9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 18th March, 2025

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

India’s migration crisis needs better opportunities at home

Source: The post India’s migration crisis needs better opportunities at home has been created, based on the article “A land where ambition grows minus an outbound ticket” published in “The Hindu” on 18th March 2025. India’s migration crisis needs better opportunities at home.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1– population and associated issues, poverty and

developmental issues, urbanisation, their problems and their remedies.

Context:  The U.S. recently deported Indian migrants who entered illegally. Many were handcuffed and flown back on military aircraft, sparking outrage. Migration is not just about policy; it is about human lives. While it has shaped economies and societies, stricter global policies now make it harder.

Reasons for Rising Migration

1. Success of Indian Migrants in the IT Industry: India has the world’s largest emigrant population, with many achieving global success. Leaders like Sundar Pichai (Google) and Satya Nadella (Microsoft) exemplify India’s influence in the IT sector. While migration has driven economic growth, increasing global restrictions now pose challenges for aspiring professionals seeking opportunities abroad.
2. The Paradox of India’s Growth and Outmigration: Remittances exceeded $120 billion in 2023, highlighting India’s reliance on migration. Despite economic growth, youth unemployment, declining agricultural incomes, and limited career opportunities continue to drive people abroad. Even prosperous states like Gujarat and Punjab face significant outmigration. While India celebrates global success stories, it struggles to provide dignified work and stability at home.
3. The Exploitative Industry of Illegal Migration: Smuggling networks prey on desperation, convincing even middle-class families to risk everything for migration. The Gujarati family that froze to death at the Canada-U.S. border in 2022 highlights the dangers. Some deported individuals had paid ₹1 crore for illegal routes, raising questions about why people with such resources still seek uncertain futures abroad.
4. The Harsh Reality of the American Dream: For many migrants, the American Dream is an illusion. An estimated 7,25,000 undocumented Indians live in the U.S., often in precarious jobs with constant fear of deportation. The Biden administration deported 1,100 Indians last year, and 1,70,000 Indian migrants have been detained since 2020 while attempting to cross illegally. The recent deportations—conducted with shackles and military transport—have drawn criticism, echoing similar protests by Colombia and Mexico against such treatment of their citizens.

Key Issues

1. Rise of Smuggling Networks: The lack of domestic opportunities fuels illegal migration, creating a dangerous cycle.
2. Human Rights Concerns in Deportation: Deportation should be an administrative process, not a punitive spectacle.
3. Disillusionment with Migration: Many migrants end up in exploitative jobs, challenging the idea of foreign prosperity.

Way Forward

1. Creating More Domestic Opportunities: India must invest in education, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship to ensure migration remains a choice, not a necessity.
2. Combating Smuggling Networks: Stronger enforcement and public awareness can deter illegal migration.
3. Ensuring Dignified Deportation Processes: India must demand fair treatment for its citizens abroad.
4. Building India as an Economic Magnet: Instead of exporting talent, India should create an environment where ambition flourishes domestically.

Conclusion

Illegal migration stems from deeper structural challenges. While it must be addressed, the response should ensure dignity and focus on long-term economic solutions rather than reactionary deportation debates. India must work towards a future where people stay by choice, not out of necessity.

Question for practice:

Examine the key reasons behind India’s migration crisis and the challenges faced by Indian migrants abroad.

GS PAPER - 2

Challenges and Solutions for Hindi as Rajbhasha

Source: The post Challenges and Solutions for Hindi as Rajbhasha has been created, based on the article “Yogendra Yadav writes: We need Hindi as a lokbhasha, not a rajbhasha” published in “Indian Express” on 18th March 2025. Challenges and Solutions for Hindi as Rajbhasha.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2

Context: The debate on Hindi’s Rajbhasha role is back. It highlights its failure over 75 years to unite India’s diverse languages. Despite official status, Hindi hasn’t empowered itself or bridged linguistic divides. Meanwhile, English’s dominance continues, sidelining Hindi and other languages. This raises concerns about linguistic fairness.

