UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 March 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 March 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 March (2025)
• From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth Story
From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth Story
GS Paper 3:
• Taxing Virtual Digital Assets
Taxing Virtual Digital Assets
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
• Payodhi Milk Bank
Payodhi Milk Bank
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Navratna Status
Navratna Status
• National Green Hydrogen Mission
National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Dolphin Survey
Dolphin Survey
• EPIC Number
EPIC Number
• Bose Metal
Bose Metal
• National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
Mapping:
• Zambia
Zambia
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 March 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth Story
Syllabus: Women
Source: Niti Aayog
Context: NITI Aayog launched the report “From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth Story” highlighting increased financial participation of women.
• The report, published by TransUnion CIBIL, Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), and MicroSave Consulting (MSC), shows a 42% rise in women monitoring their credit as of December 2024.
About Findings on Women and Financial Growth:
Increased Credit Participation:
• Women borrowers tripled between 2019 and 2024.
• 60% of women borrowers are from semi-urban and rural areas.
• Women’s share in business loans increased by 14%, and in gold loans by 6% since 2019.
Rise in Credit Monitoring & Awareness:
• 27 million women monitored their credit in 2024, a 42% increase from 2023.
• More women in non-metro regions (48%) are actively monitoring credit than in metro areas (30%).
• 62% of self-monitoring women fall into prime or above credit bands, improving credit health.
Regional Credit Participation:
• Southern states lead in financial inclusion, with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Telangana having the highest women borrowers.
• Northern & central states (UP, Rajasthan, MP) saw the fastest growth in live women borrowers in the past five years.
Success of Financial Inclusion for Women:
• Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP): Provides mentorship, market access, and financial literacy.
• Financing Women Collaborative (FWC): Promotes gender-intelligent financial products and public-private partnerships.
• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): ₹2.22 lakh crore in loans disbursed to 4.24 crore women entrepreneurs in FY 2023-24.
• PM SVANidhi Yojana: ₹5,939.7 crore disbursed to 30.6 lakh women street vendors by Dec 2024.
• Udyam Registration: 40% of MSMEs in India are now women-owned.
Challenges Faced by Women in Financial Access:
• Credit Aversion: Fear of loan repayment and financial instability.
• Collateral & Guarantor Issues: 79% of women-owned businesses are self-financed, with limited access to formal credit.
• Poor Banking Experience: Women face bureaucratic hurdles and lack advisory support in financial institutions.
• Limited Financial Products for Women: Rigid loan structures do not cater to women’s unique financial needs.
• Lack of Credit Readiness: 30% of individual women entrepreneurs lack required documentation and financial records.
Way Ahead:
• Reimagining Credit Risk Assessment: Using AI, big data, and alternative scoring models to reduce gender bias.
• Gender-Intelligent Financial Products: Offering flexible repayment terms, non-collateral loans, and tailored services.
• Boosting Credit Readiness: Promoting digital transactions, bookkeeping, and financial literacy to increase loan accessibility.
• Strengthening Support Ecosystem: Expanding WEP and FWC networks to provide mentorship, networking, and access to capital.
• Increasing Gender Representation in Finance: Encouraging more women in financial decision-making roles to design inclusive products.
Conclusion:
Women are transitioning from borrowers to economic builders, leveraging financial tools for business growth and financial independence. While credit awareness and participation are rising, gender-based financial barriers persist. Addressing these challenges through inclusive policies, AI-driven credit assessments, and targeted financial products will unlock women’s full economic potential, driving India’s financial growth and gender equity.
• Is inclusive growth possible under market economy? State the significance of financial inclusion in achieving economic growth in India. (UPSC-2022)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 March 2025 GS Paper 3:
Taxing Virtual Digital Assets
Syllabus: Budget
Source: TH
Context: The Income Tax Bill, 2025 classifies Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) as property and capital assets, bringing them under capital gains taxation and regulatory scrutiny.
• The bill imposes a 30% tax on VDA transfers, 1% TDS on transactions, and mandates reporting, ensuring transparency and preventing financial misuse.
About Taxing Virtual Digital Assets:
What are Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs)?
• Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) refer to digitally represented assets that use blockchain or cryptographic technology for transactions.
• Defined under Section 2(111) of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, VDAs include cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and similar digital assets.
Types of VDAs:
• Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Solana, etc.
• Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs): Unique digital collectibles and assets.
• Stablecoins: Crypto assets pegged to fiat currencies (e.g., USDT, USDC).
