Current Affairs – March 22, 2025

{GS2 – Governance – Issues} Indian Journalism **

• Context (IE): Ramnath Goenka Awards highlights the importance of journalism in evolving media.

Functions of Journalism in Governance

• Providing Accurate Information: Enables citizens to make informed choices on governance & policies.
• Watchdog: Investigative journalism uncovers corruption, human rights violations & misuse of power.
• Facilitating Public Debate: Editorials and debates encourage discourse, essential for democracy.
• Defending Press Freedom: Independent media prevents suppression of dissenting voices and upholds democratic values.

Investigative journalism, also known as undercover/watchdog journalism, involves in-depth research to uncover stories that would otherwise remain buried, revealing hidden truths or societal issues.

Significance of Journalism in a Democracy

• 4^th Pillar: Journalism acts as a watchdog, ensuring transparency, accountability and informed citizenry.
• Strengthening Public Discourse: Reliable information enables democratic participation and informed decision-making.

Historical Role of Journalism in India

• Mass Mobilization During Colonial Era: Newspapers like Kesari, Bande Mataram and Amrita Bazar Patrika mobilised nationalist sentiments despite British censorship laws.
• Exposing Corruption: Investigative journalism revealed major scams (Bofors, 2G Spectrum and Vyapam).
• Influencing Policy: Media played a key role in shaping laws like the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
• Electoral Integrity: Coverage of elections educates voters on policies, candidates and governance.

Challenges Facing Journalism Today

• Fake News & Misinformation: Rapid spread of unverified info on social media influence public opinion.
• Political & Corporate Influence: Media houses face pressure, leading to biased reporting.
• Threats to Press Freedom: Censorship, intimidation and legal threats, impacting independent reporting.
• Financial Sustainability Issues: Digital transformation has disrupted revenue models, making independent journalism harder to sustain.

Framework Supporting Journalism

Legal Provisioning

• Press Council Act, 1978: Establishes the Press Council of India as a media watchdog.
• Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005: Enhances transparency by granting access to govt records.
• Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014: Protects individuals exposing corruption, including journalists.
• Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995: Ensures responsible reporting in broadcast media.
• IT Rules, 2021: Regulates digital news media and mandates grievance redressal mechanisms.

Supreme Court Verdicts

• Romesh Thappar vs State of Madras (1950): Established press freedom under Article 19(1)(a).
• Bennett Coleman & Co. vs Union of India (1973): Struck down govt control over newsprint.
• Indian Express Newspapers vs Union of India (1985): Prevented excessive taxation of newspapers.
• Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India (2020): Declared internet shutdowns a violation of press freedom.

Steps to Strengthen Journalism in India

• Legal Reforms: Empower the Press Council of India and implement journalist protection laws.
• Ethical Journalism & Media Literacy: Promote fact-checking and strengthen self-regulation bodies.
• Financial Independence: Support independent journalism through alternative revenue models.
• Digital Transformation: Enhance cybersecurity and protect journalists from online threats.

{GS2 – IR – Issues} Switzerland’s Golden Visa Attracts the Uber Rich

• Context (FP): Swiss Golden Visa program is the most sought-after residency-by-investment scheme.

Swiss Golden Visa

• Criteria: Must be a non-EU citizen aged 18-55 with a clean legal record, stable income, health insurance, and a rented or owned residence in Switzerland; dependents must meet the same criteria.
• Under Residency-by-Investment Program: Allows to acquire Swiss residency in exchange for a significant financial investment or by paying a lump sum tax (requirements varying by region).
• Permanent Residency: After 10 years of continuous residency.
• Citizenship: After 12 years of continuous residence.
• Dual Citizenship: Allowed.
• Economic Significance: Contributes to job creation, economic growth, and cultural diversity.

Investment Options

• Swiss Real Estate Investment: Investing in Swiss real estate is not a direct pathway to residency but can support financial eligibility. Restrictions apply to foreign property ownership.
• Swiss Bank Deposit Program: Some cantons (political subdivisions/regions) may allow residency by depositing an amount in a Swiss bank. The required amount varies & usually exceeds CHF 1 million.

