Daily Current Affairs- 9th March 2025

Daily Current Affairs 9th March 2025

PAC questions NHAI on delay in Bharatmala project

In the News: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) headed by senior Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP K.C. Venugopal has raised concerns over delays and cost escalations in the implementation of the Bharatmala Pariyojana, India's ambitious highway development program.

Key Issues Identified:

• Project Delays: The Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I, initially scheduled for completion by FY2022, is now anticipated to extend to FY2026, indicating a four-year delay.
• Cost Overruns: The average cost per kilometer has risen to ₹23.80 crore, a 54% increase from the initially estimated ₹15.52 crore per km.
• Bidding Irregularities: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighted irregularities in the awarding of contracts, including violations of tendering processes and instances where successful bidders did not meet tender conditions or provided falsified documents.
• Land Acquisition and Clearances: Projects were awarded without securing necessary land acquisitions and forest clearances, leading to delayed commencements and completions.

Violent Clashes in Syria leaves 1000 dead in 2 days

In the News: In early March 2025, Syria experienced a severe escalation in violence resulting in over 1,000 deaths within two days. The clashes occurred between the forces of the new Islamist government and loyalists of the ousted President Bashar al-Assad, primarily in the coastal regions, including Latakia and Jableh.

• In December 2024, insurgent groups led by Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrew President Bashar al-Assad's regime, ending decades of his family's rule.
• The new government, under interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has faced ongoing challenges in stabilizing the nation amidst deep-seated sectarian tensions.
• The violence began with an ambush by Assad loyalists on government forces near Jableh, leading to intense fighting and significant casualties on both sides.
• Reports indicate that approximately 745 civilians were killed, many in execution-style killings, exacerbating fears of sectarian violence, particularly against the Alawite minority, which had been supportive of Assad's regime.  

BAPS temple in US vandalised

In the News: The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California, was vandalized with anti-India graffiti, raising concerns about security at Hindu places of worship in the United States.

• The temple was defaced with anti-India slogans, allegedly linked to Khalistani separatist groups. Local authorities are investigating the case, and Indian-American organizations have condemned the act. 

About  BAPS:

• Full Name: Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).
• Founded: 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj.
• Belief System: A sect of the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism.
• Global Presence: Over 1,100 temples in India, the US, the UK, Canada, and other countries.
• Prominent Temples: Akshardham temples in Delhi and Gandhinagar, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs in New Jersey and Houston.
• Charitable Work: Engaged in disaster relief, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability through BAPS Charities. 

Muslim nations adopt Arab alternative to Trump's Gaza plan

In the News: In early March 2025, Muslim-majority nations collectively endorsed an alternative plan for Gaza's reconstruction, countering U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate the Palestinian population and redevelop the area.

Key Developments:

• Trump's Proposal: President Trump suggested relocating Gaza's approximately 2 million Palestinian residents to neighbouring countries and redeveloping the territory into a prosperous region, referring to it as the potential "Riviera of the Middle East." This plan faced widespread condemnation, being labeled as a form of ethnic cleansing and a violation of international law.
• Arab Nations' Response: In response, Arab leaders convened and adopted an Egyptian-backed reconstruction plan for Gaza, estimated at $53 billion. This initiative aims to rebuild Gaza's infrastructure and economy without displacing its residents, emphasizing the importance of Palestinian self-governance and the establishment of a Palestinian administrative committee to oversee reconstruction efforts.
• International Support: The Arab plan has garnered support from European leaders, who view it as a realistic path to Gaza's recovery. Foreign ministers from France, Germany, Italy, and the UK have expressed backing for the initiative, highlighting the necessity of a political and security framework acceptable to both Israelis and Palestinians.
• Rejection of Population Displacement: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), during a meeting in Saudi Arabia, unanimously rejected any plans to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza. They condemned such proposals as violations of international law and affirmed their commitment to supporting Palestinian sovereignty. 

India and Ireland establish a Joint Economic Commission

In the News:  India and Ireland have agreed to establish a Joint Economic Commission (JEC) to enhance bilateral trade, investment, and technological collaboration.

Key Developments:

• Establishment of Joint Economic Commission: The JEC will serve as a bilateral forum for consultations on key trade and investment issues, including developments at the World Trade Organization (WTO), and aims to increase awareness of the economic priorities of both countries.
• Action Plan for Enhanced Engagement: Both nations have approved an action plan to reinvigorate ties, focusing on measures under four strategic goals to be pursued and implemented by relevant government departments and agencies.
• High-Level Meetings: External Affairs Minister Jaishankar met with Irish President Michael D. Higgins and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Simon Harris in Dublin. Discussions encompassed bilateral cooperation, including trade, education, mobility, and emerging sectors like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and semiconductors.
• Educational Collaboration: Jaishankar also visited Queen's University in Belfast, which is set to establish a campus in Gujarat's GIFT City, highlighting the potential of India-Ireland ties in education 

Concerns over the definition and access to Virtual Digital Space under the Proposed Income Tax Bill, 2025

In the News: The proposed Income Tax Bill, 2025, introduces significant changes concerning the definition and access to "virtual digital space" during tax searches and seizures.

