04-March-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

INDIA’S LAUNCH OF MULTI-NATION ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: INDIAN EXPRESS

India recently launched the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C3), a multi-nation alliance aimed at fostering city-to-city collaboration, knowledge sharing, and private-sector partnerships to advance sustainable urban development.

Key Features of C3 Initiative 

• Objective: Facilitate collaboration among cities globally to adopt circular economy practices, emphasizing resource efficiency and sustainable waste management.
• Financial Commitment: Agreements worth ₹18,800 crore are set to be signed under C3, benefiting cities across 14 Indian states. These cities will serve as pilot projects for other urban areas.
• Scope: Focus on 3R principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), circular economy frameworks, and private-sector engagement.

Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum 

• Established in 2009, this forum promotes sustainable waste management and resource efficiency in Asia-Pacific nations.
• It has driven policy reforms, capacity building, and the adoption of the Hanoi Declaration (2009), which outlined 13 voluntary goals for transitioning to resource-efficient economies.

India’s Leadership and Proposals 

• PM Modi’s Message: Highlighted India’s willingness to share its experiences in circular economy practices. Proposed forming a working group of member nations post-forum to finalize C3’s operational framework.
• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU): A key MoU for “CITIS 2D” (likely related to sustainable urban projects) was signed during the launch event in Jaipur.

Emphasis on Circular Economy 

• Circularity addresses challenges like rapid urbanization, waste generation, and resource scarcity.
• The initiative aligns with global goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reinforces India’s role in advocating climate-resilient urban planning.

Three Key Points on Circular Economy

• By promoting eco-friendly production and consumption, the circular economy fosters sustainable business models.
• It creates new job opportunities in recycling, repair, and remanufacturing industries while reducing pollution.
• It helps reduce carbon emissions, pollution, and natural resource depletion by focusing on renewable energy and biodegradable materials.

Conclusion 

The launch of C3 marks a significant step in India’s leadership in global sustainability efforts. By integrating circular economy principles and fostering international partnerships, India aims to create scalable models for urban development.

INDIA’S CIRCULAR ECONOMY: A $2 TRILLION MARKET AND 10 MILLION JOBS BY 2050

India is embracing a circular economy by implementing waste management policies and promoting sustainable initiatives. This approach aims to reduce waste, optimize resources, and create jobs, ensuring economic and environmental benefits.

Economic Potential of Circular Economy

• India’s shift to a circular economy could generate a market value of over $2 trillion and create 10 million jobs by 2050.
• The global circular economy could add $4.5 trillion to the economy by 2030.
• This transition moves away from the wasteful linear model to a more sustainable approach.

What is a Circular Economy?

• A circular economy focuses on reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.
• Key principles include:
  • Reusing, recycling, refurbishing, and repurposing materials.
  • Designing durable and repairable products for long-term use.
  • Treating waste as a resource to reduce reliance on raw materials.
• Benefits:
  • Reduces pollution and conserves resources.
  • Lowers carbon emissions and helps combat climate change.
  • Generates employment in green industries.

Government Initiatives for Circular Economy

• Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016) – Regulates plastic waste disposal.
• Ban on Single-Use Plastics (2022) – Reduces plastic pollution.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) – Mandates waste management by producers.
• Waste-to-Energy & Bioremediation Projects – Encourages sustainable waste disposal.
• Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Waste to Wealth Portal – Enhances resource recovery.

Conclusion

India’s focus on a circular economy promotes sustainability, economic growth, and job creation. These efforts will help optimize resources, reduce waste, and ensure a greener future.

SUPREME COURT SEEKS REGULATIONS TO CURB ONLINE VULGARITY WHILE UPHOLDING FREE SPEECH

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Supreme Court has called for regulatory measures to control the use of vulgar language in online content, stressing the need for moral standards in digital media. While recognizing freedom of speech, the court highlighted the importance of reasonable restrictions to maintain misuse of free expression.

Need for regulation in digital content

• The court emphasized the difference between humour and vulgarity, stating that content should remain family-friendly and culturally appropriate.
• While supporting creative freedom, it stressed the importance of ethical boundaries in public discourse.

Court observations:

• The court allowed the resumption of a popular online podcast, provided it adheres to moral and decent content standards suitable for all audiences.
• Arguments were presented about the impact on livelihoods, as many individuals depend on digital platforms for employment.
• The court required an undertaking to ensure compliance with ethical content norms.
• Interim protection was extended to prevent immediate legal consequences related to controversial content.
• However, compliance with ongoing investigations was made a prerequisite for additional relief, including requests to travel abroad.

