UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 March 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 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 – 18 March (2025)

1. India-New Zealand Relations

2. Why are electoral reforms necessary?

3. ADR Report on Criminalization of Politics

 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

1. Chhareda Panchayat Water Conservation Model

 Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India)

2. Supersolid Light

3. Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

4. Autopen

5. Chandrayaan-5 Mission and India’s Second Spaceport

 Mapping:

1. Ana Sagar Lake

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 March 2025

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GS Paper 2 :

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India-New Zealand Relations

Syllabus: International Relations

Source:  MEA

Context:  Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, visited India from 16–20 March 2025. Both nations agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation across trade, defence, technology, and multilateral engagement.

About India–New Zealand Bilateral Relations: Historical Overview

• Early connections: Relations date back to the 1800s, with Indian immigrants settling in New Zealand, particularly in Christchurch by 1850.
• Wartime cooperation: Indian troops fought alongside ANZAC forces in Gallipoli in 1915.
• Diplomatic ties: India established a trade commission in New Zealand in 1950, later upgraded to a High Commission.
• Common platforms: Both countries are members of the Commonwealth and share democratic values and parliamentary governance.
• Global commitment: Both support global peace, disarmament, ecological preservation, and combat international terrorism.

Significance of India–New Zealand Bilateral Relationship:

• Economic potential: India is New Zealand’s 11th largest trading partner; bilateral trade valued at USD 1.80 billion (2020).
• Strategic alignment: Shared interest in maintaining a stable Indo-Pacific and freedom of navigation under UNCLOS.
• Diaspora connection: Approximately 2,50,000 persons of Indian origin live in New Zealand, strengthening people-to-people ties.
• Tourism growth: 67,953 Indian visitors to NZ (2018); direct flight operations between both nations encouraged.
• Climate and disaster cooperation: New Zealand supports India in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and has joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Challenges in India–New Zealand Relations:

• Trade imbalances: India primarily imports logs and wood pulp; balanced trade requires diversification and value addition.
• FTA delays: Previous attempts for an FTA have seen slow progress despite potential benefits.
• Limited defence depth: Although engagements are growing, full-spectrum military cooperation remains limited compared to other Quad members.
• Visa and mobility issues: Indian students and skilled workers face procedural hurdles; irregular migration concerns noted.
• Underutilised cultural diplomacy: Despite strong diaspora ties, Indian cultural promotion in New Zealand could be more dynamic.

Way Ahead:

• Accelerate FTA conclusion: Conclude comprehensive and mutually beneficial FTA negotiations promptly.
• Boost defence engagements: Conduct regular bilateral military exercises and staff exchanges.
• Enhance educational ties: Promote Indian students’ mobility with robust scholarship schemes and simplified visa processes.
• Strengthen climate partnership: Joint research in green tech, horticulture, and disaster mitigation must be scaled up.
• Expand maritime collaboration: Leverage IPOI membership and bilateral naval dialogues for Indo-Pacific maritime security.

Conclusion:

India and New Zealand relations are rooted in shared democratic values, trade, and strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific. The recent meeting marks a renewed commitment to expand cooperation in defence, trade, climate, and education. With proactive engagement and addressing key challenges, this partnership can become a model in the Indo-Pacific landscape.

PYQ:

 

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Why are electoral reforms necessary?

Source:  NIE

Context: The Election Commission (EC) has invited political parties to discuss strengthening the electoral process amid allegations of electoral roll manipulation, duplicate EPIC numbers, and concerns over EVM-VVPAT reliability.

• These issues highlight the urgent need for electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections.

About Electoral Reforms:

Legal Provisions for Electoral Reforms:

• Article 324 of the Constitution: Vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the EC, ensuring its autonomy in conducting elections.
• Representation of the People Act, 1950: Governs the preparation of electoral rolls and voter registration.
• Registration of Electors Rules, 1960: Provides the framework for voter registration and EPIC issuance.
• Model Code of Conduct (MCC): A set of guidelines to ensure ethical campaigning and fair play during elections.
• Supreme Court Directives: Include mandatory VVPAT use, disclosure of criminal antecedents by candidates, and verification of EVM microcontrollers in case of disputes.

Issues Calling for Electoral Reforms:

• EVM and VVPAT Concerns: Opposition parties demand 100% VVPAT-EVM matching, citing potential tampering.

Example: PILs filed in the Supreme Court seeking a return to paper ballots.

