Daily Current Affairs- 20th March 2025

Daily Current Affairs 20th March 2025

Farmer Protest Leaders Arrested

In the News: On March 19, 2025, a significant escalation occurred in the ongoing farmers' protests in Punjab, India. Following a meeting between 28 farmer leaders and Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Chandigarh, all participating leaders were detained by the Punjab Police.

• The discussions had centered on pressing issues such as the demand for a statutory Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
• Detention of Farmer Leaders: Prominent figures, including Sarwan Singh Pandher and Jagjit Singh Dallewal, were among those detained in Mohali while returning from the meeting. Dallewal, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike, was transported to a medical facility following his detention.
• Clearing of Protest Sites: Simultaneously, the Punjab Police dismantled temporary structures and evicted farmers from long-standing protest sites at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders. These sites had been occupied for over a year by farmers advocating for their demands.
• Accusations Against Governments: In response to the detentions and evictions, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha-Non Political (SKM-NP) accused both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government of colluding to protect corporate interests at the expense of farmers' rights.
• Political Reactions: The actions taken by the Punjab government have drawn sharp criticism from various political quarters. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu condemned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that the detentions were orchestrated under directives from higher authorities.
• Farmers' Response: In retaliation to the crackdown, farmer unions announced plans to intensify their protests. The SKM and SKM-NP declared intentions to hold demonstrations outside the residences of all AAP legislators on March 10 and 15, demanding accountability and the fulfillment of their demands. 

SC Action Sought Against Allahabad High Court Judge

In the News: The Allahabad High Court issued a controversial ruling concerning the legal interpretation of actions constituting an attempt to rape, leading to public outrage and calls for judicial review.

Case Background:

• In 2021, two individuals, Pawan and Akash, allegedly assaulted an 11-year-old girl in Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh. The accusations included grabbing her breasts, breaking the string of her pyjama, and attempting to drag her under a culvert. The assailants fled when passersby intervened.

High Court Ruling:

• Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra of the Allahabad High Court reviewed the case and modified the charges against the accused. The court ruled that the actions did not constitute an attempt to rape but amounted to aggravated sexual assault. Consequently, the charges were altered from Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) to Section 354-B (assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe) and relevant sections under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Legal Reasoning:

• The court distinguished between the stages of preparation and actual attempt in the context of rape allegations. It noted that there was no material evidence indicating that the accused had intended to commit penetrative sexual assault. The court emphasized that for a charge of attempted rape, the prosecution must establish that the act had progressed beyond mere preparation.

Public and Legal Community Response:

• The ruling sparked significant backlash from legal professionals and activists. Senior Advocate Shobha Gupta criticized the interpretation as grossly erroneous and insensitive, expressing concern over the message it sends to society regarding sexual crimes against women. She urged the Chief Justice of India to take note of the ruling and consider removing the concerned judge from the criminal roster.
• Similarly, Senior Advocate Indira Jaising called for the Supreme Court's intervention, highlighting the need for suo moto action to address the perceived judicial insensitivity reflected in the order. 

The grave of Aurangzeb and recent controversy

In the News: In March 2025, right-wing groups and certain political figures demanded the demolition of Aurangzeb's tomb, labeling him a "thief and looter" due to his historical actions against Hindus. This campaign has heightened communal tensions, particularly in Maharashtra.

Historical Context of Aurangzeb's Tomb:

• Location and Significance: Aurangzeb's grave is situated within the complex of the dargah (shrine) of Sheikh Zainuddin, a 14th-century Chishti saint, in Khuldabad, Maharashtra. In accordance with his wishes for simplicity, his resting place is marked by an unadorned, open-air grave filled with earth to allow plants to grow.
• Architectural Details: The grave is modest, reflecting Aurangzeb's austere lifestyle. In the early 20th century, Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy of India, added a marble screen around the grave to honour the emperor's legacy.

Government and Political Responses:

• Protected Monument Status: Aurangzeb's tomb is classified as a 'Monument of National Importance' under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This designation restricts any alterations or demolitions without central government approval.
• Chief Minister's Stance: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged public sentiments against the tomb but emphasized adherence to legal frameworks due to its ASI-protected status. He noted that any actions must comply with existing laws.
• Opposition's View: Former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray questioned the necessity of the controversy, highlighting that Aurangzeb died over 300 years ago. He suggested focusing on current issues rather than historical figures. 

Potti Sriramulu Statue in Andhra Pradesh

In the News: In a move to honour the legacy of Potti Sriramulu, a pivotal figure in the formation of the Andhra State, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced the installation of a 58-foot-tall statue in Amaravati.

