Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 20th March 2025

Audible Enclaves: A New Sound Technology

Audible Enclaves are small pockets of sound that are not disturbed by surrounding noise.

• They allow specific individuals to hear a sound privately, even in crowded environments.
• The technology is based on sound wave manipulation, ensuring that only intended listeners can hear the transmitted sound.
• Sound consists of waves moving through a medium, causing particles to vibrate back and forth.
• The speed of vibration determines the frequency:
  • Higher frequency = Higher pitch sound.
  • When sound waves are emitted from a source, they diverge in a process called diffraction.
  • Higher frequency sounds diverge more than lower frequencies.
  • Audible Enclaves Created Traditional parametric array loudspeakers create focused sound beams using high-frequency waves modulated with an audio signal.
  • Audible enclaves take this a step further using two high-frequency waves of different frequencies:
  • These waves are inaudible on their own.
  • When they intersect, non-linear interactions generate a sound wave audible only at that specific location.
  • This method, reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ensures that only individuals within a defined zone can hear the sound.

Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999:

ED Raids on Soros-Linked Entities for FEMA Violations.

• The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, came into force on June 1, 2000, replacing the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1973.
• The act was introduced in the backdrop of India’s economic liberalization to facilitate external trade and payments and ensure the orderly development of the foreign exchange market.
• Objectives of FEMA:
  • Regulation & Management of Foreign Exchange: FEMA governs all aspects of foreign exchange transactions in India, including:
  • Acquisition & Holding of foreign exchange
  • Payment & Settlement of foreign exchange transactions
  • Export & Import of currency.
• Unlike FERA, which was restrictive and criminalized violations, FEMA is more transparent and promotes globalization.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the key authority under FEMA.
• The RBI can frame rules, issue guidelines, and regulate foreign exchange transactions.
• Violations under FEMA are civil offences (unlike FERA, where they were treated as criminal offences).

Tren de Aragua:

The US President invoked the Alien Enemies Act (1798) for the first time since World War II to deport suspected members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA).

• Tren de Aragua (TdA) Gang Founded in 2014 inside Tocorón Prison, Aragua state, Venezuela.
• Spread across Colombia, Peru, Chile, and the US, exploiting Venezuelan migrants.
• Engaged in drug trafficking, human trafficking, extortion, murder, and kidnapping.
• Chile accused Venezuelan authorities of colluding with the gang in the murder of a former Venezuelan opposition officer in 2023.
• Alien Enemies Act of the USA:
  • Enacted in 1798 to combat spying and sabotage during tensions with France.
  • Authorizes the U.S. President to deport, detain, or impose restrictions on individuals who have primary allegiance to a foreign power and pose a national security risk in wartime.
  • Can be invoked under two conditions:
    • During a declared war
    • In case of an invasion or predatory incursion by a foreign power
• The act remains in effect until explicitly revoked by the President.

Competition Commission of India:

The CCI raided GroupM, Dentsu, IPG Mediabrands, and the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) for allegedly fixing IPL ad rates and discounts.

• Established in 2009 under the Competition Act, 2002, the CCI became fully operational on May 20, 2009, when substantive provisions related to anti-trust enforcement and merger regulation came into force.
• Initially conceptualised in 2003, it replaced the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act (MRTP), 1969, aligning with India’s post-liberalization economic reforms.
• It is headed by a Chairperson and six members appointed by the Central Government, ensuring expertise in law, economics, finance, and international trade.
• The members must have at least 15 years of professional experience and serve a five-year term, fostering informed decision-making in complex market cases.
• Functions of CCI:
  • Preventing anti-competitive practices: It investigates and penalizes cartels, price-fixing and market manipulation.
  • In 2022, the CCI imposed a ₹1,337 crore penalty on Google for abusing its dominance in the Android ecosystem.
  • Regulating abuse of dominance: It also prevents companies from using market power unfairly, such as through predatory pricing or restrictive trade practices.
  • CCI’s probe into Apple’s in-app payment monopoly.
  • It ensures mergers do not create monopolies or reduce competition.
  • CCI’s scrutiny of Jio-Star India merger to prevent media dominance.
  • It monitors unfair trade practices to protect consumer rights and market fairness.
  • It provides opinions on competition issues when referred by statutory authorities.

Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative:

The Prime Minister recently welcomed New Zealand’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative, highlighting both nations’ shared interest in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

• IPOI was launched by India in November 2019 at the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit (EAS) in Bangkok.
• It builds upon the “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) initiative announced by the Prime Minister in 2015.
• Its objective was to promote cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific and the rules-based regional order, which will contribute towards strengthening safety, stability and development in the maritime domain.
• As a non-treaty-based voluntary arrangement, it aims to achieve greater cohesion and integration through common understanding and actions related to shared interests.
• It does not envisage a new institutional framework and leans heavily on the EAS mechanism, which includes ASEAN member states and its eight dialogue partners.
• The IPOI outlined seven pillars, and it was indicated that one or two countries could take the lead for a pillar with others joining in voluntarily.
• The seven IPOI pillars are:
  • Maritime Security: The United Kingdom (UK) and India
  • Maritime Ecology: Australia and Thailand
  • Maritime Resources: France and Indonesia
  • Capacity Building and Resource Sharing: Germany
  • Disaster Risk Reduction and Management: India and Bangladesh
  • Science, Technology, and Academic Cooperation: Italy and Singapore
  • Trade, Connectivity, and Maritime Transport: Japan and the United States (US).

Hmar and Zomi Tribes:

A day after the imposition of restrictions following clashes between the Hmar and Zomi people in Manipur, leaders of the two communities recently agreed to work together to restore peace in Churachandpur district of the State.

• The Zomi are an ethnic group which can be found in India, Myanmar and in Chittagong hill tracks of Bangladesh.
• The word Zomi is used to describe an ethnic group, which is also known as the Chin, the Mizo, the Kuki, or a number of other names based on geographic distribution.
• In northeastern India, they are present in Chin State, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Assam.
• They belong to the Tibeto-Burman group of Mongoloid race.
• The dispersal across international borders resulted from a British colonial policy that drew borders on political, rather than ethnic, grounds.
• They speak more than fifty dialects that linguists call the Kukish language group, which is also known as Kuki-Chin (Kuki/Chin), Mizo/Kuki/Chin, or Kuki Naga.
• Traditionally, Zomis followed animism and worshiped nature spirits. Today, Christianity (mainly Baptist and Presbyterian) is the dominant religion.
• They have typical Tibeto-Burman features and are generally of short-stature with straight black hair and dark brown eyes.
• The Hmar tribes (also called Mhar or Mar) are the dwellers of the northeastern part of India.
• The word “Hmar” literally means “north”.
• They live in the northeastern states of Manipur, Assam, Mizoram, Megalaya and Tripura.

Exercise Varuna 2025:

The Indian and French Navies are gearing up for the 23rd edition of their bilateral naval exercise, VARUNA 2025.

• It is the bilateral Naval Exercise between India and France.
• Initiated in 1993, the exercise was christened ‘Varuna’ in 2001 and has become a hallmark of the India-France strategic bilateral relationship.
• VARUNA 2025 is the 23rd edition of the exercise and will take place in the Arabian Sea.
• It will showcase a series of high-intensity naval drills, emphasizing joint operations across sub-surface, surface, and aerial domains.
• The Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, and the French aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, will participate alongside their fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine, demonstrating the combined strength and operational capabilities of both naval forces.
• The exercise will be advanced air defence drills and mock air-to-air combat scenarios between the French Rafale-M and Indian MiG-29K fighter jets.
• These exercises aim to enhance tactical coordination and refine combat readiness.
• Additionally, anti-submarine warfare drills will focus on strengthening underwater domain awareness, while surface warfare operations will test the ability of both navies to execute synchronized engagements and manoeuvres.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme : In News

The Central Government, in collaboration with States, has approved 116 new tourist destinations for development under schemes like Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD), and Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).

• It is a 100% centrally funded (Central Sector Scheme) launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2015 to develop sustainable and responsible tourism in India.
• It aims at the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits across India such as Buddhist, Coastal, Desert, Eco, Heritage, Northeast etc.
• It provides financial assistance to State Governments, UT Administrations, and Central Agencies for tourism infrastructure development.
• Operation & Maintenance (O&M) of sanctioned projects is the responsibility of respective State/UT governments.
• Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) adopts a holistic approach for development of sustainable and responsible tourism destinations, aligning with the ‘Vocal for Local’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision,
• It aims to increase private sector investment in tourism, hospitality and asset management marking a shift from circuit-based tourism to a destination-centric model for long-term growth.
• CBDD is a sub-scheme under SD2.0 that adopts a competitive approach to develop tourism destinations with a focus on sustainability, digitalization, skill development, MSME support, and effective management.

Melioidosis:

A recent study highlights how climate conditions, particularly monsoon-related factors, influence the spread of melioidosis.

