UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 March 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 March 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 March (2025)
• Closing the gender gap in the higher judiciary
Closing the gender gap in the higher judiciary
GS Paper-3
• Impact of Climate Change on India’s Wheat Production
Impact of Climate Change on India’s Wheat Production
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
• Defying tradition, women bury the dead
Defying tradition, women bury the dead
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Madhav National Park
Madhav National Park
• Satkosia Tiger Reserve
Satkosia Tiger Reserve
• Smooth-Coated Otter
Smooth-Coated Otter
• Extradition Treaty
Extradition Treaty
• KHANJAR-XII
KHANJAR-XII
• Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025
Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025
Mapping:
• Vanuatu
Vanuatu
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 March 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Closing the gender gap in the higher judiciary
Syllabus: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary
Source: TH
Context
The Indian judiciary has witnessed notable progress in women’s representation over the past century, starting with Cornelia Sorabji becoming India’s first woman lawyer in 1924. However, despite increased participation in the legal profession, women remain significantly underrepresented in the Supreme Court and High Courts, reflecting systemic inequalities and procedural opacity.
Current Status of Women in the Higher Judiciary
• High Courts: Women account for only 14.27% of judges (109 out of 764). Several High Courts, including Uttarakhand, Meghalaya, and Tripura, have no women judges. The Allahabad High Court, India’s largest High Court, has just 3 women judges out of 79 (approximately 2%).
• Supreme Court: The top court currently has only two women judges — Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Bela Trivedi. With Justice Bela Trivedi’s impending retirement in June 2025, the Supreme Court will be left with only one woman judge.
• Age Disparity: Women judges are appointed at an average age of 53, while men are appointed at an average age of 51.8, reducing their prospects of reaching seniority or leadership roles.
• Leadership Deficit: Out of 25 High Courts, only the Gujarat High Court has a woman Chief Justice.
Challenges Leading to Gender Imbalance
• Systemic Inequality: Women lawyers face heightened scrutiny in judicial appointments. While men’s merit is often presumed, women are frequently required to prove their competence to a greater degree.
• Opaque Collegium System: The collegium lacks clear eligibility criteria and fails to ensure gender-inclusive recommendations. This opacity disproportionately affects women candidates.
• Gender Bias in Recommendations: Since 2020, nine women recommended for High Court judgeships were not confirmed by the government. Among these, five were the only names rejected in their respective lists, underscoring systemic bias.
• Limited Elevation from the Bar: Over 75 years, only one woman has been elevated directly from the Bar to the Supreme Court, whereas nine men have been elevated via this route.
• Institutional Barriers: Women lawyers face fewer networking opportunities, insufficient mentorship, and limited access to senior roles, reinforcing exclusion from higher judicial positions.
Significance of Greater Women’s Representation
• Enhances Judicial Legitimacy: A gender-balanced judiciary enhances inclusivity and aligns courts with the diverse socio-economic realities they adjudicate.
• Improved Decision-Making: Greater diversity promotes balanced perspectives and fosters judgments that are more reflective of ground realities.
• Strengthens Public Trust: Women’s presence on the Bench signals greater fairness and impartiality, improving citizens’ trust in judicial processes.
• Encourages Gender-Sensitive Jurisprudence: Women judges are more likely to influence cases involving gender rights, family law, and sexual violence, enriching the court’s approach to justice delivery.
Way forward for achieving gender parity
• Transparent Collegium process: The collegium must establish clear criteria for judicial appointments, including a structured application process for women lawyers to express their interest.
• Mandatory gender representation: The judiciary must institutionalize a policy ensuring that at least one-third of judges in the higher judiciary are women.
• Merit-based selection with diversity: Diversity and merit must be seen as complementary, ensuring selection is based on excellence and integrity while prioritizing gender inclusion.
• Mentorship and leadership support: Dedicated programs to mentor and train women lawyers for leadership roles will help break systemic barriers.
• Review of rejected recommendations: The government must adopt a policy requiring clear explanations when rejecting candidates recommended by the collegium, especially women.
Conclusion Achieving gender parity in the higher judiciary is vital to upholding constitutional values of equality, inclusiveness, and justice. As Justice Indira Banerjee rightly emphasized, women’s appointments must become normalized rather than celebrated as exceptional. By ensuring a transparent, merit-driven, and gender-conscious appointment process, India’s higher judiciary can better reflect the diverse society it serves.
• Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (10 M) (2021)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 March 2025 GS Paper-3
Impact of Climate Change on India’s Wheat Production
Syllabus: Major crops cropping patterns in various parts of the country
Source: TH
Context:
India’s wheat production faces severe risks due to climate change, with February 2025 recorded as the hottest in 124 years. Rising temperatures during critical growth stages threaten yield, quality, and food security.
What’s Happening and Why?
• Record-Breaking Temperatures: February 2025 was India’s hottest February in 124 years, with March expected to see excessive heat waves.
• Delayed Sowing Patterns: Indian Ocean warming has disrupted the kharif season, delaying wheat sowing and exposing crops to early-season heat stress.
• Frequent Marine Heat Waves: IITM forecasts up to 250 marine heat wave days per year by the century’s end, intensifying climate risks.
• Lower Procurement Targets: Despite a 115 million tonnes production target for 2024-2025, the government reduced procurement expectations to 30 million tonnes due to climate concerns.
• Export Restrictions: Wheat exports were banned in May 2022 to control domestic supply after reduced production from climate impacts and geopolitical disruptions.
Impact of Climate Change on Wheat Production
• Reduced Yield: Rising temperatures accelerate ripening, causing early flowering and shorter grain-filling periods, reducing yield.
• Degraded Grain Quality: Heat stress reduces starch content, producing harder grains with lower milling value and reduced market demand.
• Resource Misuse: Farmers’ overuse of fertilisers, pesticides, and fungicides to counter climate stress leads to soil degradation.
• Economic Distress: Wheat procurement in 2024-2025 was 26.6 million tonnes, below the 34.15 million tonnes target, causing farmer income loss.
• Threat to Food Security: Lower wheat availability strains the Public Distribution System (PDS) and risks domestic price inflation.
Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies
• Heat-Resilient Crop Varieties: Developing wheat varieties with shorter growth cycles reduces exposure to peak heat periods.
• Early Sowing Practices: Encouraging earlier sowing in heat-vulnerable regions can prevent crops from maturing during extreme temperatures.
• Enhanced Weather Monitoring: Strengthening real-time advisory systems helps farmers make informed decisions on sowing and irrigation.
• Precision Farming Techniques: Techniques such as drip irrigation, soil sensors, and controlled fertiliser use improve efficiency.
• Policy Support: Expanding compensation schemes, climate-specific insurance, and credit facilities can protect farmers from climate-induced losses.
Conclusion
Climate change is increasingly threatening India’s wheat production, reducing yields, compromising quality, and straining farmer incomes. While immediate financial aid is crucial, long-term solutions such as climate-resilient crops, improved weather advisories, and precision farming methods are vital for sustaining wheat production and ensuring food security.
• Give the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). (12.5 M) (2016)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Defying tradition, women bury the dead
Context
In Tamil Nadu’s Salem district, women belonging to the Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam (DVK) have been defying traditional norms by actively participating in carrying and burying dead bodies — a practice often restricted to men in many religious traditions. This movement reflects a significant step towards gender equality, breaking social taboos, and promoting rationalist ideals.
Key Points
• Breaking Gender Norms: DVK women have been carrying and burying dead bodies for over 15 years, challenging traditional gender roles in funerary practices.
• Rationalist Influence: Inspired by E.V. Ramasamy’s social reformist ideals, they reject rituals, caste-based customs, and beliefs in concepts like heaven or hell.
• Social Stigma Faced: Members like Sudha have faced social ostracism from family members due to their involvement in this practice.
• Significant Impact: The group has performed over 100 burials across multiple districts in Tamil Nadu, promoting inclusivity and social change.
• Voluntary Participation: The DVK women’s group steps in only when families willingly accept their involvement, ensuring no coercion in challenging traditional practices.
• Symbol of Social Reform: By rejecting conventional rituals, these women promote a scientific temper, rationalism, and humanist values, aligning with constitutional ideals.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS-1 (Society): Example of gender empowerment, challenging patriarchal norms, and social reform movements.
• GS-2 (Governance & Social Justice): Highlights issues of individual rights, freedom of choice, and secularism.
• GS-4 (Ethics): Demonstrates moral courage, individual integrity, and commitment to social values despite social ostracism.
• Essay Paper: Can be used as an impactful anecdote in essays on gender equality, social reforms, or rationalism in society.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Madhav National Park
Source: TOI
Context: The Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh has been declared India’s 58th Tiger Reserve and the 9th in the state.
About Madhav National Park:
• Location: Shivpuri district, Chambal region, Madhya Pradesh.
• Established: 1958.
• Area Covered: 354 sq km.
• Flora and Fauna: Dry deciduous forest with teak, sal, and dhok trees; home to tigers, leopards, wolves, chinkara, nilgai, and crocodiles.
• Historical Significance: Named after Maharaja Madhav Rao Scindia; earlier used as a royal hunting ground.
• Reintroduction of Tigers: Started in 2023, with three tigers (including two females) introduced.
• Major Attraction: Sakhya Sagar Lake, George Castle, and eco-tourism activities.
What is a Tiger Reserve?
• A Tiger Reserve is a protected area meant for the conservation of Bengal tigers and their ecosystem.
• It falls under Project Tiger (1973), a centrally sponsored scheme by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
• These reserves ensure tiger population growth, habitat conservation, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
Procedure to Designate a Tiger Reserve in India
• Proposal & Identification:-The State Government proposes a region based on the viability of the tiger population, habitat conditions, and biodiversity value.
• Approval by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA):-NTCA evaluates the proposal, considering factors such as tiger presence, ecological balance, and community impact.
• Central Government Notification:- After NTCA’s approval, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) declares the area as a Tiger Reserve under Section 38V of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Core & Buffer Zone Demarcation: The reserve is divided into: Core Zone: Strictly protected for wildlife, with zero human disturbance. Buffer Zone: Allows regulated human activities to support conservation while considering local livelihoods.
• The reserve is divided into: Core Zone: Strictly protected for wildlife, with zero human disturbance. Buffer Zone: Allows regulated human activities to support conservation while considering local livelihoods.
• Core Zone: Strictly protected for wildlife, with zero human disturbance.
• Buffer Zone: Allows regulated human activities to support conservation while considering local livelihoods.
• Conservation Measures & Monitoring:- Regular population surveys, habitat management, and anti-poaching measures are implemented. NTCA oversees monitoring through the M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) program.
• NTCA oversees monitoring through the M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers – Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) program.
Satkosia Tiger Reserve
Source: TH
Context: Satkosia Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha faces human-wildlife conflict as 674 families have been relocated from forest areas under the tiger conservation initiative.
• Despite resettlement efforts, STR remains one of the four notified tiger reserves in India without a single tiger.
About Satkosia Tiger Reserve:
• Location: Spans Angul, Cuttack, Boudh, and Nayagarh districts in Odisha.
• Established: 2007, by merging Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary (1976) and Baisipali Wildlife Sanctuary (1981).
• Total Area: 1,136.70 sq. km.
• Geographical Significance: A transitional zone between Eastern Ghats and Deccan Plateau, promoting rich biodiversity.
• Fauna: Previously home to 12 tigers (2007), but the 2022 census found none; shelters elephants, leopards, mugger crocodiles, wild dogs, and 200+ bird species.
• Flora: Houses 400+ plant species, including Sal, Mahua, Bamboo, and medicinal plants.
• Ramsar Site: Recognized as a wetland of international importance.
• Tiger Reintroduction: Initiated in 2018 with two tigers from Madhya Pradesh; failed due to poaching and mismanagement.
• Human Settlements: 234 villages in the surrounding impact zone, creating conflicts over land and resources.
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
What is NTCA?
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), responsible for tiger conservation and habitat management in India.
Established In:
• 2006, under Section 38L of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Amendment 2006).
Chaired By:
• Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
• Vice-Chairperson: Minister of State (MoEFCC).
• Members: Includes experts in wildlife, ecology, and environmental law.
Structure of NTCA:
• Chairperson: Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
• Vice-Chairperson: Minister of State (MoEFCC).
• Members: –Secretary (MoEFCC), Director General of Forests & Special Secretary, Chief Wildlife Wardens from Tiger Reserve States, Experts from Wildlife, Tribal Affairs, and Environmental Law, NGO Representatives in Wildlife Conservation
Functions & Powers of NTCA:
• Implementation of Project Tiger: -Oversees funding and management of all 58 tiger reserves.
• Approval of Tiger Conservation Plans (TCPs): Ensures scientific management of tiger habitats.
