UPSC DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (15th May,2025)

Birth Rates in Delhi, Kerala, and T.N. Declining at Twice the Rate of National Average

Syllabus: GS1/Human Geography

Context

• The annual crude birth rates for Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Kerala are declining at twice the rate of the national average.

About

• The data from the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, was released by the Registrar General of India.  
• The SRS is the largest demographic survey in the country, meant to provide annual estimates on fertility and mortality indicators such as birth rates, death rates, etc. 
• The crude birth rate (CBR) is a demographic measure that indicates the number of live births per 1,000 people in a population during a specific time period, usually a year.

Major Findings

• India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has remained constant at 2.0 in 2021, the same as in 2020.
  • The average number of children born to a woman during her childbearing years. 
  • A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level needed to maintain a stable population.
• All-India crude birth rate was 19.3 in 2021, dropping at a rate of 1.12% every year from 2016 to 2021. 
• The birth rate for Tamil Nadu has been declining at a rate of 2.35% every year, Delhi’s has been declining at a rate of 2.23% and Kerala’s is dropping at a rate of 2.05%.
• Birth rates were seen declining faster than the national average for Maharashtra (1.57%), Gujarat (1.24%), Odisha (1.34%), Himachal Pradesh (1.29%), Haryana (1.21%), and Jammu and Kashmir (1.47%).  
• The slowest rate of decline in birth rate was seen in States such as Rajasthan (0.48%), Bihar (0.86%), Chhattisgarh (0.98%), Jharkhand (0.98%), Assam (1.05%), Madhya Pradesh (1.05%), West Bengal (1.08%), and Uttar Pradesh (1.09%). 
• Rise in the number of registered births were seen in about 11 States and union territories: Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland. 
• Total fertility rate (TFR): States such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh had a TFR higher than the national average.
  • The TFR measures the average number of children expected to be born per woman during her entire span of reproductive period. 
• Gross reproduction rate (GRR): The GRR for India stood at 1, meaning that on an average, each woman in India is having one daughter who survives to reproductive age and has children of her own.
  • In Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh the GRR was significantly higher than the India average. 

Concerns

• Uneven Decline in Birth Rates Across States: Some states (e.g., Bihar, UP, MP, Rajasthan) show slow or minimal decline in birth rates, contributing to regional population imbalances.
  • These high-birth-rate states may continue to drive overall population growth, putting pressure on resources, infrastructure, and services.
• Demographic Divergence Between Regions: Southern and western States are moving toward or below replacement-level fertility, while northern and eastern States remain above it.
  • This creates policy and planning complexity — a “two-speed” demographic transition in the country.
• Aging Population Risk in Low Fertility States: States with low TFR (e.g., Kerala, West Bengal) risk aging population challenges shrinking labor force, increased burden on healthcare and pensions, and need for revised economic and social policies.
• Persistent High Fertility in Some States: Despite national TFR at 2.0, states like Bihar (TFR 3.0) and UP (TFR 2.7) still report high fertility.
  • Indicates gaps in education, healthcare, and awareness, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Way Ahead

• Enhance Family Planning Services: Expand access to contraception and reproductive health, especially in high-fertility states.
• Promote Female Education: Focus on girl child education and awareness to delay marriage and childbirth.
• Improve Data Quality: Align and strengthen SRS and CRS systems; expedite the delayed Census for accurate planning.
• Prepare for Aging Population: In low-fertility states, build systems for elderly care, healthcare, and pensions.
• Address Regional Imbalances: Promote development in high-growth regions through jobs, education, and infrastructure.
• Policy Coordination: Ensure Centre-State collaboration and flexible funding for population control programs.

B.R. Gavai Sworn in as Chief Justice of India

Syllabus: GS2/ Polity and Governance

Context

• Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in by President Droupadi Murmu as the 52nd Chief Justice of India.

Constitutional Provisions

• The Constitution of India does not mention any procedure for appointing the CJI.
  • Article 124 (1) of the Constitution merely says, “There shall be a Supreme Court of India consisting of a Chief Justice of India.”
• Clause (2) of Article 124 of the Constitution says that every Judge of the Supreme Court shall be appointed by the President.
  • Thus, in the absence of a constitutional provision, the procedure to appoint CJI relies on convention.

What is the Convention?

• The outgoing CJI recommends his successor a practice, which is strictly based on seniority.
• Seniority, however, is not defined by age, but by the number of years a judge has been serving in the top court of the country.

Eligibility

• Apart from being an Indian citizen, the person must;
  • Have been for at least five years a Judge of a High Court or of two or more such Courts in succession or,
  • Have been for at least ten years an advocate of a High Court or of two or more such Courts in succession, or
  • Be, in the opinion of the President, a distinguished jurist.

Tenure and Retirement

• The Constitution does not fix a tenure for the Chief Justice.
• The retirement age for Supreme Court judges, including the CJI, is 65 years.

Removal of CJI

• The constitution provides that a judge can be removed only by an order of the president, based on a motion passed by both houses of parliament. 
• The procedure for removal of judges is elaborated in the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968. The Act sets out the following steps for removal from office:

India’s Major Ports Achieve Historic Milestones in FY 2024-25

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• In FY 2024-25, Major Ports registered an impressive annual growth rate of 4.3% in cargo handling, increasing from 819 million tonnes in FY 2023-24 to ~855 million tonnes in FY 2024-25.

About

• Average Turnaround Time (TRT) improved by 48%, reducing from 96 hours in FY 2014-15 to 49.5 hours in FY 2024-25.
• Major Ports’ financial performance has been equally impressive, with total income more than doubling over the past decade, registering a 7.5% CAGR over 10 years. 
• Operational efficiency also improved significantly, with the operating ratio declining from 64.7% in FY 2014-15 to 42.3% in FY 2024-25.
• Private sector participation has been instrumental in this transformation, with investments in PPP projects at Major Ports increasing threefold.

India’s Port Sector

• India has major ports (central government controlled) and minor ports (state government controlled).
  • 13 Major Ports
  • 217 Non-major (Minor/Intermediate) Ports
• The ports are managed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• Strategic Position: Located along the world’s busiest shipping routes, India is a key trading hub and a rising global power.
• India’s Maritime Sector Overview: Handles 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value, with port infrastructure critical to the economy.
• Port Ranking Improvement: India’s port ranking improved from 54th in 2014 to 38th in 2023, with nine Indian ports now in the top 100 globally.
• Growth in Cargo-handling: Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, major ports increased their annual cargo-handling capacity by 87.01%.
• Maritime Sector’s Importance: India is the 16th-largest maritime nation, occupies a key position in global shipping, with major trade routes passing through its waters.
• Future Goals: India has outlined investments of US$ 82 billion in port infrastructure projects by 2035 to bolster the maritime sector.
  • India plans to establish a new shipping company to expand its fleet by at least 1,000 ships within a decade. 

Challenges 

• Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate port infrastructure and outdated facilities at some ports, limiting capacity and efficiency.
• Congestion: High traffic volumes at major ports leading to delays, increased turnaround times, and reduced productivity.
• Environmental Concerns: Pollution and sustainability issues, including emissions from ships and port operations.
• Logistics Bottlenecks: Inefficient transport connectivity between ports, roads, and railways, impacting smooth cargo movement.
• Global Competition: Rising competition from other global maritime hubs, necessitating continuous investment and modernization.
• Port Security: Ports are vulnerable to smuggling, piracy, and terrorism. Security infrastructure is often inadequate.
• Cybersecurity: Increasing digitalization also raises concerns about cyber threats to port operations.

Initiatives by Government

• Sagarmala Programme: Focuses on leveraging India’s coastline and of navigable waterways.
  • Supports port infrastructure, coastal development, and connectivity.
  • Financial aid for projects like coastal berths, rail/road connectivity, fish harbours, cruise terminals.
• Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030): Aiming for India to become a top 10 shipbuilding nation by 2030 and create a world-class, efficient, and sustainable maritime ecosystem.
  • Includes 150+ initiatives across ten key maritime sectors.
• Inland Waterways Development: 26 new national waterways identified by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
  • Provides alternative, sustainable transport, easing road/rail congestion.
• Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP): Aims to replace fuel-based harbour tugs with eco-friendly, sustainable fuel-powered tugs.
  • Transition to be completed by 2040 across major ports.
• Sagarmanthan Dialogue: An annual maritime strategic dialogue to position India as a global center for maritime conversations.
• Maritime Development Fund: ₹25,000 crore fund for long-term financing to modernize ports and shipping infrastructure, encouraging private investment.
• Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP 2.0): Modernized to help Indian shipyards compete with global giants.

Way Ahead

• India’s Major Ports are now poised to take their competitiveness to the next level, supported by continuous investment in mechanisation, process reengineering, port community systems, and multi-modal logistics integration. 
• These initiatives have resulted in higher cargo volumes, reduced vessel wait times, optimized capacity utilization, and increased investor confidence.
• As India expands its global trade footprint and modernises logistics infrastructure, FY 2024-25 stands as a testament to the Ministry’s strategic vision and collaborative efforts of public authorities and private stakeholders. 

Colombia Joins Belt and Road Initiative

Syllabus: GS2/ International Relation

In News

• Colombia formally agreed to join China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.

About Belt and Road Initiative

• Genesis: Launched in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping under the initial name One Belt One Road (OBOR).
• Aim: To enhance regional integration, boost trade, and stimulate economic growth by developing infrastructure and connectivity across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
• Key Components: 
  • Silk Road Economic Belt: Overland routes connecting China to Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
  • 21st Century Maritime Silk Road: Sea routes connecting China’s eastern coast to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Europe.

China’s Economic Influence & US Concerns

• China is now the largest trading partner of several Latin American countries (Brazil, Chile, Peru).
• China is expanding its footprint through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), while the U.S. views Chinese presence near strategic locations like the Panama Canal as a national security threat.
• The U.S. accuses China of trapping countries in unsustainable debt for geopolitical leverage.

India’s Concerns with BRI

• Sovereignty Concerns: A major point of contention for India is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the BRI, which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), a territory India claims as its own.
• Security Threats: Like Nepal formally joined the BRI in 2017 and China’s increasing infrastructure projects in Nepal, particularly those close to the border (like the Chinese-funded airport in Pokhara), are seen as potentially compromising India’s security
• Erosion of Regional Influence: BRI projects in Nepal and other South Asian nations (Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh) reflect China’s growing political-economic footprint, diluting India’s traditional sphere of influence.
  • Part of the broader “String of Pearls” strategy — perceived Chinese effort to encircle India with pro-China regimes or strategic assets.
• Debt Trap Diplomacy: India is wary that China might use its economic leverage through the BRI to ensnare smaller neighboring countries like Nepal in debt traps.

India & 6G Technology

Syllabus: GS3/Science & Technology

Context

• Recently, the Union Minister of State for Communications, at the Bharat 6G International Conference, said that India has emerged as one of the top six nations globally in 6G patent filings.

Bharat 6G Vision

• It aims to develop and deploy 6G infrastructure, ensuring India’s leadership in global digital connectivity by 2030.
• It aligns with broader policy goals that emphasize domestic innovation and international collaboration, and ensures that 6G technology remains affordable, scalable, and accessible, preventing digital exclusion and accelerating national development.
• Phased Approach to 6G Development:
  • Research & Development (2023–2025): Focuses on developing foundational technologies, conducting pilot programs, and innovating new network architectures.
  • Infrastructure Rollout (2025–2030): Supports large-scale deployment, ensuring seamless integration of advanced telecom solutions into India’s digital ecosystem.

Promise of 6G Technology

• Sub-millisecond latency for ultra-fast connectivity.
• Intelligent self-healing networks to enhance reliability.
• Volumetric connectivity, extending from underwater to aerospace applications.
• AI-native networks to enhance automation and efficiency.
• Terahertz communication breakthroughs for ultra-fast data transmission.

Technology Innovation Group on 6G (TIG-6G)

• It is a collaboration between industry leaders, academic institutions, and research organizations, established by DoT to drive innovation.
• It is responsible for drafting India’s 6G roadmap and shaping policies that aim to define India’s future telecom landscape.

Spectrum Allocation for 6G (IMT2030)

• India is actively engaged in global spectrum discussions, with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) studying key frequency bands for IMT2030 (6G):
  • 4400-4800 MHz
  • 7125-8400 MHz
  • 14.8-15.35 GHz
• The World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 will determine whether these bands will be formally identified for 6G deployment.
  • India has already identified multiple frequency bands for IMT-based telecom services, including:
  • 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz & 26 GHz

Oversight & Industry Collaboration

• A proposed Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) aims to further strengthen coordination among Indian industry leaders, researchers, and academic institutions, fostering a robust innovation ecosystem.

Breakthrough in Making 2D Metals

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology

Context

• A team of Chinese scientists reported a new method to create true 2D sheets of metals like bismuth, gallium, indium, tin, and lead.
  • This could pave the way for next-generation quantum and electronic technologies, including topological insulators.

Low-Dimensional Materials

• A material is described as 1D or 2D depending on how much it confines its electrons. 
• 2D metals are ultra-thin layers of metal atoms, usually just 1–2 atoms thick, where electrons are confined to move only in two dimensions.
• Graphene is a famous 2D material: It consists of a single sheet of carbon atoms bonded to each other in a hexagonal pattern.
  • The electrons in this sheet can only move around in two dimensions, thus 2D. 
  • As a result they behave as if they don’t have mass, for example, giving rise to properties not seen in other materials.

Challenges in Making 2D Metals

• Unlike carbon, which easily forms 2D sheets (graphene), metal atoms prefer bonding in 3D.
• Attempts to make atom-thin metal sheets have largely failed or produced sheets only a few nanometers thick — too thick for true quantum confinement.

Breakthrough Method: The 2D Sandwich Technique

• Metal powder is melted between MoS₂-coated sapphire plates and compressed under 200 million Pa pressure, forming ultra-thin sheets — like bismuth, just 6.3 Å thick (about two atoms deep).

Why Do 2D Metals Matter?

• Expected Properties:
  • Topological Insulation: Conducts electricity only along edges, not across the surface.
  • Nonlinear Hall Effect: Generates perpendicular voltage under electric field.
  • Field Effect Tunability: Electrical conductivity controlled via external fields.
• Applications:
  • Ultra-sensitive sensors (medical/military).
  • High-efficiency quantum computing.
  • Next-gen electronic and photonic devices.

Cabinet Approves Semiconductor Unit in Uttar Pradesh

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of a Semiconductor Unit in Uttar Pradesh.
  • It is the sixth project to receive approval under the India Semiconductor Mission.

About

• The unit approved is a joint venture of HCL and Foxconn and will attract investment of Rs 3,700 crore.
  • Together they will set up a plant near Jewar airport in Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA).
• This plant will manufacture display driver chips for mobile phones, laptops, automobiles, PCs, and a myriad of other devices that have displays.
• The plant is designed for 20,000 wafers per month. The design output capacity is 36 million units per month.

What is a Semiconductor?

• Semiconductors also referred to as ‘chips’ are highly complex products to design and manufacture, providing the essential functionality for electronic devices to process, store and transmit data. 
• The chip comprises interconnections of transistors, diodes, capacitors and resistors, layered on a wafer sheet of silicon.

Significance of the project

• Job Creation: Semiconductor manufacturing facilities in India create many direct and indirect employment opportunities.
• Reduced Dependence on Imports: Establishing  more domestic semiconductor industries will enhance the country’s self-reliance and resilience in times of geopolitical tensions or disruptions in global supply chains.
• Import Dependency: India imported ₹1.71 lakh crore worth of semiconductors in 2024. Nearly 38% came from China.
• Export Opportunities: India’s semiconductor market is projected to grow from $22 billion (2019) to $110 billion by 2030.
  • Expected to account for 10% of global chip consumption, driven by demand in smartphones, 5G, EVs, AI, IoT.
• Strategic Importance: Semiconductor chips are critical components in various strategic sectors such as defense, aerospace, and telecommunications.
  • Having a domestic semiconductor industry ensures greater control over the supply chain and reduces vulnerabilities to disruptions or external pressures.
• India’s R&D Edge: India houses 20% of the world’s semiconductor design engineers.
  • Boosts skills and tech in AI, robotics, EVs, precision tools, and advanced electronics.

Challenges faced by India’s semiconductor industry

• Countries like the US and EU, also sense the semiconductor opportunity and have rolled out more lucrative incentive schemes than India.
• High capital cost: A fab facility can cost upwards of $5–10 billion.
• Talent pool: While India is the biggest back office for design engineers of all major chip companies, skilled talent that can work on factory floors of a fabrication plant is still hard to come by.
• Research and Development: India currently lacks research in semiconductor design, where the future of the chip is decided.
• Power supply: An uninterrupted supply of power is central to the process, with just seconds of fluctuations or spikes causing millions in losses.
• Water intensive: Chip-making requires gallons of ultrapure water in a single day. 

