Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha

(examcharcha.in)

MONTHLY
CURRENT
AFFAIRS
March, 2025

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

Government Working to Establish National Green Financing Institution to Support Net-Zero Target by
2070.

Need for Green Finance in India

• Escalating Climate Change Risks: Climate Change could lead to an estimated 10% Loss in Total
Economic Value and up to 18% of Global GDP wiped out by 2050.
• India's Net – Zero Ambitions: At COP26 UNFCCC, India pledged to achieve Net-Zero Emissions
by 2070 under Panchamrit Strategy that requires over USD 10 Trillion in Investments.
o At COP29 UNFCCC, Developed Nations pledged to mobilize at least USD 300 Billion annually
by 2035 to support Climate Mitigation.
• Threat to Financial Institutions: Financial Services Industry faces 72% of potential Financial
Impact of Climate Change, which Banks can mitigate by funding Green Infrastructure, Renewable
Energy, Energy-Efficient Buildings and Industrial Decarbonization.
• Investment Deficit: India needs USD 1.4 Trillion in aggregate investments or USD 28 Billion
annually, to reach its 2070 Net-Zero Goal.

Current Green Energy Financing Initiatives in India

• National Clean Energy and Environment Fund: Funds Clean Energy Ventures and Research
through Clean Environment Cess on Coal.
• Green Banks: Accelerate Clean Energy Financing by funding Environmentally Sustainable Projects.
• Green Bonds: Market – based Financial Instruments for raising Capital for Environmentally
Beneficial Projects.
o E.g., Green Masala Bonds by IREDA.
• Crowdfunding: Decentralized Funding Model using Small Private Investments for Renewable
Energy.
o E.g., Crowdfunding Platform Bettervest’s support for MeraGao Power and Boond Engineering in
Rural India.

Department of Telecommunications and CDRI Unveil Report on Disaster Risk and Resilience
Assessment Framework.

Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment Framework

• Adopts a System – scale Approach covering All Connectivity Levels and Regions.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)
• Aim: To reduce Infrastructure Damage, Financial Losses and Enhance Emergency Connectivity and
Service Restoration aligning with Early Warnings for Related Facts
All (EW4All) by 2027’ initiative. Telecom contributes 15% to Global GDP.
• Assesses and Proposes Disaster Resilience Measures India is ranked 35th out of 191 Countries
across 5 Key Dimensions: in UN INFORM Risk Index (2024 – 25).
o Technical Planning & Design: Strengthening UN INFORM Risk Index is a Global,
Telecom Infrastructure. Open – source Risk Assessment Tool
o Operations & Maintenance: Ensuring Service for Humanitarian Crises and Disasters.
Continuity. EW4All
o Policy, Institutions & Processes: Integrating Launched by UN in 2022.
Disaster Resilience into Governance. To ensure Global Protection from
Climate-related Disasters through
o Financial Arrangements: Promoting Risk-sharing
Early Warning Systems by 2027.
Mechanisms.
o Expertise: Enhancing Sectoral Capacity and Knowledge Exchange.
• Helps Stakeholders Identify and Address Disaster Risks through Targeted Resilience Measures.
• Developed By: CDRI, DoT and NDMA

Australia Unveils Roadmap to Strengthen Trade with India, Focusing on Clean Energy, Education,
Agri-Business, and Tourism.

Key Highlights

• Identifies 50 Specific Opportunities to focus and Relationship b/w India and Australia
accelerate Australia's Engagement with India in several Trade: Economic Cooperation and
areas such as Defence, Industries, Sports, Culture, Trade Agreement 2021 gave a boost to
Space, Technology. Free Trade with Australia aiming to
• Australia-India Trade and Investment Accelerator Fund: place India among its Top 3 Export
Help Australian Businesses unlock New Commercial Markets by 2035.
Opportunities in India. Nuclear Cooperation: Civil Nuclear
Cooperation Agreement signed in 2014.
• Australia-India Business Exchange (AIBX) to
Strategic Partnership: Australian
accelerate B2B Engagement.
Government in its National Defense
• Reinvigorated Australia-India CEO Forum: To provide Strategy 2024 identified India as ‘Top-
a key Business to-Business Mechanism to accelerate Tier Security Partner’ in Indo – Pacific
Commercial Engagement. Region.
• Maitri (Friendship) Grants Programme: To enhance P2P, Joint Exercises: AUSTRAHIND,
B2B and Cultural Links between Both Nations. AUSINDEX, Pitch Black

Vault to Receive 14,000+ New Seed Samples, Enhancing Its Role as Global Biodiversity Safeguard.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

Svalbard Global Seed Vault

• Established in 2008. RWBCIS

• Aim: To provide Insurance against Both Incremental
India’s1st National Gene Bank was
and Catastrophic Loss of Crop Diversity held in
established in 1996 by Indian Council of
Traditional Genebanks around the world. Agricultural Research – National Bureau
• Location: Island of Spitsbergen (Svalbard of Plant Genetic Resources in New Delhi.
Archipelago, Norway) 2nd National Gene Bank has announced
• Purpose: To serve as a Backup Storage for Seed in Budget for 2025 – 26 to protect
Samples protecting them from Natural Disasters, War India’s Agricultural Heritage.
and Other Events that could Damage or Destroy Seed India’s Seed Vault: Chang La (Ladakh).
Collections in Other Locations. Joint Effort by Defence Institute of
• Owned By: Norway High Altitude Research and National
Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources.

At Japan-India-Africa Business Forum, India Reaffirms Commitment to Africa, Emphasizing

Capacity-Building, Skill Development, and Technology Transfer.

Nature of India – Africa Relations

• Expanding Economic Presence: India is Africa’s 4th Largest Trading Partner with nearly $100 Billion
in Bilateral Trade.
• Driving Sustainable Development in Africa: India Provides a $12 Billion Concessional Credit,
funding 200+ Infrastructure Projects.
o ITEC Program & Pan-African e-Network, e-VidyaBharti & e-ArogyaBharti are key initiatives.
• Giving Voice to Africa: India advocated for African Union’s permanent G20 Membership during
India’s Presidency.
o Platforms like India-Africa Forum Summit to enhance cooperation.
• India-Japan-Africa Collaboration: Leveraging Japan’s Investment, India’s Technology, and Africa’s
Talent for Shared Growth.
o Indian and Japan launched Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) in 2017 to further democratic,
sustainable, and inclusive development in Africa.

Satya Nadella Highlights AI's Transformative Role in Agriculture at Microsoft’s Project Farm Vibes
in Baramati, Boosting Crop Yields by 40%.

Project Farm Vibes

• Developed By: Microsoft Research with Agricultural Development Trust.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)
• Open – sourced AI Suite of Farm – focused Technologies transforming Farming with Data – driven
Insights, empowering Researchers, Farmers.
• Technologies Used
o Azure Data Manager for Agriculture: Aggregates Satellite, Weather and Sensor Data for a holistic
view of field conditions.
o FarmVibes.AI: Uses AI to analyze Soil Moisture, Temperature, Humidity and pH for Precise
Farming Recommendations.
o Agripilot.AI: Offers Real-Time, actionable insights for Sustainable Farming and generates
Personalized Recommendations in Local Languages.

Delhi Congress Leaders Support CAG Report on AAP's 2021-22 Excise Policy, Call for Public
Accounts Committee Review.

Public Accounts Committee

• Committee in Indian Parliament responsible for Auditing Revenue and Expenditure of Government of
India.
o Ensures that Parliamentary Control over Executive is maintained, particularly regarding
Government Spending.
o Examines Audit Reports of Comptroller and Auditor General after they are presented in
Parliament.
• Composition: 22 Members
o 15 from Lok Sabha (Lower House) and 7 from Rajya Sabha (Upper House).
o No Ministers can be Members of PAC.
• Chairperson: Appointed by Speaker of Lok Sabha.
• Term of Office: 1 Year

‘Cali Fund’ was launched at resumed 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to United Nations
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Rome.

Cali Fund

• New International Fund which has been created to help protect Biodiversity.
o This is 1st time that a Global Biodiversity Fund under UN will receive direct contributions from
Businesses.
• Collect Money from Private Companies.
o These Companies use Genetic Data from Nature in their Businesses.
• At least 50% of its resources will go to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, recognising their
crucial role in protecting Nature.
• Managed By: United Nations Development Programme & United Nations Environment Programme

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

Chinese Company MMG Ltd Acquires Anglo American’s Brazilian Nickel Operations, Strengthening
Global Nickel Market Dominance.

Global Nickel Distribution

• Nickel is a Silvery – White, Very Hard and Highly Corrosion – Resistant Metal.
• Global Nickel Distribution
o Largest Reserves: Australia, Indonesia, Brazil, Russia, Cuba.
o Leading Producers: Indonesia, Philippines, Russia.
o Largest Consumer: China
• Nickel Distribution in India
o Key Deposits: Sukinda Valley (Odisha), Singhbhum (Jharkhand).
o Leading Producing States: Odisha (92%), Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan.

AWBI to Honor Champions of Animal Protection with Prani Mitra and Jeev Daya Awards for
Exceptional Contributions to Animal Welfare.
AWBI Initiative Recognizes Exceptional Contributions of Individuals and Organizations in Animal
Welfare with Prestigious Awards.

Animal Welfare Board of India

• Established in 1962.
• Type: Statutory Advisory Body (Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act 1960)
• Started under stewardship of Rukmini Devi Arundale, well known humanitarian.
• HQ: Faridabad, Haryana

NASA to Launch Megaphone-Shaped Space Telescope Aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket.

SPHEREx Telescope

• SPHEREx stands for Spectro-Photometer for History of Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices
Explorer.
• Aim: To explore Formation of Universe, Galactic Evolution and Presence of Life-Forming Molecules
in Milky Way.
• Tenure: 2 Years

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

WHO Celebrates 20th Anniversary of First Global Treaty, the Framework Convention on Tobacco
Control.

WHO FCTC

• Adopted in 2003 and enforced in 2005.

• Purpose: Provides a Legal Framework for Tobacco Control which includes Large Pictorial Health
Warnings, Smoke-Free Laws and Higher Taxes.

QuickByte – News in a Minute

IIIT – Delhi and ICMR Develop AMRSense, an AI Tool for Real – Time Insights into Antibiotic
Resistance in Healthcare.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Leads High-Level Delegation on Official Visit to New
Delhi.
India to Raise Concerns Over EU's Controversial Carbon Tax, Set to Impose Tariffs on Carbon-Intensive
Imports from January 2026.

EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

• Carbon Tariff on Carbon Intensive Products, such as Steel, Cement and Some Electricity, imported to European
Union.
• Legislated as part of European Green Deal, it takes effect in 2026.
• Purpose: To put a Fair Price on Carbon Emitted during Production of Carbon-Intensive Goods that entering EU.
o To prevent Carbon Leakage, i.e., Shifting of Production of Goods to Non-EU Countries, where there is a
Lower or No Carbon Cost associated with their production.
o To encourage Cleaner Industrial Production in Non-EU Countries.
o To ensure that EU's Climate Objectives are Not Undermined.
• CBAM is designed to be compatible with rules of World Trade Organisation.

India’s concerns regarding CBAM

• Violation of Climate Equity Principles: CBAM contradicts Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)
Principle under Multilateral Climate Agreements.
o India argues CBAM disproportionately affects Developing Economies like India.
• Negative Impact on Indian Exports: CBAM could increase costs for Indian Exporters, especially in Steel and
Aluminium Sectors.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)
• Negotiations at Risk: India is negotiating a FTA, Investment Pact, and Geographical Indication (GI) Treaty with
EU.
o CBAM may nullify trade concessions under FTA if additional products are brought under its ambit.
• Data Compliance Burden: CBAM demands over 1,000 data points for compliance, affecting small
manufacturers who lack such records.

Key Areas of India-EU Cooperation

• Political and Diplomatic

o 2000: 1st India – EU Summit in Lisbon. European Commission
o 2020: Adoption of India – EU Strategic Partnership Traces its origins to formation of
Roadmap to 2025. European Economic Community in
• Trade and Investments 1958, following Treaty of Rome.
o EU remains India’s Largest Trading Partner in Goods. Executive Arm of European Union
▪ Bilateral Trade in Goods: $135 Billion (Indian (Brussels, Belgium)
Exports: $76 Billion; Indian Imports: $59 Billion). Operates independently from National
▪ Bilateral Trade in Services: $53 Billion (Indian Governments of EU Member States.
Exports: $30 Billion; Indian Imports: $23 Billion). Composed of 27 Commissioners.
o EU is 2 Largest Destination for Indian Exports after
nd 1 from Each EU Member State, are
USA. appointed for a 5-Year Term.
o EU’s FDI in India (2000-2024):$117.4 Billion and Indian FDI in EU (2000-2024):$40.04 Billion.
o India – EU Free Trade Agreement, officially known as India – EU Broad – based Trade and
Investment Agreement (BTIA), has been under negotiation since 2007.
• Technology and Digital Cooperation
o India – EU Trade and Technology Council, launched in 2022, focuses on Digital and Strategic
Technologies; Clean and Green Technologies; Trade, Investments, and Resilient Supply Chains
o Semiconductor Collaboration: A MoU on Semiconductor R&D was signed in 2023.
o Supercomputing Initiative: Signed an Intent of Cooperation in High-Performance Computing in
2022.
o AI and Cybersecurity: EU participated in Global Partnership on AI Summit in New Delhi (2023).
• Green Energy Cooperation
o India – EU Green Hydrogen Cooperation Initiative: India was Exclusive Partner at European
Hydrogen Week 2024 in Brussels.
o European Investment Bank has committed €1 Billion to fund Indian Hydrogen Projects.
• Defence Collaboration
o India and EU have strengthened Defence and Maritime Security Cooperation, particularly in Indo-
Pacific region under Enhanced Security in and with Asia (ESIWA+) Program.
o 1st India-EU Joint Naval Exercise: Held in 2023 in Gulf of Guinea.
• Space Cooperation
o ISRO launched EU’s PROBA-3 Mission in 2024.
o India – EU collaboration on Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1 and Gaganyaan missions.
• Indian Professionals received 20% of EU Blue Cards in 2023 – 24, facilitating Skilled Migration.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

Union Home Minister Assures Southern States Will Receive Fair Share in Upcoming Delimitation Exercise.

Delimitation

After Every Census, a Readjustment is to be made in (a) Allocation of Seats in Lok Sabha to States,
and (b) Division of Each State into Territorial Constituencies.
• “Parliament” is empowered to determine Authority and Manner in which it is to be made.
o Accordingly, Parliament has enacted "Delimitation Commission Acts" in 1952, 1962, 1972 and
2002 for this purpose.
• “42nd Amendment Act of 1976” froze Allocation of Seats in Lok Sabha to States and Division of Each
State into Territorial Constituencies till 2000 at “1971 Level”.
o This ban on Readjustment was extended for up to “2026” by 84th Amendment Act, 2001.
o 84th Amendment Act of 2001 empowered Government to undertake Readjustment and
Rationalisation of Territorial Constituencies in States on basis of 1991 Census.
• 87th Amendment Act of 2003 provided for Delimitation of Constituencies on basis of “2001 Census”
and Not 1991 Census.
o However, this can be done without altering Number of Seats allotted to Each State in Lok Sabha.

Southern States Concerned with Upcoming Delimitation

• Fear of Losing Representation: Low Southern States' Population compared to Northern States may
result in Fewer Lok sabha Seats for Southern States if Delimitation is Solely based on Population.
• Gerrymandering: Southern States are concerned about Gerrymandering that is a Practice of
Manipulating Electoral Boundaries to Unfairly favor a Party or Group, distorting Fair Representation.
• Threat to Federalism: Delimitation may increase Fiscal Burden on Southern States as More Seats for
North could mean Higher Central Allocations Per Representative.
o Lower Political Representation of Southern States compared to Northern States may pressure them
to accept policies they see as unfair.
• Discouragement to Good Governance: Southern States' Population control efforts could lead to Fewer
Seats in Delimitation, Unfairly Favoring High-Fertility States and discouraging Good Governance.
o It leads to criticism of good policies and may prove counter-productive. E.g., some politicians
considered incentives for larger families.
• North-South Division: A sense of political and economic imbalance could fuel demands for greater
autonomy or special status, straining national unity and deepening North-South divisions.
• Skewed Resource Allocation: Northern states may gain more central funds and welfare schemes due
to greater parliamentary influence, while southern states risk fewer resources despite better
governance.
o Finance Commission uses population as one of the criteria for allocating funds to states, which can
be disadvantageous for southern states.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)
• Weakening Regional Parties: Many fears delimitation may favor parties with strong northern bases,
shifting political dynamics and weakening southern regional parties.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launches Initiatives to Modernize India’s Maritime Infrastructure and
Boost Global Trade.

Key Maritime Initiatives Launched

• One Nation – One Port Process:To Standardize Port Operations across India’s Major Ports.
o Aim: To Eliminate Inconsistencies in Documentation, Reduce Inefficiencies, Lower Costs and Minimize
Operational Delays.
• Sagar Ankalan - Logistics Port Performance Index: To assess Port Performance and improve Operational
Efficiency.
o Evaluates Key Metrics like Cargo Handling, Turnaround Time, Berth Idle Time and Ship Berth-Day Output.
o Aligns with Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and strengthens India’s Global Trade Presence.
• Bharat Global Ports Consortium: To boost India’s Maritime Trade by integrating IPGL (Operations), SDCL
(Finance) and IPRCL (Infrastructure Development).
o Enhance Logistics, Support ‘Make in India’ Movement and Strengthen Global Trade Connectivity.
• MAITRI: To streamline Trade Processes, Reduce Bureaucratic Delays and Improve Efficiency through AI and
Blockchain.
o MAITRI stands for Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface.
• National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping
o A Website for National Centre of Excellence in Green Port and Shipping was launched to promote
Sustainability in Maritime Operations.
o Focus on Carbon Footprint Reduction, Cleaner Fuels and Eco-Friendly Port Management.
• India Maritime Week 2025: India will host India Maritime Week from Oct 27-31, 2025, in Mumbai.
o Highlight India’s ‘Maritime Virasat’ (Heritage) and ‘Maritime Vikaas’ (Development), featuring 4th Global
Maritime India Summit and 2nd Sagarmanthan.

Initiatives by Government

• Sagarmala Programme: Focuses on leveraging India’s Coastline and of Navigable Waterways.

Supports Port Infrastructure, Coastal Development and Connectivity.
• Maritime India Vision 2030: Aiming for India to become a Top 10 Shipbuilding Nation by 2030 and create a
World-class, Efficient and Sustainable Maritime Ecosystem.
• Inland Waterways Development: 26 New National Waterways Identified by Inland Waterways Authority of
India.
• Green Tug Transition Program: Aims to replace Fuel-based Harbour Tugs with Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Fuel-
powered Tugs.
• Sagarmanthan Dialogue: 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.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

United States Absent from Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Meeting in China, Withdraws
from Review of Climate Science and Mitigation Efforts.

U.S. Absence from IPCC Hangzhou Meeting Poses Challenge for Shaping 2029 Assessment Report (AR7) on
Climate Mitigation

US Stance on IPCC

• US Absence and Its Impact on Global Climate Science: Potential Impacts on Climate Science
Trump Administration prevented US Scientists from
• Reduced Scientific Contributions from
attending Hangzhou Meeting. Key Agencies
o This could weaken IPCC’s Ability to provide Crucial
• Funding Shortfalls for Climate Research
Climate Insights for 2028 Global Climate Stocktake.
• Disruptions to 2028 Global Climate
• US Disengagement and Sidelining From Global Climate
Stocktake
Science Discourse: While US has not officially exited IPCC,
• Potential US Exit from UNFCCC
its actions reflect disengagement.
o National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration • Increased Burden on Other Nations
(NOAA) and US Global Change Programme were • Ripple Effect: Countries Reconsidering
ordered to stop IPCC-related work. Climate Commitments
• Slow Energy Transition

Trump Climate Policies

❖ Pulled US out of Paris Climate Agreement, arguing it was Unfair to American Businesses.
❖ Declared a “National Energy Emergency” to prioritise Fossil Fuels over Clean Energy.
❖ Allowed Fresh Investments in Fossil Fuel Industry to drill More Oil and Gas from Domestic Sources.

IPCC
Set up in 1988 by World Meteorological Organisation and United Nations Environment Programme.
To provide Policymakers with Regular Assessments of Scientific Basis of Climate Change, its Impacts
and Future Risks, Options for Adaptation and Mitigation.
Assessments provide a Scientific Basis for Governments at All Levels to develop Climate-related
Policies, and they underlie negotiations at UN Climate Conference (UNFCCC).

Global Stocktake
Periodic Assessment under Paris Agreement to evaluate Collective Progress of Countries in tackling
Climate Change.
Helps Identify Successes and Gaps in meeting Global Climate Goals.
Ensures Accountability by reviewing progress Every 5 Years, with 1st Assessment completed in 2023.

New Climate Order

Refers to a Reconfiguration of Global Climate Governance, Funding and Leadership to ensure
Resilience and Continuity, regardless of Policy Shifts in Major Economies like US.
More Decentralised, Resilient and Adaptive Global Climate Governance System.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

IAEA Report Reveals Significant Increase in Iran's Uranium Stock Enriched to 60% Purity.