• Habitat Protection & Corridor Development:-Focuses on minimizing human-wildlife conflict and expanding buffer zones.
• Monitoring & Evaluation: -Conducts tiger population assessments every four years using M-STrIPES technology.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation: –Relocation of villages from core zones under voluntary resettlement programs.
• Legal Authority: -Empowers states to declare, demarcate, and manage tiger reserves.
• Public Awareness & Capacity Building: -Promotes eco-tourism, community involvement, and anti-poaching initiatives.
Smooth-Coated Otter
Source: DTE
Context: Smooth-coated otters will return to the Delhi Zoo after a 20-year absence, as part of an animal exchange program with the Surat Zoo.
About the Smooth-Coated Otter:
• Scientific Name: Lutrogale perspicillata
• Habitat: Found in wetlands, rivers, lakes, mangroves, and estuaries across South and Southeast Asia.
• Distribution: Native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
• Physical Characteristics: Larger than other otter species, with shorter fur and a flattened tail. Has webbed feet for efficient swimming. Primarily carnivorous, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and amphibians.
• Larger than other otter species, with shorter fur and a flattened tail.
• Has webbed feet for efficient swimming.
• Primarily carnivorous, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and amphibians.
IUCN Status & Conservation
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (VU) due to habitat destruction, poaching, and water pollution.
• CITES Listing: Appendix II, restricting international trade.
• Threats: Habitat loss due to wetland degradation. Illegal hunting for fur and pet trade. Decline in fish population impacting food availability.
• Habitat loss due to wetland degradation.
• Illegal hunting for fur and pet trade.
• Decline in fish population impacting food availability.
• Conservation Measures: Protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India). Conservation projects focusing on wetland restoration and anti-poaching efforts.
• Protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (India).
• Conservation projects focusing on wetland restoration and anti-poaching efforts.
Extradition Treaty
Source: IE
Context: The US Supreme Court rejected Tahawwur Rana’s plea against extradition to India, clearing the way for his trial in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case.
• India has been pursuing Rana’s extradition since 2011, but delays in the US legal system prolonged the process.
About Extradition Treaty:
• An extradition treaty is a formal agreement between two countries to transfer individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes.
• It ensures that fugitives cannot evade justice by crossing international borders.
Countries with Which India Has an Extradition Treaty
• India has extradition treaties with 48 countries, including: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, UAE, France, Germany, Russia, and South Korea.
• United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, UAE, France, Germany, Russia, and South Korea.
• India also has extradition arrangements with 12 additional countries, allowing case-specific extradition.
Challenges in Extradition:
• Legal hurdles in foreign courts delaying the process.
• Political and diplomatic considerations influencing decisions.
• Human rights concerns, such as the risk of torture or unfair trials.
The Extradition Act, 1962:
• The Extradition Act, 1962, governs extradition procedures in India.
• It defines how fugitives can be extradited from India and how India can request extradition from other countries.
Key Provisions of the Act
• Applicability: Covers both treaty-based and non-treaty extradition cases.
• Dual Criminality Principle: The offense must be a crime in both India and the requesting country.
• Extradition Offenses: Covers terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking, and financial fraud.
• Bar on Political Offenses: Individuals cannot be extradited for political offenses.
• Rule of Specialty: The fugitive can only be tried for the crime they were extradited for.
• Human Rights Considerations: No extradition if there is a risk of torture or an unfair trial.
Nodal Authority for Extradition
• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): Processes extradition requests from foreign governments.
• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): Handles extradition-related investigations.
• National Investigation Agency (NIA): Pursues cases related to terrorism and national security.
Implementation of the Act
• India initiates extradition through diplomatic channels after verifying legal requirements.
• The request is forwarded to the foreign country’s legal system for approval.
• If approved, law enforcement agencies coordinate the fugitive’s transfer to India.
KHANJAR-XII
Source: Economic Times
Context: The Indian Army contingent has departed for the 12th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR-XII, scheduled from March 10–23, 2025, in Kyrgyzstan.
About KHANJAR-XII:
What is KHANJAR-XII?
• KHANJAR-XII is a bilateral military exercise between India and Kyrgyzstan, focusing on counter-terrorism and special forces training.
• Started in 2011, the exercise has since become an annual event, alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan.
