Current Affairs – March 26, 2025

{GS1 – A&C – Sites} Vikramshila University *

• Context (IE): Vikramshila University, an ancient centre of learning in Bihar, is being revived.

Historical Background

• Vikramshila University: Founded by Pala King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty in the late 8^th to early 9^th Century AD. Vikramshila Mahavihar existed and flourished at the time of Nalanda.
  • It was one of the three most important Buddhist Mahaviharas of its time in India, along with Nalanda and Odantapuri.
• Location: Antichak village, Bhagalpur district in Bihar.
• Decline: Destroyed in the 12^th century by Bakhtiyar Khilji’s army, the same invader responsible for the fall of Nalanda University.

Academic System

• Admissions: The university had a structured admission system, and scholars from Vikramshila were sent abroad to spread Buddhist teachings, particularly to Tibet.
• Subjects: At its peak, subjects such as theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, and logic were taught at Vikramshila.
  • It was a prominent center for Tantric Buddhism and Vajrayana Buddhism.
• Eminent Scholars: Atisha Dipankara, a key figure in the revival of Buddhism in Tibet, was one of its most celebrated scholars.

Revival Plan

• Plans are underway to develop Vikramshila as a modern center for Buddhist studies.
• The project was approved by the Centre in 2015 with an initial budget of ₹500 crore, but progress was delayed due to land acquisition issues.

{GS1 – MIH – Personalities} Muthulakshmi Reddy

• Context (IE): Remembering Muthulakshmi Reddy, who broke societal barriers in British India.

Source: IE

Pioneering Achievements

• First Woman Legislator in British India: First female member nominated to the Madras Legislative Council in 1926.
• First Woman Medical Graduate of Madras Presidency: Graduated with honors from Madras Medical College in 1912.
• First Woman House Surgeon: Appointed by Colonel Gifford at Govt Hospital for Women & Children.

Social Reforms

• Helped abolish the Devadasi System: Led the campaign from 1927, resulting in its abolition in 1947.
• Fought Against Prostitution and Purdah: Challenged exploitation and pushed for equal accountability of men in prostitution laws.
• Promoted Women’s Education: Advocated for expanding schools, appointing women teachers, and establishing more training institutions.
• Advocated for Safe Maternal Healthcare: Opposed harmful birthing practices and promoted women medical officers for safer deliveries.
• Supported Birth Control: Helped pass a resolution at the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) for public education on family planning.

Political and Legal Advocacy

• Advocated for Adult Franchise: Demanded voting rights for women.
• Opposed Reserved Seats for Women: Stressed merit over token representation in politics.
• Fought for Dalit and Women’s Rights: Called for equal opportunities for depressed classes and gender-inclusive policies.

International and Institutional Contributions

• Attended Paris International Congress of Women (1930): Represented India on global gender issues.
• Influenced the Women’s Indian Association (WIA): Worked alongside leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Annie Besant, and Margaret Cousins.

{GS2 – IR – India-US} US Seeks Greater Market Access for Key Farm Exports

• Context (IE): Amid trade tensions and potential reciprocal tariffs, the US aims to expand market access for its agricultural exports to India, focusing on soybean, corn, and cotton.

US Agricultural Exports

• The US is a major exporter of soybean, corn & cotton, with a peak shipment value of $62 bn in 2022.
• China was historically the largest buyer; US exports to China have declined between 2022-2024.
• Mexico and Japan have now replaced China as the top buyers of US corn.

India Projected as a Growing Market

• USDA Report projects a surge in India’s demand for animal feed (corn & soybean meal) due to rising income and population.
• Corn demand: Expected to rise to 98 mt by 2040 and 200.2 mt by 2050 under rapid income growth.
• Soybean meal demand is projected to grow to 30.9 mt in 2040 and 68.3 mt in 2050 under rapid growth.
• India currently levies high import duties (45% on soybean and 50% on corn) and bans GM crops, restricting US imports.

India’s Feed and Livestock Industry

• Rising livestock demand: India’s per capita consumption of milk, eggs, fish, and meat is increasing, driving feed demand.
• Feed imports in 2022: Totaled 178,969 tonnes, a fraction of China’s imports.
• Domestic corn use: Increased to 34.7 mt (2022-23), with feed usage quadrupling.
• India remains a minor importer of feed ingredients but has the potential for significant future demand.

