Current Affairs 20 March 2025

Content:

1. V-P calls for debate on freebies, policy on efficient use of public investments
2. A regional divide in blue-collar worker migration from India
3. What are the different risks and rewards of using UAVs?
4. Per capita income claims by States contradict high BPL population: SC
5. U.S., U.K. replace Gulf nations as top source of remittances’
6. NASA astronauts stranded in space for nine months back on earth with a splashdown
7. El Niño or La Niña? Murky pattern of temperature keeps confusion alive

V-P calls for debate on freebies, policy on efficient use of public investments

Context:Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s Call for Debate:

• Criticized the culture of “freebies” and called for a structured national policy on government investments.
  • Emphasized that capital expenditure (capex) is crucial for economic growth, and electoral allurements can burden future governments.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance )

• Subsidies & Global Comparison:
  • Stressed that subsidies should be direct, transparent, and without intermediaries, as practiced in developed nations like the U.S.
  • Cited the example of U.S. farm subsidies, where direct transfers ensure that farm household incomes exceed general household incomes.

• Context of the Debate:
  • Came in response to Samajwadi Party MP Ramgopal Yadav’s demand to increase MPLADS funds from ₹5 crore to ₹20 crore per year due to rising construction costs.
  • Yadav highlighted that MLAs in Uttar Pradesh get ₹5 crore, while Delhi MLAs have ₹10 crore for constituency development.

• Fiscal & Policy Implications:
  • The demand for higher MPLADS funds reflects the need to adjust for inflation and rising project costs.
  • The proposal to exempt MPLADS funds from GST suggests concerns over effective utilization of funds for development.
  • The broader issue of freebies vs. targeted welfare remains a critical fiscal and governance challenge.

Relevance

• Economic Perspective :
  • Freebies can strain public finances, affecting long-term growth.
  • Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) align with fiscal prudence and targeted welfare.

• Governance & Policy:
  • Need for a structured national policy to regulate government investments and avoid unsustainable populism.
  • Parliamentary discussion could shape future fiscal policy and subsidy reforms.

• Electoral & Political Considerations:
  • Freebies often serve as electoral incentives, impacting fiscal discipline.
  • Governments face challenges in balancing welfare with economic sustainability.

A regional divide in blue-collar worker migration from India

Context : Declining Migration from Southern & Western States:

• Historically high migrant-sending States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Punjab have seen a sharpdrop in the number of workers emigrating to Gulf nations.
  • Example: Kerala’s emigration fell from 82,000 (2014-16) to 60,000 (2021-24); Tamil Nadu’s from 1.3 lakh to 78,000.
  • Punjab, a major contributor, also saw a decline from 94,000 to 39,000.

Relevance : GS 2(Social Justice)

• Sustained Migration from Northern & Eastern States:
  • Uttar Pradesh and Bihar continue to send a high volume of blue-collar workers to the Gulf, despite falling remittances.
  • U.P. workers exceeded 4 lakh in both periods, while Bihar’s remained over 2 lakh.
  • West Bengal and Rajasthan also saw moderate declines but still contribute significantly.

Changing Remittance Patterns:

• Gulf’s Declining Share in India’s Remittances:
  • The share of remittances from UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait has significantly dropped.
  • UAE fell from 26.9% (2016-17) to 19.2% (2023-24), Saudi Arabia from 11.6% to 6.7%, and Kuwait from 6.5% to 3.9%.

• Rise in Remittances from Advanced Economies:
  • Inward remittances have increased from the U.S., U.K., Singapore, and Canada, suggesting a shift in migrant destinations.
  • U.S. share rose from 22.9% to 27.7%, U.K. from 3.4% to 10.8%.

• State-wise Trends in Remittances:
  • States with declining Gulf migration are receiving higher remittances.
  • Maharashtra (16.7% to 20.5%), Kerala (19% to 19.7%), Tamil Nadu (8% to 10.4%) have seen growth.
  • Bihar, U.P., West Bengal, and Rajasthan continue to receive a minimal share (1%-3%), despite sending more workers.

Migration Trends & Economic Implications:

• Possible Shift in Migration Destinations:
  • Declining remittances from Gulf countries indicate that workers from Southern and Western States may be moving to advanced economies for better financial returns.
  • Higher remittances from the U.S., U.K., and Singapore suggest a preference for white-collar jobs and skilled migration.

• Persistent Outflow from U.P. & Bihar Despite Low Wages:
  • Limited employment opportunities in North and Eastern India may be forcing workers to migrate to Gulf nations despite stagnant or declining wages.
  • Gulf migration remains a livelihood necessity rather than a choice for these workers.
• Electorate vs. Migration Skew:
  • U.P. forms 15.8% of India’s electorate but accounted for 34% of ECs issued (2021-24).
  • Bihar has 7.9% of the electorate but accounted for 17.4% of ECs issued.
  • This indicates a disproportionately high dependence on Gulf migration for employment in these States.

