CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 March 2025
Women’s Participation in the Electoral Process
Syllabus: Women
Source: TH
Context: The increasing voter turnout among women in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has sparked discussions on their political participation, agency, and the factors shaping their electoral choices, as highlighted by study using National Election Studies (NES) data.
Data on Women’s Participation in the Electoral Process:
- Rising Voter Turnout: In 2024, 65.78% of female electors voted, compared to 65.55% of male electors, marking the second time in history where women outnumbered men in voter turnout.
- Gender Gap Reduction: The gender gap in voter turnout has narrowed significantly, with 946 female electors per 1000 male electors in 2024, up from 926 in 2019.
- State Variations: States like Kerala (51.56% female electors) and Puducherry (53.03% female electors) recorded the highest percentage of female voters, reflecting regional political dynamics.
- Welfare-Driven Voting: Welfare schemes like Ujjwala and Ladli Behna have been pivotal in mobilizing women voters, particularly in BJP-ruled states like Madhya Pradesh.
- Limited Beyond Voting: Despite increased voting participation, women’s involvement in rallies, campaigns, and policy advocacy remains low, with only 14% seeking voting advice from spouses, compared to higher rates among men.
Factors Hindering Women’s Political Participation:
- Social and Cultural Barriers: Patriarchal norms and gender roles often restrict women’s mobility and decision-making autonomy, limiting their political engagement.
Example: In rural areas, women face societal pressure to prioritize household duties over political activities.
- Economic Dependence: Low workforce participation (below 25%) and financial reliance on male family members reduce women’s political agency.
- Lack of Representation: Women constitute only 14% of MPs in the Lok Sabha, discouraging active participation due to limited role models.
- Structural Challenges: Unequal voter registration rates and limited access to political networks hinder women’s involvement.
Example: Fewer women are registered as voters compared to men, despite efforts by the Election Commission.
- Intersectional Identities: Caste, class, and regional disparities further complicate women’s political participation, as their priorities often align with community interests rather than gender-based agendas.
Consequences of Limited Women’s Participation:
- Policy Bias: Limited representation leads to inadequate attention to women-centric issues like healthcare, education, and safety.
Example: Delayed implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill reflects systemic neglect.
- Reinforcement of Stereotypes: Women are often viewed as passive beneficiaries of welfare schemes rather than active political agents.
- Unequal Development: Exclusion of women from decision-making processes results in policies that fail to address gender-specific challenges.
- Weak Political Accountability: Low female participation reduces pressure on political parties to prioritize gender equality in their agendas.
- Social Stagnation: Limited political engagement perpetuates patriarchal norms, hindering societal progress toward gender equality.
Way Ahead:
- Empowerment Through Education: Increasing literacy rates and awareness programs can enhance women’s political agency and decision-making capabilities.
Example: Kerala’s high female literacy rate correlates with higher political participation.
- Economic Independence: Promoting women’s employment and entrepreneurship can reduce dependency and foster political engagement.
- Quotas and Representation: Implementing the Women’s Reservation Bill to ensure 33% representation in legislatures can amplify women’s voices.
- Grassroots Mobilization: Encouraging women’s participation in local governance (e.g., Panchayati Raj institutions) can build confidence and leadership skills.
Example: States like Bihar have seen success with increased female representation in Panchayats.
- Inclusive Policies: Political parties should adopt gender-sensitive policies and actively involve women in campaign planning and decision-making.
Conclusion:
Women’s political participation in India has seen progress, but challenges like social barriers, economic dependence, and limited representation persist. Addressing these issues through education, economic empowerment, and policy reforms is crucial for achieving gender equality in politics. A holistic approach is needed to transform women from passive beneficiaries into active political agents.
PYQ:
- “The reservation of seats for women in the institution of local self-government has had a limited impact on the patriarchal character of the Indian political process”. Comment (UPSC-2019)
India’s growing role as a unifier in The Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
Syllabus: International Relation
Source: IE
Context: India’s growing role as a unifier in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has gained attention, with recent initiatives like the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) and SAGAR doctrine highlighting its efforts to foster regional cooperation and maritime security.