Why the Ultra-Rich Prefer Swiss Residency

• Ranked Among the Best: Switzerland is ranked 2^nd on the 2025 Global Residence Program Index.
• Political and Economic Stability: Strong, stable economy with minimal inflation and financial risks.
• High Standard: Offers world-class healthcare, education, clean environment & advanced infrastructure.
• Tax Advantages: Various cantons provide attractive tax rates under lump sum taxation agreements.
• Access to the Schengen Area: Swiss residency allows unrestricted travel within the Schengen zone.
• Safe and Secure Environment: One of the lowest crime rates globally, ensuring safety for families.
• Business Opportunities: Switzerland is an international financial hub with strong global trade and investment potential.
• Real Estate Investment: Residents can access Switzerland’s stable and profitable property market.
• Family Reunification: Spouses and dependent children under 18 are eligible for residency.

Comparison with Other Golden Visa Programs

• United States: Offers a “Gold Card” visa for $5 million (Rs 44 crore), significantly higher than Switzerland’s requirements.
• Greece, Malta, UAE, Canada, and UK also have residency-by-investment programs but vary in benefits and investment requirements.
• Switzerland stands out due to its economic stability, low tax rates, and high quality of life.

{GS2 – IR – Issues} US Fresh Attacks on Houthis

• Context (IE): The US conducted over 40 precision strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

Reasons for the US Targeting Houthis

• Red Sea Disruptions: Houthi attacks since December 2023 have hampered Red Sea shipping, forcing vessels to detour around Africa, raising insurance costs.
• US Policy Continuity: Biden designated Houthis as Specially Designated Global Terrorists in 2024; Trump re-designated them as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in 2025.
• Iran’s Involvement: Trump equates Houthi attacks to direct Iranian aggression, threatening consequences against Tehran.
• Gaza Conflict Link: Houthi actions intensified following Israel’s renewed military operations in Jabalia.
• Freedom of Navigation: Ensuring open maritime routes has been a long-standing US naval priority.

Trump’s Objectives

• Avoiding Direct War with Iran: Military action against the Houthis serves as a warning to Tehran without full-scale confrontation.
• Strategic Pressure on Iran: Trump’s statements aim to force Iran into negotiating under his terms, particularly in nuclear discussions.
• Political Messaging: Strengthening his tough-on-Iran stance aligns with his broader geopolitical and domestic political strategy.

Houthi Resilience and Capabilities

• Survived Extensive Airstrikes: Withstood ~20,000 airstrikes by the Saudi-led coalition from 2015-2023.
• Asymmetric Warfare Tactics: Utilize mobility, modular combat units, and lessons from Hezbollah’s conflict with Israel.
• Expanded Arsenal & Uninterrupted Operations: Initially lacking missiles until 2015 and despite foreign bombings, Houthis maintain their ability to deploy advanced drones, rockets, and missiles.

Houthis’ International Backers

• Iran: Primary financier, though Tehran publicly claims Houthis act independently.
• China: Indirect supporter by purchasing 90% of Iran’s oil exports, funding the Iran-Houthi channel. Many Houthi anti-ship missiles are derivatives of Chinese C-802 models.
• Russia: Provides intelligence, small arms, and potential anti-ship missile supplies.

US Challenges in Eliminating Houthi Threat

• Persistent Capabilities: Airstrikes dent but do not eradicate Houthi offensive strength.
• Regional Complexity: Lack of support from key Middle Eastern allies’ limits sustained US action.
• Iran-Russia-China Triangle: External backing sustains Houthi resilience despite military pressure.

{GS2 – MoA&FW – Initiatives} Revised National Program for Dairy Development

• Context (PIB): The Cabinet approved the Revised National Program for Dairy Development (NPDD).

About Revised NPDD

• NPDD: Central Sector Scheme launched in 2014, aimed at strengthening the dairy sector in India.
• Revised NPDD: Focuses on modernising and expanding dairy infrastructure, ensuring the sector’s sustained growth and productivity.
• Outlay: Enhanced with an additional Rs.1000 crore, bringing the total budget to Rs.2790 crore for a period of the 15^th Finance Commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26).
• Implementation: The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
• Objectives:
  • Establish 10,000 new Dairy Cooperative Societies, processing in the North Eastern Region (NER).
  • Strengthening milk procurement and processing in the North Eastern Region (NER).
  • Formation of 2 Milk Producer Companies (MPCs) with dedicated grant support in addition to the ongoing projects of NPDD.
  • To generate an additional 3.2 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities, particularly benefiting women, which constitute 70% of the dairy workforce.
• Scheme Consists of Two Key Components:
  1. Component A
     • It is dedicated to improving essential dairy infrastructure, such as milk chilling plants, advanced milk testing laboratories, and certification systems.
     • Supports the formation of village dairy cooperative societies and strengthens milk procurement and processing in the North Eastern Region (NER), hilly regions, remote and backward areas, etc.
  2. Component B
     • Known as “Dairying through Cooperatives”, it will continue to foster dairy development through cooperation with the Government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as per agreements signed.
     • Focuses on sustainable development of dairy cooperatives, improving production, processing, and marketing infrastructure in 9 States (Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal).

