UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 March 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 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 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 March (2025)

• Urban Trap

Urban Trap

GS Paper 2

• USAID Funding Cuts and Their Impact on India

USAID Funding Cuts and Their Impact on India

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

• India Post: Helping small entrepreneurs make a big impact

India Post: Helping small entrepreneurs make a big impact

Facts for Prelims

• 5th Edition of Lineman Diwas Celebrated

5th Edition of Lineman Diwas Celebrated

• AI Kosha

AI Kosha

• Autonomous District Councils

Autonomous District Councils

• Woolly Mice

Woolly Mice

• UN Report on Gender Equality

UN Report on Gender Equality

• CAMPA Funds

CAMPA Funds

Mapping

• Sagar Island

Sagar Island

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 March 2025

#### GS Paper 1 :

Urban Trap

Syllabus: Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.

Source : DTE

Context

Across India, rural communities are resisting forced urbanization due to fears of losing economic security, agricultural rights, and local governance autonomy. Protests, such as those in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh district, highlight the negative impact of village-to-town conversions, including the loss of welfare benefits and increased financial burdens.

What is the Issue?

• Forced urbanization without consent – Rural areas are converted into towns without community participation, disrupting traditional economies.

• Loss of welfare benefits – Programs like MGNREGA, which ensure 100 days of employment, become inaccessible after urban reclassification.

• Threat to agricultural livelihoods – Land-use policies change, leading to forced conversion of farmlands into residential or commercial spaces.

• Weakening of local governance – Panchayats dissolve, and decision-making shifts to municipal councils, increasing bureaucratic detachment.

• Higher cost of living – Newly urbanized areas face increased taxation, including property tax, water fees, and waste management levies.

Why is Urbanization Considered Necessary?

• Demographic shifts – Rising population density in villages necessitates urban expansion for better planning.

• Infrastructure development – Urban areas receive better roads, sanitation, and public services than rural regions.

• Economic growth & job creation – Urbanization attracts investments, creating opportunities in industries and services.

• Streamlined administration – Larger municipal bodies can standardize governance and improve service delivery.

• Alignment with national urbanization goals – India’s urban population is projected to reach 38.2% by 2036, requiring expanded urban governance.

Challenges associated

• Economic insecurity – Over 3,100 families in Rajasthan lost MGNREGA benefits after reclassification, impacting rural employment stability.

• Agricultural decline – Farmers struggle as land-use changes restrict agricultural activities and increase land acquisition risks.

• Bureaucratic alienation – Rural residents lose access to hyperlocal governance, facing delays and inefficiencies in municipal bodies.

• Financial burden – Residents must pay higher taxes and urban service fees, increasing their cost of living.

• Lack of transparent planning – Many urban expansions lack master plans, leading to haphazard growth and mismanaged resources.

What Can Be Done?

• Mandatory community consultation – Policy frameworks must ensure local participation before changing rural status.

• Hybrid governance models – Retain gram panchayat roles while integrating essential urban services.

• Legal protections against arbitrary reclassification – Strengthen Article 243Q(2) enforcement to prevent unregulated urban expansion.

• Urban employment alternatives – Introduce structured urban employment schemes with benefits equivalent to MGNREGA.

• Planned & inclusive urban expansion – Urbanization must be systematic, transparent, and inclusive of rural economic realities.

Conclusion

Forced urbanization, if done without inclusive planning and local engagement, disrupts livelihoods, governance, and economic stability. While urban expansion is inevitable, it should be structured, participatory, and sensitive to rural concerns. A balanced policy approach will ensure development without marginalizing rural populations.

Q1. Does urbanisation lead to more segregation and/or marginalisation of the poor in Indian metropolises. (15 M) (2023)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 March 2025 GS Paper-2

USAID Funding Cuts and Their Impact on India

Syllabus: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Source: IE

Context

USAID has been a key contributor to India’s health, environmental, and technological sectors, providing $2.8 billion in aid since 2001. The US administration’s January 20, 2025, executive order aims to halt foreign aid, significantly impacting USAID-supported programs in India. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling on March 5, 2025, upheld the decision, raising concerns about the future of critical health and development projects.

What is it About?

• USAID’s Financial Contribution – India received $228 million in 2022, ranking USAID fourth among global donors.

• Health & Population Programs – Funding focused on TB, HIV/AIDS, maternal health, and Covid-19, with $180 million allocated in 2022.

• Environmental & Technological Aid – USAID invested $17.12 million in 2024 for clean air, water, and sustainable development projects.

• Executive Order on Aid Reduction – The U.S. government reassessed 5,800 foreign aid projects, retaining only 500 to cut spending.

