UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 March 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 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 – 24 March (2025)

• The Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS)

The Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS)

• TB and Equitable Health Coverage

TB and Equitable Health Coverage

GS Paper 3:

• Viksit Bharat Meets Green Growth

Viksit Bharat Meets Green Growth

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Under-funding of Nutrient Subsidy Schemes

Under-funding of Nutrient Subsidy Schemes

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Tavasya

Tavasya

• Anthurium Flowers

Anthurium Flowers

• Revision of MSME Definition

Revision of MSME Definition

• Form 17C

Form 17C

• Anti-Dumping Duties

Anti-Dumping Duties

• Secret Sitting in House

Secret Sitting in House

Mapping:

• George VI Ice Shelf

George VI Ice Shelf

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 March 2025

#### GS Paper 2 :

The Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS)

Syllabus: Governance

Source: UN

Context: The Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS) is in the spotlight as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) works to finalize it by December 2025.

• This strategy aims to address the triple planetary crises of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss by leveraging high-quality, accessible environmental data for informed decision-making and innovative solutions.

What is GEDS Strategy?

The Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS) is a comprehensive framework developed by UNEP to enhance the use of environmental data.

• It focuses on overcoming barriers like data fragmentation, lack of interoperability, and limited access to support global efforts in tackling environmental crises.

• The strategy is built on five key pillars: data quality, governance, interoperability, access, and capacity-building.

Key Pillars of GEDS:

• Data Quality and Provenance: Establishes frameworks and standards to ensure accurate classification and quality of environmental data.

• Data Governance: Promotes ethical and sustainable methodologies for managing environmental data.

• Data Interoperability: Federates global and thematic data standards to enable seamless data sharing and integration.

• Inclusive Data Access: Advocates for open, affordable, and machine-readable data to ensure accessibility for all stakeholders.

• Capacity-Building: Focuses on enhancing skills and knowledge for effective data collection, governance, and use, particularly in Global South countries.

Advantages of GEDS:

• Informed Decision-Making: Provides high-quality data to support evidence-based policies and actions.

• Global Collaboration: Encourages international cooperation and data sharing to address environmental challenges.

• Innovation: Facilitates the development of AI and data analytics tools for environmental solutions.

• Equity: Ensures inclusive access to data, particularly for developing nations.

Limitations and Challenges:

• Implementation Barriers: Differences in technological capabilities and resources among countries may hinder uniform adoption.

• Data Privacy Concerns: Balancing open access with ethical data governance remains a challenge.

• Coordination Issues: Achieving global consensus on data standards and interoperability can be complex.

• Resource Constraints: Limited funding and technical expertise, especially in the Global South, may slow progress.

Significance of GEDS:

• Addressing Triple Planetary Crises: Provides a data-driven approach to combat climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

• Sustainable Development: Aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting responsible data use.

• Empowering Stakeholders: Enhances the capacity of governments, organizations, and communities to make informed environmental decisions.

Conclusion:

The Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS) is a transformative initiative to harness the power of environmental data for global sustainability. By addressing data quality, governance, and accessibility, GEDS aims to foster innovation and collaboration. Its success will depend on overcoming implementation challenges and ensuring inclusive participation from all stakeholders.

• “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (UPSC-2018)

TB and Equitable Health Coverage

Syllabus: Health

Source: TH

Context: India has made commendable progress in tuberculosis (TB) care through new strategies including molecular testing, shorter BPaLM regimen, nutrition support via Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY), and community engagement.

Key Developments in TB Care:

• Decline in TB incidence: India reduced TB incidence by 17.7% from 2015 to 2023, showing progress from 237 to 195 cases per lakh population.

• New interventions: Introduction of the BPaLM regimen and ₹1,000/month nutritional support under Nikshay Poshan Yojana have strengthened treatment.

• Community involvement: TB survivors are now engaged as TB champions to spread awareness and promote treatment adherence at the grassroots level.

• Integration with Ayushman Bharat: TB services are integrated into PMJAY and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, ensuring accessibility at primary healthcare centres.