For detailed information on Hindi as a Common Language read this article here

Challenges in Hindi’s Rajbhasha Role

1. Lack of Integration: Hindi is spoken by 42% of India’s population. Yet, its Rajbhasha status hasn’t united different linguistic groups. Instead, it has caused resentment among non-Hindi speakers due to perceived imposition.
2. Tokenism in Promotion: The use of Hindi on official signs and in government communications often feels superficial. It fails to integrate the language effectively into everyday life or governance.
3. Cultural Division: Hindi seems disconnected from other Indian languages. This weakens rather than strengthens national unity.
4. Educational Inefficacy: Surveys like ASER show that Hindi-speaking students in rural areas struggle with basic literacy in their own language. This indicates a failure in educational policy for Hindi.
5. Elite Disconnection: The Hindi-speaking elite prefer English for media and communication. This cultural shift away from Hindi undermines its status and influence.

Way Forward

1. Equal Status for All Scheduled Languages: Give all 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule equal official status. Remove special preference for Hindi.
2. From Hindi Diwas to Bhasha Diwas: Change September 14 from Hindi Diwas to Bhasha Diwas. This day should celebrate all Indian languages.
3. Ending Government Promotion of Hindi: Stop government efforts to impose Hindi. Let states and voluntary initiatives promote it. Cinema and sports have naturally expanded Hindi’s influence more than state efforts.
4. A National Language Mission: Focus this mission on all Indian languages. It should develop educational and literary resources in each language, including unscheduled ones.
5. Primary Education in Mother Tongue: Ensure primary education in a child’s mother tongue. This is vital for early linguistic and cultural development.
6. Building Linguistic Resources: Create and translate textbooks, children’s books, and scientific materials in all Indian languages. This supports academic growth and intellectual development across linguistic backgrounds.
7. Encouraging Linguistic Exchange: Let Hindi embrace influences from other Indian languages. This promotes a diverse linguistic culture rather than a purified, isolated version.

Conclusion

Hindi’s Rajbhasha status has mostly been symbolic. It has not countered English’s dominance or promoted true linguistic unity. A shift in policy is crucial to uplift all Indian languages and achieve real linguistic equity.

Question for practice:

Examine how the Rajbhasha status of Hindi has impacted linguistic unity and equity in India.

India’s engagement with the Taliban and its impact

Source: The post India’s engagement with the Taliban and its impact has been created, based on the article “New Delhi’s perilous recalibration with the Taliban” published in “The Hindu” on 18th March 2025. India’s engagement with the Taliban and its impact.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– International Relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: India is moving toward formal engagement with the Taliban, with reports that the Modi government may allow the regime to appoint an envoy in New Delhi. This follows a high-level meeting between India’s Foreign Secretary and the Taliban’s ‘Foreign Minister’ in Dubai. The move reflects India’s strategic interests despite concerns over human rights violations.

For detailed information on India strengthens ties with Taliban amidst challenges read this article here

India’s Evolving Relationship with the Taliban

1. Reopening of the Indian Embassy in Kabul (June 2022): Marked India’s re-engagement with Afghanistan.
2. Humanitarian Aid & Economic Cooperation: India has provided food and medical aid while exploring trade opportunities.
3. Political Engagement: The January 2024 meeting in Dubai was the first official high-level dialogue, indicating India’s willingness to deepen ties.

Geopolitical Motivations for India’s Engagement

1. Countering China’s Influence: China was the first country to accept a Taliban envoy in 2023. Beijing is funding key infrastructure projects in Afghanistan and is considering including the country in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). If India does not engage, it risks being left behind.
2. Weakening Pakistan’s Influence: Pakistan-Taliban relations have worsened, giving India an opportunity to build strategic ties in Afghanistan. The Taliban is increasingly distancing itself from Islamabad and is engaging with other regional powers, including Russia and several Central Asian states.
3. Strategic Access to Central Asia: Afghanistan serves as a critical gateway to Central Asia, a region rich in energy resources and vital to India’s economic and security interests. Strengthening ties with Kabul could significantly enhance India’s regional connectivity.