Policy & Governance Concerns:

• Need for Skill Development & Diversified Job Creation:
  • Enhancing skilled migration opportunities to advanced economies can improve remittance flows.
  • Investments in domestic manufacturing and services are needed to reduce Gulf dependency.

• Reforms in Migration Policy & Worker Protections:
  • Ensuring higher wages and better working conditions for Gulf migrants is crucial.
  • Streamlining bilateral agreements with Gulf nations for better job security.

• Regional Economic Disparities:
  • Southern and Western States are transitioning to a higher-remittance economy, while North and East India remain reliant on low-wage Gulf migration.
  • A national strategy is needed to bridge this divide and create sustainable employment avenues.

What are the different risks and rewards of using UAVs?

Why are UAVs seen as less of a threat?

• UAVs are generally perceived as less dangerous than piloted fighter jets.
• Even weaponized UAVs have lower firepower compared to fighter aircraft.
• A significant proportion of UAVs are used for surveillance and reconnaissance rather than combat.
• The absence of a pilot reduces the perception of direct state aggression.
• UAV missions pose lower financial and human risks, making them a more viable option for intelligence gathering.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) , GS 3(Internal Security ,Technology)

Recent Examples of UAV Usage and Responses

• Iran-U.S. incident (2019):
  • Iran shot down an American drone over the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The U.S. claimed it was over international waters, but refrained from military retaliation.

• Russia-U.S. incident (2023):
  • Russia downed an American MQ-9 Reaper UAV.
  • The U.S. did not escalate militarily.

• Pattern of Response:
  • Countries tend to react less aggressively to UAV incidents compared to fighter jet incursions.
  • This enables states to use UAVs more frequently in foreign airspace, leading to potential risk-taking behavior.

Implications for India

• Challenges with Pakistan:
  • Pakistan-based UAVs often transport arms and drugs across the border.
  • India has used expensive air-to-air missiles (e.g., Su-30 interception in 2019) to neutralize them, raising cost-effectiveness concerns.
  • Need for cost-efficient counter-UAV solutions.

• Bangladesh’s UAV deployment:
  • Turkish Bayraktar TB-2 UAVs are used near the Indian border for surveillance.
  • India must decide how to respond without escalating tensions.

• Strategic Considerations for India:
  • As UAVs become integral to modern warfare, India must adapt its military strategy.
  • Development of counter-UAV technology (e.g., jammers, directed energy weapons) is crucial.
  • Policy decisions should weigh security risks, economic costs, and diplomatic repercussions.

Conclusion

• UAVs present both opportunities and challenges in modern warfare.
• They offer low-risk intelligence gathering, but also encourage bold and frequent incursions.

Per capita income claims by States contradict high BPL population: SC

Context :Supreme Court’s Observations

• The Supreme Court (SC) questioned how some States claim high per capita income while having up to 70% of their population Below Poverty Line (BPL).
• This contradiction raises doubts about the actual distribution of economic progress and wealth.
• The SC questioned whether subsidized ration schemes are genuine welfare measures or merely political popularity tactics.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance ,Social Justice)

Petitioners’ Arguments

• Advocates Prashant Bhushan and Cheryl D’Souza highlighted growing economic inequality as a major issue.
• A small percentage of the population holds immense wealth, while a vast majority struggle on ₹30-₹40 per day.
• They emphasized the need for an inclusive and equitable Public Distribution System (PDS).

Concerns Over Public Distribution System (PDS)

• Justice Surya Kant noted that political considerations might influence ration card distribution, affecting genuine beneficiaries.
• Corruption and mismanagement at various levels delay or disrupt food supply to the poor.
• Despite these flaws, the SC asserted that PDS should not be discouraged, as it plays a vital role in food security.

Centre’s Stand on Food Security

• Additional Solicitor-General Aishwarya Bhati reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
• Current Coverage:
  • NFSA covers 81.35% of the population.
  • 11 crore people are additionally covered under the Anganwadi scheme.
  • Another 22 crore people receive food security benefits through other programs.

Key Takeaways

• Economic growth claims vs. poverty statistics highlight a gap in development benefits.
• Ration distribution efficiency needs scrutiny to ensure food reaches the deserving poor.
• Inequality concerns must be addressed to ensure wealth distribution aligns with per capita income growth.
• Strengthening and depoliticizing PDS is crucial for effective food security in India.

‘U.S., U.K. replace Gulf nations as top source of remittances’

Context : Key Findings from RBI’s Report

• A shift in remittance sources has been observed in the past four years.
• Developed economies (U.S. & U.K.) have replaced Gulf nations as the top contributors of remittances to India.
• RBI’s Sixth Round of India’s Remittances Survey (March 2024) highlights this transformation.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) , GS 3(Remittance)

Rise of the U.S. & U.K.

