DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 19th March 2025

Syllabus:

• Mains – GS 2

Context: India signed a defence cooperation pact with New Zealand and agreed to step up dialogue to enhance maritime safety after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the visiting Prime Minister of New Zealand, Christopher Luxon.

Background: –

• The recent developments mark a new phase in India-New Zealand relations, characterized by stronger defence partnerships, economic cooperation, and strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific.

Key takeaways

Defence and Security Cooperation

• India and New Zealand signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Defence Cooperation, aiming to institutionalize and strengthen defence and security collaboration.
• Both sides emphasized maritime security and the safety of sea lanes of communication, given the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific.
• India raised concerns about pro-Khalistan activities in New Zealand, with assurances of cooperation from the New Zealand government.

Geopolitical Outlook

• Prime Minister Modi stated that India believes in development, not expansionism, indirectly addressing China’s assertive regional policies.
• PM Luxon emphasized New Zealand’s cooperation with like-minded countries in countering regional threats but clarified that New Zealand has no intention of joining the Quad (India, US, Australia, Japan).

Economic and Trade Relations

• India and New Zealand agreed to launch negotiations on a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• Total bilateral trade stood at US$ 1.75 billion in 2023-24, with India importing wool, iron & steel, fruits, and aluminium while exporting pharmaceuticals, machinery, textiles, and precious stones.
• Both countries aim to increase investment and cooperation in dairy, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.

People-to-People Ties and Diplomatic Expansion

• New Zealand announced a 60% increase in its diplomatic presence in India, signaling stronger engagement.
• The Indian community is the third-largest ethnic group in New Zealand, contributing significantly to the country’s workforce, especially in skilled migration and education.
• In 2026, India and New Zealand will celebrate 100 years of sporting relations, recognizing the significance of cricket and other sports in fostering cultural ties.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus:

• Prelims – ENVIRONMENT

Context: The IUCN Green List is seeing growth with the addition of four new listings from West Asia, marking a positive trend toward effective and equitable area-based conservation.

Background: –

• Four new sites included are Sharaan Nature Reserve and King Abdulaziz Royal Nature Reserve of Saudi Arabia, Aqaba Marine Reserve of Jordan and Sir Bu Nair Protected Area from UAE.

Key takeaways

• The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas is a global initiative aimed at recognizing and promoting effective, equitable, and successful management of protected and conserved areas worldwide. 
• It serves as a benchmark for quality in nature conservation, ensuring that these areas deliver tangible benefits for both people and nature.

Objectives of the IUCN Green List:

• Enhance Conservation Outcomes: Increase the number of protected and conserved areas that achieve successful conservation results through effective management and governance. 
• Provide a Global Benchmark: Offer a globally consistent standard to measure and improve the performance of protected and conserved areas. 

The IUCN Green List Standard is structured around four key components, each encompassing specific criteria:

• Good Governance: Ensures that the area is managed transparently, inclusively, and accountably, respecting the rights of stakeholders and indigenous communities. 
• Sound Design and Planning: Focuses on clear, long-term conservation goals based on a comprehensive understanding of the area’s natural, cultural, and socio-economic values. 
• Effective Management: Involves implementing strategies and actions that are efficient, adaptive, and based on the best available knowledge to maintain or enhance the area’s values. 
• Successful Conservation Outcomes: Measures the achievement of tangible and positive results in conserving the area’s values, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem health. 

The path to Green List certification involves several stages:

• Application Phase: Protected areas submit an application and provide initial documentation demonstrating commitment to the Green List indicators. 
• Candidate Phase: Upon acceptance, the site undergoes a thorough evaluation against all criteria, including stakeholder consultations and site visits. 
• Green List Phase: Successful sites are awarded Green List status, recognized for their excellence in conservation, and are subject to periodic reviews to ensure ongoing compliance. 
• There are no Indian sites listed on the IUCN Green List

Source: IUCN

Syllabus:

• Prelims – CURRENT EVENT

Context: In a major step for cooperation on global security, intelligence chiefs and national security advisers of several countries including three members of the Five Eyes alliance have gathered in New Delhi. Besides key meetings, the intel chiefs will attend The Raisina Dialogue – a multilateral conference organised by the Observer Research Foundation and India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Background:

• Once a covert intelligence-sharing network, Five Eyes has evolved into an expansive global surveillance apparatus, operating with little accountability. While some nations have challenged its overreach, the dominance of the US and UK has ensured that, in most cases, its actions remain shielded from meaningful consequences.

Key takeaways

• The Five Eyes (FVEY) is an intelligence-sharing alliance comprising five English-speaking countries: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.

Origins and Evolution

• The alliance originated during World War II with the UKUSA Agreement (1946) between the United States and the United Kingdom, later expanding to include Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
• It was initially focused on signals intelligence (SIGINT), particularly intercepting Soviet communications during the Cold War.
• Over time, the alliance has expanded its scope to counterterrorism, cyber threats, and geopolitical intelligence sharing.

