UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 March 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 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 – 3 March (2025)

• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

• Obesity

Obesity

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Multilingualism in India

Multilingualism in India

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Dholavira

Dholavira

• Swavalambini Scheme

Swavalambini Scheme

• Mission 300

Mission 300

• Blue Ghost

Blue Ghost

• The Dramatic Performances Act, 1876

The Dramatic Performances Act, 1876

• One Day as a Scientist Initiative

One Day as a Scientist Initiative

Mapping:

• Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 March 2025

#### GS Paper 2 :

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

Syllabus: Schemes

Source: PIB

Context: The Government of India has successfully achieved the target of forming 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) under its Central Sector Scheme for Formation and Promotion of FPOs, launched in 2020 with a ₹6,865 crore budget.

• The 10,000th FPO was launched in Khagaria district, Bihar, focusing on maize, banana, and paddy, marking a milestone in the Atmanirbhar Krishi initiative.

About Farmer Producer Organisation:

What is an FPO?

• Definition: A Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) is a collective of farmers registered under the Companies Act or Co-operative Societies Act to enhance bargaining power, market access, and productivity.

• Objective: To reduce input costs, improve productivity, and enable better price realization for small and marginal farmers.

• Role: Acts as a bridge between farmers and markets by facilitating bulk procurement, value addition, storage, processing, and direct market linkages.

Features of FPOs:

• Collective Strength: Empowers small and marginal farmers through collective marketing and procurement.

• Institutional Credit Support: Access to loans via ₹2 crore credit guarantee cover and ₹18 lakh management support per FPO.

• Market Linkages: Integration with e-NAM, ONDC, APEDA, and other e-commerce platforms.

• Value Addition & Processing: Infrastructure for grading, sorting, storage, and primary processing of agricultural produce.

• Gender Inclusion: 40% of members in registered FPOs are women, promoting gender empowerment.

Need for FPOs in India:

• Fragmented Land Holdings: 86% of farmers in India are small and marginal, lacking economies of scale.

• Market Access Issues: Farmers struggle with low bargaining power, price fluctuations, and dependence on middlemen.

• Limited Credit Availability: Lack of formal financial support forces farmers to rely on informal lending sources.

• High Input Costs: Difficulty in procuring quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides at affordable prices.

• Lack of Storage & Processing Facilities: Leads to post-harvest losses, reducing farmer income.

Challenges Faced by FPOs:

• Complex Regulations: Multiple agencies like FSSAI, BIS, APEDA impose different compliance standards, creating confusion for FPOs.

• Low Digital Adoption: Despite ONDC & eNAM, most FPOs lack digital literacy, limiting their ability to leverage e-commerce platforms.

• Limited Market Linkages: 80% of FPOs struggle to connect with buyers, processors, and exporters, reducing their revenue potential.

• Traceability & Export Barriers: Lack of quality certification and traceability systems restricts access to international markets.

• Lack of Product Information: No centralized database on FPO products, leading to poor visibility and reduced market access.

Way Forward

• Strengthen E-commerce Integration: Train FPOs on digital marketing, e-NAM, and ONDC platforms to expand their reach.

• Simplified Compliance Process: Create a unified regulatory framework to streamline export and domestic trade compliance.

• Scaling Best Practices: Replicate successful models like Kandhamal Turmeric FPO (Odisha) and Thailand’s One Village, One Product (OVOP) initiative.

• Database for FPOs: Develop a centralized, product-specific database for better buyer-seller matchmaking and market integration.

• Capacity Building & Training: Implement specialized training programs on global compliance, food safety, and quality certification.

Conclusion:

The achievement of 10,000 FPOs marks a transformative shift in Indian agriculture towards self-reliance and economic sustainability. By enhancing market access, ensuring financial support, and fostering collective strength, FPOs can significantly boost farmer incomes.

• “In the villages itself no form of credit organisation will be suitable except the cooperative society.” – All Indian rural credit survey. Discuss this statement in the background of agriculture finance in India. What constrain and challenges do financial institutions supplying agricultural finances? How can technology be used to better reach and serve rural clients? (UPSC-2014)

Obesity

Syllabus: Health

Source: PIB

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a nationwide anti-obesity campaign, urging Indians to reduce oil consumption by 10%.

