Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 17th March 2025

Supersolid : Study

Researchers have successfully turned light into a “supersolid” for the first time ever.

• Supersolids are a strange state of matter defined by quantum mechanics where particles condense into an orderly, crystalline solid but also move like a liquid that has no viscosity.
• Usually, solids don’t move on their own, but supersolids change direction and density depending on particle interactions while maintaining an organized lattice structure.
• Supersolids require extremely low temperatures to form — usually very close to absolute zero (minus 459.67 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 273.15 degrees Celsius).
• Most of the particles have to occupy the lowest energy state available, and heat makes particles jump up and down like excitable toddlers in a ball pit.
• If a material is cold enough, the temperature no longer obscures how the particles interact with each other. Instead, the tiny effects of quantum mechanics become the defining factors in how the material behaves.
• Supersolids have traditionally been observed in Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) of ultracold atoms near absolute zero.
• However, this new development expands the scope by coupling light and matter, enabling researchers to study condensed-matter physics under extreme quantum conditions.
• The discovery has profound implications for quantum computing, where supersolid-based systems could enhance qubit stability.
• It also opens pathways for advancements in optical circuits, photonic devices, and fundamental physics research.

Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission:

The Delhi government is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to implement the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM).

• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) with certain Central Sector Components which has total outlay of Rs. 64,180 Crores for the scheme period (2021-22 to 2025-26).
• The scheme envisages a new generation of reforms to integrate and strengthen health service delivery and public health action.
• The measures under the scheme are aimed at strengthening health systems and institutions in order to provide a continuum of care at all levels, namely primary, secondary, and tertiary, as well as preparing health systems to respond effectively to current and future pandemics and disasters.

Components under CS Component of the scheme:

• Construction of 17,788 Building less Sub-Centres as Ayushman Bharat- Health & Wellness centres, now known as Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM).
• Establishment of 11,024 Health & Wellness Centres, now AAM in Urban areas with a focus on slum and slum-like areas.
• Establishment of 3382 Block Public Health Units (BPHUs) at the block level.
• Establishment of 730 District Integrated Public Health Labs (IPHL) in the country, wherein each district will have one such lab.
• Establishing 602 Critical Care Hospital Blocks (CCBs) in all districts with a population of more than 5 lakhs.
• The CSS components of PM-ABHIM are implemented by following the existing framework, institutions and mechanisms of the National Health Mission.
• Public Health and Hospital are State subjects, implementation of the scheme lies under the purview of State Government.
• However, MoHFW provides technical and financial support to the States/Union Territories (UTs) for effective implementation of the scheme.
• The scheme is implemented by the State government and awareness generation activities including IEC for the scheme is periodically conducted by the State health department along with other public health programs under the National Health Mission.

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve : New sanctuary

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) is set to become a new sanctuary for rhinos from Nepal, as efforts to establish a permanent habitat for the visiting pachyderms gain momentum.

• It is situated in the Pilibhit district of Uttar Pradesh, forming part of the Terai Arc Landscape, in the upper Gangetic Plain Biogeographic Province.
• It lies along the India-Nepal border in the foothills of the Himalayas.
• The river Gomati originates from the PTR, which is also the catchment of several others like Sharda, Chuka, and Mala Khannot.
• The habitat is characterized by sal forests, tall grasslands, and swamps, maintained by periodic flooding from rivers.
• The Sharda Sagar Dam extending up to a length of 22 km. is on the boundary of the reserve.
• It has a dry and hot climate, which brings a combination of dry teak forest and Vindhya Mountain soils.

Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID:

Parents and activists worry that the Ministry of Education’s Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID for school students could become near impossible to opt out from, even though the programme is supposed to be voluntary.

• It is a specialized identification system designed for all students in India.
• This initiative is part of the ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ program launched by the Union government, aligning with the new National Education Policy of 2020.
• The APAAR ID serves as a lifelong academic passport, consolidating all achievements and credentials of a student in one place.
• APAAR assigns a unique and permanent 12-digit ID to every student, offering a comprehensive record of their academic achievements, including degrees, scholarships, awards, and other credits.
• This identifier remains with the student throughout their educational career, fostering a seamless transition from one level of education to another.

APAAR Working:

• Schools: Record and manage students’ academic data, achievements, and activities in APAAR.
• Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and Skill Institutes: Access students’ academic history and records for admission and recruitment purposes.
• Students: Digitally store and retrieve comprehensive academic records, achievements, and co-curricular accomplishments.

