07-March-2025-Daily-Current-Affairs

USAID FUNDING CUTS: IMPACT ON INDIA’S HEALTH, TECHNOLOGY, AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

TOPIC: (GS3) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a key player in providing financial aid to various countries, including India, for development projects in health, technology, and environmental sectors.

About USAID

• USAID is the primary agency of the US government responsible for global humanitarian and development assistance.
• In 2024, USAID was allocated $44.2 billion, forming only 0.4% of the US federal budget but constituting 42% of the humanitarian aid tracked by the UN.
• The agency funds healthcare, disaster relief, food security, and policy reforms worldwide.
• Major beneficiaries of USAID funds include Ukraine, Ethiopia, Jordan, Somalia, and Afghanistan.
• India’s association with USAID began in 1951 under the India Emergency Food Aid Act, and since then, its role has expanded into areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic reforms.

Impact of USAID Funding Cuts on India

Key Development Programs Affected

• The January 20 Executive Order by the Trump administration halting USAID funding will affect critical projects in India.
• Important initiatives like 5G Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) development, environmental programs, and healthcare projects will be impacted.
• USAID has played a crucial role in polio eradication, maternal health improvement, and HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) control in India.
• The withdrawal of funds will create a significant gap in these sectors, affecting marginalized communities.

USAID’s Contribution to India’s Development

• USAID has been a major contributor to India’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), disbursing a total of $2.8 billion since 2001.
• In recent years, USAID provided:

• $228 million in 2022
• $175 million in 2023
• $151 million in 2024 (until mid-December)

• Post-pandemic, USAID increased its support in healthcare, allocating $148 million in 2022 and $81 million in 2023 for economic recovery efforts.

Sector-Wise Impact of Funding Cuts

• Health Programs:
  • In 2024, USAID allocated $80 million for maternal health, family planning, and basic healthcare.
  • In previous years, the funding was higher, with $140.7 million in 2022 and $120 million in 2023 covering health programs, including COVID-19 relief.
• Tuberculosis Control:
  • The Breaking the Barriers program, which aimed to raise TB awareness in Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, and Assam, received $7 million from USAID. Its discontinuation will impact TB intervention efforts.
• HIV/AIDS Programs:
  • USAID has been a key supporter of HIV/AIDS prevention through PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief).
  • Experts warn that reduced funding may lead to higher HIV transmission rates and increased fatalities.

Global Consequences of USAID Withdrawal

• The funding cuts will not only affect India but also many developing nations in Asia and Africa.
• The German Consul General Achim Burkart emphasized that in Zambia alone, 150,000 people depend on USAID-backed HIV medication for survival.
• This situation highlights the responsibility of developed nations to support global healthcare initiatives.

Legal Challenge and Temporary Reprieve

• On February 13, a US Federal Court put a stay on the Executive Order, preventing an immediate halt to aid.
• However, the Trump administration challenged this in the US Supreme Court, arguing that only 500 out of 5,800 aid programs were retained.
• On March 5, the US Supreme Court rejected the appeal in a 5-4 verdict, allowing some aid to continue temporarily.
• Despite this relief, the long-term future of US foreign aid remains uncertain.

Conclusion

The sudden cessation of USAID funding will deeply impact India’s health, environment, and technology sectors, especially programs related to tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and maternal health.
While the temporary legal stay provides some relief, India must seek alternative funding sources and strengthen its domestic healthcare infrastructure to reduce dependency on foreign aid.

AI KOSHA: INDIA’S DATA REPOSITORY FOR AI DEVELOPMENT

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Indian government has launched AI Kosha, a platform that provides access to non-personal datasets for artificial intelligence (AI) research and innovation. It aims to support the development of AI models and tools, particularly in language translation and other critical sectors.

What is AI Kosha?

• AI Kosha is a data repository introduced as part of the IndiaAI Mission to promote AI research and development.
• It currently contains 316 datasets, mainly focused on Indian language translation tools.
• The platform includes datasets related to:
  • Health records
  • Census statistics
  • Satellite imagery
  • Pollution levels
• It provides structured data for AI model training, benefiting startups, researchers, and industries.
• The initiative supports India’s vision of self-reliance in AI and improves computing resources by sharing GPUs for AI projects.