• Legal Battles Over Funding Cuts – A U.S. Federal Court stay on February 13, 2025, was overturned by the Supreme Court on March 5, 2025.

• Impact on NGOs & Public Health – Programs like Breaking the Barriers (TB awareness in India) and HIV/AIDS prevention under PEPFAR face discontinuation.

Benefits of USAID in India

• Public Health Strengthening – Support for polio eradication, TB control, and HIV/AIDS prevention, with $7 million allocated in 2022-23.

• Covid-19 Response Enhancement – USAID provided $120 million in 2022 for vaccines, medical infrastructure, and pandemic relief.

• Environmental Sustainability – Funded pollution control, clean water initiatives, and climate resilience projects, boosting India’s ecological security.

• Economic & Institutional Development – Strengthened public health systems, research collaborations, and NGO capacity building.

• Technology & Digital Infrastructure – Supported secure 5G O-RAN development, enhancing India’s telecom security and digital sovereignty.

Challenges Due to USAID Funding Cuts

• Health Sector Crisis – The sudden halt affects programs addressing TB, HIV/AIDS, and maternal health, previously funded with $180 million in 2022.

• Increased Disease Burden – Loss of $12.13 million for HIV/AIDS in 2023 could lead to rising infections and mortality rates.

• NGO Funding Shortfall – Organizations like Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT) face operational uncertainty and layoffs.

• Strategic Influence Shift – The withdrawal of U.S. aid could create a vacuum for China to expand its economic and geopolitical influence in South Asia.

• Legal & Policy Instability – The March 5, 2025, Supreme Court ruling causes uncertainty in global development partnerships and aid negotiations.

Way Forward

• Diversify Global Funding Sources – India must engage with alternative donors like Japan ($2.97B), EU ($383.5M), and Germany ($235M) to sustain development efforts.

• Enhance Domestic Investment – The government should increase financial allocations for public health, infrastructure, and environmental projects.

• Strengthen NGO & Private Partnerships – Collaboration with corporations, philanthropic organizations, and CSR initiatives can fill funding gaps.

• Develop Indigenous Technological Capabilities – Boosting R&D in public health, digital infrastructure, and clean energy will reduce reliance on external aid.

• Diplomatic Engagement with the U.S. – India should negotiate with policymakers to restore funding for critical programs through alternate diplomatic channels.

Conclusion

USAID’s funding withdrawal presents a major challenge for India’s healthcare, environmental sustainability, and technological progress. To mitigate the impact, India must expand international partnerships, boost domestic investment, and enhance self-reliance. A proactive approach will ensure continued progress in public health, environmental resilience, and digital transformation.

Q1. The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well in India.’ What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (15 marks) (2023)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

India Post: Helping small entrepreneurs make a big impact

Context

India Post is streamlining the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) by conducting third-party verifications, ensuring faster subsidy disbursal, reducing bureaucracy, and empowering small businesses in Telangana.

Key Aspects

• Third-Party Verification by India Post – Postal staff physically verify business units before subsidy disbursement. Eg: Konga Srinivasa Rao’s transformer unit secured a ₹9 lakh loan and ₹2 lakh subsidy after verification.

• Eg: Konga Srinivasa Rao’s transformer unit secured a ₹9 lakh loan and ₹2 lakh subsidy after verification.

• Elimination of Bureaucratic Delays – India Post accelerates PMEGP processes by reducing multiple agency dependencies. Eg: B. Srujana’s jute bag business got assurance of a delayed subsidy after a quick verification.

• Eg: B. Srujana’s jute bag business got assurance of a delayed subsidy after a quick verification.

• Technology-Driven Process – KVIC mobile app enables real-time verification with geo-tagged photos and OTP authentication. Eg: Enumerators verified and uploaded geo-tagged photos for 505 PMEGP units in Telangana.

• Eg: Enumerators verified and uploaded geo-tagged photos for 505 PMEGP units in Telangana.

• Promoting Rural Entrepreneurship – Financial aid and market support help small businesses thrive in remote areas. Eg: A. Suresh’s brick kiln business in Mancherial expanded with PMEGP assistance.

• Eg: A. Suresh’s brick kiln business in Mancherial expanded with PMEGP assistance.

• Transparency & Fraud Prevention – OTP authentication and self-declarations ensure only genuine beneficiaries receive subsidies. Eg: B. Praveen Kumar’s MeeSeva centre got verified without manual intervention, ensuring fairness.

• Eg: B. Praveen Kumar’s MeeSeva centre got verified without manual intervention, ensuring fairness.

