UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 March 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 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.

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 March (2025)

• Policing Digital Giants

Policing Digital Giants

GS Paper 3:

• India To Face Imminent Power Shortages

India To Face Imminent Power Shortages

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Annual Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) Report

Annual Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) Report

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)

• Exercise Sea Dragon 2025

Exercise Sea Dragon 2025

• The World Happiness Report 2025

The World Happiness Report 2025

• Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000

Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000

• Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

• Kerala Establish Senior Citizens Commission

Kerala Establish Senior Citizens Commission

Mapping:

• Silahalla Power Project

Silahalla Power Project

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 March 2025

#### GS Paper 2 :

Policing Digital Giants

Syllabus: Governance

•Source: TH*

Context: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed a ₹213.14 crore fine on Meta for abusing its dominant position, highlighting the growing global scrutiny of digital giants for anti-competitive practices and data exploitation.

What are Digital Giant Companies?

• Definition: Digital giants are large technology companies that dominate global markets through data-driven platforms, such as social media, e-commerce, and search engines.

• Examples: Meta (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram), Google, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft.

• Market Influence: They control vast user data, enabling hyper-targeted advertising and personalized services, creating high entry barriers for competitors.

• Global Reach: These companies operate across multiple jurisdictions, often leveraging their dominance to influence markets and consumer behavior.

• Economic Impact: They contribute significantly to the digital economy but also raise concerns about monopolistic practices and data privacy.

Need for Policing the Digital Giants:

• Prevent Monopolistic Practices: To curb anti-competitive behaviors like predatory pricing, exclusive agreements, and data exploitation.

Example: Google’s mandatory pre-installation of apps on Android devices.

• Protect Consumer Privacy: Ensure user data is not misused for targeted advertising or shared without explicit consent.

Example: Meta’s WhatsApp privacy policy update in 2021.

• Promote Fair Competition: Create a level playing field for smaller competitors and startups.

• Ensure Market Innovation: Prevent dominant players from stifling innovation by acquiring or eliminating competitors.

Example: Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.

• Global Regulatory Alignment: Harmonize laws to address cross-border data exploitation and anti-competitive practices.

Example: EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and GDPR.

Challenges in Policing Digital Giants

• Data-Centric Dominance: Traditional competition laws focus on price-based dominance, not data aggregation.

• Jurisdictional Complexity: Digital giants operate globally, making it difficult to enforce local regulations.

Example: Meta’s appeal against CCI’s order in NCLAT.

• Rapid Technological Advancements: Laws struggle to keep pace with evolving technologies like AI and big data.

Example: AI-driven algorithms enhancing Meta’s advertising dominance.

• Regulatory Fragmentation: Lack of coordination between competition and data protection authorities.

Example: Absence of synergy between CCI and India’s Data Protection Board.

• Resource Constraints: Limited expertise and resources to investigate complex digital market dynamics.

Government Measures Taken So Far:

• Competition Commission of India (CCI): Imposed fines on Meta and Google for anti-competitive practices.

Example: ₹1,337.76 crore fine on Google in 2022.

• Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: Regulates data collection, consent, and usage.

• Global Collaboration: Aligning with international frameworks like EU’s DMA and GDPR.

• Judicial Oversight: NCLAT’s intervention in Meta’s case to ensure fair proceedings.

Example: Stay on CCI’s five-year ban on Meta’s data sharing.

• Economic Survey 2024-25: Highlights the need for AI and digital market regulation.

Way Ahead:

• Amend Competition Act, 2002: Introduce provisions to address data monopolies and redefine market dominance.

Example: Include “data monopolization” as a parameter for assessing dominance.

• Enhance Regulatory Coordination: Establish mechanisms for collaboration between CCI and Data Protection Board.

Example: EU’s integrated approach with DMA and GDPR.

• Promote Interoperability: Mandate data-sharing agreements to level the playing field.

Example: EU’s interoperability requirements for tech giants.

• Capacity Building: Invest in expertise and resources to tackle digital market complexities.

• Global Harmonization: Align Indian laws with international best practices to address cross-border challenges.

Example: Adopting principles from the U.S. Subcommittee on Antitrust.

Conclusion:

India must adapt its competition laws to keep pace with rapid technological advancements and ensure fair market practices. A multidisciplinary approach, combining competition law and data protection, is essential to harness the full potential of the digital economy while safeguarding consumer rights and promoting innovation.