Judicial Observations on Free Speech and Responsibility

• The court observed that freedom of speech comes with responsibilities and should not be misused to promote offensive content.
• It acknowledged that moral standards vary across societies but insisted that digital content in India should respect its cultural values.
• The discussion also highlighted that humour can be creative and engaging without resorting to offensive language.

RIGHT TO PRIVACY AND ARTICLE 21

Right to Privacy

• The Right to Privacy is a fundamental right in India, recognized under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• It was upheld by the Supreme Court in the K.S. Puttaswamy case (2017), which ruled that privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life and personal liberty.
• The judgment emphasized that privacy includes personal autonomy, dignity, and protection of personal data.
• The right to privacy is not absolute and can be restricted for national security, public interest, and prevention of crimes, but such restrictions must be reasonable and follow legal procedures.

Article 21 of the Indian Constitution

• Article 21 states: “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.”
• This article protects life and personal liberty, ensuring dignity, fair procedures, and freedom from arbitrary actions.
• It has been expanded through judicial interpretations to include various rights such as:

·         Right to Privacy

·         Right to Live with Dignity

·         Right to Clean Environment

·         Right to Speedy Trial

·         Right to Health and Education

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s stance reflects the need for responsible digital content creation while ensuring freedom of expression is not misused. By seeking balanced regulatory measures, the court aims to preserve ethical standards in digital media while protecting artistic freedom.

FIRST POPULATION ESTIMATE OF GANGETIC DOLPHINS IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

The Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica), India’s national aquatic animal, plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of riverine ecosystems. A recent survey has estimated 6,327 Gangetic dolphins across major river systems in India. However, due to varying survey methodologies in the past, this estimate does not provide direct insights into population trends.

Key Findings of the Survey

• Conducted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change using acoustic hydrophones and direct sightings.
• Covered 8,507 km of river systems in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
• Recorded 6,324 Gangetic dolphins and three Indus river dolphins.
• Uttar Pradesh had the highest number of dolphins, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.

Challenges in Dolphin Population Estimation

• Unlike terrestrial animals, dolphins are difficult to track due to their underwater habitat.
• Cannot be uniquely identified like tigers or elephants using camera traps.
• Reliance on acoustic technology to detect dolphin echolocation sounds.
• Ensuring accurate counting without duplication remains a challenge.

Threats to Gangetic Dolphins

• Habitat destruction due to river pollution, dam construction, and reduced water flow.
• Accidental entanglement in fishing nets, leading to injury and death.
• Poaching for oil and meat despite legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Climate change affecting water levels and temperature, impacting their survival.

Conservation Efforts and Future Strategies

• The Namami Gange Programme includes dolphin conservation initiatives.
• Awareness campaigns to educate local communities and fishermen about dolphin protection.
• Government plans to repeat the survey every four years to monitor population trends.
• Promotion of eco-tourism and student visits to dolphin habitats for conservation awareness.

Conclusion

The first large-scale scientific survey of Gangetic dolphins provides valuable insights into their current distribution. However, the lack of comparative data limits its utility for assessing population trends. Conservation efforts must focus on reducing pollution, controlling fishing activities, and restoring river habitats to ensure the survival of this critically endangered species.

INDIA’S CIRCULAR ECONOMY: A $2 TRILLION OPPORTUNITY AND 10 MILLION JOBS BY 2050

India is moving towards a circular economy by adopting waste management policies and launching sustainable initiatives. This shift aims to reduce waste, promote resource efficiency, and create economic opportunities.

Economic Potential of the Circular Economy

• India’s circular economy is expected to generate a market value of over $2 trillion by 2050.
• It could create nearly 10 million jobs, boosting employment in green industries.
• The global circular economy could add $4.5 trillion in economic value by 2030.
• It moves away from the linear economy model (take, make, dispose) to a sustainable, resource-efficient system.

What is a Circular Economy?

• A circular economy focuses on reducing waste and maximizing resource use.
• It replaces the traditional linear economy, which leads to excessive waste.
• Key principles include:
  • Reusing, recycling, and refurbishing products.
  • Designing durable and repairable items to extend their lifespan.
  • Converting waste into a resource to reduce reliance on new raw materials.
• Benefits of a circular economy:
  • Reduces pollution and conserves resources.
  • Lowers carbon emissions, supporting climate action.
  • Creates jobs in waste management, recycling, and green industries.

India’s Bid to Host World Circular Economy Forum 2026

• India has proposed to host the World Circular Economy Forum in 2026.
• The 2025 forum will be held in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
• Hosting this event would strengthen India’s role in global sustainability efforts.

