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Current Affairs 17 March 2025

  1. 31 killed in U.S. strikes on Yemen; Houthis hit back
  2. Tackling the problem of nutrition
  3. Should cancer be a notifiable disease?
  4. What is Elon Musk’s Starlink all about?
  5. New Bill proposes jail term up to 7 years for using forged passport
  6. Centre has approved Chandrayaan-5 mission: ISRO
  7. In a 2014 judgment, Supreme Court had favoured ‘linguistic secularism’
  8. Immunising the elderly is crucial for disease prevention, say experts


Background & Context

  • The U.S. has carried out airstrikes on Yemens Houthi-controlled regions, marking the first direct military action under Donald Trump’s administration.
  • The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been targeting Red Sea shipping routes and Israeli interests in the ongoing Gaza war.
  • The strikes are part of U.S. efforts to deter Houthi aggression and ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

Key Developments

  • Casualties & Damage:
    • At least 31 people killed, including women and children, as per Houthi sources.
    • 101 wounded, mostly civilians.
    • Strikes targeted Sanaa, Saada, Al-Bayda, and Radaa.
  • Houthi Response:
    • Hours after the attack, Houthis claimed they launched 18 missiles and a drone at the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and its escorting warships in the Red Sea.
    • They vowed that the U.S. “aggression” will not go unanswered.
  • U.S. Reaction:
    • Trump warned of overwhelming lethal force” if Houthi attacks continue.
    • He issued a direct threat to Iran, stating that Tehran must immediately end support for the Houthis or face consequences.
  • Iran’s Response:
    • Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes, stating the U.S. had no authority” to dictate Iran’s foreign policy.

Geopolitical Implications

  • Escalation Risk:
    • The situation could spiral into a wider regional conflict involving Iran, potentially dragging the U.S. into another Middle Eastern war.
    • U.S. strikes could provoke Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon to retaliate.
  • Impact on Red Sea Trade:
    • Houthi attacks have already disrupted global trade, forcing shipping companies to reroute vessels via longer and costlier paths.
    • Further escalation may destabilize oil markets and increase shipping insurance premiums.
  • U.S.-Iran Relations:
    • The incident puts additional strain on already tense U.S.-Iran relations.
    • Iran may strengthen its support for the Houthis and other proxies in response to Trump’s threats.


Context : Budget 2025 and Nutrition Focus

  • While health was not prioritized, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 received higher allocations.
  • Question: Will these schemes address India’s nutrition crisis effectively?

Relevance : GS 2(Nutrition Security)

Multidimensional Nature of Malnutrition

  • Beyond food insecurity, nutrition is influenced by culture, caste, and gender.
  • Policy focus is narrow, emphasizing women (reproductive age) and children, ignoring:
    • Women beyond reproductive age, men, and senior citizens.
    • Rising cases of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity (NCDs).

Key Nutrition Statistics (NFHS-5)

  • 36% of children under five are stunted; only 11% of breastfed children get an adequate diet.
  • 57% of women (15-49 years) are anaemic.
  • 24% of women and 23% of men are overweight/obese; 14% take diabetes medication.

Evaluating Poshan 2.0 and Saksham Anganwadi

  • Focus on take-home rations, supplements, and iron/folic acid tablets.
  • Shortcomings:
    • Reinforces regional bias (malnutrition seen as a rural problem).
    • Ignores middle-class dietary habits, NCDs, and urban malnutrition.

Need for a Comprehensive Nutrition Agenda

  • Should include:
    • Addressing all population groups, not just maternal and child health.
    • Locally rooted solutions using nutrient-rich indigenous foods.
    • Institutional linkage via Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs).

Strengthening HWCs for Nutrition Services

  • Expand coverage to adolescents, elderly, and urban poor.
  • Ensure equitable distribution (currently rural-heavy).
  • Need for dedicated nutrition personnel, as current staff handle multiple responsibilities.

Key Success Factors

  1. Community Ownership: Engage local elites for awareness and acceptance.
  2. Linking Nutrition to Local Cuisines: Promote indigenous, nutrient-dense foods over processed diets.