• Expansion of India Post’s Role in Governance – India Post is now a key enabler of economic development beyond postal services. Eg: 85 postal officials are verifying 3,492 PMEGP units across Telangana.

• Eg: 85 postal officials are verifying 3,492 PMEGP units across Telangana.

Relevance in UPSC GS Papers

• GS Paper 1 – Society & Regional Development – Rural entrepreneurship and employment generation.

• GS Paper 2 – Governance & Public Administration – Implementation of government schemes using technology.

• GS Paper 3 – Economy & MSMEs – Role of MSMEs, self-employment, and financial inclusion in economic growth.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

5th Edition of Lineman Diwas Celebrated

Source: PIB

Context: The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), in collaboration with Tata Power-DDL, celebrated the 5th edition of Lineman Diwas on March 4, 2025, to recognize the contributions of linemen and ground maintenance staff in India’s power sector.

• Lineman Diwas was first organized by Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in collaboration with Tata Power-DDL in March, 2021, and subsequent editions were held in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

• Theme: ‘Seva, Suraksha, Swabhiman’

About Central Electricity Authority (CEA):

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is a statutory body responsible for power sector planning, development, and regulation in India. It advises the government on electricity policy and technical standards.

• It was established under the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948 and was later reconstituted under the Electricity Act, 2003.

Nodal Ministry-Operates under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.

Headquarters– New Delhi, India.

Structure & Composition

• Chairperson: Heads the authority and oversees policy implementation and technical regulations.

• Members: Comprises technical and regulatory experts from different domains of the power sector.

• Divisions: Power Planning & Monitoring Division: Oversees power sector development. Grid Operations & Transmission Division: Manages grid stability and interconnectivity. Distribution & Regulatory Affairs: Ensures efficient electricity distribution and policy compliance. Safety & Training Division: Focuses on workforce training, safety protocols, and best practices.

• Power Planning & Monitoring Division: Oversees power sector development.

• Grid Operations & Transmission Division: Manages grid stability and interconnectivity.

• Distribution & Regulatory Affairs: Ensures efficient electricity distribution and policy compliance.

• Safety & Training Division: Focuses on workforce training, safety protocols, and best practices.

AI Kosha

Source: TH

Context: The Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) launched AI Kosha, a secured AI datasets platform, along with the IndiaAI Compute Portal and other initiatives to accelerate AI innovation and research in India.

• The initiative, announced on the IndiaAI Mission’s anniversary, aims to democratize AI access, enhance AI competency in governance, and support AI startups and research.

About AI Kosha

What is AI Kosha?

AI Kosha is a secure AI innovation platform designed to provide seamless access to datasets, models, and AI development tools. It serves as a centralized repository to enable AI research and innovation in India.

Developed By- Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) under the IndiaAI Mission.

Key Features

• AI Dataset Repository: Hosts over 300 datasets and 80+ AI models for research and development.

• AI Sandbox Environment: Provides an integrated development environment (IDE) with tools and tutorials for AI model training.

• Content Discoverability: Uses AI-readiness scoring to help researchers identify relevant datasets.

• Security & Access Control: Features data encryption (at rest & in motion), API-based secure access, and real-time malicious traffic filtering.

• Permission-Based Access: Allows tiered access for different user groups like researchers, startups, and government bodies.

Benefits of AIKosha

• Accelerates AI Research: Provides high-quality datasets and pre-trained models, reducing time for AI development.

• Enhances AI Innovation: Enables startups, researchers, and enterprises to develop AI solutions with real-world data.

• Strengthens AI Security: Promotes ethically sourced, consent-based datasets, ensuring responsible AI practices.

• Boosts Public Sector AI Adoption: Supports government AI applications in governance, healthcare, and education.

Limitations

• Limited Dataset Variety: Initial datasets are sourced from government and research institutions, reducing availability of real-world commercial data.

• Access Restrictions: Strict security protocols may limit ease of data retrieval for private-sector innovators.

• Early Stage Development: AIKosha is still evolving, and wider industry participation is required for expansion.

Autonomous District Councils

Source: BS

Context: The Assam Assembly passed amendments allowing the Governor to assume control over seven autonomous councils if elections remain unfeasible even after the mandated extension period.

• These amendments impact tribal councils like Mising, Bodo Kachari, Thengal Kachari, Deori, Sonowal Kachari, Rabha Hasong, and Tiwa Autonomous Councils.

About Autonomous District Councils (ADCs):

What is an Autonomous District Council (ADC)?

• ADCs are self-governing tribal administrative bodies established under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

• They provide autonomy in governance, land management, and cultural preservation for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura.