About Obesity:

What is Obesity?

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is defined as an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health.

• The commonly used metric to classify obesity is Body Mass Index (BMI), where a BMI of 25 or aboveis considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or above is classified as obese.

• In India, a person is considered: Overweightif their Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 0 and 24.9 kg/m² Obeseif their BMI is 25 kg/m² or higher. Morbid obesityoccurs when a person’s BMI is 35 or more.

• Overweightif their Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 0 and 24.9 kg/m²

• Obeseif their BMI is 25 kg/m² or higher.

• Morbid obesityoccurs when a person’s BMI is 35 or more.

Global and National Obesity Statistics:

• Global Obesity Trends:

• Between 1990-2022, childhood obesity (ages 5-19) increased fourfold from 2% to 8%.

• Adult obesity more than doubled, rising from 7% to 16%.

• Obesity in India:

• NFHS-5 (2019-21) Data: 24% women and 23% men are overweight or obese. 4% women and 4% men (aged 15-49) are obese. Overweight children under 5 years increased from 1% (2015-16) to 3.4% (2019-21).

• 24% women and 23% men are overweight or obese.

• 4% women and 4% men (aged 15-49) are obese.

• Overweight children under 5 years increased from 1% (2015-16) to 3.4% (2019-21).

Key Drivers Behind Rising Obesity in India

• Unhealthy Diets: Increased consumption of processed foods, high sugar, salt, and trans fats leads to weight gain.

• Sedentary Lifestyles: Technology-driven habits reduce physical activity, promoting obesity.

• Urbanization: Shift to fast food and reduced active commuting contributes to weight gain.

• Genetic and Metabolic Factors: Family history and hormonal imbalances affect metabolism and fat storage.

• Mental Stress: Stress triggers binge eating and poor dietary habits, leading to obesity.

• Lack of Awareness: Limited nutritional knowledge results in unhealthy food choices and lifestyle habits.

Government Initiatives to Counter Obesity:

• National Health Mission (NHM) – NP-NCD: Focuses on screening, early diagnosis, and behavior change to prevent obesity and related diseases under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).

• Fit India Movement & Khelo India Programme: Encourages physical activity in daily life through Fit India School Certification, while Khelo India promotes sports participation and athletic excellence with modern facilities.

• POSHAN Abhiyaan (2018): Aims to combat childhood obesity by promoting balanced nutrition and initiatives like Poshan Vatikas (Nutri-Gardens) for homegrown healthy food.

• Eat Right India Movement (FSSAI): Includes the ‘Aaj Se Thoda Kam’ campaign to reduce fat, salt, and sugar intake, along with Front-of-Pack Labelling (FOPL) to identify High-Fat, Salt, and Sugar (HFSS) foods.

• RUCO Initiative (FSSAI): Repurposes Used Cooking Oil to prevent harmful fat consumption, converting it into biofuel instead of allowing reuse in the food chain.

Challenges in Controlling Obesity:

• Cultural Dietary Habits: High consumption of carbs, fried, and sugary foods leads to excess calorie intake.

• Limited Policy Implementation: Awareness programs exist but lack enforcement and community engagement.

• Economic Factors: Healthy foods are costlier than processed and fast foods, making unhealthy options more accessible.

• Lack of Physical Infrastructure: Few parks, walkways, and fitness spaces discourage active lifestyles.

• Marketing Influence: Aggressive fast-food ads encourage poor eating habits, especially in children.

Way Forward:

• Nutritional Education: Schools and workplaces must promote healthy eating habits and portion control.

• Policy Reforms: Tax sugary foods, subsidize healthy options, and improve affordability of nutritious food.

• Fitness Promotion: Mandate physical activity programs in schools, offices, and urban planning.

• Stringent Food Regulations: Ban trans fats, enforce clear labeling, and regulate misleading ads.

Conclusion:

With strategic policies, strong awareness campaigns, and community-driven action, India can reverse obesity trends and build a healthier future. A collective approach integrating nutrition, exercise, and policy enforcement will ensure sustained impact.