India Launches First Cluster of CCU Testbeds for Cement Industry

Syllabus: GS3/ Environment

In News

• India launched its first cluster of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds for the cement sector.

About Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)

• Definition: Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) refers to a set of technologies that involve capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sources like power plants and industrial facilities and then converting them into useful products.
• Process: The first step involves separating CO2 from other gases emitted by industrial processes or even directly from the atmosphere (Direct Air Capture – DAC). Various technologies like solvent absorption, membrane separation, and adsorption are used for this purpose.
• Examples of CO2 Utilisation: Injecting CO2 into oil reservoirs to increase oil extraction, CO2 can be combined with hydrogen to create synthetic fuels like methanol, ethanol or captured CO2 can be used to produce concrete, cement alternatives, and other construction materials. 

Significance of the Initiative

• Decarbonising Hard-to-Abate Sectors: Cement, steel, power, oil & gas, and fertilizer industries contribute significantly to India’s industrial CO₂ emissions. CCU offers a scalable pathway to reduce emissions while maintaining economic growth.
• Fulfilling Climate Commitments: The initiative supports India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and aligns with long-term Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS).
• Public-Private-Academia Synergy: A unique PPP model brings together academia, industry, and government to deploy translational R&D.
• Green Cement Production: Focused innovation may reduce the cost of green cement, enabling wider market adoption and decarbonisation of construction.
• Circular Economy: CCU promotes a circular approach by turning a waste product (CO2) into a valuable resource, reducing reliance on fossil-based feedstocks.

Plastic Waste in Himalayas

Syllabus: GS3/ Environment

Context

• According to a report more than 84% of the plastic waste collected in Himalayan region is posing serious environmental and systemic challenges.

About

• According to data gathered from the Himalayan Cleanup (THC) 2024, conducted across nine Himalayan states, over 1.2 lakh pieces of waste were audited—88% of which were plastic.
• Within plastic waste, 84.2% was attributed to food and beverage packaging, and 71% of this was non-recyclable.
• Sikkim and Darjeeling (West Bengal) emerged as the top contributors in terms of volume, followed by Ladakh, Nagaland, and Uttarakhand.

Impact of plastic waste

• Impact on Tourism: The worst plastic accumulation was found around tourist destinations, rivers, and protected areas, indicating the role of unregulated tourism and poor infrastructure.
• Climate and Biodiversity Linkages: Plastic waste in the Himalayas contributes to soil and water contamination, affecting biodiversity and local food systems.
• Health Hazards: Accumulated plastic waste near human settlements leads to vector-borne diseases, water pollution, and respiratory problems due to open burning.

Challenges in Waste Governance in the Himalayas

• Lack of Localised Waste Infrastructure: Most mountain towns and villages lack basic waste collection, segregation, and treatment facilities.
• Plastic Ban Policies: Although several Himalayan states have banned certain plastic products, enforcement is weak, due to inconsistent monitoring, and a lack of viable alternatives for local communities and vendors.
• Low Awareness: There is insufficient awareness among producers about their responsibilities under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). 
  • Also tourists often lack both education and sensitivity towards sustainable practices.
• Dispersed Settlements: The rugged topography, scattered population, and seasonal weather conditions make it logistically challenging to establish and maintain effective waste management systems across the Himalayan belt.

India’s Efforts in Tackling Plastic Waste

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): The Indian government has implemented EPR, making plastic manufacturers responsible for managing and disposing of the waste generated by their products.
• Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022:  It prohibits manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale and use of plastic carry bags having thickness less than 120 microns.
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: It is a national cleanliness campaign, which includes the collection and disposal of plastic waste.
• Plastic Parks: India has set up Plastic Parks, which are specialized industrial zones for recycling and processing plastic waste.

Way Ahead

• Mountain-Sensitive Waste Policies: Waste management policies that consider geographic remoteness, traditional practices, and ecological sensitivity are essential.
• Decentralised Waste Systems: Focus should be on community-based, low-impact waste solutions rooted in traditional knowledge and local governance.
• Sustainable Tourism Practices: Establish mandatory waste audits and management protocols at tourist sites, especially around water bodies and pilgrimage circuits.