U.S. President Plans to Pressure Iran on Nuclear Program as IAEA Warns of Dwindling Time for Diplomacy.

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (2015)

• Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA) was signed after prolonged negotiations between Iran and P5+1 (China, France,
Russia, United Kingdom, United States + Germany).
• Under the deal, Iran agreed to: Uranium Enrichment
o Significantly Cut its Stores of Enriched Uranium
Naturally – occurring Uranium is composed
and Heavy-Water, Key Components for Nuclear
of 3 Major Isotopes: Uranium – 238, Uranium
Weapons.
– 235, Uranium – 234
o Implement a protocol that would allow Inspectors
Since Naturally-occurring Uranium does Not
from International Atomic Energy Agency to access
have a High Enough Concentration of U –
its Nuclear Sites to ensure Iran would Not be able to
develop Nuclear Weapons in secret. 235, Uranium Enrichment is Necessary to
o In return, West agreed to lift sanctions related to create an Effective Nuclear Fuel out of mined
Iran’s Nuclear Proliferation. Uranium.
• In 2018, US under Trump Administration unilaterally Uranium used for Power Generation is
abandoned deal (claiming JCPOA failed to curtail Iran's enriched to levels between 3% & 5% U – 235.
Missile Program and Regional Influence) & Reinstated Weapon – grade Uranium is considered to
Banking and Oil Sanctions on Iran. have been enriched Above 90% U – 235.
o Thereafter, Iran has ramped up its Nuclear Programme.

International Atomic Energy Agency

Established in 1957 as an Autonomous International Organisation within United Nations System.
Objective: To promote Cooperation in field of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
IAEA’s Additional Protocol: Legal Agreement between IAEA and a Country that expands IAEA’s
Ability to Verify a Country’s Nuclear Abilities.
India has signed Additional Protocol to IAEA Safeguards Agreement in 2009, which entered into
force in 2014.
Members: 180 Countries (Including India)
Awarded Nobel Peace Prize for their work for a Safer and More Peaceful World.
HQ: Vienna (Austria)

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

U.S. SEC Seeks Assistance from India’s Union Law Ministry to Serve Summons on Gautam
Adani and Associates.

Hague Service Convention

• Formally known as Convention on Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents

in Civil or Commercial Matters.
• Adopted at Hague Conference on Private International Law in 1965.
o Building on 1905 and 1954 Hague Conventions on Civil Procedure.
• Ensures that Defendants Sued in Foreign Jurisdictions receive Timely and Actual Notice of
Legal Proceedings while facilitating Proof of Service.
• Signatory: 84 States (Including India, since 2006)

How is Service Effectuated on Defendants in India?

• Prohibits Service of Judicial Documents through Diplomatic or Consular Channels, except

when Recipient is a National of Requesting Country.
o Valid Service can only be executed through Ministry of Law and Justice (India’s
designated Central Authority).
• Ministry is permitted to reject a Service Request, but must specify Reasons for such refusal.
o A Request can be Denied if the State believes its Sovereignty or Security would be
Compromised (Article 13).
o A State cannot reject a Service Request Solely because it claims Exclusive Jurisdiction
over Subject Matter under its Domestic Law.
o A Request cannot be refused simply because State’s Internal Law does Not Recognise a
Right of Action (Article 29).
• If Central Authority raises No Objections, it proceeds with serving the Defendant.
o Service is then treated as a Summons issued by an Indian Court under Section 29(c) of
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
• Once completed, Central Authority issues an acknowledgement to Requesting Party.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

National Science Day Celebrates Discovery of 'Raman Effect' by Sir C.V. Raman on February 28th.

Theme 2025: Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science & Innovation for VIKSIT BHARAT.

C V Raman

• Founded Indian Journal of Physics in 1926. Raman Effect

• Awarded Nobel Prize in 1930 for Discovery of Raman • When a Beam of Light passes through a
Effect. Transparent Medium (Liquid or Gas), a
• 1st Indian Director of Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Small Fraction of Scattered Light
1933. Changes in Wavelength.
• Established Raman Research Institute in 1948. • This change occurs due to Interaction of
• In 1954, Government of India honored him with Bharat Light with Vibrational and Rotational
Ratna. Energy Levels of Molecules in Medium.

Key Advancements in Science and Technology in 2024

❖ India has secured 39th rank in Global Innovation Index 2024 and 6th in Global Intellectual Property (IP)
Filings.
❖ Anusandhan National Research Foundation is accelerating India’s Research and Development
Ecosystem.
❖ National Quantum Mission is propelling India to forefront of Quantum Technology.
❖ National Supercomputing Mission: India’s Computational Power expanded to 32 PetaFlops in 2024
through NSM, with plans to reach 77 PetaFlops using indigenous technology.
❖ BharatGen initiative is working on India’s 1st Multilingual Large Language Model for AI.
❖ Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Program: Aims to attract and support
Young Talent in Science and Research.

QuickByte – News in a Minute

Madhya Pradesh CM Releases 10 Gharials into River Chambal, Strengthening Conservation Efforts as State
Hosts 80% of India's Gharial Population.
Breeding Centres for Gharials: Deori Gharial Breeding Center (MP), Kukrail Rehabilitation Centre
(Lucknow), Gandak River (Bihar).
National Chambal Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh): Largest Gharial Habitat.
Project Crocodile: Launched in 1975 to protect Crocodilian Species.
At Least 40 Uyghur Men Deported from Thailand to China After Over a Decade of Detention.
Uyghurs: A Turkic Muslim Minority Group, Originating from Central and East Asia, Predominantly Residing
in Xinjiang, China.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Successfully Launches NASA's Lunar Trailblazer Orbiter from Kennedy Space Center.
NASA's Lunar Trailblazer Spacecraft, Built by Lockheed Martin, Aims to Identify and Map Water on the
Moon's Surface.
"Make the World Wear Khadi" Campaign Launched to Merge India’s Textile Heritage with Global Fashion,
Promoting Khadi as a Global Brand.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

Union Cabinet Approves 14 Amendments to Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024; Bill to be Tabled in Parliament in
March.

Background
• Bill was introduced in Aug 2024 to amend Waqf Act 1995, which governs Management of Waqf Properties in
India.
• Proposed significant changes, including Increased Government Oversight of Waqf Properties and Dispute
Resolution Mechanisms.
• Following Opposition Criticism, Bill was referred to a JPC (Headed by BJP MP Jagadambika Pal), which
reviewed 58 Proposed Amendments, Accepting 14 and Rejecting 44.
• Amendments cleared by JPC, and now Union Cabinet, address some of most contentious parts of Bill.

Key Changes Proposed by JPC

• Extended Time-Frame for Registration: Bill initially required All Waqf Properties to be registered on a
Central Portal within 6 Months of Law's Enactment.
o JPC accepted an amendment allowing an Extension if Mutawalli (Caretaker) provides a Valid Reason for
Delay
o Waqf Tribunal will have Power to grant Such Extensions, though No Fixed Timeline has been specified
o Another amendment Extends Deadline for Waqfs to file Legal Proceedings even if Not Registered on Portal,
provided an Affidavit explaining Delay is submitted.
• Role of District Collector in Dispute Resolution: Bill originally transferred Power of Determining
Government Property claims from Waqf Tribunal to District Collector.
o JPC modified this provision, accepting amendments to replace District Collector with a Designated Senior
State Government Officer
o “Designated Officer” will be responsible for making Necessary Changes to Revenue Records, if a Property
is deemed to be a Government Property and not a Waqf Property
o Until a final decision is made, Disputed Property will continue to be treateda as Government Property.
• Changes in Waqf Board Representation: Bill proposed allowing a Non-Muslim Chief Executive Officer, and
at least 2 Non-Muslim Members to be appointed by State Government to Waqf Boards at State Level.
o JPC amended this, ensuring that Government Official in Board must be a Joint Secretary-level Officer
dealing with Waqf Matters.
o Another amendment mandates Inclusion of a Member in Waqf Tribunal with expertise in Muslim Law and
Jurisprudence.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

Joint Parliamentary Committee JPC are formed Till Date

• Bofors Scandal (1987)
• Harshad Mehta Stock Market
• Type: Ad – Hoc Committee
Scam (1992)
• Established by Parliament to conduct a thorough examination of a
• Ketan Parekh share Market Scam
Specific Subject or Bill..
(2001)
• No Fixed Number of Members in the Committee. • Soft Drink Pesticide Issue (2003)
• Consists of Members from Both Houses as well as from Ruling and
• 2G Spectrum Case (2011)
Opposition Parties.
• VVIP Chopper Scam (2013)
• Chaired By: Member of Lok Sabha (Appointed by Speaker of Lok
• Land Acquisition (2015)
Sabha).
• NRC (2016)
• Dissolved after its Term Ends or its task has been completed.
• Personal Data Protection Bill
• Recommendations made by the Committee are in recommendatory
(2019)
in nature Not Binding on the Government.

Centre Withdraws Controversial Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025, Promises Revised Version with Public
Feedback.

Background
• Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2025 sought to amend Advocates Act 1961, which governs Legal Profession in
India.
• Lawyers and Bar Council of India raised concerns that Amendments would undermine Independence of Legal
Institutions, Restrict Protests and give Excessive Power to Government.
• In response to Nationwide Strikes and Legal Representations, Union Ministry of Law and Justice decided to
withdraw Bill and reconsider Proposed Changes.

Key Provisions and Controversies

• Government Influence Over Bar Council of India

o Bill proposed allowing Central Government to Nominate up to 3 Members to BCI.
▪ Currently, BCI is an Independent Body that regulates Legal Profession in India.
▪ Critics argued that Government – appointed Members could compromise Council’s Autonomy and lead
to Political Interference in Legal Matters.
o Proposed Section 49B would have empowered Central Government to issue directions to BCI, effectively
giving it control over key decisions.
▪ BCI strongly opposed this provision, stating that it would erode Self – Regulatory Nature of Legal
Profession.
• Restrictions on Lawyers' Right to Protest
o Section 35A aimed to Ban Strikes and Boycotts by Lawyers.
▪ It stated that Any Form of Abstention from Work or Obstruction in Court Functioning, would be
considered Misconduct, punishable under Advocates Act.
o Lawyers strongly opposed this provision, arguing that Right to Protest is Fundamental in a Democracy.
▪ They highlighted Past Cases where Lawyers used Strikes to oppose Unjust Laws and Administrative
Issues.
▪ Critics pointed out that while Excessive Strikes could Delay Justice, Outright Ban would be Unjustified.
• Entry of Foreign Law Firms and Lawyers
o Bill sought to empower Central Government to regulate Entry of Foreign Law Firms and Lawyers into India.
▪ Supreme Court had earlier ruled in Bar Council of India vs A. Balaji (2018) that Foreign Lawyers could
offer Legal Advice on a Temporary Basis but could Not Practice Law in India.

Month March 2025

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▪ In 2023, BCI introduced rules allowing Foreign Law Firms to operate in areas such as International
Arbitration, but they remained Barred from Court Litigation.
o Bill would have transferred this Regulatory Power from BCI to Government, raising concerns about its
impact on Indian Lawyers.
• Expanded Definition of 'Legal Practitioner'
o Bill proposed broadening definition of ‘Legal Practitioner’ to include Corporate Lawyers and Lawyers
Associated with Foreign Law Firms.
▪ Traditionally, this definition Only Included Practicing Advocates, Pleaders and Revenue Agents.
o BCI opposed this move, arguing that it would Dilute Professional Standards and Create Legal Ambiguities.
• New Misconduct Provisions and Penalties
o Bill introduced additional provisions on Lawyer Misconduct, including:
▪ Allowing Clients to file Misconduct Complaints against Lawyers if they faced Financial Loss due to
Legal Proceedings.
▪ Imposing Monetary Fines of up to ₹3 Lakh on Advocates found Guilty of Misconduct.
▪ Allowing State Bar Councils to impose fines of ₹50,000 on Clients who file Frivolous Complaints.
o Lawyers argued that holding them Financially Liable for Client Losses was Unfair, as Legal Outcomes
depend on Judicial Decisions, not just advocacy.

Aditya-L1 Captures First-Ever Image of Solar Flare Kernel in Sun's Photosphere and Chromosphere

Aditya-L1's Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) Captures

Related Facts
Historic Full-Disk Images of Sun in 2000–4000 Å Wavelength Range,
Photosphere: Visible Surface
which has never been obtained before.
of the Sun.
Chromosphere: Layer above
the Photosphere.
Aditya – L1 Solar Corona: Sun’s
Outermost Layer
• Launched in 2023 by ISRO.
Solar Flare: Sudden and
• India’s 1st dedicated Space-based Solar Mission.
Intense Burst of Solar Energy
• Placed in a Halo Orbit around Earth-Sun Lagrange Point (L1) in 2024.
from Solar Atmosphere.
• Stays approx 1.5 million km away from Earth, directed towards the
This phenomenon is caused
Sun, which is about 1% of Earth-Sun Distance. by Sun’s Magnetic Field.
• Study the Outer Atmosphere of the Sun.

PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates 25th Anniversary of Jahan – e – Amir Khusrau

Khusrau Sufi Music Festival in New Delhi.
13th – century Sufi Poet, Musician
and Scholar.
Jahan – e – Khusrau Sultan Jalaluddin Khalji bestowed
upon Khusrau the title of ‘Amir’.
• International Festival dedicated to Sufi Music, Poetry and Dance.
Bestowed with Sobriquet of Tuti –
• Celebrates the legacy of Amir Khusrau.
yi – Hind or ‘Parrot of India’.
• Organized By: Rumi Foundsation
Khusrau was a devoted Disciple of
• Founded in 2001 by renowned filmmaker and artist Muzaffar Ali. Chishti Saint Nizamuddin Auliya.

Geological Survey of India to Celebrate 175th Year of Geo-Scientific Legacy.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

Geological Survey of India

• Set up in 1851 by Sir Thomas Oldham.

• Objective: To Creation and Updation of National Geoscientific Information and Mineral Resource Assessment.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Mines (G Kishan Reddy)
• HQ: Kolkata

PKK Declares Ceasefire with Turkey After 40 Years of Armed Struggle, Urges Fighters to Disarm.

Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)

• Established in 1978.
• Militant Organization advocating Kurdish Rights.
o Kurds, an Ethnic Group of 40 Million, Make Up 15% of Turkey's Population, Mainly Sunni Muslims.
• Objective: Initially sought independence for Kurdish Population in Turkey.

QuickByte – News in a Minute

Tuhin Kanta Pandey Appointed 11th Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of
India (SEBI), Succeeding Madhabi Puri Buch.
SEBI Launches 'Bond Central' Portal to Provide Centralized Database for Corporate
Bonds.
China and Pakistan Sign Agreement to Train Pakistani Astronauts for Tiangong Space
Station.

Gujarat Leads Nationally in Mangrove Afforestation Under Centre’s 'MISHTI' Scheme.

MISHTI Scheme (2023)

• MISHTI stands for Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes
• Government – led Initiative aimed at increasing Mangrove Cover along Coastline and on Salt Pan Lands.
• Envisages Restoration / Reforestation of Mangroves spreading across 9 States and 3 UTs for a period of 5 Years.
• Under MISHTI Scheme, Government is providing Financial Assistance to Local Communities to undertake
Mangrove Plantation Activities.
• Launched By: Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
o “MISHTI” comes after India joined ‘Mangrove Alliance for Climate’ launched during 27th Conference of
Parties (COP27) to UNFCCC held in Egypt in 2022.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

Mangroves
• Type of Coastal Ecosystem
• Found in Tropical and Subtropical Regions.
• Dense Forests of Salt-Tolerant Trees and Shrubs that thrive in Intertidal Zones
(where Land meets the Sea).
• Characterized by their Ability to Withstand Harsh Conditions, such as Saline
Water, Tidal Fluctuations and Muddy, Oxygen – Poor Soils.

Importance of Mangroves
• Provide Essential Ecosystem Services and Ecological Support for Fisheries and Biodiversity.
• Acts as Carbon Sinks storing around 11 billion tons of Carbon.
o Mangroves cover Only about 0.1% of Planet’s Surface, they can potentially store up to 10x More Carbon per
Hectare (ha) than Terrestrial Forests.
• Improves Water Quality through Filtering Pollutants and Trapping Sediments.
• Protect Coastal Communities by acting as a Natural Barrier against Storm Surges.

Mangrove Cover in India

• India is home to about 3% of Total Mangrove Cover in South Asia.
o South Asia and South – East Asia 's contribution is 45.8% of World’s Total Mangrove Cover.
• According to Indian State Forest Report 2023, Mangrove cover in India is 4992 sq km which is 0.15% of India's
Total Geographical Area.
• Sundarbans in West Bengal are Largest Mangrove Forest Regions in the world.
o 40% of Sundarbans lies in India and Rest in Bangladesh.
o Sundarbans was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 Global Forest Resource
(India) & 1997 (Bangladesh).
Assessment, 2020
o Sundarbans Wetland, India was recognised as "Wetland of
• Largest Mangrove Area: Asia
International Importance" under Ramsar Convention in Jan 2019.
> Africa > North and Central
o World’s 1st Mangrove Forest, which was brought under Scientific
Management, since 1892. America > South America.
• Largest Mangroves Cover in India: West Bengal > Gujarat > Andamans • Mangrove Hotspot: Indonesia
and Nicobar Islands > Adhara Pradesh > Maharashtra > Brazil > Nigeria > Mexico.
• In India, Mangroves are protected under Environmental Protection Act 1986 and Coastal Zone Regulations.

Initiatives for Mangroves: Global

• Mangrove Breakthrough
o Launched at COP27 Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt)
o By Global Mangrove Alliance
▪ In collaboration with UN Climate Change High-level Global Mangrove Alliance
Champions. • Formed in 2018 at World
▪ Built on Breakthrough Agenda launched at COP26 Glasgow. Ocean Summit.
o Aim: To secure future of 15 million hectares of mangroves globally
• By Conservation International,
by 2030.
International Union for
▪ Ensuring sustainable long-term Finance for All Existing
Conservation of Nature, The
Mangroves by achieving investment of 4 billion USD by 2030.
Nature Conservancy, Wetlands
• Mangrove Alliance for Climate
International, World Wildlife
o During COP27 Climate Summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, UAE
Fund.
and Indonesia announced "Mangrove Alliance for Climate.
o Members: UAE, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Japan, Spain.
o Aim: To Educate and Spread Awareness worldwide on Tole of Mangroves in curbing Global Warming and
its potential as a Solution for Climate Change.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)
• Blue Carbon Initiative Blue Carbon
o Launched at UNFCCC 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) in Paris in Carbon captured by Living
2015. Organisms in Oceans and
o Focused on mitigating Climate Change through Conservation and
stored as Biomass and
Restoration of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Sediments in Mangroves,
o Coordinated By: Conservation International, IUCN, Inter – Governmental
Salt Marshes and Seagrass
Oceanographic Commission – UNESCO (IOC – UNESCO).
Beds.
• Global Mangrove Watch (GMW)
o Online Platform that provides Remote Sensing Data International Day for Conservation of
and Real Time Information about Changes and Tools Mangrove Ecosystem
for monitoring Mangroves across the world.
• Celebrated every year on 26 July.
o Established in 2011.
o Under Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s • Aim: To raise Awareness of Importance of
(JAXA) Kyoto & Carbon Initiative by Aberystwyth Mangrove Ecosystems as “Unique, Special
University. and Vulnerable Ecosystem” and to promote
o Aim: To provide Open Access Geospatial Information Solutions for their Sustainable Management,
about Mangrove Extent and changes to Ramsar Conservation and Uses.
Convention on Wetlands • Adopted By: UN Educational, Scientific and
o 1 GMW Baseline Maps were released in 2018 at
st Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2015.
Ramsar COP13.

Central Government Explores Modifications to PLI 2.0 Scheme to Boost Effectiveness After First Phase
Success.

PLI Scheme
• Introduced in April 2020.
• Aim: To enhance India’s Manufacturing Capabilities and attract Global Companies to set up Production
Facilities in India.
• Covering 14 Sectors.
• Incentivizes Incremental Sales to drive Manufacturing Growth.
• Implementation Period: 5 Years

Objectives of PLI Scheme

• Boost Domestic Manufacturing and Reduce Import Dependence.
• Attract Original Equipment Manufacturers and Contract Manufacturers.
• Encourage Investment in High-Tech Sectors like Electronics, Semiconductors, Pharmaceuticals and Specialty
Steel.
• Enhance India’s Participation in Global Supply Chains.
• Create Employment and Promote Skill Development in Manufacturing.

PLI 2.0: Proposed Reforms for Sustainable Growth

• Linking Incentives to Value Addition

o Proposes Higher Incentives for Firms that achieve a Greater Percentage of Domestic Value Addition.
o Promoting Localization of Key Components like Semiconductors and Printed Circuit Boards.
o Supporting Indigenous R&D and Manufacturing to Reduce Import Dependence.
• Export-Oriented Incentives: Aims to link Incentives with Export Performance, ensuring
o Increased Production Volumes.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
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o A Globally Competitive Cost Structure through Economies of Scale.
o Enhanced Participation in International Value Chains.
• Strengthening Local Component Manufacturing
o Encouraging Joint Ventures with Global Companies to build an Ecosystem for Sub-Components and
Advanced Manufacturing.
o Ensuring Foreign OEMs help in Technology Transfer and Capacity Building for Local Manufacturers.
• Supporting MSMEs and Domestic Players
o Special Incentives for Domestic MSMEs engaged in Component Manufacturing.
o Credit Support and Infrastructure Development to help Small Firms integrate into Global Supply Chains.
• Focus on Semiconductor Manufacturing
o Given Global Semiconductor Shortage and India’s Reliance on Imports, Government is expected to:
o Provide Stronger Incentives for Semiconductor Fabrication Units.
o Push for Development of Indigenous Chip Design and Assembly Capabilities.

Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Introduces New Regulations to Streamline Processes and Boost Use
of India's Waterways Network.

Key Highlights

• National Waterways (Construction of Jetties/Terminals) Regulations, Inland Waterways Authority of

2025 seek to enhance Private Sector Participation in Development of India
Inland Waterway Terminals.
Constituted in 1986.
• Any Entity, including Private Players, intending to develop or operate
Type: Statutory Body (Inland
an Inland Waterway Terminal must obtain a No Objection Certificate
Waterways Authority of India
(NoC) from IWAI.
Act 1985)
o Regulations cover Both Existing and New Terminals, including
Responsible for Development,
Permanent and Temporary Installations.
Maintenance and Regulation
• Permanent Terminals can be operated for their lifetime by Developer.
of those Waterways which
o Temporary Terminals will initially be granted a 5-Year Term, with
have been declared as National
an option for Extensions.
Waterways.
• Developers and Operators are responsible for Technical Design and
HQ: Noida
Construction of Terminal, ensuring alignment with their Business
Plans and providing Adequate Access.

Government Initiatives
Jalvahak Scheme: Offers Direct Incentives to Cargo Owners for Transporting Goods via Inland
Waterways for distances exceeding 300 km.
Reimbursement of up to 35% of Total Operating Expenditure Incurred during Cargo Transportation is
provided.
Jal Marg Vikas Project: Developing NW – 1 with Modern Infrastructure and Terminals.
Sagarmala Project: Integration of Inland Waterways with Coastal Shipping and Ports.
Freight Village Development: Establishing Logistic Hubs near Key Waterways to boost Multi-Modal
Transport.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

Avanlanche Hits Border Roads Organisation Project Site Near Mana Pass in Uttarakhand's Chamoli District.

Mana Paas
• Also known as Chongnyi La. Mana Village
• One of Highest Vehicle – accessible Passes in the world. Called as “1st Indian Village”
• Connects Tibet and Uttarakhand. Located on banks of River
• Located in Greater Himalayas, near Badrinath (Chamoli District) in Saraswati.
Uttarakhand.
Border Road Organisation
Established in 1960 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
For Coordinating Speedy Development of a Network of Roads in North and North Eastern
Border Regions of India.
Works under Administrative Control of Ministry of Defence.

Indo – Tibetan Border Police

Established on 24th Oct 1962.
Responsible for guarding Indo – Tibetan Border and Mountainous Regions of 3,488 km long India –
China Border, monitoring Northern Borders of India.

National Disaster Relief Fund

Renamed as National Disaster Response Fund with enactment of Disaster Management Act, 2005.
Purpose: To meet Expenses for Emergency Response, Relief and Rehabilitation due to Any Threatening
Disaster Situation or Disaster.
Managed By: Central Government

IBEX Brigade
Specialized Unit of Indian Army, known for its expertise in High – Altitude Operations.

Avalanches
Occur when an Unstable Mass of Snow Breaks Away from a Mountain Slope.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost Lunar Lander Successfully Touches Down in Moon's Mare Crisium Region.

Blue Ghost Mission

• Part of Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) Program.

o NASA Program to hire Companies to send Small Robotic Landers and Rovers to Moon.
• Nicknamed “Ghost Riders in the Sky”.
• Only 2nd Private Mission to achieve a Lunar Landing and 1st to Land Upright.
o In 2024, Intuitive Machines became 1st Private Company to achieve a Soft Lunar Landing.
• Landed near Mons Latreille, a Volcanic Formation in Mare Crisium on Moon’s North-Eastern Near Side.
• Aim: To stimulate Lunar Commerce through Private-Sector Competition and to enhance Our Understanding of
Lunar Environment.
• Objectives: Lander will study heat flow from Moon’s Interior, Future Plans: More Private Landings
helping scientists understand its Thermal Evolution.
Intuitive Machines’ Athena lander:
o Analyse Plume-Surface Interactions to improve Landing
Expected to Land near Moon’s
Techniques by examining how Lunar Regolith reacts to
South Pole in coming days
Lander’s Engine Plumes.
iSpace (Japan) Resilience Lander:
o By collecting data on Moon’s Magnetic and Electric Fields,
researchers will gain insights into its geological history. Another attempt following a failed
mission in 2023.
• Developed By: Firefly Aerospace

Union Government Approves ₹2,927.71 Crore Funding for Project Lion, Including National Wildlife Referral
Centre in Gujarat (Junagadh).
Project Lion
Launched in 2020.
National Referral Centre for Wildlife Aim: To secures Asiatic Lions
• Centre aims to track Wildlife Diseases, especially those through Habitat Improvement and
transmissible to Humans. Advanced Monitoring with Radio-
• Babesiosis (Targets Red Blood Cells in Lions) Outbreak in 2020 Collars and Cameras.
killed 23 Lions in Gujarat's Gir National Park. Greater Gir Concept: Involves
• Focus on 4 Principles: Surveillance, Response, Prevention, creating New Lion Habitats beyond
Preparedness. Gir National Park and Sanctuary.
• Nodal Agency: Central Zoo Authority Barda Wildlife Sanctuary has
emerged as a “2nd Home” for Lions.

Central Government Launches Aadhaar Good Governance Portal to Streamline Authentication Approval
Process, Launched by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

Aadhaar
• 12 – Digit Unique Identification Number
• Launched in 2009.
• Serves as Proof of Identity.
• Goal: Providing a Unique and Verifiable Identity for Every Resident of India.
• Issued By: Unique Identification Authority of India

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

Study Shows Climate Change Increasing Risk of Algal Blooms in River Thames Despite 80% Reduction in
Phosphorus.
Algal Bloom is Overgrowth of Microscopic Algae or Algae-like Bacteria in Fresh, Salt or Brackish Waters.

River Thames

• Longest in England (346 km Long) and 2nd Longest in UK after River Severn.
• Originates from Thames Head, Gloucestershire.
• Drains into North Sea via Thames Estuary, with Nore Sandbank at its Mouth.
• London is on the bank of Thames.

QuickByte – News in a Minute

Election Commission Addresses Duplicate EPIC Numbers Across States, Works on ERONET 2.0 for
Improved Voter Database.
ERONET (Electoral Roll Management Platform): Web-Based Platform for Unified and Accurate Electoral
Database Management Across India
EPIC Number: A 10-Digit Alphanumeric Voter ID Issued by Election Commission of India.
National Electoral Rolls Purification & Authentication Program (2015) Aims to Remove Duplicate Voter
Entries by Linking EPIC with Aadhaar.
World Civil Defence Day (World Civil Protection Day) 2025 Highlights Importance of Civil Protection in
Safeguarding Communities During Emergencies and Disasters
Theme 2025: Civil Defence, Guarantee of Security for the Population
World Civil Defence Day, Established by ICDO, Marks Its First Observance in 1990.
International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO) Founded in 1931, Headquartered in Geneva, Led by
Secretary-General Njoupouo YAP Mariatou.
President Donald Trump Signs Executive Order Designating English as Official Language of the United
States.
Blue Origin (Founder: Jeff Bezos) Features Tushar Mehta, 2nd Indian – Origin Space Tourist After Gopi
Thotakura.
Yamandú Orsi Assumes Office as Uruguay's New President, Uruguay (Capital: Montevideo) is 2nd Smallest
Country in South America (after Suriname).
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Becomes 1st Urban Local Body to Include 'Sustainable and Climate
Budget' Chapter in its Budget.

PM Narendra Modi Chairs 7th National Board for Wildlife Meeting, Unveils Key Wildlife Initiatives at Gir
National Park.

Major Announcements in Wildlife Conservation

• 1st Ever Riverine Dolphin Estimation: To assess Population and Conservation Needs of River Dolphins in
India.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)
o Estimated a total of 6,327 Dolphins across 28 Rivers in 8 Gangetic Dolphin
States.
Scientific Name: Platanista Gangetica
o Revealed Uttar Pradesh as having Highest Population,
followed by Bihar, West Bengal, Assam. Type: Freshwater Species
o Spread in river Ganga and its tributaries, Brahmaputra Inhabits Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna
and its, Beas River. and Karnaphuli-Sangu River Systems of
• Strengthening Asiatic Lion Conservation: 16th Asiatic Nepal, India, Bangladesh.
Lion Population Estimation will be conducted in 2025 to Recognized as India’s National Aquatic
track Conservation Progress (Previous Estimation was done Animal.
in 2020). Declared State Aquatic Animal of
• National Referral Centre for Wildlife (Junagarh): Aims to Punjab.
improve Wildlife Disease Management & Health Monitoring. Irrawaddy Dolphin found in India in
• Centre of Excellence at SACON, Coimbatore: Address Chilika Lake (Asia’s Largest Brackish
Human-Wildlife Conflict by equipping Rapid Response Water Lagoon) in Odisha.
Teams with Advanced Tracking Gadgets, AI-driven IUCN Conservation Status: Endangered
Surveillance Systems, Community Training Programs.
o SACON stands for Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural
Gir National Park
History.
Established in 1965.
• New Project for Gharial Conservation: To Protect and Revive
Only Place in the world outside
Population of Gharials, a Critically Endangered Crocodilian Species
Africa where a Lion can be
found in India.
seen in its Natural Habitat.
• National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan: Location: Saurashtra (Gujarat)
Recognizing need to scale up efforts, a national plan will be
implemented to protect and increase population of critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.
• Conservation Scheme for Tigers Outside Reserves: Special Initiative was announced to support Tiger
Conservation beyond Protected Reserves.
• Expansion of Cheetah Reintroduction Program to Gandhisagar Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh) and Banni
Grasslands (Gujarat).

World Wildlife Day

• Celebrated on March 3, Marking Signing of CITES in 1973.

o Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species National Board for Wildlife
of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Global Agreement to
Reconstituted in 2022 (Replaced Indian
ensure that International Wildlife Trade does Not Threaten
Board for Wildlife 1952).
Survival of Animal and Plant Species.
Chairperson: Prime Minister of India
• First Celebrated in 2014, Established by UN to Raise
(Ex – Officio)
Awareness on Wildlife Conservation.
Vice – Chairperson: Minister of
• 2025 Theme: Wildlife Conservation Finance – Investing in
Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
People and Planet

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

12th Regional 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and Circular Economy Forum in Asia & Pacific Kicks Off in Jaipur.

Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum

• Launched in 2009.
• Type: Regional Cooperation Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023)
Outlined 33 Voluntary Goals for
• Objective: To Promote Sustainable Waste Management and Circular
shifting towards a More Resource
Economy Initiatives in Rapidly Urbanizing and Industrializing Asia-
Efficient and circular Economy.
Pacific.
• Theme 2025: Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific.
• Organized By: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, United Nations Centre for Regional Development,
Institute for Global Environmental Strategies.
• Supported By: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific, Japan’s Ministry of
Environment.
• Venue: Jaipur (Rajasthan)

Major Outcomes of 12th Forum

• Jaipur 3R Declaration (2025-2034)

o A Non-Political, Non-Binding Commitment that will guide Next Decade of Efforts towards Resource
Efficiency and Sustainable Urban Growth.
• Cities Coalition for Circularity
o Launched By: India
o Type: Multi – Nation Alliance
o Aimed at fostering City-to-City Collaboration, Knowledge-Sharing, and Private Sector Partnerships for
Sustainable Urban Development.
o Act as a Catalyst for Resource Efficiency and a Low-Carbon Economy, Strengthening Collaboration
between Policymakers, Industry Leaders and Researchers to build a Sustainable Future.
o Emphasizes Adoption of 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and Circular Economy Principles.
• CITIIS 2.0
o CITIIS stands for City Investments to Innovate Integrate and Sustain.
o Sub – Component of India’s Smart Cities Mission.
o Provides Financial and Technical Assistance for promoting a Circular Economy through Integrated Waste
Management Projects at City Level.

Circular Economy
Economic Model designed to Minimize Waste, Maximize Resource Efficiency and Promote
Sustainability.
Products and Materials are kept in Circulation through processes like Maintenance, Reuse,
Refurbishment, Remanufacture, Recycling and Composting.
Tackles Climate Change and Other Global Challenges, like Biodiversity Loss, Waste and Pollution, by
Decoupling Economic Activity from Consumption of Finite Resources.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

1st Conference for Women Peacekeepers Marks 25th Anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on
Women's Role in Peace and Security

Theme: Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Perspective

Organised By: Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with Ministry of Defence and Centre for United
Nations Peacekeeping.

UNSC Resolution 1325

• Adopted in 2000.
• Global Commitment to ensuring that Women and Girls are More IANWGE
Systematically and Sustainably Integrated into Peace and Network of Gender Focal Points in
Security.
United Nations Offices, Specialised
• Reaffirms Critical Role of Women in Conflict Prevention, Peace Agencies, Funds and Programmes.
Negotiations, Peacekeeping and Post-Conflict Reconstruction. Chaired By: UN Women
• Interagency Network on Women and Gender Equality (IANWGE)
established Interagency Taskforce on Women, Peace and Security to implement Resolution 1325.

Indian Women’s Role in UN Peacekeeping

India is 11th Largest Contributor of Women Peacekeepers to UN.
India deployed 1st All-Female Formed Police Unit to Liberia in 2007.
Dr Kiran Bedi: UN’s 1st Police Advisers
Major Radhika Sen became 2nd Indian Peacekeeper to receive prestigious Military Gender Advocate Of
Year Award after Major Suman Gawani, who had served with UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
and was honoured in 2019.

UN Peacekeeping
• Founded in 1945.
• Often referred to as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets.
• Employed by United Nations to help Countries navigate path from Conflict to Peace.
o Involves Deployment of Military, Police and Civilian Personnel to Regions affected by Conflicts or Political
Instability.
• Awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.

India and UN Peacekeeping

• India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping began with its participation in UN Operation in Korea in 1950s.
• India is 5th Largest Troop Contributor in UN Peacekeeping Missions.
o India ranks 3rd after Bangladesh (7,237) and Nepal International Day of UN Peacekeepers
(6,264) in Troops Contribution in Asia.
• UNGA designated 29 May as International
• India was 1st Country to contribute to Trust Fund on
Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, which was set up in 2016.
• This is the date when in 1948, 1st UN
• In 2021, India in collaboration with UN launched UNITE
Peacekeeping Mission named “United
AWARE Platform.
Nations Truce Supervision Organization”,
• Indian Army has established Centre for United Nations
began operations in Palestine, to monitor
Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi.
Armistice Agreement between Israel and its
• United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Arab neighbours.
Pakistan (UNMOGIP) is deployed in Jammu & Kashmir
• Theme 2024: Fit for Future, Building Better
to supervise Ceasefire between India and Pakistan on 24 Together
Jan of 1949.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

97th Academy Awards Held in Los Angeles, Celebrating Excellence in Film and Outstanding Performances.

Oscars

• Officially known as Academy Awards.

Related Facts
• Established in 1929 by Academy of Motion Picture Arts
• Flow became 1st Non – Dialogue Animated
and Sciences.
Film to win Best Animated Feature.
• Oldest, Biggest and Most Prestigious Awards in the
• Paul Tazewell became 1st Black Person to
world.
win Best Costume Design for Wicked.
• Annual Awards Ceremony honouring Outstanding
• Only Katharine Hepburn has won 4 Oscars.
Creative and Technical Achievements in the Film
• India’s 1st Submission for Academy Award
Industry.
for Best International Feature Film was
• Winners are awarded a Golden Statuette, officially called
Mehboob Khan’s 1957 Hindi – language
"Academy Award of Merit".
film, “Mother India”.
o Design By: MGM Art Director "Cedric Gibbons"
o It lost to Italian film “Nights of Cabiria”
o Sculptor By: Los Angeles Artist "George Stanley"
(1957).
o Manufacturer: UAP (Urban Art Projects) Polich Tallix
(Since 2016)

Oscars

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

Prime Minister Expresses Concern Over Rising Obesity Rates, Urges Healthier Lifestyles, Especially for
Children.

Body Mass Index

• Also known as Quetelet Index.
• Basic Method to Assess whether an Adult has a Healthy Obesity
Weight. Abnormal or Excessive Fat Accumulation
that poses Health Risks, with a Body
• Calculated by dividing Weight (Kg) by Height (m²).
Mass Index of 25 or Above classified as
• Normal BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9.
Overweight and 30 or Above as Obese.

Government Initiatives for Obesity Prevention

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)

National Family Health Survey – 5 (2019 – 21)

24% of Indian Women and 22.9% of Indian Men are Overweight or Obese.
Percentage of Overweight Children under 5 increased to 3.4% from 2.1% in NFHS – 4 (2015 – 16) at
All – India Level.

• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non –

Communicable Diseases: Aims to promote Health through Worldwide Obesity Prevention
Behaviour Change by engaging Communities, Civil Society, Media Programs
and Development Partners. Japan’s Smart Life Project
• Mission Poshan 2.0: Aims to Reduce Malnutrition, Stunting and Mexico’s Soda Tax
Anemia. EPODE- Together Let’s
• Fit India Movement: Encourages Citizens to incorporate Fitness into Prevent Childhood Obesity
their Daily Routines through School Certification Programs, Community-driven Activities and Mass Fitness
Initiatives.
• Eat Right India Movement: Promotes Safe, Healthy and Sustainable Food through Hygiene Certification,
Training and Food Safety Programs.
• RUCO (Repurpose Used Cooking Oil) Initiative: Ensures Safe Disposal of Used Cooking Oil, preventing its
Reuse in Food Businesses and Repurposing it for Biodiesel Production.
• ‘Aaj Se Thoda Kam’ Campaign: FSSAI's Campaign to encourage Gradual Reduction of Fat, Sugar and Salt in
Daily Diets.

Union Government Grants Navratna Status to IRCTC and IRFC, Making Them 25th and 26th CPSEs.

Navratna Status
Indian Railway Finance Corporation
❖ Dedicated Financing Arm of Indian
• Prestigious Classification awarded to High-Performing CPSEs, Railways.
providing them with Greater Investment Autonomy and ❖ Primary Purpose is to raise Funds
Operational Flexibility. from Both Domestic and Overseas
• Department of Public Enterprises under Ministry of Finance Capital Markets.
grants Navratna Status to eligible CPSEs. ❖ Administrative Control under
• Navratna Status can invest up to ₹1000 Crore or 15% of their Net Ministry of Railways.
Worth Without Government Approval.
Indian Railway Catering and
Eligibility Criteria for Navratna Status Tourism Corporation
• Be a Miniratna – I CPSE with a Positive Net Worth. • Established: 1999
• Operates under Ministry of
• Achieve an “Excellent” or “Very Good” MoU rating in at least 3 of Last Railways.
5 Years.
• Public Sector Enterprise that
• Score 60+ Points on Key Financial Indicators such as Net Profit, Net
provides Ticketing, Catering
Worth and Manpower Cost.
and Tourism Services for
• Have at least 4 Independent Directors on its board. Indian Railways.

Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Draft Law Banning Non-Residents from Buying Agricultural Land in 11
Districts (Except Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar).

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
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Earlier, in Himachal Pradesh, Non-Agriculturists cannot buy Agricultural Land freely but can acquire it for
Industry, Tourism or Horticulture with Government Approval.

Key Highlights

• Ban on Non-Residents: Non-Residents cannot purchase Agricultural and Horticultural Land in 11 Districts
outside municipal limits.
• Retention of Ceiling on Land for Industries & Tourism: A 12.5-acre Ceiling is reinstated for Land Purchases for
Tourism, Industry and Education.
• Mandate for Land Utilization: Purchased Land for Commercial, Industrial, Cultural and Medical Purposes must
be used within 3 Years, failing which Ownership reverts to Government.
• Leasing Provision: Land, including Agricultural and Horticultural Plots, can be leased for up to 30 Years.
• Affidavit Requirement: Buyers must submit an Affidavit stating they have Not Purchased more than 250 square
meters of Land elsewhere in State for Residential Purposes.
• State Approval for Land Use: State Government Approval is required for Land Acquisition exceeding 12.5
Acres in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar.

U.S. Government Announces Creation of Crypto Strategic Reserve to Safeguard Cryptocurrency Assets for
National Security.

Crypto Strategic Reserve

Significance of Initiative
• Serve as a National Stockpile of Digital Assets.
Africa produces 70% of Global Cobalt Establishment
• Managed under a Federal Regulatory of a Crypto Strategic Reserve draws parallels to
Framework. Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
• Consist of 5 Major Crypto-Currencies: Bitcoin, By holding digital assets, U.S. can mitigate Financial
Ethereum, Ripple, Solana & Cardano. Risks and expand its Economic Portfolio.
• Aim: To integrate Cryptocurrencies into U.S. Crypto – Currencies can serve as a Safeguard Against
Financial Infrastructure. Inflation and Traditional Market Fluctuations.

India has secured a 9000 sq km Exploration Block to explore Copper and Cobalt in Zambia.
Related Facts
India’s Copper Situation Africa produces 70% of Global Cobalt
and 16% of Global Copper.
Zambia is 7th Largest Copper Producer
• Domestic Ore Production in 2023 – 24 was 3.78 Million
globally.
Tonnes.
Chile, Peru, China, Democratic Republic
• Madhya Pradesh is Leading Producer of Copper in India
of Congo, United States lead in Global
followed by Rajasthan.
Copper Production.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
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• Copper Mines in India: Malanjkhand (Madhya Pradesh), Kolihan, Khetri, Banwas (Rajasthan), Surda
(Jharkhand).

QuickByte – News in a Minute

Burundi, DRC, Tanzania, and Zambia Launch 5 – Year Conservation Project for Lake
Tanganyika Basin Biodiversity, Led by UNEP and Funded by Global Environment Facility.
Lake Tanganyika: One of World’s Most Biodiverse Freshwater Ecosystems Shared by Burundi,
DRC, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Parandur Greenfield Airport Project (Chennai) Faces Opposition Over Displacement and
Flooding Concerns in Tamil Nadu.

India's Agricultural Exports Rise 6.5% to USD 37.5 Billion, Trade Surplus Drops to USD 8.2 Billion.

Agriculture Trade: Trends

• Agriculture Exports: India’s Agricultural Exports grew by 6.5% from $35.2 Billion (Apr-Dec 2023) to $37.5
Billion (Apr-Dec 2024).
• Agriculture Imports: Agricultural Imports surged by 18.7%, rising from $24.6 Billion (Apr-Dec 2023) to $29.3
Billion (Apr-Dec 2024).
• Narrowing Agricultural Trade Surplus: Surplus fell from $10.6 Billion (Apr-Dec 2023-24) to $8.2 Billion (Apr-
Dec 2024-25).

Key Agricultural Export Commodities

• Marine Products: Exports fell from $8.1 Billion (2022-23) to $7.4 Billion (2023-24), mainly due to Lower
Demand in US, China and EU.
o Marine Products: No. 1 Export Commodity in India’s Agri-Exports.
• Sugar & Wheat: Dropped from $5.8 Billion (2022-23) to $2.8 Billion (2023-24) due to Government Restrictions
on Food Security Concerns.
• Wheat: Exports, which were $2.1 Billion in 2021-22, have Almost Stopped due to Similar Restrictions.
• Cotton: Exports have plummeted, from $4.3 Billion (2011-12) to just $1.1 Billion (2023-24).
• Rice: Despite Export Restrictions, Non-Basmati Rice Exports remain High, while Basmati Rice Exports are
expected to reach record levels.
• Cash Crops: Coffee and Tobacco Exports surged due to Adverse Weather affecting Key Producers like Brazil,
Vietnam and Zimbabwe.
• India has also consolidated its position as the World’s Leading Exporter of Chilli, Mint Products, Cumin,
Turmeric, Coriander, Fennel, etc.

Key Agricultural Import Commodities

• Cotton: India is now a Net Importer of Cotton, reversing its earlier status as an Exporter.
o Once 2nd Largest Exporter after US, India’s Cotton Exports fell from USD 4.3 Billion in 2011-12 to USD
1.1 Billion in 2023-24.

Month March 2025

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o Exports ($575.7 Million) fell 8.1% (April-Dec), while Imports ($918.7 Million) surged 84.2%.
• Edible Oil: Imports Surged due to High Global Prices Post-Ukraine War.
• Pulses: Poor Domestic Production led to an increase in imports, expected to cross $5 Billion for the first time.
• Spices: India has become a Net Importer of Pepper and Cardamom, despite leading in Other Spices.

Key Destinations: Exports

• Asia: In 2023, India exported USD 48 Billion in Agri-Products, with Global South (75%) and Asia (58%) as key
markets.
• China and UAE each imported USD 3 Billion each in Indian Key Destinations: Imports
Agri-Products, while Vietnam imported USD 2.6 Billion.
Global South: Global South supplies
• Europe: Europe accounts for 12.6% of Indian Agri Exports 48% of India’s Agri-Imports, led by
primarily consisting of Tobacco, Fresh Fruits and Ornamental Brazil, China, Mexico, Argentina and
Plants. Indonesia.
• US: US accounts for 13.4% of Indian Agri Exports primarily Developed Economies: Top 3 Suppliers
consisting of Rice (Basmati & Non-Basmati), Sesame Seeds are US, Netherlands and Germany.
and Fresh Fruits.
• Africa: Africa accounted for 15% of India’s Total Agri Exports.

Reasons for Narrowing Agriculture Surplus of India

Trade & Export Policies: Frequent Restrictions have impacted India’s Credibility in Global Markets,
Leading to a Decline in Agricultural Exports.
Supply Chain Disruptions: COVID-19 Pandemic and Russia-Ukraine War disrupted Global Trade,
affecting Both Supply and Demand for Indian Agricultural Products.
High Input Costs (Fertilizers, Fuel, Logistics) have Reduced Profit Margins for Indian Exporters.
Climate Variability: Pulses are often grown in Rainfed Areas where they are Highly Susceptible to
Climate Variability which lead to Yield Fluctuations and Lower Production.
El Niño-induced Patchy Monsoon and Winter Rain that caused a decline in Domestic Pulses Production
in 2023-24.

DIY Topics
Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), PM Formalisation of
Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme, Krishi Udan Yojana 2.0, National Programme for Organic
Production

Supreme Court Rules Visually Impaired Can Take Judicial Service Exams, Recognizes RPwD Act 2016 as
Fundamental Right.

SC Ruling on Disability Rights in Judicial Services

• Striking Down Discriminatory Provisions

o Recent Ruling came while deciding petitions concerning Madhya Pradesh Judicial Service Examination
Rules 1994 and Rajasthan Judicial Service Rules 2010, aligning them with RPwD Act.
o Rule 6A of MP Judicial Service Rules 1994 was struck down as it Excluded Visually Impaired Candidates
despite their Educational Qualifications.
• Recognition of Disability Rights

Month March 2025

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o Any Exclusion of Visually Impaired Candidates from Judicial Services violates Constitutional Right of
Equality (Article 14) and Non-Discrimination (Article 15).
• Affirmative Action
o Court ruled that State must adopt a Rights-based Approach rather than a Charity-based One, ensuring Equal
Access to Employment.
o Judgment reinforced that Reasonable Accommodations (bench cited Indra Sawhney Judgment, directing a
Separate Cut-Off for Visually Impaired Candidates in Selection Process), as mandated by United Nations
Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities and RPwD Act 2016, must be provided to Persons with
Disabilities (PwDs).
o Allowed Relaxations in Eligibility Criteria, Similar to SC/ST Candidates, when an Adequate Number of
PwD Candidates are Not Available.

Status of PwDs in India

As per 2011 Census, Persons with Disabilities make up 2.21% (2.68 Crore) of Total Population.
Constitutional Provisions for PwDs
Fundamental Rights: Article 14, Article 19 and Article 21.
DPSP: Article 41 (Advocates for Public Assistance in cases of Unemployment, Old Age, Sickness
and Disability).
Laws Related to Disability Rights
RPwD Act 2016: Aims to ensure Equal Opportunities, Protect Rights and Enable Full Participation
of Persons with Disabilities.
National Trust Act 1999: Established a National Body to address Welfare of Persons with Autism,
Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities.
Mental Health Care Act 2017: Protects Rights and Dignity of Persons with Mental illness.

DIY Topics
PM-DAKSH (Divyang Skill Development and Rehabilitation Scheme), Accessible India Campaign, Deen
Dayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme

Kerala Legislative Assembly Passes Resolution Opposing Central Government's Amendments to Offshore Areas
Mineral Act.

The Issue

• Kerala Government opposes Offshore Mining along Kerala Coast & Demands Immediate Withdrawal of
Amendment and All Subsequent Actions by Central Government related to Offshore Mining.
• Union Ministry of Mines has decided to conduct Mineral Mining Auctions in Kollam (Traditional Fishing Area
in Kerala).

Reason
Offshore Mining can have Devastating Consequences for State’s
• Marine Resources: Deep-Sea Mining could lead to Destruction of Vital Marine Life, Exacerbate Extinction of
Marine Species, Increased Carbon Emissions from Oceans, and causing Dangerous Silting in Seawater.
• National Security: Policy would grant Private Entities access to Strategic Minerals found in Deep-Sea Areas
posing significant threat to National Security.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
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• Economy: It will have an impact on Kerala’s Fishing Community jeopardising Livelihoods of Lakhs of
Fishermen who rely on State’s Rich Marine Resources.

Amendments to Offshore Areas Mineral Act 2002

• Amendments to Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act 2002 was passed in 2023.
• Allows Private Participation in Deep-Sea Mineral Exploration and Mining & allows Union Ministry of Mines to
auction Deep-Sea Mineral Blocks.

Key Provisions
• Auction-based Allocation: Offshore Mineral Extraction Rights will be granted through a Competitive Bidding
Process via Auction, Eliminating Discretionary Allocation.
• Composite License: A Single “Composite License” will be issued for Both Exploration and Production
Activities, simplifying process.
• Fixed Lease Duration: Production Leases will be granted for a fixed period of 50 years.
• Area Restrictions: Maximum Area has been restricted that One Entity can acquire for Mineral Extraction.
• Government Priority: Specific Offshore Areas with Mineral Deposits, particularly Atomic Minerals, will be
reserved for Government Companies or PSUs.
• Offshore Areas Mineral Trust: A Dedicated Trust will be created to manage Funds generated from Offshore
Mineral Extraction, which can be used for Benefit of Affected Communities.

UN's World Food Programme Closes Southern Africa Office Due to Aid Cuts by Trump Administration.

World Food Programme

• Founded in 1961.
• Member of United Nations Development Programme.
• Largest Humanitarian Agency saving lives in Emergencies and using assistance to help Communities become
Self – Sufficient and resilient to Shocks.
• Deals with Hunger Eradication and promotes Food Security in the world.
• Provides Food Assistance during Emergencies and works with Communities to enhance Nutrition and Generate
Resilience.
• Report Released By WFP: Global Report on Food Crisis
• Awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.
• HQ: Rome (Italy)

Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana Completes 6 Years, Ensures Pension for Unorganized Sector
Workers.

Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana

• Launched in 2019.
• Type: Central Sector Scheme
• Provides Universal Pension Coverage through Financial Security for Unorganized Workers.

Month March 2025

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• Minimum Monthly Pension: Rs 3000 after age of 60.
• Pension Fund Manager: Life Insurance Corporation of India
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Labour and Employment

Sashakt Panchayat-Netri Abhiyan Launched at National Workshop for Women Elected Representatives in New
Delhi.

Sashakt Panchayat – Netri Abhiyan

• Initiative for Women Empowerment in Rural Governance.
• Objective: To strengthen Women Leaders in Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Focuses on enhancing Leadership Skills and Improving Decision-making Abilities.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj

QuickByte – News in a Minute

China's Geologists Discover 1 Million Tonnes of Thorium in Mongolia Region.
China Approves World's First Thorium Molten Salt Reactor Power Plant, Set to Generate 10
MW by 2029.
India Holds Largest Thorium Reserves in the World, with Major Deposits in Kerala, Odisha,
Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
7th Jan Aushadhi Diwas (7 March) 2025 Celebrated with Focus on Women (Ek Kadam Matri
Shakti Ki Ore), Events Scheduled Nationwide from March 1-7.
Jan Aushadhi Diwas: Part of PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana to Promote Generic
Medicines, Led by Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
Microsoft Launches Dragon Copilot, a Voice-Activated AI Assistant for Healthcare, as Part of
Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare.
Microsoft's Dragon Copilot AI Assists Healthcare Professionals with Transcribing Notes,
Drafting Paperwork, and Searching Medical Info.
PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Vantara, World’s Largest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, in
Jamnagar, Gujarat.

India-Myanmar Border Fencing and Bilateral Relations

The 1643-km-long border with Myanmar will be entirely ringed with an “anti-cut, anti-climb” fence in the
next ten years, according to government officials and a parliamentary panel report.
The project to fence the Myanmar border was announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in February
2024 and the work has gathered pace in the past three or four months, officials said.
Fencing of the Indo-Myanmar Border

Month March 2025

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• Investment: ₹31,000 crore approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in March
2024.
• Progress: ₹114.09 crore spent from April 1 - December 31, 2024.
• The fence aims to deter illegal infiltration and enhance border security.
• Surveillance cameras will be placed along the fence to improve monitoring.
• The model is expected to be replicated along Pakistan and Bangladesh borders.
Infrastructure Development
• Fencing and Road Construction:

o 1,610.2 km of fencing and maintenance for 5 years (₹20,264.4 crore).

o 64 border roads (1,546.2 km) for Assam Rifles (₹10,767.5 crore).
• Company Operating Bases (COBs): Assam Rifles will have better connectivity to enhance border
security.
• Designated border crossing points with biometric recording and QR-code-based border passes.
Opposition to the Fencing
• Naga and Kuki-Zo bodies oppose fencing, citing disruption of ethnic and familial ties.

• Free Movement Regime (FMR) has been historically important for cross-border ethnic
communities.
Month March 2025
 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
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Free Movement Regime (FMR)
What is FMR?
• A mutually agreed arrangement between India and Myanmar allowing border tribes to travel up to
16 km inside either country without a visa.
• Implemented in 2018 under India’s Act East policy.
Changes and Restrictions on FMR
• Initially allowed 40 km of free movement (1968), reduced to 16 km (2004).

• In February 2024, India suspended the FMR.

• New protocols (December 2024): Regulating movement within 10 km of the border.
India-Myanmar Relations: Importance and Cooperation
Geopolitical Importance
• Gateway to Southeast Asia: Myanmar connects South Asia to Southeast Asia.

• Bay of Bengal Connectivity: Shared maritime boundary fosters maritime cooperation.

• Regional Power Balancing: Strong ties with Myanmar counterbalance China’s influence.
Strategic Significance
• Neighborhood First Policy: Strengthening relations for regional stability.

• Act East Policy: Myanmar is a key component in India’s outreach to ASEAN nations.
• Multilateral Engagement: Myanmar is part of SAARC, ASEAN, BIMSTEC, Mekong Ganga
Cooperation.
Defens
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Economic and Trade Cooperation
Coope
India is Myanmar’s [Grab your reader’s attention with a great quote from the document or
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use this space to emphasize a key point. To place this text box anywhere on the page, just
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• 5th largest trading partner (USD 1.03 billion in 2021-22).
ndia-
Myan
• Investment in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, IT, and energy. mar
Bilater
Energy Cooperation
al
• Myanmar is India’s largest investment recipient in the oil and gas sector (USD 1.2
Army
billion).
Exerci
Infrastructure Development se
• Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project: (IMBA
X)
o Connects Kolkata (India) to Sittwe (Myanmar) via sea.
enhanc
• India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway: es
militar
o Links Moreh (India) to Mae Sot (Thailand) via Myanmar. y ties.
• Sittwe Port Development: Boosts trade connectivity. • I
ndia
provide
s military training and joint exercises to Myanmar’s army.
Capacity Building Measures
• Development Assistance: India extended USD 2 billion in soft loans.

• Support for higher education, agricultural research, disaster response, and technology
institutions.
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• Humanitarian Assistance: Aid during natural calamities (Cyclone Mora, Komen, Shan State
Earthquake).
Cultural and Diaspora Connections
• Shared Buddhist heritage and colonial history.

• Indian-origin population in Myanmar: 4% of the total population.

Challenges in India-Myanmar Relations
Internal Security Concerns
• Highly porous border with insurgency and smuggling risks.

• Presence of insurgent groups in Myanmar:

o UNLF, PLA, ULFA, NSCN, Kuki-Zo groups with bases in Sagaing, Kachin, and Chin
states.
• Illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling facilitated by FMR.
China’s Influence
• China is Myanmar’s largest investor and trading partner.

• India faces difficulty in countering Chinese economic and strategic influence.

Infrastructure Project Delays
• Delays in Kaladan project, Sittwe port and other initiatives affect trust and economic
cooperation.
Rohingya Crisis
• India wary of Rohingya influx due to security concerns and socio-political stability.

Aadhar card with Voter Id Linking.

Meeting Called by CEC: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has called a meeting on
March 18, 2025, with the Union Home Secretary, Legislative Secretary, and CEO of UIDAI to explore
linking voter IDs with Aadhaar.
- Political Reactions: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has criticized the move as a "face-saving measure,"
while the Congress has previously alleged voter list manipulation during the Maharashtra Assembly polls.

Historical Context:
- 2015 - NERPAP Initiative: The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched the National Electoral Rolls
Purification and Authentication Programme (NERPAP) to link Aadhaar with voter IDs, successfully linking
over 300 million voters in three months.
- Supreme Court Intervention (2015): The Supreme Court halted NERPAP, ruling that Aadhaar's
mandatory use should be limited to welfare schemes and PAN linking.
- Revival Post-2018: After the Puttaswamy judgment upheld Aadhaar's constitutional validity, the
Representation of the People Act, 1950, was amended in 2021 to allow voluntary linking of voter IDs with
Aadhaar.

Current Process:
- Voluntary Linking: Voters can voluntarily link their Aadhaar with their voter IDs using Form 6 (for new
voters) or Form 6B (for existing voters). Alternative documents like PAN cards or passports can be
submitted if Aadhaar is unavailable.
- EC Clarification (2023): The ECI clarified that Aadhaar linking is not mandatory, and no voter will be
excluded for failing to provide it. However, forms have not been updated to reflect this, causing confusion.

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Advantages of Linking Aadhaar with Voter IDs:
1. Elimination of Duplicates: Helps remove duplicate About EPIC and Aadhaar: or
fraudulent entries, ensuring cleaner electoral rolls. - EPIC Number: A 10-digit
2. Improved Electoral Integrity: Reduces alphanumeric voter ID number
impersonation and ensures fair elections. introduced in 1993 to prevent voter
3. Administrative Efficiency: Streamlines voter impersonation and fraud. It is
databases, reducing administrative overhead. generated via ERONET, a web-based
platform for managing electoral rolls.
Challenges: - Aadhaar: A 12-digit identification
1. Errors in Aadhaar Database: Minor inaccuracies number issued by UIDAI, serving as could
lead to wrongful deletion or rejection of legitimate proof of identity and address. It is voters.
2. Proof of Residence vs. Citizenship: Aadhaar proves biometric and stores personal
residence, not citizenship, so it cannot address non- information on a government database.
citizens on electoral rolls.
3. Privacy Risks: Linking Aadhaar with voter IDs could
risk misuse of personal data, as electoral rolls are widely
circulated.
4. Public Misconceptions: Voters fear linking Aadhaar might
compromise vote secrecy, reducing confidence in the
system.

EPIC Duplication Issue:

- ECI Stance: The ECI admitted that duplicate EPIC numbers occurred due to manual errors before
ERONET. However, voters with identical EPIC numbers can still vote using domicile documents, as
demographic details and polling booths are unique across states.
- ERONET 2.0: The ECI assured that updates to ERONET 2.0 would eliminate duplicate EPIC numbers.

US Willing To Issue Travel Restrictions Over 41 Countries.

The Trump administration is considering issuing travel restrictions for the citizens of dozens of countries as
part of a new ban, according to sources familiar with the matter and an internal memo seen by Reuters.
The memo lists a total of 41 countries divided into three separate groups. The first group of 10 countries,
which includes Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba and North Korea, among others, would be set for a full visa
suspension.
Trump Administration’s Three-Level Travel Restrictions
- Overview: The Trump administration is finalizing a three- tiered
travel restriction system targeting citizens from 41 countries. Background and Context
- Red List (11 Countries): Citizens from these countries, - Trump’s Executive
including Afghanistan and Bhutan, will be categorically Order: Issued on January 20, barred
from entering the US. 2025, requiring the State
- Countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Department to finalize the Korea,
Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen. travel ban within 60 days.
- Orange List (10 Countries): Nationals from these countries, - Previous Travel Ban:
including Russia, Pakistan, and Myanmar, will face curbed Trump’s first travel ban entry but
not a complete ban. (2017) targeted Muslim-
- Visa Restrictions: Only certain short-term non-immigrant majority countries and was visas
will be issued, requiring in-person interviews. upheld by the Supreme Court
- Yellow List (20 Countries): Mostly African and Caribbean but revoked by President nations,
which will have 60 days to address vetting or security Biden in 2021.
deficiencies. - Rationale: The new ban
- Consequences: Failure to comply could move them to the aims to protect US citizens orange
or red lists. from “terrorist attacks,
- Exclusions: India and China are not included in any of the national security threats, and three
lists. exploitation of immigration
Impact on India-US Immigration Relations laws.”
- Undocumented Indian Migrants:

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- Estimated Numbers: 725,000 undocumented Indians in the US.
- Deportation Flights: Military planes are being used to deport undocumented migrants, including 205
Indians from Gujarat and Punjab.
- India’s Response: India has agreed to accept deported individuals after verifying their nationality.
- Legal Migration Pathways:
- Visa Issuance: Over 1 million visas were issued to Indians in 2024, including record numbers of student
and business visas.
- H-1B Visas: 72% of H-1B visas issued in FY 2023-24 went to Indian professionals.
- Trump’s Assurance: The H-1B program will continue, though reforms may be introduced.

Economic and Trade Leverage U.S.

- Tariff Impositions:
- Colombia faced 25% tariffs on its goods after refusing a deportation flight. Laun
- Canada and Mexico also faced tariff threats, forcing stricter border enforcement. ches
- Impact on India:
- India is cooperating with the US but remains cautious of future trade restrictions. Airst
- Focus on protecting skilled workforce migration and avoiding economic retaliation. rikes
on
Hout
hi
Targ
ets in Yemen Amid Escalating Maritime Attacks
March 16, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a series of airstrikes on Houthi-controlled
areas in Yemen on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in response to ongoing attacks on commercial shipping
along the Red Sea. The strikes targeted key Houthi military bases, leadership figures, and missile
defenses. The Houthis have vowed retaliation, escalating tensions in the region.

Background: Who are the Houthis?

• The Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah (Partisans of God), are a Shiite Muslim movement
based in northern Yemen.
• They belong to the Zaidi sect, a minority among Shiites, distinct from the dominant branches in
Iran and Iraq.
• Originally a tribal autonomy movement, they have fought Yemen’s Sunni-majority government
since 2004.
• The Houthis seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014, and currently control about one-third of Yemen’s
territory.
• The U.S. and its allies accuse Iran of backing the Houthis with weapons and military support, a
claim Tehran denies.

The U.S. Strikes and Reactions

President Trump's Statement:
• Declared the attacks a necessary action to protect American shipping and restore navigational
freedom.
• Warned of further “overwhelming lethal force” until Houthi attacks on global trade routes cease.
U.S. Defense and Security Officials:
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio: The strikes will continue until Houthis can no longer threaten
global shipping.
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• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: The campaign is a warning to Iran to stop supporting Houthi
forces.
• National Security Advisor Michael Waltz: Multiple Houthi leaders were killed in the strikes, and
Iran was put “on notice”.

Implications for Global Trade and Security

What’s Next? • The Red Sea is a vital maritime
• Potential Retaliation: The Houthis may
corridor, with 30% of global trade
launch counterstrikes on U.S. assets or passing through its waters.
allied shipping.
• Ongoing attacks threaten oil shipments,
• Diplomatic Maneuvers: Global supply chains, and regional stability.
powers, including the UN and
European nations, may seek de- • The conflict raises the risk of broader
escalation talks. escalation, with potential military
confrontations involving the U.S., Iran,
• Further U.S. Strikes: American and allied forces.
officials indicate no timeline for
ending airstrikes until the Houthis are fully
neutralized.
As tensions rise, the conflict threatens to
reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics and impact global trade security. The international community
watches closely as events unfold.

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SpaceX crew reaches ISS reaching Astronauts stuck in Space for 9 Months.
A SpaceX capsule successfully delivered four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) early
Sunday morning in a mission aimed at swapping crew members and bringing home two astronauts — Butch
Wilmore and Sunita Williams — who have been stranded aboard for nearly nine months.

Boeing Starliner and Mission Details

• Starliner is a spacecraft designed to transport astronauts to space, featuring:

o A crew capsule for astronauts

o Reentry capability
o A non-reusable service module providing life support and propulsion
• Similar Spacecraft Services:
o SpaceX Crew Dragon
o NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2

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How Did the Astronauts Get Stuck?

• Williams and Wilmore traveled to the ISS in June 2024 on Starliner’s first crewed mission.

• Pre-Launch Issues: A helium leak was detected but was not deemed critical.
• Post-Launch Issues: Additional helium leaks occurred during flight.
• Starliner arrived at the ISS, but technical issues remain unresolved.
• ISS supplies are regularly replenished via cargo spacecraft, ensuring astronauts have essential
resources for their extended stay.

Earlier Instances of Longer Stays in Space

Astronaut Duration Space Station Year
Valeri Polyakov Mir Space 1994-
438 days
(Russia) Station 95
2022-
Frank Rubio (USA) 371 days ISS Impact of Prolonged Stay in Space on
23
the Human Body
1. Bone Density Loss:
o Astronauts lose up to 1% of bone mass per month in microgravity.
o Increases the risk of osteoporosis and
fractures.
International Space Station (ISS)
2. Muscle Atrophy: Overview
• Launch Year: 1998
o Muscle mass and strength decline
significantly. • Continuously Occupied
Since: 2000
o Requires daily rigorous exercise to
mitigate effects. • Participating Space Agencies:

3. Vision Problems (SANS - Spaceflight o NASA (USA)

Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome): o Roscosmos (Russia)
o Increased intracranial pressure due to o ESA (Europe)
fluid shifts can affect vision.
o JAXA (Japan)
4. Cardiovascular Changes:
o CSA (Canada)
o The heart changes shape and size,
potentially causing heart issues. • Orbit Altitude: ~400 km
above Earth
5. Psychological Effects:
Speed: ~28,000 km/h, completing one
o Extended isolation and confinement orbit every 90 minutes can
lead to stress, anxiety, and mental
health issues.

Objectives of the ISS:

• Advance research in space science and microgravity.

• Conduct scientific experiments across multiple disciplines.

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• Foster international collaboration in space exploration.

US strikes on Yemen ,Houthi Hits Back

The United States will keep attacking Yemen's Houthis until they end attacks on shipping, the U.S. defense
secretary said on Sunday, as the Iran-aligned group signaled it could escalate in response to deadly U.S.
strikes the day before.
The airstrikes, which the Houthi-run health ministry said killed at least 53 people, are the biggest U.S.
military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in January. One U.S. official
told Reuters the campaign might continue for weeks.
Houthi Rebels: Background, Activities & Global Implications
1. Who Are the Houthi Rebels?
• Official Name: Ansar Allah ("Supporters of God")

• Founded: 1990s in Saada, Yemen

• Leader: Abdul-Malik al-Houthi
• Base of Operations: Northern Yemen
• Ideology:
o Zaidi Shia Islamism (a sect of Shia Islam prevalent in northern Yemen)
o Anti-Western & Anti-Saudi stance
o Opposition to Yemeni government and foreign influence

2. Origins and Evolution

• 1990s: Emerged as a religious movement promoting Zaidi Shia rights in northern Yemen.

• 2004: Founder Hussein al-Houthi killed by Yemeni forces under President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
• 2004-2010: Engaged in six wars with the Yemeni government.
• 2011: Capitalized on the Arab Spring protests, gaining popular support.
• 2014-2015:
o Seized the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, ousting the internationally recognized government of
President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi.
o Prompted a Saudi-led military intervention in March 2015.
• 2015-Present: Engaged in a civil war with Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces.

3. Houthi Conflict and International Involvement

A. Role of Iran
• Iran supports the Houthis as part of its regional strategy against Saudi Arabia.

• Weapons Supply:
o Drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles allegedly supplied by Iran.
o Smuggled arms via Oman, Somalia, and the Red Sea.
• Political & Financial Aid:
o Houthis receive funding, training, and military advisors from Iran.
• Strategic Importance for Iran:
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o Counterbalance Saudi Arabia’s influence in the region.
o Disrupt Red Sea shipping lanes, a vital global trade route.
B. Role of Saudi Arabia
• Leads a military coalition (since 2015) to restore Yemen’s government.

• Uses airstrikes, ground operations, and blockades against the Houthis.

• **Seeks to prevent Yemen from becoming an Iranian proxy state.
C. Role of the USA
• Supports Saudi Arabia & UAE against . Houthi Attacks & Global Implications
the Houthis. A. Attacks on Saudi Arabia & UAE
• Ballistic missile & drone attacks on
• Provides intelligence, logistical support, Saudi oil facilities (e.g., Aramco attack in
and defense systems. 2019).
• Launched airstrikes on Houthi targets • Strikes on UAE (2022) targeting Abu
after Houthi attacks on international Dhabi airport.
shipping (2024).
B. Red Sea & Bab el-Mandeb Attacks
• Designation of Houthis: • 2023-2024: Houthis attack commercial
& military ships in the Red Sea,
o Previously designated a terrorist
disrupting global trade.
organization under Trump
(2021), revoked under Biden • US & UK launched airstrikes against
(2021). Houthi positions in January 2024.
o Reclassified as a "Specially • Economic Impact:
Designated Global Terrorist"
o Disrupts global oil and goods
group in 2024 due to Red Sea
attacks. transportation.
o Increases shipping costs &
5. Humanitarian Impact of the Yemen War insurance premiums.
• One of the world’s worst humanitarian
crises (as per UN).
• Casualties: Over 377,000 deaths (direct & indirect) since 2015.
• Famine & Starvation: 16 million+ Yemenis face food insecurity.
• Cholera & Disease: Recurrent cholera outbreaks due to lack of clean water.
• Child Soldiers: Houthis accused of recruiting children into their forces.

LeT Terrorist killed in Pakistan.

Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Terrorist Abu Qatal Killed in Pakistan
1. Key Details of the Incident
• Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025, around 7 PM

• Location: Jhelum, Pakistan

• Victims: Abu Qatal (Zia-ur-Rehman) and his security guard
• Attack Method: Unknown assailants fired 15-20 rounds, killing both instantly

2. Who Was Abu Qatal?

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• Senior operative of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
• Close aide of Hafiz Saeed, mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks
• Involved in multiple terror attacks in India, including Jammu & Kashmir
• Played a key role in the 2024 Reasi bus attack

3. His Role in Terrorism

• Managed LeT operations in Pakistan & India

• Instrumental in creating proxy terror outfits:

o People’s Anti-Fascist Force (PAFF)
o The Resistance Front (TRF)
• Purpose of Proxy Groups:
o To hide the activities of LeT & Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
o Operate under new identities to avoid international scrutiny

4th Conference On Security Intelligence In Delhi.

Global challenges and intelligence-sharing mechanisms, as well as immigration and extradition, were among
a host of issues discussed at the fourth conference of global intelligence and security chiefs hosted by
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Sunday (March 16, 2025). The meeting had over 28 attendees,
according to official sources.
Fourth Global Intelligence and Security Chiefs Conference (March 16, 2025)
1. Overview
• Host: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval

• Organized by: R&AW and NSCS

• Date: March 16, 2025
• Attendees: Over 28 intelligence and security chiefs from 20+ countries
• Held Before: Raisina Dialogue (March 17-19, 2025)
• Modelled on: Munich Security Conference & Shangri-La Dialogue

2. Key Discussion Points

• Counterterrorism & transnational crimes India’s Strategic Goals
• Strengthening intelligence-sharing
• Global security & intelligence-sharing on counterterrorism
mechanisms
• Enhancing Indo-Pacific security
• Indo-Pacific cooperation cooperation
• Narcotics and terror funding • Improving India-Canada relations
post-Nijjar case
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• Immigration and extradition

3. International Participation
• Major Attendees:

o Five Eyes countries (U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand)

o Russia, U.S., Canada, Australia, others
• Notable Figures:
o U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard
o Canadian spy chief, Daniel Rogers (visit linked to India-Canada ties post-Nijjar case)
• Bilateral Meetings:
o Gabbard met NSA Doval; also scheduled to speak at the Raisina Dialogue on March 18

4. U.S. Involvement
• Tulsi Gabbard's Indo-Pacific Tour:

o Visiting Japan, Thailand, India, and France

o Emphasizing U.S. strategic objectives in the region
• Trump Administration’s Global Impact:
o Uncertainties in international policies influencing global security discussions

Chandrayaan 5 Receives Centers Approval.

Chairman of Indian Space Research Organization's (Isro) V Narayana announced that the Centre has
approved Chandrayaan-5 mission to the Moon.
Chandrayaan 5
Chandrayaan-5, also known as the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX), is a collaborative lunar
mission between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration
Agency (JAXA). The mission aims to explore the Moon's south polar region, focusing on the permanently
shadowed areas to assess the quantity and quality of water present.
Mission Objectives:
• Water Exploration: Investigate the presence of water ice in the Moon's permanently shadowed
regions.
• Technological Demonstration: Showcase advanced landing and rover mobility capabilities,
essential for future lunar missions, including potential human landings.
Mission Components:
• Lander: Developed by ISRO, responsible for delivering the rover to the lunar surface.

• Rover: A 350 kg rover developed by JAXA, significantly larger than Chandrayaan-3's 25 kg rover,
designed to traverse and analyze the lunar terrain.
Launch Details:
• Launch Vehicle: JAXA's H3 rocket.

• Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Center, Japan.

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• Scheduled Launch: Planned for 2028–2029.

Significance:
Chandrayaan-5 is a pivotal mission in India's lunar exploration program, marking a
significant step towards advanced lunar exploration and demonstrating technologies
crucial for future missions, including human lunar landings. cite turn0search17

India New Zealand Starts Negotiations On Trade Deal.

India and New Zealand on Sunday announced the launch of the negotiations for a comprehensive and
mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) even as both nations of late found themselves on the firing
line of the trade war unleashed by United States.
India-New Zealand Relations: A Systematic Overview
1. Diplomatic Relations
• First Indian Presidential Visit: Pranab Mukherjee became the first Indian President to visit New
Zealand in August 2016.
• India-New Zealand Cyber Dialogue: The first dialogue was held on November 27, 2017, in New
Delhi, led by Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs.

2. Economic Cooperation
• Trade Statistics (2015):

o Total trade in goods and services: USD 1.45 billion.

o Decline in New Zealand's exports to India due to reduced coal imports.
• Major Indian Imports from New Zealand:
o Wood, wood charcoal, wool, animal hair, edible fruits & nuts, raw hides, and skins.
• Major Indian Exports to New Zealand:
o Pharmaceuticals, pearls, precious & semi-precious stones, vehicles and vehicle parts,
textiles, apparel, machinery,
plastics. Cultural Exchanges:
Indian dance troupes and cultural events
• Free Trade Agreement (FTA): frequently organized with support from ICCR
and New Zealand organizations.
o Joint study on FTA
Diwali Celebrations:
implications: Completed in Recognized as the key festival of the Indian
February 2009. community in New Zealand since 2002.
Week-long celebrations in major cities,
o FTA negotiations began in
organized by the Asia-New Zealand Foundation
April 2010.
and respective City Councils.
o 10th round of FTA Auckland Diwali Festival (2015): Inaugurated
negotiations: Held in New by PM John Key.
Delhi (February 16-18, 2015). New Zealand Parliament’s Diwali Function
(November 12, 2015): Attended by PM John
o Discussions continued during Key.
RCEP negotiations in
Auckland (June 2016).

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. Cultural and Scientific Cooperation
• Science & Technology Collaborations:

o First Joint Science & Technology Committee Meeting: Wellington (August 26-29,
2013).
o Third Meeting: New Delhi (May 23, 2016).

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Fauci
SpaceX Starship, carrying Tesla humanoid robot Optimus, to depart for Mars at 2026 end:
Musk

India Goods Trade Declines To 42 Months Low.

A 61% drop in gold and 30% drop in petroleum imports led to an overall 16.34% fall in goods imports in
February, which resulted in India’s merchandise trade deficit shrinking to $14 billion, the lowest in 42
months
India’s Trade Performance in February 2025: Key Highlights
Decline in Imports
• Overall Imports: Fell by 16.34% in February 2025.

• Gold Imports:
o Dropped by 61% from $6.15 billion in February 2024 to $2.34 billion in February 2025.
• Petroleum Imports:
o Declined by 29.5% to $11.9 billion from $16.9 billion in the previous year.
• Silver Imports:
o Fell sharply to $430 million from $1.7 billion last year.
• Other Notable Declines in Imports:
o Pearls, Precious & Semi-Precious Stones: -41.61%
o Coal, Coke & Briquettes, etc.: -35.63%
o Iron & Steel: -23.37%

Decline in Exports
• Overall Exports: Declined by 11% to $36.91 billion in February 2025.

• Major Exports that Declined:

o Petroleum Products: -29%
o Organic & Inorganic Chemicals: -24.5%
o Gold & Jewellery: -20.74%

Goods with Increased Exports

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• Tobacco: 26.76%

• Electronic Goods: 26.46%

• Mica, Coal & Other Ores, Minerals (Including Processed Minerals): 24.25%

• Coffee: 22.32%

• Rice: 13.21%

Merchandise Trade Deficit Details

• Trade Deficit in February 2025: Reduced to $14 billion, the lowest in 42 months.

• Trade Deficit in January 2025: Was $19.5 billion, indicating a significant reduction in February.

Country-wise Export/Import Trends

• Exports to the US: Meaning of Trade Deficit
• A trade deficit occurs
o Increased by 10.4% in February 2025 to $7.9 when a country’s imports
billion. exceed its exports over a
o Rose by 9.1% in the April-February period to specific period.
$76.4 billion. • It is calculated by:
• Imports from China: Trade Deficit=Total Imports−Total
Exports\text{Trade Deficit} =
o Increased by 10.5% in the April-February period to
\text{Total Imports} - \text{Total
$104 billion. Exports}
• A high trade deficit
suggests that the country is
Components of Trade Deficit spending more on foreign
1. Merchandise Trade Deficit: goods and services than it
is earning through exports.
o Difference between the value of goods imported
and exported.
o India’s merchandise trade deficit in February 2025: $14 billion.
2. Service Trade Deficit/Surplus:
o Difference between services exported and imported.
o India often maintains a surplus in services, helping to balance the overall trade deficit.
3. Oil & Petroleum Products:
o Major component contributing to India’s trade deficit due to heavy reliance on crude oil
imports.
4. Gold & Precious Metals:
o High gold imports typically widen India’s trade deficit.
5. Electronics & Machinery:
o Contribute significantly to imports, widening the trade deficit.

US Urged To Declare SFJ As Terrorist Organization.

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India has asked the U.S. to list a Sikh separatist group as a terrorist organisation, an Indian government
source said on Tuesday, more than a year after the U.S. said it had foiled a plot with Indian links to kill a
leader of the group in the U.S.

India’s Request to the US to Designate SFJ as a Terrorist Organization: Key Highlights

• Reason for the Request:

o SFJ promotes secessionist and pro-Khalistani activities.

o It is linked to Pakistan and other terrorist outfits.
o SFJ conducts anti-India activities on US soil.
• SFJ’s Actions: SFJ’s Status in India
o Led by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who is
designated a terrorist in India. • First Ban: SFJ was
banned in India in
o Regularly threatens Indian political leaders and
2019.
diplomats.
• Renewed Ban:
o Advocates violence and secessionism to create an
Declared an
independent Khalistan.
“unlawful
o Attempts to incite mutiny among Sikhs in the association” in July
Indian Army and police. 2024 under the
Unlawful Activities
(Prevention) Act
US Response and Tulsi Gabbard’s Statements (UAPA) for another
• Concerns Raised by Gabbard:
5 years.
o US is deeply concerned about persecution of
minorities in Bangladesh.
o Stated that the Trump administration is committed to
defeating “Islamist terrorism” globally.
• Remarks on Global Terrorism:
o Mentioned the threat of establishing an “Islamic Caliphate” by extremist groups.
o Indicated that such extremist ideologies threaten all non-Islamic communities and use
violent means.
• Criticism of Bangladesh: Strong indictment of the Mohammad Yunus-led interim government in
Dhaka.
• US-India Defence Partnership:
o Reaffirmed the growing strength of the India-US bilateral defence partnership.
o Emphasized intelligence sharing, military cooperation, and maritime security.

Sikhs For Justice (SFJ): Brief Introduction and Background

Overview of SFJ
• Full Name: Sikhs For Justice (SFJ)

• Founded In: 2007, US-based organization.

• Founder: Gurpatwant Singh Pannun

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• Headquarters: New York, USA
• Main Objective: Advocates for the creation of a separate Khalistan (an independent Sikh state).

Background and Activities

• Goal: Promotes secession of Punjab from India to create Khalistan.

• Methods:
o Organizes online campaigns, referendums, and propaganda to promote separatism.
o Calls for violence and incites mutiny among Sikh soldiers and police personnel.
• Association with Pakistan: Alleged to have links with Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI.
• Legal Status in India:
o Declared a terrorist organization under the UAPA.
o Banned in India since 2019 and re-banned in 2024.
• Referendum 2020 Campaign: Attempted to hold an illegal referendum to demand Khalistan, which
was blocked by the Indian government.

Threat to India
• Anti-India Activities: SFJ engages in anti-India propaganda on foreign
soil.
• Terror Links: Alleged association with terrorist organizations and
funding channels from Pakistan.
• Influence in the Diaspora: Attempts to radicalize the Sikh diaspora and
gain support for its secessionist cause.

February WPI Declines To 2.3%.