• Improved diagnostics: Sample collection and rapid molecular testing have been optimised at primary care levels for faster and accurate detection.

Different Initiatives to Combat TB:

• Global Efforts:

• Find. Treat. All. #EndTB Initiative: Launched by WHO with the Global Fund and Stop TB Partnership to ensure universal access to TB care and treatment by 2030. Global Tuberculosis Report: An annual report by WHO that tracks TB incidence, mortality, funding, and progress toward elimination targets.

• Find. Treat. All. #EndTB Initiative: Launched by WHO with the Global Fund and Stop TB Partnership to ensure universal access to TB care and treatment by 2030.

• Global Tuberculosis Report: An annual report by WHO that tracks TB incidence, mortality, funding, and progress toward elimination targets.

• India’s Efforts:

• Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: A community-driven initiative encouraging public participation and nutritional support for TB patients to achieve TB elimination by 2025. National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis Elimination (2017-2025): A comprehensive roadmap focusing on early detection, universal treatment, public-private partnerships, and social support. TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign: A national awareness campaign that promotes early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and community participation in TB eradication. Nikshay Poshan Yojana: A direct benefit transfer scheme offering ₹1,000 per month to TB patients for nutritional support during treatment.

• Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: A community-driven initiative encouraging public participation and nutritional support for TB patients to achieve TB elimination by 2025.

• National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis Elimination (2017-2025): A comprehensive roadmap focusing on early detection, universal treatment, public-private partnerships, and social support.

• TB Harega Desh Jeetega Campaign: A national awareness campaign that promotes early diagnosis, treatment adherence, and community participation in TB eradication.

• Nikshay Poshan Yojana: A direct benefit transfer scheme offering ₹1,000 per month to TB patients for nutritional support during treatment.

Challenges in Achieving Equitable TB Care:

• Vertical program limitations: Current TB services are siloed; integration into the broader healthcare system is needed for universal reach.

• Private sector dependency: Over 50% of TB patients opt for private care, resulting in diagnostic delays and higher out-of-pocket expenses.

• Intersectional barriers: Gender, caste, income, and disabilities influence healthcare access and TB outcomes in diverse population groups.

• Integrated care gaps: Simultaneous screening for TB, COPD, diabetes, and mental health issues is lacking in the current system.

• Stigma and misinformation: Widespread myths and social stigma deter timely testing, diagnosis, and successful TB treatment.

Way Forward (Recommendations):

• Person-centred care: Adopt models like Tamil Nadu’s TN-KET to prioritise care for the most vulnerable and critically ill patients.

• Address intersectionality: Implement gender-responsive and disability-inclusive approaches to remove social barriers in TB care.

• Integrated screening: Introduce combined TB and NCD screenings using AI-based diagnostics for comprehensive community health checks.

• Financial protection: Expand wage-loss support, nutrition schemes, and livelihood initiatives for TB-affected families to reduce financial strain.

• Communication and awareness: Launch large-scale, multi-platform public education campaigns to dispel TB myths and encourage early treatment.

Conclusion:

India’s TB elimination goal aligns with UHC and requires person-centric, equitable, and integrated health strategies. Strengthening public health, addressing vulnerabilities, and community-led awareness can position India as a global leader in TB elimination efforts.

“Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC-2021)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 March 2025 GS Paper 3:

Viksit Bharat Meets Green Growth

Syllabus: Economy

Source: IE

Context: India’s ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 has brought green growth into focus.

• Balancing rapid economic development with sustainable practices is critical to ensuring long-term prosperity and environmental resilience.

Idea of Viksit Bharat:

• Goal: Transform India into a fully developed economy by 2047, with sustained high growth and inclusive development.

• Key objectives: High GDP growth (over 8%), world-class infrastructure, poverty elimination, and social equity.

• Pillars: Digital revolution, industrial strength, innovation, and climate resilience.

• Global positioning: Aim for India to become a leading geopolitical power and technology hub.

