Current Affairs - March 2, 2025 Current Affairs

India ranks 28th globally in terms of user digital spending, despite being the third-largest economy. This indicates a significant gap between the country's overall digitalization and individual user spending. While internet connectivity density in India is comparable to other nations, the actual spending per user is still lower, revealing potential areas for growth. Efforts to enhance affordability, accessibility, and digital infrastructure could help improve user adoption and spending in the coming years.

The Indian tech industry is projected to experience revenue growth of 5.1%, reaching $282.6 billion in FY 2025-26. This growth is driven by both domestic and export revenues, with domestic revenue expected to grow faster at 7%. However, despite this positive growth, concerns about job growth remain due to AI adoption, as many companies are prioritizing technology spending over hiring new employees. The emphasis on AI and upskilling highlights the evolving nature of the industry and its future trajectory.

The Gulf of Mannar, located in Tamil Nadu, has been included in India's latest hydrocarbon exploration tender. This region, which spans a 10,000 sq km area, is home to the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park and is rich in marine biodiversity. It is critical for local livelihoods and the health of marine ecosystems, with concerns raised about the potential impact of exploration on the environment. The area is home to endangered species like dugongs and whale sharks, making it ecologically sensitive.

India has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 as part of its commitment under the Panchamrit strategy at COP26. This ambitious goal requires significant investments, with an estimated need of over USD 10 trillion. The government is working on setting up a National Green Financing Institution to aggregate green finance and lower the cost of capital to support this target. Achieving net zero by 2070 is crucial for mitigating the economic and environmental risks posed by climate change.

In 2024, there were 296 global Internet shutdowns, marking the highest number ever recorded. This highlights the growing trend of Internet shutdowns globally, especially during times of unrest or sensitive events. India was a major contributor, accounting for 28% of the total shutdowns, second only to Myanmar. The increasing frequency of these shutdowns has raised concerns about digital rights and freedom of speech.

Microsoft developed Project Farm Vibes (PFV) in collaboration with the Agricultural Development Trust, Baramati, Maharashtra. This AI-powered project focuses on transforming farming by providing data-driven insights to boost crop yields, reduce resource consumption, and improve sustainability. It uses technologies like Azure Data Manager for Agriculture and AI tools to offer precise farming recommendations, resulting in significant benefits like increased crop production, reduced costs, and improved environmental outcomes. The success of this initiative showcases how AI can revolutionize the agriculture sector.

The Ancient Tea Horse Road, a centuries-old trade route, connected China to India through Tibet. This route facilitated the exchange of goods, including tea from China and horses from Tibet, and it was a vital part of trade between the two regions. The road passed through significant locations such as Lhasa in Tibet, before continuing to India and beyond. The Tea Horse Road played a crucial role in linking the cultures of China, Tibet, and India, contributing to the historical and economic interactions between these regions.

The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme is facing strong opposition in Andhra Pradesh, where environmentalists and farmers have raised concerns regarding environmental pollution and excessive water consumption by ethanol factories. Despite these challenges, the programme launched in 2003, aims to reduce carbon emissions, decrease fuel imports, and increase farmer income. The programme has had significant milestones in ethanol production and its economic impact, but regional opposition continues, highlighting the complex balance between environmental sustainability and energy initiatives.

The study on Olive Ridley turtles was conducted by the Dakshin Foundation in partnership with IISc Bengaluru and State Forest Departments. This long-term assessment, covering 16 years, provided valuable insights into the population trends of these turtles in India, including the impact of climate change on their sex ratio and other conservation concerns. The collaboration with IISc Bengaluru highlights the significant role of research institutions in wildlife conservation efforts.

Archaeologists in Denmark discovered a 4,000-year-old Neolithic wooden circle resembling Stonehenge. The structure, made up of 45 wooden piles arranged in a 30-meter diameter, is believed to have been used for rituals or sun worship. This discovery sheds light on Denmark's Neolithic period and its cultural connections with Britain, especially through shared artefacts like pottery and graves. The findings are significant in understanding ancient rituals and the spread of similar practices across regions in prehistoric times.