India's wholesale price inflation was at 2.38% in February, in line with a print of 2.31% in January, data
released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry showed on Monday. While wholesale inflation in
primary articles declined, led by easing food article inflation, the month continued to witness an increase in
prices of manufactured products.

India’s Wholesale Price Inflation (WPI) – February 2025: Key Highlights

WPI Overview for February 2025
• Inflation Rate: Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation stood at 2.38% in February 2025, slightly
higher than 2.31% in January 2025.
• Data Source: Released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Monday.

Decline in Primary Articles Inflation

• Primary Articles: Overall inflation in primary articles declined.

• Food Articles: Easing food article inflation contributed to the decline.

• Vegetables: Price moderation was observed in vegetables, including potatoes.

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Increase in Prices of Manufactured Products
• Manufactured Products: Prices continued to rise during the month, offsetting the decline in
primary articles.
• Manufactured Inflation: Contributed significantly to keeping WPI inflation at the higher end.

Inflation: Meaning and Types

What is Inflation?
• Definition: Inflation refers to the general rise in the prices of goods and services over time,
leading to a reduction in the purchasing power of money.
• Measured through indices such as:
o Consumer Price Index (CPI): Measures retail inflation at the consumer level.
o Wholesale Price Index (WPI): Measures inflation at the wholesale level before retail
pricing.

Types of Inflation: Summary Table

Type Cause Examples Impact
Increase in aggregate High consumer spending, Higher prices due to
Demand-Pull Inflation
demand exceeding supply government expenditure increased demand
Rise in crude oil prices, Higher costs passed to
Cost-Push Inflation Increase in production costs
higher wages consumers
Built-In/Expectational Expectations of future Annual salary hikes, price Self-perpetuating
Inflation inflation adjustments inflation cycle
Excludes volatile items Stable measure of long-term Helps policymakers
Core Inflation
(food, fuel) inflation assess inflation trends

Other Concepts Related to Inflation

Term Definition Example

Disinflation A slowdown in the rate of inflation WPI dropping from 4% to 2.38%
Deflation A sustained decrease in general price levels Negative inflation growth
Reflation Inflation induced after a period of deflation Government stimulus to boost demand
Stagflation High inflation coupled with slow economic growth High unemployment with rising prices

SC To Examine Appointment Of CAG.

The Supreme Court on Monday (March 17, 2025) decided to examine a plea challenging the sole prerogative
of the Centre, acting through the President, to appoint the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India: Key Highlights
Introduction to CAG
• Full Name: Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.

• Established By: Article 148 of the Indian Constitution.

• Role: CAG is the supreme audit authority in India, responsible for auditing government accounts.
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

Constitutional Provisions
• Appointment: Appointed by the President of India.

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• Tenure: Holds office for a period of 6 years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
• Removal: Can be removed only through a process similar to that of a Supreme Court judge
(impeachment by Parliament).

Powers and Functions of CAG

1. Audit of Union and State Government Accounts:
o Audits receipts and expenditure of the Union and State governments.
o Audits the accounts of autonomous bodies and authorities substantially funded by the
government.
2. Audit of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs):
o Audits accounts of government-owned corporations.
o Reviews compliance with laws and efficiency of operations.
3. Audit of Government Grants:
o Ensures that government grants are utilized for the intended purposes.
4. Report Submission to Parliament:
o Submits audit reports to the President or Governor, who lays them before Parliament or
State Legislature.

Powers and Independence

EU • Autonomy: Independent of the executive; reports directly to Parliament.

• Salary and Service Conditions: Determined by Parliament and cannot be

varied to the disadvantage of the CAG during their tenure.
• Immunity from Judicial Scrutiny: CAG’s actions are beyond the jurisdiction of
the courts.

hosts Humanitarian Aid for Syria.

On 17 March, during the ninth edition of the Brussels Conference on “Standing with Syria: meeting the
needs for a successful transition” hosted by the European Union, the donor community pledged a total
amount of €5.8 billion.
Brussels Conference on Syria – 17 March 2025: Key Highlights
Conference Overview
• Event Name: 9th Edition of the Brussels Conference – “Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for
a Successful Transition”
• Date: 17 March 2025
• Host: European Union (EU)
• Objective:
o Support Syria in its transition toward peace and stability.
o Provide financial assistance for rebuilding Syria and supporting refugees.
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Financial Commitments and Pledges

Contributor Amount Pledged Time Period
EU and Member States €3.4 billion 2025-2026
EU Contribution (Part of Total) €2.5 billion 2025-2026
Total Pledges by Donor Community €5.8 billion 2025-2026
• EU’s Role: Largest donor to Syria and neighbouring countries hosting Syrian refugees.

• Cumulative Assistance: Nearly €37 billion provided by the EU and its Member States since 2011.

Participants and Attendees

• Representatives:

o EU Member States
o Neighbouring Countries
o Partner Countries
o International Organisations: Including the UN and international financial institutions.
• Syria’s Interim Foreign Minister: Al-Shaibani attended for the first time since the conference’s
inception.

Background of Syria: Key Points

Month March 2025

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Courtesy – India Today group

Historical Overview
• Ancient Civilization: Syria has a rich historical heritage dating back to ancient Mesopotamian
civilizations.
• Independence: Gained independence from France in 1946.
• Ba'ath Party Rule: Ba'ath Party took control in 1963, with Hafez al-Assad ruling from 1971 to
2000, succeeded by Bashar al-Assad.

Syrian Civil War

• Start: Civil unrest began in 2011 as part of the Arab Spring.

• Conflict Escalation: Protest movements turned into a prolonged civil war involving multiple
factions and international players.
• Humanitarian Crisis:
o Over 500,000 deaths.
o Millions of displaced Syrians internally and externally.
o Largest displacement crisis since World War II.

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Quick Bits-
Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin hold call as U.S. seeks Russian sign-off on plan to end Ukraine war
RBI and Bank of Mauritius sign pact on use of local currencies for bilateral transactions
Alphabet to buy cybersecurity startup Wiz for $32 billion
Violence erupts in Nagpur over burning of religious book.
IOC agrees to include boxing in 2024 Olympics.

EC To Hear Please For Booth Election Commission of India (ECI): An

Overview
Wise Turnout. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is
The Supreme Court on Tuesday (March 18, 2025) an autonomous constitutional authority
asked the Election Commission of India (ECI) to responsible for administering elections in India.
meet with petitioners, Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra • Established: January 25, 1950
and representatives of NGO Association for
Democratic Reform, and hear their demand to upload • Constitutional Provision: Article 324
on its official website authenticated, scanned and of the Indian Constitution
legible account of votes recorded booth wise after
• Functions:
each phase of polling.
Case Summary: Supreme Court's Directive on o Conduct elections for the
Voter Turnout Data Parliament, State Legislatures,
Background and the offices of the President
• On March 18, 2025, the Supreme Court of
and Vice-President of India.
India directed the Election Commission of
India (ECI) to meet with: o Monitor and ensure free and
fair elections.
o Petitioners: Lok Sabha MP Mahua
Moitra and the NGO Association o Implement the Model Code of
for Democratic Reforms (ADR). Conduct during elections.
o Demand: Upload authenticated,
scanned, and legible accounts of
votes recorded booth-wise after each
phase of polling on the ECI’s official
website.

2. Supreme Court's Directive

• Bench: Headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna.

• Timeline: Directed the petitioners to make their representation before the ECI within the next 10
days.
• ECI's Response: Represented by Senior Advocate Maninder Singh, ECI agreed to grant the
petitioners a hearing to resolve the issue.

. Key Points Raised by the Petitioners

Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR):
o Advocated for the upload of scanned copies of Form 17C (account of votes recorded) from
all polling stations after each phase of polling.
o Legal Basis:
▪ Rule 49S and Rule 56C(2) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 mandate the
Presiding Officer to prepare an account of votes recorded in Form 17C (Part I).
o Concerns:

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▪ Delay in publishing voter turnout details.
▪ Alleged discrepancies and sharp spikes in voter turnout data between initial and final
figures in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

4. ECI’s Previous Stand on Disclosure of Voter Turnout Data

• Affidavit (May 2024):

o ECI had taken an uncompromising stand against public disclosure of voter turnout data,
stating that:
▪ There was “no legal mandate” to provide voter turnout data to anyone except
electoral candidates or their polling agents.
o “Non-statutory” Initiative:
▪ ECI had been voluntarily disclosing voter turnout data through:
▪ Voter Turnout App
▪ ECI Website
▪ Press Releases
Concerns Raised by the Petitioners and Advocates
• Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi:

o Highlighted discrepancies between voter count at polling booths and published voter turnout
data.
o Suggested that ECI’s reluctance to release detailed voter turnout data might be to prevent a
“macro analysis” of the data.
• Advocate Prashant Bhushan (for ADR):
o Stressed that “citizens have a right to know” the detailed polling data.
o Drew a parallel to previous Supreme Court interventions ensuring the disclosure of
candidates’ criminal records.
7. Legal and Technical Aspects
• Form 17C:

o Presiding Officers are required to prepare an account of votes recorded in Form 17C (Part
I).
o Petitioners demanded that these forms be scanned and uploaded on the ECI website for
public scrutiny.
• ECI’s Defence:
o Argued that statutory provisions mandate sharing Form 17C only with candidates and their
agents.
o Disclosed voter turnout data in 2014 through a non-statutory initiative accompanied by
disclaimers.

Mudumal’s On Tentative Lists Of UNESCO Heritage Sites.

Six sites, including the Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in Telangana and the palace-fortresses of the Bundelas
in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, have been added to India's tentative list by UNESCO's World
Heritage Centre.
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Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, informed the Lok Sabha on Monday
that the other sites added to the list are Kanger Valley National Park in Chhattisgarh, Ashokan Edict Sites
along the Mauryan Routes (multiple states), Chausath Yogini temples (multiple states), and Gupta temples in
North India (multiple states).
Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in Telangana: Key Points
Location:
• Near the banks of the Krishna River, ~4 km southwest of Mudumal village, Narayanpet district,
Telangana.

Historical Significance:
• Over 3,500 years old, belonging to the Megalithic
period. Cultural and Spiritual Importance:
• Integrated into the local heritage
• Associated with funerary rites of an ancient and traditions.
community.
• Revered by the local population
Physical Features: as “Niluralla Thimmappa”
• Spans 89 acres with nearly 80 towering menhirs (Thimmappa of the Standing
(upright stones), each between 10 to 15 feet tall. Stones).
• Includes approximately 3,000 alignment stones • One particular menhir is
placed in rows with a 20-25 feet gap between worshipped as Goddess
them. Yellamma, indicating ongoing
spiritual significance.
Celestial Alignment:
• Menhirs are carefully positioned to align with
celestial events, highlighting advanced
astronomical knowledge of the time.

Broader Context:
• Part of a larger megalithic landscape that includes:

o Burial sites
o Stone circles
o Inscribed rocks

Preservation and Heritage:

• Considered a significant remnant of South Asia’s megalithic tradition.

• Reflects ancient cultural practices and beliefs passed down through generations.

SC To Consider If Lokpal Has Power Over Judges.

A Bench of the Supreme Court’s senior-most judges headed by Justice B.R. Gavai on Tuesday (March 18,
2025) decided to examine in detail if judges of constitutional courts come within the jurisdiction of the
country’s top ombudsman, Lokpal, like public functionaries including the Prime Minister, Union Ministers,
Members of Parliament and Central government officials.
Supreme Court vs Lokpal Jurisdiction over
Judges: Key Points 1991 K. Veeraswami Case Judgment:
Supreme Court’s Stand (March 18, • Judges of High Courts and Supreme Court 2025):
• Bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai were classified as “public servants” under to
examine if constitutional court the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1947. judges
fall under Lokpal’s jurisdiction.
• FIR against a judge can only be registered
• Suo motu case initiated after after consultation with the CJI.
Lokpal’s January 27 order
• If the CJI permits the FIR, consultation
Month with the CJI
March is again required for sanction
2025
to prosecute.
 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
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assumed jurisdiction to investigate High Court judges.
• February 20, 2025: Supreme Court stayed Lokpal’s order, calling it “very disturbing” and a threat
to judicial independence.

Issue in Question:
• Whether judges of High Courts and the Supreme Court are considered “public servants” under
Section 14 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
• Can an FIR be registered against a judge without prior consultation with the Chief Justice of India
(CJI)?

Removal of Judges:
• Judges can be removed through parliamentary process under the Judges (Inquiry Act), 1968 for:

o Proved misbehavior or incapacity.

o Requires special majority in both Houses of Parliament.

Supreme Court’s In-House Procedure:

• Mechanism evolved to enquire into serious allegations against judges internally.

Lokpal’s January 27 Order:

• Lokpal assumed jurisdiction over High Court judges under Clause (f) of Section 14(1) of the Lokpal
and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
• Lokpal interpreted “any person” in the clause to include judges.
• Concluded that the 2013 Act does not explicitly exclude judges.
• The order was forwarded to the CJI for consultation before initiating an enquiry.

Facts about Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013

Introduction:
• Enacted to establish a system to address corruption complaints against public functionaries.

• Came into effect on January 16, 2014.

Composition:
• Lokpal is a multi-member body comprising:

o One Chairperson (current: Gyanesh Kumar, since February 2025).

o Up to 8 members, with 50% from judicial background.

Jurisdiction:
• Covers Prime Minister, Union Ministers, MPs, and Central government officials.

• Also includes bodies wholly or partly funded by the Central Government.

Powers and Functions:

• Investigates corruption allegations and can order preliminary and full investigations.

• Refers cases to CBI or other investigation agencies when required.

Exceptions:
• Prime Minister is excluded from Lokpal’s jurisdiction regarding:

o National security and foreign relations.

o Policy decisions.
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Lokayuktas:
• State-level counterparts of Lokpal, established in all Indian states.

India On 24th Spot On Free Speech Survey.

A new global survey by The Future of Free Speech, an independent U.S.-based think tank, has ranked India
24th out of the 33 countries surveyed on the question of support for free speech. Its report, titled ‘Who in the
World Supports Free Speech?’ states that “while abstract support for free speech remains strong,
commitment to protecting controversial speech is eroding in many parts of the world.”
Global Survey on Free Speech (October 2024): Key Findings
Survey Overview:
• Conducted by The Future of Free Speech (U.S.-based think tank).

• Report titled ‘Who in the World Supports Free Speech?’

• 33 countries surveyed; India ranked 24th with a score of 62.6.

Global Trends:
• Decline in Support: Most countries saw a decline in support for free speech since 2021.

• Top Performers:
o Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0) ranked highest.
o Authoritarian-leaning nations like Hungary (85.5) and Venezuela (81.8) scored high,
suggesting a disconnect between public opinion and government restrictions.
• Improved Nations: Indonesia (56.8), Malaysia (55.4), and Pakistan (57.0) showed the most
improvement despite remaining low in rankings.

India’s Performance:
• Rank: 24th out of 33 countries surveyed, between South Africa (66.9) and Lebanon (61.8).

• Public Attitudes:
o Majority of Indians value free speech without government censorship.
o 37% of Indians believe the government should prevent criticism of policies — highest
percentage among surveyed countries.
o Comparatively, only 5% in the U.K. and 3% in Denmark supported such restrictions.

Disconnect in India:
• India, Hungary, and Venezuela show a disconnect between public support for free speech and actual
protection in practice.
• India demonstrates democratic backsliding, with lower respect for freedom of expression despite
high public support.

Perceived Progress in India:

• Indians and South Africans believed that their ability to speak freely improved in the past year.

• However, global observers and rankings suggest that free speech in India has actually worsened.

Quote by Jacob Mchangama:

• “Free speech is more than a legal right — it depends on a culture of open debate and tolerance for
dissent. Without public commitment to free speech, even the strongest legal protections may become
mere paper guarantees.”

• Important Cases Related to Freedom of Speech and Expression in India

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Case Name Year Key Issue/Outcome
Recognized freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a),
Romesh Thapar v. State of Madras 1950
struck down ban on publication.
Pre-censorship of publications declared
Brij Bhushan v. State of Delhi 1950
unconstitutional.
Government restrictions on newspaper pricing and
Sakal Papers Ltd. v. Union of India 1962
page limits declared invalid.
Bennett Coleman & Co. v. Union of Restrictions on newsprint struck down; emphasized
1973
India freedom of the press.
Expanded scope of personal liberty to include free
Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India 1978
speech under Article 21.
Indian Express Newspapers v. Highlighted the importance of the press and stressed
1985
Union of India that restrictions must be reasonable.
Upheld filmmakers’ right to express dissenting views
S. Rangarajan v. P. Jagjivan Ram 1989
through cinema.
Union of India v. Association for Recognized the right to know as part of free speech,
2002
Democratic Reforms directed candidate disclosures.
Struck down Section 66A of IT Act for being vague
Shreya Singhal v. Union of India 2015
and unconstitutional.
Recognized internet access as part of free speech,
Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India 2020
addressed internet shutdowns.
Clarified that fundamental rights can be enforced
Kaushal Kishor v. State of UP 2023
against non-state actors.

Quick Bits –
India's Vodafone Idea explores partnership with Musk's Starlink
Cabinet approves ₹1,500 crore to incentivise low-value UPI transactions
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams return to Earth after nine months in space
Judge blocks Trump administration from terminating $14 billion in 'green bank' grants
LIC in talks with RBI to introduce 50-year and 100-year bonds

Clashes In Manipur And SC.

Justice BR Gavai, along with Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath,
MM Sundresh, KV Viswanathan, and N Kotiswar Singh, will visit Extension of Justice Gita Mittal-led
the relief camps on March 22 as part of the Manipur High Court's Panel's Tenure
duodecennial celebrations. The Supreme Court extended the tenure
Summary of Recent Developments on Manipur Violence: of the court-appointed committee till
1. SC Judges' Visit to Manipur July 31, 2025.
• Six Supreme Court (SC) judges, led by Justice B.R. The panel was formed to address gender
Gavai, decided to visit Manipur to assess the situation. violence during the Manipur sectarian
conflict.
Background on the Manipur Conflict: • Committee Members:
1. Ethnic Tensions
Justice Gita Mittal (Former Chief
• Ongoing ethnic conflict between the Meitei (majority in
Justice, J&K High Court)
Imphal Valley) and Kuki-Zomi tribes (dominant in the
Justice Shalini Phansalkar Joshi
hill areas). (Retired Judge, Bombay High Court)
• The violence erupted in May 2023, triggered by: Justice Asha Menon (Former Judge,
Delhi High Court)

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o Protests by Kuki tribes against the Manipur High Court’s recommendation to grant
Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community.
o Perceived threat to the tribal identity and land rights of the Kuki-Zomi community.
On February 13, four days after Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation, the Union government
announced that President’s rule has been implemented in the violence-hit State.

Cabinet Approves Insentives For UPI Payment To Banks.

Nature of Violence
• Widespread sectarian violence involving:

o Arson, sexual violence, and displacement of thousands.

o Over 200 lives lost and 50,000+ people displaced.
o Reports of heinous crimes including mob violence and attacks on women.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Rs 1,500-crore incentive scheme to promote BHIM-UPI
transactions below Rs 2,000 for financial year 2024-25.
2. Incentive Structure
• 0.15% incentive per transaction (for amounts up to ₹2,000).

• 80% of the admitted claim by acquiring banks will be disbursed unconditionally.

• 10% additional incentive if technical decline rate is below 0.75%.
• Final 10% incentive if system uptime is greater
than 99.5%. Objectives of the Scheme
• Promote indigenous BHIM-
4. Expert Opinion
• Ramakrishnan Ramamurthy (Worldline India) UPI platform.
highlighted the high cost of setting up payment • Achieve 20,000 crore
infrastructure in smaller towns. transactions in FY 2024-25.
• The incentive will boost digital payments and • Expand UPI adoption in Tier
reduce reliance on cash by making payment 3-6 cities, rural, and remote
systems more affordable. areas.
Background: UPI & Digital Payments in India • Encourage feature phone-
1. What is UPI? based (UPI 123PAY) and
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a real-time offline (UPI Lite/LiteX)
payment system launched by NPCI in 2016. payment solutions.
• Allows instant fund transfers between bank • Improve cash flow, security,
accounts using mobile apps. and digital credit access for
• Major UPI apps: BHIM, Google Pay, PhonePe, small merchants.
Paytm, etc.
2. Growth of Digital Payments in India
• Digital payments grew rapidly with Demonetization (2016) and COVID-19 pandemic.

• UPI transactions surpassed ₹17 lakh crore monthly by early 2024.