How Green Growth Fuels India to Viksit Bharat:

• Job creation: Green sectors are expected to generate 50 million new jobs by 2070 (WEF’s Mission 2070 report).

• Economic value addition: Estimated $1 trillion in additional economic value by 2030 from green investments.

• Energy security: Reduces dependency on 85% crude oil imports, stabilizing the economy.

• Export competitiveness: Decarbonized manufacturing helps avoid future carbon penalties (potential $150 billion annual loss by 2040).

Measures Taken by Government So Far:

• National Green Hydrogen Mission: Targets 5 MMT of green hydrogen production annually by 2030.

• 500 GW renewable energy goal: To be achieved by 2030; currently progressing with 180+ GW installed.

• Production Linked Incentive (PLI): Launched for solar modules, advanced battery storage, and green technologies.

• Budget 2025 provisions: Announced 100 GW nuclear energy plan, grid-scale battery production support.

Challenges:

• High Carbon Dependency: Coal accounts for 55-60% of power generation, with demand peaking only by 2030-2035.

• Funding Gaps: Requires $290 billion in renewable energy investments by 2030, posing financial challenges.

• Skill Deficit: Need to train 3.7 million skilled workers for the renewables sector by 2030.

• Climate Risks: Extreme heat could reduce GDP by 2.5-4.5% by 2030, impacting agriculture and labor productivity.

• Policy Implementation: Balancing fast growth with green transition requires careful planning and execution.

Way Ahead:

• Holistic Strategy: Combine renewable energy capacity-building with climate adaptation measures and ecosystem development.

• Demand-Side Focus: Provide farmers and MSMEs access to affordable, climate-resilient technologies and green finance.

• International Collaboration: Partner with global experts for technical support, skill development, and innovative financing.

• Innovation: Invest in green hydrogen, grid modernization, and carbon capture technologies to drive sustainable growth.

• Policy Tools: Use carbon pricing, green bonds, and blended finance models to incentivize decarbonization.

Conclusion:

Green growth and the vision of Viksit Bharat are not opposing paths but complementary goals. Accelerating green investments and building resilient infrastructure will drive sustainable growth. A well-planned green transition will place India on a stronger global footing by 2047.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Under-funding of Nutrient Subsidy Schemes

Context: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers has warned the Ministry of Fertilizers against under-funding nutrient subsidy schemes.

About Under-funding of Nutrient Subsidy Schemes:

• The Department of Fertilizers projected an outlay of ₹1,84,704.63 crore for 2025-26.

• The Ministry of Finance reduced this by 7.38% to ₹1,71,082.44 crore.

• Reduction affected both the Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) and Urea Subsidy Schemes.

Panel Observations:

• Underutilisation of funds during 2024-25: Indigenous phosphorus & potassium fertilizers: 20% underutilized. Imported phosphorus & potassium fertilizers: 12% underutilized. Indigenous urea: 14.76% underutilized. Market Development Assistance (MDA): 59.57% underutilized.

• Indigenous phosphorus & potassium fertilizers: 20% underutilized.

• Imported phosphorus & potassium fertilizers: 12% underutilized.

• Indigenous urea: 14.76% underutilized.

• Market Development Assistance (MDA): 59.57% underutilized.

• Lack of mining lease agreements for raw material security.

• Self-sufficiency in fertilizers is difficult without physical investments and policy reforms.

Recommendations by the Panel:

• The Ministry should seek additional funds at the revised estimates stage.

• Ensure full and planned utilization of allocated funds.

• Expand production capacity of nano urea and nano diammonium phosphate (DAP).

• Facilitate timely establishment of new production units.

• Explore international mining lease agreements for raw material security.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper 3 (Agriculture): Fertilizer policy, input subsidies, and their impact on agricultural productivity. Sustainable farming and role of nano fertilizers.

• Fertilizer policy, input subsidies, and their impact on agricultural productivity.

• Sustainable farming and role of nano fertilizers.

• GS Paper 2 (Governance): Parliamentary oversight and recommendations by standing committees.