• This initiative commemorates Sriramulu's 58-day hunger strike, which was instrumental in the creation of a separate Telugu-speaking state.

Key Aspects of the Initiative:

• Statue and Memorial: The 58-foot statue, symbolizing each day of Sriramulu's hunger strike, will be accompanied by a memorial. The project is slated for completion before his next birth anniversary.
• Museum Development: Sriramulu's ancestral home in Padamatipalli village, Prakasam district, will be transformed into a museum, preserving artifacts and narratives from his life.
• Community Infrastructure: Plans include constructing a modern health center and a high school in Padamatipalli, aiming to uplift local infrastructure and honour Sriramulu's commitment to societal welfare.
• Year-long Celebrations: The 125th birth anniversary of Potti Sriramulu will be marked by monthly events over the next year, culminating in grand celebrations on March 16, 2026.
• About Potti Sriramulu: Born on March 16, 1901, Potti Sriramulu was a freedom fighter who advocated for the rights of Telugu-speaking people. His 58-day hunger strike, which ended with his death on December 15, 1952, led to the formation of the Andhra State on October 1, 1953. This movement set a precedent for the creation of linguistic states in India. 

 

Global Free Speech Survey 2024

In the News: The Global Free Speech Survey 2024, conducted by The Future of Free Speech, offers a comprehensive analysis of public attitudes toward free speech across 33 countries. The survey, carried out in October 2024, highlights global trends, regional variations, and challenges facing free expression worldwide.

Key Findings:

• Global Support for Free Speech: Majorities in all surveyed countries express general support for free speech, with variations ranging between 54% and 88%. Scandinavian countries—Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0)—lead in support, while Muslim-majority countries and nations in the Global South show lower levels.
• Decline in Support: Since 2021, support for free speech has declined in several democratic nations. Notably, Japan experienced the largest drop (-10.6 points), followed by Israel (-5.7 points) and the United States (-3.2 points), moving the U.S. from 3rd to 9th place in the rankings.
• Authoritarian-Leaning Nations: Countries like Hungary (85.5) and Venezuela (81.8) scored high in support for free speech, indicating a disconnect between government restrictions and public attitudes.

India's Position:

• Ranking: India is ranked 24th out of 33 countries, with a score of 62.6.
• Public Perception: While many Indians value free speech, their support for government criticism is notably low.

Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP) added to the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites

In the News: Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP), located in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, India, has been added to UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites under the 'Natural' category as of March 7, 2025.

• Geographical Location: Situated near Jagdalpur in the Bastar district, KVNP spans approximately 200 square kilometers. The park derives its name from the Kanger River, which flows centrally through it.
• Biodiversity: The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including: 963 plant species across 120 families and 574 genera, 30 rare orchid species, 49 mammal species, 210 bird species, 37 reptile species, 16 amphibian species, 57 fish species, and 141 butterfly species, Notable fauna include the Bastar Hill Myna (the state bird of Chhattisgarh), tigers, leopards, and mouse deer.
• Limestone Caves: The park houses over 15 limestone caves, including the famous Kotumsar, Kailash, and Dandak caves, known for their intricate stalactites and stalagmites formations.
• Waterfalls: One of the major attractions is the Tirathgarh Waterfall, which plunges 150 feet from the Kanger River, offering a breathtaking spectacle.
• Significance of UNESCO Tentative Listing: Inclusion in UNESCO's Tentative List is a preliminary step toward potential full World Heritage Site status. 

Kirsty Coventry emerged winner of the IOC polls

In the News: Kirsty Coventry, a distinguished former Olympic swimmer from Zimbabwe, has been elected as the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), marking a historic moment as the first woman and first African to lead the organization.

Election Details:

• Date and Venue: The election took place on March 20, 2025, during the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece.
• Voting Outcome: Coventry secured 49 out of 97 votes in the first round, achieving the exact majority required. Her competitors included Spain's Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., who received 28 votes, and Britain's Sebastian Coe, who garnered eight votes.

Background:

• Athletic Achievements: Coventry is a seven-time Olympic medallist, including two gold medals, and has been a prominent figure in swimming.
• Administrative Roles: She has served as Zimbabwe's Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts, and Recreation and chaired the IOC Athletes' Commission from 2018 to 2021.

Transition: Coventry will officially assume the presidency on June 23, 2025, succeeding Thomas Bach, who has completed his 12-year tenure.