Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 6 March, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
6 March, 2025

International Affairs

1. Trump on Tariffs

Context:

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has gone out on a limb to criticize high tariffs charged by India and other countries as being “very unfair.” He announced that beginning April 2, he would level reciprocal tariffs against any nation that imposes high duties on American goods.

Key Highlights:

• Tariff Policy
  • Trump claimed that any foreign product entering under his government would bear tariffs, some leisure rates.
• Target Countries
  • He said that European Union, China, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Canada all charge higher tariffs on the U.S.
• Tariffs on India
  • He attacked India over auto tariffs, which, he claimed, are actually over 100%.
• Reciprocal Tariffs
  • Trump makes it clear again that retaliatory tariffs would be launched against countries like India and China, restating what he had said during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States.
• Firm Stance
  • He made it clear that no country, India included, was going to be let off the hook, and he stated that the tariff structure was non negotiable.

Trump’s Comments on Ukraine and U.S. Aid

Former U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned the gratitude expressed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the U.S. assistance provided to Ukraine in its war against Russia and expressed readiness for negotiations for peace and an agreement on critical minerals with the U.S.

Key Highlights:

• Zelenskyy’s Letter
  • Trump quoted Zelenskyy as saying that Ukraine is ready to negotiate a peace deal with Russia as soon as possible and no one wants peace more than Ukrainians.
• U.S. Support
  • The letter from Zelenskyy acknowledged America’s contribution toward maintaining Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.
• Critical Minerals Agreement
  • Trump said that Ukraine is ready to sign an agreement on critical minerals with the U.S. for the future support of America.
• Vice President J.D. Vance’s Contribution
  • Vance, who took a prominent role in the tense White House meeting last week, made a skeptical commentary on the British French idea of an international security force for postwar Ukraine, thus further estranging bilateral diplomatic talks.

Former President Donald Trump’s strong stance on tariffs and U.S. foreign policy continues to create waves. Tariff measures against reciprocating nations, such as India and China, were a clear indication of his hard position against international trade fairness. His remarks regarding Ukraine indicate existing complexities in diplomacy, with special regard to U.S. support and agreements over critical minerals.

2. Space Debris

Context:

Two days ago in Makueni County, Kenya, a metal object weighing 500 kg fell from the sky on the date of December 30, 2024. The Kenya Space Agency has termed this to be a separation ring from a rocket going into space, but some experts have voiced skepticism.
That is, the present case showcases the growing concern over space debris alongside other notable past incidents in the USA and Australia.

The Increase in Space Debris Problems

• The more access there is to space, the greater the number of rockets, satellites, and spacecraft launched into this environment.
• Falling debris raises serious questions about accountability, liability, and safety.
• Unfortunately, with the lack of clear legal definitions, this becomes harder with regard to enforcement and responsibility.

International Space Laws Existing Legal Frameworks and Their Shortcomings

• The Outer Space Treaty (1967) states that states are responsible for space activities, whether conducted by government or private entities.
• The 1972 Liability Convention establishes “absolute liability” for damages caused by space objects on Earth, meaning that launching states are automatically responsible for any such damage.

Enforcement Challenges

• The issue of whether or not the debris can be considered a “space object” under liability laws raises the possibility for legal disputes.
• An example of these past cases is:
  • Soviet satellite Cosmos 954 (1978) crashed with a nuclear reactor into Canada. After years of negotiations, Canada received only $3 million of the $6 million cleanup costs as compensation.
  • Unidentified or decades old debris would complicate holding the original launching state accountable.

Space Governance Gaps

Uncontrollable Reentries and Their Severity

• In July 2024, China’s Long March 5B rocket core stage (23 tonne metal structure) crashed into the Pacific Ocean, narrowly avoiding populated areas.
• Modern rockets usually have disposal mechanisms for such events, but Long March 5B lacks one and involves dangerous reentry.
• A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket debris fell in Poland in March 2024, while no clear authority owns responsibility after loss of control.

