Current Affairs – March 21, 2025

{GS1 – Geo – PG – Geomorphology} Gully Erosion in India **

Context (DTE): A 2025 Nature report highlights severe gully erosion in India, threatening land degradation neutrality by 2030.

Extent & Affected Areas as per 2025 Nature Report

Gully erosion affects 77 high-risk districts, mainly in eastern and southern India, with Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan being the worst-hit states.
Eastern India experiences more severe gully erosion, while western India has predominantly badlands, making Jharkhand the top priority for intervention.

What is Gully Erosion?

Soil removal along drainage lines due to surface runoff, forming deep channels (gullies).
Stages:
1. Rill Formation: Small finger-like channels appear after sheet erosion.
2. Gully Formation: Rills widen and deepen into large channels.
3. Badland Topography: Extensive gully networks create rugged landscapes (e.g., Chambal Ravines).
4. Ravines & Canyons: Further deepening leads to steep, unstable landforms.

Source: Wikipedia

Causes

Deforestation: Reduces root stability, increasing soil erosion.
Overgrazing: Removes vegetation cover, accelerating runoff.
Unscientific Farming: Deep plowing and poor soil conservation weaken land.
Climate Change: Intense rainfall worsens soil loss.
Poor Land Management: Lack of erosion control measures.
- Difficult Reversal: Advanced degradation is nearly irreversible.
- Lack of Policy Clarity: No clear distinction between gullies and badlands.

Impacts of Gully Erosion

Agricultural Damage: Soil degradation reduces productivity.
Water Scarcity: Reduced groundwater recharge increases drought risk.
Forced Migration: Rural communities lose livelihoods.
Infrastructure Threats: Roads, settlements, and bridges suffer erosion-related damage.
Biodiversity Loss: Habitat destruction affects ecosystems.

Measures to Control Gully Erosion

Soil Conservation: Contour ploughing, terracing, and vegetative barriers.
Water Management: Check dams, rainwater harvesting, and controlled runoff.
Sustainable Agriculture: Agroforestry and mixed cropping.
Reforestation: Planting trees and grasses to stabilise soil.
Community Involvement: Local participation in erosion control efforts.

{GS2 – IR – Issues} Trump’s MAGA Policies

Context (IE): Trump’s MAGA policies focused on US economic dominance, disrupted global trade, strengthened competitors, and heightened domestic economic risks.

“Make America Great Again”(MAGA) is an American political slogan most recently popularised by Donald Trump during his successful presidential campaigns in 2016 and in 2024.

US Economic Risks and Trade Isolation

Inflation Surge: High tariffs raise consumer prices, fueling inflation and potential economic instability.
Global Reserve Currency Threat: Growing foreign doubts on lending to the US Treasury may weaken the dollar’s dominance.
Trade War Fallout: China & EU target US farm goods with retaliatory tariffs, hitting American exports.
Institutional Instability: Trump’s disregard for trade agreements (e.g., USMCA violations) raises concerns about US credibility in future deals.

Global Impact

India: Shifting Trade Policy

Increased Protectionism: The NDA government has raised tariffs on over 500 items since 2016, moving away from earlier trade liberalization.
Policy Rethink: Initially denied protectionism but reduced customs duties on key US export items in the Union Budget to counter Trump’s reciprocal tariffs.
Tariff Impact: Average customs duty dropped from 11.66% to 10.66%, signalling an effort to shed India’s high-tariff image.

China: Consumption-Driven Growth Push

Policy Shift: Announced its most comprehensive plan in 40 years to boost domestic consumption amid the US trade war.
Key Measures: Raised workers’ incomes, improved consumer spending conditions, and addressed structural issues like the property crisis and childcare.
Stock Market Reaction: Surged over 2% as expectations of further economic stimulus grew.

Europe: Defense Spending and Economic Adjustments

Military Realignment: Increasing defense budgets as US signals withdrawal from NATO commitments.
Germany’s Fiscal Shift: Relaxed strict debt rules to fund defence and infrastructure with a €500 billion borrowing plan.
Economic Challenges: France, Italy, and Belgium struggle with high deficits, limiting growth potential.
Canada-EU Relations: Canada explores EU membership amid Trump’s anti-NAFTA stance.

{GS2 – MEITY – Schemes} ‘Samarth’ Incubation Program for Startups *

Context (PIB): The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), under the Dept of Telecommunications (DoT), launched the “Samarth” Incubation Program.

