UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 March 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 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 – 25 March (2025)

• Judicial Accountability in India

Judicial Accountability in India

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Report on Forest Diversion

Report on Forest Diversion

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• BAANKNET portal

BAANKNET portal

• NeVA (National e-Vidhan Application)

NeVA (National e-Vidhan Application)

• Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

• In-House Judicial Enquiry

In-House Judicial Enquiry

• Unified Pension Scheme

Unified Pension Scheme

• Equalisation Levy

Equalisation Levy

• Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME)

Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME)

Mapping:

• Türkiye

Türkiye

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 March 2025

#### GS Paper 2 :

Judicial Accountability in India

Syllabus: Judiciary

Source: TH

Context: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar met key political leaders to discuss judicial accountability amid allegations of large-scale cash recovery from the residence of Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma, with the judiciary’s internal probe underway.

What is Judicial Accountability?

• Definition:

• Judicial accountability refers to holding judges answerable for their conduct and decisions within constitutional and legal frameworks.

• Features of Judicial Accountability:

• Ensures transparency and integrity in the judiciary.

• Balances independence with public responsibility.

• Includes adherence to ethical codes and judicial discipline.

• Allows inquiry mechanisms for misconduct.

• Prevents misuse of judicial power.

Need for Judicial Accountability in India:

• Public Trust:

• Accountability strengthens public faith in the justice delivery system.

Example: The Justice Nirmal Yadav case highlighted the damage to institutional credibility due to delayed action.

• Prevention of Corruption: Curb corruption and misuse of power in the higher judiciary.

• Checks on Unreviewable Power: As Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer emphasized, unreviewable power requires more scrutiny.

• Enhancing Judicial Efficiency: Ensures judges uphold efficiency, ethics, and constitutional values.

• Institutional Integrity: Prevents misuse of constitutional safeguards to protect personal interests.

Laws and Constitutional Articles to Ensure Judicial Accountability:

• Articles 124(4) and 218: Provide for the removal of Supreme Court and High Court judges on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.

• Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968: Specifies procedures for investigation and impeachment of judges.

• Articles 227 and 235: Empower High Courts to supervise subordinate courts.

• In-house Procedure (1999): Established by the Supreme Court for internal inquiries against judges.

• RTI Act: Intended to promote transparency in judicial functioning, though implementation remains weak.

Challenges to Judicial Accountability:

• Lack of Transparency: Outcomes of in-house probes are often kept secret.

Example: Justice Soumitra Sen resigned before the impeachment motion could reach Lok Sabha.

• Contempt Powers: Fear of contempt discourages public discussion on judicial misconduct.

• Misuse of Constitutional Protection: Judges sometimes misuse independence clauses for personal shelter.

• Delays in Proceedings: Judicial misconduct cases drag on for years, reducing deterrence.

Example: The Justice Nirmal Yadav case has remained unresolved for over 14 years.

• No Dedicated Ombudsman: Absence of an independent judicial accountability authority.

Way Ahead:

• Establish Judicial Ombudsman: A dedicated body to independently investigate complaints against judges.

• Strengthen In-house Procedure: Ensure findings are made public to foster transparency.

• Revisit NJAC or Judicial Appointment Reforms: Balance independence with accountability through transparent judicial appointments.

• Use of Technology: Digital monitoring and tracking of case timelines for efficiency.

• Regular Ethics Training: Periodic orientation for judges on judicial ethics and public accountability.

Conclusion:

Judicial accountability is key to maintaining the judiciary’s integrity, independence, and public trust. Institutional safeguards must adapt to ensure accountability without compromising judicial freedom. Transparent procedures and strong oversight will strengthen democracy and public confidence in the judiciary.

• Who are entitled to receive free legal aid? Assess the role of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in rendering free legal aid in India (UPSC-2023)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Report on Forest Diversion

Context: The Union Environment Ministry informed Lok Sabha that between 2014-15 and 2023-24, a total of 1,73,396.87 hectares of forest land has been diverted for non-forestry purposes, including infrastructure projects, under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.

About Report on Forest Diversion:

• Total Diversion (2014-15 to 2023-24): 1,73,396.87 hectares of forest land diverted for non-forestry activities, including infrastructure development.

• 1,73,396.87 hectares of forest land diverted for non-forestry activities, including infrastructure development.

• Forest Land Diversion (2021-22 to 2023-24): 59,882.07 hectares diverted during the last three financial years.

• 59,882.07 hectares diverted during the last three financial years.

• State-wise Data (2021-24): Madhya Pradesh saw the largest diversion: 14,157.02 hectares.

• Madhya Pradesh saw the largest diversion: 14,157.02 hectares.

Government Mitigation Measures:

• Compensatory Afforestation (CA) and Net Present Value (NPV) payment mandatory.

• Additional measures like Soil and Moisture Conservation, Wildlife Management Plans, and Catchment Area Plans applied on a case-to-case basis.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper 3 – Environment and Ecology:

• Forest conservation, deforestation impact, and sustainable development.

• GS Paper 3 – Climate Change:

• Impact of forest diversion on biodiversity loss, climate vulnerability, and water security.

• GS Paper 2 – Governance and Policies:

• Role of legal frameworks like Indian Forest Act, 1927 and Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980 in balancing development with conservation.

• Essay Paper:

• Topics on environment vs. development debate, sustainable land use planning, and climate action policies.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

BAANKNET portal

Source: PIB

Context: The government launched the revamped BAANKNET portal and e-BKray platform to enhance transparency, efficiency, and value realization in PSU bank e-auctions of non-performing assets.

About BAANKNET Portal:

• What it is: An advanced, integrated e-auction portal for Public Sector Banks and financial institutions to auction properties for recovery of NPA loans.

• An advanced, integrated e-auction portal for Public Sector Banks and financial institutions to auction properties for recovery of NPA loans.

• Ministry: Launched under the Ministry of Finance, Department of Financial Services.

• To ensure transparent, efficient, and secure e-auctions. To enhance stakeholder trust and maximize value realization from asset sales.

• To ensure transparent, efficient, and secure e-auctions.

• To enhance stakeholder trust and maximize value realization from asset sales.

• Key Features:

• Cutting-edge Platform: Advanced property listing and e-auction system for easy, secure NPA recovery. Automated KYC & Secure Payments: Built-in KYC tools with reliable payment gateways for safe transactions. All-India Property Listings: Comprehensive database for smooth property search and sale across the country. Smart Auctions: Intelligent bidding with real-time updates to ensure fair pricing. Transparency: Bank-verified property titles to build confidence in buyers. Widespread Adoption: Used by all 12 PSBs and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).

• Cutting-edge Platform: Advanced property listing and e-auction system for easy, secure NPA recovery.

• Automated KYC & Secure Payments: Built-in KYC tools with reliable payment gateways for safe transactions.

• All-India Property Listings: Comprehensive database for smooth property search and sale across the country.

• Smart Auctions: Intelligent bidding with real-time updates to ensure fair pricing.

• Transparency: Bank-verified property titles to build confidence in buyers.

• Widespread Adoption: Used by all 12 PSBs and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).

About e-BKray Platform:

• What it is: A digital auction platform for disposing of assets under recovery proceedings by PSU banks.

• To standardize and simplify e-auction processes across public sector banks. To ensure competitive bidding and higher asset value realization.

• To standardize and simplify e-auction processes across public sector banks.

• To ensure competitive bidding and higher asset value realization.

• Developed by: Launched by the Department of Financial Services on 28th February 2019.

• Functions:

• Centralized e-auction of bank properties under recovery proceedings. Reduces administrative burden by standardizing property auction procedures. Real-time auction tracking and transparent bidding processes. Helps banks recover NPA assets efficiently and quickly.

• Centralized e-auction of bank properties under recovery proceedings.

• Reduces administrative burden by standardizing property auction procedures.

• Real-time auction tracking and transparent bidding processes.