Significance and Role

• The Five Eyes countries share classified intelligence, gathered through various means, including electronic surveillance, cybersecurity monitoring, and human intelligence.
• It is one of the most comprehensive intelligence alliances in the world, with vast capabilities in surveillance, counterespionage, and cybersecurity.
• The alliance also cooperates on emerging threats like China’s growing technological influence, Russian cyber activities, and terrorism networks.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus:

• Prelims & Mains – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Context: France has discovered a massive 46-million-ton white hydrogen reserve in the Moselle region, valued at $92 trillion.

Background: –

• Hydrogen is considered the future of clean energy. Unlike solar or wind energy, it produces only water when burned. 
• The discovery challenges previous assumptions that hydrogen must be lab-produced, proving it exists naturally.

Key takeaways 

• Based on its production method and environmental impact, hydrogen is classified into several types:
• Grey Hydrogen
  • Source: Produced from natural gas or fossil fuels using steam methane reforming (SMR).
  • Emissions: High carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions since no carbon capture technology is used.
  • Usage: Currently, the most common form of hydrogen used in industry, refineries, and chemical production.
• Blue Hydrogen
  • Source: Similar to grey hydrogen (produced from natural gas) but with Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology.
  • Emissions: Lower than grey hydrogen, as up to 90% of CO₂ emissions are captured.
  • Usage: Considered a transition fuel in the shift to green hydrogen.
• Green Hydrogen
  • Source: Produced using electrolysis of water, powered by renewable energy sources like solar or wind.
  • Emissions: Unlike others, this “white hydrogen” requires no industrial production and emits no CO₂.
  • Usage: The most sustainable form of hydrogen, used in fuel cells, transportation, and energy storage.
• White Hydrogen
  • Source: Naturally occurring underground hydrogen deposits.
  • Emissions: Zero, but not yet commercially viable due to extraction challenges.
  • Usage: Research is ongoing to explore its potential.
• Pink Hydrogen
  • Source: Produced via electrolysis powered by nuclear energy.
  • Emissions: Low, as nuclear power does not generate carbon emissions.
  • Usage: Can be a stable alternative where nuclear power is available.

Source: Times Now

Syllabus:

• Mains – GS 3

Context: India’s creator economy is booming, fueled by easier internet access. The government has introduced a $1 billion fund and Rs 391 crore for the Indian Institute of Creative Technology to boost the industry.

Background: –

• In December last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the creator economy is bringing new energy to India’s efforts to become a $5 trillion economy.

Key takeaways

• The Creator Economy refers to the digital ecosystem where individuals monetize their skills, content, and influence via digital platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Patreon, and Substack. 
• It includes influencers, bloggers, video creators, podcasters, artists, and educators who generate income through ads, sponsorships, subscriptions, digital products, and direct fan support.

Importance of the Creator Economy to India

• Economic Growth and Job Creation
  • India’s creator economy is estimated to contribute significantly to the gig economy, offering self-employment opportunities to millions.
  • Platforms like YouTube and Instagram enable content creators to earn through ad revenue, brand partnerships, and merchandise sales.
• Democratization of Opportunities
  • Unlike traditional media, digital platforms allow anyone with skills and creativity to succeed.
  • Small-town and rural creators are finding success, overcoming geographical limitations. Vernacular content (in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, etc.) is booming, reaching diverse audiences.
• Cultural and Soft Power Impact
  • Indian creators are shaping global narratives about Indian culture, food, travel, and traditions.
  • Yoga instructors, Bollywood influencers, and digital storytellers increase India’s soft power internationally. India’s memes, dance trends, and viral content gain global recognition, enhancing cultural influence.
• Digital Entrepreneurship & Innovation
  • The creator economy fosters digital entrepreneurship, allowing creators to monetize through NFTs, courses, books, and memberships.
  • Indian startups are developing tools and platforms (e.g., Chingari, Koo) to empower creators and reduce dependence on global platforms.
• Financial Inclusion & Alternative Livelihoods
  • Many creators are first-time earners, boosting financial inclusion, especially for women, students, and freelancers.
  • Platforms provide an alternative to traditional employment, enabling financial independence.

Source: Economic Times

Q1.) Consider the following statements regarding the IUCN Green List:

1. It is a global initiative that promotes effective and equitable management of protected areas.
2. It sets a standardized benchmark for conservation success.
3. India currently has five sites listed under the IUCN Green List.

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

Q2.) With reference to the Five Eyes (FVEY) alliance, consider the following statements:

1. It originated during World War I as an intelligence-sharing agreement between the US and UK.
2. It focuses on counterterrorism and cyber threats in the present era.
3. India is a dialogue partner of the Five Eyes alliance.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q3.) Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding White Hydrogen?

1. It is naturally occurring and found in underground deposits.
2. Unlike Green Hydrogen, White Hydrogen is produced using electrolysis.
3. France recently discovered a massive White Hydrogen reserve in the Moselle region.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) – b

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – a