Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 6th March 2025

Gangetic Dolphin:

The first ever estimate of Gangetic dolphins, the only riverine dolphins in India, has found 6,327 of them in the river Ganga and its tributaries.

• Gangetic Dolphin is a freshwater species and one of the few river dolphins found in the world.
• It inhabits the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India and Bangladesh.
• Common names: Blind dolphin, Ganges dolphin, Ganges susu, hihu, side-swimming dolphin, South Asian River Dolphin
• Scientific name: Platanista gangetica
• It has been recognized by the government of India as its National Aquatic Animal.
• Because of the sound it produces when breathing, the animal is popularly referred to as the ‘Susu’.
• Conservation status: IUCN: Endangered
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule-I
  • CITES: Appendix I

Cities Coalition for Circularity:

Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs recently announced the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3).

• Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3) is a multi-nation alliance for city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships.
• It was announced at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific in Jaipur.
• It would act as a catalyst for resource efficiency and a low-carbon economy, strengthening collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to build a sustainable future.

12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific:

• Theme: Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific
• Venue: Rajasthan International Centre, Jaipur, Rajasthan
• Organized by: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (India), United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD), and Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).
• Supported by: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Japan’s Ministry of Environment, and various other international and regional organizations.
• It will adopt the Jaipur Declaration (2025-2034), a nonpolitical, nonbinding commitment that will guide the next decade of efforts towards resource efficiency and sustainable urban growth.

Lake Tanganyika:

The countries which border Lake Tanganyika Basin have launched a five-year project to assess and address transboundary threats to the biodiversity of this lake basin.

• The governments of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zambia have launched a five-year project to assess and address transboundary threats to the biodiversity of the Lake Tanganyika Basin.
• It is the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)-led initiative and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
• It aims to enhance transboundary cooperation among the four countries bordering Lake Tanganyika.
• It will also promote sustainable fisheries, biodiversity conservation, and the restoration of degraded landscapes in the basin.
• The initiative will protect core conservation zones in three identified protected areas and promote sustainable natural resource use in protected areas and their buffer zones.
• Lake Tanganyika is an ancient lake located in East Africa.
• Bordering Countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania and Zambia.
• It is extremely long, deepest and is the longest lake in the world, measuring over 400 miles long.
• It occupies the southern end of the Western Rift Valley, and for most of its length the land rises steeply from its shores.

Ferrihydrite:

A recent study revealed that the red color of Mars could be due to the presence of an iron-containing mineral called ferrihydrite.

• It is a poorly crystalline nanomineral built up of about 20% (FeO4) and 80% (FeO6) polyhedra.
• It forms by rapid oxidation and hydrolysis, and exists in varying degrees of structure disorder.
• It is one of the initial corrosion products in the oxidation of iron, and is the precursor to the formation of the more stable mineral phases goethite (α-FeO(OH)) and hematite (α-Fe2O3 ).
• It is widespread in the soluble fraction of soils and weathered rock.
• In precipitates around cold and hot springs, especially those supporting iron-metabolizing bacteria; in acid mine effluent.
• The iron bacteria, especially Gallionella ferruginea, Leptothrix ochracea and Toxothrix trichogenes create ferrihydrite as a waste product of their metabolism.
• It is known to trap water and protect organic molecules and forms rapidly in cool water.

Narwhals:

Scientists have studied and captured footage of the iconic narwhals of the Arctic using their tusks to hunt.

• Also known as a narwhale (Monodon monoceros), it is a medium-sized toothed whale.
• It has a big horn-like tusk gives them a very distinctive appearance.
• Narwhals change color as they age. Newborns are a blue-gray, juveniles are blue-black and adults are a mottled gray. Old narwhals are nearly all white.
• The tusk is, in fact, a tooth that grows out of the male’s upper jaw and has sensory capability and up to 10 million nerve endings inside.
• It is believed that the tusk plays a role in competition for mates, including mating displays.
• It uses tusks in the wild to investigate, manipulate and influence the behavior of Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), including delivering sufficient force with their tusks to stun and possibly kill the fish.
• Narwhals are polygynous and mating usually occurs from March to May.
• They give birth to a single calf and they are born tail first. The tusks of males do not grow until they are weaned when they are about one year old.
• Narwhals feed on Greenland halibut, Arctic and polar cod, squid and shrimp.
• They spend their lives in the Arctic waters of Canada, Greenland, Norway and Russia.
• Threats: Oil and gas development and climate change pose threats to narwhals.
• Conservation Status: IUCN: Near Threatened