Security Risks & Challenges

1. Terrorism Threats from Afghanistan: The Islamic State (IS) is expanding its influence in Afghanistan, targeting both the Taliban and foreign entities. Major attacks include the assassination of Taliban leader Khalil Ur-Rahman Haqqani (December 2023), threats against the Chinese embassy (2023), and the Moscow terror attack (March 2024), which killed 140 people.
2. Taliban’s Links to Terror Groups: The Taliban has been accused of supporting Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP),which has escalated attacks in Pakistan. In February 2024, the TTP carried out 147 attacks, killing 180 soldiers.Pakistan retaliated with airstrikes on terror camps inside Afghanistan.
3. India’s Own Terrorism Concerns: IS has previously targeted India, including a December 2023 attack on the Indian consulate in Jalalabad. A 2023 UN report warned that IS is recruiting operatives for large-scale attacks in India. Strengthening ties with the Taliban without securing counter-terrorism assurances could put India at greater risk.
4. De Facto Recognition of the Taliban: Accepting a Taliban envoy would imply recognition of the regime, a stance most countries refuse to take. The UN has condemned Taliban policies as “gender apartheid” due to severe restrictions on women’s rights. Aligning with a globally isolated regime could damage India’s international reputation.

Way Forward for India

1. Demanding Counter-Terrorism Commitments:

• India must ensure that the Taliban actively counters IS and severs ties with terror groups like the TTP.
• Afghanistan should not become a safe haven for anti-India terror groups.

2. Balancing Engagement with Caution:

• India must weigh economic and strategic benefits against security risks.
• It should avoid full recognition of the Taliban while keeping diplomatic channels open.

3. Learning from China & Pakistan’s Mistakes:

• China’s investments in Afghanistan have made it a target of IS attacks.
• Pakistan’s past support for the Taliban has backfired, leading to increased terror attacks on its own soil.
• India should engage cautiously, ensuring its interests are protected.

Question for practice:

Examine the geopolitical and security implications of India’s growing engagement with the Taliban.

GS PAPER - 3

Challenges faced by migrant workers and ways to improve welfare access

Source: The post Challenges faced by migrant workers and ways to improve welfare access has been created, based on the article “The barriers faced by construction workers” published in “The Hindu” on 18th March 2025. Challenges faced by migrant workers and ways to improve welfare access.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Infrastructures

Context: India’s construction sector contributes about 9% to the national GDP and is projected to reach $1.4 trillion by 2025. However, concerns over labour shortages have emerged, with some attributing this to welfare schemes discouraging relocation. This overlooks deeper structural challenges faced by construction workers, especially migrants.

Current Status of India’s construction sector

1. Around 3 crore workers are expected to be employed in the construction sector by 2030.
2. The The Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 (BOCW Act), provides welfare provisions, but access remains difficult.
3. 5.65 crore workers are registered with State construction boards, which have collected around ₹70,000 crore in welfare cess.
4. A 2023 Parliamentary Standing Committee report found that 75% of the collected cess remains unutilized due to fragmented databases and administrative hurdles.

Challenges Faced by migrant workers in India’s construction sector

1. Documentation Barriers:

• Many workers lack permanent addresses, making it difficult to obtain birth certificates, residence proof, and other essential documents.
• The requirement for an employment certificate proving 90 days of work creates obstacles. While some States allow self-certification or trade union verification, most rely on employer-issued certificates, which contractors often refuse to provide.

2. Delayed and Inaccessible Welfare Benefits:

• Workers affected by seasonal employment disruptions, such as heat waves or pollution-related construction bans, struggle to access financial aid.
• The lack of a digital public infrastructure delays direct benefit transfers and creates administrative challenges during crises.

3. Inter-State Welfare Inaccessibility:

• Migrant workers registered in one State cannot access benefits in another due to non-interoperable systems.
• For example, a worker registered with the Haryana BOCW Board loses access upon relocating to Delhi, leading to welfare discontinuity.

Way forward

1. National Labour Identification System: A system similar to One Nation One Ration Card, linking BOCW registrations to UAN on e-Shram, would enable inter-State portability of welfare benefits.
2. Digitized Welfare Access: A central digital platform with Aadhaar-based verification and real-time tracking can improve accessibility. Standardized workflows would reduce administrative delays and improve transparency.
3. Simplified Documentation and Registration:

• Alternative proofs should be accepted to ease the verification process.
• On-site registration camps at construction sites can reduce dependence on employer-issued certificates.

3. Skill Development and Workplace Improvements:

• Industry-specific skilling programs can help address labour shortages and improve productivity.
• Safe and dignified work environments are necessary to retain workers and enhance efficiency.

Conclusion

Labour shortages in the construction sector cannot be resolved without addressing systemic barriers to welfare access. Ensuring inter-State benefit portability, simplifying registration processes, and improving workplace conditions will help build a stable, skilled, and resilient workforce.