Significance

• Infrastructure Creation: The revised NPDD will give an impetus to the dairy sector by creating infrastructure for milk procurement and processing capacity and ensuring better quality control.
• Ensure Better Access to Markets: To ensure better pricing through value addition and improve the efficiency of the supply chain, leading to higher incomes and greater rural development.
• Technological Push: It will support newly formed cooperatives by providing new technology and quality testing labs.

Achievements of NPDD

• Employment: Benefitted over 18.74 lakh farmers and has created over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.
• Milk Procurement Capacity: Increased by an additional 100.95 lakh litres per day.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: The NPDD has also supported promoting cutting-edge technology for better milk testing and quality control.
• Infrastructure: Over 51,777 village-level milk testing laboratories have been strengthened, while 5,123 bulk milk coolers with a combined capacity of 123.33 lakh litres have been installed.
  • 169 labs have been upgraded with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) milk analysers, and 232 dairy plants now have advanced systems for detecting adulteration.

{GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} Assisted Dying Debate

• Context (IE): The death of Daniel Kahneman through assisted suicide in 2024 in Switzerland has reignited global discussions on the ethics of assisted suicide.

Daniel Kahneman’s Legacy

• Nobel Laureate revolutionised behavioural economics by integrating psychology into economic theories.
• Key Theories:
  • Loss Aversion: People prefer small, guaranteed outcomes over larger risky ones.
  • Peak-End Rule: People evaluate past experiences based on the most intense moment and the end.
• Major Works: Thinking, Fast and Slow (2011), explaining human biases and flawed decision-making.

Euthanasia Vs. Assisted Suicide Euthanasia: A medical professional actively administers a lethal substance to cause a patient’s death, usually through injection. Assisted Suicide: A patient self-administers a prescribed lethal drug with medical guidance but without direct intervention. Note: Both differ from withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining treatment in accord with accepted ethical and medical standards or “Do Not Resuscitate” orders, which are already legal in some countries.

The Debate around Assisted Dying

Proponents’ Arguments

• Dignity in Death: By relieving patients from unbearable suffering.
• Avoidance of Futile Medical Treatment that offers no hope of recovery.
• Financial Relief: To families by avoiding prolonged and costly treatments.
• Organ Donation: It can potentially save other lives.
• Respects personal autonomy over one’s life and death.

Opponents’ Arguments

• Potential Abuse: Concerns about misuse, non-consensual euthanasia, or prioritising euthanasia over healthcare improvements.
• Slippery Slope Argument: Fear that legal euthanasia may lead to non-consensual cases or societal pressure on vulnerable individuals.
• Ethical & Religious Concerns about taking one’s own life.
• Weakens incentives for societies to improve palliative care.
• Undermines Medical Ethics: The World Medical Association (WMA) opposes euthanasia, stating that they are inconsistent with the core principles of medical practice.
• Indian Medical Association concerns about legal risks for doctors following euthanasia guidelines.

Impact of the Debate

• Medical Ethics: Raises concerns about balancing compassion, legality, and societal values.
• Philosophical Reflections: Challenges traditional views on autonomy, dignity, and the right to die.

Global Legal Status of Assisted Dying

• European Countries: Legal in Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg under strict conditions.
• US & UK: Debate ongoing; UK MPs proposed a bill in 2024 requiring further scrutiny.
• Judicial Recognition in India for the Right to Die with dignity (Article 21) in the Aruna Shanbaug case.

Also refer to Status of Passive Euthanasia in India.

{GS2 – Polity – Laws} Determination of Alimony in India

• Context (BT): Alimony in India is governed by multiple laws and depends on various factors, including financial status, standard of living, and child custody arrangements.