India’s Status in Cotton

• India’s cotton output: Peaked in 2013-14 but declined to 29.9 million bales (2024-25).
• GM cotton adoption: Boosted India’s cotton production in the early 2000s, but lack of new technology approvals led to stagnation.
• Imports rising: India’s projected cotton imports in 2024-25 exceed exports.
• US exports to India: Valued at $491.2 million in 2022, declining to $210.7 million in 2024. Removal of the 11% import duty on cotton could further boost US exports to India.

Source: IE

Implications for India

• Domestic impact: Lower duties may challenge Indian farmers but benefit the poultry and dairy industries.
• Textile sector gains: Duty-free cotton imports can enhance India’s textile & apparel exports to the US.
• Long-term strategy: India must balance import reliance, farmer interests & trade relations with the US.

{GS2 – IR – US} Mar-a-Lago Accord *

• Context (IE): The “Mar-a-Lago Accord” has been discussed recently in the context of U.S. economic policy, particularly regarding the value of dollar and its impact on trade and manufacturing.

What is the Mar-a-Lago Accord?

• Mar-a-Lago Accord: Also referred to as a modern version of the Plaza Accord (1985), it is a proposed U.S. strategy to weaken the dollar, aiming to address America’s growing trade deficit.
• Original Plaza Accord (1985): The U.S. convinced Britain, Japan, Germany, and France to devalue the dollar jointly, making U.S. exports more competitive and reducing trade imbalances.
• Recent Context: In 2024, the U.S. posted a trade deficit of over $1 trillion, highlighting concerns about declining domestic manufacturing and job creation.

Why is the U.S. Dollar So Strong?

• Strong U.S. Dollar: The U.S. dollar remains dominant because of global trust, a stable store of value and a widely accepted medium of exchange.
• Factors Behind Dollar’s Strength: A strong U.S. economy, an independent Federal Reserve and the Fed’s commitment to price stability, etc.
  • Global demand for U.S. dollars is consistently high because central banks worldwide hold it as a foreign exchange reserve. This keeps its exchange rate elevated.
• Consequences: As a result, Americans import more goods since foreign products are often cheaper than domestically produced ones.

How would the Mar-a-Lago Accord work?

• Devaluation of Dollar: If the U.S. persuades other countries to let the dollar weaken (devalue) against their currencies, they will sell their dollar reserves in the open market and buy their own currencies.
• Impact: This would increase the supply of dollars, lowering its exchange rate. A weaker dollar would make U.S. exports more competitive globally.

Challenges

• Japan’s Experience as a Warning: The Plaza Accord led to Japan’s asset bubble and long-term economic struggles, making countries wary of similar agreements.
• More Countries: G5 of 1985 has expanded to G20, making coordination much more complex.
• Different Geopolitical Alignments: In 1985, U.S. trade rivals (Germany and Japan) were also military allies. Today, China is both a trade and military adversary, making cooperation harder.
• Massive Monetary Scale: Daily currency market turnover is now about $7.5 trillion, five times higher than in 1989, making meaningful dollar devaluation a staggering task.
• Diplomatic Challenges: If Trump wanted global leaders to support a weaker dollar, his approach has likely made it harder to gain their cooperation.

{GS2 – Polity – Cooperatives} International Year of Cooperatives *

• Context (JLN | FPJ): The UN General Assembly declared 2025 the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC), officially launched at the International Cooperative Alliance Global Conference hosted by India.

• Objectives of IYC 2025: Raise awareness of cooperatives’ role in sustainable development, strengthen institutions, advocate for supportive policies, and inspire youth leadership in the sector.
• Host Institution: Committee for Promotion & Advancement of Cooperatives (COPAC) with headquarters located in Geneva, Switzerland. 

International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)

• ICA is a global non-profit association representing ~3mn cooperatives worldwide, aiming to provide an international voice and forum for knowledge, expertise, and advocacy in the cooperative sector.
• Founded in 1895, making it one of the oldest and largest non-governmental organisations.
• Membership: 306 organisations from 105 countries.
• Structure: It operates from Brussels, Belgium, with four regional offices (Africa, Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe) and multiple sectoral organisations.
• Functions as a Cooperative Identity Guardian: Defines cooperative values, principles, and best practices for global adherence.