Concern Over The Rising Obesity : Prime Minister

The Prime Minister expressed concern over the rising obesity, especially among children, and urged people to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that poses health risks, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25 or above classified as overweight and 30 or above as obese.
• BMI is a basic method to assess whether an adult has a healthy weight, calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared (kg/m²).

Obesity Statistics:

India:

• NFHS-5: As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 (2019-21), 24% of Indian women and 22.9% of Indian men are overweight or obese.
• As per NFHS-5 (2019-21), the percentage of overweight children under five increased to 3.4% from 2.1% in NFHS-4 (2015-16) at the all-India level.
• Overweight and obesity rates vary from 8% to 50% across states, genders, and rural-urban areas.
• Global: From 1990 to 2022, obesity in children and adolescents (5–19 years) grew from 2% to 8%, a fourfold increase.
• In adults (18+ years), it more than doubled from 7% to 16%.
• Obesity, the mother of all diseases, significantly increases the risk of various non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
• Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs): Indians experience CVDs like heart attacks, and hypertension at least 10 years earlier than people in other countries.
• India has the highest number of diabetes cases (101 million), and obesity increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes by causing insulin resistance.
• Cancer: Obesity is linked to cancer, with India’s cases expected to rise from 14.6 lakh in 2022 to 15.7 lakh by 2025.
• Joint Disorders: Excess weight strains joints, increasing the risk of degenerative diseases like knee osteoarthritis and back pain.
• Psychosocial Impact: Stigma and bullying cause low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and impact school performance and quality of life in children.
• Economic Implications: In 2019, obesity cost India USD 28.95 billion (Rs 1,800 per capita), or 1.02% of GDP, due to healthcare expenses and lost productivity.
• By 2030, India’s obesity-related economic burden may rise to Rs 4,700 per capita or 1.57% of GDP.
• The Economic Survey 2024-25 recognizes obesity as a health challenge and suggests higher taxes on ultra-processed foods (UPF).

Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell:

The Centre for Fuel Cell Technology (CFCT) at the International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials showcased a mobile Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell (PEMFC)-based backup power solution for telecom towers using a plug-and-play model.

• It is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy of hydrogen and oxygen into electricity through a series of redox reactions.
• Unlike traditional batteries, which store chemical energy internally, PEM fuel cells require a continuous supply of hydrogen fuel and oxygen (typically from the air) to sustain the chemical reaction and generate electricity.
• The working principle involves an electrochemical reaction where hydrogen gas is fed into the anode, oxidized to release protons, which then travel through a polymer membrane to the cathode, where they react with oxygen to produce electricity and water.
• They offer an environmentally friendly solution with high power density in a compact size.
• They run on hydrogen fuel, which can be stored and transported for refuelling, and require significantly less maintenance than traditional backup power sources.

7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife:

The Prime Minister chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at the Gir National Park (Junagadh, Gujarat) on the occasion of the World Wildlife Day (3rd March) and announced several initiatives for wildlife conservation.

• World Wildlife Day is observed annually on 3rd March (adopted CITES in 1973) to highlight the urgent need to protect biodiversity amid the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
• It was established by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in December 2013.
• Theme 2025: Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.
• It emphasizes the importance of financial investment in wildlife conservation to ensure a sustainable future.