• Discuss the role of the Competition Commission of India in containing the abuse of dominant position by the Multinational Corporations in India. Refer to the recent decisions. (UPSC-2023)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 March 2025 GS Paper 3:

India To Face Imminent Power Shortages

Syllabus: Power sector

Source: IE

Context: The National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) has warned that India is set to face imminent power shortages in the high-demand months of May and June 2025, with projected unmet electricity demand ranging between 15–20 GW, particularly during non-solar hours.

Forecast by the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC):

• High-risk months identified: May 2025 flagged as most critical, followed by June, with projected shortages during non-solar hours.

• Unserved demand projection: Anticipates power shortfalls exceeding 15 GW, particularly in May and July 2025.

• Loss of Load Probability (LOLP): For May, LOLP ranges from 19% (best-case) to 31% (median scenario), indicating severe reliability challenges.

• Peak demand projection: Estimated at 270 GW in summer 2025, up from 250 GW in 2024.

Existing Status of Power Sector:

• Stagnant baseload capacity: No major growth in coal-based baseload capacity, leading to supply constraints during non-solar hours.

• Dependence on renewables: India’s installed renewable capacity has reached 200 GW, but with limited storage capacity of only 4.86 GW.

• Intermittency issues: Solar generation meets daytime demand but leaves a significant gap in evening hours.

• Thermal plants under strain: Delays in under-construction thermal plants due to theft, fire, and raw material shortages.

• Policy lapses: The 2017–22 National Electricity Plan deprioritized fresh thermal additions, creating a structural deficit.

Need for Demand-Side Reforms in Power Sector:

• Load shifting strategies: Encourage industries and large consumers to shift consumption to off-peak hours to avoid grid stress.

• Demand response mechanisms: Introduce incentive-based programs for consumers to reduce demand during peak periods.

Example: Singapore’s demand response program.

• Smart metering rollout: Implement nationwide smart meters for real-time monitoring and consumption optimization.

• Public awareness campaigns: Educate consumers on peak-hour energy conservation, like Delhi’s “Save Power” initiative.

• Dynamic pricing: Introduce time-of-day tariffs to discourage consumption during high-demand windows.

Way Ahead:

• Accelerate storage capacity: Expedite commissioning of BESS and PSPs to manage evening demand surges.

• Private sector participation: Create incentives to revive private investment in thermal generation.

• Thermal maintenance management: Shift planned outages to low-demand months (November–January) to avoid summer shortfalls.

• Strengthen grid infrastructure: Invest in transmission upgrades for reliable power distribution across states.

• Integrated energy planning: Balance renewable scaling with adequate baseload and storage solutions for year-round reliability.

Conclusion:

The NLDC report highlights India’s urgent need to balance renewable growth with reliable baseload capacity. Demand-side reforms and storage infrastructure are essential to avoid power shortages during peak months. Strategic energy planning, infrastructure investment, and public participation will ensure sustained grid stability.

• To what factors can the recent dramatic fall in equipment costs and tariff of solar energy be attributed? What implications does the trend have for the thermal power producers and the related industry? (UPSC-2015)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Annual Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) Report

Context: According to Nokia’s annual Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) report, India’s average monthly data usage per user reached 27.5 GB in 2024, with 5G data traffic tripling over the past year.

Key Statistics on India’s Data Usage (As per MBiT Report)

• Average monthly data usage per user: 27.5 GB (2024)

• 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) users consume 12x more data than average mobile users.

• 5G data traffic: Tripled in 2024; projected to surpass 4G traffic by Q1 2026.

• Active 5G devices in India (2024): 271 million (doubled YoY).

• Share of 5G in metro mobile broadband: Increased to 43% in 2024 (from 20% in 2023).

• 90% of smartphones expected to be replaced in 2025 will be 5G-enabled.

Trends in India’s Data Usage:

• Rapid shift to 5G: Metro cities already show’s a major shift, with 43% share in data usage by 5G.

• Rural penetration: Category B and C circles showing strong growth in 5G adoption.

• Device readiness: 5G ecosystem evolving with massive growth in compatible devices.

• Decline in 4G usage: 5G gradually replacing older network usage patterns.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology:

• Telecommunication technologies: Role of 5G and digital infrastructure in growth and innovation. Digital India initiatives: Impact of rising data consumption on e-governance and digital services. Cybersecurity and data privacy: Increased usage demands robust cyber laws and regulatory frameworks.

• Telecommunication technologies: Role of 5G and digital infrastructure in growth and innovation.

• Digital India initiatives: Impact of rising data consumption on e-governance and digital services.

• Cybersecurity and data privacy: Increased usage demands robust cyber laws and regulatory frameworks.