Also refer to  Multi-State Cooperative Societies Bill 2023; Revitalizing Cooperative Societies in India.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Diseases} Balance Rehabilitation Therapy

• Context (TH): Balance rehabilitation therapy or Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is essential for neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, vestibular and ageing-related conditions.

• Challenge of Non-Recognition: The ‘National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke’ does not consider balance impairment a major risk factor.

Balance Rehabilitation Therapy or VRT

• It is an evidence-based treatment for dizziness, vertigo, motion sensitivity, and balance issues caused by vestibular dysfunction.
• It focuses on improving gaze stability, motion tolerance, and postural control through customised exercises tailored to the patient’s specific condition and symptoms.
• Key Benefits: Improves balance, posture, and coordination; strengthens core stability, restores mobility, prevents falls, and aids recovery from strokes and neurological disorders.

Applications of VRT in Healthcare

• Neurological Disorders: Benefits Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Sclerosis, Vestibular disorders, etc.
• Musculoskeletal Issues: Essential for arthritis, post-surgical recovery, and rehabilitation of sports injuries.
• Cardiovascular Health: Improves circulation, endurance, and fall prevention in heart patients.
• Diabetes Management: Helps counter diabetic neuropathy by improving stability and mobility.
• Geriatric Care: Addresses sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) and cognitive decline.
• Chronic Pain and Functional Disorders: Provides relief in fibromyalgia and related conditions.
• Paediatric Developmental Disorders: Enhances motor skills and coordination in children with movement disabilities.

Vestibular Diseases

• Disorders affecting balance and coordination due to issues in the inner ear (peripheral) or brainstem/cerebellum (central).
• Symptoms: Dizziness, vertigo, instability, unsteady gait (imbalance), nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), and compromised gaze stability.
• Causes: Can be triggered by infections, aging, autoimmune responses, head trauma, or structural abnormalities in the inner ear.
• Common Conditions: Includes Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s Disease, Vestibular Neuritis, Labyrinthitis, Acoustic Neuroma, and Vestibular Migraine.
• Chronic Conditions: Some vestibular diseases, like Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) and Mal de Débarquement Syndrome (MdDS), lead to prolonged motion sensitivity and imbalance.
• Treatment: VRT helps improve balance, gaze stability & motion tolerance based on the specific disorder.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Diseases} Efforts Towards a TB-Free Nation **

• Context (PIB): On World TB Day, (March 24), India reiterates commitment to eliminate TB by 2025, 5 yrs ahead of global 2030 target with 2025 theme, ‘Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver’.

TB Burden in India

• India has the largest TB burden globally, with 26% of global cases & 29% of global TB-related deaths.
• TB incidence dropped 17.7% (237 per lakh in 2015 to 195 per lakh in 2023).
• TB-related deaths fell 21.4% (28 per lakh in 2015 to 22 per lakh in 2023).
• Case notifications: 25.5 lakh cases in 2023, rising to 26.07 lakh in 2024.

National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP)

• Launched in 2020 by Union Min. of Health to replace Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program.
• Target: Eliminate TB by 2025, ahead of the global 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
• Strategy: Detect – Treat – Prevent – Build (DTPB).

Key Achievements of NTEP

• First-ever indigenous TB Burden Model: India’s own state-wise mathematical model for TB estimates.
• 3 lakh additional cases detected via house-to-house screening of high-risk groups.
• Medical College Task Force: 560 colleges aiding TB detection and research.
• Sub-National Disease-Free Certification: Tracks drug sales, underreporting, and TB surveys.
• Multi-sectoral partnerships: Collaboration with ministries, industries, NGOs, and technical bodies.

On-going TB Elimination Initiatives

Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTBMBA)

• Launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to accelerate TB elimination by 2025 through community participation, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding, and digital tracking.
• Aims to improve treatment outcomes by providing additional patient support and enhancing multi-sectoral involvement.

