5 march 2025 Current Affairs

Cities Coalition for Circularity

Syllabus: GS2/Government Policy

India recently launched the Cities Coalition for Circularity C-3 a multi-national alliance fostering collaboration knowledge-sharing and public-private partnerships to advance circular economy principles in urban development.
This initiative was introduced at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific held in Jaipur.

Key Highlights of the Event

Pro-Planet People P3 Approach the Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to sustainability through Reduce Reuse Recycle 3R principles
CITIIS 2.0 City Investments to Innovate Integrate and Sustain
MoU signed for urban sustainability projects worth 1800 crore
Benefits 18 cities across 14 states serving as model urban projects

Background Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum

Established in 2009 to promote sustainable waste management and circular economy in the Asia-Pacific region.
Hanoi 3R Declaration 2013-2023 Outlined 33 voluntary goals for transitioning to a resource-efficient and circular economy.
Global Plastic Treaty Negotiations The forum actively works toward international policies on plastic waste management.
Cities Coalition for Circularity C-3

Objective
C-3 supports urban centers in integrating circular economy principles into urban planning waste management and resource optimization

Key Focus Areas

Waste Reduction Promoting segregation composting and upcycling
Resource Efficiency Encouraging reuse and shared material use
Sustainable Infrastructure Implementing eco-friendly construction and urban design

Significance of C-3 for Urban Sustainability

Climate Action Reduces waste and emissions combating climate change
Economic Growth Creates new business opportunities in recycling and waste management, Resilient Cities Reduces reliance on finite resources strengthening urban resilience
Job Creation Expands employment in green sectors like sustainable construction and

Renewable energy

Improved Quality of Life Enhances public health and urban environments

Global and Indian Context

Internationally Cities like Amsterdam Copenhagen and Tokyo have successfully adopted circular economy strategies under the C-3 framework
In India Circularity is gaining traction through Swachh Bharat Mission promoting waste segregation and recycling
Smart Cities Mission integrating sustainability into urban planning
Extended Producer Responsibility EPR holding companies accountable for waste management.
GOBAR-Dhan Scheme covering 67.8 percent of districts supporting bio-waste management

Challenges in Implementing Circular Economy in Cities

Low Awareness and Technical Expertise
High Initial Investment Costs
Resistance from Businesses and Consumers
Weak Policy Support and Implementation

Way Forward

Policy Enforcement Implement mandatory circular economy regulations
Investment in R and D Develop sustainable materials and innovative recycling technologies
Public Awareness Campaigns Educate citizens on circular living practices
Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships Scale up circular economy initiatives through collaboration
C-3 marks a major step in India’s urban sustainability journey driving resource efficiency economic resilience and environmental sustainability in Indian cities and beyond

MCQ1. Consider the following statements regarding the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3):

It was launched at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific.
The initiative focuses on urban sustainability through a linear economy approach.
It promotes the adoption of circular economy principles in urban planning, waste management, and resource optimization.
The initiative is led by the World Bank in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Consider the following statements regarding the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3):

It was launched at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific.
The initiative focuses on urban sustainability through a linear economy approach.
It promotes the adoption of circular economy principles in urban planning, waste management, and resource optimization.
The initiative is led by the World Bank in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2, and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3, and 4 only

Answer: (a) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

C-3 was launched at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific.
It focuses on a circular economy approach, not a linear one.
The initiative is driven by the Government of India, not the World Bank or UNEP

Poverty Estimation in India

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Overview:

A study by economists Surjit S Bhalla and Karan Bhasin highlights a significant decline in poverty and inequality in India over the past decade. The findings are based on government household expenditure data from 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Key Findings

Poverty Reduction: The poverty rate at the $3.65 PPP threshold has dropped from 52% in 2011-12 to 15.1% in 2023-24, while extreme poverty (below $1.90 PPP) is now under 1%.
Consumption Growth: The greatest improvements have been observed in the bottom three deciles of the population, reflecting record increases in consumption.
Declining Inequality: The Gini coefficient, a measure of income inequality, has decreased from 37.5 in 2011-12 to 29.1 in 2023-24, indicating a more equitable distribution of resources.
Global Comparison: Among large, fast-growing economies, India’s reduction in inequality stands out. Only Bhutan and the Dominican Republic have demonstrated better performance, albeit with smaller populations.
Need for a New Poverty Line: Existing poverty lines are outdated. The study suggests adopting a benchmark based on the bottom 33rd percentile or relative poverty measures similar to those used in Europe.
Official Poverty Estimates: NITI Aayog has not yet revised poverty estimates, which were last set by the Tendulkar and Rangarajan committees.

