UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 March 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 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 – 17 March (2025)

• Global Crises Demand a New Governance Model

Global Crises Demand a New Governance Model

• Battling India’s Infodemic

Battling India’s Infodemic

• Public Health Education

Public Health Education

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

• Indian Railways Freight

Indian Railways Freight

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Raisina Dialogue

Raisina Dialogue

• Hyperloop Technology

Hyperloop Technology

• Digital Transformation Award 2025

Digital Transformation Award 2025

• Menhir

Menhir

Mapping:

• Zambia

Zambia

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 March 2025

#### GS Paper 2 :

Global Crises Demand a New Governance Model

Syllabus: International Relations

Source: BS

Context: The United Nations (UN) faces criticism for being ineffective in addressing global crises, including climate change, pandemics, and economic instability.

Existing Global Governance System

• United Nations (UN): Established in 1945, it focuses on peacekeeping, humanitarian aid, and international cooperation, but struggles with enforcement.

• Bretton Woods Institutions: The World Bank and IMF were created for economic stability, but they favor developed nations.

• World Trade Organization (WTO): Regulates global trade but faces criticism for being slow and biased.

• Regional Alliances: Groups like EU, ASEAN, BRICS, and G20 handle economic and political cooperation but lack a unified global framework.

Need for Reform in Global Governance

• Borderless Challenges: Issues like climate change, AI regulation, and pandemics require a supranational approach.

E.g. COVID-19 exposed the weaknesses of WHO, with unequal vaccine distribution (e.g., Africa received vaccines late compared to Western countries).

• Outdated Structures: The UN Security Council’s composition does not reflect modern global power dynamics.

E.g. India, Africa, and Latin America lack permanent representation, despite contributing to global peacekeeping and economy.

• Inefficiency and Bureaucracy: Slow decision-making and lack of enforcement mechanisms weaken governance.

E.g. UN’s failure to act swiftly in the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar due to bureaucratic hurdles.

• Global South’s Marginalization: Developing countries lack representation in major decision-making bodies.

E.g. IMF and World Bank voting power favors Western nations, where the US alone holds veto power over major decisions.

• Need for Local-Global Integration: Strong local governance structures must complement global efforts.

Challenges to Global Governance Reforms:

• National Sovereignty Conflicts: Countries are reluctant to cede power to supranational bodies.

E.g. China and Russia oppose stronger UN intervention, fearing interference in their internal policies (e.g., Hong Kong, Ukraine conflict).

• Geopolitical Rivalries: Power struggles between USA, China, Russia, and EU hinder cooperation.

E.g. US-China trade war and sanctions on Russia disrupt global economic stability and cooperation.

• Lack of Enforcement Mechanisms: The UN lacks authority to enforce policies effectively.

E.g. UN resolutions against North Korea’s nuclear program failed due to lack of enforcement.

• Economic and Political Inequality: Developing nations face limited influence in global decision-making.

E.g. Africa’s minimal role in global financial policies, despite being resource-rich.

• Public Distrust in Institutions: Growing populism and nationalism weaken support for global governance reforms.

Way Ahead:

• Security Council Reform: Expand permanent membership to include India, Africa, and Latin America.

E.g. G4 nations (India, Germany, Japan, Brazil) advocate for UNSC reforms, highlighting their economic and political contributions.

• Strengthening Multilateral Institutions: Improve decision-making transparency and accountability.

E.g. G20’s role in pandemic response, coordinating economic relief packages globally.

• Planetary Governance Model: Shift from nation-state logic to a supranational framework with local integration.

E.g. Citizen-led climate initiatives (e.g., Fridays for Future movement) have influenced global climate policies.

• Public Participation & Trust: Promote inclusive governance with greater involvement of civil society and local bodies.

• Technology-Driven Solutions: Use AI, big data, and blockchain for transparent and efficient governance.

E.g. WHO’s AI-driven pandemic tracking system could improve early crisis intervention.

Conclusion:

The 21st century demands a governance model that transcends national borders and integrates local and global structures. The UN and other international institutions must adapt to planetary realities to address interconnected crises effectively. A hybrid governance approach can balance national sovereignty with global cooperation, ensuring a sustainable future.

• What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (UPSC-2018)

Battling India’s Infodemic

Syllabus: Governance

Source: NIE

Context: India, with 95.04 crore internet users, is facing an unprecedented rise in fake news and disinformation.

India’s Infodemic: Data & Statistics

• 214% rise in misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, with India accounting for 1 in 6 fake news pieces globally.

