UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 March 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 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 – 5 March (2025)
• Role of AI in Justice Delivery
Role of AI in Justice Delivery
GS Paper-3
• Income-Tax Bill, 2025
Income-Tax Bill, 2025
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
• Healing a Village for 55 Years: Service Over Self
Healing a Village for 55 Years: Service Over Self
Facts for Prelims
• PUNCH Mission
PUNCH Mission
• Offshore Mining
Offshore Mining
• PM-SYM
PM-SYM
• Gum Arabic
Gum Arabic
• Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats
Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats
• Hydrogen-Powered Truck Trials
Hydrogen-Powered Truck Trials
Mapping
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 March 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Role of AI in Justice Delivery
Syllabus: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary.
Source: IE
Context
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming governance, with major powers investing heavily in AI-led justice reforms. The US government’s $100 billion Stargate AI Initiative and China’s rapid AI development with LLMs like QWQ and DeepSeek showcase the global AI race. India, too, must leverage AI to address its judicial backlog of over 50 million cases and improve law enforcement.
AI in Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention
Enhancing Police Operations with AI
• AI in SMART Policing: The Government of India’s SMART policing initiative (Strategic, Meticulous, Adaptable, Reliable, Transparent) can benefit from AI in crime detection and predictive policing.
• Automated FIR Registration: AI chatbots in police stations, like Mumbai Police’s AI-assisted e-FIR system, can reduce paperwork and speed up case filings.
• Predictive Policing: AI-driven Crime Mapping tools, like those used by the Delhi Police, analyze NCRB data trends to identify high-crime zones.
• Facial Recognition for Law Enforcement: AI-powered systems like “AFRS” (Automated Facial Recognition System) deployed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) aid in identifying criminals.
AI in Cybercrime Prevention and Investigation
• AI-Based Fraud Detection: Banks and law enforcement agencies use AI-powered fraud detection, as seen in RBI’s AI-driven fraud monitoring system (CRILC).
• Deepfake Detection: AI tools like Microsoft’s Video Authenticator help in spotting manipulated content and deepfakes, which are increasingly used for cybercrimes.
• AI-Powered Cybersecurity: Agencies like CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team) use AI to detect phishing, ransomware, and digital threats.
AI in Judicial System and Courtroom Efficiency
• Reducing Judicial Backlogs with AI
• E-Courts Initiative: Under the Supreme Court’s E-Courts Mission Mode Project, AI tools like SUPACE (Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Court Efficiency) assist judges in case research and legal precedent identification.
• AI-Powered Document Management: AI assists in digitizing court records under Phase III of the e-Courts Project, reducing paperwork and case delays.
• AI in Courtroom Operations
• Real-Time Transcription: AI-driven tools like “JudiBot” being tested in US courts could be adopted in India for automatic transcription of hearings.
• AI in Bail & Sentencing Decisions: The Delhi High Court explored AI-based risk assessment models to ensure consistency in bail and parole decisions.
• AI Fraud Detection in Legal Documents: AI verifies legal document authenticity, reducing delays due to fake affidavits and forged contracts.
Challenges in AI Adoption for Justice Delivery
• Accuracy & Ethical Issues
• Bias in AI Models: AI-driven risk assessment models in the US, like COMPAS (Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions), have faced racial bias issues. India must ensure bias-free AI training data.
• Privacy Risks: AI adoption must comply with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023) to prevent misuse of sensitive citizen data.
• Implementation & Policy Roadblocks
• Lack of AI Training in Law Enforcement: AI in policing requires massive training programs, similar to Singapore’s AI for Justice Initiative.
• Regulatory Gaps: The B.N. Srikrishna Committee on AI Governance has emphasized the need for a legal framework for AI in the judiciary.
Way Forward
• Establish an AI Justice Task Force: A central agency should oversee AI integration in policing and courts.
• Expand AI Usage in Judiciary: AI-driven legal analytics should be mandated across all high courts.
• Develop Ethical AI Guidelines: AI regulations must align with NITI Aayog’s AI strategy to prevent algorithmic biases.
• Invest in AI Training Programs: Law enforcement and judiciary personnel must be trained in AI-based crime and case analysis.
Conclusion
AI is reshaping the legal landscape worldwide, and India must harness its potential for faster case resolution, efficient policing, and improved judicial transparency. While challenges like bias, data privacy, and ethical concerns remain, a structured AI framework and policy-driven implementation can make AI a powerful tool for justice. India must act swiftly to integrate AI responsibly, ensuring justice is both timely and fair.
• Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does AI help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare? (2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 March 2025 GS Paper 3:
Income-Tax Bill, 2025
Syllabus: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources
Source: TH
Context
The Income-Tax Bill, 2025, was introduced in Parliament to replace the Income-Tax Act, 1961, aiming for a simplified structure, clearer language, and reduced litigation.