Importance of AI Kosha

• Boosts AI Research: Provides high-quality datasets to improve AI models and applications.
• Supports Indian Languages: Helps in developing AI-based language translation tools, making technology more accessible in regional languages.
• Empowers Startups: Offers data and computing resources, enabling new AI-driven businesses to grow.
• Enhances Government Data Utilization: Facilitates better data-sharing between government agencies, industries, and research institutions.
• Strengthens India’s AI Ecosystem: Contributes to India’s global AI leadership by fostering local AI development and deployment.

Conclusion

AI Kosha is a key step in advancing India’s AI capabilities by making essential data available for research and innovation. It supports startups, researchers, and industries, while also strengthening India’s position in global AI development.

UN REPORT: SETBACKS IN WOMEN’S RIGHTS GLOBALLY

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY: INDIAN EXPRESS

A recent report by UN Women, titled “Women’s Rights in Review: 30 Years After Beijing,” highlights regression in gender equality in many countries. The report attributes these setbacks to democratic decline, conflicts, climate change, and resistance from anti-rights groups.

Key Findings of the Report

• Women’s rights have weakened in about 25% of countries worldwide.
• Climate change and weakening democratic institutions have contributed to the decline.
• Groups opposing gender equality have become more active and influential in many regions.

Challenges in Implementing Women’s Rights Policies

• Many nations struggle to implement the Beijing Platform for Action (1995), a global framework for women’s rights.
• While some progress has been made, gender inequality persists in many areas.

Progress and Gaps in Gender Equality

• Women’s representation in politics:

• The number of women in parliaments has doubled since 1995.
• However, men still hold around 75% of parliamentary positions.

• Social protection for women:

• Women receiving social benefits increased by one-third between 2010 and 2023.
• However, two billion women and girls lack access to such protections.

• Employment inequality:

• The gender employment gap remains unchanged for decades.
• Only 63% of women aged 25-54 are in paid jobs, compared to 92% of men.

Rising Gender-Based Violence and Conflict Impact

• Conflict-related sexual violence has increased by 50% in the last decade, with 95% of victims being children or young women.
• In 2023, over 612 million women lived near armed conflict zones, a 54% rise since 2010.
• In 12 European and Central Asian nations, over 53% of women have faced online gender-based violence.

Recommended Steps for Gender Equality

• Increase women’s access to technology, including AI and digital tools.
• Address gender-related issues in climate policies.
• Invest in poverty reduction strategies to empower women.
• Promote women’s active participation in politics and decision-making.
• Strengthen laws and policies against gender-based violence.

Conclusion

While there has been some progress in women’s rights over the years, major challenges remain. The UN report calls for stronger global efforts to protect and promote gender equality, ensuring that past progress is not lost.

DNIPRO RIVER

TOPIC: (GS3) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU

The Dnipro River is one of the major rivers in Eastern Europe, playing a crucial role in the geography, economy, and history of the region.

It is the fourth-longest river in Europe after the Volga, Danube, and Ural Rivers.

The river flows through Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine before emptying into the Black Sea.

Currently, the river is a strategic battleground in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

   

Geographical Features

• Length: Approximately 1,368 miles (2,200 km).
• Source: The river originates in the Valday Hills, west of Moscow, Russia.
• Course:

• Russia: 300 miles
• Belarus: 430 miles
• Ukraine: 680 miles (largest portion)

• Drainage Basin: Covers 504,000 sq. km, with 289,000 sq. km in Ukraine.

Significance

• Natural Barrier: The river historically divided Ukraine into Right Bank and Left Bank regions.
• Economic Importance:

• Acts as a key waterway for transportation and trade.
• Connected to European waterways via the Dnieper–Bug Canal.

• Urban Centers Along the River:

• Russia: Smolensk, Dorogobuzh
• Belarus: Mogilev
• Ukraine: Kyiv, Cherkasy, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia

Tributaries

• The river has 32,000 tributaries, including Sozh, Desna, Berezina, and Prypiat Rivers.

CRASSOLABIUM DHRITIAE

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, have discovered a new species of soil-dwelling nematode in Odisha’s Keonjhar district.

