Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 5 March 2025

Bollgard-3:

There has been an increasing demand for Bollgard-3 in Punjab, ahead of the cotton sowing season.

• It is a pest-resistant genetically-modified (GM) cotton variety.
• It was developed by Monsanto more than a decade ago, and shows remarkable resistance to pests.
• It contains three Bt proteins Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab and Vip3A that cause insect death by disrupting their normal gut function. This in turn allows for the growth of a healthier cotton crop, and increases yield.
• Farmers are demanding the introduction of Bollgard-3, which is particularly effective against lepidopteran pests like pink bollworm.
• Bollgard-1 was a Monsanto-developed Bt cotton introduced in India in 2002, followed by Bollgard-2 in 2006. The latter remains prevalent today.
• And although these do have some pest-repellent properties, they are not effective against the whitefly and the pink bollworm, which arrived in Punjab in 2015-16 and 2018-19 respectively.

Dragon Copilot: New Voice-Activated AI Assistant

The Microsoft has introduced a new voice-activated AI assistant called Dragon Copilot.

• Dragon Copilot is the new healthcare AI tool which is being offered as part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare.
• It is designed to help doctors and healthcare professionals transcribe clinical notes and draft paperwork as well as quickly search for information from medical sources.
• It harnesses the natural language voice dictation and ambient listening technology developed by AI voice company Nuance.
• These capabilities have been further fine-tuned using generative AI and adapted to incorporate healthcare safeguards.
• It is built on top of existing tools such as Dragon Medical One (DMO) and DAX rolled out by speech recognition company Nuance Communications.
• It can be used to draft memos and notes in a personalised style and format.
• Besides voice-to-text transcription, the Dragon Copilot user interface also allows users to submit prompts or use templates to create AI-generated notes.
• Apart from documentation work, the AI assistant allows clinicians to search for general-purpose medical information from trusted sources.
• It can also be used to automate key tasks such as conversational orders, note and clinical evidence summaries, referral letters, and after-visit summaries, in one centralised workspace.
• It can be accessible through a mobile app, browser or desktop, and it integrates directly with several different electronic health records.

Seagrass:

According to recent study, seagrass has been declining at a rate of 1-2 per cent per year for the past century and nearly 5 per cent of species are now endangered.

• It is a flowering plantthat grows submerged in shallow marine waters like bays and lagoons.
• It is so-named because most species have long green, grass-like leaves.
• Seagrasses have roots, stems, and leaves and produce flowers and seeds.
• Like terrestrial plants, seagrass also photosynthesizes and manufactures their own food and releases oxygen.
• They evolved around 100 million years ago, and there are approximately 72 different seagrass species that belong to four major groups.
• Pollution from cities, industries, and agriculture continues to degrade these meadows, while coastal development and tourism put additional pressure on fragile habitats of seagrass.

Ruellia elegans :

A new study has flagged the threat to native biodiversity from a botanical Brazilian beauty Ruellia elegans.

• R. elegans derives its name from its pleasing appearance or elegance.
• It is native to Brazil and predominantly thrives in wet tropical biome.
• It is commonly known as the Brazilian petunia, Christmas pride, elegant Ruellia, red Ruellia, and wild petunia.
• It is one of four invasive plant species of the Acanthoideae sub-family in India, the others being Ruellia ciliatiflora, Ruellia simplex, and Ruellia tuberosa.
• It was introduced in the Andaman Islands. Beyond the Andaman Islands, the invasive plant was recorded from Odisha almost a decade ago.
• Invasive plant species are problem because they can rapidly spread and outcompete native plants for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients.
• They disrupt ecosystems by altering biodiversity, impacting wildlife habitats and potentially causing the decline or extinction of native species, often leading to significant economic and environmental damage.

World Food Programme:

The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) is closing its southern Africa office in the wake of the Trump administration’s aid cuts.

• It is a United Nations agency that deals with hunger eradication and promotes food security in the world.
• It is operating in more than 120 countries, which provides food assistance during emergencies and works with communities to enhance nutrition and generate resilience.
• It has been functioning in India since 1963.
• It is a member of the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP).
• WFP is funded by voluntary donations from governments, corporates and private donors.
• It is the largest humanitarian agency saving lives in emergencies and using assistance to help communities become self-sufficient and resilient to shocks.
• Report released by the WFP isGlobal Report on Food Crisis.
• The Global Report on Food Crises describes the scale of acute hunger in the world.
• It provides an analysis of the drivers that are contributing to food crises across the globe.
• The report is produced by the Global Network against Food Crises, an international alliance working to address the root causes of extreme hunger.

Taurus KEPD-350:

Sweden has taken a key step in strengthening its air force’s long-range strike capabilities by selecting the Taurus KEPD-350 air-launched cruise missile for integration with its Gripen fighter jets.