• India is the global leader in digital transactions, surpassing China and the USA.
3. Government’s Role
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• Zero MDR policy (No merchant fees on UPI) to promote adoption.
• Expansion of UPI Lite & UPI 123PAY to enable payments for users without smartphones or
internet.
• Collaboration with countries like Singapore & UAE for cross-border UPI transactions.
The new ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme aligns with India's vision to become a cashless economy and
strengthen digital financial inclusion.
India AI mission and Gates foundation to sign pact on AI.
The Union government’s IndiaAI Mission will soon sign a memorandum of understanding with the Gates
Foundation to cooperate on “AI solutions for better crops, stronger healthcare, smarter education & climate
resilience,” Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said on X on
Wednesday (March 19, 2025).
Summary: IndiaAI Mission & Gates Foundation Collaboration
1. MoU Between IndiaAI Mission & Gates Foundation
• IndiaAI Mission to sign a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Gates Foundation.
Gates Foundation
• Focus on AI-driven solutions in: Founded in 2000 by Bill & Melinda
Gates.
o Agriculture (Better crop yields) Works globally in health, education,
agriculture, and poverty alleviation.
o Healthcare (Stronger medical systems) In India, it focuses on:
o Education (Smarter learning methods) • Public health initiatives (e.g.,
polio eradication, maternal
o Climate resilience (Predictive climate measures) health)
• Announcement made by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on • Agricultural innovation for
March 19, 2025. small farmers
• Tech-driven education &
2. Bill Gates' India Visit & Engagements climate resilience
• Met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister
Vaishnaw.
• Discussed AI’s role in rural development, healthcare,
and agriculture.
• Highlighted AI-powered farming techniques in Odisha that help farmers:
o Predict weather patterns
o Choose optimal crops
o Reduce disease risks
3. IndiaAI Mission’s Recent Initiatives
• Promotes AI development, research, and usage across sectors.

• Providing computing infrastructure (e.g., shared GPU resources) to startups and researchers.

Background: IndiaAI Mission & Gates Foundation

1. IndiaAI Mission
• Launched by the Indian government to boost AI research & innovation.

• Focus areas include:

o AI computing infrastructure
o AI talent development
Month March 2025
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o AI applications in governance, healthcare, education, and agriculture
• Supports startups and researchers with AI resources like high-performance computing (HPC)
systems.

Unlawful Regulation": Elon Musk's X Sues Centre, Alleges

Censorship
Social media giant 'X' (formerly Twitter), owned by US billionaire Elon Musk, has filed a lawsuit in the
Karnataka High Court against the Indian government, challenging what it calls unlawful content regulation
and arbitrary censorship.
X vs. Indian Government Over IT Act Interpretation Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India
1. Key Issue (2015)
• Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has • Landmark Supreme Court
filed a lawsuit in the Karnataka High Court case that struck down Section
against the Indian government. 66A of the IT Act, which was
• Challenge: The use of Section 79(3)(b) of the IT used to arrest individuals for
Act, which X claims enables unlawful content online speech.
regulation and arbitrary censorship. • Ruling on Content Blocking:
2. X’s Allegations Supreme Court ruled that
• Government bypassing due process: Using content can only be removed
Section 79(3)(b) to create a parallel content- through due process under
blocking mechanism instead of following the Section 69A, ensuring a legal
structured legal process under Section 69A. review.

• Violation of Supreme Court ruling (Shreya

Singhal case, 2015): The case established that
content can only be blocked through judicial or legal procedures.
• Risk to free speech: Arbitrary content takedowns without oversight could undermine online free
expression.
3. Government’s Stand
• Ministry of I&B’s Interpretation of Section 79(3)(b):

o Platforms must remove illegal content when ordered by a court or government

notification.
o Failure to comply within 36 hours can lead to loss of safe harbor protection under Section
79(1), making platforms legally liable.
4. X’s Objection to Sahyog Portal
• Sahyog portal, launched by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), aims to
streamline takedown requests under Section 79(3)(b).

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• X refused to onboard an employee, calling it a "censorship tool" used to pressure platforms

Background: IT Act, Key Sections & Legal Cases

6th
1. Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 Ro
• Governs digital communication, cybersecurity, data protection, and online content
regulation in India.
un
d
2. Key Sections in Dispute
• Section 69A: Allows the government to block digital content for reasons like national Of
security, sovereignty, and public order. Re
o Governed by 2009 IT Blocking Rules, ensuring judicial oversight and due process. mi
• Section 79(3)(b): Mandates that online platforms must remove illegal content upon tta
court/government orders. nc
o If they fail, they lose safe harbor protection (which shields them from liability for e
user-generated content).
Su
rv
ey
.
The results of the sixth round of RBI’s India’s remittances survey covering 2023-24 released on Wednesday
shows that the share of advanced economies in India’s inward remittances has to surpass the share of Gulf
nations.

RBI Survey: Key Trends in India's Remittances (2023-24)

1. Shift in Migration Patterns
• More skilled Indian migrants are moving abroad, leading to a shift in remittance sources.
Month March 2025
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• Advanced economies (like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia) now contribute more to remittances
than Gulf nations.
2. Major Sources of Remittances (2023-24)
• Top countries:

o 🇺🇸 United States (27.7%) - Highest share, up from 22.9% in 2016-17.

o 🇦🇪 UAE (19.2%) - Dropped from 26.9% in 2016-17.

o UK, Singapore, Canada, and Australia - Together account for over 50% of remittances.
o GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nations - Contributed 37.9%, down from 46.7% in
2016-17.
3. Occupational Differences in Migration
• UAE & GCC nations: Majority of Indian migrants in blue-collar jobs (construction, hospitality,
healthcare).
• US & other advanced
economies: 78% of Indian : Remittances in India
migrants work in high-earning • Definition: Money sent by Indians abroad to
white-collar jobs (management, their families in India.
business, science, arts). • Significance: Supports economic growth,
4. Major Recipient States (2023-24) household income, foreign exchange reserves.
• Maharashtra (20.5%) - Now • Trend:
top recipient (overtaking
Kerala). o Earlier, remittances were GCC-
dominated due to labor migration.
• Kerala (previous leader,
o Now, advanced economies contribute
now 2nd place).
more, as skilled professionals move
• Tamil Nadu (10.4%) - abroad.
Increased share from 8% in
• Policy Impact:
2016-17.
o Government & RBI focus on digital
5. Global & Future Outlook
banking, fintech innovations to ease
• India’s share in global
remittance flows.
remittances:
o Reduced costs of sending money
o 2001: 11%
benefit migrants and recipients.
o 2024: 14%
o 2029 (Projection): $160
billion in remittances.
• Other major remittance-receiving countries: Mexico, China, Philippines, France, Pakistan,
Bangladesh.
6. Digitalization & Cost Reduction
• 73.5% of remittances in 2023-24 were received through digital modes.

• Lower remittance costs due to increasing digital transfers.

Quick Bits –
Several airlines operating aircraft in and around Amritsar report GPS interference: Government
Israel start operation to claim Netzarim Cooridor.
Parliament Budget Session: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha adjourned amid DMK protests over delimitation
Month March 2025
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North Korea warns Japan against deploying long-range missiles in Kyushu
RBI appoints Indranil Bhattacharyya as executive director
Fitch cuts global GDP growth forecast to 2.3% on U.S. trade war
Pursue centralization of Eklavya schools : House Panel.

30 Moist Killed in Encounter in Bastar.

At least 30 alleged Maoists were killed in two operations in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh on Thursday
Key Details:
• Casualties:

o 30 Maoists were killed in twin encounters in Bijapur and Kanker districts.

o Of the 30, 16 were women.
o 19 cadres identified so far, with a collective Government Response:
• The Indian government has
bounty exceeding ₹1 crore.
launched "Operation Green
• Locations and Forces Involved: Hunt" and several other anti-
Maoist operations to suppress
o Bijapur Encounter: the insurgency.
▪ 26 Maoists killed in Gangaloor by a • Efforts include:
joint team of District Reserve
Guards (DRG), CoBRA Deploying paramilitary forces and state
commandos, and CRPF. police.
Establishing security camps in remote
▪ 15 women were among the killed. areas.
Introducing development programs to
▪ Casualty: Constable Rajuram Oyam
address grievances in Maoist-affected
of DRG lost his life in this operation. regions.
o Kanker Encounter:
▪ 4 Maoists, including 1 woman, killed
in Chhote Bethiya by DRG and BSF
forces.
• Top Maoists Killed:
o Lokesh: Commander of PLGA Company 5, bounty of ₹8 lakh, killed in Kanker.
o Sito Kadti: Divisional Committee Member, bounty of ₹8 lakh.
o 17 others were area committee members, with bounties of ₹5 lakh each.
• Arsenal Seized:
o A powerful cache of weapons, including:
▪ Sniper rifle, AK-47, rocket launchers, grenade launchers, Insas rifles, and IEDs.
• Significance:
o A major blow to the West Bastar Division Committee, which has been responsible for
multiple attacks over the years.
o According to Bijapur SP Jitendra Yadav, Maoist influence is diminishing due to relentless
operations, establishment of security camps, and extension of welfare schemes in remote
areas.

Background of Maoism in India:

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Origins and Ideology:
• Maoism in India emerged in the
1960s, inspired by the ideology of
Mao Zedong of China,
advocating for armed revolution to
overthrow the state and establish a
communist regime.
• The movement began with the
Naxalbari uprising in 1967, led by
Charu Majumdar and Kanu
Sanyal in West Bengal.
• Over time, Maoists (also known as
Naxalites) spread their influence
across central and eastern India, forming the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) and
operating under the banner of the CPI (Maoist).
Regions Affected:
• Maoist influence is strongest in the "Red Corridor", which includes parts of Chhattisgarh,
Jharkhand, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
Objective and Tactics:
• Maoists aim to create a "people's government" through armed rebellion.

• They rely on guerrilla warfare, IED attacks, and ambushes targeting security forces, government
infrastructure, and local officials.
Current Scenario:
• Maoist influence has been declining due to continuous security operations and developmental
initiatives.

Andra Pradesh to Sub Categorize ST’s based on 2011 Census.

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Thursday approved the report of the One-Man Commission on
Sub-Classification of Scheduled Castes headed by Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, a retired IAS officer.
Summary of SC Sub-Categorisation Approval in Andhra Pradesh:
Key Details:
• Approval of Sub-Categorisation:

o Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly approved the One-Man Commission report on SC

sub-classification, led by Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, a retired IAS officer.
o The decision fulfills a 30-year-long demand for equitable distribution of benefits among SC
sub-groups.
• Government Commitment:
o Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reaffirmed the government's commitment,
highlighting that the move ensures fair representation and development of historically
marginalised groups.
o Implementation:
▪ Based on the 2011 Census, sub-classification will be implemented statewide
initially.
▪ From 2026, the classification will be applied at the district level.

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• Categories and Reservation:
o The Commission divided SCs into three groups:
▪ Group 1: Most backward sub-castes (Relli sub-group, 12 castes, 2.25%
population) – 1% reservation.
▪ Group 2: Backward sub-castes (Madiga sub-group, 18 castes, 41.56% population)
– 6.5% reservation.
▪ Group 3: Comparatively less backward sub-castes (Mala sub-group, 29 castes,
53.97% population) – 7.5% reservation.
o New Roster System:
▪ For 100 government jobs, 8 positions for Mala, 6 for Madiga, and 1 for Relli sub-
group.
• Historical Context:
o 1996: Justice Ramachandra Rao Commission recommended sub-categorisation.
o 1997: Implementation of the recommendations.
o 1999: Approved by President K.R. Narayanan.
o 2004: Supreme Court ruled that only Parliament could decide on sub-classification.
o 2023: Supreme Court upheld sub-categorisation, paving the way for its implementation.
• Criticism of YSRCP:
o Mr. Naidu criticised the previous YSRCP government for neglecting the most backward SC
sub-castes.
o Highlighted that the NDA government allocated ₹804 crore, including a ₹240 crore grant for
SC welfare.

Background of SC Sub-Categorisation in India:

Concept and Objective:
• Sub-Categorisation of Scheduled Castes (SCs):

o Aims to ensure equitable distribution of reservation benefits among SC sub-groups.

o Recognizes that some SC communities remain more marginalised despite reservation
policies.
Judicial History and Legal Framework: Significance of Sub-Categorisation:
1. Indira Sawhney Case (1992): • Ensures that marginalised
o Established the concept of sub- sub-groups within the SC
categorisation within backward classes but community receive a fair share
excluded SCs and STs from this of reservations.
classification. • Prevents the domination of
2. E.V. Chinnaiah Case (2004): benefits by relatively better-off
SC groups, promoting social
o Supreme Court ruled that only Parliament justice and inclusive growth.
had the authority to classify and sub-
categorise SCs.
3. State of Punjab v. Davinder Singh (2020):
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o The Court ruled that States can sub-classify SCs, allowing for equitable distribution of
benefits.
4. Jarnail Singh Case (2018):
o Allowed exclusion of "creamy layer" from SC/ST categories, focusing on providing
benefits to the most marginalised.
5. August 2023 Ruling:
o The Supreme Court upheld the validity of SC sub-categorisation, giving States the power to
ensure equitable distribution.

Defence Procurement Approved By Defence Acquisition Council

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday (March 20, 2025) approved guidelines to shorten the
timelines of the defence procurement process along with preliminary approvals for procurement proposals
worth ₹54,000 crore, a day after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) gave final approval for the
procurement of 307 indigenously designed and developed artillery guns at a cost of ₹7,000 crore.
Summary of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) Approvals – March 20, 2025:

Key Decisions:
Procurement Guidelines Reform:
• DAC approved new guidelines aimed at reducing procurement timelines by 10-15%.

• Part of the ‘Year of Reforms 2025’ initiative by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
• The guidelines will shorten various stages of the capital acquisition process by cutting a few weeks
off through data-driven improvements.

Procurement Approvals Worth ₹54,000 Crore:

• DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for
eight proposals totaling over ₹54,000 crore.
• Key procurements include:
o T-90 Tank Upgrades: Procurement of
1350 HP engines to replace 1000 HP Impact of ATAGS Procurement:
engines, enhancing mobility, especially in • Reduced Foreign
high-altitude regions. Dependency:

o Airborne Early Warning & Control Key subsystems such as navigation

(AEW&C) Systems: Approval for the systems, muzzle velocity radar, and
next set of three Netra AEW&C systems sensors are indigenously sourced.
Strengthens India’s defence industry
for the Indian Air Force.
and reduces reliance on foreign
o Varunastra Torpedoes: Procurement of technology.
ship-launched anti-submarine • Employment Generation:
torpedoes developed by Naval Science Estimated to create around 20 lakh
and Technological Laboratory, enhancing man-days across multiple industries.
naval anti-submarine warfare capabilities. • Potential for Defence
Exports:
Indigenous Artillery Gun Procurement: Strengthens India’s export portfolio in
the defence sector.

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• The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed
Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), a 155mm, 52 calibre heavy artillery gun.
o Cost: ₹7,000 crore.
o Indigenisation: Over 65% of components sourced domestically, including critical
subsystems such as:
▪ Barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism, recoil system, and ammunition handling.
o Developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) of DRDO
in collaboration with Bharat Forge and Tata Group.
o Contract Split: Likely to be split 60:40 if Tata matches Bharat Forge’s price.

Background of India's Defence Procurement:

Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP):
• Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 is the current framework guiding India’s defence
procurement.
• Objective: To enhance self-reliance, promote indigenisation, and ensure timely acquisition of
defence equipment.

Stages of Defence Procurement:

1. Acceptance of Necessity (AoN):
Historical context -
o First step where the requirement and India was traditionally dependent on
feasibility of procurement are approved. imports from countries like Russia,
Israel, and the US.
2. Request for Proposal (RFP): Post 2016 Defence Policy
Reforms, India prioritised
o Issued to vendors outlining the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-
specifications and requirements. Reliant India) by promoting
3. Technical Evaluation: domestic manufacturing through
DRDO and private sector
o Bids undergo technical scrutiny to ensure participation.
compliance. • Major successes include:

4. Field Trials and Evaluation: o Tejas Light Combat

Aircraft (LCA)
o Equipment undergoes user trials to check
operational viability. o INS Vikrant (Aircraft
Carrier)
5. Price Negotiation and Approval:
o Pinaka Rocket
o Commercial bids are evaluated, and the Systems
lowest bidder (L1) is selected.
o BrahMos Supersonic
o Contract negotiations follow with the Cruise Missile
chosen vendor.
6. Contract Signing and Delivery:
o Final contract is signed, and the delivery schedule is established.

Categories of Procurement:
• Buy (Indian – IDDM): Indigenous design and manufacture.

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• Buy (Indian): Procured from Indian vendors with at least 50% indigenous content.
• Buy and Make (Indian): Initial procurement from foreign vendors followed by indigenous
production.
• Make: Indigenous design, development, and manufacturing.

Sweden Pension fund to exclude BEL over Arms Sales.

The Ethics Council of Sweden’s AP Pension says BEL’s arms exports to the Myanmar military are “believed
to contribute to the latter’s ability to commit violence against the country’s civilian population”
Summary of AP Pension Fund’s Decision to Exclude Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL):
Reason for Exclusion:
• The Ethics Council of Sweden’s AP Pension Fund recommended the exclusion of Bharat
Electronics Limited (BEL) for selling weapon systems to Myanmar’s military junta.
• Systems Sold:
o Radar systems
o Air defence stations
o Radio systems
o Equipment for military ships
• These arms sales were made before and after the February 2021 military coup in Myanmar.

Ethics Council’s Concerns: Justice for Myanmar’s Response:

• BEL’s exports contribute to violence against Welcomed the divestment,
Myanmar’s civilian population, violating highlighting that:
o BEL knowingly sold
international humanitarian law.
weapons that would be used
• The Council made repeated attempts to engage against unarmed civilians. BEL
in dialogue, but the company did not respond.
o BEL is expected to follow
U.N. Guiding Principles on
AP Pension Fund’s Action: Business and Human
• Divested Holdings: Rights.
o In July 2024, the Pension Fund held over • Risk of Liability: 359
million Swedish kroner (US$33.8
o Justice for Myanmar warned
million) in BEL but has since divested.
that failure to adhere to these
• The decision was influenced by concerns raised by principles exposes both BEL
Justice for Myanmar, an international advocacy and its personnel to criminal
group promoting democracy in Myanmar. and civil liability under
international law.
Background of the Myanmar Crisis:

Timeline of Events:
1. Democratic Transition and Coup (2011-2021):
o Myanmar began transitioning to democracy in 2011 after decades of military rule.

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o In the 2015 elections, Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) won a
landslide victory.
2. Military Coup – February 1, 2021:
International Response:
o The Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) staged • Sanctions and Criticism:
a coup alleging voter fraud in the 2020
elections (which NLD won again). The U.S., EU, and other nations have
imposed sanctions on Myanmar’s
o The coup triggered nationwide protests military leaders and arms suppliers.
and mass civil disobedience. • Human Rights Violations:

International bodies have accused the

Current Situation: junta of committing war crimes and
• Widespread Violence: The junta violently crimes against humanity.
suppressed protests, killing over 3,000 civilians
and detaining thousands.
• Armed Resistance:
o Ethnic Armed Organisations (EAOs) and pro-democracy groups have taken up arms against
the military.
o Myanmar remains in a state of civil war, with the junta struggling to establish complete
control.

Myanmar remains locked in a conflict between the junta, pro-democracy forces, and ethnic armed groups,
with no clear resolution in sight.

US Seeks deportation of Indian accused for Spreading Hamas

Propaganda.
An Indian man pursuing postdoctoral research in the U.S. was facing deportation after the authorities
determined that he was “spreading Hamas propaganda” and had ties with a “suspected terrorist” of the
group.
Summary of the Case of Dr. Badar Khan Suri:
Background: Reason for Detention and
• Name: Dr. Badar Khan Suri Deportation Order:
• Allegations by U.S. Authorities:
• Age: Around 41 years old
o Spreading Hamas propaganda and
• Origin: From Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
promoting antisemitism on social
• Education: media.

o Master’s and Ph.D. from Jamia Millia o Ties with a suspected senior
Islamia (JMI), New Delhi advisor of Hamas, a U.S.-
designated terrorist organization.
o Postdoctoral Fellow at Alwaleed Bin
Talal Center for Muslim-Christian • Official Statement:
Understanding at Georgetown
o Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant
University, Washington D.C.
Secretary, Department of Homeland
• Spouse: Mapheze Saleh, U.S. citizen of Security, stated that Dr. Suri’s
Palestinian origin, also did her Ph.D. from JMI. activities and presence in the U.S.
rendered him deportable as per a
• Family: The couple has three children. determination issued by the U.S.
Secretary of State on March 15,
2025.
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University Response:
• Georgetown University:

o Confirmed Dr. Suri was granted a valid visa to conduct postdoctoral research on
peacebuilding in Iraq and Afghanistan.
o Stated they were unaware of any illegal activity by Dr. Suri.
o Expressed support for free and open inquiry while
awaiting a fair legal process.
Background on the Caravan for
Peace for Gaza (2010):
Legal Action: • Purpose:
• Legal Representation:
o An initiative to express
o Led by Nermeen Arastu, associate professor at the solidarity with the people of
CUNY School of Law, New York. Gaza and highlight the
o Petition filed for Dr. Suri’s release at the U.S. humanitarian crisis.
District Court for the Eastern District of • Participants:
Virginia.
o Included scholars, activists, and
humanitarian workers.
Activism and Views:
• Palestinian Cause: • Permissions:

o Vocal about his support for the Palestinian cause, o Necessary permissions were
especially after the October 7, 2024, events. reportedly obtained for the
event.
o Met his wife during the ‘Caravan for Peace for
Gaza’ in 2010, which started in New Delhi and
crossed several countries before reaching Gaza.

