8th April 2025-Current Affairs

1. Judicial Asset Disclosure in India – Accountability in the Judiciary – Polity

Why in News?

As of 2025, only 12.35% of High Court judges in India have publicly disclosed their assets. While Kerala (93.18%) and Himachal Pradesh (91.66%) show exemplary transparency, other states like Madras and Chhattisgarh lag behind, raising concerns about judicial accountability and transparency.

Key Facts

Why Judicial Asset Disclosure Matters

1. Promotes Public Trust
   • Judiciary is the guardian of constitutional values; transparency builds credibility.
2. Deters Corruption
   • Public scrutiny helps prevent misuse of office for personal gain.
3. Ensures Accountability
   • Judges are public servants, funded by taxpayers; disclosures mirror standards for other civil servants.
4. Reduces Conflict of Interest
   • Knowledge of financial holdings helps identify potential biases in rulings.
5. Upholds Judicial Ethics
   • Reinforces ethical conduct as per Restatement of Values of Judicial Life (1997).

Institutional Framework & Milestones

Historical Developments

• 1997: SC adopted an internal resolution for judges to declare assets to CJI (not public).
• 2009: Voluntary online disclosure initiated for Supreme Court judges.
• 2010–2024: Few High Courts followed suit, but compliance was erratic.
• 2025: SC passed a resolution mandating mandatory disclosure of assets—a landmark move.

Challenges in Implementation

Best Practices

• Himachal Pradesh High Court and Kerala HC regularly update judges’ assets on their websites.
• Election candidates in India are mandatorily required to disclose assets since SC’s 2002 ruling—same should apply to judges.

Way Forward

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

Q. Consider the following statements:

1. Asset disclosure by High Court judges is mandated by the Constitution.
2. The Supreme Court passed a resolution in 2025 mandating public disclosure of judges’ assets.
3. Judges in India are currently required by law to publish their financial assets annually.

Which of the above is/are correct?
A) 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A) 2 only
(Statements 1 and 3 are incorrect – asset disclosure is not mandated by the Constitution or law yet.)

Mains:

Q. “Judicial independence must coexist with judicial accountability.” In light of the low rate of judicial asset disclosures, critically examine the need for transparency in the higher judiciary. Suggest reforms.

Conclusion

In a democracy, judicial legitimacy stems from both independence and accountability. Making judges’ assets publicly available ensures transparency, reduces scope for corruption, and aligns the judiciary with democratic values. Himachal Pradesh’s high compliance is a model for other High Courts and must be institutionalized through legal reforms.

2. PM Inaugurates New Pamban Bridge (2024–25) – Economy

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge, replacing the 111-year-old historic sea bridge that connected Rameswaram Island to the mainland. The project is a technological and infrastructural leap, improving maritime navigation and boosting regional connectivity.

Location

• Connects Mandapam (mainland Tamil Nadu) to Rameswaram Island.
• Situated over the Palk Strait in the Gulf of Mannar.
• Crucial for both tourism and pilgrimage (Ramanathaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi) and strategic movement toward India’s maritime border with Sri Lanka.

Comparison: Old vs New Pamban Bridge

Modern Features of the New Bridge

• Vertical Lift Span: Enables rapid elevation for passing vessels.
• Advanced Materials: Corrosion-resistant, designed for marine environments.
• Speed Upgrade: Supports high-speed trains up to 75 km/h.
• Automatic Signaling & Safety Systems: Enhanced train operation efficiency.

Why Was the Old Bridge Replaced?

• Age & Corrosion: 100+ years old; significant wear and tear.
• Cyclone Vulnerability: Frequently damaged by severe cyclones (e.g., 1964 Dhanushkodi disaster).
• Navigation Barrier: Manual lifting and low height restricted modern maritime traffic.
• Limited Train Speed: Slowed down regional connectivity and economic activity.

Significance for India

1. Connectivity & Development

• Boosts access to Rameswaram, a major pilgrimage hub.
• Enhances logistics for the tourism sector in Tamil Nadu.
• Streamlines movement of goods and people to strategic coastal zones.

2. Maritime Navigation

• Allows passage of larger ships, improving marine traffic efficiency.
• Supports India’s blue economy and coastal shipping vision.

3. Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure

• Designed to withstand cyclonic winds, considering past destruction.
• Reflects India’s push for climate-adaptive infrastructure.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

Q. Consider the following statements regarding the New Pamban Bridge:

1. It replaces India’s first-ever sea bridge constructed in 1914.
2. The new bridge features a bascule-type mechanism for ship passage.
3. It improves train speeds between the mainland and Rameswaram.

Which of the above statements is/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
(Statement 2 is incorrect: the new bridge uses a vertical lift span, not a bascule mechanism.)

Mains:

Q. The replacement of the historic Pamban Bridge represents more than an infrastructure upgrade—it reflects India’s evolving approach to resilient and smart connectivity.
Discuss the engineering significance and socio-economic impact of the new Pamban Bridge.

Conclusion

The New Pamban Bridge blends India’s engineering innovation with its heritage and regional aspirations. It not only restores a vital connectivity link but also symbolizes India’s commitment to modern, disaster-resilient, and high-speed infrastructure, especially in coastal and island regions.

3. UGC’s New Equivalence Regulations for Foreign Degrees – Polity

Why in News?

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a new framework to simplify and standardize the recognition of academic qualifications obtained from foreign institutions, replacing the earlier system managed by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

• Comes into effect: April 2025
• Aligned with NEP 2020 objectives of internationalization and global mobility
• Supports students returning from abroad, research scholars, and foreign degree holders seeking employment or further education in India

Key Features of the New Regulations

Conditions for Granting Equivalence

1. Accreditation: Degree must be from a foreign university recognized by its national accrediting authority.
2. Entry Requirements: Should match Indian standards for similar programs.
3. Legitimacy of Mode: Distance/online programs may be permitted if quality assurance is ensured.
4. No “Fake” Partnerships: Institutions operating under the banner of foreign universities without proper affiliation will be denied equivalence.

Context & Relevance

Impact

For Students

• Faster processing of equivalence certificates
• More clarity on acceptable foreign programs
• Encourages global learning with Indian recognition

For Institutions

• Simplifies foreign admission and employment verification
• Prevents misuse of unaccredited foreign collaborations
• Aligns foreign qualifications with Indian academic structure

Way Forward

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

Q. Which of the following statements regarding UGC’s new equivalence regulations for foreign degrees (2025) is/are correct?

1. UGC has replaced the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) for granting equivalence to foreign degrees.
2. All professional degrees awarded abroad, including medicine and law, will now be automatically recognized.
3. Degrees awarded through franchise arrangements in India will not be recognized.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
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
(Statement 2 is incorrect – professional degrees are still governed by statutory councils.)

Mains:

Q. “Recognition of foreign degrees is essential for global academic mobility and workforce integration.”
Critically analyze the significance of UGC’s 2025 Equivalence Regulations in the context of NEP 2020 and India’s vision for becoming a global education hub.

Conclusion

The 2025 UGC Regulations mark a progressive shift toward global academic integration, offering transparency and speed in evaluating foreign degrees. By aligning with NEP 2020 and leveraging digital platforms, the framework ensures Indian students abroad are better supported — while preserving academic standards and regulatory rigor at home.

4. Three Billion People Cannot Afford a Healthy Diet – Governance

Why in News?

A global food cost assessment reveals that approximately 3 billion people worldwide cannot afford a healthy diet due to rising food prices, stagnant incomes, and poverty-driven prioritization of non-food essentials. This has serious implications for global nutrition, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, including India.

What Is a Healthy Diet vs. a Calorie-Sufficient Diet?

Global & Regional Impact

Global Statistics

• Over 3 billion people unable to afford a healthy diet (as per FAO and World Bank estimates).
• A healthy diet can cost up to 5 times more than a calorie-sufficient diet.

Regions Most Affected

• Sub-Saharan Africa: Over 80% lack access to healthy diets.
  • Countries: Chad, Niger, DR Congo
• South Asia: Affected countries include India, Nepal, Bangladesh.
  • In rural India, a healthy meal can cost a full day’s wage.

Role of Subsistence Farmers

• Rely on home-grown food, but:
  • Lack dietary diversity
  • Limited access to markets
  • Insufficient income to purchase proteins, dairy, or fruits

Indian Context

Challenges

• Malnutrition remains high despite food grain availability.
• Rising costs of vegetables, fruits, milk, and pulses disproportionately affect rural and urban poor.
• Poor infrastructure and market linkages limit access to diverse foods.

Government Initiatives

Way Forward

Policy Recommendations

1. Make Nutritious Food Affordable
   • Invest in diverse crop production (e.g., pulses, millets, fruits).
   • Provide subsidies on nutrient-rich foods, not just cereals.
2. Support Local Food Systems
   • Encourage kitchen gardens, women-led SHGs, and biofortified crops.
   • Improve cold storage and supply chains for perishable healthy foods.
3. Increase Incomes & Access
   • Link nutrition policies with employment, social protection, and women’s empowerment.
   • Expand nutrition-sensitive agriculture programs.
4. Behavioral Change Communication (BCC)
   • Strengthen awareness about diverse, balanced diets through school and community platforms.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

Q. Which of the following government initiatives in India are aimed at improving access to nutrition?

1. Poshan Abhiyaan
2. Eat Right India Movement
3. Mid-Day Meal Scheme
4. National Food Security Act

Select the correct answer:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
C) 2, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Mains:

Q. Despite India’s food surplus, malnutrition and dietary deficiencies persist.
Discuss the factors contributing to the unaffordability of healthy diets and suggest strategies to ensure universal access to nutritional food.

Conclusion

Access to a healthy diet is not just a health issue—it’s a development, equity, and economic concern. While calorie sufficiency has been addressed through food security schemes, the next frontier for India is ensuring nutrition security—through better policy integration, local food systems, and affordability reforms.

5. Health and Sanitation as the Pillars of a Healthy India – Governance

Why in News?

On World Health Day, India highlighted the synergistic relationship between health and sanitation, emphasizing two flagship missions—Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)—that have transformed India’s public health ecosystem.

Major Initiatives

1. Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)

• Launched: 2014
• Objective: To eliminate open defecation and improve solid and liquid waste management.
• Achievement: India declared itself Open Defecation Free (ODF) in 2019, ahead of the UN SDG target of 2030.
• Impact:
  • Improved hygiene and reduced diarrhoeal diseases.
  • Enhanced dignity for women and girls, especially in rural areas.
  • Community-led behaviour change through Swachhagrahis and IEC campaigns.

2. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

• Launched: 2019
• Objective: To provide functional tap water connections (FHTCs) to every rural household by 2024.
• Key Achievements:
  • Over 13 crore households provided with tap connections (as of 2024).
  • Focus on water quality testing, with local women trained as Jal Doots.
• Impact:
  • Prevented water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, dysentery.
  • Reduced healthcare expenses (~₹50,000 saved annually per rural family).
  • Enhanced school attendance, especially among girls.
  • Empowered women as leaders in water governance.

Interlinkage Between Health & Sanitation

Outcomes & Global Relevance

• India achieved ODF status before the 2030 SDG deadline.
• India’s model is recognized globally as a community-driven approach to WASH (Water, Sanitation & Hygiene).
• Set a precedent for South-South Cooperation, with countries replicating elements of SBM and JJM.

Way Forward

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

Q. With reference to public health in India, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide tap water connections to all rural households by 2024.
2. Swachh Bharat Mission was launched to eliminate water-borne diseases.
3. Both missions have reduced rural healthcare expenses in India.

Select the correct code:
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
(Explanation: SBM focuses on sanitation and hygiene, not directly eliminating diseases, though that is a secondary benefit.)

Mains:

Q. “Sanitation and access to safe drinking water are prerequisites for public health.”
Discuss the impact of Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission on health indicators in rural India. What challenges remain in sustaining these gains?

Conclusion

India’s investment in health and sanitation through missions like SBM and JJM has not only improved public health indicators but also empowered rural communities, especially women. These foundational reforms demonstrate that public health is not only about hospitals—but also about toilets, taps, and teamwork.

6. Core Gaps in India’s Start-Up Priorities – Economy

Why in News?

Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s remarks have sparked a debate on the direction of India’s start-up ecosystem. While India is the world’s third-largest start-up hub, a disproportionate focus on consumer-facing services over deep tech and strategic innovation is limiting long-term growth.