Super Constellations Add to the Risk

• The likes of SpaceX Starlink, Amazon Kuiper, and Eutelsat OneWeb would reportedly be launching more than 100,000 satellites by 2030.
• Older satellites without deorbiting plans will worsen debris accumulation in space.
• Thus, voluntary UN guidelines (such as the 25 year deorbit rule) have maximum 30% compliance, hence weak in enforcement.

Necessary Changes

• Binding Global Regulations
  • The UN‘s COPUOS must enforce mandatory requirements that will be utilized to accomplish controlled reentries.
  • Certain penalties, including launch bans should be instituted against such non compliance.
• Stronger National Policies
  • Governments should include debris mitigation strategies as conditions for launch licenses.

The launching bodies should have to come out with debris mitigation strategies as a prerequisite for applying for launch license. Controlled reentry systems can be made available for the spacecraft however, they can also be transferred to a graveyard-orbit.

• Advanced Tracking Systems
  • To improve the activity of monitoring as well as into early predictions of reentry, expansion of tracking tools like that of U.S. Space Fence expected to be included.
• Sustainable Space Practices
  • In that way promote destruction nullifying technologies and re-useable rockets culture for dirtless clutter and, later on, improves safety within space.
• Updating the 1972 Liability Convention.
  • Create an independent international tribunal with powers of binding enforcement to bring into accountability responsible parties.

Space is not without law. It may soon become the space where uncontrol reentry turns into more frequent occurrences and with it, danger. The era of self-governing guidelines is over; it is now time for collective action by all nations in putting in place strong enforceable laws and mechanisms for accountability before the sky starts falling.

National Affairs

1. Discovery of largest Buddha head in Odisha’s Ratnagiri

Context:

On December 1, 2024, archaeologists excavating Ratnagiri, Odisha (Jajpur district), discovered important Buddhist artifacts, including a large Buddha head, which indicates the presence of a major statue. This revive six decades of interest in the Buddhist heritage of the area.

Key Discoveries

• Buddha Sculpture
  • A large Buddha head, palms, and fingers from what is likely a meditating Buddha statue, Khondalite in stone.
• Other Artifacts
  • Three sculpted heads of various sizes.
  • A monolithic elephant sculpture.
  • Hundreds of votive stupas, varying from the simplest to the most ornate.
  • Brick and stone masonry structures.
  • Stone carved votives depicting divinities arranged into a Vajrayana Buddhist offering practice.
  • Two granite stone tablets inscribed with Sanskrit in Kutila (Siddhamatrika) script.
  • Ceramic artifacts, mostly of fine grey ware, in a variety of shapes and sizes.
• Importance
  • It is significant that so many votive stupas point to this site as a major pilgrimage center for Vajrayana Buddhism.
  • The niches in the votive stupas probably housed male and female Buddhist divinities.
  • Further study will determine if this is the largest Buddha head found in India.

The excavation will continue until March before work is halted due to extreme summer heat.
More studies will help determine the influence of Buddhism in the area and the importance of these discoveries.

Source: TH

2. Supreme Court Ruling on Domicile Based Medical Reservations

Context:

In Dr. Tanvi Behl vs. Shrey Goyal (2025), the Supreme Court struck down domicile based reservations for post graduate medical admissions. The ruling held that State specific quotas are unconstitutional under Article 14 (Right to Equality), claiming that merit should prevail over the State’s right to decide.

Article 14 (Right to Equality)

The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India, on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.

Impact on State Health Planning

Loss of Medical Workforce Stability

• Domicile quotas ensure that trained doctors remain in their States, which are being used to address many chronic specialist shortages.
• The post graduate education case is the primary case for qualification for medical specialist education, as MBBS degree programs are mainly for general training.
• The absence of reservations means that States will invariably have to look at external recruitment, which is unreliable and inefficient.

Erosion of Competitive Federalism

• States invest enormous funds into medical colleges, while expecting these graduates would help serve the states’ healthcare systems.
• The moment the states feel secure about the local specialist workforce, they may downgrade their financial commitment into medical education, and this will worsen their healthcare infrastructure.
• Central institutions such as AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER enjoy selection autonomy, while State run medical colleges are denied the same creating an unfair disadvantage.

Implications for Public Health & the Constitution

• Article 21 (Right to Life) denotes access to healthcare, making medical education more of a public health issue than an academic one.
• State medical colleges are not merely institutions of institutional learning but vital links in the public healthcare system.
• The health sector, centralised beyond reason, confisei States of autonomy, and in return, deny them the adjustments necessary for dealing with local health care needs.

Absolute Meritocracy Is a Fallacy

Flaws of NEET PG

• Meritocracy is not absolute: entrance tests do not provide full consideration of regional disparities and socio economic barriers.
• Any inconsistencies in merit assessment were exposed in 2023 when the NEET PG qualifying percentile was brought down to zero by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for filling vacant seats.
• If regional and socio economic factors were to be taken into account in undergraduate admissions, how could post graduate admissions be exempt?

Court Interpretations on Merit & Equity

• Earlier Supreme Court cases(Jagdish Saran (1982), Pradeep Jain (1984), Neil Aurelio Nunes (2022), Om Rathod (2024))have ruled that:
  • Merit must be defined in a social context.
  • What matters are public service outcomes and not exam results.
  • Domicile quotas would ensure that communities get access to healthcare services, in the context of social justice.

Source: TH

3. Supreme Court Calls for Regulation of Digital Humour

Context:

The Supreme Court has recommended that the Government introduce regulatory measures to prevent vulgarity and perversion in the name of humour on digital platforms.
The Court suggested that any such regulation should meet the following criteria:
– Respect freedom of speech and expression.
– Stay within the parameters of “reasonable restrictions” under the Constitution.

Freedom of Speech – Article 19(1)(a)

Freedom of speech is the right to express ideas and opinions without fear of censorship, retaliation, or legal action. It applies to many forms of expression, including speech, writing, pictures, and performances. 

How is freedom of speech protected in India?

• In India, Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression. 
• This includes the right to express oneself through speech, writing, pictures, movies, banners, and more. 
• However, there are reasonable restrictions that can be imposed on this right. 

Existing Legal Frame: Is There a Need for Fresh Regulations?

While the Supreme Court now calls for configurations on new laws, there already exist certain existing laws which tackle digital obscenity, such as:

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
  • Defines obscene digital content as such which is “lascivious or appeals to prurient interest”.
  • Punishable under criminal law.
• Information Technology (IT) Act
  • Contains similar penal provisions for obscene online content.
• Cable Television Network Rules (Programme Code)
  • Prohibits programmes which are offensive to decency.
• Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021
  • Provides an age based classification of contents.
  • Has a grievance redressal mechanism as follows:
  • Platform level complaint handling.
  • Self regulatory body.
  • Government inter departmental committee.

Challenges & Concerns

• Overreach of Law Enforcement
  • Frequent FIR filings due to complaints against digital content overburden courts with judicial intervention.
  • Universal reach of the Internet does not allow justification on universal jurisdiction where one complaint can cause widespread legal consequences.
• Risk of Over Regulation
  • Such legal threshold will entertain all creative expression and set up barriers to digital freedoms. The prevailing regime of laws is beyond sufficient, and any further legislation might lead censorship and abuse.
• Need for a Balance Approach
  • The offensive content will be addressed, but the response should be compiled.
  • Mature societies should weigh legal consequences against artistic freedom and public sensibilities.

4. Quantum Computing and National Security

Context:

Quantum computing is dual use technology significant for defense, intelligence, and cybersecurity. The advancements may lead India highly open to technological surprises and strategic blind spots, posing national security risks.
Threats include:
– Breaking encryption & compromising banking systems.
– Disturbance and dislocation of financial markets & infrastructures supporting digital payments.

India’s Readiness for Quantum Preparedness

• Current Global Investments in Quantum Computing
  • China: $15 billion
  • US: $5 billion
  • Europe: $1.2 billion
  • India: $0.75 billion (Lagging far behind global leaders)
  • Investment Rise in 2024: 50 deals of $1.5 billion invested (2x YoY growth).

NITI Aayog Recommendations

• Bolster India’s Quantum Ecosystem to maintain comparability.
• Evolve early warning systems for tracking advancements across the globe in quantum technology.
• Identify vulnerabilities within critical national systems.
• Establish guidelines for crypto agility with reference to digital security.
• Cultivate bilateral collaborations for working together on quantum technology.

Strategic Vision

• Strategic vision for leadership in quantum technology includes
  • Strong policy frameworks.
  • Advanced research & talent cultivation.
  • Quantum capabilities at a large scale.
  • Those who prepare today will shape the future; those who fail to prepare risk falling behind.

Banking/Finance

1. RBI to Inject Rs. 1.9 Trillion in Banking System

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced on Wednesday its its plan to infuse Rs 1.9 lakh crore into the banking system through open market purchases of government securities and USD/INR swaps in March.

Liquidity Issues & RBI Measures

• Liquidity Measures By RBI
  • “OMO Auctions” of 60,000 crores worth of buying government securities in 3 tranches.
• Forex Swaps
  • A USD/INR buy sell swap of $5 billion (January 2025).
  • A USD/INR buy sell swap of $10 billion (February 2025).
• Banks are feeling the strain of liquidity due to certain challenging conditions prevailing in the market and have approached the RBI for some additional measures.

Rupee Performance & Forex Market Trends

• Rupee Gains in a Weaker Dollar
  • On March 5, 2025, the rupee appreciated by 0.36% from 87.27/USD to 86.96/USD.
• Yet other factors pushing the rupee higher
  • USD weakness amid US economic concerns, RBI intervention through state owned banks, and global positive vibes aiding Asian currencies.
• General Performance of the Rupee
  • Depreciation during FY25 stood at 4.09%.
  • CY25 depreciation stood at 1.55%.
• An expected range for the rupee: ₹88~89 per USD anticipates a rate cut in April.

Global Issues Affecting Both INR and Dollar Index

• On an import specific note
  • The 25% tariffs imposed on imports from Mexico & Canada.
• Chinese import duties doubled to 20%.
  • The slew of protectionist measures has cast an uncertainty cloud over US economic growth & inflation.

Outlook

Short Term: INR should trade keeping an appreciation bias.
Long Term: INR may depreciate toward ₹88 89/$ with an April rate cut.
Liquidity Watch: The RBI’s intervention will play a key role in managing liquidity stress and stabilizing the money markets.

Source: TOI

2. RBI Announces G-Sec Purchases

Key Announcements made by RBI

Open Market Purchase of Government Securities (G-Secs) worth ₹1 Lakh Crore.
Liquidity injection to be conducted in two tranches:
– ₹50,000 crore on March 12
– ₹50,000 crore on March 18
Forex Swap of $10 billion (36 month tenor) on March 24.

Objectives of the Move

• The decision was taken after a careful review of the current and evolving liquidity conditions in the banking system.
• The objectives of the RBI are to keep sufficient liquidity in the financial markets and to support economic stability.
• The RBI specifically stated that it is monitoring liquidity and market conditions continuously and would take necessary action to keep the financial flows smooth.

Possible Implications

• The G-Sec purchase will inject liquidity into the banking system, making it easier for funds to flow.
• The Forex swap may help with the currency volatility management and the stabilization of rupee with respect to the dollar.
• All these actions show that the RBI is acting reactively on financial liquidity management and supporting economic growth.

The latest measure of the RBI is a signal for strategic intervention to boost liquidity and stabilize the financial system, thereby ensuring smooth market operations under evolving economic conditions.

3. Fintech Engagement by RBI

Context:

Interaction is part of the ongoing engagement of RBI with the payments and fintech ecosystem. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra met with fintech firms, payment system operators, and self regulatory organizations to emphasize responsible innovation and compliance. This recognition has been given by RBI for a very crucial importance that fintechs play in the overall financial ecosystem and economy in India, like payment systems, account aggregators, and digital lending service providers.

Key discussion Points

• Strengthening the digital public infrastructure.
• Developing a unified lending interface similar to UPI.
• Expansion of use cases for central bank digital currency (CBDC).
• It has also been discussing fraudulent transactions and mule accounts.