• Electoral Roll Manipulation: Allegations of fake voters in Maharashtra and Delhi elections.

Example: Trinamool Congress accused the EC of adding bogus voters to benefit the ruling party.

• Duplicate EPIC Numbers: Voters in states like West Bengal and Gujarat share identical EPIC numbers, raising doubts about voter list integrity.
• Criminalization of Politics: 46% of MPs elected in 2024 have criminal cases, with 31% facing serious charges like murder and rape (ADR report).
• Unregulated Campaign Expenditure: Political parties exceed expenditure limits, with the 2024 Lok Sabha elections estimated to cost ₹1,00,000 crore (CMS report).

Reforms Needed:

• EVM-VVPAT Enhancements: Increase the sample size for VVPAT-EVM matching scientifically.

Example: Use region-wise sampling and count all VVPAT slips in case of discrepancies.

• Aadhaar-EPIC Linking: Link Aadhaar with EPIC to eliminate duplicate voters, ensuring privacy safeguards.

Example: EC’s ERONET platform can be leveraged for centralized data management.

• Stricter MCC Enforcement: Empower the EC to revoke ‘Star Campaigner’ status for MCC violations.

Example: Action under Paragraph 16A of the Symbols Order against major parties for unethical campaigning.

• Expenditure Caps: Impose limits on political party expenditure and include party funding within candidate expenditure limits.

Example: Amend the Representation of the People Act to enforce this.

• Publicizing Criminal Records: Enforce Supreme Court directives to publicize criminal antecedents of candidates at least three times before elections.

Example: Use local newspapers and electronic media for wider reach.

Conclusion:

Electoral reforms are essential to address issues like EVM reliability, electoral roll manipulation, and criminalization of politics. By implementing scientific VVPAT sampling, linking Aadhaar with EPIC, and enforcing stricter campaign regulations, the EC can restore public trust in the electoral process. A collaborative effort between the EC, political parties, and civil society is crucial to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.

PYQ:

 

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ADR Report on Criminalization of Politics

Syllabus: Governance

Source:  ADR

Context: The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) released its 2025 analysis of 4,092 MLAs from 28 states and 3 Union Territories, revealing alarming levels of criminalization in Indian politics.

Data Insights from ADR Report:

• Overall, India Data:
  • 45% (1,861 MLAs) have declared criminal cases, indicating widespread criminalization in Indian politics.
  • 29% (1,205 MLAs) face serious criminal charges, including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and crimes against women, reflecting the gravity of the issue.
• State-wise Rankings (Highest Criminal MLAs):
  • Andhra Pradesh leads with 79% MLAs having criminal cases, followed by Kerala and Telangana at 69% each.
  • Bihar (66%), Maharashtra (65%), and Tamil Nadu (59%) also show high percentages, highlighting regional disparities.
• States with Highest Serious Criminal Charges:
  • Andhra Pradesh (56%), Telangana (50%), and Bihar (49%) top the list, indicating a concentration of serious offenses in these states.
• National Party vs Regional Party Comparison:

• According to the ADR 2025 report, regional parties show a higher percentage of MLAs with criminal cases compared to national parties.

• Gender-wise Data:
  • 23% of women MLAs (out of 282 analyzed) have declared criminal cases, showing that criminalization is not limited to male politicians.
• MLAs Facing Heinous Charges:
  • 54 MLAs face murder charges, 226 face attempted murder charges, and 127 face crimes against women, including 13 charged with rape.
• Education Ranking of MLAs (State-wise):
  • Delhi (100%), Kerala (99%), and Maharashtra (98%) have the most highly educated MLAs, while Jharkhand (68%), Odisha (71%), and UP (78%) lag behind.
• Billionaire MLA Ranking (State-wise):
  • Andhra Pradesh (36%), Telangana (28%), and Karnataka (28%) have the highest percentage of billionaire MLAs, linking wealth to political candidacy.

Causes of Criminalization of Politics in India

1. Electoral Popularity of ‘Strongmen’: Criminals are often seen as protectors and problem-solvers, especially in regions with weak governance.
2. Weak Legal System: Slow judicial processes allow candidates to contest elections despite pending criminal charges.
   • The 17th Law Commission’s recommendation to expedite trials has not been implemented.
3. Lack of Transparency: While affidavits are mandatory, voters often lack awareness or access to detailed criminal records of candidates.
4. Party Complicity: Political parties prioritize electability over integrity, often fielding candidates with criminal backgrounds to ensure victory.
5. Money-Muscle Power Nexus: Candidates with criminal backgrounds often have significant financial resources and local influence, enabling them to dominate elections.

