22nd March 2025-Current Affairs

1. World Happiness Report 2025 – India’s Ranking – International Relations

Why in News?

The World Happiness Report 2025, released by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, shows that Finland remains the happiest country globally for the eighth consecutive year.
India has improved its happiness ranking over the past three years but still ranks lower than Pakistan, despite its superior economic and governance indicators.

• Finland ranks 1st (again).
• India improved from 126th to 118th position.
• India’s happiness score rose from 4.054 to 4.389 (out of 10).
• Despite better GDP and health, India ranks below Pakistan.

Additional Details

Methodology

• Based on Gallup World Poll surveys (2022–2024 data).
• People rate their life satisfaction using the Cantril Ladder (0 = worst possible life, 10 = best possible life).

Key Indicators (Six Pillars of Happiness)

1. GDP per capita
2. Healthy life expectancy
3. Social support
4. Freedom to make life choices
5. Generosity
6. Perception of corruption

🇮🇳 India’s Performance

• Improved ranking & score but still lags behind Nepal and Pakistan.
• India’s higher income and health stats didn’t translate into higher happiness.
• Indicates social trust, freedom, and community support are crucial.

Relevance for Exam

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims

Q. Which of the following indicators are used in the World Happiness Report rankings?

1. GDP per capita
2. Life expectancy
3. Press freedom index
4. Perception of corruption

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) 2 and 4 only

Answer: (a) 1, 2 and 4 only

Mains

Q. “India’s low position in the World Happiness Report despite economic growth underscores the need for a more inclusive model of development.” Discuss. (250 words)

Final Takeaway

India’s rise in happiness rankings is encouraging, but the fact that it still ranks below Pakistan highlights a key insight: economic growth alone does not guarantee happiness.
A holistic development approach focusing on social trust, mental well-being, freedom, and community engagement is vital for sustainable happiness.

2. Health Expenditure at 1.84% of GDP – Indian Society

Why in News?

The Union government has increased public health expenditure to 1.84% of GDP in 2021–22, up from 1.15% in 2013–14, demonstrating a stronger commitment to strengthening India’s healthcare system.
This rise is a step toward achieving the National Health Policy 2017 target of 2.5% of GDP by 2025.

• Health spending rose 37% from 2020–21 to 2021–22, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The increase has improved healthcare access and reduced out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE).

Additional Details

Types of Health Expenditure

• Total Health Expenditure (THE):
  Includes all government, private, and foreign healthcare spending (current + capital).
• Current Health Expenditure (CHE):
  Ongoing services: hospital care, doctor consultations, medicines.
• Capital Expenditure:
  Infrastructure investment: hospital buildings, diagnostic labs, medical equipment.

Key Statistics

• 2021–22 THE: ₹9,04,461 crore (3.83% of GDP)
• Per Capita Health Spend: ₹5,436
• Public health expenditure (GHE): Rose to 1.84% of GDP
• Out-of-pocket expenditure: Declined steadily due to public schemes

Why OOPE Reduced

• Government Health Schemes:
  Ayushman Bharat & state insurance schemes lowered private spending.
• Public Healthcare Expansion:
  Vaccination drives, diagnostics, and medicines are more accessible.
• Financial Protection Programs:
  Increased coverage under health insurance and preventive care.

Relevance for Exam

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements regarding health expenditure in India:

1. The National Health Policy 2017 aims to raise public health expenditure to 2.5% of GDP.
2. Out-of-pocket expenditure has increased in recent years.
3. Total Health Expenditure includes both current and capital expenditure.

Which of the statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

Mains

Q. Discuss the importance of increased public health expenditure in reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs and promoting equitable access in India. (250 words)

Final Takeaway

India’s rising public health spending is crucial for achieving universal healthcare.
By reducing financial burden and expanding public health services, it supports equity in healthcare, especially for low- and middle-income families.

3. India’s Habitual Offender Laws: A Legacy of Discrimination – Polity

Why in News?

The Government of India recently informed Parliament that habitual offender laws are still enforced in 14 States and Union Territories. These laws, while intended to monitor repeat offenders, have faced criticism for targeting denotified, nomadic, and semi-nomadic tribes (DNTs, NTs, SNTs)—many of whom were once labeled “criminal tribes” under British rule.

• The Supreme Court has questioned the constitutional validity of such laws.
• These laws are seen as a continuation of colonial discrimination, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.

Additional Details

Historical Roots

• Regulation XXII (1793) and the Criminal Tribes Act (CTA), 1871, labeled entire communities as “criminal by birth.”
• The CTA was repealed in 1952, but similar provisions reappeared in new state-level Habitual Offenders Acts, shifting focus from community profiling to individual behavior.

Supreme Court’s Stand

• In October 2024, a bench led by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud urged states to review habitual offender laws for their discriminatory impact.
• The Court noted that these laws violate fundamental rights, particularly Article 14 (equality) and Article 21 (personal liberty).

Impact on Denotified Tribes

• Despite formal denotification, many DNTs still face:
  • Routine police surveillance
  • Social exclusion
  • Limited access to education and employment
• The custodial death of Budhan Sabar (1998) highlighted systemic abuse against these communities.