• Over 85% of urban Indians report encountering online hate speech, with 64% blaming social media (UNESCO-Ipsos survey).

• 38% of fake news originates from verified pages, while 70% spreads through at least one verified handle (NewsChecker report).

• Deepfakes influenced the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, reinforcing biases and swaying voter sentiment.

Reasons Behind the Rise of Infodemic in India:

• Unregulated Social Media Platforms: WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, and X serve as primary sources of misinformation.

Example: False COVID-19 cures spread on WhatsApp, leading to public panic.

• AI-Driven Disinformation: Deepfake videos, manipulated audio, and AI-generated propaganda deceive users.

Example: A deepfake of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy misled viewers about his wartime stance.

• Political Manipulation & Election Misinformation: Fake news is weaponized during elections to manipulate voter sentiment.

Example: 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw AI-driven fake speeches aimed at political polarization.

• Algorithmic Echo Chambers: AI-driven recommendation systems reinforce biases and promote fake narratives.

Example: Users engaging with misogynistic content (e.g., Andrew Tate’s videos) see more of the same, amplifying stereotypes.

• Weak Fact-Checking & Legal Loopholes: ECI lacks resources to counter election-related fake news.

Example: Current laws (BNS, IT Act 2000) only address partial aspects of disinformation.

Challenges in Countering the Infodemic:

• Lack of Comprehensive Law: Existing laws (BNS, IT Act 2000, DPDP Act 2023) offer only partial solutions.

Example: Singapore’s Protection from Online Falsehoods Act is a model India lacks.

• Delayed Action by Tech Companies: Platforms like Meta, X, and YouTube react slowly, allowing disinformation to spread widely.

Example: X’s “Community Notes” failed to counter fake news during global elections.

• Legal vs. Free Speech Dilemma: Striking a balance between regulating fake news and protecting freedom of expression is complex.

Example: France and Germany mandate removal of fake news within 24 hours, but critics call it censorship.

• Lack of Awareness & Digital Literacy: Most users struggle to differentiate misinformation from credible news.

Example: Fake WhatsApp forwards led to mob lynchings in India, highlighting the impact of unchecked fake news.

Way Ahead:

• Comprehensive Fake News Law: Introduce strict penalties for deliberate disinformation, similar to Singapore’s model. Establish an independent regulatory body for fact-checking and oversight.

• Establish an independent regulatory body for fact-checking and oversight.

• Accountability for Social Media Platforms: Mandate 24-hour removal of fake content, with heavy fines for non-compliance.

Example: Germany’s NetzDG law holds platforms legally accountable for fake news.

• AI & Deepfake Regulation: Enforce mandatory labeling of AI-generated content.

Example: EU’s AI Act mandates watermarks for AI-created media to prevent deception.

• Boost Digital Literacy Programs: Launch nationwide media literacy campaigns to help users identify fake news.

Example: Finland’s digital literacy program is a global success in fighting misinformation.

• Stronger Election Monitoring: Enhance Election Commission resources to tackle AI-driven election propaganda.

Example: The US 2024 elections faced AI-powered misinformation campaigns that fueled division.

Conclusion:

India’s growing fake news crisis demands urgent legal intervention to safeguard democracy, public trust, and social harmony. A strong, transparent, and well-regulated framework must balance countering disinformation while preserving free speech. Without decisive action, deepfakes and AI-driven misinformation will continue to threaten public discourse and national security.

• In the fight against fake news, how can a balance be achieved between combating misinformation and safeguarding the fundamental right to free speech and expression? (UPSC-2024)

Public Health Education

Syllabus: Health

Source: TH

Context: India’s public health education sector is facing a crisis due to job scarcity, lack of standardization, and funding constraints.

What is Public Health Education?

• Definition: Public health education trains professionals in disease prevention, healthcare management, epidemiology, and health policies.

• Constitutional Mandate: Article 47 of the Indian Constitution directs the state to improve public health as a primary duty.

Government Schemes for Public Health Education

• National Health Mission (NHM): Strengthens public health workforce through training and skill development. Example: NRHM (2005) introduced non-medical public health roles.

• Example: NRHM (2005) introduced non-medical public health roles.

• Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY): Enhances medical and public health education by establishing AIIMS-like institutions.

• National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD): Promotes public health training in disease control and prevention strategies.

• Fellowship in Public Health Management (FPHM): Provides specialized training for public health leadership.

• Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP): Strengthens epidemiology training for public health professionals.

Challenges in Public Health Education in India

• Job Market Constraints: Mismatch between demand and supply, with limited government recruitment.