Government Initiatives for Circular Economy

• Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016) – Established guidelines for managing plastic waste across different sectors.
• Ban on Single-Use Plastics (2022) – Prohibited specific plastic products to reduce pollution.
• Eco-Mark Rules – Encourages environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products.
• Circular Economy Action Plans – Developed for 10 waste categories, with regulatory policies under implementation.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations – Applied to plastic waste, e-waste, battery waste, and packaging materials.

Conclusion

India’s circular economy initiatives align with its goal of sustainability and economic growth. These efforts will help reduce waste, create jobs, and ensure environmental conservation for a sustainable future.

SUPREME COUT’S PROTECTION OF ORANS IN RAJASTHAN 

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

In December 2024, the Indian Supreme Court recognized the socio-ecological and cultural significance of Orans (sacred groves) in Rajasthan, aiming to protect them through legal formalization under biodiversity laws.

Significance of Orans 

• Socio-Religious Role: Orans are tied to local deities, with prohibitions on tree-cutting rooted in religious beliefs. Violations are perceived to invite divine retribution.
• Ecological Benefits: Enhance biodiversity, recharge groundwater by trapping runoff, and sustain traditional water sources.
• Community Governance: Managed informally by local institutions as part of watershed management, ensuring sustainability through decentralized control.

Challenges with Legal Formalization 

• Forest Conservation Act (1980): Declaring Orans as “forests” grants legal protection but subjects them to exemptions under the 2023 Amendment (e.g., allowing economic activities, zoos, and safaris). This risks diverting land from conservation and alienating communities.
• Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Designating Orans as “community reserves” places ultimate control with the State, reducing local decision-making. Management committees are limited to administrative roles.
• Forest Rights Act (2006): Communities must meet stringent criteria to claim rights, excluding those governed by informal institutions.

Proposed Solutions 

• Empower Informal Institutions: Identify successful community-led models and replicate them with state support.
• Community Consultation: Ensure policies are designed in collaboration with locals and civil society.
• Avoid replacing informal systems with rigid formal structures; instead, strengthen existing practices.

Conclusion 

The Supreme Court’s intent to protect Orans is commendable, but formalization risks undermining the very communities it aims to empower. Legal frameworks like the Forest Conservation Act and Wildlife Protection Act centralize control, conflicting with traditional governance.

BLUE GHOST LUNAR MISSION

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander successfully landed on the Moon’s Mare Crisium region. The mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, promoting private-sector involvement in lunar exploration.

Objectives of the Mission

• Study Moon’s Heat Flow: The lander will measure heat flow from the Moon’s interior to understand its thermal evolution.
• Analyze Plume-Surface Interactions: It will study how lunar dust reacts to the lander’s engine plumes, improving future landing techniques.
• Examine Lunar Magnetic and Electric Fields: Data collected will help scientists learn more about the Moon’s geological history.
• Collect Lunar Soil Samples: A vacuum system will gather lunar soil, while a drill will measure temperatures up to 3 meters below the surface.

Mission Duration

• Blue Ghost will operate for 14 Earth days (one full lunar day).
• During this time, it will conduct scientific research and test new technologies for future missions.

OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLE NESTING

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

Forest officials have restricted entry along a 5-km stretch near the Rushikulya river mouth in Odisha’s Ganjam district to protect Olive Ridley turtle eggs. The Rushikulya River is one of Odisha’s important rivers, known for its ecological significance.

About Rushikulya River

• Location: Flows through Kandhamal, Ganjam, and Boudh districts in Odisha.
• Origin: Starts from the Daringbadi hills in the Eastern Ghats at an elevation of 1000 meters.
• Length: Covers 165 km before merging into the Bay of Bengal near Ganjam town.
• Unique Feature: Unlike many rivers, it does not form a delta at its mouth.
• Basin Area: Covers 7500 sq. km.
• Tributaries: Includes the Baghua, Dhanei, and Badanadi rivers.

Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting

• The Rushikulya beach is a famous nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles.
• Between January and March, thousands of turtles arrive for mass nesting, known as Arribada.
• Conservation measures are taken to protect the eggs from human interference and predators.

OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLE

The Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is one of the smallest and most abundant sea turtles in the world. They are known for their mass nesting behavior, called Arribada, where thousands of females come ashore to lay eggs.

Habitat and Distribution

• Found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans.
• In India, they nest mainly along the Odisha coast, including Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, and Devi River beaches.