Consequences of Criminalization of Politics

• Undermines Democratic Institutions: The presence of criminals in legislatures erodes public trust in democratic processes and institutions.

Example: Low voter turnout in areas dominated by criminal MLAs reflects disillusionment.

• Policy Paralysis: Legislators with criminal backgrounds often prioritize personal interests over public welfare, leading to stalled reforms.

Example: Delayed criminal justice reforms due to the influence of such MLAs.

• Increased Lawlessness: Criminals in power promote a culture of impunity, leading to higher crime rates and corruption.

Example: NCRB data shows rising political crime rates in states with high criminal MLAs.

• Erosion of Ethics in Governance: The presence of tainted legislators contradicts the constitutional ethos of integrity and public service.

Example: MLAs charged with rape or murder holding public office undermines ethical governance.

• Deterrent to Honest Candidates: Clean individuals are often discouraged from entering politics due to the dominance of money and muscle power.

Example: Many educated professionals avoid politics, fearing unfair competition from criminal candidates.

Way Forward to Address Criminalization of Politics

• Election Commission Reforms: Implement strict disqualification rules for candidates with serious criminal charges, as recommended by the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC).

Example: Barring candidates charged with heinous crimes like murder or rape from contesting elections.

• Fast-Track Courts: Expedite trials of political candidates to ensure timely justice, as endorsed by the Supreme Court in its 2014 judgment.

Example: Setting up special courts to handle cases against politicians.

• State Funding of Elections: Reduce the influence of money power in elections by implementing state funding, as suggested by the Indrajit Gupta Committee.

Example: Providing public funds to candidates to level the playing field.

• Voter Awareness Campaigns: Strengthen awareness about candidates’ criminal records through digital and grassroots outreach programs.

Example: Mobile apps and community workshops to educate voters.

• Political Party Accountability: Enforce rules to penalize parties for fielding tainted candidates, as directed by the Supreme Court in 2020.

Example: Imposing fines or de-registering parties that repeatedly field criminals.

Conclusion:

The criminalization of politics poses a significant threat to India’s democratic fabric. Urgent reforms, including stricter disqualification rules, fast-track courts, and voter awareness campaigns, are essential to restore public trust. Political parties must prioritize integrity over electability, and the judiciary and Election Commission must play a proactive role in ensuring clean governance.

 PYQ:

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

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Chhareda Panchayat Water Conservation Model

Context: Rajasthan’s Chhareda panchayat in Dausa district has become a model for water conservation, where farm ponds have boosted agricultural output and farmer income.

• IIT-Kharagpur alumnus Vipra Goyal’s initiative has led to the construction of 250 farm ponds, helping mitigate groundwater depletion and water scarcity.

About Chhareda Panchayat Water Conservation Model:

• What it is?
  • Rajasthan’s Chhareda panchayat water conservation model focuses on constructing farm ponds to harvest rainwater, reducing dependence on deep, contaminated groundwater.
• How Farm Ponds are Aiding to Face Water Crisis in Rajasthan?

• • Rainwater Harvesting: Farm ponds store rainwater, reducing dependence on overexploited and contaminated groundwater.
  • Year-Round Water Supply: Ponds ensure water availability for both kharif and rabi crops.
  • Groundwater Conservation: The initiative has conserved around 30 crore litres of groundwater annually.
  • Income Generation: Farmers shifted from subsistence farming to cash crop production, increasing household incomes collectively by ₹5 crore.
  • Reduced Water Pollution: Avoids irrigation with groundwater contaminated with arsenic and fluoride.
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Provides a long-term, climate-resilient solution in water-stressed areas.
  • Cost-Free for Farmers: Ponds constructed through CSR funds and government schemes without farmer expenses.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper 1 (Geography):
  • Issues of water scarcity and sustainable water resource management.
• GS Paper 2 (Governance):
  • Role of community participation and CSR in rural development.
• GS Paper 3 (Environment & Agriculture):
  • Water conservation techniques, sustainable agriculture, and rural livelihoods.
• Essay Paper:
  • Topics on rural transformation, climate change adaptation, and grassroots water management initiatives.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

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CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India)

Source:  TH

Context: The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) questioning the executive-dominated process of appointing the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.