Example: Entry-level research and program assistant roles receive thousands of applicants.

• Quality of Education: Lack of standardization in MPH curricula, leading to inconsistent training.

• Shortage of Faculty & Practical Exposure: Many institutions lack experienced faculty with real-world public health exposure.

• Unequal Distribution of Institutions: States like Assam, Bihar, and Jharkhand lack sufficient public health schools.

• Limited Private Sector Opportunities: Private healthcare prefers hospital administrators over public health specialists.

• Insufficient Government Funding: India’s public health research and training remain underfunded.

Example: The Data Protection Board was allocated just ₹2 crore, highlighting low investment in regulatory infrastructure.

Way Ahead:

• Create More Public Health Jobs: Establish State Public Health Cadres for dedicated employment. Increase recruitment in government primary, state, and national health systems.

• Increase recruitment in government primary, state, and national health systems.

• Introduce a Central Regulatory Body: Set up a Public Health Education Council under UGC or NMC. Ensure uniform training, faculty qualifications, and practical learning mandates.

• Ensure uniform training, faculty qualifications, and practical learning mandates.

• Expand Public Health Institutions: Establish MPH colleges in underserved states. Strengthen public-private partnerships to expand training capacity.

• Strengthen public-private partnerships to expand training capacity.

• Integrate Hands-On Training: Ensure all MPH programs include fieldwork in government health programs.

Example: Compulsory internships in NHM, WHO programs, or IDSP initiatives.

• Encourage Private Sector Participation: Create incentives for private hospitals and industries to hire public health graduates.

Conclusion:

India’s public health education system requires urgent reforms to bridge the gap between education and employment. A standardized curriculum, more government jobs, and better funding are critical to building a skilled public health workforce. Strengthening training, research, and industry collaboration will ensure a sustainable and effective public health system in India.

• The increase in life expectancy in the country has led to newer health challenges in the community. What are those challenges and what steps need to be taken to meet them? (UPSC-2022)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Indian Railways Freight

Context: Indian Railways has surpassed the previous year’s freight loading, reaching 1,465.371 million tonnes (MT) in the first 11 months of FY 2024-25.

About Freight Movement in Indian Railways:

• Freight movement refers to the transportation of goods via rail networks, including coal, iron ore, cement, and other commodities.

• Target for Freight Movement: 3,000 MT by 2027 to enhance logistics capacity.

• Current Achievement: 1,465.371 MT (April 2024–March 2, 2025), exceeding last year’s 1,443.166 MT.

• Revenue Contribution: Freight accounts for 65% of Indian Railways’ total revenue.

• Key Facts: 60% of freight volume comes from coal, iron ore, and cement. Expansion of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) has improved speed and efficiency. Locomotive production rose by 9%, with 1,346 locomotives manufactured in FY 2024-25.

• 60% of freight volume comes from coal, iron ore, and cement.

• Expansion of Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) has improved speed and efficiency.

• Locomotive production rose by 9%, with 1,346 locomotives manufactured in FY 2024-25.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus

• GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure & Economy): Transport Sector Growth: Role of freight corridors in economic development. Energy & Logistics: Impact of railway freight in reducing logistics costs. Sustainable Development: Shift to rail transport reduces carbon footprint compared to road transport.

• Transport Sector Growth: Role of freight corridors in economic development.

• Energy & Logistics: Impact of railway freight in reducing logistics costs.

• Sustainable Development: Shift to rail transport reduces carbon footprint compared to road transport.

• GS Paper 1 (Geography): Railways’ role in industrial and regional development.

• Railways’ role in industrial and regional development.

• GS Paper 2 (Governance & Policies): Government initiatives like DFCs and Make in India for locomotive production.

• Government initiatives like DFCs and Make in India for locomotive production.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Raisina Dialogue

• •Source: TH*

Context: The 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue will be held from March 17-19, 2025, focusing on global security, diplomacy, and emerging geopolitical trends.

About Raisina Dialogue:

• What is the Raisina Dialogue?

• India’s flagship international conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, organized annually. Aims to bring together global leaders, policymakers, academics, and strategic experts.

• India’s flagship international conference on geopolitics and geo-economics, organized annually.

• Aims to bring together global leaders, policymakers, academics, and strategic experts.

• Started in: 2016, as an initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

• Ministry Involved: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

• Foster global discussions on diplomacy, security, and economic policies. Enhance India’s role as a key player in international affairs. Strengthen cooperation between nations on pressing global issues.