Membership of Autonomous Councils

• Elected Members: The majority of members are democratically elected for a five-year term.

• Nominated Members: The Governor nominates a limited number of members to ensure representation of marginalized groups.

Powers of ADCs

• Legislative Powers: Can frame laws on land, forests, water resources, agriculture, public health, sanitation, and social customs. Have judicial powers to settle disputes among tribal communities.

• Can frame laws on land, forests, water resources, agriculture, public health, sanitation, and social customs.

• Have judicial powers to settle disputes among tribal communities.

• Executive Powers: Administer village councils, traditional chiefs, policing, inheritance laws, and local governance.

• Administer village councils, traditional chiefs, policing, inheritance laws, and local governance.

• Judicial Powers: Can establish tribal courts to handle disputes where both parties belong to Scheduled Tribes, provided the sentence is under five years of imprisonment.

• Can establish tribal courts to handle disputes where both parties belong to Scheduled Tribes, provided the sentence is under five years of imprisonment.

Functions of ADCs

• Govern tribal areas while preserving traditional customs and practices.

• Manage resources such as forests, water bodies, and minerals.

• Develop local infrastructure, including education, healthcare, and rural roads.

• Promote local governance through the formation of village councils.

Revenue Sources of ADCs

• Power to levy taxes, fees, and tolls on: Land, buildings, vehicles, boats, and animals. Goods entering the district. Ferries, roads, and employment-based income. General taxation for the maintenance of local infrastructure.

• Land, buildings, vehicles, boats, and animals.

• Goods entering the district.

• Ferries, roads, and employment-based income.

• General taxation for the maintenance of local infrastructure.

Woolly Mice

• •Source: IE*

Context: Scientists at Colossal Biosciences have genetically engineered “woolly mice” by editing specific genes to mimic traits of the woolly mammoth, such as thick, wavy fur and cold adaptation.

• This experiment aims to validate genetic modifications for potential use in reviving the extinct woolly mammoth, but experts remain skeptical about its significance.

About Woolly Mice:

What is Woolly Mice?

• Genetically modified mice engineered to express mammoth-like traits, including longer, wavier hair and cold adaptation features.

• Created as a model organism to study genetic modifications that could be applied to de-extinct species like the woolly mammoth.

Who Created Woolly Mice and How?

• Developed by: Colossal Biosciences, a US-based genetic engineering company.

• Genetic Modifications: Scientists edited seven key genes linked to hair length, texture, colour, and metabolism, found in woolly mammoths and their closest relatives, Asian elephants.

• Methodology: Compared mammoth genomes with Asian elephants to identify cold-adaptation genetic variants. Introduced these gene edits into laboratory mice using CRISPR gene-editing technology. Key genetic edits: FGF5 gene: Regulated hair growth, producing three times longer fur. MC1R gene: Altered coat colour to golden, similar to mammoths. FABP2 gene: Modified lipid metabolism, potentially increasing cold tolerance.

• Compared mammoth genomes with Asian elephants to identify cold-adaptation genetic variants.

• Introduced these gene edits into laboratory mice using CRISPR gene-editing technology.

• Key genetic edits: FGF5 gene: Regulated hair growth, producing three times longer fur. MC1R gene: Altered coat colour to golden, similar to mammoths. FABP2 gene: Modified lipid metabolism, potentially increasing cold tolerance.

• FGF5 gene: Regulated hair growth, producing three times longer fur.

• MC1R gene: Altered coat colour to golden, similar to mammoths.

• FABP2 gene: Modified lipid metabolism, potentially increasing cold tolerance.

Significance of Woolly Mice Experiment

• Proof of Concept for De-Extinction: Demonstrates that specific genetic traits from extinct animals can be replicated in living organisms.

• Advances Genetic Engineering: Provides insights into complex gene interactions and their role in physical adaptations.

• Potential for Biodiversity Conservation: Suggests that gene editing could be used to prevent extinctions and enhance species’ adaptation to climate change.

• Model for Studying Cold Adaptation: Helps scientists understand how genes influence thermoregulation, which could benefit wildlife conservation in extreme climates.

UN Report on Gender Equality

Source: TH

Context: A United Nations report has revealed that women’s rights have been weakened in nearly 25% of countries, with growing gender discrimination in political, economic, and social spheres.

• The report highlights alarming statistics, including a 50% rise in conflict-related sexual violence since 2022 and persistent gender-based inequality in governance and resources.

About UN Report on Gender Equality:

What is This Report?

• A comprehensive assessment of gender equality and women’s rights worldwide, marking 30 years since the 1995 Beijing Declaration.

