UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 March 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 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 – 8 March (2025)
• Women’s Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing Report
Women’s Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing Report
• AI and Critical Thinking
AI and Critical Thinking
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
• Emocracy
Emocracy
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
• Namami Gange Programme
Namami Gange Programme
• T-72 Tanks
T-72 Tanks
• National Commission for Women
National Commission for Women
• Convention on Cluster Munitions
Convention on Cluster Munitions
Mapping:
• Djibouti
Djibouti
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 March 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Women’s Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing Report
Syllabus: Women and Vulnerable
Context: UN Women’s latest report, “Women’s Rights in Review 30 Years After Beijing,” was released ahead of the 50th International Women’s Day on 8 March 2025.
About Beijing Declaration:
What is the Beijing Declaration?
• The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) is a global framework adopted by 189 governments at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China.
• It remains the most comprehensive roadmap for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
• It focuses on 12 critical areas, including women’s rights, economic participation, political leadership, education, health, and freedom from violence.
Achievements in Women Empowerment:
• Legal and Institutional Reforms
• Anti-discrimination laws in 162 countries now prohibit gender-based employment discrimination.
• More robust policies on sexual and reproductive rights, improving access to family planning and maternal health.
• Economic Advancements
• More women in leadership: Women head 36% of local legislatures and 27% of parliamentary seats.
• Expansion of digital inclusion: The proportion of women using the Internet rose from 50% to 65% (2019-2024).
• Public investments in universal care services created millions of new jobs for women.
• Education and Skill Development
• Girls now surpass boys in secondary education completion rates in most regions.
• Significant increase in STEM education for women, with many countries funding digital literacy programs.
• Women’s Role in Climate Action
• 53% of countries now integrate gender in disaster and climate laws.
• Women’s participation in environmental decision-making remains low but increasing.
Limitations in Achieving Gender Equality
• Persistent Gender Wage Gap: Women earn 20% less than men globally.
• Limited Political Representation: Only 23% of cabinet ministers and 27% of parliamentarians are women.
• Gender-Based Violence Remains High: 736 million women (1 in 3) experience physical or sexual violence.
• Slow Legal Implementation: While many laws exist, enforcement remains weak, and gender biases persist.
• Digital Gender Divide: Women remain underrepresented in AI and tech fields, and online harassment is rising.
• Underfunded Gender Initiatives: Only 4% of official development assistance is dedicated explicitly to gender equality.
Way Ahead:
• Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Implement strict enforcement mechanisms for gender-based violence laws, equal pay policies, and workplace rights.
• Promote Economic Inclusion: Expand women’s access to finance, land ownership, and digital skills.
• Increase Women’s Political Participation: Enforce gender quotas in governments, corporations, and global institutions.
• Tackle Digital and AI Biases: Develop ethical AI policies that prevent gender discrimination in technology.
• Close the Gender Data Gap: Enhance gender-responsive budgeting and policy tracking.
• Invest in Women’s Climate Leadership: Fund women-led environmental solutions and green jobs.
Conclusion:
Despite notable progress, gender disparities persist across political, economic, and social sectors. The Beijing Declaration remains relevant, urging governments and institutions to accelerate gender equality commitments. Achieving full empowerment requires stronger policies, better implementation, and global collaboration.
• “Micro-Finance as an anti-poverty vaccine, is aimed at asset creation and income security of the rural poor in India”. Evaluate the role of Self-Help Groups in achieving the twin objectives along with empowering women in rural India. (UPSC-2020)
AI and Critical Thinking
Syllabus: Education
Source: TH
Context: With AI tools becoming widespread in classrooms, concerns are rising over their impact on students’ critical thinking abilities, as many rely on AI-generated responses instead of independent reasoning.
What is Critical Thinking?
• Critical thinking is the ability to analyze, evaluate, and interpret information logically and independently.
• It involves questioning assumptions, identifying biases, drawing reasoned conclusions, and making informed decisions.
• Key components include problem-solving, logical reasoning, creativity, and evidence-based analysis.
How AI Can Overpower Critical Thinking?
• Instant Answers Without Effort: AI provides quick solutions, reducing students’ habit of deep analysis and independent problem-solving.
• Lack of Questioning Mindset: Over-reliance on AI-generated content discourages curiosity and intellectual engagement.
• Bias in AI Models: AI algorithms reflect biases present in training data, leading to misinformation and one-sided perspectives.
• Decline in Cognitive Retention: AI-driven learning may weaken memory retention and analytical skills as users absorb ready-made answers without reflection.
• Overdependence on AI for Creativity: Many users rely on AI for content creation, writing, and innovation, limiting human originality and thought-processing skills.
Why Critical Thinking Remains Superior to AI?