• Parliamentary oversight and recommendations by standing committees.

• Economic Development: Public expenditure efficiency and budget planning.

• Public expenditure efficiency and budget planning.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Tavasya

Source: PIB

Context: The second frigate of Project 1135.6, ‘Tavasya,’ built by Goa Shipyard Limited, was launched on March 22, 2025.

• The launch highlights India’s commitment to Aatmanirbharta and advances in indigenous defence production.

About Tavasya:

• What it is: A Krivak-class stealth frigate designed for multi-dimensional naval combat.

• Project under: Built under Project 1135.6 Additional Follow-on Ships.

• Built by: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), with technology transfer from Russia.

• Aim: To strengthen India’s maritime security and promote self-reliance in shipbuilding.

• Key Features:

• Length:8 meters; Width: 15.2 meters; Displacement: 3600 tons.

• Speed: Up to 28 knots.

• Advanced sensors, sonar, and BrahMos missile system.

• Indigenous torpedo launchers and auxiliary control systems.

• Capable of surface, sub-surface, and air combat operations.

• Named after Bhima’s mace, symbolizing strength and resilience.

About Project 1135.6:

• What it is: A bilateral India-Russia naval project for stealth frigate construction with technology transfer.

• Aim: To enhance the Indian Navy’s combat fleet with advanced stealth warships.

• Ships Built Under Project 1135.6:

• Two frigates built in Russia: INS Tushil (commissioned Dec 2024), Tamal (commissioning June 2025).

• Two frigates being built in India: Triput (launched July 2024), Tavasya (launched March 2025).

Anthurium Flowers

Source: ANI

Context: The first-ever export consignment of Anthurium flowers from Mizoram to Singapore was flagged off in February.

About Anthurium Flower:

• Scientific Name: Anthurium (family: Araceae).

• Grown In:

• Native region: Americas, from northern Mexico to northern Argentina and parts of the Caribbean. In India: Widely cultivated in Mizoram and other North Eastern states.

• Native region: Americas, from northern Mexico to northern Argentina and parts of the Caribbean.

• In India: Widely cultivated in Mizoram and other North Eastern states.

• Features of the Plant:

• Herbaceous plants that can grow as epiphytes or terrestrially. Inflorescence consists of a spadix and colorful spathe (red, pink, orange, and other colors). Produces juicy berries containing seeds. Toxic in nature due to calcium oxalate crystals; sap can irritate skin and eyes.

• Herbaceous plants that can grow as epiphytes or terrestrially.

• Inflorescence consists of a spadix and colorful spathe (red, pink, orange, and other colors).

• Produces juicy berries containing seeds.

• Toxic in nature due to calcium oxalate crystals; sap can irritate skin and eyes.

• Significance: Significant contribution to India’s floriculture exports (USD 86.62 million in FY 2023–24). ‘Anthurium Festival’ is an annual cultural and tourism event celebrated in Mizoram. It showcases the beauty and commercial potential of Anthurium flowers grown in the region. Floriculture is commercially cultivated in several states with Tamil Nadu (21%), Karnataka (16%), Madhya Pradesh (14%) and West Bengal (12%). The major importing countries from India were U.S.A, Netherland, United Arab Emirates, U.K and Canada.

• Significant contribution to India’s floriculture exports (USD 86.62 million in FY 2023–24).

• ‘Anthurium Festival’ is an annual cultural and tourism event celebrated in Mizoram. It showcases the beauty and commercial potential of Anthurium flowers grown in the region.

• Floriculture is commercially cultivated in several states with Tamil Nadu (21%), Karnataka (16%), Madhya Pradesh (14%) and West Bengal (12%).

• The major importing countries from India were U.S.A, Netherland, United Arab Emirates, U.K and Canada.

Revision of MSME Definition

Source: News on Air

Context: The Government of India has notified revised criteria for MSME classification, increasing investment and turnover limits.

• Finance Minister had announced new classification criteria for MSMEs, with investment and turnover limits for the classifications proposed to be increased to 5 times and 2 times, respectively.

