Current Affairs – March 08, 2025

{GS2 – IR – India-Europe} India-Belgium Defence Cooperation

Context (TH | ET): Belgium seeks enhanced defence collaboration with India amidst shifting global security dynamics.

Key Developments in India-Belgium Defence Cooperation

Appointment of Defence Attache: Belgium to appoint a Defence Attache (a military representative posted at an embassy to strengthen defence ties) in India.
Light Tank Development (Zorawar Project): Collaboration on gun turrets for high-altitude light tanks.
Framework for Defence Engagement: Joint exercises, training programs, and maritime security cooperation formalised. Belgium will supply 70mm rocket systems for Indian Army helicopters.
Naval Collaboration: A Belgian naval frigate visit is planned with reciprocal visits by Indian naval ships to strengthen maritime ties.
Diamond Trade Cooperation: Belgium proposed designating India as a certification ‘node’ to address concerns over G-7 sanctions impacting the Antwerp-Surat diamond trade.
India-EU Defence Partnership: India engaging with EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) framework; discussions on a Security of Information Agreement (SoIA) for classified data exchange.

PESCO Framework is the EU’s most ambitious defence initiative, aimed at strengthening Europe’s security and complementing NATO. Participation is voluntary, with provisions for non-EU countries to join specific missions without decision-making rights. Member states commit to increasing defence budgets, allocating 20% to procurement and 2% to research, with annual reviews to ensure compliance.

Belgium

Location: Western Europe, bordering the North Sea.
It shares borders with France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
Divided into Three Regions: Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} Barriers to Women’s Leadership in PRIs

Context (IE): A Min. of Panchayati Raj panel identified barriers for elected women representatives (EWRs).

Key Challenges Cited

Sarpanch Pati Syndrome: Male relatives, especially husbands, act as de facto decision-makers, reducing women to figureheads. Prevalent in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.
Bureaucratic and Peer Discrimination: Officials and male representatives bypass women in decision-making, preferring to interact with male counterparts.
Patriarchal Social Norms: Traditional mindsets restrict women from speaking in public meetings, enforcing purdah practices, and limiting their leadership roles.
Political Pressure and Threats: Women leaders face coercion, intimidation, and no-confidence motions from political opponents and dominant groups to remove them.
Socio-Economic Disadvantages: Women from marginalised communities face additional challenges, balancing public duties with domestic responsibilities.
Lack of Training and Mentorship: Limited access to leadership training and mentorship programs leaves women unprepared for governance roles.
Rotational Reservation: Five-year reservation is insufficient for women to develop governance skills and consolidate experience.
Weak Legal Deterrents: Existing rules against proxy governance are weak, allowing male relatives to control women panchayat leaders unofficially.

Benefits of Strengthening Women’s Leadership

Better Governance: Women-led panchayats ensure effective policy implementation (e.g., Kudumbashree in Kerala).
Gender-Responsive Policies: Women representatives prioritise issues like maternal health and gender-based violence (e.g., Nagaland women-led panchayats).
Economic Empowerment: Financial independence through microfinance initiatives (e.g., Bihar’s EWR-led loan schemes).
Reduction in Proxy Governance: Training programs reduce male dominance in decision-making (e.g., Rajasthan initiatives).

Government Initiatives Supporting Women in Panchayats

National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM): Links SHGs with leadership development programs.
Mahila Sabhas: Exclusive women’s Gram Sabha meetings to highlight gender-specific issues before regular panchayat sessions.
Panchayat Mahila Evam Yuva Shakti Abhiyan: Focuses on capacity-building for EWRs.
Mission Shakti (2022): Supports women’s safety and economic empowerment through schemes like Sambal and Samarthya.
Women’s Leadership Development: Govt & NGO-led training to enhance decision-making skills.

Way Forward

Capacity Building: Expand Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan to provide leadership training for all EWRs.
Strict Legal Measures: Enforce laws against proxy governance and educate women about their rights.
Financial Autonomy: Ensure direct access to panchayat funds and promote microfinance schemes.
Higher Political Representation: Extend reservation for women wherever applicable, on the lines of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023.
Stronger Women’s Networks: Expand National Federation of Elected Women Representatives (NFEWR).
Protection from Violence: Implement fast-track courts for cases against women leaders and ensure strict safety measures.

{GS3 – Envi – Air Pollution} PM2.5 Pollution in Northern India

Context (TH): A recent study analysed the sources and health impacts of PM2.5 pollution in Northern India, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

About PM2.5

PM2.5 (Particulate Matter ≤2.5 microns) consists of tiny airborne pollutants that can deeply penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
Sources: Includes natural sources like dust storms and wildfires and human activities such as fossil fuel burning, industrial emissions, and biomass combustion.
Health Risks: Linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and reduced lung function.

