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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.