Poverty Line Estimation in India

Tendulkar Committee (2009): Defined the poverty line based on monthly per capita expenditure—₹33 per day in urban areas and ₹27 per day in rural areas. The national poverty threshold for 2011-12 was ₹816 per capita per month for rural areas and ₹1,000 for urban areas.

Rangarajan Committee (2014): Suggested higher thresholds—₹47 per day in urban areas and ₹30 per day in rural areas—but the government did not adopt this methodology, continuing to use the Tendulkar poverty line.

International Benchmark: The World Bank defines extreme poverty as living on less than $2.15 per day, adjusted for inflation and price differences across countries.

Challenges in India’s Poverty Measurement

Inadequate Thresholds: Current poverty lines—₹965 per month in urban areas and ₹781 in rural areas—are considered too low to reflect essential living standards.
Outdated Methodology: The approach relies on calorie intake rather than modern consumption patterns and living costs.
Limited Consideration of Essential Needs: The poverty line does not adequately account for increasing private expenditures on health, education, and housing.
State-Level Disparities: A uniform poverty line across states does not consider variations in the cost of living, leading to inaccurate assessments.
Lack of Periodic Updates: The official poverty line has not been revised to align with inflation and changing economic conditions, reducing its relevance.

Recommendations for Improvement

Regular Revisions: Update the poverty line periodically to reflect inflation and evolving consumption patterns.
Broader Criteria: Expand the definition of poverty to include essential non-food expenditures such as healthcare, education, and housing.
Regional Adjustments: Implement state-specific poverty lines to better account for regional cost-of-living variations.
Modernized Approach: Shift from outdated calorie-based metrics to holistic indicators that consider nutrition, well-being, and overall living standards.

A revised and comprehensive approach to poverty measurement will ensure that social welfare policies are more effective and inclusive, addressing the actual needs of India’s population.

Consider the following statements regarding the recent study on poverty and inequality in India:

The study indicates that India’s extreme poverty (below $1.90 PPP) is currently estimated to be around 5%.
The Gini coefficient has increased from 29.1 in 2011-12 to 37.5 in 2023-24, reflecting rising inequality.
The study suggests a new poverty benchmark based on the bottom 33rd percentile of the population.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 2 only

Answer: (c) 3 only
Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: The study finds that extreme poverty (below $1.90 PPP) is now under 1%, not 5%.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Gini coefficient has actually decreased from 37.5 in 2011-12 to 29.1 in 2023-24, indicating a reduction in inequality.
Statement 3 is correct: The study suggests a new poverty line based on the bottom 33rd percentile, recognizing the outdated nature of existing poverty lines.

Bose Metal

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology

Recent Discovery: A team of researchers from China and Japan has identified strong indications that niobium diselenide (NbSe₂) can exhibit properties characteristic of a Bose metal.

Understanding Bose Metals:

Bose metals are materials that, below a critical temperature, form Cooper pairs electron pairs bound by attractive forces without transitioning into a superconducting state.
Unlike conventional metals, which either become insulators or superconductors at absolute zero, Bose metals maintain conductivity between these two extremes.

Key Characteristics

Formation of Cooper Pairs: Electrons in Bose metals pair up but do not form a superconducting long-range coherence.
Intermediate Conductivity: Their electrical resistance lies between that of superconductors (zero resistance) and insulators (infinite resistance).
Challenge to Traditional Theories: Existing models suggest disordered metals should either lose conductivity (becoming insulators) or exhibit superconductivity, but Bose metals defy this expectation.

Potential Applications

Quantum Computing: Bose metals could aid in exploring novel quantum states and contribute to the development of qubits.
Condensed Matter Physics: Offers insights into quantum phase transitions and disordered metallic states.
Advanced Electronics: May lead to innovations in electronic devices with unique conductive properties.
Superconductivity Research: Helps in understanding the transition mechanisms

Challenges and Limitations

Lack of Practical Applications: Currently remains a theoretical concept with no direct industrial implementation.
Experimental Difficulties: Requires precise control over temperature, material thickness, and external magnetic fields for observation.
Unclear Classification: Ongoing debate on whether Bose metals represent a distinct quantum state or merely a transitional phase between superconductors and insulators.

This discovery contributes to the broader understanding of quantum materials and their unconventional conductive behaviours, potentially paving the way for future ad advancements in material science and electronics.

Consider the following statements regarding Bose metals:

They exhibit zero electrical resistance below a critical temperature.
They form Cooper pairs but do not achieve long-range superconducting coherence.
Bose metals challenge the traditional classification of disordered metals into either superconductors or insulators.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect. Unlike superconductors, Bose metals do not exhibit zero electrical resistance. Instead, they maintain conductivity but do not transition into a fully superconducting state.

Statement 2 is correct. They form Cooper pairs, but these pairs do not achieve coherence over long distances, preventing superconductivity.