Key Findings of the Study

Toxicity from Organic Aerosols: Inefficient combustion of biomass and fossil fuels is the primary contributor to PM2.5 toxicity.
PM2.5 Sources in Delhi: Vehicular emissions, fossil fuel burning and residential heating.
PM2.5 Sources Outside Delhi: Higher levels of ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and biomass-burning aerosols.
Winter Pollution from Heating and Cooking: Biomass burning, especially cow dung combustion, elevates organic aerosol levels, making winter pollution 10 times worse than summer.
Health Risks from Traffic and Fuel Burning: Increased oxidative stress (imbalance between free radicals & antioxidants, leading to cellular damage) due to emissions from vehicles & residential fuel burning.
Traffic as a Major Contributor: Hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols (HOA) peak at 8 μg/m³ in urban roadside sites and contribute 50% of fossil fuel-derived aerosols.
India’s High PM2.5 Toxicity: Oxidative potential of PM2.5 in Indian cities is up to 5 times higher than in Chinese and European cities, necessitating urgent emission control policies.

The oxidative potential (OP) of PM2.5 is a measure of its toxicity and ability to cause cellular damage.

{GS3 – IE – Employment} Centering Care in India’s Economic Policy

Context (TH): Care work is undervalued in economic policies despite being crucial for gender equality, social welfare, and economic growth.

Care Economy

It is the sector of economic activity involving paid roles like nurses and teachers & unpaid caregiving such as childcare & household work, essential for health, education, child & elder care & social welfare.
Unrecognized Contribution: Supports human survival and labour force reproduction but remains undervalued, creating a “hidden care economy.”
Difference from Monetized Economy: Unlike the formal market-based system, care work often lacks direct monetary valuation despite its economic and social significance.
Historical Recognition: Feminist economists highlighted unpaid labour’s exclusion, leading to the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action advocating its recognition.
Care Diamond Model: Care provision involves the State, markets, households, and communities.

Need for a Care Economy in India

Changing Demographics: Growing elderly population and continued childcare needs.
Gender Equality: Reducing the care burden enables higher female workforce participation.
Economic Growth: Recognising and investing in care work enhances productivity and employment.
Social Welfare: Strengthening care services improves overall well-being and quality of life.

Challenges of Unpaid Care Work in India

Heavy Burden on Women: Women perform significantly more unpaid care work than men, restricting their workforce participation.
Economic Impact: Limits female labor force participation and economic independence.
Social Norms: Deep-rooted cultural expectations assign care work primarily to women.
Lack of Infrastructure: Limited access to water, sanitation, and energy increases care burdens.
Climate Change Impact: Exacerbates care burdens, particularly water collection in rural areas.

Current Gaps in Economic Policy

Limited Public Investment: Care services remain underfunded despite their economic importance.
Absence of Recognition: Unpaid care work remains invisible in economic indicators.
Limited Budget Allocation: Increase in Gender Budget mainly due to food security schemes, not direct care infrastructure investments.
Fragmented Social Services: Lack of coordination between welfare and healthcare policies.

Solutions and Policy Recommendations

Quantification Care Work: Integrate unpaid care work into economic indicators using time-use surveys.
Expand Public Care Services: Investments in childcare centres, eldercare & healthcare infrastructure.
Shared Responsibilities: Encourage men’s participation in caregiving & household duties.
Strengthen Legal Protections: Ensure fair wages, labour rights, and social security for care workers.
Leverage Urban Challenge Fund: Utilise funds for care infrastructure models under Smart Cities.
Promote Gender-Responsive Budgeting: Allocate targeted funding for care-related initiatives and social protection schemes.
Mainstream Care in Economic Planning: Integrate care policies into long-term economic strategies.
Public-Private Collaboration: Encourage private sector involvement in care services and infrastructure.

{GS3 – IE – Inclusive Growth} Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth

Context (PIB): NITI Aayog launched the “From Borrowers to Builders” report highlighting the increased financial participation of women.

Key Findings on Women’s Financial Participation

Increased Credit Participation: Women borrowers tripled between 2019 and 2024, with 60% from semi-urban and rural areas.
Loans: Women’s share in business loans increased by 14%, in gold loans by 6% since 2019.
Credit Monitoring & Awareness: 42% increase in women who monitored their credit in 2024 from 2023.
Regional Trends: Southern states lead in women borrowers, while northern and central states saw the fastest growth in the last five years.
Improved Credit Scores: 62% of self-monitoring women fall into prime or above credit bands, enhancing credit health.

