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.

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

• 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.

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.

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

Also Read> Health Risks of Prolonged Space Stay.