The species is named Crassolabium dhritiae in honor of Dhriti Banerjee, director of ZSI, for her contributions to zoology and taxonomy.

This discovery adds to the growing knowledge of nematode diversity and their ecological roles.

About Crassolabium Dhritiae

• It belongs to the Crassolabium genus and is the 39th known species worldwide, with nine recorded in India.
• The species has a medium-sized, slender body, a rounded lip region, a wide odontostyle, a long pharynx, and distinctive female reproductive structures.
• It has a uniquely shaped tail, which helps in species identification.
• While the feeding habits of this genus are still under study, Crassolabium species are known to be predatory or omnivorous.

Significance of Soil Nematodes

• Soil nematodes are tiny invertebrates that contribute to soil fertility.
• They are found in all types of soil, with millions present in even nutrient-poor areas.
• Their diet includes plant roots, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and other soil organisms.
• Nematodes can be both beneficial and harmful:

• Beneficial nematodes decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients.
• Entomopathogenic nematodes help control pests by working with bacteria.

• Nematodes serve as indicators of soil health, helping assess changes due to pollution or disturbances.

Prelims Question:

1. Crassolabium dhritiae, recently discovered in India, belongs to which of the following groups of organisms?

1. Fungi
2. Nematodes
3. Arthropods
4. Protozoa

Answer: B

GANDIVA (ASTRA MK-III) AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE

TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY: THE HINDU

India’s latest and most advanced air-to-air missile, Astra MK-III, has been officially renamed Gandiva, inspired by Arjuna’s bow from the Mahabharata.

It is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to enhance India’s aerial combat capabilities.

      

About Gandiva (Astra MK-III)

• It is a beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile designed for fighter jets.
• The missile will be deployed on the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Tejas aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• With its induction, India will have one of the longest-range BVR missiles in the world.
• It can target fighter jets, bombers, military transport aircraft, refueling planes, and AWACS aircraft.

Key Features

• Range: Up to 340 km (if the target is at 20 km altitude) and 190 km (at 8 km altitude).
• Engine: Dual-fuel ducted ramjet for better speed and efficiency.
• Speed: Can hit targets moving at Mach 2.0 to 3.6.
• Maneuverability: Can engage highly agile aircraft with a 20-degree angle of attack.
• Snap-up/snap-down capability: Can strike targets at higher or lower altitudes than the launching aircraft.

GUM ARABIC

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

Gum Arabic is a natural resin obtained from the Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal trees.

It is widely used in industries such as food, ceramics, painting, photography, and printing.

Sudan is the largest producer, accounting for about 70% of the global supply.

Distribution and Production

• The trees grow in North Africa, the Sahel region, Australia, India, and South America.
• In India, it is found in Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and the Aravalli hills.
• Other major producing countries include Cameroon, Chad, Mali, and Nigeria.

Properties of Gum Arabic

• It is a water-soluble complex polysaccharide containing calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
• It is non-toxic, odorless, and tasteless, making it ideal for food products.
• It is yellowish in color and forms a clear, mucilaginous solution in water.
• It is insoluble in oils and most organic solvents.

Uses of Gum Arabic

• Food Industry: Used in soft drinks (e.g., Coca-Cola), candies (e.g., M&M’s), and as a stabilizer.
• Ancient Use: Egyptians used it for embalming.
• Other Industries: Used in ceramics, painting, photography, and printing.

Prelims Question:

1. Gum Arabic, recently seen in the news, is primarily obtained from which of the following tree species?
2. Acacia nilotica and Dalbergia sissoo
3. Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal
4. Prosopis juliflora and Tamarindus indica
5. Shorea robusta and Tectona grandis

ANSWER: B

PASHU AUSHADHI KENDRAS: AFFORDABLE VETERINARY MEDICINES FOR FARMERS

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

The government has launched Pashu Aushadhi Kendras to provide affordable generic veterinary medicines. This initiative aims to improve livestock health and reduce farmers’ expenses on animal healthcare.