• Helps banks recover NPA assets efficiently and quickly.

NeVA (National e-Vidhan Application)

Source: News on Air

Context: Delhi has become the 28th legislature to join the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) platform by signing an MoU with the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and GNCTD, promoting paperless legislative governance.

About NeVA (National e-Vidhan Application):

• What it is: A digital platform designed to modernize legislative operations by enabling paperless proceedings and real-time access to legislative documents.

• A digital platform designed to modernize legislative operations by enabling paperless proceedings and real-time access to legislative documents.

• Developed by: Created and implemented by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA), Government of India. Initiated under the guidance of the Government of India as part of the “One Nation, One Application” vision. Aim:

• Created and implemented by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA), Government of India. Initiated under the guidance of the Government of India as part of the “One Nation, One Application” vision.

• Initiated under the guidance of the Government of India as part of the “One Nation, One Application” vision.

• To digitize legislative processes across all state legislatures. To promote transparency, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. To empower lawmakers with smart tools for efficient legislative business.

• To digitize legislative processes across all state legislatures.

• To promote transparency, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

• To empower lawmakers with smart tools for efficient legislative business.

• Key Features of NeVA:

• Device-Neutral Access: Accessible across smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops for seamless use anytime, anywhere. Paperless Legislature: Promotes eco-friendly governance by significantly reducing paper usage, supporting Swachh Bharat and SDG goals. Real-Time Digital Repository: Provides instant access to legislative documents, including bills, agendas, notices, and reports with multilingual support. Secure Cloud Infrastructure: Hosted on Meghraj 2.0 ensuring robust security, data integrity, and confidentiality. mNeVA Mobile App & Capacity Building: User-friendly mobile app with continuous training, manuals, and video tutorials for easy adoption by legislators.

• Device-Neutral Access: Accessible across smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops for seamless use anytime, anywhere.

• Paperless Legislature: Promotes eco-friendly governance by significantly reducing paper usage, supporting Swachh Bharat and SDG goals.

• Real-Time Digital Repository: Provides instant access to legislative documents, including bills, agendas, notices, and reports with multilingual support.

• Secure Cloud Infrastructure: Hosted on Meghraj 2.0 ensuring robust security, data integrity, and confidentiality.

• mNeVA Mobile App & Capacity Building: User-friendly mobile app with continuous training, manuals, and video tutorials for easy adoption by legislators.

• Number of States using NeVA: 28 legislatures, including Delhi.

Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

Source: DTE

Context: The 20th meeting of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-20) has commenced in Rome, where global leaders will discuss strategies for conserving plant and forest genetic resources and release two major global reports.

About Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA):

• What it is: A permanent intergovernmental body that focuses on conserving and sustainably using biodiversity essential for food security and agriculture.

• Established in: 1983, initially as the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources; expanded in 1995 to cover all genetic resources relevant to food and agriculture.

• Headquarters: Rome, Italy.

• Parent Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

• Aim of the Commission:

• To promote the sustainable use of biodiversity for food, agriculture, and human well-being. To foster global cooperation in conserving genetic resources and enhancing food security. To guide the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of genetic resource

• To promote the sustainable use of biodiversity for food, agriculture, and human well-being.

• To foster global cooperation in conserving genetic resources and enhancing food security.

• To guide the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the use of genetic resource

• Key Functions:

• Global Policy Development: Formulates international policies and strategies for biodiversity conservation in food and agriculture. Monitoring and Coordination: Oversees the implementation of conservation policies and coordinates efforts between member nations. Negotiation of Key Treaties: Guided negotiations for the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Biodiversity Data Management: Supports the creation of global databases and information systems for better resource management. Biennial Meetings: Conducts regular sessions every two years, with special sessions when needed.

• Global Policy Development: Formulates international policies and strategies for biodiversity conservation in food and agriculture.

• Monitoring and Coordination: Oversees the implementation of conservation policies and coordinates efforts between member nations.