• Tokenized Assets: Digital representations of real-world assets (e.g., tokenized stocks, real estate).
Reasons Behind the Proposal to Tax Virtual Digital Assets:
• Aligning with Global Practices: Countries like the U.K., U.S., Australia, and New Zealand tax crypto assets as property or securities.
• Revenue Generation: High trading volumes in crypto markets present a new tax revenue stream for the government.
• Preventing Tax Evasion: Unreported crypto gains pose a risk of black money accumulation and illicit transactions.
• Ensuring Regulatory Oversight: Tracking large crypto transactions through 1% TDS and mandatory reporting reduces financial misuse.
• Reducing Financial Fraud & Risks: Unregulated crypto trading can lead to fraud, Ponzi schemes, and investor losses.
Challenges in Taxing Virtual Digital Assets:
• Lack of Comprehensive Regulations: Taxation is in place, but market regulation, investor protection, and enforcement mechanisms remain weak.
• Absence of Deductions: Unlike other assets, crypto investors cannot claim deductions for transaction fees, mining costs, or commissions.
• High Tax Burden: Flat 30% tax discourages retail investors and crypto startups from participating in the market.
• Compliance Complexity: Mandatory TDS and reporting requirements increase the burden on traders, exchanges, and businesses.
• Global Crypto Mobility: Investors may move funds to tax-friendly countries, reducing India’s potential tax revenue.
Way Ahead:
• Comprehensive Regulatory Framework: Establish clear rules for investor protection, fraud prevention, and stablecoin regulations.
• Balanced Taxation: Introduce progressive tax rates and allow deductions for transaction costs to improve compliance.
• Strengthening Enforcement: Enhance AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) norms to prevent misuse.
• International Collaboration: Align policies with G20 and FATF recommendations to create a harmonized global crypto taxation model.
• Consumer Awareness & Protection: Educate investors on risks, legal obligations, and compliance requirements for safer participation.
Conclusion:
The taxation of Virtual Digital Assets under the Income Tax Bill, 2025 is a major step toward regulatory clarity, ensuring financial transparency and government oversight. A balanced approach integrating taxation, financial regulation, and consumer rights is necessary to build a secure and inclusive digital asset ecosystem.
• Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long-term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018-2019. (UPSC-2018)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Payodhi Milk Bank
Context: AIIMS launched ‘Payodhi’, a human milk bank, to provide pasteurised donor human milk for critically ill preterm babies in the NICU.
About Payodhi Milk Bank:
What is Payodhi?
• Payodhi is a human milk bank and lactation management centre at AIIMS, New Delhi.
• It collects, processes, and stores pasteurised donor milk for premature and critically ill newborns.
Launched at: AIIMS Neonatology Division, Department of Pediatrics, after acquiring a pasteuriser in September 2024.
Aim of Payodhi:
• To provide safe and processed human milk to preterm and critically ill NICU babies.
• To support lactating mothers through counselling, milk donation, and storage facilities.
Significance of Payodhi:
• Lifesaving Nutrition: Ensures better survival, immunity, and brain development for premature infants.
• Supports NICU Babies: Addresses cases where mothers cannot breastfeed due to medical reasons.
• Prevents Milk Wastage: Utilises excess breast milk from donors to help other newborns.
• Free-of-Cost Service: Ensures equitable healthcare access to critically ill infants.
• Aligns with Global Standards: Follows WHO and Government of India guidelines on infant nutrition.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
GS Paper 2 – Governance, Health & Social Justice
• Maternal & Child Health: Supports SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being) and POSHAN Abhiyaan goals.
• Government Policies & Interventions: Aligns with National Guidelines on Lactation Management Centres.
GS Paper 4 – Ethics & Humanitarian Concerns
• Medical Ethics & Equity: Provides lifesaving nutrition to vulnerable infants.
• Compassion & Social Responsibility: Encourages human milk donation for public health welfare.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Navratna Status
Source: LM
Context: The Central Government has granted Navratna status to IRCTC and IRFC, making them the 25th and 26th Navratna CPSEs in India.
About Navratna Status:
• What is Navratna Status?
• Navratna is a prestigious classification for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) demonstrating exceptional financial and operational performance. It grants greater investment autonomy and decision-making flexibility.
• Navratna is a prestigious classification for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) demonstrating exceptional financial and operational performance.
• It grants greater investment autonomy and decision-making flexibility.