• GS Paper 2 – Governance:

• Digital inclusion and connectivity: Role of affordable high-speed internet in bridging urban-rural divides. Government policies: Relevance of National Digital Communications Policy and spectrum management.

• Digital inclusion and connectivity: Role of affordable high-speed internet in bridging urban-rural divides.

• Government policies: Relevance of National Digital Communications Policy and spectrum management.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)

•Source: TH*

Context: The Union Home Ministry is reviewing AFSPA coverage in Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam after recent ethnic and law-and-order disturbances.

About Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA):

• What is AFSPA?

• AFSPA is a law that empowers the armed forces to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”. Enacted in 1958, it allows armed forces to act with special authority in regions with severe unrest.

• AFSPA is a law that empowers the armed forces to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”.

• Enacted in 1958, it allows armed forces to act with special authority in regions with severe unrest.

• Aim of AFSPA:

• To enable armed forces to assist civil administration in maintaining law and order. To control insurgency, violence, and external threats in disturbed areas.

• To enable armed forces to assist civil administration in maintaining law and order.

• To control insurgency, violence, and external threats in disturbed areas.

• Procedure to Include a District/State under AFSPA:

• The Governor of a State, or the Central Government, can declare any area as ‘disturbed’. The declaration is made through a notification in the Official Gazette. The notification is reviewed every six months, with the possibility of extension or withdrawal.

• The Governor of a State, or the Central Government, can declare any area as ‘disturbed’.

• The declaration is made through a notification in the Official Gazette.

• The notification is reviewed every six months, with the possibility of extension or withdrawal.

• Term of Enforcement: Declared disturbed areas under AFSPA are notified for six months and periodically reviewed.

• States Under AFSPA (As of February 2025): Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Jammu and Kashmir.

• Removal Process:

• Removal of AFSPA requires: Improved security and law & order situation. Review by the Union Home Ministry and state government. Official withdrawal notification in the gazette.

• Improved security and law & order situation.

• Review by the Union Home Ministry and state government.

• Official withdrawal notification in the gazette.

• Powers under AFSPA:

• Use of Force: Military officers can open fire after due warning to maintain public order. Arrests without Warrant: Permission to arrest suspected offenders without a warrant. Search without Warrant: Enter premises to search for arms, explosives, or wanted persons. Protection from Prosecution: No legal action can be initiated against personnel without the Centre’s sanction.

• Use of Force: Military officers can open fire after due warning to maintain public order.

• Arrests without Warrant: Permission to arrest suspected offenders without a warrant.

• Search without Warrant: Enter premises to search for arms, explosives, or wanted persons.

• Protection from Prosecution: No legal action can be initiated against personnel without the Centre’s sanction.

Exercise Sea Dragon 2025

Source: BS

Context: India successfully concluded participation in Sea Dragon 2025, a two-week multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise.

About Exercise Sea Dragon 2025:

• What it is

• Sea Dragon 2025 (SD25) is an annual multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise. It aims to improve interoperability, coordination, and tactical proficiency among Indo-Pacific allies.

• Sea Dragon 2025 (SD25) is an annual multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise.

• It aims to improve interoperability, coordination, and tactical proficiency among Indo-Pacific allies.

• Host Nation: United States Navy’s 7th Fleet hosted the exercise.

• Location of Event: Conducted at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Western

• Aim of the Exercise:

• Strengthen maritime security and defense collaboration. Enhance submarine detection, tracking, and neutralization capabilities. Promote the concept of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.

• Strengthen maritime security and defense collaboration.

• Enhance submarine detection, tracking, and neutralization capabilities.

• Promote the concept of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.

• Key Features:

• Live ASWEX exercise to track real US Navy submarines. Mobile training drills using MK-30 ‘SLED’ target systems. Competitive evaluation phase with graded ASW effectiveness. Deployment of advanced Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) from each participating nation.

• Live ASWEX exercise to track real US Navy submarines.

• Mobile training drills using MK-30 ‘SLED’ target systems.

• Competitive evaluation phase with graded ASW effectiveness.

• Deployment of advanced Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) from each participating nation.

• Nations Involved:

• India (since 2021) with P-8I Neptune aircraft. Australia – RAAF P-8A Poseidon. Japan – JMSDF Kawasaki P-1 aircraft. South Korea – ROKN P-3 Orion. United States – P-8A Poseidon (Patrol Squadrons VP-16 & VP-47).

• India (since 2021) with P-8I Neptune aircraft.