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

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Multilingualism in India

Context: A study of 2011 Census data reveals that only 26.02% of Indians are bilingual and 7.1% are trilingual, raising concerns about the effectiveness of India’s three-language formula.

About Multilingualism in India:

Top & Bottom States for Multilingualism:

• Best Performing States (Bilingualism & Trilingualism Highest)

• Goa – 77.21% bilingual, 50.82% trilingual (only state where trilingualism exceeds 50%). Other high-ranked states: Arunachal Pradesh (64.03%), Sikkim (63.71%), Nagaland (62.15%), Maharashtra (51.1%).

• Goa – 77.21% bilingual, 50.82% trilingual (only state where trilingualism exceeds 50%).

• Other high-ranked states: Arunachal Pradesh (64.03%), Sikkim (63.71%), Nagaland (62.15%), Maharashtra (51.1%).

• Lowest Bilingualism & Trilingualism (Mainly Hindi-speaking States)

• Rajasthan (10.9%), Uttar Pradesh (11.45%), Bihar (12.82%), Chhattisgarh (13.25%), Madhya Pradesh (13.51%). These states also fall below 2% for trilingualism.

• Rajasthan (10.9%), Uttar Pradesh (11.45%), Bihar (12.82%), Chhattisgarh (13.25%), Madhya Pradesh (13.51%).

• These states also fall below 2% for trilingualism.

Common Language Combinations (Bilingual & Trilingual)

• Bilingual (Top Combinations in 2011 Census)

• Marathi-Hindi (3.47 crore) > Hindi-English (3.2 crore) > Gujarati-Hindi (2.17 crore). Tamil-English (1.23 crore) and Telugu-English (80.75 lakh) are the only non-Hindi combinations in the top 10.

• Marathi-Hindi (3.47 crore) > Hindi-English (3.2 crore) > Gujarati-Hindi (2.17 crore).

• Tamil-English (1.23 crore) and Telugu-English (80.75 lakh) are the only non-Hindi combinations in the top 10.

• Trilingual (Top Combinations in 2011 Census)

• Marathi-Hindi-English (1.01 crore) > Punjabi-Hindi-English (77.99 lakh) > Gujarati-Hindi-English (66.32 lakh).

Hindi as a Mother Tongue & Regional Distribution:

• 43.63% of Indians reported Hindi as their mother tongue.

• Less than 1% of people speak Hindi in 5 states/UTs, including Tamil Nadu & Kerala.

• Less than 5% speak Hindi in another 7 states/UTs, including Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka.

• Andhra Pradesh (including Telangana in 2011 Census) had the highest Hindi-speaking proportion in South India at 3.69%.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• General Studies Paper 1: Indian Society & Culture

• Linguistic diversity in India and its role in cultural identity & integration. Regional language disputes and the impact of language policies on education & society.

• Linguistic diversity in India and its role in cultural identity & integration.

• Regional language disputes and the impact of language policies on education & society.

• General Studies Paper 2: Indian Constitution & Governance

• Language policy under Article 343-351 of the Indian Constitution. Three-language formula & role of NEP 2020 in education policy. Federalism & Centre-State relations in linguistic administration.

• Language policy under Article 343-351 of the Indian Constitution.

• Three-language formula & role of NEP 2020 in education policy.

• Federalism & Centre-State relations in linguistic administration.

• Essay Paper

• “Multilingualism: A Strength or a Challenge for India?” “Language & National Integration in India”

• “Multilingualism: A Strength or a Challenge for India?”

• “Language & National Integration in India”

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Dholavira

Source: DH

Context: President Droupadi Murmu visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dholavira in Gujarat, appreciating the conservation efforts of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

About Dholavira:

• Location:

• Situated on Khadir Bet Island in the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. Lies within the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and on the Tropic of Cancer.

• Situated on Khadir Bet Island in the Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.

• Lies within the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and on the Tropic of Cancer.

• Key Features of Dholavira:

• City Layout: Divided into three sections – Citadel, Middle Town, and Lower Town, unlike other Harappan sites. Material Usage: Unlike Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, which primarily used bricks, Dholavira extensively used stone in construction. Multi-Purpose Grounds: Included a festive ground and a marketplace.