• Who Grants Navratna Status?
• The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Finance awards Navratna status to eligible CPSEs.
• The Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Finance awards Navratna status to eligible CPSEs.
• Eligibility Criteria for Navratna Status: To qualify as a Navratna CPSE, a company must:
• To qualify as a Navratna CPSE, a company must:
• Be a Miniratna-I CPSE with a positive net worth. Secure an “Excellent” or “Very Good” MoU rating in three of the last five years. Score 60+ points on key financial indicators, including net profit, net worth, and manpower cost. Have at least four independent directors on its board.
• Be a Miniratna-I CPSE with a positive net worth.
• Secure an “Excellent” or “Very Good” MoU rating in three of the last five years.
• Score 60+ points on key financial indicators, including net profit, net worth, and manpower cost.
• Have at least four independent directors on its board.
• Benefits of Navratna Status to Firms:
• Investment Autonomy: Can invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth without government approval. Expansion and Diversification: Freedom to form joint ventures, subsidiaries, and alliances globally. Increased Market Credibility: Attracts investors and strategic partnerships, enhancing business growth.
• Investment Autonomy: Can invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth without government approval.
• Expansion and Diversification: Freedom to form joint ventures, subsidiaries, and alliances globally.
• Increased Market Credibility: Attracts investors and strategic partnerships, enhancing business growth.
About Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC):
• What is IRCTC?
• IRCTC is a public sector enterprise providing ticketing, catering, and tourism services for Indian Railways.
• IRCTC is a public sector enterprise providing ticketing, catering, and tourism services for Indian Railways.
• Establishment and Ministry:
• Established in: 1999 Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.
• Established in: 1999
• Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.
• Key Functions:
• E-Ticketing: Manages online train reservations through its portal and mobile apps. Catering Services: Operates onboard catering and manages railway food plazas. Tourism Services: Offers rail-based tourism packages, including luxury trains like Maharajas’ Express. Rail Neer: Produces and supplies packaged drinking water for railway passengers.
• E-Ticketing: Manages online train reservations through its portal and mobile apps.
• Catering Services: Operates onboard catering and manages railway food plazas.
• Tourism Services: Offers rail-based tourism packages, including luxury trains like Maharajas’ Express.
• Rail Neer: Produces and supplies packaged drinking water for railway passengers.
About Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC):
• What is IRFC?
• IRFC is a public sector undertaking (PSU) responsible for raising financial resources for the expansion and modernization of Indian Railways. It secures funding from capital markets, banks, and other financial institutions.
• IRFC is a public sector undertaking (PSU) responsible for raising financial resources for the expansion and modernization of Indian Railways.
• It secures funding from capital markets, banks, and other financial institutions.
• Establishment and Ministry:
• Established in: 12 December 1986 Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.
• Established in: 12 December 1986
• Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India.
• Key Functions:
• Funding Indian Railways: Provides low-cost capital for railway expansion. Market Borrowings: Raises funds through bonds, external borrowings, and public offerings. Rolling Stock Leasing: Finances the procurement of locomotives, coaches, and wagons. Infrastructure Development: Supports the modernization and electrification of railway networks.
• Funding Indian Railways: Provides low-cost capital for railway expansion.
• Market Borrowings: Raises funds through bonds, external borrowings, and public offerings.
• Rolling Stock Leasing: Finances the procurement of locomotives, coaches, and wagons.
• Infrastructure Development: Supports the modernization and electrification of railway networks.
National Green Hydrogen Mission
Source: PIB
Context: The Government of India has sanctioned five pilot projects for using hydrogen in buses and trucks under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• These projects will deploy 37 hydrogen-powered vehicles across 10 major routes, supported by ₹208 crore in funding.
About National Green Hydrogen Mission:
• What is the Green Hydrogen Mission?
• A flagship initiative aimed at making India a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage, and export. Focuses on decarbonization, clean energy adoption, and reducing fossil fuel dependency.
• A flagship initiative aimed at making India a global hub for green hydrogen production, usage, and export.
• Focuses on decarbonization, clean energy adoption, and reducing fossil fuel dependency.
• Launched In: 4th January 2023
• Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
• Budget Outlay: ₹19,744 crore (2023-2030)
• Aim of the Mission:
• Develop India as a global green hydrogen hub. Reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuel imports. Promote clean energy transition and self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat). Enable India’s leadership in green hydrogen technology and markets.
• Develop India as a global green hydrogen hub.
• Reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuel imports.
• Promote clean energy transition and self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat).
• Enable India’s leadership in green hydrogen technology and markets.
• Key Features of the Mission: Demand Creation: Government to mandate minimum green hydrogen consumption for key industries. SIGHT Programme: Financial incentives for electrolyser manufacturing and hydrogen production. Green Hydrogen Hubs: Development of two large-scale hubs for production and usage. Policy Support: Waiver of interstate transmission charges for renewable energy use in hydrogen production. Infrastructure Development: Support for pipelines, tankers, and storage facilities. Research & Development (SHIP): Public-private collaboration for hydrogen technology advancements. Skill Development: Industry-focused training programs in collaboration with MNRE. International Cooperation: Partnerships for hydrogen technology transfer and exports.
• Demand Creation: Government to mandate minimum green hydrogen consumption for key industries.
• SIGHT Programme: Financial incentives for electrolyser manufacturing and hydrogen production.
• Green Hydrogen Hubs: Development of two large-scale hubs for production and usage.
• Policy Support: Waiver of interstate transmission charges for renewable energy use in hydrogen production.
• Infrastructure Development: Support for pipelines, tankers, and storage facilities.
• Research & Development (SHIP): Public-private collaboration for hydrogen technology advancements.
• Skill Development: Industry-focused training programs in collaboration with MNRE.
• International Cooperation: Partnerships for hydrogen technology transfer and exports.
Dolphin Survey
Source: DTE
Context: A comprehensive survey under Project Dolphin (2020) estimated 6,327 Gangetic dolphins across eight Indian states.
• The survey provides the first systematic population estimate of river dolphins in India, aiding conservation efforts.
About Dolphin Survey:
• Survey Conducted By:
• Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) under Project Dolphin (2020). Conducted with support from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and various state forest departments.
• Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) under Project Dolphin (2020).
• Conducted with support from Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and various state forest departments.
• Survey Coverage:
• Covered 28 rivers across eight states, spanning 8,507 km. Major river basins: Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus.
• Covered 28 rivers across eight states, spanning 8,507 km.
• Major river basins: Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus.
• Key Findings:
• Total Dolphins: 6,327 (6,324 Gangetic dolphins + 3 Indus dolphins). State-wise estimates:
• Total Dolphins: 6,327 (6,324 Gangetic dolphins + 3 Indus dolphins).
• State-wise estimates:
About Gangetic Dolphin:
• What is the Gangetic Dolphin?
• A freshwater river dolphin, one of the few river dolphins in the world. Known as “Susu” due to the sound it makes while surfacing.
• A freshwater river dolphin, one of the few river dolphins in the world.
• Known as “Susu” due to the sound it makes while surfacing.
• Rivers found in:
• Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu River systems of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Extinct in many parts of its original range.
• Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu River systems of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
• Extinct in many parts of its original range.
• Key Features:
• Blind dolphin: Has no lens in its eyes, relies on echolocation for movement and hunting. Feeds on fish and prefers counter-current systems of main river channels. Surfaces every 30-120 seconds to breathe, as it cannot survive underwater.
• Blind dolphin: Has no lens in its eyes, relies on echolocation for movement and hunting.
• Feeds on fish and prefers counter-current systems of main river channels.
• Surfaces every 30-120 seconds to breathe, as it cannot survive underwater.
• IUCN Status & National Recognition:
• IUCN Red List: Endangered Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I species (highest protection). National Aquatic Animal of India – Declared in 2009.
• IUCN Red List: Endangered
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I species (highest protection).
• National Aquatic Animal of India – Declared in 2009.
EPIC Number
Source: IE
Context: West Bengal Chief Minister has alleged voter fraud due to duplicate EPIC numbers, accusing the Election Commission of electoral manipulation.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) clarified that identical EPIC numbers exist due to past decentralized systems but do not imply fake voters.
About EPIC Number:
• What is an EPIC Number?
• A unique alphanumeric code assigned to each registered elector to prevent impersonation. It is distinct from the EPIC card, which is a physical identity document for voters.
• A unique alphanumeric code assigned to each registered elector to prevent impersonation.
• It is distinct from the EPIC card, which is a physical identity document for voters.
• Launched in:
• Introduced in 1993 under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 to enhance electoral transparency.
• Introduced in 1993 under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 to enhance electoral transparency.
• How is EPIC Different from EPIC Card?