Benefits to Students:

• Unified Academic Identity: A single platform to consolidate and showcase academic records.
• Streamlining Student Records: Simplifying record-keeping for students, parents, and educators.
• Digital Repository: Securely storing academic data and achievements.
• Seamless Academic Mobility: Facilitating smooth transitions between educational levels.
• Data Security and Confidentiality: APAAR prioritizes data security and confidentiality, sharing information only with necessary government agencies for privacy and security.
• Consent-based document sharing ensures that students have control over the information shared through APAAR.
• Students can effortlessly monitor their academic journey, enabling personalized study plans and real-time performance analytics.
• The system aids in skill gap analysis and provides industry-relevant content for up skilling programs.
• The enrollment process will be carried out by the school with the consent of their parents, who will also be able to withdraw their consent at any given point of time.
• The government assured that the data will be shared only with concerned government agencies if and when required.
• The data collected on each student by the schools will be stored in centrally functioning District Information for Education portal.

UN80 Initiative:

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres launched the UN80 Initiative to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness within the United Nations as it faces financial and operational challenges.

• A reform strategy to boost efficiency and reduce costs within the United Nations.
• Launched on the 80th anniversary of the UN by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
• Aim is to Improve financial sustainability amid shrinking global contributions, Enhance structural reforms for better mandate implementation and Strengthen strategic planning and cost-effectiveness.
• Key Targets is to Identify operational efficiencies to streamline UN activities, Review existing mandates for better alignment with global priorities, Restructure programs to optimize financial and human resources,Enhance collaboration between different UN bodies for cohesive action and Ensure greater transparency in budget allocation and expenditure.
• Features:
  • Establishes an internal task force led by Under-Secretary-General Guy Ryder.
  • Introduces a rigorous review mechanism to assess UN programs and operations.
  • Aims to make the UN more responsive to emerging global challenges.
  • Encourages timely financial contributions from member states to resolve liquidity crises.

Ashwini Radar:

The Union Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently signed a ₹2,906 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad for the procurement of Low-level Transportable Radar, LLTR (Ashwini).

• LLTR (Ashwini) is active electronically scanned phased array radar based on state-of-the-art solid-state technology.
• It is capable of tracking aerial targets from high-speed fighter aircraft to slow-moving targets such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and helicopters.
• The fully indigenous Ashwini radars have been jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and BEL.
• These radars feature integrated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems with electronic scanning in azimuth and elevation, enabling 4D surveillance.
• Designed for mobility, the radars come with advanced Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) capabilities and can operate across various terrains.

India-Mauritius Relations:

During the Prime Minister (PM) of India’s visit to Mauritius, both nations signed multiple agreements on trade, maritime security, and defense, emphasizing regional cooperation and elevating their ties to an enhanced strategic partnership.PM also received the highest national award of Mauritius, the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean.’

• Both elevated their ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, strengthening security, trade in local currencies, and development while reaffirming their commitment to a free and secure Indian Ocean.
• Both countries agreed to ratify the protocol amending the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to align with international treaty standards.
• India introduced the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) initiative for the Global South.
• The MAHASAGAR vision builds on SAGAR, enhancing engagement with the Global South through technology sharing, concessional loans, grants, trade, and mutual security cooperation.
• India and Mauritius agreed to enhance the use of Agalega Island’s new runway and jetty, developed by India.
• India also reaffirmed support for Mauritius’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago.
  Cooperation will be strengthened in white shipping, blue economy, and hydrography.
• India announced its first-ever rupee-denominated Line of Credit to support Mauritius in replacing its water pipelines.
• India will help Mauritius establish a police academy and a maritime information-sharing center.
• The Mauritius President inaugurated the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, a health center, and 20 Indian-funded community projects.
• India will construct a new Parliament building for Mauritius, which India described as a gift from the “Mother of Democracy”.
• India reaffirmed its commitment to working with Mauritius in regional and international forums like the Colombo Security Conclave, IORA, and the Indian Ocean Conference.

Mycelium Bricks : Innovative Research

Ongoing climate change, the construction industry is seeking low-carbon alternatives, and mycelium bricks have emerged as a promising innovation.