Alimony is a legal obligation requiring one spouse to provide financial support to the other after separation or divorce. It ensures financial stability for the dependent spouse post-marriage.

Laws Governing Alimony

• Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: Under Section 24, the court may order interim maintenance to a spouse during divorce proceedings. Section 25 allows permanent alimony after the final decree of divorce. Applicable to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.
• Special Marriage Act, 1954: Similar provisions as the Hindu Marriage Act, with Section 36 dealing with maintenance and alimony during divorce. Governs interfaith and civil marriages.
• Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986: Provides for maintenance to Muslim women post-divorce.
• Indian Divorce Act, 1869: Governs alimony for Christian couples, where the court can order maintenance or alimony for the wife post-divorce.
• Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936: Applicable to Parsis.

Though Prenuptial Agreements are not legally enforceable in India, they can provide a financial framework but may be challenged in court.

Factors Considered for Alimony Determination

• Financial Status of Both Spouses: Higher-earning spouses may have to pay alimony to maintain financial balance.
• Standard of Living In Marriage: Courts assess the lifestyle the dependent spouse is accustomed to.
• Duration of Marriage: Longer marriages usually lead to higher alimony amounts.
• Child Custody Arrangements: Alimony may be adjusted based on child support responsibilities.
• Income Disparity: A working spouse can still receive alimony if there is a significant income gap.
• Self-Sufficiency: If the recipient is financially stable, courts may reduce or deny alimony.

Alimony for Working Women

• Not an Automatic Disqualification: A working woman can claim alimony if she earns significantly less than her spouse.
• Judicial Discretion: Courts determine maintenance based on financial need, not employment status alone. If self-sufficient, a woman may not be granted alimony.

Taxability of Alimony

• Lump Sum Alimony: Considered a capital receipt, it is non-taxable for the recipient.
• Recurring Alimony Payments: Classified as revenue receipts, taxable as ‘Income from Other Sources.’
• Alimony via Asset Transfers: Pre-Divorce Transfers are considered tax-exempt as gifts from relatives; Post-Divorce Transfers are taxable in the recipient’s hands.
• Tax Liability of Payer: No tax deductions can be claimed on alimony payments.

Also refer to SC Guidelines to streamline the Alimony Framework.

{GS3 – Envi – Species} Iguanas’s Presence in Fiji

• Context (IE): As per a recent study, Iguanas colonised Fiji after surviving an 8,000-kilometre sea voyage — the longest known oceanic migration by any land-dwelling vertebrate.

Credit: Live Science

About Iguanas

• Iguanas: Since iguanas are primarily terrestrial reptiles, their presence in distant Pacific islands like Fiji, Tonga, and the Galápagos raises an intriguing question: How did they get there?
• Recent Study: Genomic analysis suggests ancestors of an iguana (Brachylophus fasciata) in Fiji today rafted from North America some 30 million years ago.
  • Study suggests it travelled by floating on a raft of downed trees and broken branches. Strong ocean currents like South Equatorial Current could have carried them thousands of kilometers.

Evidence Supporting Theory

• Genetic Similarity: Researchers found that the Fijian species’ closest living relatives were genus Dipsosaurus, a group of desert iguanas found in the American Southwest and northwestern Mexico.
  • Analysis suggested that the two genera split around 30 million and 34 million years ago. This was roughly the time when the Fijian archipelago was born.
• Proven Rafting Incidents: In 1995, hurricanes washed green iguanas from Central America into the Caribbean on floating logs.

About FIJI

• Fiji: Tropical island nation and archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean.
  • The archipelago consists of some 300 islands, of which about 100 are inhabited.
• Capital: Suva is on the southeast coast of the largest island, Viti Levu (“Great Fiji”).
• Independence: Fiji gained independence from British rule in October 1970.
• Form of Government: Parliamentary democracy.

{GS3 – IE – Industry} Breakup Fees in Mergers and Acquisitions *

• Context (IE): Google’s $32 billion acquisition of Wiz includes a $3 billion + breakup fee, one of the highest ever, raising concerns over its impact on M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) deals.

Breakup Fee

• It is a penalty paid if an M&A deal fails due to regulatory issues, financing problems or withdrawal.
• Purpose: Compensates for lost opportunities, discourages deal abandonment and covers expenses.
• Types:
  • Standard Breakup Fee: Seller pays if backing out.
  • Reverse Breakup Fee: Buyer pays if the deal collapses.
  • Mutual Breakup Fee: Though rare, it applies when both parties agree to exit.