Context and Policy Evolution

  • Current stance: The Union government resists making cancer a notifiable disease, citing its non-communicable nature.
  • Shifts in notification policies:
    • 2024: Snakebites made notifiable despite being non-infectious.
    • 1995 (U.S.): Lead poisoning listed as a notifiable disease, setting a precedent for NCD surveillance.

Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance)

Rationale Behind Disease Notification

  • Primary goal: Control contagious diseases through legal mandates on reporting.
  • Notifiable diseases: Require rapid intervention due to immediate public health risks (e.g., outbreaks, direct transmission).
  • Cancers unique nature:
    • Not directly transmissible.
    • Requires long-term management rather than emergency response.

Challenges in Making Cancer Notifiable

  1. Diversity of Cancer Types
    1. Ranges from benign to highly malignant.
    1. Diagnosis involves complex and multi-stage identification.
    1. Legal mandates may not improve patient outcomes.
  • Privacy Concerns and Stigma
    • Disease notification laws prioritize public health over individual privacy.
    • Cancer still carries stigma, leading to reluctance in seeking treatment.
    • Existing State health laws grant broad powers to local authorities, raising concerns over patient rights.
  • Existing Cancer Surveillance Framework
    • National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) (established 1982) already collects crucial data:
      • Patient demographics, cancer type, stage, treatment, and survival outcomes.
  • Gaps in NCRP coverage:2022 data: 269 hospital-based and 38 population-based registries—insufficient for national surveillance.Hospital-based registries must extend to all district headquarters hospitals.Population-based registries should be established in every district.

A Better Alternative: Strengthening Cancer Registries

  • Expanding NCRP ensures comprehensive data collection at tertiary and district-level hospitals.
  • Encouraging voluntary reporting rather than legal mandates avoids burdening physicians and preserves privacy.
  • Improving screening programs enhances early detection and timely intervention.
  • Incorporating private hospitals into NCRP for wider data coverage.


What is Starlink?

  • Starlink is a satellite-based internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
  • It consists of a low-earth orbit (LEO) constellation of 7,000+ satellites, providing global internet coverage.
  • Requires ground terminals (user equipment) to access the internet.
  • Offers speeds of ~100 Mbps, but latency is higher than wired broadband.

Relevance : GS 3(Science , Technology)

Starlinks Utility in India

  • Not beneficial in urban areas where 5G and fiber broadband are faster and more reliable.
  • Key for rural and remote areas, offering connectivity where terrestrial networks are absent.
  • Provides an instant internet solution in areas where infrastructure development is slow.

Regulatory Hurdles in India

  • GMPCS Authorisation: Needed under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 for satellite communication services.
  • Security Clearance: Ministry of Home Affairs approval pending.
  • Ground Station Regulations: Indian law requires telecom networks to have tapping provisions for security agencies.
  • Spectrum Allocation:
    • Indian government does not favor auctions for satellite spectrum.
    • Jio and Airtel earlier demanded auctions, citing the Supreme Court’s 2012 ruling on scarce resources (2G spectrum case).
    • The government may allocate spectrum directly (common international practice).

Trade & Geopolitical Influence

  • U.S. Trade Pressure:
    • Elon Musk has increasing influence in the U.S. government.
    • Potential U.S. lobbying to fast-track Starlink’s entry.
  • India-U.S. Relations:
    • Strong trade ties could influence regulatory decisions in favor of Starlink.
    • Starlink’s entry might be fast-tracked if U.S. pressure intensifies.

Recent Developments

  • Airtel & Jio Agreements:
    • Signed distribution pacts despite earlier opposition.
    • Indicates a possible softening stance on satellite broadband.
  • No Official Announcements:
    • Regulatory approvals still pending.
    • Government’s final decision on spectrum allocation remains uncertain.