About India’s growing role as a unifier in The Indian Ocean Region (IOR):
Importance of IOR to India:
- Strategic Maritime Security: The Indian Ocean serves as a buffer against threats and a pathway for projecting naval power.
- Economic Lifeline: 80% of India’s external trade and 90% of energy imports transit through the IOR.
- Energy Security: Securing sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) is critical for India’s energy needs.
- Geopolitical Influence: The IOR is a platform for India to counter China’s “String of Pearls” strategy.
- Environmental and Disaster Management: The IOR is vital for climate stability and disaster response.
Measures Taken by India in IOR:
- Maritime Diplomacy: India conducts 17 multilateral and 20 bilateral naval exercises annually.
- Infrastructure Development: The Sagarmala Programme aims to modernize ports and enhance connectivity.
- Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) enhances real-time surveillance.
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): India acts as a “first responder” in regional crises.
- Blue Economy Initiatives: India’s Deep Ocean Mission explores polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin.
Challenges to India in Acting as a Unifier in IOR:
- Growing Chinese Influence: China’s “String of Pearls” strategy and military base in Djibouti challenge India’s dominance.
Example: Chinese investments in Hambantota (Sri Lanka) and Gwadar (Pakistan) encircle India.
- Maritime Security Threats: Piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing persist in the IOR.
Example: The 2023 attack on MV Chem Pluto highlighted evolving maritime terrorism.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Strained relations with neighbors like Maldives and Sri Lanka hinder regional cooperation.
Example: The Maldives’ “India-Out” campaign reflects fragile bilateral ties.
- Climate Change and Environmental Degradation: Rising sea levels and cyclones threaten coastal security and economies.
Example: Cyclone Remal in May 2024 strained India’s disaster response capabilities.
- Non-Traditional Security Threats: Cyberattacks and drug trafficking pose new challenges.
Example: A ransomware attack on Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in 2017 exposed vulnerabilities.
Way Ahead and Role of India as a Unifier in IOR
- Enhance Naval Capabilities: Accelerate the production of indigenous aircraft carriers and submarines.
Example: INS Vikrant’s success should be replicated for a stronger naval presence.
- Expand Strategic Partnerships: Strengthen ties with IOR littoral states and major powers like the US and France.
Example: The India-France-UAE trilateral initiative fosters regional cooperation.
- Boost Maritime Infrastructure: Fast-track projects like the Great Nicobar transshipment hub.
Example: The Sittwe Port in Myanmar enhances connectivity under the Kaladan project.
- Promote Blue Economy: Focus on sustainable resource exploitation and marine tourism.
Example: India’s Deep Ocean Mission explores polymetallic nodules for economic gains.
- Strengthen Disaster Response: Develop forward operating bases and enhance NDRF capabilities.
Example: INS Jalashwa’s aid delivery to Madagascar showcases India’s HADR leadership.
Conclusion:
India’s role as a unifier in the IOR is crucial for regional stability and security. By addressing challenges and leveraging its strengths, India can emerge as a net security provider and a leader in maritime diplomacy. A cohesive strategy and enhanced partnerships will ensure India’s dominance in the Indian Ocean Region.
PYQ:
- ‘Sea is an important component of the Cosmos’. Discuss in the light of the above statement the role of the IMO (International Maritime Organisation) in protecting environment and enhancing maritime safety and security. (UPSC-2023)
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
AI Therapy
Context: Many individuals are increasingly turning to ChatGPT and AI tools for emotional support and life coaching.
About AI Therapy:
- What it is:
- AI therapy refers to using artificial intelligence platforms, like ChatGPT, as a tool for emotional support, life coaching, and problem-solving.
- Impact of using AI for emotional support:
- Provides instant, 24/7 feedback without appointments or financial costs.
- Acts as a non-judgmental space for self-reflection and processing personal dilemmas.
- Helps in identifying emotional patterns and offering quick advice on low-risk issues.
- Negative consequences:
- Over-reliance can lead to unhealthy reassurance-seeking behaviors.