• It is a modular, air-launched, long-range, precision-guided cruise missile.
• It is designed and produced by Taurus Systems GmbH, a joint venture between Germany’s MBDA Deutschland GmbH and Sweden’s Saab Bofors Dynamics.
• It can penetrate through dense air defence systems and destroy the hard and deeply buried stationary and semi-stationary military targets on ground.
• The missile entered operational service in 2005.
• The missile is used by air forces in Germany, Spain, and South Korea, among others.
• Measuring 5 meters in length and with a wingspan of 2.1 meters, the missile weighs approximately 1,400 kilograms.
• It has a range of more than 500 km.
• It is powered by a turbofan engine, which provides the missile with a cruise speed of about Mach 0.6 to 0.95 at very low altitudes.
• The missile is made of modular sections which can be configured based on the individual missions.
• Its electronic systems are also modular.
• It is suitable for day and night and all-weather deployment.
• Navigation of the missile is controlled through the Tri-Tec navigation system.
• It combines data from an inertial navigation system (INS), MIL-global positioning system (GPS), terrain reference navigation (TRN), and infrared seeker based image based navigation (IBN) sensors.

Gond Tribes:

The Gujarat High Court recently sought a response from a power distribution company, the Ahmedabad district collector, and a residential society after 95 families of the Rajgond tribe sought HC directions for electricity connections to their households.

• The Gond or Gondi (Gōndi) or Koitur are a Dravidian ethno-linguistic group.
• They are one of the largest tribal groups in India. According to the 2001 census, their population was nearly 11 million.
• The states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Odisha are home to the largest Gond populations.
• Gond tribes also live in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Gujarat.
• Gonds are mainly divided into four tribes, namely Raj Gonds, Madia Gonds, Dhurve Gonds and Khatulwar Gonds.
• Gonds settled in the Gondwana region in the 9th and 13th century AD.
• In the 14th century they ruled several parts of central India.
• They built a number of forts, palaces, temples, tanks, and lakes during the rule of the Gonds dynasty.
• The Gondwana kingdom survived till the late 16th century.
• Gond dynasties ruled in 4 kingdoms – Garha-Mandla, Deogarh, Chanda, and Kherla – in central India.
• They also gained control over the Malwa after the decline of the Mughals followed by the Marathas in the year 1690.
• During the British regime in India, Gonds challenged the Britishers in several battles.
• The majority of Gond people speak dialects of Gondi, an unwritten language of the Dravidian language family.
• Some Gond have lost their own language and speak Hindi, Marathi, or Telugu, depending on which is dominant in their area.
• The basis of the Gond economy is agriculture, but they also practice animal husbandry.
• Some Gond also gather wild plants to eat.
• The religion of the Gond tribes centers on clan and village gods, together with ancestor worship.
• Keslapur Jathra and Madai are important festivals of the Gonds.
• Apart from this, they also celebrate Hindu festival called Dusshera.

Majuli Island:

A recent six-day survey conducted on the escalating human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in the Majuli River Island district of Assam sparks concern.

• Majuli Island Often called the soul of Assam, Majuli is the world’s largest river island.
• It lies at the heart of Assam, spreading over an area of 421 sq. km.
• The island is formed by the Brahmaputra River in the south and the Kherkutia Xuti, an anabranch of the Brahmaputra, joined by the Subansiri River in the north.
• In 2016 it became the first island to be made a district in India.
• The island’s landscape is characterised by lush greenery, water bodies and paddy fields.
• The island has also been the hub of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture, initiated around the 16th century by the great Assamese saint-reformer Srimanta Sankerdeva and his disciple Madhavdeva.
• They initiated the tradition of Satras (monastic institutions), and these Satras have preserved Sattriya dance, literature, bhaona (theatre), dance forms, mask making, and boat-making.
• Most of the islanders belong to three tribes-Mishing, Deori and Sonowal Kachari, with the non-tribal Assamese comprising the rest.
• Apart from Satras or Vaishnavite monasteries, Majuli is famous for mask-making and has a tradition of pottery making.
• Rice cultivation is the primary livelihood for the residents of Majuli, with several unique varieties of rice, such as Komal Saul and Bao Dhan, grown in the region.

Civet Cat : Spotted

A rare civet cat, typically found in the Seshachalam forests near Tirumala, was recently spotted near Tadepalli in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh.