Context : Provisions of the Bill

  • Stricter penalties for using forged documents
    • Imprisonment: 2 to 7 years
    • Fine: ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh
  • Illegal entry without valid documents
    • Jail term: Up to 5 years
    • Fine: Up to ₹5 lakh
  • Mandatory reporting by institutions
    • Hotels, universities, hospitals, and nursing homes must report foreign nationals for tracking overstayers.
    • Airlines and ships to submit passenger and crew manifests at Indian ports.
  • Comprehensive framework
    • The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 aims to regulate all immigration-related matters.
    • Repeals four existing laws:
      • The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920
      • The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939
      • The Foreigners Act, 1946
      • The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000

Significance of the Bill

  • National security:
    • Strengthens immigration control to prevent illegal entry, exit, and overstay.
    • Helps in tracking foreigners to mitigate risks of espionage, terrorism, and other threats.
  • Ease of business and tourism:
    • Simplifies legal framework by replacing multiple outdated laws.
    • Ensures better compliance while reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
  • Legal modernization:
    • Aligns with global best practices in immigration and border security.
    • Introduces stricter penal provisions to curb identity fraud and unauthorized stay.
  • Impact on foreigners in India:
    • Foreigners on long-term visas (more than 180 days) must continue registering with FRRO/FRO within 14 days.
    • Stricter penalties may lead to better compliance with visa rules.

Potential Challenges & Criticism

  • Enforcement Issues:
    • Effective implementation requires robust tracking and verification mechanisms.
    • Dependence on multiple agencies (FRRO, police, airlines) could lead to bureaucratic delays.
  • Tourism and business impact:
    • Stricter penalties may discourage foreign investments and tourism if not balanced well.
    • Need for clear guidelines to avoid harassment of genuine travelers.
  • Human Rights Concerns:
    • Possible misuse of the law for targeting specific groups.
    • Need for fair appeal mechanisms to ensure justice..


Overview of Chandrayaan-5 Approval

  • The Government of India has officially approved the Chandrayaan-5 mission.
  • Announcement made by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan in Chennai.
  • Marks another significant step in India’s lunar exploration program.

Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology)

Key Features of Chandrayaan-5

  • Unlike Chandrayaan-3, which had a 25-kg rover Pragyan, Chandrayaan-5 will carry a 250-kg rover.
  • Expected to have advanced scientific instruments for enhanced lunar surface studies.
  • Likely to focus on longer operational capability and mobility on the Moon.

Strategic Importance

  • Expands India’s capability in robotic lunar exploration.
  • Helps in detailed mineralogical and geological studies of the Moon.
  • Strengthens ISROs role in global lunar exploration programs.

Link to Chandrayaan-4 & Future Lunar Missions

  • Chandrayaan-4, planned for 2027, is designed to bring lunar samples to Earth.
  • Chandrayaan-5 likely follows Chandrayaan-4, potentially aiding in on-site lunar analysis before sample return missions.
  • Aligns with ISRO’s long-term plans for sustainable lunar exploration.

Global Context & Comparisons

  • NASAs Artemis program also focuses on detailed lunar exploration with future manned missions.
  • Chinas Change missions have emphasized both rover exploration and sample return, similar to Chandrayaan-4 & 5.
  • India’s step-wise approach strengthens indigenous space capabilities and future international collaborations.

Technological and Scientific Advancements

  • Possible use of nuclear-powered energy sources for extended lunar operations.
  • Integration of AI-based navigation and autonomous decision-making in the rover.
  • Potential use of 3D mapping technologies to study lunar surface anomalies.

Economic and Diplomatic Implications

  • Boosts Indias space sector, fostering commercial and research collaborations.
  • Enhances Indias global reputation in space technology, attracting investments in private space enterprises.
  • Strengthens Indias participation in lunar governance and international space policy dialogues.

Challenges and Future Considerations

  • Budgetary and funding allocations need to be assessed.
  • Technical challenges in heavy payload deployment and mobility in extreme lunar conditions.
  • Coordination with global space agencies for possible data-sharing or joint missions.