Statement 3 is correct. Bose metals defy traditional theories that suggest a disordered metal should either become an insulator or a superconductor at absolute zero.

India Secures Copper Exploration Block in Zambia

Syllabus: GS1/Geography/Critical Minerals

India has secured a 9,000 sq. km exploration block in Zambia for copper and cobalt mining, marking a significant step in securing critical minerals.
Zambia is the 7th largest copper producer globally and a key supplier in the international market.

Recent Trends in the Global Copper Market

Shrinking Global Supply: According to Bloomberg, the supply of copper ore is tightening, leading to an intense competition for resources.
China’s Dominance: China controls 50% of the world’s copper smelting and refining capacity, giving it strategic leverage in the global copper supply chain.
Rising Demand: Copper demand is increasing due to its essential role in EV batteries, renewable energy, and clean technologies.
Leading Copper Producers: Chile, Peru, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the United States dominate global copper production.
Geopolitical Competition: Major economies like India, China, and the U.S. are aggressively securing copper resources, leading to intensified geopolitical tensions over mineral supply chains.

India’s Copper Situation

Declining Domestic Production: In 2023-24, India’s copper ore production was 78 million tonnes, an 8% decline from 2018-19 levels.
Major Copper-Producing States:
- Madhya Pradesh (largest producer)
- Rajasthan (second-largest producer)
Surge in Copper Imports: India’s copper concentrate imports have doubled in value to ₹26,000 crore in 2023-24 compared to 2018-19.

Challenges in Domestic Copper Mining

India possesses significant copper deposits, but extensive exploration is required before mining can commence.
The global average time to operationalize a new copper mine is 17 years, making long-term planning essential.

India’s Overseas Copper Strategy

Investment in Foreign Copper Assets: India is securing copper mines in Zambia, Chile, and the DRC to meet short-term demand.
Geopolitical Risks: While overseas investments help address supply shortages, they come with political and economic risks, including resource nationalism and regulatory uncertainties.

Africa’s Growing Role in Critical Minerals

Major Supplier: Africa contributes 70% of global cobalt and 16% of global copper
DRC’s Expansion: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is set to become the world’s second-largest copper producer by 2030.
India’s Engagement in Africa:
The Ministry of Mines is actively working to acquire mineral assets in the DRC, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Rwanda to secure long-term supply chains.

Consider the following statements regarding the global copper market:

China accounts for more than half of the world’s copper smelting and refining capacity.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is projected to become the world’s largest copper producer by 2030.
The time required to operationalize a new copper mine globally averages around 17 years.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. China holds 50% of the global copper smelting and refining capacity, giving it control over supply chains.
Statement 2 is incorrect. While the DRC is projected to become the world’s second-largest copper producer by 2030, it is unlikely to surpass Chile, which remains the largest producer.
Statement 3 is correct. The global average time to operationalize a copper mine is 17 years, making long-term investments crucial.

Swavalambini

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with NITI Aayog, has launched Swavalambini, a structured initiative aimed at fostering women entrepreneurship across Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

About Swavalambini

The programme is designed to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among young women and equip them with the necessary resources, skills, and mentorship to build and scale their ventures.
It follows a stage-wise approach, ensuring structured guidance from business ideation to venture expansion.

Key Features of Swavalambini

1. Faculty Development Programme (FDP)

Aimed at training faculty members from participating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
Involves intensive five-day training sessions to enable faculty to mentor aspiring women entrepreneurs.

2. Mentorship and Networking

Once participants develop their business plans, they are provided with mentorship from industry experts and successful entrepreneurs.
The programme also facilitates:
Access to funding opportunities through government schemes and private investors.
Networking opportunities with established business leaders and professionals to enhance entrepreneurial success.

3. Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP)

A comprehensive initiative that provides an in-depth understanding of:
Business Planning – Strategies for market entry and scalability.
Leadership and Decision-Making Skills – Enhancing managerial capabilities.
Financial Literacy and Investment Strategies – Understanding capital allocation and risk management.
Market Research and Competitive Analysis – Equipping entrepreneurs with insights for a data-driven approach to business.

With reference to the Swavalambini Programme, consider the following statements:

Swavalambini is a joint initiative of MSDE and NITI Aayog aimed at women entrepreneurship.
The programme primarily focuses on providing direct financial assistance to women entrepreneurs for their startups.
It includes a Faculty Development Programme (FDP) that trains educators from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. Swavalambini is a collaborative effort between MSDE and NITI Aayog, aimed at boosting women entrepreneurship.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The programme does not provide direct financial aid but facilitates access to funding through various government and private schemes.
Statement 3 is correct. The Faculty Development Programme (FDP) is a crucial component, training faculty members from HEIs to mentor women entrepreneurs.