• EPIC Number: A unique identifier linked to a voter’s registration. EPIC Card: A physical voter ID card containing personal details, a photograph, and constituency details. EPIC does not confer voting rights; only electoral roll inclusion does.
• EPIC Number: A unique identifier linked to a voter’s registration.
• EPIC Card: A physical voter ID card containing personal details, a photograph, and constituency details.
• EPIC does not confer voting rights; only electoral roll inclusion does.
• How is EPIC Number Allocated?
• Assigned electronically via ERONET when a new voter registers. Linked to state and constituency data to ensure regional uniqueness.
• Assigned electronically via ERONET when a new voter registers.
• Linked to state and constituency data to ensure regional uniqueness.
• Key Features of EPIC Number: Alphanumeric format: Three-letter alphabetical codes followed by a seven-digit number. Assigned through ERONET: Automated allocation via ECI’s digital portal since 2017. Functional Unique Serial Number (FUSN): Ensures constituency-level uniqueness. Permanent Identification: Remains the same even after reissuing of voter ID.
• Alphanumeric format: Three-letter alphabetical codes followed by a seven-digit number.
• Assigned through ERONET: Automated allocation via ECI’s digital portal since 2017.
• Functional Unique Serial Number (FUSN): Ensures constituency-level uniqueness.
• Permanent Identification: Remains the same even after reissuing of voter ID.
• Can Two Voters Have the Same EPIC Number?
• Yes, but only across different states due to past manual allocation before the ERONET system. ECI has now initiated EPIC rectification under ERONET 2.0 to ensure uniqueness.
• Yes, but only across different states due to past manual allocation before the ERONET system.
• ECI has now initiated EPIC rectification under ERONET 2.0 to ensure uniqueness.
• Can an EPIC Number Be Changed?
• Yes, if duplication is detected, ECI will reassign a unique EPIC number. The voter’s eligibility, polling station, and constituency details remain unchanged.
• Yes, if duplication is detected, ECI will reassign a unique EPIC number.
• The voter’s eligibility, polling station, and constituency details remain unchanged.
• Significance of EPIC Number: Prevents voter impersonation by uniquely identifying electors. Enhances electoral integrity by maintaining a centralized database. Enables easy verification of voter details across states. Supports digital election processes under Election Commission modernization efforts.
• Prevents voter impersonation by uniquely identifying electors.
• Enhances electoral integrity by maintaining a centralized database.
• Enables easy verification of voter details across states.
• Supports digital election processes under Election Commission modernization efforts.
Bose Metal
Source: TH
Context: A research team from China and Japan has found strong evidence that niobium diselenide (NbSe₂) exhibits properties of a Bose metal, a long-theorized but unproven quantum state.
About Bose Metal:
What is a Bose Metal?
• A Bose metal is a quantum metallic state where Cooper pairs exist but fail to condense into a superconducting phase.
• Unlike traditional metals, its conductivity remains between zero and infinity at near absolute zero temperature.
Key Features of Bose Metals:
• Formation of Cooper Pairs: Electrons experience a net attractive force, forming Cooper pairs.
• Absence of Superconducting Coherence: Despite pairing, these particles do not form a long-range superconducting state.
• Intermediate Conductivity: Conductivity neither reaches infinity (superconductor) nor zero (insulator).
• Magnetic Field Sensitivity: Strong magnetic fields influence the formation and behavior of Bose metals.
Limitations of Bose Metals:
• No Practical Applications Yet: Theoretical concept with no direct industrial use.
• Experimental Challenges: Requires precise control of temperature, thickness, and magnetic field.
• Ambiguous Definition: Scientists debate whether Bose metals are distinct quantum states or transitional phases.
National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)
Source: PM India
Context: Prime Minister chaired the 7th National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) meeting at Gir National Park, focusing on conservation strategies, protected area expansion, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
About National Board for Wildlife (NBWL):
• What is the NBWL?
• The NBWL is the highest advisory body on wildlife conservation in India. Established under Section 5A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Reconstituted in 2022, replacing the Indian Board for Wildlife (1952).
• The NBWL is the highest advisory body on wildlife conservation in India.
• Established under Section 5A of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Reconstituted in 2022, replacing the Indian Board for Wildlife (1952).
• Chaired By:
• Prime Minister of India (Ex-officio Chairperson). Vice-Chairperson: Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Prime Minister of India (Ex-officio Chairperson).