Concept and Inspiration

• The initiative is based on the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK), which provide low-cost generic medicines for humans.
• Similarly, Pashu Aushadhi Kendras will supply cost-effective veterinary medicines to farmers and livestock owners.
• This will help in reducing the financial burden on farmers and ensure better treatment for livestock.

Objective: Better Health for Livestock

• This initiative is part of the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP).
• The total budget for LHDCP (2024-26) is ₹3,880 crore, with ₹75 crore allocated for Pashu Aushadhi Kendras.
• It focuses on preventing and treating common livestock diseases like:
  • Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
  • Brucellosis
  • Lumpy Skin Disease
• Improved livestock health will enhance productivity and lower farmers’ medical expenses.

Significance of Pashu Aushadhi Kendras

• India has 535.78 million livestock, including 302.79 million bovines (cattle, buffalo, yak, etc.).
• Diseases reduce their productivity, leading to economic losses for farmers.
• Although vaccination programs exist, affordable medicines are essential for effective disease management.

Implementation and Functioning

• These centers will be operated by cooperative societies and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSK).
• The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying will issue guidelines for smooth operation.

Use of Traditional Medicines

• In addition to modern generic drugs, the Kendras will offer ethnoveterinary medicines based on traditional remedies.
• The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) has developed treatments using natural ingredients like:  Turmeric, Neem, Tulsi, Garlic, Cumin, and Jaggery
• These are effective for ailments like mastitis, fever, diarrhoea, bloating, and FMD lesions.

Conclusion

The Pashu Aushadhi Kendras will provide affordable veterinary medicines, ensuring better livestock health, higher productivity, and lower expenses for farmers. This initiative will support the rural economy and promote disease-free livestock farming in India.

IFTAR: SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL, AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF BREAKING THE FAST

TOPIC: (GS1) CULTURE: THE HINDU

Iftar is the evening meal that marks the end of the daily fast (roza) during Ramzan. Observed by Muslims worldwide, it is not just a meal but a time of spiritual reflection, communal bonding, and charity. The practice of Iftar carries deep religious, social, and cultural significance, strengthening faith and promoting togetherness.

Timing and Rituals of Iftar

• The word Iftar comes from Arabic and means “breaking of the fast.”
• It takes place at sunset, right before the Maghrib (evening) prayer.
• Traditionally, it begins with dates, as per the practice of Prophet Muhammad.
• There are no fixed rules on what to eat, but fruits, juices, and light snacks are commonly consumed before a larger meal.
• Families, friends, and community members often come together to share the meal, reinforcing the spirit of unity and gratitude.

Spiritual Importance of Iftar

• Fasting during Ramzan reminds individuals of God’s blessings and encourages gratitude, patience, and self-control.
• Iftar teaches moderation, as it follows a day of fasting, emphasizing restraint from overindulgence.
• It is a time for prayer, reflection, and seeking forgiveness, helping individuals strengthen their faith and devotion to Allah.
• The act of fasting also develops empathy for the less fortunate, inspiring generosity and charitable deeds.

Social and Cultural Significance of Iftar

• Community Bonding: People gather to break the fast together, fostering social harmony and goodwill.
• Charitable Spirit: Food is shared with the poor and needy, ensuring that everyone can participate in the joy of Ramzan.
• Cultural Heritage: In 2023, UNESCO recognized Iftar as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, acknowledging its role in promoting solidarity, storytelling, music, and traditions across different societies.
• Bridging Differences: Iftar gatherings often bring together people from diverse backgrounds and faiths, encouraging interfaith harmony.

Ramzan vs. Ramadan: Understanding the Terms

• Ramzan and Ramadan both refer to the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
• The difference in pronunciation arises due to linguistic influences:
  • “Ramadan” is based on the Arabic pronunciation.
  • “Ramzan” has Persian and Urdu influences, making it more common in the Indian subcontinent.
• Similarly, the pre-dawn meal (sehri) is called “suhur” in Arabic, showing regional variations in terminology.

Conclusion

Iftar is more than just a meal; it is a time of spiritual growth, social bonding, and cultural significance. It reminds individuals of the values of gratitude, compassion, and discipline while fostering unity and generosity. Through Iftar, the spirit of Ramzan is truly brought to life, making it a meaningful tradition across the world.