• Civet is any of a number of long-bodied, short-legged carnivores of the family Viverridae.
• The Viverridae family includes civets, genets, oyans, and linsangs.
• There are about 15 to 20 species, placed in 10 to 12 genera.
• Civets are found in Africa, southern Europe and Asia.
• There are 8 different species of Wild civets found in India, out of which Common Palm civets and Small Indian civets can be spotted across the country.
• The rarest of all civets is the Malabar large-spotted civet (Viverra civettina), also known as the Malabar civet, endemic to the Western Ghats.
• It is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ under the IUCN Red List.
• They have a thickly furred tail, small ears, and a pointed snout, i.e. catlike appearance.
• The coloration varies widely among the species but commonly is buff or grayish with a pattern of black spots or stripes or both.
• Length ranges from about 40 to 85 cm), with the tail accounting for another 13 to 66 cm, and weight ranges from 1.5 to 11 kg).
• Civets are usually solitary and live in tree hollows, among rocks, and in similar places, coming out to forage at night.
• They feed on fruits and insects, opportunistically supplemented with small animals.

India’s Circular Economy: A $2 Trillion Market and 10 Million Jobs by 2050

India’s circular economy is projected to generate over $2 trillion in market value and create nearly 10 million jobs by 2050, according to Union Minister Bhupender Yadav. Speaking at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific, he emphasized that the circular economy represents a major shift from the traditional “take, make, waste” model to a more sustainable reuse and recycle-based system. India has also expressed interest in hosting the World Circular Economy Forum 2026. Several key initiatives, MoUs, and reports were launched to promote sustainable waste management and urban circular economy practices.

Supreme Court Advocates for Disability Rights as Fundamental:

The Supreme Court of India ruled that the right against disability-based discrimination should be considered a fundamental right, aligning with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. The judgment allows visually impaired candidates to participate in judicial service recruitment, reinforcing the principle of equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation. The verdict was delivered by a bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan while hearing petitions related to the Madhya Pradesh Judicial Service Examination Rules, 1994, and Rajasthan Judicial Service Rules, 2010.

Madhya Pradesh Government to Provide Permanent Power Connections to Farmers for Just Rs 5:

The agricultural community in Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced on Sunday, March 3, 2025, that farmers across the state will soon receive permanent power connections for a nominal fee of just Rs 5. This initiative aims to provide affordable electricity access to farmers who do not yet have a permanent connection, thereby easing their financial burden and improving agricultural productivity.The scheme will be implemented through the Madhya Pradesh Central Power Distribution Company in the coming days. Addressing a gathering of farmers, CM Yadav emphasized the state government’s commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Ajay Seth Takes Additional Charge as Revenue Secretary:

Ajay Seth, the Economic Affairs Secretary, has been assigned the additional charge of Secretary, Department of Revenue. This decision was announced by the Personnel Ministry on March 1, 2025. The appointment was necessitated following the transition of Tuhin Kanta Pandey, the former Revenue Secretary, to his new role as the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025: Honoring Excellence and Innovation:

The Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA) 2025 concluded in a spectacular ceremony at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, celebrating the visionaries and change-makers of India’s corporate and entrepreneurial landscape. This prestigious event recognized outstanding contributions in business, innovation, and leadership that have shaped the country’s economic and social fabric.Hosted by Forbes India, the ceremony brought together some of the most influential names in business, technology, and philanthropy, paying tribute to their transformative impact. The evening was a mix of insightful discussions, prestigious awards, and a toast to leadership excellence.

Levi’s Appoints Diljit Dosanjh as Global Ambassador:

Levi’s, the globally renowned denim brand, has appointed Diljit Dosanjh as its global ambassador, making him the first Punjabi artist to join the brand’s creative community. This collaboration marks a significant moment in merging music, fashion, and culture, further strengthening Levi’s brand identity in India and worldwide.

India’s First World Peace Center Inaugurated in Gurugram:

India has taken a significant step towards global peace and harmony with the inauguration of the country’s first World Peace Center in Gurugram, Haryana. The center, established by Ahimsa Vishwa Bharti under the guidance of Jain Acharya Lokesh, aims to promote non-violence, spiritual awareness, human values, and universal brotherhood.The grand inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of former President Ram Nath Kovind, Governor of Punjab Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Bihar Arif Mohammad Khan, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, and several eminent spiritual leaders, including Shri Shri Ravi Shankar, Morari Bapu, and Govinddev Giri. Additionally, Swami Ramdev, the founder of Patanjali Yogpeeth, virtually participated in the event and extended his greetings.

Aditya-L1 Captures First-Ever Image of a Solar Flare ‘Kernel’:

The Aditya-L1 mission, India’s first dedicated solar observatory, has achieved a groundbreaking discovery by capturing the first-ever image of a solar flare ‘kernel’. This rare event was recorded in the lower solar atmosphere, specifically in the photosphere and chromosphere. The finding will significantly enhance scientists’ understanding of the Sun’s energy bursts and solar dynamics.