About ‘Samarth’

Objective: To provide comprehensive support to startups to transition from ideation to commercialisation, fostering scalable & sustainable business models in telecom and IT technologies.
Focus Areas: Telecom Software Apps, Cybersecurity, 5G/6G, AI, IoT Applications, Quantum Technologies.
Software Technology Parks of India as Implementation Partner: STPI is a premier organisation under MeitY, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging tech fields like AI, IoT, and Blockchain.

Key Features of the Program

Infrastructure: Access to C-DOT’s advanced R&D labs to develop prototypes & for testing for 6 months.
End-to-End Support: Includes access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert mentorship, financial assistance, and networking opportunities.
Financial Support: Eligible startups can receive up to ₹5 lakh as a grant to support project development.

{GS2 – MoHUA – Schemes} Smart Cities Mission

Context (IE): The Smart Cities Mission is set to conclude in 2025, with some projects likely to extend beyond the deadline.

Overview of the Mission

Smart city is a term that describes a city that uses technology and data to improve the efficiency and sustainability of its services and infrastructure. It aims to enhance the quality of life, reduce environmental impact, & foster economic growth.

Launched in 2015 to enhance urban infrastructure & livability in selected cities.
Objectives: Develop cities with smart solutions while promoting economic & institutional growth, creating replicable urban models & ensuring accountability through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs).
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) oversees its implementation.

Smart Solutions in Key Areas of Development

Smart governance: Using digital platforms to improve transparency and accountability.
Smart mobility: Improving public transport and promoting non-motorized modes of transport.
Smart energy: Enhancing energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, and smart metering.
Smart water: Improving water supply, sanitation, and waste management.
Smart environment: Reducing pollution, increasing green cover, and enhancing climate resilience.
Smart health: Providing accessible and affordable healthcare services and facilities.
Smart education: Improving access and quality of education and skill development.
Smart safety: Enhancing safety and security through surveillance and emergency response systems.

Source: Twimg

Mission Strategy

Cities were chosen through competitive process between 2016 & 2018, with 5 yrs to complete projects.
Pan-City Initiative: Application of at least one smart solution city-wide.
Three Models of Area-Based Development: Retrofitting (City improvement); Redevelopment (City renewal); and Greenfield development (City expansion)
Integrated Command and Control Centres (ICCCs) have been implemented in all cities for real-time monitoring of urban services under the mission.

Implementation

100 Smart Cities selected through competitive federalism.
Implementation through SPVs at the city level (50:50 equity between state/UT and ULBs).
Initial duration: 2015-2020 (extended till 31st March 2025).

Funding & Financial Mechanism

Centrally Sponsored Scheme: ₹48,000 crore over five years (₹100 crore per city annually).
States/Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) must match central funding.
Additional Financing Through: Municipal Bonds, Finance Commission Grants, Govt Programs & Borrowings, PPPs.

Current Progress (As of July 2024)

Total Projects: 7,970 projects worth ₹1,70,400 crore, of which 7,188 (90% of total) have been completed.
17 cities with 100% completion and 56 cities with 80%+ completion.
Lagging Cities: 14 cities (primarily from Northeast, UTs, and hilly areas).
Digital Transformation: 100 ICCCs operational for traffic, waste, health & disaster management.

Smart Cities Success Stories

Ahmedabad: Sensor-based water monitoring saved 50 MLD water/day.
Indore: Prevented 205 MLD sewage from entering rivers.
Visakhapatnam: Floating solar plant saved $0.28 million & 3,000+ tons of CO2.
Bhubaneswar: Launched a multi-modal railway hub & hi-tech traffic system.
New Delhi: Implemented mini-sewerage plants, smart street lights & city surveillance.

Challenges & Issues

Governance Gaps: SPVs operate independently, causing fragmented urban development.
Weak Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): Insufficient technical expertise & human resources.
Limited Private Investment: PPP projects contribute only 6% instead of the targeted 21%, affecting financial viability.
Funding Shortfalls: Only 54% of planned loans secured; some states fail to provide their matching share.
Execution Delays: Frequent CEO transfers in SPVs and inactive state-level advisory forums slow progress.
Lack of Urban Planning: 65% of India’s urban areas lack master plans, leading to haphazard growth.
Environmental & Land Issues: Delays in land acquisition, deforestation concerns, and weak environmental planning impact sustainability.
Low Citizen Participation: Inadequate engagement with residents despite being key stakeholders in smart city projects.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} Women Leaders & Gender Equality

Context (IE): Women leaders like Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto and Angela Merkel reached top positions, yet gender equality remains low in their countries, exposing a leadership paradox.