• The petition demands a non-partisan selection committee to safeguard the independence of the CAG, a key constitutional authority.

About CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General of India):

• What is the CAG?

• • The CAG is India’s apex constitutional audit authority, known as the watchdog of the public purse.
  • It oversees the financial accountability of both Union and State governments and reports to Parliament.

• Constitutional Article: Articles 148 to 151 (Part V) of the Indian Constitution define the appointment, powers, duties, and audit reporting process of the CAG.
• Appointment Process:

• • The President of India appoints the CAG by warrant under his hand and seal (Article 148).
  • Current practice is executive-controlled; calls for reform suggest an independent panel including the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition, and Chief Justice of India.

• Term of Office:

• • Six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
  • The CAG is ineligible for any future office under the Government of India or any State after demitting office.

• Service Conditions:

• • Salary is equal to that of a Supreme Court judge, determined by Parliament.
  • Administrative expenses are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India, ensuring financial independence.
  • Service conditions for staff are prescribed by the President in consultation with the CAG.

• Removal Process:

• • Can be removed only by the President, following the same grounds and process as a Supreme Court judge.
  • Removal requires a special majority resolution in both Houses of Parliament for proven misconduct or incapacity.

• Powers and Functions:

• • Audit Authority:
    • Audits all expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of India and State funds.
    • Audits accounts of government corporations, PSUs, and government-funded bodies.
  • Reporting Role:
    • Submits audit reports to the President or Governors, who lay them before Parliament or State Legislatures.
    • Reports are scrutinized by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
  • Fiscal Oversight:
    • Certifies the net proceeds of taxes and duties.
    • Reviews government transactions related to debts, advances, and suspense accounts.
  • Legal and Discretionary Audits:
    • Conducts compliance audits, performance audits, and financial audits.
    • Can conduct propriety audits to evaluate the wisdom, faithfulness, and economy in government spending.
  • Role in Accountability:
    • Acts as an agent of Parliament, ensuring public funds are used legally and efficiently.
    • Does not control fund issuance (unlike Britain’s CAG), functioning solely as Auditor-General.

 

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Supersolid Light

Source:  TN

Context: Italian scientists have demonstrated that light can exist as a supersolid, combining solid-like structure with frictionless flow.

About Supersolid light:

• What is Supersolid Light?

• • Supersolid light is a rare quantum state where light exhibits both the rigid structure of a solid and the frictionless flow of a superfluid.

• Previously, supersolidity had only been observed in Bose-Einstein condensates(BECs) a state of matter that forms when a collection of bosons is cooled to nearly absolute zero, causing them to share the same quantum state.

• How is Supersolid Light Formed?

• • Platform Used: Researchers used a semiconductor gallium arsenide structure embedded with microscopic ridges.
  • Creation of Polaritons: By firing a laser, they generated polaritons — hybrid particles made from light and matter.
  • Observation of Satellite Condensates: As the photon count increased, satellite condensates appeared, showing symmetric energy but opposite wavenumbers — a key indicator of supersolidity.

• Key Characteristics of Supersolid Light:

• • Solid-like lattice arrangement in spatial patterns.
  • Frictionless flow, mimicking superfluid behavior.
  • Exhibits quantum coherence and long-range order at near absolute zero temperatures.
  • Demonstrates simultaneous symmetry breaking and superfluid properties.

• Significance of the Discovery:

• • Quantum Computing Advancement: Supersolid light can enhance qubit stability and lead to more reliable quantum computing systems.
  • Optical Devices Innovation: Potential to revolutionize photonic circuits and next-generation optical technologies.
  • Fundamental Quantum Research: Opens avenues for exploring quantum phase transitions and new quantum states of matter.
  • Precision in Quantum Control: Allows scientists to control and manipulate quantum states of light with unprecedented stability.

 

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Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

Source:  DD News

Context: During his recent visit to India, New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon expressed interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).

About the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI):

• What is IPOI?

• • The IPOI is a non-treaty-based voluntary framework designed to promote cooperation for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
  • It emphasizes collaboration among like-minded nations through practical and inclusive maritime partnerships.

• Established in: 2019
• Established at: East Asia Summit (EAS), Bangkok, Thailand
• Nations Involved:

• • Open to all like-minded Indo-Pacific countries.
  • Current lead partners on various pillars include Australia, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, France, UK, and India.