• A key highlight is the introduction of the ‘tax year’ concept, replacing the existing ‘assessment year.’ However, while the Bill streamlines provisions, experts argue that it lacks major structural changes in compliance and penalties.
Key Provisions of the Bill
• Introduction of the ‘Tax Year’ Concept – The ‘assessment year’ has been removed, and the ‘tax year’ now aligns with the financial year (April 1 – March 31). For businesses or newly set up professions, the tax year begins from their establishment date.
• Expanded Definition of Income – Virtual digital assets (VDAs) like cryptocurrency and NFTs are now considered capital assets, similar to land, shares, and bullion, affecting tax calculations.
• Simplified and Concise Drafting – The Bill reduces the number of provisos and cross-references, making it easier to interpret without relying on multiple sections and rules.
• Consolidation of Tax Compliance Requirements – Provisions related to TDS, assessment timelines, dispute resolution, and deductions have been tabulated for easier access.
• Removal of Outdated Exemptions – Provisions like Section 54E (capital gains exemption for pre-1992 asset transfers) and redundant sections from past amendments have been eliminated.
• Integration of Other Tax Laws – Provisions from Wealth Tax and rules for inventory valuation and revenue recognition for service contracts have been incorporated within the Bill for uniformity.
Advantages associated with the Bill
• Better Readability and Clarity – The removal of complex legal language and cross-references makes it easier for taxpayers to understand their liabilities.
• More Organized Tax Structure – Tax deductions, exemptions, and compliance timelines are now grouped into schedules and tables, reducing confusion.
• Alignment with Digital Economy – Tax laws now recognize virtual digital assets (VDAs) as taxable capital assets, making tax regulations more contemporary.
• Faster Compliance and Processing – Consolidation of tax rules reduces administrative delays, making compliance more efficient.
• More Comprehensive Framework – The Bill integrates rules from other tax laws, such as wealth tax and inventory valuation, avoiding the need for separate legislation.
Challenges and Concerns
• Minimal Structural Reforms – The Bill largely retains existing tax policies, offering no significant changes in compliance burdens or penalty structures.
• Potential for Increased Litigation – While the Bill simplifies text, some broad terms remain undefined, leaving scope for legal disputes.
• Digital Privacy Concerns – Authorities now have expanded search and seizure powers, including the ability to override passwords to access emails and digital accounts.
• Lack of Taxpayer Relief Measures – The Bill does not address concerns related to high compliance costs, dispute resolution inefficiencies, or tax burden reductions.
• Uncertainty Over Implementation – The transition from ‘assessment year’ to ‘tax year’ could create confusion, requiring businesses to adjust their tax planning strategies.
Way Forward
• Strengthen Digital Privacy Protections – The Bill should include judicial oversight for digital searches to prevent misuse of government powers.
• Improve Dispute Resolution Frameworks – Mediation mechanisms should be introduced to reduce tax litigation and resolve cases faster.
• Clarify Tax Definitions – Key terms like “risk management strategy” in assessments should be clearly defined to avoid legal ambiguity.
• Introduce Compliance Relief Measures – Reducing documentation requirements and providing simpler tax return processes can ease taxpayer burdens.
• Ensure Smooth Transition to Tax Year System – Clear guidelines are needed to help businesses adjust to the new tax year model without compliance confusion.
Conclusion
The Income-Tax Bill, 2025, marks a shift toward simplification and modernization, but it lacks deep structural reforms. The new tax year concept and removal of outdated provisions are steps forward, yet privacy concerns and litigation risks remain. To maximize its effectiveness, the government must ensure transparency, reduce compliance burdens, and introduce stronger taxpayer protections.
1.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 – 5 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Healing a Village for 55 Years: Service Over Self
Context
For over five decades, Dr. K. Yusuff Karimpanakkal and Dr. A.M. Sankaran Namboothiri have been running a rural clinic in Naduvannur, Kozhikode, setting an example of selfless service in healthcare. Their unwavering commitment to affordable, patient-centric medical care has made them pillars of the community.
About Their Work:
• Grassroots Healthcare Pioneers: Established a clinic in Naduvannur when rural healthcare was scarce, often delivering babies on mud floors under kerosene lamps, ensuring accessible treatment for underserved communities.
• Sustained Commitment Beyond Retirement: Even after transferring hospital ownership in 2010, they continued serving as consultants, reinforcing their lifelong dedication to public health over personal gain.
Significance of Their Contribution:
• Human-Centered Healthcare Model: Unlike profit-driven hospitals, they built a trust-based medical practice, treating generations of patients with personalized care and ethical responsibility.