• City Layout: Divided into three sections – Citadel, Middle Town, and Lower Town, unlike other Harappan sites.

• Material Usage: Unlike Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, which primarily used bricks, Dholavira extensively used stone in construction.

• Multi-Purpose Grounds: Included a festive ground and a marketplace.

• Discovered by:

• Discovered in 1967 by archaeologist Jagat Pati Joshi. Excavations were systematically conducted from 1990 to 2005 under Dr. Ravindra Singh Bisht of ASI.

• Discovered in 1967 by archaeologist Jagat Pati Joshi.

• Excavations were systematically conducted from 1990 to 2005 under Dr. Ravindra Singh Bisht of ASI.

• Unique Features of Dholavira:

• Advanced Water Conservation System: 16 massive reservoirs for rainwater harvesting, stepwells, check dams, and underground water storage. Known as Jal Durga (Water Fort) due to its superior water management techniques. Funerary Architecture: Unique hemispherical structures, unlike the rectangular burial sites found in Harappa. Trade and Commerce: Connected to the Magan (Oman Peninsula) and Mesopotamian regions.

• 16 massive reservoirs for rainwater harvesting, stepwells, check dams, and underground water storage.

• Known as Jal Durga (Water Fort) due to its superior water management techniques.

• Funerary Architecture: Unique hemispherical structures, unlike the rectangular burial sites found in Harappa.

• Trade and Commerce: Connected to the Magan (Oman Peninsula) and Mesopotamian regions.

• Dholavira, one of the most significant Indus Valley Civilization sites, was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021 and showcases advanced town planning and water conservation systems.

Swavalambini Scheme

Source: PIB

Context: Swavalambini, a Women Entrepreneurship Programme, was launched at Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, to empower female entrepreneurs across India.

About Swavalambini:

• What is Swavalambini?

• A structured entrepreneurship initiative for young women in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Provides skill development, mentorship, funding support, and incubation opportunities.

• A structured entrepreneurship initiative for young women in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

• Provides skill development, mentorship, funding support, and incubation opportunities.

• Implemented by: National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) and NITI Aayog.

• Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

• Aim of the Initiative:

• Enhance women’s participation in entrepreneurship through structured training and mentorship. Promote self-employment and economic independence among young women. Encourage at least 10% of trained participants to establish successful enterprises.

• Enhance women’s participation in entrepreneurship through structured training and mentorship.

• Promote self-employment and economic independence among young women.

• Encourage at least 10% of trained participants to establish successful enterprises.

• Key Features of Swavalambini: Multi-Stage Training Approach:

• Multi-Stage Training Approach:

• Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP): 2-day workshop for 600 students on business fundamentals. Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP): 40-hour advanced training for 300 students covering finance, market linkages, compliance, and legal aspects. Six-Month Mentorship Support: Helps participants transition from ideation to enterprise creation.

• Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP): 2-day workshop for 600 students on business fundamentals.

• Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP): 40-hour advanced training for 300 students covering finance, market linkages, compliance, and legal aspects.

• Six-Month Mentorship Support: Helps participants transition from ideation to enterprise creation.

• Faculty Development Programme (FDP): Trains educators to mentor and guide women entrepreneurs within HEIs.

• Trains educators to mentor and guide women entrepreneurs within HEIs.

• Recognition & Rewards:

• Award to Rewards Initiative: Recognizes top-performing women entrepreneurs.

• Nationwide Implementation:

• Initially launched in Eastern HEIs (IIT Bhubaneswar, NEHU Shillong, Gauhati University, etc.). Now expanded to BHU, University of Hyderabad, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, and more.

• Initially launched in Eastern HEIs (IIT Bhubaneswar, NEHU Shillong, Gauhati University, etc.).

• Now expanded to BHU, University of Hyderabad, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, and more.

Mission 300

Source: DD News

Context: The World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB), along with key partners, have launched Mission 300, an ambitious initiative to electrify 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.

About Mission 300:

• What is Mission 300? Mission 300 is a large-scale electrification initiative aimed at providing electricity to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 through grid expansion, mini-grids, and off-grid solar solutions.