Key Provisions:

• Definition of Virtual Digital Space: The bill defines "virtual digital space" as environments constructed through computer technology, encompassing: Email servers, Social media accounts, Online investment, trading, and banking accounts, Websites storing asset ownership details, Remote or cloud servers, Digital application platforms, Other similar digital realms
• Enhanced Access Powers: Tax authorities are empowered to access these digital spaces during search and seizure operations. If individuals do not cooperate, officers can override access codes to inspect electronic records.
• Privacy Issues: Experts caution that these provisions could lead to extensive surveillance over personal and financial digital spaces, potentially infringing on individual privacy rights.
• Potential Misuse: The broad definition of virtual digital space may allow access to sensitive company data where a taxpayer is or was employed, raising concerns about corporate privacy.

Official Clarification:

• Sources from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) assert that these powers are not new but a restatement of existing authorities under Section 132 of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• They emphasize that such powers are exercised only in rare circumstances where a competent authority orders a search and seizure operation, and the person concerned is not cooperating with the proceedings.

India Wins the ICC Champions Trophy2025

In the News: India clinched the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy by defeating New Zealand in the final held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9, 2025.

Key Highlights:

• Match Outcome: India won by four wickets, successfully chasing a target of 252 runs with one over to spare.
• Captain's Performance: Skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front, scoring a pivotal 76 runs, earning him the Player of the Match award.
• New Zealand's Effort: Despite missing key pacer Matt Henry due to injury, New Zealand put up a commendable fight, with Rachin Ravindra being named Player of the Tournament for his consistent performances throughout the series.

India's Champions Trophy Achievements:

• Total Titles: This victory marks India's third ICC Champions Trophy title, with previous wins in 2002 (shared with Sri Lanka) and 2013.
• Recent Form: India has showcased exceptional form in ICC tournaments, winning 22 of their last 23 matches, solidifying their status as a dominant force in white-ball cricket.

       

India gets its 58^th Tiger Reserve

In the News: India has designated Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh as its 58th tiger reserve, marking a significant step in wildlife conservation efforts.

Key Highlights:

• New Tiger Reserve: Madhav National Park, located in the Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh, has been officially declared as the Madhav Tiger Reserve, becoming the state's ninth tiger reserve.
• Geographical Significance: The park is situated on the northern edge of India's Central Highlands, encompassing the Upper Vindhyan Hills. It spans an area of approximately 354 square kilometers and features a diverse landscape of plateaus and valleys.
• Historical Context: Established as a national park in 1959, Madhav National Park has a rich history and was once a favored hunting ground for regional rulers.
• Biodiversity: The park hosts a variety of wildlife, including species such as leopards, deer, and numerous bird species. The elevation to a tiger reserve aims to bolster conservation efforts for tigers and other native species.
• Government Initiatives: The declaration aligns with India's ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation, reflecting the dedication of forest officials and conservationists in preserving the country's ecological heritage. 

Suman Chakraborty receives 2026 TWAS Award in Engineering and Computer Sciences by UNESCO

In the News: Professor Suman Chakraborty of the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur has been honored with the 2026 TWAS Award in Engineering and Computer Sciences by UNESCO for his pioneering work in developing low-cost medical diagnostic solutions.

• According to The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) website, this biennial award is given to “individual scientists from developing countries in recognition of an outstanding contribution to scientific knowledge in nine fields of sciences and/or to the application of science and technology to sustainable development.”

Key Contributions:

• Paper-and-Pencil Microfluidics: Chakraborty introduced 'Paper and Pencil Microfluidics,' a novel technology enabling the creation of electrically manipulative miniaturized devices without sophisticated fabrication facilities. This innovation has been instrumental in manufacturing affordable medical diagnostic devices, as well as facilitating water desalination and energy-harvesting systems on simple paper strips.
• Reagent-Free Anemia Screening: He developed a method to screen for anemia by analyzing the pattern formation of a blood drop on a pre-wetted paper strip, eliminating the need for chemical reagents.
• Portable Complete Blood Count Device: Chakraborty invented a portable spinning disc capable of performing Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests with minimal resources, making it accessible for use in resource-limited settings.
• COVIRAP Diagnostic Technology: He led the development of COVIRAP, a Piecewise Isothermal Nucleic Acid test that offers a highly accurate molecular diagnostic platform for infectious diseases, including COVID-19, with the cost and simplicity of a rapid test. This technology has been certified by regulatory authorities and commercialized globally.