Question for practice:

Discuss the structural challenges faced by migrant workers in India’s construction sector and suggest measures to improve their welfare access and job stability.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

End-Permian Mass Extinction (EPME)

News: The discovery of a plant refuge from the End-Permian mass extinction in China is significant because it challenges the long-held belief that the “Great Dying” was equally catastrophic for all life forms. End-Permian Mass Extinction (EPME).

About End-Permian Mass Extinction (EPME)

• The End-Permian Mass Extinction (EPME) is considered the largest mass extinction event in Earth’s history, with an estimated 80-90% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial species going extinct.
• It is also known as the “Great Dying.”
• It occurred approximately 251.9 million years ago at the end of the Permian period.
• Causes of the Extinction
  • Massive Volcanic Eruptions – Huge volcanic eruptions in Siberia released large amounts of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and methane) into the atmosphere.
  • Global Warming – These greenhouse gases caused Earth’s temperature to rise significantly.
  • Oxygen Loss in Oceans – Warmer water holds less oxygen, making it hard for marine animals to breathe.
  • Higher Metabolism in Marine Life – As temperatures rose, marine animals needed more oxygen to survive, but there wasn’t enough in the water.
  • Marine Species Died – About 96% of marine species couldn’t survive due to a lack of oxygen and extreme temperatures.
  • More Impact at the Poles – Cold-water species were hit the hardest because they couldn’t move to cooler areas like tropical species.
  • Other Possible Factors – Acidification, toxic metals, and changes in ocean food chains may have worsened the extinction.
• Impact:
  • Marine Ecosystems: The EPME had a catastrophic impact on marine life, leading to the extinction of entire groups of organisms. Coral reefs, trilobites, ammonites, and many other marine species disappeared completely. The collapse of food chains in the oceans resulted in widespread extinction across different levels of the ecosystem.
  • Terrestrial Ecosystems: Many large amphibians and reptiles were wiped out, but some plant species managed to survive. While many animal species went extinct, others, such as early synapsids (ancestors of mammals), managed to survive and later evolved into dominant land creatures.
  • Survival and Refuge Zones: Unlike marine species that had no escape from ocean acidification, some land plants and animals found refuge in regions that were less affected by climate change.

Miller-Urey Experiment

News: The study on “microlightning” in water droplets is in the news because it offers a new perspective on the long-debated origins of life on Earth. Miller-Urey Experiment. 

About Miller-Urey Experiment

• The Miller-Urey experiment was conducted in 1953 by Stanley Miller under the supervision of Harold C. Urey at the University of Chicago.
• Purpose: To test whether organic molecules could form abiogenically (from non-living chemical reactions) under conditions that were thought to resemble early Earth.
• The experiment was based on the Oparin-Haldane hypothesis, which proposed that life originated from a “primordial soup” of organic molecules in a reducing atmosphere, meaning an atmosphere with low levels of oxygen.
• Experimental Setup
  • To simulate early Earth’s conditions, Miller and Urey designed a closed glass apparatus consisting of several key components. A boiling flask was filled with water to represent Earth’s primitive oceans.
  • The system was filled with a mixture of ammonia (NH₃), methane (CH₄), and hydrogen (H₂) to replicate the composition of Earth’s early atmosphere.
  • Electrodes were included in the setup to generate electric sparks, simulating lightning as a source of energy. A condenser was also included to cool down gases and allow liquid samples to be collected.

Key Findings

• The experiment successfully produced amino acids, which are essential building blocks of proteins and life. The identified amino acids included glycine, alpha-alanine, and beta-alanine.
• This experiment demonstrated that simple organic molecules could form under prebiotic conditions and supported the idea of chemical evolution, which suggests that complex biological molecules could arise from simpler chemical reactions.
• Miller later modified the experiment by using different energy sources and gas compositions. In the 1970s, improved analytical equipment revealed the presence of 33 different amino acids, including more than half of the 20 amino acids found in living organisms.

Significance

• The Miller-Urey experiment provided experimental evidence supporting abiogenesis, the idea that life could have originated from non-living chemical reactions.
• The experiment demonstrated that biologically important molecules such as amino acids could be produced under simulated early Earth conditions. It also inspired further research into prebiotic chemistry and the possible role of organic molecules from space in the origin of life.

Maritime Security Belt 2025

News: Maritime Security Belt 2025 naval drills were held recently. This marks the fifth year that the three countries have participated in joint exercises.