Challenges Faced by Women in Financial Access

Credit Aversion: Fear of loan repayment, financial instability, and cultural barriers prevent women from seeking credit.
Collateral & Guarantor Issues: 79% of women-owned businesses are self-financed, with limited access to formal credit.
Poor Banking Experience: Bureaucratic hurdles and lack of advisory support limit women’s engagement with financial institutions.
Limited Products for Women: Rigid loan structures fail to accommodate women’s financial needs.
Lack of Credit Readiness: 30% of individual women entrepreneurs lack the required financial records.

Support for Women’s Financial Inclusion

Women Entrepreneurship Platform: Provides mentorship, market access, and financial literacy.
Financing Women Collaborative: Promotes gender-intelligent financial products and PPPs.
Udyam Registration: 40% of MSMEs in India are now women-owned enterprises.
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): To facilitate self-employment. Under PMMY, collateral-free loans up to Rs. 10 lakhs are extended to micro/small business enterprises and to individuals.
PM SVANidhi Yojana: To facilitate collateral-free working capital loans to street vendors to restart their businesses, which were adversely impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also refer to Govt Initiatives for Women Entrepreneurship

{GS3 – IE – Resources} Global Copper Race **

Context (IE): Countries are racing to secure copper supplies as demand surges for EV batteries and clean energy technologies, outpacing production.

Growing Importance of Copper

Rising Demand: Driven by electric vehicles (EVs), clean energy, and defence industries.
Supply Deficit: Projected to outstrip mine production by 2035, intensifying global competition.
Key Value Chain: Copper ore is refined into cathodes, essential for industrial applications.
Limited Alternatives: Recycling helps, but mining remains critical for supply security.

The Global Copper Battle

Strategic Resource: Nations prioritising copper security for energy and defence needs.
China’s Copper Dominance: Controls over 50% of global smelting and refining capacity, securing long-term supply contracts with mines in DRC, Chile, and Peru, but facing overcapacity challenges.
US Efforts to Reduce Dependence: Identifies foreign reliance as a security risk, exploring tariffs and incentives to boost domestic copper production.
Market Instability: Supply chain disruptions, policy & geopolitical tensions will shape the future.

India’s Strategy to Secure Copper Supplies

Domestic Shortfall: Copper production is stagnant, increasing reliance on imports.
Overseas Investments: Acquiring copper assets in Chile & Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Focus on Africa: Secured a 9,000-sq-km copper-rich block in Zambia for exploration.
Government Initiatives: The Ministry of Mines is working to acquire critical minerals abroad.
Geopolitical Risks: Overseas investments face competition and strategic challenges.

{GS3 – IS – Issues} Khalistan Movement **

Context (IE): A pro-Khalistan protester infiltrated the Indian External Affairs Minister’s security during a London visit, highlighting UK separatist activities.

Origins of the Khalistan Movement

Khalsa Tradition: Established by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699, marking Sikh identity and autonomy.
Partition of India (1947): Left Sikhs as a minority, creating dissatisfaction over lost ancestral lands.
Concept of Khalistan: The movement seeks an independent Sikh state in Punjab (India and Pakistan), rooted in historical, religious and political aspirations.

Rise of the Movement

Punjabi Suba Movement (1955-1966): Demand for a Punjabi-speaking state led to Punjab’s trifurcation into Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
Water Disputes: Distribution of Ravi-Beas-Sutlej waters between Punjab & Haryana fueled grievances.
1973 Anandpur Sahib Resolution: Akali Dal demanded greater autonomy for Punjab.
Emergence of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale: Became the face of Sikh militancy, advocating Khalistan.
Dharam Yudh Morcha (1982): Launched as a civil disobedience movement but turned violent.
Operation Blue Star (1984): Indian Army’s attack on the Golden Temple to eliminate militants.
Indira Gandhi’s Assassination (1984): Her Sikh bodyguards killed her, triggering anti-Sikh riots.
Air India Bombing (1985): Canada-based Sikh extremists bombed a flight.
Operation Black Thunder (1986 & 1988): Indian forces flushed out the remaining militants from Golden Temple.

International Expansion of the Movement

Sikh Diaspora’s Role: Khalistani groups found support in Canada, the UK, the US and Australia.
Vote Bank Politics: Diaspora-based separatists leveraged political influence in host countries.
Pakistan’s Involvement: ISI provided arms, funds and safe havens to militants.
Referendums and Conferences: Organized to gain legitimacy and keep the issue alive.
Continued Radicalization: Pro-Khalistan elements disrupt Indian diplomatic missions overseas.