• Mycelium Bricks created from fungal spores, husk, and sawdust, mycelium bricks form a lightweight, fibrous structure with a low environmental impact compared to traditional fired clay bricks, which emit nearly 300 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
• They are biodegradable, fire-resistant, lightweight, and good heat insulators, making them suitable for interior panelling, filters, and electronics.
• Potential applications include interior panelling, liquid filters, sports equipment, and electronic components.
• Mycelium bricks have low load-bearing capacity, high moisture absorption, and a short lifespan due to biodegradability and vulnerability to termites, making them less durable than concrete.
• Tropical weather conditions, high humidity, and lack of infrastructure in India make large-scale manufacturing expensive and impractical.
• Flame retardants and Ultra Violet Coatings can improve fire resistance and durability, while R&D and policy support can enhance competitiveness with clay bricks.

PM-YUVA 3.0:

The Ministry of Education launched PM-YUVA 3.0 (Young, Upcoming and Versatile Authors)-Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors.

• It aims to train young authors (below 30 years) to promote reading, writing, and book culture while projecting Indian literature globally.
• Themes:
  • Contribution of Indian Diaspora in Nation Building
  • Indian Knowledge System
  • Makers of Modern India (1950-2025)
• National Book Trust (NBT), under the Ministry of Education, is the implementing agency.
• Books to be published by NBT and translated into multiple Indian languages under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
• It aligns with NEP 2020 to support empowerment of young minds and prepares future leaders.

Flareless Coronal Mass Ejection:

Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) observed a flareless coronal mass ejection (CME) using the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) onboard Aditya-L1.Mission launched in: September 2, 2023,Developed by: ISRO, with contributions from Indian academic institutions. India’s first solar observation mission positioned at Lagrange Point 1 (L1),Distance from Earth:5 million km (1% of Earth-Sun distance). Primary Aim: Study the Sun’s corona, chromosphere, and solar emissions, Monitor solar wind, magnetic storms, and space weather impacts on Earth.

Mumbai Indians Won The Womens Premier League 2025 Final:

Mumbai Indians secured their second WPL title in three seasons, defeating Delhi Capitals by 8 runs in the thrilling final. Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals by 8 runs in the WPL 2025 final on Saturday, securing their second title. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur led the charge with a brilliant 66 off 44, guiding MI to 149/7 after being put in to bat at Brabourne Stadium.

Awards in WPL 2025:

• Player of the match: Harmanpreet Kaur
• Player of the Series: Nat Sciver-Brunt

India Tops Medal Tally at World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025:

India finished on top of the medal tally at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix 2025 held in New Delhi, winning a total of 134 medals, including 45 gold, 40 silver, and 49 bronze. This event marked India’s first time hosting an international para-athletics event, which will now be an annual event till 2028.

India’s Medal Tally:

• Total Medals: 134
• Gold: 45
• Silver: 40
• Bronze: 49

Valueattics Reinsurance Becomes India’s First Private Reinsurer:

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) granted Valueattics Reinsurance, backed by Prem Watsa and Kamesh Goyal, the first private reinsurance license in India. This development marks a significant step towards fostering competition in the reinsurance sector, ending GIC Re’s monopoly that has existed since 1972. The approval was granted during Debasish Panda’s final board meeting as IRDAI Chairperson on March 12, 2025.Valueattics Reinsurance becomes the first private reinsurer in India. Backed by Prem Watsa’s Fairfax Financial Holdings (through FAL Corporation) and Kamesh Goyal’s Oben Ventures LLP.GIC Re, a public-sector entity, was the only reinsurer in India until now.13 foreign reinsurance branches (FRBs) like Munich Re, Swiss Re, and Lloyd’s of London operate in India.

The IRDAI has reaffirmed LIC, New India Assurance, and GIC Re as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) for the year 2024-25:

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has once again designated Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), The New India Assurance Company, and General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) as Domestic Systemically Important Insurers (D-SIIs) for the year 2024-25. These insurers are considered critical to the stability of the Indian financial system due to their size, market importance, and interconnection with the domestic and global economy

D-SII Insurers for 2024-25:

• LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India)
• The New India Assurance Company
• GIC Re (General Insurance Corporation of India)

Empowering Women PRIs Leaders:

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched two key initiatives — Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan and Model Women-Friendly Gram Panchayats (MWFGP) — to promote gender-sensitive governance and empower Women Elected Representatives (WERs) in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan A nationwide capacity-building initiative for Women Elected Representatives (WERs) of PRIs. Strengthen leadership skills, decision-making abilities, and active participation in rural governance. Focuses on eliminating the “Mukhiya Pati” or “Sarpanch Pati” culture, ensuring that WERs exercise their authority independently