• Vice-Chairperson: Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Structure of Organisation: 47-member committee including top government officials, conservationists, ecologists, and environmentalists. Includes defence and expenditure secretaries, army chief, and other high-ranking officials. Member-Secretary: Additional Director General of Forests (Wildlife) & Director, Wildlife Preservation. Standing Committee of NBWL: A smaller body under NBWL for project clearances related to protected areas.
• 47-member committee including top government officials, conservationists, ecologists, and environmentalists.
• Includes defence and expenditure secretaries, army chief, and other high-ranking officials.
• Member-Secretary: Additional Director General of Forests (Wildlife) & Director, Wildlife Preservation.
• Standing Committee of NBWL: A smaller body under NBWL for project clearances related to protected areas.
• Functions and Powers of NBWL: Wildlife Conservation Policy: Advises the Central Government on wildlife protection strategies. Approval for Projects in Protected Areas: Mandates clearance for any development projects within PAs, Tiger Reserves, and wildlife habitats. Boundary Alterations in Protected Areas: No changes to PA boundaries without NBWL recommendation. Tourism Regulation: Approves construction of tourist lodges and eco-tourism activities in PAs. Mitigation of Human-Wildlife Conflict: Develops strategies to reduce habitat destruction and human-animal interactions. Wildlife Health & Research: Supports scientific research, conservation programs, and AI-based wildlife monitoring.
• Wildlife Conservation Policy: Advises the Central Government on wildlife protection strategies.
• Approval for Projects in Protected Areas: Mandates clearance for any development projects within PAs, Tiger Reserves, and wildlife habitats.
• Boundary Alterations in Protected Areas: No changes to PA boundaries without NBWL recommendation.
• Tourism Regulation: Approves construction of tourist lodges and eco-tourism activities in PAs.
• Mitigation of Human-Wildlife Conflict: Develops strategies to reduce habitat destruction and human-animal interactions.
• Wildlife Health & Research: Supports scientific research, conservation programs, and AI-based wildlife monitoring.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 March 2025 Mapping:
Zambia
Source: IE
Context: The Government of India has secured a 9,000 sq. km block in Zambia for copper and cobalt exploration, marking a strategic move in securing critical minerals.
• The project will be led by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), supporting India’s clean energy and EV battery industries.
About Zambia:
• Location: Landlocked country in Southern Africa.
• Capital:
• Neighbouring Countries: Borders Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia.
• Geographic Features: Major Rivers – Zambezi River, Kafue River, Luangwa River Mountains – Nyika Plateau, Mafinga Hills Minerals – Rich in copper, cobalt, nickel, and uranium
• Major Rivers – Zambezi River, Kafue River, Luangwa River
• Mountains – Nyika Plateau, Mafinga Hills
• Minerals – Rich in copper, cobalt, nickel, and uranium
• Copper Mine in News:
• Northwestern Province: India’s newly acquired copper exploration block is located here. Zambia is the 7th largest copper producer globally. Chile is the world’s largest producer of copper.
• Northwestern Province: India’s newly acquired copper exploration block is located here.
• Zambia is the 7th largest copper producer globally. Chile is the world’s largest producer of copper.
• Chile is the world’s largest producer of copper.
About Increasing Demand for Copper:
• Why is Copper Demand Rising?
• Growth of EV batteries and clean energy technologies requires large amounts of copper. Infrastructure development, defense, and advanced electronics fuel global demand. Projected supply shortage by 2035 is driving countries to secure copper reserves.
• Growth of EV batteries and clean energy technologies requires large amounts of copper.
• Infrastructure development, defense, and advanced electronics fuel global demand.
• Projected supply shortage by 2035 is driving countries to secure copper reserves.
• India’s Copper Status & Existing Mines:
• India’s copper production has declined by 8% since 2018-19. Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) is the only government-owned producer.
• India’s copper production has declined by 8% since 2018-19.
• Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) is the only government-owned producer.
• Key Copper Mines in India: Malanjkhand (Madhya Pradesh): Largest open-pit copper mine. Khetri (Rajasthan): Key underground copper mine. Singhbhum Belt (Jharkhand): One of the oldest copper-producing regions.
• Malanjkhand (Madhya Pradesh): Largest open-pit copper mine.
• Khetri (Rajasthan): Key underground copper mine.
• Singhbhum Belt (Jharkhand): One of the oldest copper-producing regions.
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 4 Mar 2025
Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE
Official Facebook Page HERE
Twitter Account HERE
Instagram Account HERE
LinkedIn: HERE