New Initiatives:

• Great Indian Bustard Conservation: A National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Plan was announced to address the declining population of this critically endangered species.
• Gharial Conservation: A new Gharial conservation initiative was launched to arrest the dwindling population of gharials.
• Centre for Human-Wildlife Conflict: The Centre for Excellence in Human-Wildlife Conflict Management was announced and it will be located at the Wildlife Institute of India’s Coimbatore campus.
• It will equip rapid response teams with advanced tracking and surveillance, deploy detection systems in conflict zones, and train field staff and communities in mitigation.
• PM emphasized using AI, ML, remote sensing, and geospatial mapping to tackle forest fires and human-animal conflicts.
• WII and Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) will collaborate to tackle human-wildlife conflict.
• National Referral Centre for Wildlife: PM laid the foundation stone for the National Referral Centre for Wildlife in Junagadh, a hub for wildlife health and disease management.
• New Task Forces: New task forces were formed for the conservation of Indian Sloth Bear, Gharials, and Great Indian Bustard.
• Expansion of Project Cheetah: The government announced Project Cheetah’s expansion to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh) and Banni Grasslands (Gujarat).
• Strengthening Project Lion: The government extended the Project Lion for 10 years to expand Asiatic Lions’ range across Gujarat’s Saurashtra region.
• The 16th Asiatic Lion population estimation will be conducted in May 2024 that is conducted every five years (last done in 2020).
• Riverine Dolphin Estimation: India’s 1st Riverine Dolphin Estimation Report was released that revealed 6,327 dolphins in the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river basins.
• Traditional Knowledge in Wildlife Conservation: Modi urged NBWL and the ministry to collect traditional knowledge and manuscripts on forest and wildlife conservation for research and development.
• Community Participation: He emphasized community involvement in wildlife conservation, forest fire management, and sustainable coexistence

129th Birth Anniversary of Morarji Desai:

Lok Sabha Speaker paid tributes to Morarji Desai, former Prime Minister of India, on his birth anniversary.He resigned as Deputy Collector in 1930 after 12 years in British service to join India’s independence movement. He was detained during Individual Satyagraha (1941) and arrested during Quit India Movement (1942). He led the Janata Party to a landslide victory in the 1977 Lok sabha elections and became Prime Minister. During his tenure, the 44th Amendment Act, 1978 was enacted to uphold the rule of law.He was born on 29th February 1896 and served as the 4th Prime Minister of India (1977 to 1979) during the 6th Lok Sabha.

From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth Story

NITI Aayog launched the report “From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth Story” highlighting increased financial participation of women.The report, published by TransUnion CIBIL, Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), and MicroSave Consulting (MSC), shows a 42% rise in women monitoring their credit as of December 2024.

Taxing Virtual Digital Assets:

The Income Tax Bill, 2025 classifies Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) as property and capital assets, bringing them under capital gains taxation and regulatory scrutiny. The bill imposes a 30% tax on VDA transfers, 1% TDS on transactions, and mandates reporting, ensuring transparency and preventing financial misuse.Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) refer to digitally represented assets that use blockchain or cryptographic technology for transactions. Defined under Section 2(111) of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, VDAs include cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and similar digital assets.

Payodhi Milk Bank:

AIIMS launched ‘Payodhi’, a human milk bank, to provide pasteurised donor human milk for critically ill preterm babies in the NICU.Payodhi is a human milk bank and lactation management centre at AIIMS, New Delhi.It collects, processes, and stores pasteurised donor milk for premature and critically ill newborns.Launched at AIIMS Neonatology Division, Department of Pediatrics, after acquiring a pasteuriser in September 2024.

Navratna Status:

The Central Government has granted Navratna status to IRCTC and IRFC, making them the 25th and 26th Navratna CPSEs in India.Navratna is a prestigious classification for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) demonstrating exceptional financial and operational performance. It grants greater investment autonomy and decision-making flexibility.

Steve Smith Announces Retirement from One-Day Internationals:

Australian cricketing great Steve Smith has announced his retirement from One-Day Internationals (ODIs), bringing an end to a remarkable career in the 50-over format. Known for his unorthodox yet highly effective batting style, Smith played a pivotal role in Australia’s ODI success, contributing significantly with the bat and on the field. Over the years, he evolved from a leg-spinning all-rounder into one of the most dependable middle-order batters. With 170 matches, 5800 runs, and two World Cup victories, Smith leaves behind an enduring legacy in Australian cricket.

India’s Leadership in Green Hydrogen:

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, emphasized India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in green hydrogen production and utilization. Speaking at the launch of India’s first fleet of hydrogen-powered truck trials in New Delhi, he highlighted the transformative role of the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) in achieving energy independence and reducing carbon emissions. Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has set ambitious targets to position itself at the forefront of the green energy transition.