Key Components

• Ni-Kshay Digital Portal:
  • A national web-enabled TB surveillance system was developed by MoHFW, NIC, and WHO India.
  • Tracks TB cases, treatment adherence, and case transfers across public and private sectors.
  • Provides a platform for community support and patient monitoring.
• Ni-Kshay Mitra Initiative:
  • Encourages donors to adopt TB patients for at least 1 yr to provide additional support (nutrition, diagnostic tests, vocational assistance, etc.) for on-treatment TB patients.
  • Open to various donors like individuals, NGOs, corporations, and institutions, including cooperatives, corporations, elected representatives, institutions, and political parties.
  • 1.55 lakh Ni-Kshay Mitras registered, supporting 8.66 lakh TB patients through structured assistance.

• Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY):
  • Centrally sponsored scheme launched by MoHFW in 2018 as part of NTEP under National Health Mission (NHM).
  • Energy-Dense Nutritional Supplementation (EDNS) for underweight TB patients (BMI <18.5).
  • Financial assistance for TB patients increased from ₹500 to ₹1,000 per month for the duration the patient is on anti-TB treatment.
  • The incentives can be distributed in cash only via Direct Benefit Transfer (preferably through Aadhaar-enabled bank accounts) or in-kind.
  • Over ₹3,202 crore disbursed to 1.13 crore TB patients via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

Major Screening & Detection Drives

• Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra: Screened 3.8 crore people for TB.
• Private Sector Engagement: Ni-Kshay TB Notification Incentive (2018) for reporting TB cases and improving surveillance.

Advanced Drug-Resistant TB Treatment

• Short, safe, all-oral Bedaquiline regimen improved treatment success rates (68% in 2020 to 75% in 2022.
• mBPaL regimen (Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid): 80% success rate for MDR-TB, reducing treatment duration to 6 months.

Also refer to Tuberculosis.

{GS3 – Agri – Food Security} Food Waste Crisis **

• Context (TH): UNEP’s Food Waste Index Report 2024 highlights ~20% of all consumer-available food being wasted globally in 2022. India ranks among the top contributors.

Magnitude of Food Waste

• Household Waste: 61% of global food waste originates at the household level.
• India’s Contribution: 2^nd largest food-wasting nation after China (78 mn tonnes of food wastage per yr).
  • Per Capita Waste: Each Indian wastes 55 kg of food annually, less than the USA (73 kg) but significant due to India’s large population.

Causes of Food Waste

• Household-Level Factors: Over-purchasing, inadequate meal planning, limited storage, and cultural habits of preparing excess food.
• Infrastructure Deficiencies: Inadequate cold storage and inefficient transportation lead to food spoilage before reaching markets.
• Supply Chain Inefficiencies: Poor refrigeration, weak distribution networks, and short shelf life contribute to significant food wastage at retail levels.

Implications of Food Wastage

Environmental and Economic Impact

• Resource Misuse: Wasting food also wastes land, water, and energy used in production.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Food waste contributes 8%-10% of annual global emissions, making it the third-largest emitter after China and the US if classified as a country instead of a sector.
• Landfill Contribution: Food waste makes up 10%-12% of municipal waste in India, emitting methane, a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.
• Climate Change Effects: Rising temperatures, erratic monsoons and weather shocks disrupt food supply, worsening food insecurity.
• Economic Loss: Globally, food worth >$1 trillion is wasted each year, while millions face food insecurity.

Social Impact

• Hunger Crisis: ~20 crore Indians go to bed hungry every day despite surplus food production.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Wastage hinders SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12.3 (Reducing food waste at retail and consumer levels).

Measures to Reduce Food Waste

• Household Waste Reduction: Plan meals smartly, buy only necessary groceries, store food properly, and repurpose leftovers to minimise waste.
  • Composting: Convert organic waste into compost for soil enrichment.
  • Donations: Donate surplus food to charities to prevent unnecessary disposal.
• Infrastructure Development: Increased investment in cold storage & efficient transportation networks.
• Tech Integration: Use food redistribution networks & apps to connect surplus food with those in need.
• Retail and Industry Reforms: Encourage businesses to redistribute unsold food rather than discard it.
• Govt Initiative: “Save Food, Share Food” promote large-scale food redistribution & waste minimisation.
• Educational Awareness: Schools & institutions should integrate responsible consumption into curricula.

