Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 21st March 2025

LIC Agents Protest Against New Insurance Rules:

LIC is the largest public sector life insurance company and institutional investor in India.

• Headquartered in Mumbai, it plays a crucial role in India’s financial market.
• Motto: “Yogakshemam Vahamyaham” (From the Bhagavad Gita) – “Your welfare is our responsibility.”
• It was established in 1956 through the Life Insurance of India Act, which nationalized the insurance sector by merging 245 private insurers and provident societies into a single entity.
• LIC operates through 8 zonal offices in Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, Kolkata, Bhopal, and Patna.

ISRO Develops High-Speed Microprocessors: Vikram 3201 and Kalpana 3201:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in collaboration with the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh, has developed two advanced 32-bit microprocessors, Vikram 3201 and Kalpana 3201. These processors are specifically designed for space applications and mark a major milestone in India’s efforts to achieve self-reliance in high-performance computing for launch vehicles.

Vikram 3201:

• India’s first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor qualified for space missions.
• Processes 32-bit data at a time, enabling efficient computations.
• Supports floating-point arithmetic, improving performance in complex calculations.
• Backward compatible with Vikram 1601, which has been in use since 2009.
• Fabricated at SCL’s 180nm CMOS semiconductor fab, reinforcing the Make in India initiative.
• Successfully validated in space during the PSLV-C60 mission.

Kalpana 3201:

• A 32-bit SPARC V8 RISC microprocessor, based on IEEE 1754 Instruction Set Architecture.
• Compatible with open-source software toolsets.
• Tested with flight software, making it versatile for various space applications.
• Designed for efficiency and high-speed processing, with an emphasis on simple instructions.

Corbett Tiger Reserve:

The Supreme Court recently pulled up the Uttarakhand government for moving at a “snail’s pace” against its senior officers accused of illegal constructions in Corbett Tiger Reserve.

• Corbett Tiger Reserve is located on the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand.
• Corbett was the first national park of India, established in 1936. It was named Hailey National Park then.
• In 1957, the park was rechristened Corbett National Park in memory of the late Jim Corbett, a great naturalist and eminent conservationist.
• After the addition of areas to the originally declared National Park, the total area of Tiger Reserve extends to 1288.31 sq. km.
• The terrain is undulating with several valleys. The rivers Ramganga, Pallaen, and Sonanadi flow through the valleys.
• By and large, the reserve is spread over the Bhabar and lower Shivalik regions with a deep-water table.
• The tract is porous with boulders and sand deposits.

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority: Issued Regulation

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) recently issued regulations for the operationalisation of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) under the National Pension System (NPS), 2025.

• Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is a statutory regulatory body set up under the PFRDA Act, enacted in 2014.
• Objective is to promote old-age income security by establishing, developing, and regulating pension funds and to protect the interests of subscribers to schemes of pension funds and related matters.
• It comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance.
• PFRDA is headquartered in New Delhi, with regional offices located around the country.
• Section 4 of the PFRDA Act specifies that the Authority shall consist of the following members, namely:
  • a Chairperson;
  • three whole-time members; and
  • three part-time members,
  • to be appointed by the Central Government from amongst persons of ability, integrity, and standing and having knowledge and experience in economics or finance or law with at least one person from each discipline.
• Functions is tRegulate the National Pension System (NPS) and other pension schemes to which the PFRDA Act applies; Undertaking steps to educate subscribers and the general public on issues relating to pensions, retirement savings, and related issues, and training intermediaries.Providing pension schemes not regulated by any other enactment; Protecting the interests of subscribers of NPS and such other schemes as approved by the authority from time to time.

Samarth Incubation Programme:

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) recently launched the ‘Samarth’ incubation programme .