• Australia – RAAF P-8A Poseidon.

• Japan – JMSDF Kawasaki P-1 aircraft.

• South Korea – ROKN P-3 Orion.

• United States – P-8A Poseidon (Patrol Squadrons VP-16 & VP-47).

The World Happiness Report 2025

Source: HT

Context: The World Happiness Report 2025 was released recently, ranking countries based on happiness levels.

• India ranked 118th out of 147 countries, while Finland topped the list for the eighth consecutive year.

About World Happiness Report 2025:

• What it is:

• An annual global report that ranks countries based on life satisfaction and happiness levels of their citizens. It reflects how people evaluate their quality of life, using statistical data and public perception.

• An annual global report that ranks countries based on life satisfaction and happiness levels of their citizens.

• It reflects how people evaluate their quality of life, using statistical data and public perception.

• Report released by:

• Published by the Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford. Released in collaboration with Gallup, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an independent editorial board.

• Published by the Wellbeing Research Centre, University of Oxford.

• Released in collaboration with Gallup, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, and an independent editorial board.

• Criteria Used for Ranking: The report uses six key indicators:

• The report uses six key indicators:

• GDP per capita – economic strength of a country. Healthy life expectancy – average life span in good health. Social support – availability of help from family or friends. Freedom – perceived freedom to make life choices. Generosity – willingness of people to help others. Perception of corruption – trust in public institutions.

• GDP per capita – economic strength of a country.

• Healthy life expectancy – average life span in good health.

• Social support – availability of help from family or friends.

• Freedom – perceived freedom to make life choices.

• Generosity – willingness of people to help others.

• Perception of corruption – trust in public institutions.

• Aim of the Report:

• To measure global well-being and contentment. To promote policy focus on mental health, social trust, and quality of life beyond just economic growth.

• To measure global well-being and contentment.

• To promote policy focus on mental health, social trust, and quality of life beyond just economic growth.

• Key Summary of Report:

• Trends in Global Happiness

• Western and Nordic countries continue to dominate top ranks. New entries into the top 10 include Costa Rica (6th) and Mexico (10th). The United States and United Kingdom dropped to 24th and 23rd positions respectively due to rising loneliness and discontent.

• Western and Nordic countries continue to dominate top ranks.

• New entries into the top 10 include Costa Rica (6th) and Mexico (10th).

• The United States and United Kingdom dropped to 24th and 23rd positions respectively due to rising loneliness and discontent.

• Global Ranking – Top 3 Nations: Finland (Topper – 1st), Denmark (2nd) and Iceland (3rd).

• Bottom 3 Nations: Afghanistan (147th), Sierra Leone, and Lebanon.

• India’s Ranking and Statistics:

• India ranked 118th out of 147 countries. Score improved from 4.054 (2021-23) to 4.389 (2022-24). Ranked below Pakistan (109) and Nepal (92). Strength: High social support due to family structures and community bonds. Weakness: Lowest score in perceived freedom, showing limited individual choice satisfaction.

• India ranked 118th out of 147 countries.

• Score improved from 4.054 (2021-23) to 4.389 (2022-24). Ranked below Pakistan (109) and Nepal (92).

• Ranked below Pakistan (109) and Nepal (92).

• Strength: High social support due to family structures and community bonds.

• Weakness: Lowest score in perceived freedom, showing limited individual choice satisfaction.

Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000

Source: TOI

Context: X Corp. (formerly Twitter Inc.) has challenged the Indian government’s content blocking orders in the Karnataka High Court.

• The company opposes the Centre’s Sahyog portal, calling it a “censorship portal” that bypasses proper legal safeguards under the IT Act 2000.

About Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000:

• What it is:

• The IT Act 2000 is India’s primary law governing cyber activities, digital transactions, and electronic governance. It provides a legal framework for cybersecurity, digital signatures, data protection, and penalties for cyber offenses.

• The IT Act 2000 is India’s primary law governing cyber activities, digital transactions, and electronic governance.

• It provides a legal framework for cybersecurity, digital signatures, data protection, and penalties for cyber offenses.

• Aim of the act:

• Facilitate secure electronic communication and commerce. Ensure penalties for cybercrimes and protection of user data. Foster innovation and trust in the Indian IT and digital ecosystem.

• Facilitate secure electronic communication and commerce.

• Ensure penalties for cybercrimes and protection of user data.

• Foster innovation and trust in the Indian IT and digital ecosystem.

