India Ranks 24th in Global Free Speech Study

• A recent study by The Future of Free Speech, a nonpartisan think tank at Vanderbilt University, ranked India 24th among 33 countries in terms of free speech.
• The study highlights a global decline in free speech protections, often referred to as a “free speech recession”.
• India’s Score: India scored 62.63 on the index, reflecting a gap between the level of free speech people desire and the actual freedom available.
• Public Opinion:

  • 75% of Indians believe the government or head of state should have the authority to prevent criticism.
  • Support for free speech is divided on sensitive issues like minority rights, homosexual relationships, and religious criticism.

Key Findings of the Study:

• Global Trends:

  • Scandinavian countries like Norway, Denmark, and Sweden lead the rankings with the highest support for free speech.
  • Countries in the Global South and Muslim-majority nations show lower levels of support.

• India’s Position:

  • Despite progress in public support for free speech, India’s situation has worsened according to observers and rankings.
  • The study also notes that judicial rulings and new laws alone do not explain the growing skepticism toward free speech.

    Free Speech in India:

    Constitutional Provisions:

• Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression.
• However, this right is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) for reasons like public order, decency, and sovereignty.

India and Maldives to Settle Bilateral Trade in Local Currencies

• India and Maldives have agreed to settle bilateral trade transactions in their local currencies—Indian Rupees (INR) and Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)—in addition to the existing Asian Clearing Union (ACU) mechanism.
• This decision follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) in November 2024.
• The initiative is expected to boost trade and financial ties between the two nations, with India being the largest trade partner of Maldives, accounting for bilateral trade exceeding 548 million USD.

Benefits for Maldives:

• Reduces dependency on third-party currencies like the US Dollar.
• Enhances trade efficiency and reduces transaction costs.

  India’s Role:

• Strengthens its position as a key economic partner in the Indian Ocean region.
• Promotes the use of INR in international trade.

  Additional Information:

  Asian Clearing Union (ACU):

• Established: In 1974 to promote regional cooperation in trade and finance.
• Members: Includes India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Iran, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• Objective:
  • To facilitate multilateral payment settlements for intra-regional transactions.
  • To reduce reliance on hard currencies like the US Dollar.
• Mechanism:
  • Transactions among member countries are settled on a deferred basis, reducing transaction costs.
  • Settlements are made in either Asian Monetary Unit (AMU) or designated currencies.
• Significance:
  • Encourages economic integration in Asia.
  • Boosts trade efficiency and minimizes forex risks.

India Innovation Summit: Progress in TB Elimination Efforts

• The India Innovation Summit titled “Pioneering Solutions to End TB” was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Centre, Delhi.
• The summit marked a significant milestone for India’s National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), with 26.07 lakh TB cases notified in 2024, the highest ever recorded.
• Since 2015, the incidence rate of TB has dropped by 17.7%, from 237 cases per lakh population to 195 in 2023.
• TB-related deaths have also decreased by 21.4% during the same period.

Innovative Treatment Approaches:

• Introduction of the mBPaL treatment regimen for multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), which is 80% more effective and reduces treatment duration to six months.
• Rollout of a shorter, safer oral regimen for drug-resistant TB across all states and Union Territories, improving treatment success rates from 68% in 2020 to 75% in 2022.

  Support Initiatives:

• Expansion of the Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative, providing additional support and food baskets to TB patients and their households.
• Financial assistance under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana doubled to ₹1,000 per month from November 2024.

  Technological Advancements:

• Validation of indigenous handheld X-ray devices by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for accessible TB screening.
• Use of AI-based tools like DeepCXR for faster and more accurate TB detection.
• Development of PathoDetectTM, an indigenous molecular diagnostic test for early detection of drug resistance.

  Additional Information:

  National TB Elimination Program (NTEP):

• Objective: To eliminate Tuberculosis (TB) in India by 2025, five years ahead of the global target.
• Former Name: Previously called the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP).
• Strategies:

  • Early Diagnosis and Treatment: Focus on rapid testing and initiation of treatment.
  • Community Involvement: Awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and encourage participation.
  • Targeted Interventions: Special focus on vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with comorbidities.