{GS3 – IE – Taxes} Equalisation Levy

• Context (TOI): The central government has proposed to abolish the Equalization Levy, or digital tax, on online advertisements, effective from April 1, 2025.

Key Features

• It is a Direct tax imposed on specific digital transactions, primarily targeting non-resident companies that provide digital services in India.
• Purpose: Introduced in 2016 to ensure fair taxation of foreign digital businesses operating in India.
• Initial Levy (2016): A 6% tax on payments for online advertisement services provided by foreign digital companies.
• Purpose: To create a level playing field between domestic and foreign digital businesses, ensuring that non-resident companies contributing to India’s digital economy pay their fair share of taxes.
• Expansion: In 2020, its scope was extended to e-commerce transactions, imposing a 2% levy on e-commerce supplies. It was abolished in August 2024.

{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} Role of DNA Polymorphisms in DNA Fingerprinting

• Context (TH): DNA fingerprinting relies on unique DNA polymorphisms to create genetic profiles.

Composition and Variability of DNA

• DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the genetic blueprint of living beings. Humans inherit 46 chromosomes (23 from each parent).
• Composed of four bases: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C) and Guanine (G).
• DNA Polymorphisms are individual-specific variations that form the basis of DNA fingerprinting.

DNA Fingerprinting

• It identifies individuals using distinct DNA sequences.

• It is based on Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) found in DNA.
  • STRs, found at specific locations in the genome, are repeating DNA sequences with each person having a unique STR profile, except identical twins.
  • They are highly polymorphic due to variation in repeat numbers among individuals.

Generating DNA Fingerprints

1. DNA Extraction: Obtained from blood, saliva, bones, skin cells or hair.
2. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Amplifies DNA for analysis.
   • Denaturation (95°C): DNA strands separate.
   • Annealing (60°C): Primers bind to target sequences.
   • Extension (72°C): DNA polymerase synthesises new strands.
3. Electrophoresis: This separates DNA fragments to create a genetic profile.

DNA Fingerprinting: Applications

• Forensic Science: Identifies criminals using crime scene DNA; Exonerates wrongly convicted individuals.
• Paternity and Relationship Testing: Confirms biological relationships and helps in ancestry tracing.
• Disaster Victim Identification: Helps recognise remains.
• Medical Uses: Determines transplant compatibility and genetic disorder risks.

DNA Polymorphisms

• Results from mutations or variations in DNA sequences.
• Genetic variations, including SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) and VNTRs (Variable Number Tandem Repeats), occur in both coding and non-coding parts of DNA, distinguishing individuals.

{Species – Plants} First-Ever Export of Anthurium Flowers from Mizoram

• Context (PIB): India achieved a milestone in floriculture exports as the first-ever consignment of Anthurium flowers from Mizoram was flagged off to Singapore in February 2025.

About Anthurium Flower

Source: Wikipedia

• Anthurium is a tropical flowering plant belonging to the Araceae family, known for its ornamental value and air-purifying properties.
• Native Regions: Americas, from Mexico to Argentina, and parts of the Caribbean.
• Widely grown in Mizoram and other northeastern states due to favorable humid and tropical conditions.
• Anthurium Festival: Annual event in Mizoram promoting the flower’s beauty and commercial potential.

Features

• Herbaceous plant, growing epiphytically or terrestrially. It has colorful spathes (red, pink, orange, etc.) surrounding a spadix. Produces juicy berries containing seeds.

• It is grown mostly indoors and helps remove toxins like formaldehyde, ammonia, toluene, xylene, and allergens from the air.
• Toxic if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals; can cause skin and eye irritation.

Floriculture export

• Contribution to India’s Floriculture Exports: Stood at USD 86.62 million in FY 2023-24.
• Major Floriculture-Producing States: Tamil Nadu (21%), Karnataka (16%), MP (14%), West Bengal (12%).
• Major Importing Countries: USA, Netherlands, UAE, UK, Canada.

APEDA’s Role in Promoting Floriculture Exports

• APEDA is a statutory body established under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act of 1985, functioning under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Functions

• Develops and facilitates the export of agricultural and processed food products.
• Organizes buyer-seller meets to enhance global market linkages.
• Implement export strategies for the Northeastern Region’s horticultural & floricultural products.