Operations Against Khalistan Militancy

Operation Sundown: An aborted RAW mission to abduct Bhindranwale.
Operation Metal: Limited to clearing militants from the Golden Temple.
Operation Shop: Capturing militants from Punjab’s outskirts.
Operation Woodrose: Crackdown on Khalistani supporters across Punjab.

Geopolitical Implications

India’s Sovereignty: A direct challenge to India’s territorial integrity.
India-Pakistan Tensions: Pakistan’s alleged support intensifies hostilities.
India-Canada Relations: Strained over pro-Khalistan activism in Canada.
Security Threats: Periodic violence linked to Khalistani elements.
Human Rights Concerns: Indian counter-insurgency tactics criticised by global agencies.
Economic Impacts: Trade agreements are affected by political friction over the issue.

{GS3 – S&T – Chemistry} Invisible Geniuses Around You

Context (TH): Science shapes everyday life in unseen ways, powering ordinary activities through fundamental principles.

Science in Daily Life

Scientific Innovations in Cooking Techniques: Adding salt, lemon juice, or vinegar to bhindi (okra) reduces sliminess by breaking down mucilage, a natural thickener.
Accidental Scientific Discoveries: Microwave ovens were discovered when a radar scientist noticed a chocolate bar melting in his pocket.
Chemistry of Soap: Hydrophilic ends (water-attracting) of soap molecules bind to grease and dirt, while hydrophobic ends (water-repelling) pull them into the water, washing them away.
Physics of Refrigeration: Refrigerators cool by removing heat, not creating cold, using a refrigerant that absorbs heat inside, turns it into gas and releases it outside via condenser coils.

Technology in Smartphones

Touchscreen: Uses capacitive sensors that detect electrical signals from fingers.
Sensors: Accelerometers, gyroscopes & proximity sensors adjust screen rotation & motion detection.
AI Integration: Powers voice assistants, facial recognition & predictive text for user-friendly interaction.

{Species – Invasive} Ruellia Elegans

Context (TH): Threat posed to native biodiversity due to the invasive Ruellia elegans, recorded in Assam.

Source: Garden

Common Names: Brazilian petunia, Christmas pride, elegant Ruellia, red Ruellia, wild petunia.
Annual plant native to Latin America (Brazil).
Invasive in Andaman Islands, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Odisha, and Assam.
Physical Characteristics: Bright red trumpet-shaped flowers with semi-fuzzy green foliage thrive in wet tropical biomes and loamy soil and tolerate light frost but die at 28°F.
Threats: Susceptible to bacterial leaf spots, fungal infections, rust and root rot.
Conservation Status: Not assessed.

{Species – Misc} Conserving Tamil Nadu’s Lesser-Known Wildlife *

Context (TH): On World Wildlife Day 2025, TN’s conservation efforts focus on lesser-known species.

Nilgiri Tahr

Endemic mountain ungulate (a herbivorous hoofed mammal) subject to focused conservation programs.
Nilgiri Tahr, locally known as Varaiaadu, is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
It is the only mountain ungulate in southern India among the 12 species found in India.
Habitat: Tropical montane grasslands, sholas forests and rocky areas at high elevations.
Distribution: Endemic to the southern part of the Western Ghats, which falls in Kerala & Tamil Nadu.
- Eravikulam National Park has the highest density and largest surviving population of Nilgiri tahr.
Adaptation: It is adapted to a cold and wet tropical environment. The species is diurnal. It has high stress tolerance levels.
Threats: Habitat loss and poaching.
Conservation Status: IUCN: EN | WPA, 1972: Schedule-I.

Leith’s Soft-shell Turtle

Leith’s softshell turtle is a large freshwater soft-shelled turtle endemic to peninsular India.
Found in all major rivers of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu & Odisha.
Physical description: Adults have olive-green/ greyish carapace & off-cream plastron, with orangish-red markings behind their eyes. Many display black stripes along the head with red blotches in between.
Threats: Poaching, hunting, illegal consumption.
Conservation Status: IUCN: CR | WPA: Schedule IV | CITES: Appendix I

Source: Wikipedia

Slender Loris

A small nocturnal primate (Loris lydekkerianus) of Loridae family.
Its first-ever sanctuary in India (in TN). Documented in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve.
Two species: Grey Slender Loris (Loris lydekkerianus) & Red Slender Loris (Loris tardigradus).