• Evaluates progress, setbacks, and threats to women’s rights, legal protections, and policy advancements.

Published By

• UN Women, the United Nations entity for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

• Released ahead of International Women’s Day 2025.

Key Findings of the Report

• Widespread Gender Discrimination: Women have only 64% of the legal rights that men have globally.

• Increase in Gender-Based Violence: A woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by a partner or family member. Conflict-related sexual violence has surged by 50% since 2022, with 95% of victims being women and girls.

• A woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by a partner or family member.

• Conflict-related sexual violence has surged by 50% since 2022, with 95% of victims being women and girls.

• Limited Representation in Leadership: Only 87 countries have ever had a female head of state. Women hold just 26% of parliamentary seats worldwide.

• Only 87 countries have ever had a female head of state.

• Women hold just 26% of parliamentary seats worldwide.

• Educational and Workplace Progress: 88% of countries have enacted laws against violence towards women. 44% of nations are improving education and training for women.

• 88% of countries have enacted laws against violence towards women.

• 44% of nations are improving education and training for women.

• Persisting Economic Disparities: 10% of women and girls live in extreme poverty. Female youth (ages 15-24) have limited access to modern family planning.

• 10% of women and girls live in extreme poverty.

• Female youth (ages 15-24) have limited access to modern family planning.

CAMPA Funds

Source: BS

Context: The Supreme Court has directed the Uttarakhand Chief Secretary to respond to allegations of financial irregularities in the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds, highlighted in a CAG report.

• The report claims misuse of funds by the Forest Department, including unauthorized purchases of iPhones, laptops, fridges, and office renovations, instead of afforestation activities.

About CAMPA Funds:

What is CAMPA?

• Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) is a mechanism for afforestation and forest conservation to compensate for the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.

• Established by the Supreme Court in 2009, it operates at both national and state levels.

Objectives of CAMPA

• Compensate forest loss by promoting afforestation and natural regeneration.

• Ensure effective fund utilization for forest and wildlife conservation.

• Provide financial support for forest protection, research, and training.

• Strengthen institutions responsible for forest management.

Provisions Under CAMPA

• Funds Collection: Money is collected from project proponents seeking forest clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.

• Utilization of Funds: Used for compensatory afforestation, additional afforestation, penal compensatory afforestation, and wildlife conservation.

• State CAMPA: Receives funds from the Adhoc CAMPA and administers their utilization for forest development.

• Monitoring & Accountability: An independent system is set up for concurrent monitoring and evaluation.

Role of CAMPA

• National CAMPA Advisory Council: Provides guidelines and oversight for State CAMPA bodies.

• State CAMPA: Implements afforestation, conservation, and forest protection programs at the state level.

• Funds Distribution: Allocates funds for infrastructure development, wildlife protection, and training of forest officials.

Significance of CAMPA

• Promotes Sustainable Development: Balances economic growth with environmental conservation.

• Enhances Forest Cover: Aims to regenerate lost forests due to industrial and infrastructural projects.

• Strengthens Wildlife Protection: Supports habitat conservation and biodiversity restoration.

• Improves Livelihoods: Generates employment in afforestation and forest management activities.

Limitations & Challenges

• Misuse of Funds: Reports of financial mismanagement and fund diversion for non-forestry activities.

• Slow Implementation: Delays in fund disbursement and project execution reduce effectiveness.

• Lack of Transparency: Insufficient monitoring mechanisms allow for misallocation of resources.

• State-Level Discrepancies: Uneven implementation and fund utilization across different states.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 March 2025 Mapping:

Sagar Island

Source: DTE

Context: Authorities have taken multiple measures to address coastal erosion and saline ingress on Sagar Island, West Bengal, following directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

About Sagar Island

Geographical Location

• Sagar Island (Sagardwip) is located in the Bay of Bengal at the confluence of the Hooghly River and the Ganges Delta.

• It is the largest island in the Sundarbans region and falls under South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal.

Environmental and Economic Significance

• Home to Gangasagar Mela, one of India’s largest religious pilgrimages, attracting millions of devotees annually.

• Vital fishing and agricultural hub, sustaining the coastal economy.

• Highly vulnerable to climate change, facing severe coastal erosion, salinity intrusion, and extreme weather events.

Tags: Sagar Island Coastal Erosion, Sundarbans Climate Change, West Bengal Shoreline Protection, Gangasagar Mela Infrastructure, Mangrove Conservation India, Casuarina Shelter Belt Plantation

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 7 Mar 2025

Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE

Official Facebook Page HERE

Twitter Account HERE

Instagram Account HERE

LinkedIn: HERE