Antitrust A phenomenon arising when firms gain excessive market power, leading to monopolies, reduced competition, or unfair pricing. Antitrust Laws Purpose: Antitrust laws promote competition by preventing monopolies, restrictive mergers, and anti-competitive practices like price fixing. The Sherman Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and the Clayton Act form the foundation of antitrust regulation.

Market Impact of High Breakup Fees

• Regulatory Hurdles: High breakup fees highlight antitrust risks. (Google’s previous $23 billion bid was blocked over antitrust issues, and the new bid faces US competition scrutiny).
• Competitive Landscape: May deter rival bids and impact smaller players.

{GS3 – Infra – Initiatives} Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant

• Context (PIB): North India’s 1^st Nuclear project is coming up in Gorakhpur, Haryana.

About Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant

• It is a proposed nuclear power plant to be built in Gorakhpur village of Fatehabad district of Haryana.
• It is being developed by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
• In 2014, the then PM, Dr Manmohan Singh, laid the foundation stone for the plant. The 1^st phase of units one and two is now expected to be operational by 2031.

• With India aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070, it will play a critical role in the country’s clean energy ambitions, further strengthening India’s position as a leader in nuclear technology.

Key Details of Project

• Capacity: Initially, it will have two pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) of 700 MW each, with a total planned capacity of 2,800 MW (four reactors in total).
• Technology: Uses PHWR technology, which is indigenously developed.
• Cost: The project is estimated to cost around ₹20,594 crore.
• Water Supply: The plant will use water from the Bhakra canal for cooling.

About NPCIL NPCIL: Public Sector Enterprise under administrative control of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). It was registered as a Public Limited Company under Companies Act, 1956 in September 1987. Objectives: Operating atomic power plants and implementing atomic power projects for generation of electricity in pursuance of schemes and programmes of GoI under Atomic Energy Act, 1962. Role: Responsible for design, construction, commissioning and operation of nuclear power reactors.

Read More> India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Programme and Nuclear Energy in India.

{GS3 – Infra – Railways} Indian Railways Projects in Meghalaya

• Context (IE): Indian Railways is likely to defer key railway projects in Meghalaya due to long-standing opposition from local pressure groups.

Current Railway Connectivity in Meghalaya

• Mendipathar Station: Started in 2014, it is the only operational railway station in Meghalaya, located in North Garo Hills.
• Train Services: Daily passenger train between Guwahati and Mendipathar. The first freight shipment was received recently.

Major Railway Projects and Their Status

• Tetelai-Byrnihat Line (21.5 km): Sanctioned in 2010 to connect Tetelia (Assam) to Byrnihat (Meghalaya). Work was completed on the Assam side, but opposition may lead to termination at the Assam border.
• Byrnihat-Shillong Line (108.76 km): 10 planned stations were sanctioned in 2011, but Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) opposition stalled progress.
• Chandranathpur-Jowai Line: Approved in 2023 to connect Chandranathpur (Assam) to Jowai (Meghalaya). Currently in the survey stage but facing strong resistance from Jaintia pressure groups.

Reasons for Opposition

• Fear of Outsider Influx: Khasi and Jaintia groups worry about demographic changes.
• Unregulated Migration Risks: Concerns that railway access will bring unchecked settlers, making indigenous communities minorities.
• Lack of Safeguards: No mechanism exists to monitor or control incoming population flow.
• Demand for Inner Line Permit (ILP): KSU insists on implementing ILP before allowing railway expansion.

Inner Line Permit (ILP) ILP was Implemented under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) in 1873. ILP is an official travel document that allows inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected/restricted area, restricting non-residents’ stay beyond a specific period. This Act was enacted during the British era to protect the Crown’s commercial interests by preventing ‘British subjects’ (Indians) from trading within these regions. In 1950, the Indian government replaced ‘British subjects’ with ‘Citizen of India’. Only applicable to 4 North-Eastern States of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur. The concerned state government issues it, and it can be issued solely for travel purposes. Foreigners need a Protected Area Permit (PAP) to visit tourist places, which differs from domestic tourists’ required ILPs.

Tribal Perspectives on Railway Expansion

• Khasi & Jaintia Groups: Strongly oppose citing identity protection.
• Garo Community: Some Garo leaders advocate for expanding the existing railway line from Mendipathar to Baghmara (South Garo Hills) for economic progress.