• Technological Advancements:

  • Introduction of AI-based diagnostic tools and indigenous testing kits.
  • Availability of shorter, safer drug regimens for drug-resistant TB.

• Support Mechanisms:

  • Financial aid under the Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana to support TB patients.
  • Programs like Ni-kshay Mitra involve community contribution to patient welfare.

• Achievements:

  • Reduction in TB incidence by 17.7% (2015–2023).
  • Decrease in TB-related deaths by 21.4% in the same period.

• Challenges: Drug resistance, undernutrition, and delayed diagnosis are significant hurdles.

Varuna 2025: Strengthening Indo-French Naval Cooperation

• The 23rd edition of the Varuna naval exercise between India and France is being held from March 19 to 22, 2025, in the Arabian Sea.
• This bilateral exercise, initiated in 2001, is a cornerstone of the Indo-French strategic partnership, showcasing their commitment to enhancing naval interoperability and operational synergy.

Joint Participation:

• Aircraft carriers INS Vikrant (India) and Charles de Gaulle (France) are participating, along with their fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine.

  Advanced Drills:

• Includes air defense drills, mock air-to-air combat between Rafale-M and MiG-29K, and anti-submarine warfare exercises.
• Focus on surface warfare operations, maritime patrol, and replenishment-at-sea exercises.

  Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant:

• Commissioned: In 2022, it is India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier.
• Capabilities: Equipped with advanced radar systems, fighter jets, and helicopters.

  French Navy’s Charles de Gaulle:

• Commissioned: In 2001, it is France’s only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.
• Capabilities: Houses Rafale-M fighter jets and advanced air defense systems.

Rise in Great One-Horned Rhinoceros Population in West Bengal

• The population of the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros in West Bengal has increased to 392, up from 229, as per the latest census conducted on March 5-6, 2025.
• The census covered 396 square kilometers across Jaldapara National Park, Gorumara National Park, Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, and parts of the Jalpaiguri Reserve Forests.
• Jaldapara National Park recorded an estimated 331 rhinos, making it the second-largest habitat for this species after Kaziranga National Park in Assam.
• The census involved 631 forest staff, with active participation from 15 NGOs and civil society groups.

Additional Information:

Great One-Horned Rhinoceros:

• Scientific Name: Rhinoceros unicornis.
• Habitat: Found in the Terai grasslands and riverine forests of India and Nepal.
• Conservation Status: Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
• Significance: Known as the “Pride of Assam”, it is a symbol of successful wildlife conservation in India.

  Jaldapara National Park:

• Location: Situated in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal.
• Established: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1941 and upgraded to a national park in 2012.
• Biodiversity: Home to species like Asian elephants, bison, and a variety of birds and reptiles.

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

• The anthem, logo, and mascot for the 2025 Khelo India Para Games were unveiled by Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on March 18, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Complex, New Delhi.
• The event is part of the Fit India Carnival, which saw participation from over 25,000 people.

Anthem:

• Titled “Khelega Khelega Mera India, Jeetega Jeetega Mera India”, the anthem aims to inspire athletes and fans alike.

  Mascot:

• Named “Ujjwala”, the mascot is inspired by the house sparrow, symbolizing perseverance and resilience.

  Logo:

• Features an athlete in orange, green, and blue, symbolizing dynamism, inclusivity, and progress.
• Incorporates iconic landmarks of Delhi, such as the new Parliament building, Bharat Mandapam, and the Yamuna River.
• Tagline: “Champions Beyond Limits” or “Haunslon ki Udaan”.

  Event Details:

• Dates: March 20–27, 2025.
• Venues:

  • Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
  • Indira Gandhi Stadium.
  • Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range.

• Disciplines: Includes para-archery, para-athletics, para-badminton, para-powerlifting, para-shooting, and para-table tennis.
• Participants: Over 1,300 para-athletes from across India.