• Mission 300 is a large-scale electrification initiative aimed at providing electricity to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 through grid expansion, mini-grids, and off-grid solar solutions.

• Launched In: 2025

• Launched By: World Bank, African Development Bank (AfDB), in collaboration with Rockefeller Foundation, Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP), Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL), and Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP).

• Aim: To provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to 300 million people in Africa, accelerating the transition to clean energy solutions.

• Key Features of Mission 300: Multi-Sector Collaboration: Partners with governments, private investors, and multilateral banks to drive large-scale electrification. Hybrid Electrification Model: Expands national grids while deploying mini-grids and off-grid solar for rural and remote areas. Digital & Real-Time Monitoring: Implements digital tracking and mobile-based data collection for progress verification and accountability. Financial & Policy Frameworks: Leverages public-private financing and strengthens regional power transmission networks. Social Impact & Inclusion: Promotes women-led energy enterprises and generates employment through energy sector expansion.

• Multi-Sector Collaboration: Partners with governments, private investors, and multilateral banks to drive large-scale electrification.

• Hybrid Electrification Model: Expands national grids while deploying mini-grids and off-grid solar for rural and remote areas.

• Digital & Real-Time Monitoring: Implements digital tracking and mobile-based data collection for progress verification and accountability.

• Financial & Policy Frameworks: Leverages public-private financing and strengthens regional power transmission networks.

• Social Impact & Inclusion: Promotes women-led energy enterprises and generates employment through energy sector expansion.

NOTE: Focus more on initiative name, aim, and launched by.

Blue Ghost

Source: IT

Context: Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost successfully landed upright on the Moon, becoming the second private spacecraft to achieve this feat.

About Blue Ghost:

• What is Blue Ghost? Blue Ghost is a privately developed lunar lander designed for scientific exploration and technology demonstration on the Moon. The mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, which partners with private companies to advance lunar exploration.

• Blue Ghost is a privately developed lunar lander designed for scientific exploration and technology demonstration on the Moon.

• The mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, which partners with private companies to advance lunar exploration.

• Developed By: Firefly Aerospace, a Texas-based private space company.

• Mission Aim: Scientific Research: Conduct lunar soil analysis and test radiation-tolerant technology. Navigation Experiments: Evaluate global satellite navigation feasibility on the Moon. Artemis Program Support: Help develop cost-effective solutions for future human missions.

• Scientific Research: Conduct lunar soil analysis and test radiation-tolerant technology.

• Navigation Experiments: Evaluate global satellite navigation feasibility on the Moon.

• Artemis Program Support: Help develop cost-effective solutions for future human missions.

• Key Features: Landing Location: Mons Latreille, a volcanic formation in the Mare Crisium Size: Comparable to a hippopotamus (compact but robust design). Instruments: Equipped with 10 scientific payloads, including lunar dust analysis tools. Operational Timeline: Designed to function for one full lunar day (14 Earth days). Eclipse & Sunset Imaging: Will capture a total lunar eclipse on March 14 and a lunar sunset on March 16.

• Landing Location: Mons Latreille, a volcanic formation in the Mare Crisium

• Size: Comparable to a hippopotamus (compact but robust design).

• Instruments: Equipped with 10 scientific payloads, including lunar dust analysis tools.

• Operational Timeline: Designed to function for one full lunar day (14 Earth days).

• Eclipse & Sunset Imaging: Will capture a total lunar eclipse on March 14 and a lunar sunset on March 16.

• 1st Private Moon Mission:

• Intuitive Machines’ Odysseus became the first private spacecraft to land on the Moon (February 2024), but it landed sideways.

• Blue Ghost is the first commercial lander to achieve a stable and upright lunar landing, improving mission success rates.

The Dramatic Performances Act, 1876

Source: IE

Context: Prime Minister during the NXT Conclave highlighted the Dramatic Performances Act, 1876, which allowed the British government to ban public performances on vague grounds.

• Though declared unconstitutional in 1956 by the Allahabad High Court, the law was formally repealed in 2017 as part of the government’s effort to remove obsolete laws.