About Maritime Security Belt 2025

• It is the annual trilateral naval exercise that took place in the Gulf of Oman near the strategic Strait of Hormuz
• The exercise includes anti-piracy, search-and-rescue, and naval combat drills in the Gulf of Oman.
• The exercise features the participation of China and Russia, highlighting their shared interest in countering Western influence and strengthening military cooperation.
• It includes approximately 15 naval assets, including warships, support vessels, combat boats, and naval helicopters.
• Several countries have sent observers to monitor the exercise, including Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Oman, the UAE, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. Their presence suggests that the trilateral exercise is gaining wider international interest.
• The key objectives of the Maritime Security Belt 2025 were:
  • Improving coordination among multinational naval forces.
  • Bolstering maritime security within the region.
  • Showcasing the military preparedness and capabilities of participating nations.

Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary 

News: The first honey harvest at Maharashtra’s Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary marks a significant milestone. It aimed at empowering the local tribal community by promoting sustainable beekeeping practices. Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

About Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary

Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Murud and Roha talukas of Raigad district, Maharastra.

It was established to protect a portion of the coastal woodland ecosystem of the Western Ghats, encompassing 17,250 acres of forest, grasslands, and wetlands.

Previously, this area was part of the hunting reserves of the princely state of Murud-Janjira.

Pockets of open grassland, known as “mals” are scattered in the sanctuary.

Vegetation: The hilltop forests of Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary are predominantly evergreen, featuring species such as Anjan (Memecylon umbellatum) and Phansada (Garcinia talbotii).

Flora: The slopes are covered with dry deciduous forests, comprising Ain, Kinjal, Teak, Hirda, Jamba, Mango, and various species of Ficus.

The sanctuary is home to a rich diversity of plant life, with a total of 710 species, including 179 tree species, 66 shrubs, and 141 herbs.

Fauna: Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a rich variety of wildlife.

The leopard is the major carnivore found in the sanctuary. Other animals include hyena, jungle cat, palm civet, sambar, barking deer, bonnet macaque, wild boar, and the Malabar giant squirrel.

The sanctuary also hosts 148 species of birds, including the Pied Hornbill, Three-toed Kingfisher, Malkoha, and Pitta. There are 90 species of butterflies, such as the Common Map, Black Prince, Nawab, and Blue Mormon.

Additionally, several species of poisonous and non-poisonous snakes are found here.

Menhir and Megalithic Burial Sites

News: The Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs, ancient standing stones in Telangana’s Narayanpet district, dating back around 3,500 to 4,000 years, have been included in India’s tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Menhir and Megalithic Burial Sites.

About Menhirs

• Menhirs are large, upright standing stones, often uncarved, placed individually or in groups.
• Purpose: Used for burial, religious, astronomical, or territorial purposes.
• Historical Significance: Dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age, menhirs are among the earliest forms of human monumental architecture.
• Astronomical Importance: Some menhirs align with celestial events such as solstices and equinoxes, indicating ancient astronomical knowledge.
• Material & Size: Generally made of locally available stone; sizes vary from a few feet to over 20 feet tall.
• Geographical Spread: They are found across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with notable examples in France (Carnac), the UK (Stonehenge), and India (Mudumal, Telangana).

About Megalithic Burial Sites

• A megalith is a large stone used in the construction of a monument or structure, either independently or in combination with other stones.
• The tradition of constructing such monuments began primarily during the Neolithic Age and continued through the Chalcolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages.
• Archaeologists date the majority of India’s megaliths to the Iron Age (1500 BC to 500 BC), with some sites tracing back as early as 2000 BC.
• Megalithic structures are found worldwide and can be categorized into two main types:
  • Polylithic Type – Constructed using multiple stones such as Dolmens, Cairn, Cromlech and Cist. 
  • Monolithic Type – Comprising a single stone such as Menhir and Stone Circle
    

About Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs

• The Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs are ancient standing stones in Narayanpet district, Telangana.
• They are about 3,500 to 4,000 years old.
• The site is one of the largest megalithic burial grounds in South India.
• It has nearly 80 tall menhirs and around 3,000 smaller stones.
• These stones are arranged in a special way. Some of them align with the sun during solstices and equinoxes. One stone even shows the earliest known star constellation (Ursa Major) in South Asia.
• Local people believe the stones are sacred. They have linked them to folk traditions and worship.