- AI lacks the ability to challenge cognitive distortions like trained therapists.
- Risk of bias reinforcement when users tweak prompts for confirmation.
- Loss of human touch: no personal anecdotes, empathy, or nuanced understanding.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
- GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology):
- Discusses artificial intelligence applications and ethical considerations in emerging technologies.
- GS Paper 4 (Ethics):
- Raises questions on ethical boundaries of AI use in sensitive areas like mental health.
- Highlights privacy concerns, responsible AI use, and public trust.
- Essay Paper:
- Useful for essays on technology and human well-being, AI’s impact on society, or balancing innovation with ethics.
The Transformative Power of Gratitude
Context: In today’s fast-paced world filled with loneliness, anxiety, and disconnection, finding emotional resilience and genuine relationships has become increasingly difficult. The transformative power of gratitude is emerging as a simple yet profound way to cultivate happiness, resilience, and inner strength amidst these challenges.
What is Gratitude?
Gratitude is the conscious acknowledgment and appreciation of kindness, support, and contributions from others in our lives. It involves shifting focus from what is lacking to recognizing the abundance and positivity that surrounds us.
Power of Gratitude in Transforming Life:
- Builds Resilience: Gratitude fosters a positive outlook, helping individuals overcome adversity and challenges with strength and optimism.
- Strengthens Relationships: Regular expressions of gratitude deepen bonds, fostering trust and emotional connection in personal and professional spheres.
- Shifts Perspective: It redirects focus from problems to possibilities, promoting solution-oriented thinking and reducing stress.
- Enhances Emotional Well-being: Cultivating gratitude increases joy, reduces negativity, and improves mental health.
- Empowers Inner Strength: Stories like Ekalavya in Mahabharata and Bodhisattva Never Disparaging in Buddhist philosophy show how gratitude fuels humility, determination, and transformation.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
- Ethics (GS Paper 4):
- Related to values of emotional intelligence, compassion, humility, and attitude.
- Gratitude demonstrates positive attitude formation, integrity, and moral strength for civil servants.
- Essay Paper:
- Useful for writing essays on emotional intelligence, inner strength, human values, and resilience in public life.
- Helps in developing philosophical and value-based dimensions of essay writing.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Hmar and Zomi Tribe
Source: TH
Context: The Hmar and Zomi tribal leaders in Manipur have agreed to cooperate for restoring peace in Churachandpur after recent clashes.
About Hmar Tribe:
- Who they are:
- Hmar tribe belongs to the larger Chin-Kuki-Mizo ethnic group.
- They are one of the Scheduled Tribes under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- Habitat:
- Found in Manipur, Mizoram, Assam (North Cachar Hills), Tripura, Meghalaya, and parts of the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
- Uniqueness:
- Origin: Trace ancestry from Sinlung (disputed), migrated from China to Burma and then settled in Northeast India.
- Physical features: Mongoloid stock, short stature, straight black hair, dark brown eyes.
- Language: Speak Hmar dialect, part of the Kuki-Chin-Mizo language family.
- Festivals:
- Sikpui Ruoi – post-harvest festival with dances and music celebrating community bonding.
- Occupation: Practice slash-and-burn (jhum) agriculture.
- Housing: Build houses on hilltops with wooden planks.
- Social structure: Divided into exogamous clans; monogamy is strictly followed.
About Zomi Tribe:
- Who they are:
- The Zomi are part of the larger Zo ethnic group, which includes Mizo, Kuki, and Chin communities.
- The term “Zomi” means Zo people.
- Habitat:
- Inhabiting Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam, and extending into Burma (Chin State, Sagaing division) and Bangladesh (Chittagong Hills).
- Uniqueness:
- Origin: Centuries-old settlers of mountainous regions between India and Myanmar.
- Physical features: Tibeto-Burman traits, short height, straight black hair, brown eyes.
- Language: Speak one of the Kukish language dialects within the Kuki-Chin linguistic family.
- Festivals:
- Chapchar Kut – celebrated after jhum clearing with traditional dance and feasts.