• It is a bacterial infectious disease, linked to rainfall, temperature, and humidity.
• It is caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei and primarily acquired by inoculation, inhalation and/or ingestion of soil- and water-dwelling environmental saprophytes.
• South Asia (endemic to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka), including India, accounts for 44% of global melioidosis cases, with Odisha as a hotspot due to its agriculture and extreme weather.
• It is primarily found in Northern Australia and Southeast Asia.
• Symptoms range from mild skin infections to severe pneumonia and sepsis, with a fatality rate of up to 50% in septic cases.
• It is not transmitted from animals to humans, and human-to-human transmission is rare.
• Melioidosis can be treated with antibiotics

Menhirs:

The Mudumal megalithic menhirs in Telangana’s Narayanpet district have been added to UNESCO’s tentative list for World Heritage Sites in 2025.

• A megalith is a large stone used in prehistoric structures, serving as either a burial site or a commemorative monument.
  Menhirs in Europe date back to 7,000 Before Present (BP), with the Grand Menhir Brisé in France being the tallest, originally 20.6 meters high.
• Menhirs are large, upright stones, often tapered at the top, erected by humans. Mudumal’s menhirs are India’s oldest menhirs, dating back 3,500–4,000 BP, and are located near the banks of the Krishna River.

BCCI Honors Team India with ₹58 Crore After ICC Champions Trophy Win:

The BCCI has announced a monetary reward of INR 58 crore for the Indian team following their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory. This financial acknowledgment is a tribute to the contributions of the players, coaching staff, support personnel, and selection committee.Under Captain Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India displayed dominance throughout the tournament, securing impressive wins against Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Australia before clinching the final against New Zealand

Deena Mehta Re-appointed as Independent Director of Fino Payments Bank:

Fino Payments Bank (FPB) has re-appointed Deena Mehta as an Independent Director for a second term from March 19, 2025, to March 18, 2028. A highly experienced finance professional, Mehta has made significant contributions to the Indian capital markets and has been associated with key reforms, including the implementation of the BOLT trading system at BSE and the establishment of Central Depository Services (CDSL). Her expertise in finance, securities law, and capital market operations makes her a valuable addition to the board of FPB.

Indranil Bhattacharyya Appointed as RBI’s Executive Director:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Indranil Bhattacharyya as Executive Director (ED), effective March 19, 2025. He will be responsible for overseeing the Department of Economic and Policy Research in his new role.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the appointment of Indranil Bhattacharyya as its new Executive Director (ED). Bhattacharyya, a seasoned economist and policy expert, will now head the Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR), a critical division within the RBI responsible for shaping monetary policies and economic research.

SEBI Partners with DigiLocker to Reduce Unclaimed Assets and Strengthen Investor Protection:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has partnered with DigiLocker to streamline access to investors’ securities holdings and reduce unclaimed assets in the Indian securities market. This initiative enables investors to store and retrieve their demat holdings, mutual fund statements, and Consolidated Account Statements (CAS) through DigiLocker, ensuring seamless access to financial information. Additionally, SEBI has introduced a nomination facility that allows investors to appoint legal heirs for smooth asset transition, facilitated by KYC Registration Agencies (KRAs). This move aims to enhance investor protection and financial transparency while minimizing unclaimed assets.

Ramnath Goenka Awards for Excellence in Journalism 2025:

The Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu to honor outstanding contributions to Indian journalism. The awards recognize journalists who uphold the values of truth, integrity, and fearless reporting. In her speech, President Murmu highlighted the importance of journalism in sustaining democracy and acknowledged Ramnath Goenka’s legacy in defending press freedom, particularly during the Emergency. She emphasized the need for ground reporting, research-based journalism, and the role of human values in combating challenges posed by AI and misinformation.

India’s Net FDI Declines to $1.4 Billion in 2024-25:

India’s net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) witnessed a significant decline, dropping to $1.4 billion during April 2024–January 2025 from $11.5 billion in the same period a year ago. This decline was attributed to increased repatriation by investors and a rise in outward FDI by Indian firms. However, gross FDI remained strong, growing 12.4% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to $67.7 billion. The latest data was published in the March 2025 bulletin of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Finland Tops the World Happiness Rankings for the Eighth Consecutive Year:

Finland has once again secured its position as the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, according to the latest global happiness rankings. The study, conducted by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford in collaboration with Gallup and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, revealed that the United States has dropped to its lowest-ever ranking at 24th place. The rankings are based on people’s self-assessment of their quality of life, highlighting factors such as social trust, economic stability, and life expectancy.