• Share of U.S. & U.K. remittances increased from 26% in FY17 to 40% in FY24.
• The U.S. alone contributed nearly 28% in FY24, up from 23.4% in FY21.
• The U.K.’s share surged from 3% in FY17 to 10.8% in FY24.
• The shift is attributed to the rising share of Indian professionals and skilled workers in these countries.

Decline in Gulf Contributions

• UAE’s share dropped from 27% (FY17) to 19.2% (FY24).
• Saudi Arabia’s contribution nearly halved, falling from 11.6% (FY17) to 6.7% (FY24).
• This decline suggests stagnation in remittances from traditional sources like the Gulf.

Reasons Behind the Shift

• Increased migration of Indian professionals to high-paying sectors in developed economies.
• Slower wage growth & economic shifts in Gulf nations affecting remittance flows.
• More Indians in white-collar jobs abroad leading to higher per capita remittances.

Key Takeaways

• The remittance pattern highlights India’s changing migration trends.
• Developed nations now drive remittance growth, reducing dependence on Gulf economies.
• This trend may impact India’s foreign exchange inflows & economic planning in the long run.

NASA astronauts stranded in space for nine months back on earth with a splashdown

Context : NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, along with Nick Hague (USA) and Aleksandr Gorbunov (Russia), returned to Earth after an unexpected nine-month stay in space.

• The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule “Freedom” splashed down safely in the Gulf of Mexico off Florida at 5:57 p.m. (0327 IST) on Tuesday.

Relevance : GS 3(Space)

Mission Overview

• Wilmore and Williams originally launched in June 2023 on Boeing’s Starliner, intended as a short-duration test mission.
• The Starliner developed propulsion issues, leading to its return without crew, leaving them stranded in space.
• They were reassigned to NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, which arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) in September 2023.

Return to Earth

• The crew left the ISS 17 hours before splashdown, after farewells with fellow astronauts.
• The capsule endured 2,000°C temperatures during re-entry before deploying parachutes for a safe ocean landing.
• They were retrieved and flown to Houston for a 45-day rehabilitation program.

Record-Breaking Stay

• Wilmore and Williams spent 286 days in space, exceeding the standard six-month ISS rotation.
• However, their stay ranks sixth in U.S. spaceflight records.
• Frank Rubio holds the U.S. record (371 days, 2023), while Valeri Polyakov (Russia) holds the global record (437 days, Mir station).

Significance & Impact

• Highlights technical challenges in space missions, especially with new spacecraft like Boeing’s Starliner.
• Demonstrates the resilience of astronauts and adaptability of NASA’s mission planning.
• Reinforces SpaceX’s growing role in human spaceflight amid Boeing’s Starliner setbacks.
• Serves as a reminder of risks in long-duration space missions and the need for robust contingency planning.

El Niño or La Niña? Murky pattern of temperature keeps confusion alive

The ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) cycle plays a crucial role in shaping global weather patterns, particularly the Indian monsoon. However, recent anomalies in sea surface temperatures (SST) and wind patterns in the Pacific Ocean have created uncertainty regarding whether 2025-26 will be an El Niño or La Niña year. This ambiguity raises concerns about the reliability of monsoon forecasts, which are critical for India’s agriculture and economy.

Relevance : GS 1(Geography )

• Confusion in ENSO State:
  • Sea Surface Temperature (SST) anomalies in the Pacific are not following typical El Niño or La Niña patterns.
  • Unusual cold SST anomalies in central-western Pacific and warm SST anomalies in far eastern Pacific.
  • Historically, La Niña is associated with cold SST in the eastern Pacific, but this pattern is unclear.

• Implications for India’s Monsoon (2025-26):
  • ENSO impacts only about 60% of monsoon deficit/surplus years.
  • Uncertainty in 2025 monsoon forecasts due to mixed signals from SST and wind patterns.
  • Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) may counteract the ENSO effect, as seen in 2023.

• Forecasting Challenges:
  • February 2025 forecasts give conflicting signals—some models predict La Niña by fall, others indicate normal conditions, and one suggests an El Niño.
  • The ENSO transition mode (ETM) in the Southern Hemisphere may have prevented the strong La Niña initially expected for 2024.

• Impact of Climate Change:
  • Global warming is altering typical El Niño and La Niña behavior.
  • Mid-latitude temperature changes, influenced by shifting jet streams, are affecting monsoons and pre-monsoon cyclones.
  • Early heat waves in 2025 add another layer of uncertainty.

• Policy and Preparedness:
  • India’s agricultural sector remains vulnerable to unpredictable monsoon patterns.
  • Governments and meteorological agencies must improve forecast reliability.
  • Need for adaptive strategies to manage climate risks, including droughts and extreme weather.

Conclusion: The ENSO state remains uncertain, making monsoon forecasts challenging. While researchers continue to analyze trends, policymakers and farmers must brace for any outcome.