• Foster global discussions on diplomacy, security, and economic policies.

• Enhance India’s role as a key player in international affairs.

• Strengthen cooperation between nations on pressing global issues.

• Key Features:

• High-level participation from global leaders, diplomats, and experts. Panel discussions, keynote addresses, and networking sessions. Focus on emerging challenges in security, technology, and governance.

• High-level participation from global leaders, diplomats, and experts.

• Panel discussions, keynote addresses, and networking sessions.

• Focus on emerging challenges in security, technology, and governance.

About Raisina Dialogue 2025:

• Organizers: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Observer Research Foundation (ORF).

• Theme: “Kalachakra” (Wheel of Time) – exploring geopolitical transformations and global uncertainties.

• Chief Guest: New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, delivering the keynote address.

Hyperloop Technology

Source: NIE

Context: India’s Hyperloop technology will be developed at Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, as announced by Railway Minister.

• The Hyperloop test facility at IIT Madras is the longest in Asia, and testing has shown promising results.

About Hyperloop Technology:

What is Hyperloop Technology?

• Hyperloop is an ultra-high-speed transportation system using magnetic levitation (maglev) and near-vacuum tubes for travel at speeds up to 1,220 km/h.

• Working Mechanism: Uses low-pressure tubes with built-in vacuums to reduce air resistance. Magnetic levitation allows pods to hover, reducing friction. Electromagnetic propulsion drives the pod forward.

• Uses low-pressure tubes with built-in vacuums to reduce air resistance.

• Magnetic levitation allows pods to hover, reducing friction.

• Electromagnetic propulsion drives the pod forward.

• Key Features: Energy-efficient and low emissions transportation. Faster than air travel on shorter routes. Reduces road congestion and noise pollution.

• Energy-efficient and low emissions transportation.

• Faster than air travel on shorter routes.

• Reduces road congestion and noise pollution.

• Origin: Concept proposed by Elon Musk in 2013 through the Hyperloop Alpha white paper. Developed as open-source technology for research worldwide.

• Concept proposed by Elon Musk in 2013 through the Hyperloop Alpha white paper.

• Developed as open-source technology for research worldwide.

About Hyperloop in India:

• Established at: IIT Madras and ICF Chennai.

• Ministry Involved: Ministry of Railways.

• Aim: Develop an indigenous Hyperloop system. Make India a global leader in futuristic transport technology.

• Develop an indigenous Hyperloop system.

• Make India a global leader in futuristic transport technology.

• Companies Involved: IIT Madras Avishkar Hyperloop Team – Leading the project. Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai – Developing electronics and technical components.

• IIT Madras Avishkar Hyperloop Team – Leading the project.

• Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai – Developing electronics and technical components.

Digital Transformation Award 2025

Source: TOI

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has won the Digital Transformation Award 2025, presented by Central Banking, London.

About Digital Transformation Award 2025:

• What is it? The Digital Transformation Award recognizes central banks and financial institutions for excellence in digital innovation and technology-driven governance.

• The Digital Transformation Award recognizes central banks and financial institutions for excellence in digital innovation and technology-driven governance.

• Presented by: Awarded by Central Banking, London, a globally recognized institution focusing on monetary policies, governance, and financial transformation.

• Eligibility: Open to central banks, financial regulators, and monetary institutions that have successfully implemented digital reforms.

• Winner of 2025 Award: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) won for its digital initiatives – ‘Saarathi’ and ‘Pravaah’.

About RBI’s Digital Initiatives Leading to the Award:

Saarathi Initiative:

• What it is? An internal workflow digitization system for RBI employees.

• An internal workflow digitization system for RBI employees.

• Aim of the Scheme: Enhance record management, automate processes, enable secure digital submissions, and improve data tracking & collaboration.

• Impact: Eliminated manual paperwork, streamlined task tracking, and integrated various RBI departments into a unified system.

• Eliminated manual paperwork, streamlined task tracking, and integrated various RBI departments into a unified system.

Pravaah Initiative:

• What it is? A digital regulatory application platform for external users submitting documents to RBI.

• A digital regulatory application platform for external users submitting documents to RBI.

• Aim of the Scheme: Digitize over 70 regulatory applications, enhance transparency, and improve cybersecurity in financial documentation.

• Impact: Created a direct link with Saarathi, reduced paperwork, and increased efficiency in RBI’s external processing systems.

• Created a direct link with Saarathi, reduced paperwork, and increased efficiency in RBI’s external processing systems.