Current Implementation Across States

• Some states like Punjab and Odisha report no recent enforcement.
• Others, like Delhi, continue to classify a high percentage of repeat offenders under the law, raising serious concerns of profiling.

Relevance for Exam

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims

Q. Which of the following were part of colonial-era laws used to classify tribes as “criminal by birth” in India?

1. Regulation XXII of 1793
2. Criminal Tribes Act of 1871
3. Forest Rights Act of 2006
4. Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3 only
(d) 2 and 4 only

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Mains

Q. Critically evaluate the relevance of habitual offender laws in modern India, with special reference to their impact on denotified and nomadic tribes. (250 words)

Final Takeaway

India’s habitual offender laws, rooted in colonial prejudice, have become tools of systemic discrimination. While meant for public safety, they often reinforce historical injustice against DNTs and NTs.
There is an urgent need for comprehensive legal reform, not only to repeal outdated laws but also to recognize and rehabilitate marginalized communities in line with constitutional values.

4. The Challenge of Policing Digital Giants – Polity

Why in News?

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) recently imposed a fine of ₹213.14 crore on Meta and banned the sharing of WhatsApp user data with other Meta-owned platforms for five years. This landmark order marks a significant moment in regulating data-driven monopolies in India’s digital economy.

• Meta’s 2021 privacy policy update was deemed an abuse of its dominant position.
• The ruling reflects growing concerns about data exploitation, consumer privacy, and competition law inadequacy in the face of rapidly evolving digital markets.

Additional Details

CCI’s Order Against Meta

• Date of ruling: November 18, 2024
• WhatsApp’s “take-it-or-leave-it” privacy model forced users to consent to data sharing across Meta platforms, raising red flags over user autonomy and market fairness.

Role of Data in Market Dominance

• In the digital economy, data is power—aggregated user data gives firms a competitive edge.
• This creates entry barriers, making it difficult for smaller firms to compete.

Global Regulatory Landscape

• United States: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched antitrust suits against Meta and Google for monopolistic practices.
• European Union:
  • Digital Markets Act (DMA) imposes strict rules on “gatekeeper” companies.
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) enhances consumer data rights and transparency.

India’s Outdated Competition Framework

• India’s Competition Act (2002) lacks provisions to regulate non-price-based dominance such as control over user data.
• Current legal mechanisms are insufficient to address platform-based monopolies or their cross-market integration.

Relevance for Exam

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims

Q. Which of the following are true about the Competition Commission of India (CCI)?

1. It was established under the Competition Act, 2002.
2. It has powers to regulate data privacy violations.
3. It can penalize companies for abusing a dominant position.

Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

Mains

Q. In the context of India’s digital economy, discuss the challenges faced by regulatory bodies like the CCI in tackling data-driven monopolies. Suggest reforms to strengthen competition regulation in the digital era.
(250 words)

Final Takeaway

The CCI’s decision to penalize Meta signals India’s growing resolve to regulate digital monopolies and safeguard consumer rights. However, to truly tackle the challenges of data-driven dominance, India must modernize its competition law, taking cues from global models. Legal reform, data privacy frameworks, and digital market-specific regulation are essential to ensure fair competition, innovation, and data sovereignty.

5. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) – Polity

Why in News?

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has recently issued new regulations to operationalize the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) under the National Pension System (NPS) for 2025.
PFRDA is a statutory regulatory body established under the PFRDA Act, 2013 (effective from 2014) to promote old-age income security and protect the interests of pension subscribers.

• Operates under the Ministry of Finance.
• Headquartered in New Delhi.

Additional Details

Composition of the Authority

As per Section 4 of the PFRDA Act:

• 1 Chairperson
• 3 Whole-time Members
• 3 Part-time Members

All appointed by the Central Government, with representation from economics, finance, and law.

Functions of PFRDA

• Regulates the National Pension System (NPS) and other pension schemes not governed by other laws.
• Promotes awareness of pension planning and retirement savings.
• Protects subscriber interests through guidelines, supervision, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
• Registers and monitors intermediaries like Pension Funds, Central Recordkeeping Agencies (CRAs), Points of Presence (PoPs), and the NPS Trust.
• Prescribes investment guidelines to ensure prudent fund management.
• Facilitates cost-effective operations and resolves disputes between intermediaries and subscribers.

Relevance for Exam

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims

Q. With reference to the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), consider the following statements:

1. PFRDA was constituted under an Act of Parliament in 2013.
2. It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
3. PFRDA regulates only government employee pension schemes.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 2 and 3 only

Answer: (a) 1 only
(Explanation: It is under the Ministry of Finance, and it regulates both government and private sector NPS schemes.)

Mains

Q. Discuss the role of PFRDA in promoting old-age income security in India. Evaluate the impact of the National Pension System and the significance of the newly launched Unified Pension Scheme.
(250 words)

Final Takeaway

The PFRDA plays a vital role in safeguarding the financial well-being of India’s aging population by strengthening and expanding the National Pension System. With the introduction of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) in 2025, PFRDA aims to consolidate and simplify pension offerings while ensuring greater financial inclusion, particularly for informal sector workers.