About the Dramatic Performances Act, 1876:

• What is the Dramatic Performances Act, 1876? Enacted by the British colonial government to curb nationalist expression through theatre and stage performances. Gave authorities the power to ban plays, pantomimes, and public performances that were deemed seditious, obscene, defamatory, or scandalous.

• Enacted by the British colonial government to curb nationalist expression through theatre and stage performances.

• Gave authorities the power to ban plays, pantomimes, and public performances that were deemed seditious, obscene, defamatory, or scandalous.

• Reason Behind the Act: Introduced after the 1875-76 visit of the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward, to suppress growing nationalist sentiments in India. Aimed at controlling public opinion and restricting freedom of expression through the arts.

• Introduced after the 1875-76 visit of the Prince of Wales, Albert Edward, to suppress growing nationalist sentiments in India.

• Aimed at controlling public opinion and restricting freedom of expression through the arts.

• Who Were Covered Under the Act? Theatre groups, playwrights, actors, and performers involved in public performances. Any venue hosting plays, pantomimes, or any form of dramatic art.

• Theatre groups, playwrights, actors, and performers involved in public performances.

• Any venue hosting plays, pantomimes, or any form of dramatic art.

• Important Provisions of the Act: Banning Power: Any public performance could be prohibited if deemed “scandalous, defamatory, seditious, or obscene.” Search & Seizure: Authorities could raid venues and seize materials related to banned performances. Punishment: Imposed up to 3 months in jail or fines for violating the Act. Magistrate’s Authority: Allowed a Magistrate to cancel permits or licenses of performing groups.

• Banning Power: Any public performance could be prohibited if deemed “scandalous, defamatory, seditious, or obscene.”

• Search & Seizure: Authorities could raid venues and seize materials related to banned performances.

• Punishment: Imposed up to 3 months in jail or fines for violating the Act.

• Magistrate’s Authority: Allowed a Magistrate to cancel permits or licenses of performing groups.

• Why Did the Law Continue After Independence? Article 372 of the Constitution allowed pre-existing colonial laws to remain in force until repealed or challenged. The Allahabad High Court in 1956 (State v. Baboo Lal & Ors.) struck down the Act for violating Article 19(1)(a) – Freedom of Speech & Expression.

• Article 372 of the Constitution allowed pre-existing colonial laws to remain in force until repealed or challenged.

• The Allahabad High Court in 1956 (State v. Baboo Lal & Ors.) struck down the Act for violating Article 19(1)(a) – Freedom of Speech & Expression.

• Formally repealed by The Repealing and Amending (Second) Act, 2017 under the government’s ease of doing business

One Day as a Scientist Initiative

Source: PIB

Context: In response to PM Mann Ki Baat appeal, Ayush institutions opened their research labs to students under the ‘One Day as a Scientist’ initiative.

About One Day as a Scientist initiative:

• What is it? A government initiative allowing students to experience real-world scientific research for a day in Ayush laboratories. Provides hands-on exposure to advanced lab equipment and modern research methodologies.

• A government initiative allowing students to experience real-world scientific research for a day in Ayush laboratories.

• Provides hands-on exposure to advanced lab equipment and modern research methodologies.

• Ministry: Ministry of Ayush

• Implemented by: Leading Ayush research institutes, universities, and specialized labs.

• Aim & Objectives: Encourage youth participation in scientific research and Ayush healthcare advancements. Bridge traditional and modern medicine through scientific validation and innovation. Develop scientific temperament among students by providing lab exposure and expert interactions.

• Encourage youth participation in scientific research and Ayush healthcare advancements.

• Bridge traditional and modern medicine through scientific validation and innovation.

• Develop scientific temperament among students by providing lab exposure and expert interactions.

• Key Features: Hands-on Lab Experience: Students visit Ayush research institutions and explore cutting-edge scientific tools. Mentorship by Scientists: Experts provide insights into research methodologies and technology. Integration of Modern & Traditional Sciences: Focus on Ayush therapies, advanced diagnostic tools, and scientific validation. Nationwide Participation: Conducted across multiple institutions, including National Institute of Ayurveda, CCRH, and CRIYN. Inspiring Future Careers: Encourages students to pursue careers in scientific research and innovation.