• Negotiation of Key Treaties: Guided negotiations for the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

• Biodiversity Data Management: Supports the creation of global databases and information systems for better resource management.

• Biennial Meetings: Conducts regular sessions every two years, with special sessions when needed.

In-House Judicial Enquiry

Source: DH

Context: Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has formed a three-member in-house inquiry panel to investigate allegations of cash recovery from the residence of Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma.

About In-House Judicial Enquiry:

• What it is: An internal mechanism to examine complaints against sitting High Court or Supreme Court judges for misconduct not meeting the threshold of impeachment.

• An internal mechanism to examine complaints against sitting High Court or Supreme Court judges for misconduct not meeting the threshold of impeachment.

• Established by: Supreme Court of India in 1999, following recommendations of a five-member committee formed in 1997. *(Ravichandran Iyer v. Justice A.M. Bhattacharjee*)

• Supreme Court of India in 1999, following recommendations of a five-member committee formed in 1997. *(Ravichandran Iyer v. Justice A.M. Bhattacharjee*)

• Members:

• For High Court judges: 2 Chief Justices of High Courts + 1 High Court judge. For Supreme Court judges: 3 sitting Supreme Court judges.

• For High Court judges: 2 Chief Justices of High Courts + 1 High Court judge.

• For Supreme Court judges: 3 sitting Supreme Court judges.

• How it works:

• Complaint is received by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) or the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court. Preliminary report is sought from the respective Chief Justice. If required, a three-member inquiry committee is formed. The committee follows principles of natural justice, allowing the judge to respond.

• Complaint is received by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) or the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court.

• Preliminary report is sought from the respective Chief Justice.

• If required, a three-member inquiry committee is formed.

• The committee follows principles of natural justice, allowing the judge to respond.

• Report Submission: The committee submits its findings to the Chief Justice of India for further action.

• This report must state whether: There is any substance to the allegations against the concerned judge and, If there is sufficient substance to the allegations, whether they are serious enough that they require initiation of removal proceedings against the judge.

• There is any substance to the allegations against the concerned judge and,

• If there is sufficient substance to the allegations, whether they are serious enough that they require initiation of removal proceedings against the judge.

About Process of Judge Removal:

• Constitutional Article: Article 124(4) and Article 218 lay down provisions for removal of SC and HC judges on grounds of “proved misbehaviour” or “incapacity.”

• Role of In-House Enquiry Committee:

• Recommends whether allegations are serious enough to warrant removal proceedings. Advises the concerned judge to resign or retire, if misconduct is established. If the judge does not abide by the CJI’s advice to resign or retire, the CJI will inform the President and the Prime Minister of the committee’s finding that removal proceedings should be initiated.

• Recommends whether allegations are serious enough to warrant removal proceedings.

• Advises the concerned judge to resign or retire, if misconduct is established. If the judge does not abide by the CJI’s advice to resign or retire, the CJI will inform the President and the Prime Minister of the committee’s finding that removal proceedings should be initiated.

• If the judge does not abide by the CJI’s advice to resign or retire, the CJI will inform the President and the Prime Minister of the committee’s finding that removal proceedings should be initiated.

Procedure and key features of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968:

• Motion Requirement: An impeachment motion requires signatures from 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs.

• Inquiry Committee Formation:

• A three-member committee is constituted, including: One Supreme Court Judge or Chief Justice. One High Court Chief Justice. One distinguished jurist.

• One Supreme Court Judge or Chief Justice.

• One High Court Chief Justice.

• One distinguished jurist.

• Committee Powers:

• The committee functions with powers similar to a civil court, including: Summoning witnesses. Demanding document production. Recording evidence under oath.

• Summoning witnesses.

• Demanding document production.

• Recording evidence under oath.

• Report Submission: The committee submits its findings to both Houses of Parliament, along with clear observations on each charge.

• Final Action: If the motion is passed by both Houses, an official address for removal is presented to the President of India in the same session.

Unified Pension Scheme

Source: ToI

Context: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has issued guidelines for the implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which will come into effect from April 1, 2025, offering an alternative to the existing National Pension Scheme (NPS) for central government employees.