• Aim of IPOI:

• • To strengthen maritime cooperation.
  • Promote security, growth, and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Foster regional stability, economic growth, and environmental preservation in alignment with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

• Functions of IPOI:
• Encourages cooperation on maritime resource management and security.
• Strengthens disaster response and risk reduction through shared strategies.
• Promotes academic and technological exchange for sustainable ocean development.
• Builds robust maritime trade connectivity and transport links.
• Supports maritime environmental conservation and ecological protection.
• Facilitates capacity building and resource sharing between partner nations.
• Serves as a platform for enhancing India’s leadership role in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

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Autopen

 Source:  BS

Context: Former US President Donald Trump has declared that all pardons signed by President Joe Biden are invalid, alleging they were executed using an autopen.

About Autopen:

What is an Autopen?

• An autopen is a mechanical device that replicates a person’s signature automatically, without manual effort.

History:

1. Early Origins:
   • The first signature duplication machine, known as the polygraph, was invented by John Isaac Hawkins in 1803, using a pantograph mechanism to replicate handwriting.
2. Robot Pen (1930s):
   • Developed in the 1930s, the Robot Pen became the first commercial autopen, mass-producing signature templates stored on record-like devices.
3. Commercial Success:
   • The first commercially successful autopen was created by Robert M. De Shazo Jr. in 1942.

How Does an Autopen Work?

• Signature Recording: The device stores a template of the user’s signature on a mechanical or digital record.
• Signature Reproduction: When activated, it guides a pen to replicate the exact signature onto documents.
• Security Features: Early devices included removable signature segments to prevent unauthorized use.

 

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Chandrayaan-5 Mission And India’s Second Spaceport

 Source:  TOI

Context: ISRO Chief V. Narayanan announced the Centre’s approval for the Chandrayaan-5 mission, advancing India’s lunar exploration goals.

• He also confirmed that India’s second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu, will see its first SSLV launch in 2027.

About Chandrayaan-5:

• What is Chandrayaan-5?

• • Chandrayaan-5 is India’s upcoming lunar mission aimed at deploying a 350 kg rover on the Moon.

• Nations Involved:

• • The mission is part of a collaborative venture between India and Japan, enhancing space research partnerships.

• Aim:

• • To deploy a larger lander and rover with the goal of collecting extensive lunar data.
  • Strengthen technologies necessary for potential human landing missions by 2040.

• Key Features:

• • 350 kg advanced rover for detailed lunar exploration.
  • Features a high-capacity lander suitable for future crewed missions.
  • Supports sample return missions and technology demonstration for safe landings.
  • Follows the success trajectory of Chandrayaan-3 and builds upon Chandrayaan-4 sample collection goals.

About India’s Second Spaceport:

• Location: Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu.
• Aim:

• • To support launches of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) and strengthen India’s presence in the global small satellite market.
  • Reduce dependence on Sriharikota and facilitate direct southward launches over the Indian Ocean.

• Key Features:

• • Spread across 2,350 acres.
  • Equipped with 35 major facilities, including: Dedicated launchpad, Rocket integration facilities, Ground range and checkout facilities and Mobile Launch Structure (MLS) integrated with advanced checkout systems.
  • Launch capacity of 24 satellites annually using SSLVs.
  • Strategic location minimizes fuel consumption and avoids overflight of landmasses.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 18 March 2025 Mapping:

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Ana Sagar Lake

Source:  TOI

Context: The Supreme Court has directed the Rajasthan government to demolish the illegal Seven Wonders Park near Anasagar Lake, Ajmer within six months, citing environmental concerns and violations of wetland laws.

About Ana Sagar Lake:

• Location: Ana Sagar Lake is located in Ajmer district, Rajasthan, India.
  • It is an artificial lake (man-made lake)
• Built By: Constructed between 1135-1150 AD by King Arnoraja (also known as Ana), grandfather of Prithviraj Chauhan.
• Historical Significance:

• • Mughal emperor Jahangir built the famous Daulat Bagh garden adjacent to the lake.
  • Shah Jahan added five marble pavilions (Baradaris) along the lake, making it a popular tourist and heritage site.

• Importance:

• • The lake spans approximately 13 km² and serves as a major water body for the region.
  • It contributes to groundwater recharge, supports biodiversity, and attracts tourism to Ajmer.

• Ramsar Site Status:

• • Ana Sagar Lake is not yet designated as a Ramsar site under the Wetlands of International Importance.

 

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