• Hands-on Lab Experience: Students visit Ayush research institutions and explore cutting-edge scientific tools.

• Mentorship by Scientists: Experts provide insights into research methodologies and technology.

• Integration of Modern & Traditional Sciences: Focus on Ayush therapies, advanced diagnostic tools, and scientific validation.

• Nationwide Participation: Conducted across multiple institutions, including National Institute of Ayurveda, CCRH, and CRIYN.

• Inspiring Future Careers: Encourages students to pursue careers in scientific research and innovation.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 March 2025 Mapping:

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

Source: TH

Context: Researchers from University of Kerala have discovered two new species of jumping spiders from Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala, marking the first record of the Epidelaxia genus in India.

• The species, Epidelaxia falciformis sp. nov. and Epidelaxia palustris sp. nov., extend the known range of the genus beyond Sri Lanka, enhancing the biodiversity records of the Western Ghats.

About Newly Identified Jumping Spider Species:

• What are they? These belong to the Epidelaxia genus, a group of jumping spiders previously believed to be endemic to Sri Lanka. Discovered in Kulathupuzha, Kollam.

• These belong to the Epidelaxia genus, a group of jumping spiders previously believed to be endemic to Sri Lanka.

• Discovered in Kulathupuzha, Kollam.

• Names & Classification: Epidelaxia falciformis sp. nov. Epidelaxia palustris sp. nov.

• Epidelaxia falciformis sp. nov.

• Epidelaxia palustris sp. nov.

• Unique Features: falciformis: Males have brown carapace with a yellow stripe, and females exhibit a yellow triangular-shaped marking on the prosoma. palustris: Males have pale brown bands on the sides, and females have white orbital setae (hairs) around their eyes. Adaptation: Highly specialized for survival in dense foliage of Western Ghats.

• falciformis: Males have brown carapace with a yellow stripe, and females exhibit a yellow triangular-shaped marking on the prosoma.

• palustris: Males have pale brown bands on the sides, and females have white orbital setae (hairs) around their eyes.

• Adaptation: Highly specialized for survival in dense foliage of Western Ghats.

About Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: Located in Kollam district, Kerala, under Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve. Declared a wildlife sanctuary on August 25, 1984, covering 4 sq. km. Encompasses Thenmala Dam reservoir (~18.69 sq. km).

• Located in Kollam district, Kerala, under Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.

• Declared a wildlife sanctuary on August 25, 1984, covering 4 sq. km.

• Encompasses Thenmala Dam reservoir (~18.69 sq. km).

• Major Flora & Fauna: Flora: Tropical evergreen & semi-evergreen forests, home to 1,257 flowering plant species, with 309 endemic to the Western Ghats.

• Flora: Tropical evergreen & semi-evergreen forests, home to 1,257 flowering plant species, with 309 endemic to the Western Ghats.

• Fauna:

• Mammals – Lion-tailed macaque (endangered), Indian bison, Malabar giant squirrel. Birds – 267 species, including the Great Eared Nightjar, first recorded in Kerala here.

• Mammals – Lion-tailed macaque (endangered), Indian bison, Malabar giant squirrel.

• Birds – 267 species, including the Great Eared Nightjar, first recorded in Kerala here.

• Rivers & Unique Aspects: Rivers: Mansar & Manhar flow through the sanctuary. Unique Aspects:

• Rivers: Mansar & Manhar flow through the sanctuary.

• Unique Aspects:

• First eco-tourism project in India (Thenmala Eco-Tourism). No sandalwood trees, a rare characteristic among Kerala’s forests.

• First eco-tourism project in India (Thenmala Eco-Tourism).

• No sandalwood trees, a rare characteristic among Kerala’s forests.

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 2 Mar 2025

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Table of Contents

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 March (2025)

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

Obesity

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

Multilingualism in India

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

Dholavira

Swavalambini Scheme

Mission 300

Blue Ghost

The Dramatic Performances Act, 1876

One Day as a Scientist Initiative

Mapping:

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 March 2025

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

Obesity

Multilingualism in India

Dholavira

Swavalambini Scheme

Mission 300

Blue Ghost

The Dramatic Performances Act, 1876

One Day as a Scientist Initiative

Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary