Current Affairs – March 27, 2025

{GS1 – A&C – Sites} Poompuhar under the Cholas *

• Context (TH): Poompuhar, an ancient port in Tamil Nadu, was a maritime hub during the Chola era.

Poompuhar

• Known as Kaveripattinam, it is in Nagapattinam (Tamil Nadu), at the mouth of the Kaveri River.
• Mentioned in Sangam Tamil literature and Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, it served as the port city and key trade hub of the Chola Empire, facilitating spice trade with other Asian nations and Arabs.
• Shifted locations due to rising sea levels, finally re-established 3,000 years ago.
• Archaeological evidence of harbor structures, sea walls, and a possible bridge.
• Strengthened Chola Naval Power & Trade: Poompuhar (Puhar) enabled extensive maritime trade and naval dominance, strengthening Chola power and influence across Southeast Asia.

Chola Dynasty

• Ruled from the 9^th to 12^th century AD after defeating the Pallavas.
• Vijayalaya Chola, the founder, captured Tanjore in the 8th century. Controlled central and northern Tamil Nadu, with Uraiyur as the capital.
• Rajaraja I and Rajendra I were the most notable rulers.
• Defeated by the Pandyas in the early 13th century, Rajendra III was the last ruler to be defeated by Jatavarman Sundarapandya II.

Karikala Chola’s Contributions

• A prominent Sangam-era Chola king known for the Battle of Venni.
• Defeated a confederacy of Cheras, Pandyas, and minor chieftains.
• Developed Puhar as a major port and built a 160 km embankment along Kaveri. Enhanced trade and infrastructure, laying the foundation for Chola prosperity.

For more details, refer to PMF book on Ancient Indian History.

{GS2 – MoCA – Schemes} Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme *

• Context (IE | PIB): Only a few candidates applied for the pilot phase. The PM Internship Scheme app was launched to simplify the application process.

About the Scheme

• Main Goal: To provide 1 crore youth with internships over five years in top 500 companies, providing a valuable bridge between academic learning and industry expectations.
• Enhancement of Employability: The scheme is aimed at enhancing youth employability through real-world hands-on job experience & focuses on skill development across multiple sectors.
• Part of Atmanirbhar Bharat: Contributes to India’s vision of self-reliance by nurturing a skilled workforce, positioning India as the “Skill Capital of the World.”
• Managed by: Managed through an online portal by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).

Financials and Budget Allocation

• Overall Budget: ₹2 lakh crore allocated under the PM’s Package for Employment and Skilling.
• Scheme-Specific Allocation: ₹2,000 crore for 2024-25, with a revised estimate of ₹380 crore for 2024-25 and ₹10,831 crore allocated for 2025-26.

Eligibility Criteria

Source: MCA

• Inclusions: Youth aged 21-24 years who are not in full-time education or full-time employment.

• Educational Requirements: Candidates must have completed intermediate and hold certificates from ITI/polytechnic institutes, an AICTE-recognized diploma, or a bachelor’s degree.
• Reservation: Same reservation structure as govt jobs for SCs, STs, OBCs, and disabled candidates.

• Exclusions: Candidates from IITs, IIMs, and those holding advanced degrees (MBA, CA) are ineligible; Candidates whose family member (self/ spouse/ parent) either earning 8 lakh per annum or having a govt job; those enrolled in any Central/State Govt apprenticeship, skill or training schemes are ineligible.

Internship Details

• Target Internships: Includes 25 sectors like pharma, auto, agriculture, healthcare, leather manufacturing, textile, telecom, oil, gas & energy, travel & hospitality, banking & financial services, etc.
• Internship Duration: 12-month internships are offered.
• Stipend: ₹5,000 per month (Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of ₹4,500 from the government and ₹500 from the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund.
• Support for Incidentals: A one-time ₹6,000 grant to cover incidental expenses.
• Insurance: Interns are covered under PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana & PM Suraksha Bima Yojana.

Online Nature of PM Internship Scheme

• The PM Internship Scheme is primarily an online initiative, enabling a seamless application, selection, and internship management process.
• Candidates apply, get shortlisted, and undergo virtual interviews via the official portal. Internships often include online onboarding, training, mentorship & remote work, ensuring accessibility and efficiency.

• By operating primarily online, the scheme adapts to modern work environments and provides a flexible, inclusive opportunity for young professionals to gain invaluable experience.

Enhanced Features Introduced Post-Pilot Phase

• Geotagging of Locations: New features like geotagging and company details will be included for improved transparency.
• Candidates can now apply for up to 3 internships anywhere in India.
• Improved PMIS Portal: A simplified and user-friendly dashboard with detailed internship listings.
• Performance Framework Introduced: A system to assess implementation and recognise states and UTs for their efforts in promoting PMIS.
• Nationwide Awareness Campaign at colleges and Rozgar Melas to increase participation.
• Helpline & Grievance Redressal: A multilingual helpline and grievance redressal system will be provided.

{GS2 – MoCoop – Initiatives} Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited *

• Context (PIB): The Ministry of Cooperation has launched Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) to provide high-quality seeds under a single brand, “Bharat Beej”.

Key Features of BBSSL

• Established in 2023 under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act 2002 to ensure the availability of high-quality seeds to farmers.
• Nodal agency: Ministry of Cooperation.
• It aims to enhance crop productivity by supplying traditional and scientifically prepared certified seeds to every farmer. (Traditional seeds are naturally grown in indigenous regions, ideally suited for quality and nutritional excellence in local environments).
• Promoted by: Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), KRIBHCO, NAFED, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and NCDC.
• Breeder seeds will be sourced from Public Sector Research Organizations and International Research Institutes like ICRISAT and IRRI.
• BBSSL has obtained a seed license from the government of Jharkhand.

Functions

• Undertake production, testing, certification, procurement, processing & distribution of quality seeds under a single brand, ‘Bharat Beej’, through a strengthened cooperative seed network.
• Improve crop yield and develop a system for preservation and promotion of indigenous natural seeds.
• Increase Seed Replacement Rate & Variety Replacement Rate by ensuring farmers’ role in producing certified seeds.
• Ensure traceability and transparency in the seed supply chain.

Framework Helping Bharat Beej

• Seed Regulation & Monitoring: Governed under The Seeds Act, 1966, Seed Rules, 1968, and Seeds (Control) Order, 1983 to regulate & prevent the sale of substandard seeds.
• National Seed Policy, 2002, to support the seed industry, protecting farmers’ interests and conservation of agro-biodiversity.
• Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001 (PPVFR Act) protects the intellectual property rights of plant breeders.
• Seed Village Programme: Trained groups of farmers are involved in the production of seeds of various crops and cater to their own needs.
• SATHI Portal (Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory): Tracks the entire seed supply chain (Nucleus → Breeder → Foundation → Certified) with private sector participation in distribution.
• Sub-Mission for Seed and Planting Material under National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology (NMAET).

{GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} Political Satire and Free Speech **

• Context (IE | TH): Comedian Kunal Kamra faces political backlash over his political satire.
• This has reignited a broader debate on the role of comedy, political humour and boundaries of free speech in a democratic society.

Role of Comedy in Society

• Social Critique & Awareness: Challenges authority and exposes hypocrisy.
• Emotional & Mental Well-being: Reduces stress and fosters resilience.
• Challenging Stereotypes: Encourages progressive thinking.
• Cultural Reflection & Entertainment: Evolves societal narratives.
• Bridging Differences: Creates shared experiences across communities.

Freedom of Expression Vs Societal Sensitivities

• Political Satire: Essential for democracy but can provoke unrest.
• Religious Critique: Necessary for reform but may offend believers.
• Obscene Humour: A personal choice, but spreads vulgarity.
• Artistic Freedom: Encourages diverse viewpoints but can offend communities.
• Digital Expression: Promotes open discussions but may spread offensive content.

Role of Political Satire in Democracy

• Medium of Dissent: Political satire has historically served as a tool to question power structures, expose hypocrisy, and critique governance.
• Public Engagement: Humor makes political discourse more accessible and encourages civic participation in governance issues.
• Historical Precedents: Figures like Balasaheb Thackeray, R.K. Laxman, and international satirists like George Carlin and Jon Stewart have used humor to reflect political realities.

Long History of Politics vs Satire in Maharashtra

• Pralhad Keshav Atre (Acharya Atre): Faced backlash for satirical pieces targeting prominent leaders like President V.V. Giri and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
• Purushottam Laxman Deshpande (Pu La Deshpande): Criticized political violence, leading to sharp rebukes from Bal Thackeray.
• 2003 Ghadle Bighadle Controversy: A TV satire mocking Chhagan Bhujbal led to protests & vandalism.

Defamation and Right to Free Speech

Criminal Defamation

• Defamation: Harming a person’s reputation through false/malicious statements (Black’s Law Dictionary).
• Types: Libel (written defamation) & slander (spoken defamation); both are criminal offences in India. A defamatory statement must be made publicly to qualify as an offence under Indian law.
  • Legal Provisions: IPC Section 499 and the 2023 Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act (Section 354(2)) prescribe up to two years of imprisonment, a fine, or community service for defamation.

SC Verdicts on Defamation and Right to Free Speech

• Ramesh Thapar v. State of Madras (1950): Asserted that freedom of expression is essential for democracy but can be curtailed in cases of public disorder.
• Subramanian Swamy vs. Union of India (2016): SC upheld the constitutionality of IPC Sections 499 and 500 (prescribing punishment for Sec. 499). It held that –
  • Right to reputation is protected under Article 21 of the Constitution.
  • Article 19(1)(a) grants freedom of speech, but Article 19(2) allows restrictions based on sovereignty, security, public order, morality, contempt of court, defamation, and incitement.
  • Criminal defamation is a reasonable restriction on the right to freedom of expression.
• Kaushal Kishore vs Union of India (2017): The SC ruled that no additional restrictions can be imposed on free speech except those under Article 19(2).
• Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India (2015): The SC quashed Section 66A of the IT Act 2000, which had criminalised “offensive messages” sent by means of “a communication device”. This was quashed:
  • In view of the ambiguity in the definition of the term “offensive”.
  • On grounds that the provision was violative of Article 19(1)(a); not saved under Article 19(2).
• Ambiguity in Interpretation: The balance between criticism and defamation remains subjective, leading to selective enforcement of laws.

Reasonable Restrictions vs. Suppression of Dissent

• Political Sensitivities: Democracies often struggle to distinguish between genuine criticism and perceived defamation, especially when humor targets those in power.
  • Public Perception: The audience’s political alignment often influences whether satire is seen as humor or hostility.
• State vs. Individual Rights: Governments may use defamation and public order laws to curb satire, raising concerns about selective censorship.
• Chilling Effect on Speech: Fear of legal action discourages comedians, journalists, and artists from engaging in political critique.
• Comparative Global Perspective: Countries with strong democratic traditions tolerate political satire, while authoritarian regimes criminalise dissent.

Socio-Political Impact

• Polarisation and Outrage Culture: Social media amplifies political humor but also fosters backlash, creating echo chambers and deepening ideological divides.
• Erosion of Democratic Tolerance: A thriving democracy requires the ability to accept criticism, even when uncomfortable. Suppressing dissent weakens democratic resilience.

Also refer to Judicial Stand on Free Speech; Judicial Stand on Free Speech and Humor.

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Judiciary} In-House Judicial Inquiry Mechanism

• Context (TH | TH | IE): CJI ordered a 3-member in-house inquiry into Justice Yashwant Varma’s case, leading to his transfer to Allahbad HC, sparking debates on judicial transparency.

Process of Judicial Transfers in India

• Constitutional Provision: Article 222 empowers the President to transfer High Court judges based on the CJI’s recommendation without requiring the judge’s consent.
• Role of CJI and Collegium: The CJI initiates the transfer, consulting the Chief Justices of both High Courts involved and relevant SC judges for a judge’s transfer, while the Collegium (CJI + 4 senior-most SC judges) decides for a Chief Justice.
• Considerations for Transfer: The Collegium evaluates judicial performance, health conditions, and location preferences before finalising the transfer.
• Executive Approval: Law Ministry forwards the Collegium’s recommendation to the PM, who advises the President for approval.
• Final Notification: Department of Justice, Ministry of Law issues an official Gazette notification and informs the Chief Justices and Chief Ministers concerned.

In-House Inquiry

• It is an internal mechanism to examine complaints against sitting High Court or Supreme Court judges for misconduct that does not meet the threshold of impeachment.
• Introduced by SC in 1999, prompted by C. Ravichandran Iyer v. Justice AM Bhattacharji case (1995) and proposed by a 5-member committee formed in 1997 to recommend procedures for dealing with judicial misconduct.
• The framework was refined in 2014 after a sexual harassment case prompted the establishment of a seven-step inquiry framework.
• The procedure was reaffirmed and detailed in Additional District & Sessions Judge ‘X’ vs Registrar General, Madhya Pradesh HC (2014), which detailed the internal process for judicial inquiries.