- Culture: Known for vibrant traditions, distinctive customs, rich folklore, and communal harmony.
- Social identity issue: The British-imposed name “Chin” is considered derogatory; Zomi prefer self-identification as Zo.
Kamba Ramayana
Source: NIE
Context: The Ministry of Culture has launched a comprehensive initiative to preserve and promote Kamba Ramayana recitals in Tamil Nadu.
About Kamba Ramayana:
- What it is:
- Kamba Ramayana, also known as Ramavataram, is a Tamil epic based on the Sanskrit Valmiki Ramayana.
- It is celebrated for its poetic excellence and spiritual interpretations unique to Tamil culture.
- Written by:
- Composed by Tamil poet Kambar in the 12th century CE.
- Patronized by Thiruvennai Nallur Sadayappa Vallal, whose name appears every 1,000 verses in gratitude.
- Year: Written during the 12th century CE.
- State associated:
- Strongly associated with Tamil Nadu, especially the poet’s birthplace, Kambar Medu in Theraazhundur.
- Key Features:
- Structure: Divided into 6 Kandams (chapters), 113 Padalams (sections), and around 10,569 verses.
- Language: Written in classical Tamil, highlighting regional devotion and cultural values.
- Cultural Integration: Combines Tamil folk elements with deep philosophical and spiritual symbolism.
- Performance Tradition: Traditionally recited by Kamba Ramayana Mandali in temples; now being revived through state initiatives.
About Kambar:
- Who he is:
- Kambar, also known as Kavichakravarthy Kamban, was a renowned Tamil poet.
- He is celebrated for composing the Ramavataram (Kamba Ramayanam), the Tamil adaptation of the Ramayana.
- Birth: Born in Therazhundur, located in the present-day Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu.
- Kingdom associated:
- Kambar lived and flourished in the Chola Empire during the reign of Kulothunga III.
- He received royal recognition and was bestowed the title Kavi Chakravarthy (Emperor of Poets).
- Period:
- His lifetime is generally dated between 1180 CE and 1250 CE.
- He lived after Vaishnavite philosopher Ramanuja, whom he references in his works.
- Significant contributions:
- Kamba Ramayanam: Tamil version of the Ramayana, merging classical poetry with Tamil cultural depth.
- Other works:
- Tirukkai Valakkam – Ethical and moral verses.
- Erelupatu and Silai Elupatu – Spiritual compositions.
- Kangai Puranam – Temple-based mythological narrative.
- Sadagopar Antati and Saraswati Antati – Devotional compositions.
India’s First PPP-Based Green Waste Processing Plant
Source: DD News
Context: Indore is set to launch India’s first PPP-based green waste processing plant under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban.
- The initiative aims to convert green waste into eco-friendly products and promote sustainable waste management.
About India’s first PPP-based green waste processing plant:
- What it is:
- A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model waste processing facility for converting green waste into eco-resources.
- Aim of the initiative:
- To process green waste (wood, leaves, branches, flowers) into pellets and sawdust, replacing coal and supporting clean energy goals.
- Key features:
- Partnered with Astronomical Industries Private Limited.
- Converts waste into wooden pellets, sawdust, and biodegradable products.
- End products: eco-friendly fuels, packaging materials, biodegradable plates, fertilizers.
- Reduces pollution, improves Air Quality Index (AQI), and contributes to energy conservation.
About Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-Urban):
- Launched in: Launched on 2nd October 2014.
- Ministry: Implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
- Aim: To achieve universal sanitation coverage and maintain cleanliness across urban areas.
- Features:
- Focus on waste management, open-defecation free (ODF) cities, and sanitation infrastructure.
- Promotes construction of gender-specific toilets in public spaces to address gender disparity.
- Indirect benefits: improved health, increased girl child enrollment in schools.
- Components:
- SBM-Urban 1.0 (2014–2019): Focused on making all urban areas ODF.
- SBM-Urban 2.0 (launched 2021): Targeting bioremediation of 2,400 legacy landfill sites by 2025–26.