Conclusion

  • Chandrayaan-5 is a crucial step in Indias lunar exploration roadmap, with advanced rover capabilities.
  • ISROs progressive missionsChandrayaan-3, 4, and 5—establish a structured approach towards deep-space research.
  • This mission will play a vital role in Indias aspirations for a sustainable lunar presence and future planetary exploration.


Background & Context

  • The debate over the language formula in the National Education Policy (NEP) remains contentious.
  • A 2014 Supreme Court judgment (U.P. Hindi Sahitya Sammelan vs State of U.P.) upheld the idea of linguistic secularism, emphasizing an accommodative approach to language laws.

Relevance : GS 2 (Governance ,Constitution)

Key Observations of the 2014 Judgment

  • The court ruled that Indian language laws are not rigid but organic and accommodative.
  • It highlighted that law and language in India evolve organically, ensuring linguistic secularism.
  • The ruling referenced Constitutional expert H.M. Seervai, who explained the Constituent Assembly’s 1949 compromise on language policy.

Hindi as an ‘Official Language’, Not a ‘National Language’

  • Article 343 declared Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language, but not the national language.
  • Rationale:
    • Hindi was not spoken across all parts of India.
    • Though spoken by the largest group, it did not constitute the majority of the population.
    • Other languages (Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati) were also well-developed and had large-speaking populations.

Article 351 & Hindi Promotion

  • Article 351 mandates the Union Government to promote Hindi as a medium of cultural expression.
  • However, Allahabad High Courts 1982 ruling (Sunil K.R. Sahastrabudhey vs Director, IIT Kanpur) clarified that:
    • Hindi is not a national language.
    • The Constitution imposes a duty to promote Hindi but does not grant citizens the right to demand education in Hindi.

Protection of Linguistic Diversity (Article 29(1))

  • Article 29(1) guarantees that every linguistic or cultural group has the fundamental right to conserve its language, script, and culture.
  • This protection applies equally to majority and minority communities.

Right to Choose Medium of Instruction

  • State of Karnataka vs Associated Management of Primary & Secondary Schools (SC judgment):
    • Article 19 (freedom of speech & expression) includes a student’s right to choose their medium of instruction at the primary level.
    • The state cannot impose control over language choice in education.
    • Referenced the 1924 U.S. Supreme Court case (Pierce v. Society of Sisters of Holy Names):
      • “A child is not a mere creature of the State.”

Implications for National Education Policy (NEP)

  • The SC ruling supports linguistic flexibility, which contradicts concerns of Hindi imposition under the NEP.
  • Language policies should be accommodative rather than coercive, recognizing regional linguistic aspirations.
  • The judgment strengthens the constitutional validity of multilingualism in education.


Context and Significance

  • Elderly vaccination remains underprioritised in India’s public health framework.
  • No dedicated national immunisation schedule exists for the elderly, despite their vulnerability to infections.

Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues , Health)

Importance of Elderly Vaccination

  • High disease burden: 50% of severe pneumonia cases occur in older adults.
  • Global concern: Pneumonia alone causes 156 million cases worldwide, with 800,000 deaths annually in India.
  • Common preventable diseases: Influenza, pneumonia, hepatitis, shingles, and foodborne infections can be mitigated through vaccination.

Vaccine Hesitancy & Awareness Issues

  • Misinformation & complacency:
    • 60% of adults believe other health measures are better than vaccines.
    • 43% feel they are not at risk of falling ill.
  • Need for targeted awareness campaigns to correct misconceptions.

Challenges in Elderly Immunisation

  • Cost barriers: Vaccination expenses often deter senior citizens from getting immunised.
  • Lack of vaccine clinics: Dedicated elderly vaccination centres are limited.
  • Health insurance gap: Immunisation is not adequately covered under most insurance plans.

Way Forward

  • Developing a national immunisation program tailored for the elderly.
  • Expanding insurance coverage to include vaccinations.
  • Setting up vaccine clinics at hospitals and community centres.
  • Public awareness drives to tackle vaccine hesitancy.

March 2025
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