Finquery Portal & CBDC Initiatives

• RBI launched the Finquery portal for direct engagement with fintech for promoting transparency, innovation, and regulatory clarity.
• CBDC Use Cases
  • Bank of Baroda modeled a small merchant loyalty program on CBDC for banks.

Clarifications on Regulatory Actions

• RBI reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and clarified that the regulatory actions taken recently were addressed to non compliance in critical areas and not against innovation.
• The discussions saw participation from the Deputy Governors M. Rajeshwar Rao, T Rabi Sankar, Swaminathan J., and executive directors.

New RBI Executive Director: Ajit Joshi

• Appointment: Ajit Joshi as Executive Director, RBI.
• Will supervise:
  • Department of Statistics and Information Management.
  • Financial Stability Department.

Source: BS

Economy

1. India Push for Simplified Trade Norms

Challenges Faced by EU Companies in India

• Existing regulations and trade barriers
  • Quality Control Orders (QCOs) and Customs procedures are overly complicated and should be simplified or done away with totally.
  • Streamlining the labelling, testing, and import processes is of utmost importance.
• Facilitate cross border digital transactions without data localisation restrictions.
• Issues relating to labour and intellectual property
  • The hindrance of complexity in the process of visa and work permits has been detrimental to mobility of talents.
  • Weak enforcement of intellectual property (IP) laws exposes businesses to risks of counterfeit goods and data.

Investment Outlook & Business Sentiment

• Strong confidence in the growth of the Indian market
  • 92% of European businesses feel that there will be a positive impact of the proposed EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• 72% will most likely invest more in India within two years.
• 80% view India as an expanding sales market and 61% view it as an emerging production hub.

EU Investors Focus on Key Sectors

More technology driven and sustainable industries can be expected as India improves trade practices.
76% of firms surveyed plan to invest beyond pre 2025 levels.

Why India?

• 66% said political stability was an advantage.
• 60% said India gained from its geopolitical position.
• 60% liked having a skilled labour force.
• 59% said that India is gradually easing the way of doing business.

Proposed FTA: A Game changer for EU India Trade

• Historically, the EU is India’s primary trading partner, emanating 12.2% of the trade share in total Indian trade in 2023.
• The EU-India FTA is expected to grow trade in goods & services, bringing economic growth.

It reflects as the EU firms remain optimistic about India’s market potential while identifying regulatory hurdles to be cleared. There will be more investment and trade opportunities under the EU India FTA once the aforementioned major trade, taxation, and regulatory barriers are addressed.

2. World Bank Report on India’s Growth

Context:

India needs an annual GDP growth of 7.8% for the following twenty years to achieve high income status.
Historical judgments: South Korea achieved similar results by means of consistent reforms.

Key Reforms Needed

• Investment & Capital Formation
  • 40% investment to GDP ratio by 2035.
  • Strengthen private sector participation & financial markets.
  • Reduced investment friction and increased infrastructure spending.
• Productivity & Industrialization
  • Technology adoption & innovation are needed.
    Raise the ease of doing business and encourage R&D.
    Focus on maintaining the competitiveness of labour intensive sectors.
• Human Capital & Regional Development
  • Forge a path to women accounting for only 55% by 2050 in the suitable workforce.
  • Target the laggard states with the implementation of resources in addressing regional disparity.
  • Improve public expenditure efficiency in these low income areas.
• Trade & Global Integration
  • Reduce tariffs and non tariff barriers to provide greater trade openness.
  • Build upon participation in global value chains.
  • Formulate policies in alignment with changing global economic and geopolitical forces.

Outlook & Policy Implications

• Disruptions to global trade & realignment of investment pose risks.
• India will need to sustain high growth underpinned by accelerated reforms, facing challenges from the external environment.
• Multi pronged strategies need to be carved out by policymakers in the fields of trade, investment, and human capital.

3. Rupee Gains and Dollar Weakens

Context:

Rupee appreciations of 0.36%, closing at ₹86.96/USD (previous close ₹87.27/USD). Highest gain in a single day since February 11.

Rupee Up on These Factors

• Weakness of the Dollar
  • Dollar index down by 0.6% to 104.9 (lowest since Nov 2024).
  • Market fears regarding US economic growth & trade tariffs.
• RBI Intervention
  • State owned banks sold dollars for the RBI.
  • Providing support to stabilise rupee volatility.
  • Positive Global Cues:
  • Asian currencies stronger to help rupee.

Trade Tariffs and Uncertainty

• US Tariffs Update
  • 25% on imports from Mexico & Canada.
  • Import duties on China now doubled to 20%.
  • Trump said India would be hit by reciprocal tariffs from April 2.
• Market Reaction
  • Initially, the rupee was expected to weaken.
  • Talks of tariff removal on Canada created uncertainty, which led to rupee appreciation instead.

Outlook

Short Term: The rupee is expected to remain positive for appreciation.
Long Term: It is expected to start depreciating towards ₹88–89/USD with an expected cut in April.
Volatility is high on account of the developing US trade policies.

Agriculture

1. India’s Gene Bank

What is a Gene Bank?

• A Gene Bank is an institution where seeds, pollen, and tissue samples are stored for conservation purposes to keep plants from extinction.
• First Gene Bank in India (Established 1996)
  • Under the auspices of ICAR NBPGR, New Delhi, which has 12 Regional Stations.
  • Maintains 0.47 million accessions of cereals, millets, legumes, oilseeds, and vegetables.

Announcement of India’s Second National GenBank

• Provided in the Budget 2025-26 by the Ministry of Finance.
• Capacity: 1 million lines of germplasm to strengthen agricultural biodiversity.
• Note
  • Contribute towards the preservation of crop diversity and food security.
  • Assist the public and private sectors alike in managing genetic resources.
  • Support India’s role in global biodiversity conservation.
• International Scope
  • Generate support for SAARC and BRICS countries not having established gene banks.
• Importance Against Global Challenges
  • To alleviate threats posed by climate crisis, natural calamities, and geopolitical risks.
  • To provide a guarantee for the long term sustainability of India’s germplasm.

Discussions conducted during the Webinar marry the long term vision of India in the Viksit Bharat 2047 through economy, innovation, and workforce empowerment.
With the commissioning of the new National GenBank, this is strategically aimed at improving food security, conservation of biodiversity, and global agricultural resilience.

Source: PIB

Facts To Remember

1. DRDO conducts trial of life support system for LCA Tejas

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday announced the successful high-altitude trial of an indigenous integrated life support system (ILSS) for the light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

2. RBI names Joshi as executive director

The Reserve Bank said it has appointed Ajit Ratnakar Joshi as Executive Director (ED) who will look after the Department of Statistics and Information Management and Financial Stability Department.

3. HDFC Bank Launches Project HAKK to Support IAF Pensioners and Veterans

The bank signed an MoU with the IAF (through the office of the Assistant Chief of Air Staff – Accounts & Air Veterans) and CSC Academy. HDFC Bank has introduced Project HAKK (Hawai Anubhavi Kalyan Kendra) to offer support and services to Indian Air Force (IAF) pensioners, veterans, and their families.

4. President Murmu to inaugurate “Nari Shakti Se Viksit Bharat” conference on Women’s Day

President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate a national conference in New Delhi on International Women’s Day on the 8th of this month. The Conference is being organised on the theme of “Nari Shakti Se Viksit Bharat” by the Women and Child Development Ministry.

5. RBI Governor engages with Fin-Techs, Payment System Operators

Reserve Bank of India’s Governor Sanjay Malhotra held an interaction with non-bank Payment System Operators and FinTechs along with their associations and SROs yesterday.

6. DoSJE Secretary Amit Yadav inaugurates Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme

Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) Secretary Amit Yadav said that the fundamental purpose of government service is to bring meaningful change to people’s lives.

7. India condemns security breach by separatists during EAM Jaishankar’s UK visit

India has condemned the security breach by separatists and extremists during the visit of External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to the United Kingdom. 

8. Israel’s new military chief takes office, vows to strike enemies with ‘tremendous force’

Eyal Zamir has taken over as the 24th Chief of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He has warned that Israel’s multi-front conflict would be ongoing and vowed to strike its enemies with tremendous force