• Inspiration for Ethical Medical Practice: Their decades of service over self-interest exemplify idealistic public service, serving as a moral benchmark for young medical professionals and policymakers.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
GS Paper 2 – Governance & Health
• Rural Healthcare Accessibility: Highlights healthcare challenges in rural India and the role of small-scale medical practitioners.
• Public Health and Service-Oriented Medicine: Reinforces ethical, patient-centered medical practices.
GS Paper 4 – Ethics & Humanitarian Concerns
• Medical Ethics & Public Service: Embodies compassion and selfless service in the medical profession.
• Integrity & Professional Dedication: Demonstrates service over profit, inspiring ethical leadership in governance and healthcare.
Essay Relevance:
• Introduction :Can also be used as an anecdote in the Introduction of Essay
• Service Over Self: Can be used in essays on ethics in public service and selfless dedication.
• Healthcare and Social Responsibility: Highlights the role of individuals in strengthening rural healthcare.
• Humanity vs. Commercialization: Serves as an example in discussions on corporatization vs. service-oriented professions.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
PUNCH Mission
Source: IE
Context: NASA is set to launch the PUNCH mission on March 6, 2025, to study the Sun’s corona and heliosphere.
About PUNCH Mission
Launched by:
• NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
Key Objective:
• To study the Sun’s outer atmosphere (corona) and how solar wind evolves as it moves through space.
• To improve understanding of solar storms and their impact on Earth’s space environment.
Unique Features:
• First-of-its-kind mission focusing on the Sun’s corona and its interaction with the heliosphere.
• Consists of four identical suitcase-sized satellites that will provide continuous imaging of the inner corona.
• Will enhance predictions of space weather events, helping protect satellites and communication networks.
Offshore Mining
Source: TH
Context: The Kerala Assembly passed a resolution opposing the Centre’s offshore mining policy, citing environmental, economic, and security concerns.
About Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002:
• The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002 regulates mineral exploration and mining activities in India’s offshore areas.
Key Features
• Legal Framework: Establishes guidelines for granting mineral concessions in offshore regions.
• Authority: Empowers the Union Ministry of Mines to regulate and oversee mining operations.
• Private Participation: The 2023 amendment allows private players to explore and extract deep-sea minerals through an auction system.
• Revenue Sharing: Introduces royalty and revenue-sharing mechanisms between the Centre and States.
Cause of Contention
• Environmental Concerns: Deep-sea mining threatens marine biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal ecosystems.
• Economic Impact: Adversely affects the livelihood of fisherfolk dependent on marine resources.
• National Security Risks: Strategic minerals such as rare earth elements could be accessed by private players, raising security concerns.
• Federalism Issue: States have limited say in offshore resource management, despite bearing direct consequences.
PM-SYM (Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) scheme)
Source: DD News
Context: The government has introduced new features and expanded outreach efforts to improve the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) scheme.
• Recent updates include an extended revival period, flexible exit provisions, and enhanced integration with the e-Shram portal.
About PM-SYM
The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme aimed at providing financial security to workers in the unorganised sector.
• It is a Social Security Scheme with matching government contribution.
• Ensures a fixed monthly pension after retirement.
• Launched in the Interim Budget of 2019.
Ministry Involved
• Administered by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
• Managed in collaboration with Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India and Common Service Centres (CSC SPV).
Key Features of the Scheme
• Eligibility: Workers in the unorganised sector earning up to ₹15,000 per month.
• Pension Amount: ₹3,000 per month after the age of 60 years.
• Government Contribution: Matches worker’s 1:1 contribution.
• Flexible Contribution: Ranges from ₹55/month (at age 18) to ₹200/month (at age 40).
• Family Pension: In case of subscriber’s death, spouse gets 50% pension.
• Exit Options: If exited before 10 years, refund with savings interest. If exited after 10 years but before 60, refund with accrued interest. If both subscriber and spouse pass away, the corpus is credited back to the fund.
• If exited before 10 years, refund with savings interest.
• If exited after 10 years but before 60, refund with accrued interest.
• If both subscriber and spouse pass away, the corpus is credited back to the fund.
• Enrolment Process: Aadhaar-based registration through Common Service Centres (CSCs) or Maandhan portal.
• Account Revival: Now extended to three years for workers facing financial difficulties.
Specific Key Points
• Not Applicable for: Income taxpayers. Those covered under EPF, ESIC, or NPS. Individuals already receiving government pension benefits.
• Income taxpayers.
• Those covered under EPF, ESIC, or NPS.
• Individuals already receiving government pension benefits.
• Awareness Initiatives: Integration with e-Shram, SMS campaigns, and review meetings with States/UTs.
Gum Arabic
Source: IE
Context: Sudan’s ongoing conflict has halted the global trade of gum arabic, a critical ingredient in food, beverages, and cosmetics.