About Revision of MSME Definition:

• What it is:

• A policy update amending the thresholds for classifying Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises based on investment and turnover.

• Announced In: Announced during the Union Budget speech by Finance Minister.

• Amended By: The Ministry of MSME under Section 7 of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006.

• New Revision Effective From: Effective from April 1, 2025.

• Purpose of Revision:

• To align MSME classification with current business realities and growth trends. To facilitate scaling-up, better credit access, and market expansion. To promote resilience, employment, and self-reliance in the MSME sector.

• To align MSME classification with current business realities and growth trends.

• To facilitate scaling-up, better credit access, and market expansion.

• To promote resilience, employment, and self-reliance in the MSME sector.

• Features of New MSME Definition: Micro Enterprises: Investment limit raised from ₹1 crore to ₹2.5 crore. Turnover limit increased from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore. Small Enterprises: Investment threshold increased from ₹10 crore to ₹25 crore. Turnover ceiling raised from ₹50 crore to ₹100 crore. Medium Enterprises: Investment limit revised from ₹50 crore to ₹125 crore. Turnover limit doubled from ₹250 crore to ₹500 crore.

• Micro Enterprises: Investment limit raised from ₹1 crore to ₹2.5 crore. Turnover limit increased from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore.

• Investment limit raised from ₹1 crore to ₹2.5 crore.

• Turnover limit increased from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore.

• Small Enterprises: Investment threshold increased from ₹10 crore to ₹25 crore. Turnover ceiling raised from ₹50 crore to ₹100 crore.

• Investment threshold increased from ₹10 crore to ₹25 crore.

• Turnover ceiling raised from ₹50 crore to ₹100 crore.

• Medium Enterprises: Investment limit revised from ₹50 crore to ₹125 crore. Turnover limit doubled from ₹250 crore to ₹500 crore.

• Investment limit revised from ₹50 crore to ₹125 crore.

• Turnover limit doubled from ₹250 crore to ₹500 crore.

Form 17C

Source: TH

Context: The Supreme Court is hearing a petition by ADR seeking the immediate publication of booth-wise voting data (Form 17C) on the Election Commission’s website.

About Form 17C:

• What it is:

• Form 17C is a mandatory election document that records booth-wise voter turnout and election results.

• Its parts:

• Part 1: Account of Votes Recorded — includes booth-wise data on the number of electors, votes cast, Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) identification, tendered ballots, and discrepancies. Part 2: Result of Counting — provides candidate-wise vote counts obtained by pressing the result button on the EVM.

• Part 1: Account of Votes Recorded — includes booth-wise data on the number of electors, votes cast, Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) identification, tendered ballots, and discrepancies.

• Part 2: Result of Counting — provides candidate-wise vote counts obtained by pressing the result button on the EVM.

• Law governed under:

• Governed by the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, framed under the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

• Procedures laid down:

• Part 1 is filled by the Presiding Officer after polling, signed by polling agents, and sealed in a ‘Strong Room.’ Part 2 is filled by the Returning Officer on counting day, verified, signed by counting agents, and officially declared.

• Part 1 is filled by the Presiding Officer after polling, signed by polling agents, and sealed in a ‘Strong Room.’

• Part 2 is filled by the Returning Officer on counting day, verified, signed by counting agents, and officially declared.

• Functions and powers of Form 17C:

• Ensures transparency and accountability of votes recorded and counted. Enables cross-verification of voter turnout and vote counts. Helps address discrepancies and strengthens trust in the electoral process. Legally binding for polling and counting officials, with signatures mandatory for validation.

• Ensures transparency and accountability of votes recorded and counted.

• Enables cross-verification of voter turnout and vote counts.

• Helps address discrepancies and strengthens trust in the electoral process.

• Legally binding for polling and counting officials, with signatures mandatory for validation.

Anti-Dumping Duties

Source: HT

Context: India has imposed anti-dumping duties on five Chinese products to safeguard domestic industries from low-priced imports.