• Key Features:

• Legal recognition of electronic records and digital signatures. Defines liabilities and protections for intermediaries. Empowers the Central Government and CERT-In for cybersecurity regulation. Amended in 2008 and 2015 to address evolving cyber challenges.

• Legal recognition of electronic records and digital signatures.

• Defines liabilities and protections for intermediaries.

• Empowers the Central Government and CERT-In for cybersecurity regulation.

• Amended in 2008 and 2015 to address evolving cyber challenges.

• Key Provisions in News: Section 69A of IT Act, 2000:

• Section 69A of IT Act, 2000:

• Empowers the government to block public access to online information in interest of sovereignty, security, public order, or prevention of incitement. Requires written orders and procedural safeguards, upheld in the Shreya Singhal vs Union of India (2015) verdict.

• Empowers the government to block public access to online information in interest of sovereignty, security, public order, or prevention of incitement.

• Requires written orders and procedural safeguards, upheld in the Shreya Singhal vs Union of India (2015) verdict.

• Section 79 of IT Act, 2000:

• Provides conditional immunity to intermediaries for third-party content. Under Section 79(3)(b), intermediaries must remove unlawful content when notified by the government or lose immunity. Does not authorize direct blocking orders; only notifies intermediaries of liability.

• Provides conditional immunity to intermediaries for third-party content.

• Under Section 79(3)(b), intermediaries must remove unlawful content when notified by the government or lose immunity.

• Does not authorize direct blocking orders; only notifies intermediaries of liability.

About Sahyog Portal:

• What it is: An online platform developed to automate the issuance of notices to intermediaries for content removal under the IT Act.

• Ministry Involved: Developed and managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

• To enable swift and coordinated action against unlawful digital content. Create a clean and secure cyberspace for Indian citizens.

• To enable swift and coordinated action against unlawful digital content.

• Create a clean and secure cyberspace for Indian citizens.

• Functions:

• Brings together authorized government agencies and intermediaries on one digital platform. Facilitates the issuance, tracking, and monitoring of content removal notices. Enhances compliance, monitoring, and quick responses to cyber law violations.

• Brings together authorized government agencies and intermediaries on one digital platform.

• Facilitates the issuance, tracking, and monitoring of content removal notices.

• Enhances compliance, monitoring, and quick responses to cyber law violations.

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

Source: TP

Context: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved procurement worth ₹54,000 crore to boost India’s defence capabilities.

• The approval includes T-90 tank engines, Varunastra torpedoes, and Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

About Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):

• What it is:

• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is the apex body under the Ministry of Defence that oversees capital acquisitions for India’s defence forces.

• Established in:

• Formed in 2001, based on the recommendations of the Group of Ministers on National Security Reform after the Kargil War.

• Chaired by: Defence Minister of India currently Rajnath Singh.

• Functions:

• Grant Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisitions. Categorize acquisitions into Buy, Buy & Make, or Make categories. Approve the 15-Year Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTPP). Monitor major procurement projects and ensure progress with regular feedback.

• Grant Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisitions.

• Categorize acquisitions into Buy, Buy & Make, or Make categories.

• Approve the 15-Year Long-Term Integrated Perspective Plan (LTPP).

• Monitor major procurement projects and ensure progress with regular feedback.

Major Approved Procurement Details:

Procurement Name | Features

1350 HP Engines for T-90 Tanks (Army) | – Upgraded from current 1000 HP engines for enhanced power.

– Improves battlefield mobility, especially in high-altitude regions.

– Strengthens India’s armored capabilities.

Varunastra Heavyweight Torpedoes (Navy) | – Indigenous ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo.

– Speed: Over 40 knots; Range: 40 km.

– Warhead: 250 kg high-explosive.

– Capable of targeting quiet submarines in deep and shallow waters.

– Features advanced active-passive acoustic homing and GPS/NavIC guidance.

– First inducted in 2016.

Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C) for IAF | – Force multiplier system for tracking hostile aircraft, UAVs, and missiles.

– Net-centric with command-and-control functions.

– Provides composite battlefield picture using multi-sensor integration.

– Guides interceptor aircraft efficiently to neutralize threats.

Kerala Establish Senior Citizens Commission

Source: IT

Context: Kerala has become the first state in India to establish a Senior Citizens Commission by passing the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Bill 2025.

About Senior Citizens Commission:

• What it is:

• A statutory body established under the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Act, 2025. It will safeguard the rights and welfare of elderly citizens and act as an advisory body for policymaking.

• A statutory body established under the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Act, 2025.

• It will safeguard the rights and welfare of elderly citizens and act as an advisory body for policymaking.