• With 70% of the world’s supply coming from Sudan, major companies like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo face potential shortages in the coming months.
About Gum Arabic
Gum Arabic is a natural resin derived from the Acacia trees found in the Sahel region of Africa. It is used as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickening agent in various industries.
Usage of Gum Arabic
• Food & Beverages: Prevents ingredient separation in soft drinks, candies, and baked goods.
• Cosmetics: Used in lotions, creams, and makeup for consistency.
• Pharmaceuticals: Acts as a binding agent in medicines and capsules.
• Printing & Textiles: Used in inks and dyes for better adhesion.
Where is Gum Arabic Mainly Found?
• Sudan: Supplies 70% of global demand.
• Other Countries: Chad, Nigeria, Senegal, and Mali also produce gum arabic, but in smaller quantities.
Significance of Gum Arabic
• No Viable Substitute: Essential for carbonated drinks, ensuring proper ingredient blending.
• Economic Importance: A major export commodity for Sudan.
• Global Supply Chain Dependency: Disruptions in Sudan directly impact multinational corporations like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola.
Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats
Source: DD News
Context: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj will launch the Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat (MWFGP) initiative at a National Convention on March 5, 2025, in New Delhi.
About MWFGP
The Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat is a gender-inclusive governance initiative designed to enhance women’s participation, safety, and leadership at the grassroots level.
Launched By
• Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India.
• Part of the International Women’s Day 2025 celebrations.
Agency Involved
• Supported by State Institutes of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (SIRD&PRs) and international organizations like UNFPA.
Key Features
• One Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayat in each district across India.
• Gender-sensitive governance framework ensuring safety, equity, and inclusivity.
• Dedicated Monitoring Dashboard to track progress and implementation.
• Capacity-building programs for elected representatives and officials.
• Showcasing best practices in gender-sensitive governance.
• Nationwide Mahila Gram Sabhas on March 8, 2025, to mark International Women’s Day.
Hydrogen-Powered Truck Trials
Source: PIB
Context: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi flagged off India’s first fleet of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty truck trials in New Delhi.
• The trials align with the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM), reinforcing India’s commitment to clean mobility and energy security.
About Hydrogen-Powered Trucks
Hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks use fuel cell technology, converting hydrogen into electricity to power vehicles. These trucks offer a zero-emission alternative to diesel-powered transportation.
Launched By
• Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Supported by Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
Key Features
• Zero Emissions: No carbon emissions, reducing air pollution and dependency on fossil fuels.
• Long Range & Fast Refueling: Hydrogen-powered trucks offer a longer driving range and quicker refueling times compared to battery-electric vehicles.
• Operational Routes: Initially deployed on the Faridabad–Delhi NCR and Ahmedabad–Surat–Vadodara routes.
• Hydrogen Refueling Stations: IOCL is setting up hydrogen refueling infrastructure in Faridabad, Vadodara, Pune, and Balasore.
• Energy Security: Reduces India’s oil import dependency, supporting clean energy transition.
Part of
• National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
• India’s Hydrogen Mobility Initiative to promote sustainable transport.
• Government’s Net-Zero Emission Goals for 2070.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 March 2025 Mapping:
Source: TH
Context: A key suspect in the Abbey Gate bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 has been captured and is en route to the United States for prosecution.
About Kabul
Location & Geography:
• Country: Afghanistan
• Region: Located in eastern Afghanistan, nestled in the Kabul River valley.
• Elevation: 1,790 meters (5,873 feet) above sea level.
Neighbouring Provinces:
• Borders Parwan, Logar, Kapisa, and Nangarhar provinces.
Geographic Features:
• Major River: Kabul River, a tributary of the Indus River.
• Mountain Ranges: Hindu Kush Mountains (north and west of Kabul). Paghman Range (southwest of the city).
• Hindu Kush Mountains (north and west of Kabul).
• Paghman Range (southwest of the city).
• Climate: Continental climate with cold winters and hot summers.
Strategic and Economic Importance of Kabul
• Political and Administrative Centre: Houses the Afghan government, international embassies, and diplomatic missions.
• Economic Hub: Major commercial and trade centre with industries in textiles, food processing, and handicrafts.
• Transport & Trade: Central node in Afghanistan’s highway network linking major cities. Kabul International Airport serves as a key aviation hub.
• Central node in Afghanistan’s highway network linking major cities.
• Kabul International Airport serves as a key aviation hub.
• Security & Geopolitical Challenges: Frequent conflicts, insurgencies, and terrorist activities impact stability. Strategic interest for global powers, including India, China, Russia, and the U.S.
• Frequent conflicts, insurgencies, and terrorist activities impact stability.
• Strategic interest for global powers, including India, China, Russia, and the U.S.
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