- Legacy waste is converted into refuse derived fuel (RDF), recyclable material, and bio-soil for road construction.
White Hydrogen
Source: TN
Context: France has discovered the world’s largest white hydrogen deposit in the Moselle region, estimated at 46 million tons, valued at $92 trillion.
- Found beneath the soil of Folschviller in the Moselle region.
About White Hydrogen:
- What it is:
- White hydrogen is naturally occurring pure hydrogen found underground, formed due to geological reactions. It emerges when minerals react with water deep beneath the Earth’s crust.
- Key Features:
- Zero-emission: It occurs naturally without requiring industrial production, avoiding CO₂ emissions.
- Low cost: White hydrogen production costs around $1 per kilogram, making it highly affordable.
- Renewable source: White hydrogen constantly regenerates within the Earth, unlike exhaustible fossil fuels.
- Combustion output: When used as fuel, white hydrogen produces only water vapor after combustion.
- Significance:
- Clean energy alternative: Can reduce reliance on fossil fuels for heavy industries like aviation, shipping, and steel.
- Energy security: Potential game-changer for energy independence in hydrogen-importing countries.
- Cost-effectiveness: Could significantly lower global hydrogen prices compared to synthetic alternatives.
- Sustainability: Supports climate action with its low carbon footprint and renewable nature.
- Limitations:
- Exploration difficulty: Hard to locate deposits due to specific geological conditions.
- Environmental risks: Potential hydrogen leakage could disrupt greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
- Storage and transport challenges: Requires extremely low liquefaction temperatures (-253°C) and robust pipelines.
- Regulatory barriers: Absence of clear guidelines for extraction and safe handling.
Sansad Bhashini Initiative
Source: DD News
Context: The Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) signed an MoU to launch the Sansad Bhashini initiative.
About Sansad Bhashini Initiative:
- What it is:
- Sansad Bhashini is an AI-based digital initiative designed to enable real-time translation, transcription, and data access of parliamentary records in multiple Indian languages.
- Ministry: Developed under the partnership of the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
- Aim:
- To enhance multilingual support in parliamentary proceedings.
- To make parliamentary debates, documents, and archives more accessible for MPs, researchers, and the public.
- To promote linguistic diversity in governance and digital accessibility.
- Key Features:
- AI-powered real-time translation: Translates legacy debates, agenda files, and committee reports into various regional languages instantly.
- Speech-to-text conversion system: Automatically converts spoken parliamentary debates into written text with noise reduction and customized vocabulary.
- Automatic summarization: Creates concise summaries of lengthy parliamentary discussions for quick understanding and better decision-making.
- AI-powered chatbot: Provides quick assistance to MPs and officials for retrieving procedural rules and parliamentary documents.
- Integration with Bhashini: Uses MeitY’s Bhashini platform for advanced translation capabilities and AI-based language processing.
- Supports linguistic diversity: Ensures content accessibility across India’s diverse languages for improved public engagement and inclusivity.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 March 2025 Mapping:
Wular Lake
Source: IE
Context: Wular Lake, India’s largest freshwater lake in Jammu & Kashmir, is facing shrinkage and siltation, raising serious flood risks for the Kashmir Valley.
About Wular Lake:
- Located in: Situated in Bandipore district of Jammu & Kashmir, approximately 50 km northwest of Srinagar.
- River fed: Fed by the Jhelum River, playing a vital role in the hydrology of the Kashmir Valley.
- Lake formation: Formed due to tectonic activity and believed to be a remnant of the ancient Satisar Lake.
- Unique features of the lake:
- Largest freshwater lake in India and the second largest in Asia, spanning 200 sq. km.
- Lies at an altitude of 1,580 m at the foothills of Haramuk Mountain.
- Hosts Zaina Lank, an artificial island built by King Zainul-Abi-Din.
- Acts as a natural flood absorption basin for the Kashmir Valley.
- Home to rich biodiversity, including Himalayan monal, short-toed eagle, black-eared kite, and many migratory birds.
- Contributes to 60% of total fish production in the region.
- Recognition: Declared a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990.