National Board for Wildlife

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

The Prime Minister chaired the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Gir National Park, Gujarat, focusing on wildlife conservation strategies, dolphin population estimation, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
India’s first riverine dolphin population estimation was released, recording 6,327 river dolphins across 28 rivers in 8 states. Uttar Pradesh had the highest population, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
Key wildlife conservation initiatives included the foundation stone laying of the National Referral Centre for Wildlife in Junagadh, Gujarat, to serve as a hub for wildlife health and disease management.
To address human-wildlife conflicts, a Centre of Excellence will be established at the Wildlife Institute of India’s SACON (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History) in Coimbatore.
Rapid Response Teams will be equipped with advanced technology for conflict mitigation.
Cheetah reintroduction plans were also discussed, with new sites proposed in Gandhisagar Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh, and Banni Grasslands, Gujarat, aiming to strengthen reintroduction and habitat restoration efforts.
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) was originally established as the Indian Board for Wildlife in 1952 and later reconstituted in 2022.
The Prime Minister serves as the Chairperson (Ex-officio), and the Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the Vice-Chairperson.
The 47-member committee comprises government officials, conservationists, ecologists, environmentalists, and military personnel.
NBWL’s approval is required for construction of tourist lodges in protected areas, alteration of Protected Area (PA) boundaries, destruction or diversion of wildlife habitats, and de-notification of Tiger Reserves.
Gir National Park, located in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, was declared a sanctuary in 1965 and upgraded to a national park in 1975.
It is the only place outside Africa where lions exist in the wild. The Asiatic lion population has increased from fewer than 200 in the late 1960s to 674 as per the 2020 Census.
The park is home to 40 species of mammals and 425 species of birds.
Regarding India’s first riverine dolphin estimation, a multiple-choice question was posed.
The study recorded over 6,000 river dolphins, conducted across 28 rivers spanning 8 states. The initiative aligns with Project Dolphin, which aims to conserve freshwater and marine dolphins in India.
The correct answer is that Uttar Pradesh has the highest river dolphin population, making the correct statements the estimation being across 28 rivers in 8 states and alignment with Project Dolphin.

With reference to India’s first riverine dolphin estimation, consider the following statements:

The study recorded over 6,000 river dolphins across multiple states, with Bihar having the highest population.
The estimation was conducted across 28 rivers spanning 8 states.
The initiative aligns with the conservation efforts under ‘Project Dolphin’ launched by the Government of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect. Uttar Pradesh, not Bihar, has the highest river dolphin population.
Statement 2 is correct. The study covered 28 rivers across 8 states.
Statement 3 is correct. The estimation aligns with Project Dolphin, which aims at conserving freshwater and marine dolphins in India.

First Comprehensive Estimate of River Dolphins in India

Syllabus: GS3/ Conservation, Species in News

India’s first nationwide survey of river dolphins, conducted under Project Dolphin (launched in 2020), estimated a total population of 6,327 dolphins, primarily inhabiting the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river basins.

Key Findings

India hosts two species of freshwater dolphins:

Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) – Population: 6,324
Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor) – Population: 3
The highest recorded dolphin populations are in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

Characteristics

Functionally blind, relying on echolocation for hunting.
Locally known as “Susu” due to the sound it produces while breathing.
An exclusively freshwater species, inhabiting the Ganga and Brahmaputra river basins across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Threats

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species): Appendix I
CMS (Convention on Migratory Species): Appendix I
IUCN Red List: Endangered
National & State Recognition
Declared India’s National Aquatic Animal in 2009.
Recognized as the State Aquatic Animal of Assam.
Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor)

State Recognition

Declared the State Aquatic Animal of Punjab.
Other Dolphin Species in India
Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), found in Chilika Lake, Odisha (Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon).
Unlike river dolphins, Irrawaddy dolphins are not blind and have a bulbous head with no beak.
IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered.

Importance of River Dolphins

Indicators of Freshwater Ecosystem Health: Their presence reflects the overall health of rivers.
Ecological Role:
Help in carbon sequestration, flood regulation, and water purification.
Maintain ecological balance by controlling fish populations.
Cultural & Economic Significance:
Ganges and Indus River Dolphins hold religious and cultural value in several communities.
Promote sustainable tourism and local economic development.

With reference to India’s first river dolphin survey, consider the following statements:

The survey estimated over 6,000 dolphins, primarily in the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river basins.
The highest dolphin population was recorded in Bihar, followed by Uttar Pradesh.
The survey was conducted under Project Dolphin, which was launched in 2020.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. The survey estimated 6,327 dolphins, found mainly in the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river basins.

Statement 2 is incorrect. The highest population was recorded in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.

Statement 3 is correct. The survey was conducted under Project Dolphin, which was launched in 2020.