About Unified Pension Scheme (UPS):

• What it is:

• A contributory pension scheme for central government employees providing guaranteed monthly payouts and flexible investment options.

• Announced in: January 2025 via official government notification.

• Implemented from: April 1, 2025.

• Implementing Agency: Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

Key Features of UPS:

• Eligibility:

• Central government employees in service as of April 1, 2025, already under NPS. New central government recruits joining on or after April 1, 2025 (option within 30 days). Retired or voluntarily retired employees under NPS as of March 31, 2025. Legally wedded spouse of eligible deceased retirees.

• Central government employees in service as of April 1, 2025, already under NPS.

• New central government recruits joining on or after April 1, 2025 (option within 30 days).

• Retired or voluntarily retired employees under NPS as of March 31, 2025.

• Legally wedded spouse of eligible deceased retirees.

• Choice and Irrevocability:

• Option once exercised is final and irreversible. Decision must be made within three months from April 1, 2025.

• Option once exercised is final and irreversible.

• Decision must be made within three months from April 1, 2025.

• Contribution Requirement:

• Employee contribution: 10% of basic pay + dearness allowance. Government contribution: 10% match + additional 8.5% to ensure guaranteed payout.

• Employee contribution: 10% of basic pay + dearness allowance.

• Government contribution: 10% match + additional 8.5% to ensure guaranteed payout.

• Guaranteed Assured Payout:

• Minimum assured payout of ₹10,000/month after 10 years of qualifying service. Full payout calculated as 50% of 12-month average basic pay before retirement (subject to 25 years of service).

• Minimum assured payout of ₹10,000/month after 10 years of qualifying service.

• Full payout calculated as 50% of 12-month average basic pay before retirement (subject to 25 years of service).

• Other features: PRAN Number Continuation from NPS: The Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) issued under the NPS continues to be used without any changes. Subscribers do not need a new PRAN for this scheme. Choice of Pension Funds: Subscribers can select their preferred pension fund managers from the list of PFRDA-registered pension funds. Investment Change Flexibility: Subscribers are allowed to change their investment choice (pension fund or asset allocation) once per financial year. Additionally, they can adjust their portfolio allocation (switching between asset classes) up to two times in a financial year. Partial Withdrawal Facility: Subscribers can withdraw up to 60% of the accumulated pension corpusupon exit or retirement.

• PRAN Number Continuation from NPS: The Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) issued under the NPS continues to be used without any changes. Subscribers do not need a new PRAN for this scheme.

• Choice of Pension Funds: Subscribers can select their preferred pension fund managers from the list of PFRDA-registered pension funds.

• Investment Change Flexibility: Subscribers are allowed to change their investment choice (pension fund or asset allocation) once per financial year. Additionally, they can adjust their portfolio allocation (switching between asset classes) up to two times in a financial year.

• Additionally, they can adjust their portfolio allocation (switching between asset classes) up to two times in a financial year.

• Partial Withdrawal Facility: Subscribers can withdraw up to 60% of the accumulated pension corpusupon exit or retirement.

Equalisation Levy

Source: BS

Context: The government has proposed abolishing the 6% Equalisation Levy on online advertisements from April 1, 2025, through amendments in the Finance Bill 2025, benefiting platforms like Google, Meta, and X.

About Equalisation Levy:

• What it is: A tax imposed on non-resident digital service providers for services related to online advertisements and e-commerce transactions targeting Indian users.

• A tax imposed on non-resident digital service providers for services related to online advertisements and e-commerce transactions targeting Indian users.

• Adopted in:

• Introduced in the Finance Act, 2016 for online advertisements. Extended in the Finance Act, 2020 to e-commerce supplies and services.

• Introduced in the Finance Act, 2016 for online advertisements.

• Extended in the Finance Act, 2020 to e-commerce supplies and services.

• Aim: To ensure a fair tax system for foreign digital platforms generating revenue from Indian customers without having a physical presence in India.