Economic Implications of Rail Connectivity

• Lower Transportation Costs: Meghalaya depends on road transport, leading to inflated goods prices.
• Business Growth: Rail connectivity is advocated for local entrepreneurs and lower logistical costs.
• Agriculture & Trade: 75% of the population relies on small-scale farming. Railways could improve market access and economic viability.

{GS3 – S&T – ISRO} ISRO’s Student Outreach Initiatives *

• Context (PIB): ISRO actively engages students across India to foster awareness and interest in space science through various educational programs and outreach activities.

YUVIKA Young Scientist Programme

• Objective: YUVIKA (YUva VIgyani KAryakram) aims to provide basic knowledge of space science, technology, and applications to young students.
• Target Group: Open to 9th-grade students (as of January 1 of the election year), with a preference for rural students.
• ISRO Initiative: Designed to “Catch them young” & create awareness about emerging trends in sci&tech.
• Selection Criteria: Based on academic performance, participation in science fairs, Olympiads, and extracurricular activities, with priority given to younger candidates in case of a tie.
• Participation: Three students from each state/UT are selected, covering CBSE, ICSE, and state boards, ensuring nationwide representation.
• Program Structure: A two-week residential training with hands-on sessions, expert talks, facility visits, and interactive discussions with scientists.
• Significance: Encourages students to pursue careers in Science, Tech, Engineering & Maths (STEM).

Space Tutor Program

• Objective: Promotes space science awareness through educational institutions, NGOs & STEM educators.
• Target Group: Schools, colleges, and universities willing to collaborate with ISRO.
• Activities: Organizes exhibitions, lectures, and student workshops to enhance space science knowledge.
• Reach: More than 5,000 students engaged in Uttar Pradesh through registered Space Tutors.

Space on Wheels

• It is a mobile exhibition bus equipped with space-themed exhibits parked at educational institutions for easy access by students and visitors.
• Objective: To bring space science closer to students.
• Target Group: Schools and the general public.

{Prelims – Awards} Ramnath Goenka Journalism Awards

• Context (IE): The President presented the 19^th “Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism” Awards.

• Established in 2006: Named after Ramnath Goenka and organised annually by Indian Express Group.
• Started as Ramnath Goenka India Press Photo Award in 2004, exclusively for media photographers.
• India’s Most Prestigious Journalism Award: Recognizes contribution in print & broadcast journalism.
• Evolving Structure: Categories and cash prizes have changed over the years, with awards withheld if no suitable winner is found.
• Jury Panel: Comprises legal, academic, and media experts, ensuring rigorous selection.

{Prelims – Reports} World Happiness Report 2025

• Context (IE): The United Nation released the World Happiness Report 2025 that focused on the impact of caring and sharing on people’s happiness.

About World Happiness Report World Happiness Report: Annual report, published by Wellbeing Research Centre at University of Oxford in partnership with Gallup and UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Six Parameters: Healthy life expectancy, GDP per capita, Social support, Freedom, Generosity and Perception of corruption.

World Happiness Report 2025

• 13^th Edition of Report: Released coinciding with International Day of Happiness (March 20).
  • United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 20 March as International Day of Happiness in 2012.
  • The resolution was initiated by Bhutan.
• Focuses on: Impact of caring and sharing on people’s happiness, including how sharing a meal increases happiness.
• Bhutan: Does not feature in the ranking of the 147 countries in this year’s report.

Key Findings

• Happiest Countries: Finland ranked 1^st as (happiest country) for 8^th consecutive year and followed by other Nordic countries Denmark (2^nd), Iceland (3^rd) and Sweden (4^th).
• Unhappiest Countries: Afghanistan ranked 147^th as unhappiest country. Sierra Leone and Lebanon ranked 146^th and 145^th, respectively.
• Other Countries: United Kingdom is in the 23^rd position, the US is in 24^th. The State of Palestine is ranked 108^th, while Ukraine is ranked 111^th.

India Specific Findings

• Rank: India ranked 118^th up from the 126^th position in the previous year.
• India’s Neighbourhood:
  • Ahead of India: China 68^th, Nepal 92^nd and Pakistan 109^th rank remained much ahead of India.
  • Behind India: Sri Lanka 133^rd and Bangladesh 134^th.