Nesting and Reproduction

• Nesting season: January to March in India.
• Arribada (Mass Nesting): Thousands of females lay eggs in sandy beaches at the same time.
• Each female lays 100-150 eggs, which hatch in 45-60 days.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Status: Vulnerable due to threats like poaching, habitat destruction, and fishing nets.
• Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 in India.
• Conservation efforts include coastal protection, hatcheries, and fishing restrictions.

CONCLUSION:

Conserving Olive Ridley Turtles is crucial to maintaining marine biodiversity, as threats like habitat destruction and fishing practices endanger their survival. Strengthening coastal protection, sustainable fishing, and community awareness will ensure their long-term conservation.

JUANGA TRIBE

TOPIC: (GS1) CULTURE: THE HINDU

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report on alleged human rights violations of the Juanga tribe in Keonjhar district, Odisha.

The Juanga tribe is recognized as one of Odisha’s 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

About the Juanga Tribe

• Population: As per the 2011 Census, their population is around 50,000.
• Location: Mainly found in Keonjhar and Dhenkanal districts of Odisha.
• Language: They speak the Juang language, which belongs to the Munda family under the Austroasiatic group.
• Social Structure: They follow a clan-based system with strong kinship ties.

Livelihood

• Traditionally depended on hunting, gathering, and shifting cultivation.
• The British colonial rule restricted access to forests, forcing them to adapt.
• Became skilled in basket-weaving, exchanging their products for essential goods like salt, oil, and food.

Clothing

• Earlier known as Patuas or “leaf-wearers”, Juang women wore leaf girdles, while men used loincloths.
• Over time, due to interactions with neighboring communities and government efforts, they adopted modern clothing.

Beliefs and Religion

• Follow animistic traditions, worshiping nature and spirits.
• Their supreme deity is the Sun God, but they also adopt Hindu gods and goddesses along with tribal deities.

Conclusion:

Preserving tribal culture is essential for safeguarding indigenous knowledge, traditions, and biodiversity, which contribute to a diverse and sustainable society.

AADHAAR GOOD GOVERNANCE PORTAL

TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The central government has launched the Aadhaar Good Governance Portal to simplify the approval process for Aadhaar authentication requests. This initiative aims to improve governance, ensuring better service delivery for welfare schemes.

About Aadhaar Good Governance Portal

• Launched by: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Purpose: To streamline Aadhaar authentication requests and enhance service delivery.
• Legal Framework: Based on amendments to the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance Rules, 2025, under the Aadhaar Act of 2016.

Features:

• Acts as a resource guide with detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Helps entities understand how to apply and onboard for Aadhaar authentication.
• Supports Face Authentication, which can be integrated into private apps for remote authentication.

Key Facts about Aadhaar

• A 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
• Links an individual’s biometric and demographic data for identity verification.
• Launched in 2009 to provide a verifiable identity to every resident of India.
• Mandatory for several government services and widely used by private companies for authentication.

Conclusion:

The Aadhaar Good Governance Portal enhances transparency and efficiency in authentication processes and it strengthens digital governance and simplifies access to welfare benefits.

NARWHALS: UNIQUE WHALES OF THE ARCTIC

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

Narwhals, also called narwhales (Monodon monoceros), are medium-sized toothed whales found in the Arctic. They are famous for their long, spiral tusk, which gives them a distinctive appearance. Scientists have recently observed narwhals using their tusks for hunting, providing new insights into their behavior.

Physical Features

• Narwhals change color as they grow:
  • Newborns – Blue-gray
  • Juveniles – Blue-black
  • Adults – Mottled gray
  • Older narwhals – Almost white
• The tusk is an extended tooth that grows from the male’s upper jaw.
• It has sensory functions with around 10 million nerve endings inside.
• The tusk helps in mate competition and courtship displays.
• Narwhals use their tusks to stun and hunt fish by striking them with force.

Behavior and Diet

• Narwhals are polygynous, meaning a male mates with multiple females.
• Mating occurs between March and May.
• They give birth to a single calf, which is born tail-first.
• Male narwhals’ tusks begin growing after one year.
• Diet: They feed on Greenland halibut, Arctic cod, polar cod, squid, and shrimp.

Habitat and Distribution

• Narwhals live in Arctic waters near Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia.
• They prefer cold, deep waters and migrate seasonally.

Threats to Narwhals

• Climate Change – Melting ice affects their habitat.
• Oil and Gas Exploration – Industrial activities disturb their environment.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Status: Near Threatened – Narwhals face risks but are not yet endangered.

Conclusion

Narwhals are unique marine mammals with fascinating features and behaviors. Protecting their habitat is crucial for their long-term survival in the Arctic ecosystem.