• Samarth Incubation Programme was launched by the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), an autonomous Telecom R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunication (DoT), Government of India.
• Objective is to support startups in the areas of telecom software, cybersecurity, 5G and 6G technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and quantum technologies
• The program aims to encourage the development of sustainable and scalable business models, offer access to cutting-edge resources, and help startups bridge the gap from ideation to commercialisation.
• C-DoT has selected Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) as the implementation partner.
• The program, which will be delivered in a hybrid mode, has a maximum cohort size of 18 startups per program, with a total of 36 startups across two cohorts of six months each.
• The applications, under ‘Samarth’ are open to Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recognised startups.
• Selected startups will get a grant of up to Rs 5 lakh each, access to office space for six months at the C-DoT campus, access to C-DoT lab facilities, and mentorship from C-DoT technical leaders and industry experts.
• Based on progress the startup will get an opportunity for future collaboration under the C-DoT Collaborative Research Program,”.

Finance Commission:

Bihar Reiterates Demand for Special Category Status Before the 16th Finance Commission.

• The Finance Commission (FC) is a constitutional body established under Article 280 of the Constitution of India.
• It is constituted in every five years by the President of India.
• It consists of:
  • One Chairperson (Expert in public affairs)
  • Four Members (Experts in finance, economics, and administration)
• It ensures fiscal federalism and advises on public expenditure and economic policies.
• 16th Finance Commission: Established in 2023, the 16th Finance Commission is responsible for recommending the distribution of finances between the Centre and States for the period April 1, 2026 – March 31, 2031.

Jal Shakti Abhiyaan:

Concerns were raised in Lok Sabha about gaps in the implementation of drinking water schemes under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA).

• Launched in 2019 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Objective is to ensure water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge in water-stressed regions.
• Core strategy: “Catch the Rain – Where it Falls, When it Falls”.
• Focus areas: Water conservation & rainwater harvesting, Renovation of traditional water bodies, Reuse and recharge of borewells, Watershed development and Intensive afforestation.
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) was launched: In 2019 under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• Objective is to provide Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household by 2024 under the initiative Har Ghar Jal.
• The National Rural Drinking Water Program (NRDWP) was restructured and integrated into JJM.
• Features of Jal Jeevan Mission:
  • Coverage: Aims to cover 19 crore rural households with tap water connections.
  • Funding pattern: 90:10 (for Himalayan & NE states), 50:50 (for other states), 100% for UTs.
  • Implementation model: Gram Panchayats, VWSCs (Village Water & Sanitation Committees) to take ownership.
  • Water quality monitoring: IS 10500:2012 Standards for safe drinking water.
  • Focus on Water-Stressed Areas: Special attention to drought-prone & water-deficient regions.
  • Reuse of Water: Promotes greywater treatment & reuse in agriculture.

Iguana : In News

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that the ancestors of Fijian iguanas travelled nearly 8,000 km across the Pacific Ocean on rafts of floating vegetation from the Americas. 

• Iguanas are large, stout lizards, primarily found in tropical regions of the Americas.
• They have scaly skin covered in warts, spines along their back, and a flap of flesh (dewlap) under their necks.
• Iguanas exhibit various color morphs, including green, blue, and grey.
• They are herbivores and have adapted to different environments, from deserts to rainforests.
  Geographic Range:
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Not Threatened
  • CITES Listing: Appendix II (regulated trade)
  • Threats to Population: Overexploitation for pet trade & leather industry, Habitat destruction due to deforestation and urbanization.

International Olympic Committee:

Kirsty Coventry Becomes First Woman and African President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)Kirsty Coventry Becomes First Woman and African President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)

• It was founded in 1894 by Pierre de Coubertin to revive the ancient Greek Olympics.
• Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland.
• Mission: “Building a Better World through Sport.”
• Roles & Responsibilities
  • Governs the Olympic Games (Summer, Winter, and Youth Olympics)
  • Oversees National Olympic Committees (NOCs) worldwide
  • Ensures adherence to the Olympic Charter
  • Decides on: Amending the Olympic Charter,Electing IOC President and Executive Board,Selecting the host city for future Olympic Games
• India is competing with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and 10 other nations for the 2036 Olympics.
• Coventry had welcomed India’s bid but emphasized that strong governance and transparency in the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) are necessary.