Source: Wikipedia

Grey Slender Loris

Habitat: Native to India & Sri Lanka; Found in tropical rainforests, scrub forests, semi-deciduous forests, and swamps across Eastern & Western Ghats; prefers acacia & tamarind-dominated thorn forests.
Physical Traits: Lean body, slender limbs, large ears, pointed snout, and eyes circled with black or dark brown; fur ranges from dark grey to earthy brown.
Diet & Behavior: Primarily insectivorous, feeding on ants, termites, beetles, spiders & molluscs, but also eats berries; slow-moving & mostly active at night.
Threats: Habitat loss, the disappearance of acacia trees, hunting for pet trade, road kills, superstitions, traditional medicine, and habitat fragmentation.
Conservation Status: IUCN: NT | CITES: Appendix II | WPA, 1972: Schedule I.

Source: Wikipedia

Pangolins

Unique Mammals: Pangolins, or scaly anteaters, are the only mammals covered in large keratin scales, serving as natural armour.
India Hosts Two Species: Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata: IUCN: EN) & Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla: IUCN: CR).
Habitat & Distribution: Found in India (south of the Himalayas), Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and parts of Pakistan; prefers tropical forests, grasslands, and hilly regions up to 2,500 feet.
Behaviour & Features: Nocturnal insectivore feeding on ants and termites; curls into a ball for self-defence; scales vary in colour based on surroundings.
Highly Trafficked For Their Scales: One of the most trafficked mammals globally.
Conservation Status: IUCN: EN | WPA, 1972: Schedule I | CITES: Appendix I.

Source: IUCN, IUCN

Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra)

Source: IUCN

Also called European otter or common otter, it is found along the Tamirabharani River in TN.
Distribution: Found across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia, including northern, northeast, and southern India.
Habitat: Inhabits rivers, lakes, streams, swamps, marshes, and coastal areas; found in cold hills and mountain streams in India.
Physical Features: Sleek brown fur with a paler underside, a long body, a thick tail, and short legs.
Adaptations: Webbed feet, dense fur trapping air for insulation. Ability to close ears & nose underwater.
Behavior: Has acute sight, smell & hearing; whiskers (vibrissae) help detect prey. Solitary & elusive; uses high-pitched whistles between mother & cubs, twittering sounds in play, cat-like noises when fighting.
Keystone and Indicator Species: Play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity.
Conservation Status: IUCN: NT.

Dugong/Sea Cow

Marine mammal; conservation initiatives active along the Tamil Nadu coastline.
Found in shallow coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, with major populations in northern Australia and the Arabian Gulf.
Physical Characteristics: Grows 2.2–3.4 m long, weighs 230–420 kg, has a tapered body with a deeply notched tail, rounded flippers, and no hind limbs or visible neck.
Adaptations: Herbivorous marine mammals adapted for grazing on seagrasses with specialised flippers for manoeuvring in shallow waters.
Behavior: Not migratory but travels long distances within its range to find food.
Lifespan: Long-lived species, surviving up to 73 years.
Threat: Hunting (meat and oil), habitat degradation, and fishing-related fatalities.
Conservation Status: IUCN: CR.

Indian Flapshell Turtle

Lissemys punctata is the freshwater turtle species found in the Cauvery region.
Habitat & Distribution: Freshwater species found in rivers, marshes, ponds, and lakes across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh & Myanmar. Prefers sand/mud-bottomed water for burrowing.
Unique Features: Named “flap-shelled” due to femoral flaps on the plastron that cover the limbs when retracted. Evolutionary link between softshell and hard-shell turtles.
Lifestyle & Adaptations: Omnivorous diet (frogs, shrimp, snails, aquatic plants, fruits, and seeds). Solitary, diurnal, and highly adapted to drought conditions.
Threats: Poached for meat & leather, aphrodisiac properties, traditional medicine & fishing bait.
Conservation Status: IUCN: Vulnerable | CITES: Appendix II | WPA, 1972: Schedule I.

Source: Wikipedia

Cantor’s Giant Soft-shell Turtle

Asian giant softshell turtle, commonly known as Cantor’s giant softshell turtle and the frog-faced softshell turtle, is a large freshwater species native to South & Southeast Asia, inhabiting the Cauvery River in TN.

Habitat: Lakes, rivers, estuaries, seacoasts, and occasionally in coastal marine waters.
Range: Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore (extirpated), Thailand, Vietnam
Physical Appearance: Broad head & small eyes close to snout tip. Smooth olive-coloured carapace.
Diet: Primarily, carnivores (piscivores) feed on fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. They may also supplement their diet with some aquatic plants.
Behaviour: Spends 95% of life buried & motionless, with only its eyes & mouth protruding from sand.
Threats: Illegal Poaching, Habitat destruction, etc.
Conservation Status: IUCN: Critically Endangered (CR) | WPA: Schedule I | CITES: Appendix II

Source: Wikipedia