• Categories under Equalisation Levy:

• Online Advertisement Services (from June 1, 2016): 6% levy on payments made to non-resident service providers for digital advertising services. E-Commerce Transactions (from April 1, 2020, till August 1, 2024): 2% levy on the value of e-commerce goods or services supplied or facilitated by non-resident e-commerce operators.

• Online Advertisement Services (from June 1, 2016): 6% levy on payments made to non-resident service providers for digital advertising services.

• 6% levy on payments made to non-resident service providers for digital advertising services.

• E-Commerce Transactions (from April 1, 2020, till August 1, 2024): 2% levy on the value of e-commerce goods or services supplied or facilitated by non-resident e-commerce operators.

• 2% levy on the value of e-commerce goods or services supplied or facilitated by non-resident e-commerce operators.

• It is levied on:

• Payments to non-residents for online advertisements or digital ad space. E-commerce supply of goods or services targeting: Indian residents. Individuals using Indian IP addresses.

• Payments to non-residents for online advertisements or digital ad space.

• E-commerce supply of goods or services targeting: Indian residents. Individuals using Indian IP addresses.

• Indian residents.

• Individuals using Indian IP addresses.

• Exemptions Provided:

• If the non-resident has a permanent establishment (PE) in India and the service is linked to that PE. Transactions below specified thresholds: ₹1 lakh for online advertisement services. ₹2 crore for e-commerce transactions. Personal use transactions, not related to business or profession.

• If the non-resident has a permanent establishment (PE) in India and the service is linked to that PE.

• Transactions below specified thresholds: ₹1 lakh for online advertisement services. ₹2 crore for e-commerce transactions.

• ₹1 lakh for online advertisement services.

• ₹2 crore for e-commerce transactions.

• Personal use transactions, not related to business or profession.

• Key Features of Equalisation Levy:

• Deduction Responsibility: The service recipient (Indian resident or non-resident with PE) deducts the levy and deposits it with the Central Government. Payment Schedule: Monthly or quarterly, with specific due dates depending on the type of service. Penalty for Non-Compliance: Equal to the amount of levy not deducted or paid; interest of 1% per month on late payments. Appeal Mechanism: Appeal to Commissioner of Income-tax (CIT) (Appeals) and Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) available within prescribed timelines through Form No. 3 and Form No. 4. Revenue Exclusion: Income subjected to equalisation levy is exempt from income tax under Section 10(50) of the Income Tax Act.

• Deduction Responsibility: The service recipient (Indian resident or non-resident with PE) deducts the levy and deposits it with the Central Government.

• Payment Schedule: Monthly or quarterly, with specific due dates depending on the type of service.

• Penalty for Non-Compliance: Equal to the amount of levy not deducted or paid; interest of 1% per month on late payments.

• Appeal Mechanism: Appeal to Commissioner of Income-tax (CIT) (Appeals) and Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) available within prescribed timelines through Form No. 3 and Form No. 4.

• Revenue Exclusion: Income subjected to equalisation levy is exempt from income tax under Section 10(50) of the Income Tax Act.

Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME)

Source: DD News

Context: The Indian Navy will participate in the maiden multilateral maritime exercise titled ‘Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement’ (AIKEYME), co-hosted with Tanzania in April 2025, to enhance maritime security and cooperation with African nations.

About Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME):

• What it is: A large-scale multilateral maritime exercise aimed at enhancing naval cooperation and interoperability between India and African nations.

• A large-scale multilateral maritime exercise aimed at enhancing naval cooperation and interoperability between India and African nations.

• Host Nations: India and Tanzania (co-hosts).

• Established in: The first edition will take place in April 2025 in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

• Nations Participating: Comoros, Djibouti Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, India and Tanzania (co-hosts)

• Aims of AIKEYME:

• To strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). To improve coordination in tackling piracy, illegal trafficking, and unregulated fishing. To enhance information sharing and surveillance between navies.

• To strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

• To improve coordination in tackling piracy, illegal trafficking, and unregulated fishing.