Leadership vs. Gender Parity

Political vs. Social Reality: India ranks 65^th in political empowerment but 142^nd in gender equality. Pakistan ranks 145^th globally, and Germany, despite Merkel’s leadership, ranks 91^st in education and 82^nd in economic participation.
Symbolic Success: Women reaching power doesn’t ensure systemic gender reforms, often serving as exceptions rather than catalysts for broader change.
- Notable Exception: Chile’s Michelle Bachelet implemented major gender reforms, including workplace equality and childcare support.

Barriers to Women’s Leadership

Patriarchal Norms: Deep-rooted biases limit women’s leadership despite political representation in India, Pakistan and Germany.
Religious & Social Restrictions: Gender-biased traditions, fatwa opposition and conservative family roles hinder women’s political participation.
Political Gender Stereotyping: Women are assigned “soft” portfolios like social welfare, while men dominate the defence and finance sectors.
Dynastic Politics: 80% of Asian women leaders have dynastic ties, limiting merit-based leadership and grassroots gender reforms.
Masculine Leadership Expectations: Women must adopt aggressive styles to fit in, yet face double standards where assertiveness is seen as arrogance and empathy as weakness.
Systemic Constraints: Women operate within male-dominated structures, limiting gender policy impact.
Policy Priorities: Merkel focused on the economy, Bhutto faced legal barriers, and Gandhi prioritised governance over gender equity.

Impact of Female Leadership

Inspiration for Women: Female leaders boost political aspirations and voter turnout among women.
Beyond Symbolism: True gender parity requires institutional and cultural shifts, not just women in power.

{GS3 – IE – Banking} Incentive Scheme for Low-Value BHIM-UPI Transactions

Context (PIB | DD): Union Cabinet approved an Incentive Scheme for the promotion of low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (P2M) for FY 2024-25 to enhance digital payments among small merchants.

“Person to Merchant” (P2M) refers to payments made from an individual’s bank account to a merchant’s bank account via UPI for purchases, with an interchange fee charged between banks for processing.

Objectives of the Scheme

Promote BHIM-UPI : Achieve a total transaction volume target of Rs. 20,000 crores in FY 2024-25.
Financial Inclusion: Expand UPI penetration in Tier 3-6 cities and rural areas using offline and feature-phone-based solutions (UPI 123PAY, UPI Lite/UPI LiteX).
Support Payment Infrastructure: Strengthen payment systems for secure & seamless transactions.
Encourage Merchants: Eliminate cost barriers for small businesses & increase digital payment adoption.

Key Features of the Scheme

Financial Outlay: Rs. 1,500 crore allocated for implementation.
Eligibility: Covers UPI (P2M) transactions up to Rs. 2,000 for small merchants.
Incentive Structure: Small merchants receive an incentive of 0.15% per transaction (up to Rs. 2,000); No incentive for transactions above Rs. 2,000 or for large merchants.
Zero MDR: No Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for both small and large merchants.
Claim Disbursement: 80% of the admitted claim amount is disbursed unconditionally each quarter & 20% based on performance benchmarks (10% if the technical decline rate is less than 0.75%; 10% if the system uptime is more than 99.5%)

Previous Incentives

MDR was made zero for RuPay Debit Cards and BHIM-UPI transactions through amendments to the Payments and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 and Income Tax Act, 1961.
Fund Distribution: Incentives are paid to the Acquiring Bank (merchant’s bank) and then shared among Issuer Banks (customer’s bank), Payment Service Provider Banks, and App Providers (TPAPs).

Benefits of the Scheme

Enhanced Financial Access: Small merchants can use digital payments without incurring extra costs, improving cash flow and access to credit.
Convenient & Secure Transactions: Citizens benefit from seamless, charge-free UPI payments.
Boost to Digital Economy: Supports the government’s vision of a less-cash economy by formalising small transactions.
Efficiency Gains: Incentive-linked conditions promote high system uptime and low technical failures, ensuring reliable services.
Balanced Growth & Fiscal Prudence: Encourages UPI adoption while minimising govt expenditure.

{GS3 – Infra – Initiatives} River Betwa

Context (NDTV): Betwa River in MP is facing severe ecological degradation threatening its existence.

About River Betwa

Historical Name: Also known as Vetravati, mentioned in the Vedas and Mahabharata.
Origin: Jhiri village in Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, in the Vindhya Range.
Course: Flows northeast through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, covering 610 km before merging with the Yamuna River.
Tributaries: Jamni and Dhasan rivers.
Dams: Dukwan and Deogarh dams regulate its water for irrigation and management.
Cultural Importance: Revered in Hindu scriptures for purity and penance;
Strategic Significance: The Indian Navy named INS Betwa a frigate in its honour.

Current Issues Affecting Betwa

Drying Origin: The river’s source at Jhiri village has dried up due to ecological disturbances.
Illegal Sand Mining: Extensive sand extraction weakens the riverbed, affecting water retention.
Deforestation: Loss of surrounding forests has disrupted groundwater recharge.
Over-Extraction of Water: Unauthorized borewells & industrial use have reduced water levels.
Encroachment & Pollution: Construction activities, dumping of waste, and untreated sewage inflows have contaminated the river.

Impact of River Degradation

Regional Water Crisis: MP & UP are experiencing reduced water availability for drinking and irrigation.
Cultural Loss: Sacred ghats, ancient structures, communities associated with it are losing their identity.
Loss of Agricultural Livelihoods: Farmers dependent for irrigation are facing severe water scarcity.
Threat to Biodiversity: Aquatic life and dependent ecosystems are at risk due to declining water quality.

Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP)

First project under the National Perspective Plan for River Interlinking (1980).
Objective: Transfers surplus water from Ken to Betwa to address drought-prone Bundelkhand’s irrigation.
It will generate hydroelectricity along with water supply.
Phases:
- Phase I: Construction of Daudhan Dam, Ken-Betwa Link Canal, and tunnels.
- Phase II: Development of Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage.
Significant areas of the Panna tiger reserve (Ken River passes through it) will be impacted by the project.

Source: BS

{GS3 – IS – Issues} Sikhs for Justice

Context (IE): India has requested the US to designate Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) due to its alleged anti-India activities.

What is Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)?

Formation & Leadership: Founded in 2007 by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a US citizen and a US-based attorney who serves as its legal advisor and spokesperson.
Objective: Advocates a separate Sikh state, “Khalistan,” in Punjab through international lobbying.
Global Presence: Operates primarily in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.

Key Activities and Allegations

Khalistan Referendum 2020: SFJ launched an international campaign calling for Punjab’s secession from India, which India considers a farcical exercise.
Extremist Support: Accused of funding and supporting radical elements to disrupt peace in Punjab.
Threats to Indian Leaders: Has repeatedly threatened high-profile Indian politicians, including the PM.
Propaganda & Radicalization: SFJ is alleged to be spreading separatist propaganda and fueling extremism under the guise of human rights advocacy.
Contradictory Stance: Claims to be non-violent but glorifies figures like Talwinder Singh Parmar, mastermind of the 1985 Air India bombing.
Alleged Instigation: Accused of urging Indian farmers to take up arms and facilitating weapons from across the border.

Legal Status and Bans

India’s Ban: Declared ‘unlawful association’ under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in 2019.
Terrorist Designation: Pannun was among 9 individuals designated as terrorists by India’s MHA in 2020.
Digital Censorship: India has blocked SFJ’s websites and digital platforms to curb its influence.

Diplomatic Concerns and Global Implications

India-U.S. Relations: India requested the US to label SFJ as an FTO to restrict its operations & funding.
- Significance of FTO Status: Prohibits US-based individuals from supporting SFJ, freezes its assets in U.S. financial institutions and categorises it alongside groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS.
Pakistan’s Alleged Support: SFJ is believed to have backing from Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), raising security concerns for India.

Also refer to Khalistan Movement

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Sonic Weapons *

Context (IE): Protests against govt corruption in Belgrade were allegedly calmed using sonic weapons.

What are Sonic Weapons?

Sonic weapons, also known as Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) or “sound cannons,” are non-lethal weapons designed to emit high-pressure sound waves, often used to disperse crowds or as a deterrent in situations of conflict.
They function by emitting extremely loud noises of 150 to 160 decibels (dB), far higher than a jet engine at take-off (~130 dB), that can be heard from long distances, up to 1 km.
Unlike regular sound waves, acoustic signals from these retain their intensity over long distances.

Typical conversational speech is around 60 dB, and a crying baby may reach 80-100 dB.

Effects of Sonic Weapons on Humans

Pain and Discomfort: Exposure to sounds at or above 120 dB causes immediate pain and discomfort.
Hearing Damage: Short exposure can result in permanent hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Psychological Impact: The “invisible” nature of the attack can cause stress and anxiety, as individuals are defenceless against the sound.
Physical Injury: In extreme cases, high-pressure sound waves can cause damage to internal organs, including rupturing the lungs.
Reflex Reaction: The body’s instinct to cover its ears leaves individuals vulnerable, rendering them unable to defend themselves from other potential threats.