Menhir

Source: IE

Context: The Mudumal megalithic menhirs in Telangana’s Narayanpet district have been included in UNESCO’s tentative list for World Heritage Sites in 2025.

About Menhir:

What is a Menhir?

• A menhir is a large, upright standing stone placed by humans, often tapered at the top.

• Etymology: The term comes from Brittonic languages, where “maen” means stone and “hîr” means long.

• Discovery: First used in the 18th century by French antiquarian Théophile Corret de la Tour d’Auvergne.

History of Menhirs:

• Time Period: Europe: The oldest menhirs date back to 7,000 BP, linked to the Beaker culture of the Neolithic and Bronze Age. India: The Mudumal menhirs (3,500–4,000 BP) are India’s oldest known menhirs.

• Europe: The oldest menhirs date back to 7,000 BP, linked to the Beaker culture of the Neolithic and Bronze Age.

• India: The Mudumal menhirs (3,500–4,000 BP) are India’s oldest known menhirs.

• Associated Cultures: Linked to prehistoric civilizations who practiced stone monument construction. Often found in megalithic complexes with other structures.

• Linked to prehistoric civilizations who practiced stone monument construction.

• Often found in megalithic complexes with other structures.

Locations of Menhirs:

• Europe: Found in France, Spain, Portugal, and Britain (e.g., Grand Menhir Brisé in Brittany, France).

• India: Mainly in Telangana, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Northeast India.

• Mudumal Menhirs, Telangana: Considered India’s largest megalithic observatory. Some align with solar positions on solstices, hinting at astronomical significance.

• Considered India’s largest megalithic observatory.

• Some align with solar positions on solstices, hinting at astronomical significance.

Features of Menhirs:

• Man-Made Structures: Carved, sculpted, and positioned by humans.

• Size: Can be several meters tall (e.g., Grand Menhir Brisé was 20.6m tall).

• Functionality: Used for ceremonial, astronomical, or burial purposes.

• Sacred Value: Some menhirs are worshipped as deities, such as the Goddess Yellamma in Mudumal.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 March 2025 Mapping:

Source: TOI

Context: U.S. President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on Houthi rebel-held areas in Yemen, resulting in 31 deaths, including civilians.

About Yemen:

• Location: Southwestern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, strategically positioned at the entrance of the Red Sea.

• Capital:

• Neighbouring Countries:

• Saudi Arabia (North) and Oman (East). Borders the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea.

• Saudi Arabia (North) and Oman (East).

• Borders the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea.

• Geographic Features:

• Mountains: Hadhramaut Mountains, Haraz Mountains, and Sarawat Range. Rivers: Wadis (seasonal rivers), including Wadi Hadhramaut and Wadi Zabid. Valleys: Tihama Coastal Plain along the Red Sea coast.

• Mountains: Hadhramaut Mountains, Haraz Mountains, and Sarawat Range.

• Rivers: Wadis (seasonal rivers), including Wadi Hadhramaut and Wadi Zabid.

• Valleys: Tihama Coastal Plain along the Red Sea coast.

About Houthi Rebels:

• A Zaidi Shia rebel group from northern Yemen, officially known as Ansar Allah.

• Founded in the 1990s as a political and religious movement opposing Saudi-backed Sunni influence.

Zambia

• •Source: NIE*

Context: A tailings dam collapse at a Chinese-owned copper mine in northern Zambia has led to an acid spill contaminating the Kafue River.

About Zambia:

• Location: South-Central Africa, landlocked.

• Capital: Lusaka.

• Neighbouring Countries: Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia.

• Geographic Features: Rivers: Zambezi, Kafue, Luangwa, Luapula. Mountains: Nyika Plateau, Mafinga Hills (highest at 2,300m).

• Rivers: Zambezi, Kafue, Luangwa, Luapula.

• Mountains: Nyika Plateau, Mafinga Hills (highest at 2,300m).

• Lakes: Lake Tanganyika: One of the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lakes, shared with neighbouring countries.

• Lake Tanganyika: One of the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lakes, shared with neighbouring countries.

About Kafue River:

• Origin: The Kafue River originates near the Zambia-DRC border, flowing southward through central Zambia.

• Tributaries: Major tributaries include Lukanga Swamp, which regulates water flow, and Lunga River, which enhances the river’s volume.

• Mouth: The river joins the Zambezi River near Chirundu, forming an important confluence.

• Major Cities Along Its Course: The river passes through key cities like Kitwe, Lusaka, Kafue Town, Mazabuka, and Chirundu.

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 17 Mar 2025

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