Process of In-House Inquiry

Challenges in In-House Inquiry & Removal of Judges

• Lack of Transparency: Inquiry reports are not publicly disclosed.
• No Direct Removal: The Judiciary cannot directly remove a judge; impeachment by Parliament is needed.
• Rare Impeachment: Process is complex, making removal of judges difficult (eg- V. Ramaswami, 1991).
• No Criminal Punishment: Even if a judge is found guilty of misconduct, there is no provision for criminal proceedings under the in-house inquiry system.
• Political Influence: Parliamentary impeachment can be politically driven.
• Delayed Justice: Prolonged inquiries weaken public trust in judicial accountability.

Notable Cases of Judicial Inquiry in India

• Justice V. Ramaswami Case (1991): 1^st judge to face impeachment. Parliament failed to remove him.
• Justice Soumitra Sen Case (2011): Found guilty of financial misconduct; resigned before LS could vote.
• Justice S.N. Shukla Case (2022): Found guilty in an in-house inquiry but was not impeached.
• Justice Yashwant Varma Case (2025): Currently under scrutiny for alleged financial misconduct after burnt currency notes were found at his residence.

Recommendations for Reform

• Make Inquiry Reports Public: Enhances transparency and public trust.
• Strengthen Judicial Oversight: Establish a Judicial Standards and Accountability Commission.
• Alternative Disciplinary Actions: Consider suspensions, fines & other measures beyond impeachment.
• Ensure Time-Bound Proceedings: Expedite inquiries to uphold judicial integrity.
• Consider a Permanent Investigative Body: Similar to the UK’s Judicial Conduct Investigations Office, an autonomous body could oversee judicial misconduct cases.
• Revisit NJAC Debate: Reassess the need for a National Judicial Appointments Commission to improve judicial transparency and accountability.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} i-DRONE initiative

• Context (TH): Under the i-DRONE initiative, corneal tissue was successfully transported over a distance of 20 km in just 15–20 minutes using drone technology.

What is i-DRONE initiative?

• i-DRONE initiative (ICMR’s Drone Response and Outreach in North East): Project by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) aimed at using drone technology to improve healthcare delivery.
• Launch: i-DRONE platform was originally conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver vaccines and medical supplies to remote regions in Northeast India.
  • It is now being expanded to other regions.
• Objective:
  • To enhance healthcare access in remote, hilly, and hard-to-reach regions.
  • Transport essential medical supplies like vaccines, blood samples, and samples using drones.

Significance

• Reduces transportation time significantly in challenging terrains.
• Ensures safe, quick, and temperature-controlled delivery of critical healthcare materials.
• Supports India’s goal of building an efficient and technology-driven healthcare system.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Mounjaro *

• Context (IE): One of the most advanced weight loss drugs, Mounjaro, is to be sold in India by US pharma company Eli Lilly.

• It has an active ingredient called tirzepatide, which helps control blood sugar and supports weight loss.
  • Tirzepatide is a prescription-only injectable medication, primarily approved for managing type 2 diabetes and now also for weight loss.
• How does it work?
  • It works by copying the effect of two natural hormones in your gut—GLP-1 and GIP.
  • These hormones help your body release insulin when your blood sugar is high, reduce the production of sugar in your liver, and make you feel full by slowing down digestion. This makes it easier to manage diabetes and lose weight.
  • In comparison, medicines like semaglutide only work on one hormone, GLP-1, while Mounjaro works on both, giving it an extra advantage.
• Benefits: Improved blood sugar levels, weight loss (15-23%), reduced cardiovascular risk, etc.
• Concerns: High cost, Side effects, etc.

Read More> Obesity as an NCD Epidemic.

{Prelims – In News} Bedmap3 *

• Context (IE): Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have unveiled Bedmap3, which has revealed hidden wonders under the icy surface of Antarctica.

What is Bedmap3

• It is the most detailed & accurate map ever created of Antarctica’s hidden landscape beneath its ice sheet.
• Advanced Imaging: It uses radar, seismic, and gravity data to map Antarctica’s hidden terrain, offering major improvements over Bedmap1 and Bedmap2.

Significance

• Fills Knowledge Gaps: It improves understanding of less-known areas like East Antarctica, South Pole region, Antarctic Peninsula, West Antarctic coastlines, and Transantarctic Mountains.
• Tracks Ice-Ocean Interaction: Provides essential data to study how Antarctic ice moves and interacts with surrounding oceans.
• Geological Insights: Helps researchers explore Antarctica’s geological history and how its landscape evolved over time.

Also Read> Antarctic Treaty and India’s Research in Antarctica.