Use of Sonic Weapons

Ancient Warfare: Sonic-based tactics, such as war drums, were used by Native Americans to communicate and intimidate enemies.
World War II: Nazi dive bombers used ram-air sirens to create panic on the ground, a form of psychological warfare.
Somali Pirates: LRADs have been used on freighters to deter piracy.
Havana Syndrome (2016-2017): US diplomats in Cuba experienced symptoms like hearing loss, vertigo, and headaches, which were thought to be caused by a sonic weapon.
Police Forces: Used by Greek authorities in 2021 to prevent migrant entries from Turkey and by US police in 2009 to disperse G20 summit protesters.
Sonic Weapons Speculation: Reports suggest sonic weapons emitting inaudible low-pitched, high-frequency sounds may cause harm, but their link to incidents remains unproven.

{GS3 – S&T – Space} Crew-9 Mission *

Context (PIB): Prime Minister congratulates Crew-9 Astronauts, including Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, as they safely return to Earth.

About Crew-9

Crew-9: 9^th crew rotation mission of SpaceX’s human space transportation system and its 10^th flight with astronauts to the space station through NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
Launch and Docking: The Crew Dragon spacecraft, named “Freedom,” launched on September 28, 2024, and docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on September 29, 2024.
Return to Earth: Undocked from the ISS and safely splashed down off the coast of Florida.
Astronauts: Nick Hague, Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.
Extended Stay: Wilmore and Williams, initially on a brief mission aboard the Starliner spacecraft, experienced an extended nine-month stay on the ISS due to the spacecraft’s technical issues.
- During their mission, Williams and Wilmore travelled 121 million miles, spent 286 days in space, and completed 4,576 Earth orbits.

Scientific Achievements of Crew 9 Mission

Conducted more than 150 scientific experiments and demonstrations during their stay in space.

Plant and Microbial Research

Arthrospira C: Explored microalgae’s potential for converting carbon dioxide into oxygen and providing fresh food for long-duration missions.
Plant Habitat-07: Study of how different moisture levels affect the microbial communities in plants and water, aiming to improve food production systems for future space journeys.
Rhodium Biomanufacturing 03: Part of an ongoing examination of microgravity’s effects on biomanufacturing engineered bacteria and yeast aboard the ISS.

Advancing Exercise and Health Monitoring

European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D): Tested E4D, a modular device that combines cycling, rowing, and resistance exercises to help keep crews healthy.
E4D is effective at countering bone and muscle loss and improving cardiovascular health could help crew on future missions.

Understanding Water and Fire in Space

Packed Bed Reactor Experiment and Water Recovery Series (PBRE-WRS): Examined the role of gravity in water filtration systems.
- Insights from this study could lead to improved water recovery, thermal management, and fuel cell efficiency for both space and Earth-based applications.
SOFIE-RTDFS Investigation: Examined how flames spread in microgravity, using controlled burns of acrylic sheets under various oxygen and pressure conditions.
- Findings from this study will enhance fire safety measures for future deep-space missions.

Studying Microbial Contamination

During an extravehicular activity, they collected microbial samples from the ISS exterior for the ISS External Microorganisms study.
This research investigates whether microorganisms escape through the station’s vents and how they survive in space, aiding planetary protection efforts for future Moon and Mars missions.

Testing New Technologies

InSPA Auxilium Bioprinter: Crew-9 tested 3D printing of implantable medical devices in microgravity using the InSPA Auxilium Bioprinter.
LignoSat: Launched LignoSat, a satellite by JAXA, to test wood as a sustainable satellite material.

Study of Solar Winds

COronal Diagnostic EXperiment (CODEX): Examines solar wind and how it forms using a solar coronagraph, which blocks out bright light from the Sun to reveal details in its outer atmosphere or corona.

International Space Station

It’s a large spacecraft (comparable to a football ground) in low Earth orbit.
The ISS serves as a scientific laboratory for various experiments in microgravity research, Space Medicine, earth and space observation etc.
Collaborative Project of 5 Space Agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada).
The ISS orbits the Earth in 90 minutes, completing about 16 orbits per day.
Major Parts of ISS:
- Zvezda (Russia): Life support and propulsion
- Destiny (USA): Primary science laboratory
- Columbus (Europe): Research module
- Kibo (Japan): Experiment module
- Canadarm2: Robotic arm for maintenance