• The Indian contingent is represented by troops from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and the Kyrgyzstan contingent is represented by Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.
Objective of KHANJAR-XII
• Strengthen military cooperation between India and Kyrgyzstan.
• Enhance interoperability in counter-terrorism operations and special forces tactics.
• Develop advanced combat skills for mountain warfare, sniping, and close-quarter combat.
• Exchange best practices in urban intervention, hostage rescue, and complex building operations.
• Improve coordination in multinational security efforts against terrorism and extremism.
Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025
Source: DTE
Context: The Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) 2025 called for urgent health financing reforms amid the suspension of USAID funding to African nations.
• Held in Kigali, Rwanda (March 3-5, 2025), the conference emphasized domestic resource mobilization and regional cooperation to achieve health security and equity.
About AHAIC:
What is AHAIC?
• AHAIC is a premier pan-African health conference that brings together policymakers, healthcare experts, and international organizations to discuss strategic solutions for Africa’s health challenges.
• Organized by Amref Health Africa in collaboration with Rwanda’s Ministry of Health, WHO Africa, and Africa CDC.
• First launched in 2017 to address Africa’s unique health challenges and promote universal health coverage (UHC).
Key Objectives of AHAIC 2025
• Health Financing Reforms: Strengthen domestic resource mobilization and reduce dependence on donor funding. Promote public-private partnerships (PPP) for sustainable healthcare financing.
• Promote public-private partnerships (PPP) for sustainable healthcare financing.
• Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Reinforce primary healthcare (PHC) as the foundation of UHC. Align policies with the Alma-Ata Declaration on PHC.
• Tackling Emerging Diseases & Health Inequalities: Address fiscal constraints and growing disease burdens. Develop climate-resilient healthcare systems to counter climate-linked health threats.
• Digital Health & AI Integration: Utilize technology and AI-driven innovations to improve healthcare accessibility and efficiency.
• Community Health Workforce Empowerment: Advocate for fair remuneration and better working conditions for Community Health Workers (CHWs).
• Mitigating the Impact of USAID Funding Cuts: Identify alternative funding sources to sustain critical health programs in Africa.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 March 2025 Mapping:
Vanuatu
Source: TH
Context: Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat revoked Lalit Modi’s citizenship, stating that acquiring Vanuatu’s passport should not be a means to avoid extradition.
• This move brings global attention to Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, which has been criticized for being exploited by individuals facing legal issues.
About Vanuatu:
Geographical Location
• Vanuatu is an island nation in the South Pacific Ocean, situated approximately 1,750 km east of Australia.
• It consists of 83 volcanic islands, covering a total land area of 12,189 sq. km.
• Capital: Port Vila
• Neighboring Countries: Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Solomon Islands.
Geographical Features
• Major Islands: Efate, Espiritu Santo, Malekula, Tanna, Pentecost.
• Volcanic Activity: Home to active volcanoes like Mount Yasur (Tanna) and Ambae Volcano.
• Climate: Tropical climate with frequent cyclones and earthquakes due to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
• Marine Ecosystem: Rich in coral reefs, deep-sea fisheries, and marine biodiversity.
Political & Economic Structure
• Government: Parliamentary Democracy under a Constitutional Republic.
• Official Languages: Bislama, English, French.
• Currency: Vanuatu Vatu (VUV).
• Key Economic Sectors: Tourism: Major contributor to GDP, with cruise ships and eco-tourism playing vital roles. Agriculture: Exports coconuts, kava, cocoa, coffee, and beef. Fisheries & Forestry: Support local livelihoods and trade. Offshore Financial Services: Vanuatu is known for tax haven policies, attracting foreign investments.
• Tourism: Major contributor to GDP, with cruise ships and eco-tourism playing vital roles.
• Agriculture: Exports coconuts, kava, cocoa, coffee, and beef.
• Fisheries & Forestry: Support local livelihoods and trade.
• Offshore Financial Services: Vanuatu is known for tax haven policies, attracting foreign investments.
Vanuatu’s Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI):
• Allows foreign nationals to acquire citizenship through investment or financial contributions.
• Often used by individuals seeking visa-free travel or tax advantages. Lalit Modi Controversy:
• Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi’s Vanuatu citizenship was revoked by Prime Minister Jotham Napat on March 10, 2025.
• Authorities cited concerns over using citizenship to evade extradition.
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 10 Mar 2025
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