• To enhance information sharing and surveillance between navies.

• Key Features of AIKEYME:

• Harbour Phase Activities: Tabletop exercises on piracy response and information sharing. Training sessions in seamanship and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations. Sea Phase Operations: Search and Rescue (SAR) drills, small arms firing, helicopter operations, and VBSS exercises. Alignment with SAGAR and MAHASAGAR: Supports India’s SAGAR vision and MAHASAGAR initiative announced by PM Modi in March 2025. Deployment of INS Sunayna (IOS Sagar Initiative): Month-long joint surveillance and port calls in Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Maldives.

• Harbour Phase Activities: Tabletop exercises on piracy response and information sharing. Training sessions in seamanship and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations.

• Tabletop exercises on piracy response and information sharing.

• Training sessions in seamanship and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) operations.

• Sea Phase Operations: Search and Rescue (SAR) drills, small arms firing, helicopter operations, and VBSS exercises.

• Search and Rescue (SAR) drills, small arms firing, helicopter operations, and VBSS exercises.

• Alignment with SAGAR and MAHASAGAR: Supports India’s SAGAR vision and MAHASAGAR initiative announced by PM Modi in March 2025.

• Supports India’s SAGAR vision and MAHASAGAR initiative announced by PM Modi in March 2025.

• Deployment of INS Sunayna (IOS Sagar Initiative): Month-long joint surveillance and port calls in Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Maldives.

• Month-long joint surveillance and port calls in Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Maldives.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 March 2025 Mapping:

Türkiye

Source: TH

Context: Over 1,100 people have been detained in Türkiye following mass protests sparked by the arrest of opposition candidate and Istanbul Mayor, causing widespread unrest across 55 provinces.

About Türkiye (Turkey):

• Location: Türkiye is situated at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, acting as a bridge between both continents.

• Capital: The capital city of Türkiye is Ankara, while Istanbul is the largest city and key seaport.

• Neighbouring Nations: Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan (Nakhchivan exclave), Iran, Iraq, and Syria.

• Geographical Features: Mountains:

• Mountains:

• Pontic Mountains: Stretch along the Black Sea coast, reaching heights above 12,900 feet in the Kaçkar range. Taurus Mountains: Run parallel to the Mediterranean coast with peaks exceeding 11,000 feet. Mount Ararat: Highest peak at 5,165 meters, near the borders of Armenia and Iran.

• Pontic Mountains: Stretch along the Black Sea coast, reaching heights above 12,900 feet in the Kaçkar range.

• Taurus Mountains: Run parallel to the Mediterranean coast with peaks exceeding 11,000 feet.

• Mount Ararat: Highest peak at 5,165 meters, near the borders of Armenia and Iran.

• Rivers:

• Euphrates and Tigris Rivers: Major rivers flowing south into Syria and Iraq, forming part of the Tigris-Euphrates system. Sakarya, Kızıl, and Yeşil Rivers: Important rivers flowing into the Black Sea and Aegean Sea.

• Euphrates and Tigris Rivers: Major rivers flowing south into Syria and Iraq, forming part of the Tigris-Euphrates system.

• Sakarya, Kızıl, and Yeşil Rivers: Important rivers flowing into the Black Sea and Aegean Sea.

• Plateaus:

• Anatolian Plateau: Central massif area, characterized by flat and gently sloping lands with volcanic peaks like Erciyes (3,916 meters).

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 25 Mar 2025

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Table of Contents

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 March (2025)

Judicial Accountability in India

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

Report on Forest Diversion

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

BAANKNET portal

NeVA (National e-Vidhan Application)

Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

In-House Judicial Enquiry

Unified Pension Scheme

Equalisation Levy

Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME)

Mapping:

Türkiye

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 March 2025

Judicial Accountability in India

Report on Forest Diversion

BAANKNET portal

NeVA (National e-Vidhan Application)

Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

In-House Judicial Enquiry

Unified Pension Scheme

Equalisation Levy

Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME)

Türkiye