Indian Start-Up Landscape

Key Gaps Identified

1. Lack of IP-Driven Innovation

• Start-ups are not generating significant original intellectual property, especially in critical technologies.
• India lags in areas like semiconductors, battery tech, and advanced AI.

2. Deep Tech Neglect

• Deep tech start-ups (e.g. in robotics, space tech, quantum computing) receive less than 1% of total funding.
• Investors shy away due to long gestation periods and perceived risk.

3. Over-Consumerization

• Majority of unicorns are in sectors like online delivery, fantasy gaming, and influencer platforms, which may not contribute significantly to national strategic goals.

International Comparison: China vs. India

Innovation Opportunities Missed

1. EVs and Battery Tech

• Heavy dependence on China for lithium-ion tech.
• Domestic players struggle with R&D and scale.

2. AI & Semiconductors

• India lacks hardware manufacturing and fab facilities.
• Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme for chip design is a step forward, but funding and execution remain weak.

What Has Worked Well?

UPI (Unified Payments Interface)

• Revolutionized digital payments.
• Model adopted by countries like France, Singapore.
• However, monetization is absent due to a zero MDR (Merchant Discount Rate) policy.

SaaS Sector

• Zoho and Freshworks are global leaders in low-cost software services.
• Growth driven by cost advantage, not always disruptive innovation.

Key Structural Issues

• Limited domestic spending power: 90% of the population contributes little to consumer start-up growth.
• Capital constraints: Deep tech start-ups get fewer VC deals due to risk aversion.
• Skill gaps: India lacks a robust talent pipeline for quantum, robotics, semiconductor R&D.

Way Forward

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

Q. With reference to India’s start-up ecosystem, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. India is the second-largest start-up ecosystem globally.
2. Deep tech start-ups in India receive the majority of venture capital funding.
3. UPI has been monetized through transaction fees on merchants.

Select the correct code:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 3 only
D) None of the above

Answer: D) None of the above
(Explanation: India is 3rd largest, deep tech receives minimal funding, and UPI is not monetized.)

Mains:

Q. “India’s start-up success story is skewed towards consumer convenience rather than strategic self-reliance.”
Critically examine this statement in light of recent policy challenges and opportunities in the deep tech sector.

Conclusion

India’s start-up story is vibrant but strategically misaligned. If India is to transition from being the “app capital” to the “innovation capital” of the world, it must focus on IP-led deep tech growth, provide targeted policy support, and bridge the talent and funding gaps.

7. CAPTCHA: A Digital Border Between Humans and Bots – Science and Technology

Why in News?

CAPTCHA technology is under scrutiny as it remains a frontline tool to protect websites from bots, even as AI advancements challenge its reliability. The rise of sophisticated bots has brought CAPTCHA back into discussion, emphasizing its evolution, limitations, and future prospects.

What is CAPTCHA?

• Full Form: Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart
• Purpose: To distinguish human users from automated programs (bots).
• Origin: Developed in early 2000s; first patent filed in 2003.
• Application: Prevents bots from:
  • Creating fake accounts
  • Spamming websites
  • Conducting brute-force attacks
  • Harvesting sensitive data

How Does CAPTCHA Work?

CAPTCHA presents tasks that are:

• Easy for humans
• Difficult for machines

Types of CAPTCHA:

Limitations of CAPTCHA

Did You Know?

• Google’s reCAPTCHA project helped digitize over 13 million articles from The New York Times archives and old books.
• The Invisible reCAPTCHA uses risk analysis—if user activity seems natural, no challenge is shown.

Future of CAPTCHA

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

Q. With reference to CAPTCHA systems, consider the following statements:

1. CAPTCHA is based on the Turing Test concept.
2. reCAPTCHA helps digitize books and newspapers.
3. Invisible reCAPTCHA does not require user interaction.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 2 and 3 ✅
D) 1 only

Mains:

Q. “With AI-powered bots increasingly bypassing CAPTCHA systems, the future of cybersecurity must move beyond traditional verification mechanisms.”
Discuss the role of CAPTCHA in cybersecurity and explore emerging alternatives.

Conclusion

CAPTCHA continues to play a critical role in maintaining digital hygiene. However, with the rise of AI and bot capabilities, its effectiveness is declining. The future will likely involve a multi-layered security approach, combining behavioral analytics, biometrics, and AI-powered threat detection.