Down Syndrome and World Down Syndrome Day 2025:

The 14th World Down Syndrome Day Conference will be hosted by the Down Syndrome International network at the United Nations headquarters in New York on 21 March 2025. Additionally, various events will be held from 20-22 March 2025 at the United Nations in Geneva to observe World Down Syndrome Day.Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs due to an extra partial or whole copy of chromosome 21.

Khelo India Para Games 2025: Anthem, Mascot, and Logo Unveiled in New Delhi:

The Khelo India Para Games 2025 is set to take place from March 20 to 27, 2025, across three venues in New Delhi. Ahead of the event, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, launched the official anthem at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The mascot, ‘Ujjwala,’ was introduced by Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister of State for Sports. Inspired by the house sparrow, it represents resilience and determination, reflecting the spirit of para-athletes and the vibrant city of Delhi. The Games logo, featuring Delhi landmarks, was unveiled by Devendra Jhajharia, President of the Paralympic Committee of India, and Sminu Jindal, founder of Svayam.

• Event: Khelo India Para Games 2025
• Dates: March 20-27, 2025
• Location: New Delhi (Three venues)
• Anthem Unveiled By: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports)
• Anthem Lyrics: “Khelega khelega mera India, jeetega jeetega mera India”
• Mascot Name: ‘Ujjwala’

Japan Becomes First Team to Qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup After Host Nations:

Japan secured its place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first team to qualify after the host nations (United States, Canada, and Mexico). A 2-0 victory over Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on March 20, 2025, confirmed Japan’s spot in the expanded 48-team tournament. Goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo in the second half sealed the win, ensuring Japan’s eighth consecutive World Cup appearance. Coach Hajime Moriyasu expressed gratitude to the players and fans, emphasizing the team’s commitment to further improvement. Bahrain coach Dragan Talajic acknowledged Japan’s strength, predicting a strong performance in the World Cup. Meanwhile, Australia boosted its qualification hopes with a 5-1 win over Indonesia, while South Korea maintained its Group B lead with a 1-1 draw against Oman.

International Day of Forests 2025::

The world celebrates International Day of Forests on March 21, 2025, highlighting the importance of forests and their role in food security and livelihoods. The theme for 2025 is “Forests and Food”, emphasizing the deep connection between forests and nutrition. Forests are the lifelines of our planet, playing a crucial role in oxygen production, food supply, medicinal resources, and livelihoods for millions worldwide. Beyond their ecological significance, forests support global food security by providing essential resources such as fruits, seeds, roots, and wild meat for indigenous and rural communities. Recognizing this, the United Nations (UN) established the International Day of Forests (IDF) to raise awareness about forest conservation and sustainability.

Book on CMC Vellore ‘To the Seventh Generation’ Launched in Chennai:

V.I. Mathan, former director of Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, launched the book “To the Seventh Generation: The Journey of Christian Medical College Vellore” in Chennai. The first copy was presented to Dr. Vikram Mathew, the current director and haematologist at CMC Vellore, while the second copy was given to Dr. V.V. Bashi, director of the Institute of Cardiac Diseases at SIMS, Vadapalani. The book chronicles CMC Vellore’s historical evolution, including insights from Ida Scudder, the institution’s founder.

Hydrologist Günter Blöschl Wins 2025 Stockholm Water Prize:

Renowned hydrologist Günter Blöschl has been awarded the 2025 Stockholm Water Prize for his pioneering research in flood hydrology. Announced by the Prize Committee on March 20, 2025, the award recognizes Blöschl’s groundbreaking work in understanding flood risks and water resource management under climate change. His studies have significantly enhanced global flood prediction models, helping communities prepare for extreme weather events.