• These duties will be applicable for up to five years based on recommendations from the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR).

About Anti-Dumping Duties:

• What it is

• Anti-dumping duty is a protectionist tariff imposed on imports priced below their normal value in the exporting country. It aims to protect domestic industries from injury caused by unfairly priced imports.

• Anti-dumping duty is a protectionist tariff imposed on imports priced below their normal value in the exporting country.

• It aims to protect domestic industries from injury caused by unfairly priced imports.

• Authority to impose in India

• The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry recommends anti-dumping duties. The Ministry of Finance notifies and levies these duties based on DGTR’s investigation and recommendation.

• The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry recommends anti-dumping duties.

• The Ministry of Finance notifies and levies these duties based on DGTR’s investigation and recommendation.

• When it is imposed:

• Imposed after evidence of material injury to domestic industry from cheap imports sold at below market price. Duties are typically levied for a period of up to five years and periodically reviewed.

• Imposed after evidence of material injury to domestic industry from cheap imports sold at below market price.

• Duties are typically levied for a period of up to five years and periodically reviewed.

• Does it violate WTO rules?

• No, it is permitted under Article 6 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), 1994. The WTO Anti-Dumping Agreement allows members to impose duties to ensure fair trade practices.

• No, it is permitted under Article 6 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), 1994.

• The WTO Anti-Dumping Agreement allows members to impose duties to ensure fair trade practices.

• Recent Chinese goods with anti-dumping duty imposed:

• Soft Ferrite Cores (used in EVs, chargers, telecom equipment) Vacuum Insulated Flasks Aluminium Foil Trichloro Isocyanuric Acid (used in water treatment) Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Paste Resin.

• Soft Ferrite Cores (used in EVs, chargers, telecom equipment)

• Vacuum Insulated Flasks

• Aluminium Foil

• Trichloro Isocyanuric Acid (used in water treatment)

• Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Paste Resin.

Secret Sitting in House

Source: IE

Context: Discussions have resurfaced on the provision of holding a secret sitting in Lok Sabha as outlined in the parliamentary rules.

• Despite existing rules, India has never officially held a secret sitting, with the closest instance being during the 1962 India-China conflict.

About Secret Sitting of Lok Sabha:

• What it is

• A secret sitting is a closed-door parliamentary session where discussions are held confidentially, without public or media access.

• Constitutional Provision:

• The Constitution of India does not directly mention secret sittings, but it empowers Parliament to frame its own rules under Article 118. Chapter 25 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, specifically Rule 248 mention about Secret Sitting.

• Chapter 25 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, specifically Rule 248 mention about Secret Sitting.

• History:

• Though permitted by law, India has never conducted a secret sitting. In 1962, during the Chinese aggression, the proposal for secret sitting was suggested but declined by PM Jawaharlal Nehru.

• Though permitted by law, India has never conducted a secret sitting.

• In 1962, during the Chinese aggression, the proposal for secret sitting was suggested but declined by PM Jawaharlal Nehru.

• Who can declare a secret sitting:

• The Leader of the House can request it. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the authority to approve and schedule the secret sitting. Secret sitting is allowed in Rajya Sabha as well. It is provided under Rule 266 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), where the Chairman can permit a secret sitting on a request made by the Leader of the House.

• The Leader of the House can request it.

• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the authority to approve and schedule the secret sitting.

• Secret sitting is allowed in Rajya Sabha as well. It is provided under Rule 266 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), where the Chairman can permit a secret sitting on a request made by the Leader of the House.

• It is provided under Rule 266 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), where the Chairman can permit a secret sitting on a request made by the Leader of the House.

• Features of Secret Sitting:

• No visitors or outsiders are allowed in the chamber, lobby, or galleries. Proceedings are recorded and published only with the Speaker’s approval. Any unauthorized disclosure is considered a gross breach of privilege.

• No visitors or outsiders are allowed in the chamber, lobby, or galleries.

• Proceedings are recorded and published only with the Speaker’s approval.