• Contextual Understanding: Unlike AI, human reasoning considers emotions, ethics, and real-world complexities in decision-making.
• Ability to Challenge and Adapt: Critical thinkers challenge assumptions and evolve perspectives, while AI only generates outputs based on patterns.
• Moral and Ethical Judgment: AI lacks ethical reasoning; humans assess fairness, justice, and moral dilemmas.
• Problem-Solving in Unpredictable Situations: AI operates within predefined rules, while human cognition adapts to novel and uncertain circumstances.
• Intuition and Emotional Intelligence: AI lacks human empathy and intuition, which are essential for understanding emotions and making balanced decisions.
Importance of Critical Thinking in Life:
• Enhances Decision-Making: Helps individuals make logical, well-informed choices in personal and professional life.
• Strengthens Problem-Solving Skills: Equips individuals to analyze situations, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
• Prevents Misinformation Spread: Encourages fact-checking, questioning sources, and resisting manipulation.
• Fosters Innovation and Creativity: Critical thinkers explore new ideas and push intellectual boundaries, leading to groundbreaking innovations.
• Essential for Leadership and Governance: Leaders with strong critical thinking skills make rational policies, resolve conflicts, and drive progress.
Conclusion:
While AI enhances efficiency, it should complement rather than replace critical thinking. Education systems must balance AI integration with independent reasoning skills to ensure holistic intellectual development. The future of learning lies in harmonizing technology with human cognition, fostering analytical and ethical decision-making.
• Introduce the concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI). How does Al help clinical diagnosis? Do you perceive any threat to privacy of the individual in the use of Al in healthcare? (UPSC-2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Emocracy
Context: Vice President called for a national debate on the shift from democracy to ‘Emocracy’, warning that emotion-driven policies threaten good governance.
About Emocracy:
What is ‘Emocracy’?
• ‘Emocracy’ (Emotion-Driven Democracy) refers to governance influenced by emotions rather than rational policy-making.
• It replaces evidence-based decision-making with populist rhetoric and emotionally charged narratives.
Key Features of Emocracy:
• Emotion-Driven Policies: Governance decisions are based on public sentiments rather than long-term planning.
• Rise of Populism: Leaders focus on short-term popularity gains through excessive electoral promises.
• Weakened Institutional Decision-Making: Political discourse is shaped by emotional appeal, sidelining expert-driven policies.
• Economic Burden: Unplanned social spending reduces government investment in critical infrastructure.
• Declining Democratic Accountability: Public support is swayed by emotions, making it harder to hold governments accountable.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus
• GS Paper 2 – Governance & Polity
• Democracy vs. Populism: Impact of emotion-driven governance on democratic institutions. Good Governance vs. Political Appeasement: Fiscal prudence in policy-making. Electoral Reforms: Need for accountability in election promises.
• Democracy vs. Populism: Impact of emotion-driven governance on democratic institutions.
• Good Governance vs. Political Appeasement: Fiscal prudence in policy-making.
• Electoral Reforms: Need for accountability in election promises.
• GS Paper 3 – Economy & Development
• Impact of populism on fiscal policy and economic stability. Challenges of excessive welfare schemes on infrastructure development.
• Impact of populism on fiscal policy and economic stability.
• Challenges of excessive welfare schemes on infrastructure development.
• GS Paper 4 – Ethics & Leadership
• Ethical leadership vs. populist leadership. Sustainable governance vs. short-term electoral gains.
• Ethical leadership vs. populist leadership.
• Sustainable governance vs. short-term electoral gains.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Strategic Bitcoin Reserve
Source: IE
Context: U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to position the U.S. as a leader in digital asset storage.
• The reserve will be capitalized with Bitcoin seized by the U.S. Treasury from criminal and civil forfeiture proceedings, creating a government-backed stockpile of cryptocurrencies.
About Strategic Bitcoin Reserve:
• What is the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve?
• A U.S. government-backed reserve that will hold Bitcoin and select other cryptocurrencies as strategic financial assets. Aims to enhance U.S. leadership in digital currency markets and ensure long-term value retention of crypto assets.
• A U.S. government-backed reserve that will hold Bitcoin and select other cryptocurrencies as strategic financial assets.
• Aims to enhance U.S. leadership in digital currency markets and ensure long-term value retention of crypto assets.
• Established by:
• President Donald Trump via an executive order in March 2025. Managed by the U.S. Department of Treasury and Department of Commerce.
• President Donald Trump via an executive order in March 2025.
• Managed by the U.S. Department of Treasury and Department of Commerce.
• How it works?