• State establishing it: Kerala, is the first state in India to set up such a commission for senior citizens.

• Aim of the Commission:

• To ensure the rehabilitation, protection, and empowerment of senior citizens. Promote active participation of senior citizens in building a progressive and inclusive Kerala.

• To ensure the rehabilitation, protection, and empowerment of senior citizens.

• Promote active participation of senior citizens in building a progressive and inclusive Kerala.

• Key Features and Functions:

• Policy Advisory: Formulates and recommends policies for the welfare of senior citizens. Addressing Grievances: Handles issues related to neglect, abuse, exploitation, and loneliness among the elderly. Skill Utilization: Promotes the use of senior citizens’ skills and knowledge for societal benefit. Legal Aid and Protection: Facilitates access to legal support for senior citizens facing abuse or property disputes. Awareness Campaigns: Conducts educational initiatives to raise awareness about elderly rights and responsibilities of families. Periodic Reports: Submits regular reports and suggestions to the state government for policy improvement.

• Policy Advisory: Formulates and recommends policies for the welfare of senior citizens.

• Addressing Grievances: Handles issues related to neglect, abuse, exploitation, and loneliness among the elderly.

• Skill Utilization: Promotes the use of senior citizens’ skills and knowledge for societal benefit.

• Legal Aid and Protection: Facilitates access to legal support for senior citizens facing abuse or property disputes.

• Awareness Campaigns: Conducts educational initiatives to raise awareness about elderly rights and responsibilities of families.

• Periodic Reports: Submits regular reports and suggestions to the state government for policy improvement.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 March 2025 Mapping:

Silahalla Power Project

Source: NIE

Context: The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) recently cancelled the public hearing for the Silahalla Power Project in the Nilgiris due to public opposition and environmental concerns.

About Silahalla Power Project:

• What it is: A pumped storage hydroelectric project by Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited (TANGEDCO) to generate electricity by transferring water between two reservoirs.

• Location: Kundah Taluk, Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu.

• Aim: To address peak power demand by generating 1,000 MW electricity.

• Rivers Associated: Silahalla stream, a tributary of the Kundah River, which feeds the Bhavani River (which is Cauvery River tributary)

• Project Features: Construction of two dams (upper and lower reservoirs). Tunnels of 2.8 km (head race) and 1.56 km (tail race). Underground powerhouse and surface storage points.

• Construction of two dams (upper and lower reservoirs).

• Tunnels of 2.8 km (head race) and 1.56 km (tail race).

• Underground powerhouse and surface storage points.

About Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve:

• Location: Situated in the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats.

• State involved: Spans across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.

• Major Protected Areas within the Reserve: Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (TN), Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), Bandipur National Park (Karnataka), Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka), Mukurthi National Park (TN), and Silent Valley National Park (Kerala).

• Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary (TN), Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), Bandipur National Park (Karnataka), Nagarhole National Park (Karnataka), Mukurthi National Park (TN), and Silent Valley National Park (Kerala).

• Flora:

• 132 endemic species, including rare plants like Adenoon, Calacanthus, and Frerea. Diverse ecosystems: tropical evergreen, montane sholas, grasslands, moist deciduous forests, and thorn forests.

• 132 endemic species, including rare plants like Adenoon, Calacanthus, and Frerea.

• Diverse ecosystems: tropical evergreen, montane sholas, grasslands, moist deciduous forests, and thorn forests.

• Fauna:

• Largest known population of endangered Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque. Significant populations of elephants, tigers, gaurs, sambars, and chitals.

• Largest known population of endangered Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed macaque.

• Significant populations of elephants, tigers, gaurs, sambars, and chitals.

• UNESCO Recognition: First UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve in India (1986) under the Man and Biosphere Programme.

• Tribal Communities: Indigenous groups include Todas, Kotas, Irulas, Kurumbas, Paniyas, and Adiyans, who depend on the forest ecosystems for their livelihoods.

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Table of Contents

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 March (2025)

Policing Digital Giants

GS Paper 3:

India To Face Imminent Power Shortages

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

Annual Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) Report

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)

Exercise Sea Dragon 2025

The World Happiness Report 2025

Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

Kerala Establish Senior Citizens Commission

Mapping:

Silahalla Power Project

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21 March 2025

Policing Digital Giants

India To Face Imminent Power Shortages

Annual Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) Report

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)

Exercise Sea Dragon 2025

The World Happiness Report 2025

Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000

Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)

Kerala Establish Senior Citizens Commission

Silahalla Power Project