• Any unauthorized disclosure is considered a gross breach of privilege.

• Limits:

• Participants cannot keep notes or publish any part of the discussion. Revealing secret sitting proceedings is considered a gross breach of privilege of the House, leading to disciplinary action. Only with the Speaker’s consent and a passed motion can such information be officially disclosed.

• Revealing secret sitting proceedings is considered a gross breach of privilege of the House, leading to disciplinary action.

• Only with the Speaker’s consent and a passed motion can such information be officially disclosed.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 March 2025 Mapping:

George VI Ice Shelf

Source: IE

Context: Scientists discovered thriving ecosystems with potential new species beneath the Antarctic ice shelf after the A-84 iceberg broke away from the George VI Ice Shelf.

• The findings, part of UNESCO’s Challenger 150 initiative, offer new insights into life under ice-covered seafloors.

About George VI Ice Shelf:

• Located in:

• Situated in Antarctica, occupying George VI Sound, which separates Alexander Island from Palmer Land.

• Nation controlling it:

• Governed under the Antarctic Treaty System, with research presence and exploration led by United Kingdom and United States.

• Neighbouring Sea: Lies adjacent to the Bellingshausen Sea in the Southern Ocean.

• Geographical Features:

• Stretches from Ronne Entrance in the southwest to Niznik Island in the north, covering around 30 nautical miles. Ice thickness exceeds 150 metres, with underlying waters reaching depths of 1,300 metres. Characterized by extensive floating ice shelves, subglacial ecosystems, and complex underwater geography.

• Stretches from Ronne Entrance in the southwest to Niznik Island in the north, covering around 30 nautical miles.

• Ice thickness exceeds 150 metres, with underlying waters reaching depths of 1,300 metres.

• Characterized by extensive floating ice shelves, subglacial ecosystems, and complex underwater geography.

• Recent Discoveries Beneath George VI Ice Shelf:

• New Species Found: Discovery of giant sea spiders, octopi, corals, and a giant phantom jellyfish at depths of up to 1,300 meters. Unexplored Ecosystems: Accessed after the break-away of the A-84 iceberg, revealing life in previously inaccessible regions. Nutrient Transport Mystery: Possible unknown nutrient transport mechanisms sustaining life under 150-meter-thick ice.

• New Species Found: Discovery of giant sea spiders, octopi, corals, and a giant phantom jellyfish at depths of up to 1,300 meters.

• Unexplored Ecosystems: Accessed after the break-away of the A-84 iceberg, revealing life in previously inaccessible regions.

• Nutrient Transport Mystery: Possible unknown nutrient transport mechanisms sustaining life under 150-meter-thick ice.

• Significance of Discoveries:

• Scientific Breakthrough: Challenges existing assumptions about life in extreme, nutrient-deprived environments. Climate Insights: Offers clues on how ecosystems may respond to melting ice shelves and climate change. Marine Conservation: Underlines the need to protect fragile Antarctic marine ecosystems.

• Scientific Breakthrough: Challenges existing assumptions about life in extreme, nutrient-deprived environments.

• Climate Insights: Offers clues on how ecosystems may respond to melting ice shelves and climate change.

• Marine Conservation: Underlines the need to protect fragile Antarctic marine ecosystems.

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Table of Contents

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 March (2025)

The Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS)

TB and Equitable Health Coverage

GS Paper 3:

Viksit Bharat Meets Green Growth

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

Under-funding of Nutrient Subsidy Schemes

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

Tavasya

Anthurium Flowers

Revision of MSME Definition

Form 17C

Anti-Dumping Duties

Secret Sitting in House

Mapping:

George VI Ice Shelf

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 March 2025

The Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS)

TB and Equitable Health Coverage

Viksit Bharat Meets Green Growth

Under-funding of Nutrient Subsidy Schemes

Tavasya

Anthurium Flowers

Revision of MSME Definition

Form 17C

Anti-Dumping Duties

Secret Sitting in House

George VI Ice Shelf