• Bitcoin Seizure Utilization: The reserve will be funded by Bitcoin and other digital assets seized from criminal and civil forfeiture cases. No Immediate Sales Policy: The government will hold Bitcoin as a long-term asset, preventing premature sell-offs that could destabilize markets. Digital Asset Stockpile: Apart from Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano will also be part of the reserve. Budget-Neutral Strategy: Treasury and Commerce Departments are tasked with acquiring more Bitcoin without imposing costs on taxpayers. Centralized Crypto Strategy: The reserve aims to act as a digital equivalent of Fort Knox, positioning Bitcoin as a strategic national asset.
• Bitcoin Seizure Utilization: The reserve will be funded by Bitcoin and other digital assets seized from criminal and civil forfeiture cases.
• No Immediate Sales Policy: The government will hold Bitcoin as a long-term asset, preventing premature sell-offs that could destabilize markets.
• Digital Asset Stockpile: Apart from Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano will also be part of the reserve.
• Budget-Neutral Strategy: Treasury and Commerce Departments are tasked with acquiring more Bitcoin without imposing costs on taxpayers.
• Centralized Crypto Strategy: The reserve aims to act as a digital equivalent of Fort Knox, positioning Bitcoin as a strategic national asset.
Namami Gange Programme
Source: DD News
Context: The Namami Gange Programme, launched in 2014, has significantly improved sewage treatment capacity, river biodiversity, and pollution control measures in the Ganga River basin.
• The programme has quadrupled the sewage treatment capacity in Varanasi, improved water quality in multiple states.
About Namami Gange Programme:
What is Namami Gange?
• A comprehensive river conservation mission aimed at cleaning and rejuvenating River Ganga.
• Approved as a Flagship Programme by the Government of India in 2014.
Launched In: June 2014, with a budget outlay of ₹20,000 crore, later expanded to ₹42,500 crore.
Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti, under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
Aim of Namami Gange:
• Pollution abatement and ecological restoration of the Ganga River.
• Sustainable waste management through modern sewage treatment plants (STPs).
• Biodiversity conservation and revival of aquatic ecosystems.
• Public engagement and awareness to promote community participation.
Key Features:
• Sewage Treatment Infrastructure: Over 200 sewage treatment projects have been launched to prevent wastewater from polluting the Ganga.
• Riverfront Development: Modernization of ghats and crematoriums along the river to enhance sanitation and tourism.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Efforts to restore aquatic life, leading to a rise in Gangetic Dolphin population and improved fish species diversity.
• Afforestation & Eco-Restoration: Over 1.34 lakh hectares of trees planted along the Ganga to prevent soil erosion and maintain water flow.
• Ganga Gram Initiative: Development of 1,674 villages along the river with better sanitation, waste management, and clean drinking water.
• International Recognition & Collaboration: Recognized as a Top 10 World Restoration Flagship Initiative (UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, 2022).
T-72 Tanks
Source: ET
Context: India signed a $248 million contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport to procure 1,000 HP engines for its fleet of T-72 tanks, replacing the existing 780 HP engines to enhance combat capabilities.
• The deal includes Transfer of Technology (ToT) to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) in Avadi, Chennai.
About T-72 Tanks:
What is the T-72 Tank?
• A main battle tank (MBT) originally developed by the Soviet Union and introduced in the 1970s.
• One of the most widely used tanks worldwide, with over 25,000 units produced.
• India operates 2,400+ T-72 tanks, making it the backbone of the Indian Army’s armored forces.
Developed by:
• Designed by Uralvagonzavod, Soviet Union.
• India locally manufactures and upgrades T-72 tanks at the Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi.
Features of T-72 Tank:
• Firepower: Equipped with a 125mm smoothbore gun, 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and 12.7mm anti-aircraft gun.
• Mobility: Now upgraded with 1,000 HP engines, improving battlefield speed and manoeuvrability.
• Armor Protection: Features composite and reactive armour to withstand enemy fire.
• Night Combat Capability: Enhanced thermal imaging systems allow for effective night operations.
• Operational Range: Can travel 460 km on-road and 300 km off-road with auxiliary fuel tanks.
Significance of T-72 Tanks in India’s Defense:
• Backbone of the Indian Army: The largest tank fleet, forming the core of India’s armored divisions.
• Upgradation for Modern Warfare: Enhanced mobility, protection, and firepower to match contemporary battle needs.
• High-Altitude Deployment: Used in Ladakh and desert warfare scenarios, proving versatile in diverse terrains.
• Cost-Effective Modernization: The engine upgrade enhances performance while keeping operational costs lower than acquiring new MBTs.
• Strengthens India-Russia Defense Ties: Reflects continued strategic military collaboration between New Delhi and Moscow.
National Commission for Women
Source: TOI
Context: The National Commission for Women (NCW) will launch 21 pre-marital communication centres across nine states to provide counselling and guidance on marriage-related issues.
About National Commission for Women (NCW):
What is NCW?
• The National Commission for Women (NCW) is an autonomous statutory body established to protect and promote women’s rights in India.
• Formed under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, it plays a crucial role in policy advocacy, legal reforms, and women’s welfare initiatives.
Established In: January 31, 1992, under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Powers and Functions of NCW:
• Legal and Constitutional Safeguards:
• Reviews laws affecting women and recommends amendments to improve gender justice. Investigates complaints related to women’s rights violations.
• Reviews laws affecting women and recommends amendments to improve gender justice.
• Investigates complaints related to women’s rights violations.
• Policy Advocacy and Research:
• Conducts research on gender issues and provides policy recommendations. Works with the government to improve women’s socio-economic status.
• Conducts research on gender issues and provides policy recommendations.
• Works with the government to improve women’s socio-economic status.
• Monitoring and Oversight:
• Takes suo moto action in cases of women’s rights violations. Reviews government programs and legal safeguards for effective implementation.
• Takes suo moto action in cases of women’s rights violations.
• Reviews government programs and legal safeguards for effective implementation.
• Social Awareness and Counselling:
• Organizes awareness programs, legal aid camps, and counselling services. Runs support initiatives for victims of domestic violence and workplace harassment.
• Organizes awareness programs, legal aid camps, and counselling services.
• Runs support initiatives for victims of domestic violence and workplace harassment.
• Coordination with Law Enforcement:
• Works with police, courts, and legal authorities to ensure speedy justice for women.
• Monitors implementation of gender-sensitive laws like POCSO, Domestic Violence Act, and Dowry Prohibition Act.
National Commission for Women
- •Source: CMW*
Context: Lithuania officially withdrew from the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), becoming the first country to exit the treaty since its adoption.
About Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM):
What is the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM)?
• The CCM is an international treaty that prohibits the use, transfer, production, and stockpiling of cluster munitions due to their long-term humanitarian risks.
• Adopted in 2008, the treaty entered into force on 1 August 2010.
• It aims to eliminate cluster bombs, which pose a grave threat to civilians even after conflicts end.
Members & Non-Members:
• 112 states are parties to the convention, with 12 additional signatories yet to ratify it.
• India, the U.S., Russia, China, Ukraine, and Israel have not signed the treaty, citing military and strategic concerns.
Key Features of the CCM
• Comprehensive Ban: Prohibits the use, development, stockpiling, transfer, and production of cluster munitions.
• Assistance to Affected Areas: Requires members to clear contaminated areas and provide aid to victims.
• Destruction of Stockpiles: Signatories must destroy existing cluster munition stockpiles within eight years of joining.
• Prevention of Assistance: Member states cannot assist, encourage, or induce any nation to engage in banned activities.
• International Cooperation: Promotes collaboration in demining, victim support, and destruction of stockpiles.
What are Cluster Munitions?
• Cluster munitions are explosive weapons that release multiple smaller bomblets (submunitions) over a wide area.
• They are used to target dispersed military assets like tanks, infantry, and artillery formations.
• Features of Cluster Munitions:
• High Submunition Count: A single cluster bomb can contain several to 600+ bomblets.
• Delivery Mechanisms: Launched via aircraft, artillery, or missiles, they scatter bomblets mid-air before impact.
• Lack of Precision: Most bomblets are free-falling and unguided, leading to widespread unintended destruction.
• Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Risk: Many bomblets fail to detonate on impact, remaining dangerous for decades, similar to landmines.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 8 March 2025 Mapping:
Djibouti
Source: NDTV
Context: Over 180 migrants are missing after four boats sank between Djibouti and Yemen, highlighting the dangers of illegal migration routes in the Horn of Africa.
About Djibouti:
• Located in: The Horn of Africa, at the junction of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
• Capital: Djibouti City, a major deepwater port and railhead to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).
• Neighbouring Countries: Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and Gulf of Aden.
• Geographical Features
• Mountains: Mount Moussa (2,028m): Highest peak. Day Forest: One of Djibouti’s coolest regions.
• Mount Moussa (2,028m): Highest peak.
• Day Forest: One of Djibouti’s coolest regions.
• Lakes & Drainage: Lake Assal (155m below sea level): Lowest point in Africa, highly saline. Lake Abbe: Located on the border with Ethiopia. No permanent rivers, only seasonal streams and underground water sources.
• Lake Assal (155m below sea level): Lowest point in Africa, highly saline.
• Lake Abbe: Located on the border with Ethiopia.
• No permanent rivers, only seasonal streams and underground water sources.
• Geological Activity: Situated at the junction of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and East African Rift. High seismic activity, with frequent tremors and volcanic eruptions, including Ardoukoba volcano (1978).
• Situated at the junction of the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and East African Rift.
• High seismic activity, with frequent tremors and volcanic eruptions, including Ardoukoba volcano (1978).
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