

Who Controls the Clock?

• Until 1973: Movement of the Clock hand was controlled by Bulletin editor Eugene Rabinowitch.
• 2008: The Science and Security Board, made up of scientists and other experts with deep knowledge of nuclear technology and climate science, was set, which resets the clock as necessary.

Where’s the Clock at now?

• First set at 7 minutes to midnight in 1947, the Bulletin has reset the minute hand on the Doomsday Clock 26 times since its debut in 1947.
• Clock currently stands at 89 seconds to midnight this is the closest that the Clock has ever been to the metaphorical apocalypse.

{Species – Discovery} Crassolabium Dhritiae

• Context (IE): Scientists from Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a species of soil-dwelling nematode Crassolabium dhritiae.

• It is named in the honour of Dr Dhriti Banerjee, Director of the ZSI, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to zoology and taxonomic research.
• It was discovered in ‘deccan peninsula biogeographic zone of Odisha’s Keonjhar district.
• It is characterised by its medium-sized, slender body, rounded lip region, long pharynx and certain specific features in its female reproductive system and a distinct tail shape.
• It brings the total number of known Crassolabium species worldwide to 39, with nine in India.

About Soil Nematode

• Soil nematodes are a diverse group of invertebrates that are present in all ecosystems.
• Their abundance generally decreases with increasing soil depth and distance from plants. soil nematodes are largely concentrated in the litter layer or rhizosphere, or where organic matter accumulates.
• Most of them are beneficial while others are harmful to plants.
• These microscopic organisms, though often overlooked, are vital to soil health and play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition.
• They feed on a wide range of foods, including bacterial feeders, fungal feeders, plant feeders etc. This diverse feeding habits significantly contribute to maintain a balanced and healthy soil ecosystem.

{Species – Mammals} Woolly Mice *

• Context (IE): Genetically modified “woolly mice” have been created by editing genes to mimic the cold-resistant traits of woolly mammoths.
• CRISPR-Cas9 system was used to modify DNA precisely. Scientists analysed mammoth and Asian elephant genomes to identify cold-resistant gene variants.

Woolly Mammoths

• Scientific Name: Mammuthus primigenius
• Habitat: Cold tundra regions of Eurasia and North America during the Ice Age.
• Physical Adaptations: Thick woolly coat, fat layer for insulation, and small ears to minimise heat loss.
• Diet & Behavior: Lived in herds and fed on grass and shrubs.
• Extinction Causes: Climate change, habitat loss & human hunting led to their extinction ~4,000 yrs ago.
• Reviving mammoth-like elephants could restore Arctic ecosystems & slow down permafrost thawing.

Source: Peoples