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• - ManipurFive-member SC Judges delegation arrives in Manipur's Imphal
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• Trump pulls security clearances for Biden, Harris and Hillary Clinton
• George Foreman, heavyweight boxer and purveyor of grills, dies at 76
• India’s $23 billion PLI scheme to rival China factories to lapse after it disappoints

Trends in International Arms Transfers 2024: SIPRI

India Ranked Second-Largest Arms Importer Between 2020 and 2024, Says SIPRI Data.

Global Arms Trade

• Top 5 Arms Importers (35%): Ukraine, India, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan.
• Between 2020 and 2024, Ukraine became Largest Importer of Major Arms globally, with imports increasing nearly
100-fold compared to 2015-2019 period.
o Ukraine received 8.8% of Global Arms Imports during this time.
• In Asia and Oceania, 4 Countries—India, Pakistan, Japan and Australia—ranked among Top 10 Largest Arms
Importers in the world during 2020-2024.
• India was 2nd Largest Arms Importer, although its trade figures decreased by 9.3% between 2015-2019 and 2020-
2024.

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o Russia remained Largest Supplier of Arms to India, accounting for 36% of India's Arms Imports, a decline from
55% in 2015-2019 and 72% in 2010-2014.
o India emerged as Biggest Arms Export Destination for both Russia and France.

In terms of Global Arms Exports

• Top 5 Arms Exporters (72%): USA, France, Russia, China and Germany.
• U.S. increased its share to 43% of Global Arms Exports, while Russia’s share dropped by 64%, accounting for 7.8%
of Global Arms Exports.
o This placed Russia behind France, which became 2nd Largest Arms Exporter, with a 9.6% share.
o India received Largest Share of French Arms Exports (28%), almost double the share that went to All European
Countries Combined (15%).
• Russia delivered Major Arms to 33 Countries between 2020 and 2024, with 2/3rd of those shipments going to just 3
Countries: India (38%), China (17%) and Kazakhstan (11%).
• European Arms Imports grew by 155% between 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 periods as Continent Significantly
Rearmed itself.
• China accounted for 5.9% of Global Arms Exports in 2020–24.
o China dropped out of Top 10 Arms Importers List for the first time since 1990-94, reflecting its expanding
domestic industrial base.
o Pakistan’s Arms Imports grew by 61% from 2015-2019 to 2020-2024, with China accounting for 81% of
Pakistan's Arms Imports during 2020-2024, up from 74% in 2015-2019.

India’s Initiatives to Reduce Arms Imports

• Defence Budget (2024-25): Indian Government has allocated Rs 6.21 Lakh Crore for defence in 2024-25 Budget.
• Defence Production and Exports: India's Defence Production reached a record Rs 1.27 Lakh Crore in 2023-24,
marking a 174% increase since 2014-15.
o Top 3 Export Destinations for India’s Defence Products in same year were US, France, and Armenia.
• Positive Indigenization Lists: India has released 5 Positive Indigenization Lists which outline defence items that
are now restricted from import, ensuring that these products are manufactured within the country.
• Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020: Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 has shifted focus towards domestic
procurement, prioritizing Indian-made products over foreign purchases.
• Defence Industrial Corridors: To further boost the domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem, 2 Defence
Industrial Corridors have been established in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
• Private Sector and FDI Participation: Indian defence sector has seen an increase in private sector participation,
with 21% of total defence production now coming from private players.
o The sector also enjoys 74% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through the Automatic Route and 100% FDI
through the Government Route.
• Research and Innovation: iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) initiative is helping foster innovation by
supporting startups and MSMEs in developing cutting-edge military technologies.
• Future Defence Goals: India is targeting Rs 1.75 lakh crore in defence production by 2025, with an ambitious goal
of Rs 3 lakh crore by 2029.

TB Control Campaign
India's 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign Identifies Over 6.1 Lakh Cases, with 4.3 Lakh Diagnoses in 455 High-
Burden Districts. India continues to face the world’s largest TB epidemic.

Tuberculosis (TB)

• TB is caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis bacteria.

• Primarily affects the lungs, but can also impact the pleura, lymph nodes, intestines, spine, and brain.
• TB is a communicable, airborne disease that spreads through close contact with an infected person.
Month March 2025
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Drug-Resistant TB

• MDR-TB (Multidrug-Resistant TB): This strain does not respond to first-line drugs isoniazid and rifampicin and
requires second-line treatments, such as bedaquiline.
• XDR-TB (Extensively Drug-Resistant TB): A more severe form of TB that is resistant to most second-line drugs,
limiting treatment options.

Indian Initiatives To Tackle TB

• 100-Day TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: This new strategy focuses on the early identification of TB through innovative
methods such as door-to-door screenings using ultraportable hand-held X-ray units.
o Special emphasis is placed on high-risk populations, including diabetics, smokers, and individuals living with
HIV.
o Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs) are used to confirm positive X-ray results, enabling the detection of
both symptomatic and asymptomatic TB cases.
• BPaLM Regimen: Under the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), the Indian government introduced the
BPaLM Regimen for the treatment of MDR-TB.
o The regimen combines four drugs: Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, and Moxifloxacin.
o Pretomanid is a newly approved anti-TB drug that is licensed by the Central Drugs Standard Control
Organization (CDSCO).
• Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana: This initiative provides nutritional support to TB patients.
o In October 2024, the monthly financial assistance was increased from ₹500 to ₹1,000 to help improve patient
recovery.
• Ni-kshay Mitra Scheme: Initially, this scheme provided nutritional support exclusively to TB patients, but it has
since been expanded to include their family members as well.
• NI-KSHAY Portal: SA digital patient management system designed to track TB cases, monitor treatment progress,
and provide comprehensive patient support under NTEP.

Bills of Lading Bill, 2024

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Introduces Bills of Lading Bill, 2025.

Bills of Lading Bill, 2024

• Bill aims to replace Indian Bills of Lading Act 1856, a colonial-era statute that currently governs maritime shipping.
o Existing Law is Outdated, Consisting of Just 3 Sections and fails to meet needs of modern global trade and
shipping industry.
• Aim: To modernize and streamline legal framework governing shipping documents.
o To provide a comprehensive, up-to-date and user-friendly approach to maritime shipping.

Key Features

• Alignment with Global Standards: Bill updates India’s maritime shipping laws to align with international standards,
ensuring that India’s regulations remain competitive and relevant in global trade.
• Simplified Provisions: Language of the law is simplified, and provisions are reorganized for clearer understanding,
without altering underlying substance.
• Empowerment of Central Government: Bill grants Central Government the authority to issue directions for effective
implementation of the law.
• Transitional Provisions: A standard repeal and saving clause will be included to ensure a smooth transition from old
law to new framework.
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Alawite Community
Alawite Community in Syria Faces Escalating Violence in Coastal Cities Amid Reported 'Revenge Attacks' by New
Government.

Alawites

• Religious Background: Alawites are an Offshoot of Shi’ite Islam.

o Term Alawite itself derives from "Follower of Ali," referring to Ali ibn Abi Talib, Cousin and Son-In-Law of
Prophet Mohammad, who holds a central place in Shi’a Islam.
• Origins: Alawite Sect traces its origins back to 9th and 10th Centuries with teachings of Mohammad ibn Nusayr, a
religious figure in Iraq.
• Population: Alawites make up roughly 12% of Syria’s Population.
o They form 2nd Largest Religious Group in the country after Sunni Muslim.
• Beliefs and Practices: Alawite beliefs combine elements of Shi’ite Islam, Christianity and Ancient Iranian Religious
Practices.

India’s Wheat Production Estimated to Hit Record

High
India's Wheat Production for 2024-25 Estimated at Record 115.3 Million Metric Tonnes.

Wheat Production in India (2023-24)

• Area: Area under wheat cultivation in 2023-24 is recorded at 318.33 lakh hectares.
• Production: Wheat production is estimated at 113.92 million tonnes for the same period.
• Ranking: Wheat is the second-largest crop in India, following paddy, in terms of area coverage.
• Top Wheat-Producing States: Uttar Pradesh is leading wheat producer, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Punjab,
Haryana, Rajasthan.
• Major Export Destinations (2023-24): Primary destinations for Indian wheat exports include Nepal, Iraq, South
Korea, UAE, and Mongolia.

QuickByte – News in a Minute

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Supports Beekeepers with Bee Boxes and
Toolkits Under 'Honey Mission' to Boost Honey Production.
Honey Mission (2017): KVIC Initiative Promoting Beekeeping and Honey Production to Integrate
Apiculture with Agriculture.
Sweet Revolution: Promoting Apiculture to Boost High-Quality Honey Production and Bee-
Derived Products.
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC): Statutory Body Established Under KVIC 1956
Act, Operating Under Ministry of MSME.
India to Host World Para-Athletics Grand Prix at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
World Para-Athletics Grand Prix, Established in 2013, Is an Elite Annual Track and Field Series by
International Paralympic Committee's World Para Athletics.
China Joins U.S. and Russia in Deploying Advanced LPAR System with 5000+ km Range for
Month March 2025
 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
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Ballistic Missile Detection in Yunnan Province Near China-Myanmar Border.
Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala Receives Environmental Clearance for Phase II and III
Development.
6th Edition of India-Japan Joint Military Exercise 'Dharma Guardian' Concludes Successfully at
East Fuji Training Area in Japan.

CJI Inquire Into Justice Verma’s Case.

CJI Forms Three-Member Committee to Probe Allegations Against Justice Varma
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has constituted a three-member committee to investigate
allegations that a large amount of cash was discovered at the residence of Delhi High Court Judge, Justice
Yashwant Varma, during a recent fire. This move aims to ensure transparency and maintain the credibility of
the judiciary.
Key Points:
• Committee Members:

1. Punjab and Haryana Chief Justice Sheel Nagu

2. Himachal Pradesh Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia
3. Karnataka High Court Judge, Justice Anu Sivaraman
• Reason for Enquiry:
Allegations regarding the discovery of cash at Justice Varma’s home during a blaze prompted an
initial report from Delhi Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya, which led to the formation of this
committee.
• Judicial Work Halted:
Chief Justice Upadhyaya has been directed not to assign any judicial work to Justice Varma.
• Confidential Procedure:
o The probe is termed a “confidential enquiry for institutional credibility” under the CJI’s
supervision.
o Justice Varma will have the opportunity to present his defense before the committee.
• Outcome of Probe:
o If the allegations are substantiated, the CJI may advise Justice Varma to resign or seek
voluntary retirement.
o If Justice Varma refuses, the CJI will inform the President and Prime Minister, initiating the
removal process.
• Transparency Measures:
The enquiry report and Justice Varma’s response will be uploaded on the Supreme Court website for
public transparency.
• Transfer Proposal Controversy:
A proposal to transfer Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court was met with strong opposition
from the Allahabad High Court Bar Association.
.
Learn more about – Impeachment procedure of Judges in India , earlier Impeached Judges in
India , Act and Laws in India against corruption
Tu
rki
sh Court Order Arrest Of Edrogen’s Rival.
Month March 2025
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Turkish Court Arrests Istanbul Mayor and Erdogan Rival Ekrem Imamoglu
A Turkish court formally arrested Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key rival to President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan, on March 23, 2025, on corruption charges. His detention is widely seen as a political move to
sideline a major contender ahead of the 2028 presidential elections, sparking massive protests and raising
concerns about democracy in Turkey.
Key Points:
• Formal Arrest and Charges:

o Imamoglu was detained following a raid on his residence earlier in the week.
o He was formally arrested and jailed pending trial on corruption charges.
• Mass Protests and Political Fallout:
o His arrest triggered Turkey’s largest protests in over a decade.
o More than 340 people were arrested during the protests.
• Political Motivation Allegations:
o His imprisonment is widely seen as a move to eliminate him as a threat to Erdogan in the
2028 presidential elections.
o Government officials deny political motives and claim judicial independence.
• Support from Opposition and CHP Primary:
o Over 1.5 million members of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) participated in a
symbolic primary to endorse Imamoglu as their presidential candidate.
o “Solidarity boxes” were set up nationwide to gather public support.
• Criticism from Legal and International Bodies:
o Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas criticized the lack of confidentiality in the legal proceedings.
o The Council of Europe condemned the arrest and demanded Imamoglu’s immediate release.
• International Reaction and Analysis:
o Analysts suggest Erdogan is taking extreme measures to eliminate his biggest rival.
o The EU and U.S. appear uninterested in scrutinizing Turkey due to other global concerns.
• Other Legal Challenges and University Degree Revocation:
o Imamoglu was already appealing a 2022 conviction for insulting Turkey’s Supreme
Electoral Council.
o His university degree was nullified due to alleged irregularities, potentially disqualifying
him from running for president.
• Background:
o Imamoglu was elected Mayor of Istanbul in 2019, ending the 25-year dominance of
Erdogan’s party in the city.
o Erdogan’s party had previously pushed to void the 2019 municipal election results.

Learn More about – Turkish and Kurdish Forces rivalary , Border dispute around
Turkey , Pakistan and Turkeye nexus.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
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India Imposes Anti Dumping Duties On Chinies Goods.
India Imposes Anti-Dumping Duty on Five Chinese Goods to Protect Domestic Industry
India has imposed anti-dumping duties on five Chinese products, including vacuum flasks and aluminium
foil, to safeguard domestic manufacturers from cheap imports. These duties, recommended by the
Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), aim to ensure fair competition and prevent harm to local
industries.
Key Points:
• Products and Duties Imposed:

1. Soft Ferrite Cores: Up to 35% duty on CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value.
2. Vacuum Insulated Flask: USD 1,732 per tonne anti-dumping duty.
3. Aluminium Foil: Provisional duty of up to USD 873 per tonne for six months.
4. Trichloro Isocyanuric Acid: Duty between USD 276 to USD 986 per tonne on imports
from China and Japan.
5. Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Paste Resin: Duty ranging from USD 89 to USD 707 per tonne
on imports from China, Korea RP, Malaysia, Norway, Taiwan, and Thailand.
• Duration of Duties:
o Duties on Soft Ferrite Cores, vacuum flasks, and Trichloro Isocyanuric Acid will be levied
for five years.
o Aluminium foil will have a provisional duty for six months.
• Purpose of Anti-Dumping Duties:
o Protect domestic industries from injury due to cheap imports.
o Ensure fair trading practices and create a level-playing field for local producers.
• Anti-Dumping Process:
o Anti-dumping investigations are conducted to assess the impact of low-priced imports.
o Duties are imposed under the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework to prevent
unfair trade practices.
• India-China Trade Relations:
o China is India’s second-largest trading partner.
o India has expressed concerns over the widening trade deficit with China, which stood at
USD 85 billion in 2023-24.
• Previous Measures:
o India has imposed anti-dumping duties on several products earlier to counter cheap imports
from China and other countries.

Learn More about – Trade war Between USA and China , FTA and India ,
India China Trade Deficit issue.

Sangeet Kalanadhi Award For Music Academy.

Violinist R K Shriramkumar Awarded Sangita Kalanidhi for 2025 by Music Academy
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Renowned violinist R K Shriramkumar has been awarded the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi for 2025 by the
Music Academy, while Carnatic singer Shyamala Venkateswaran and senior tavil artist Thanjavur R
Govindarajan received the Sangita Kala Acharya award. The Academy also honoured distinguished figures
in allied performing arts and research.
Key Points:
• Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2025:

o Awarded to R K Shriramkumar, a leading figure in Carnatic music.

o He belongs to the Rudrapatnam lineage and trained under R K Venkatarama Sastry and
Sangita Kalanidhi D K Jayaraman.
o Accompanied legends like Semmangudi R Srinivasa Iyer, T Brinda, M S Subbulakshmi, and
D K Pattammal.
o Recognised for his expertise in the Sangita Sampradaya Pradarsini of Subbarama
Dikshitar.
o His selection coincides with the 250th birth anniversary of Muthuswami Dikshitar in
2025.
• Sangita Kala Acharya Award:
o Shyamala Venkateswaran: Former A-Top graded artist at All India Radio and mentor for
young talent.
o Thanjavur R Govindarajan: Senior-most tavil artist with a career spanning 60 years in
Nagaswaram-Tavil ensembles.
• TTK and Musicologist Awards:
o Madambi Subramania Namboothiri: Noted authority in Kathakali music and former
faculty at Kerala Kalamandalam.
o J T Jeyaraaj Krishnan and Jaysri Jeyaraaj Krishnan: Renowned veena artists.
• Other Recognitions:
o The Music Academy also confers the Nritya Kalanidhi Award to recognise excellence in
allied performing arts and research.
Learn more about – Sahitya Academy awards in India, Cultural Awards in India.

Tavasya Frigate Launched.

Stealth Frigate 'Tavasya' Launched at Goa Shipyard, Strengthening India’s Naval Power
The last of the four follow-on Krivak-class stealth frigates, ‘Tavasya,’ was launched into the water on March
22, 2025, at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in the presence of Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth. This
marks a significant step toward India’s goal of self-reliance and advancing defence technology.
Key Points:
• Stealth Frigate Launch:

o Tavasya, the second frigate constructed at GSL under technology transfer from Russia, was
launched on March 22, 2025.
o Minister Sanjay Seth highlighted the frigate as a milestone in India’s defence ambitions.
o The first ship, Triput, was launched in July 2024 and is scheduled for delivery to the Navy in
2026, with Tavasya following six months later.
• Ship Specifications:

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o Length: 124.8 meters, Width: 15.2 meters, Draught: 4.5 meters.
o Displacement: Approximately 3,600 tonnes.
o Maximum Speed: 28 knots.
• India-Russia Agreement:
o In October 2016, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement for four follow-
on stealth frigates.
o Two frigates were directly imported, and two were manufactured by GSL with Russian
technology transfer.
o A $1-billion deal was signed for direct purchases, and a $500-million deal was signed with
Rosoboronexport in November 2018 for materials, design, and specialist assistance.
• Ships Built and Commissioned:
o Tushil: First of the two frigates manufactured in Russia, commissioned on December 9,
2024, at Kaliningrad, and reached its home port in Karwar on February 14, 2025.
o Tamal: Second Russian-built frigate, currently in advanced trials, expected to be
commissioned in June 2025.
• Indigenisation and Future Scope:
o Triput and Tavasya feature a high percentage of indigenous equipment, weapons, and
sensors, boosting local defence production and generating employment.
o Tamal will be the last warship commissioned outside India, as the country now designs and
constructs its own warships.
o Engines for all ships were supplied by Zorya-Mashproekt Corporation of Ukraine.

Naval Exercise Varun Held Between India And France.

VARUNA 2025 Strengthens India-France Naval Partnership in Indo-Pacific
The bilateral naval exercise VARUNA 2025, held from March 19 to 22, 2025, brought together the Indian
and French Navies to enhance tactical and operational proficiency across multiple domains. The exercise
aimed to strengthen maritime cooperation and promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Points:
• Scope and Objective:

o Focused on improving operational coordination and jointmanship between India and France.
o Reinforced commitment to a rules-based maritime order and addressing contemporary
security challenges.
• Advanced Air Defence Drills:
o Rafale-M of the French Navy and MiG-29K of the Indian Navy simulated realistic combat
scenarios.
o Enhanced the ability to jointly counter aerial threats.
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Exercises:
o Involved Indian submarines and anti-submarine frigates from both navies.
o Deepened understanding and proficiency in underwater domain awareness and tactics.

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• Surface Warfare Operations:
o Featured complex coordinated manoeuvres and simulated engagements.
o Demonstrated combined combat power and seamless integration of participating fleets.
• Replenishment At Sea (RAS):
o Fleet tankers from both countries conducted replenishment exercises.
o Proved logistical interoperability and mutual support for sustained operations.
• Strategic Significance:
o Higher degree of operational coordination achieved compared to previous editions.
o Facilitated exchange of best practices, strengthening operational doctrines.
o Since inception, VARUNA has been a cornerstone of India-France defence ties,
underscoring a shared commitment to maritime security and protecting global sea lanes.

Janpith Award Announced

Vinod Kumar Shukla Receives Jnanpith Award 2024, Calls It a Responsibility
Renowned poet-writer Vinod Kumar Shukla, aged 88, was awarded the 59th Jnanpith Award, India’s highest
literary honour. He expressed that the recognition brings a sense of responsibility and reflected on his long
literary journey.
Key Points:
• Award Announcement:

o Vinod Kumar Shukla, from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, was announced as the recipient of the
2024 Jnanpith Award.
o He is the first writer from Chhattisgarh to receive this honour.
• Shukla’s Reaction:
o He expressed that he had much to write but could only capture a fraction of his experiences.
o Acknowledged that the award gives him a greater sense of responsibility.
• Early Life and Background:
o Born in 1937 in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh.
o His literary journey began in 1971 with his first poetry collection Lagbhag Jaihind.
• Notable Works:
o Renowned for poetry collections like Kavita Se Lambi Kavita.
o Acclaimed novels include Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi and Naukar Ki Kameez
(adapted into a film).
• Other Recognitions:
o Recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award and several other literary honours.
• Reflection on Writing:
o Despite his desire to write more, he admitted that keeping pace with life at his age is
difficult.
Quick Bits –
Trump announces 25% tariff on countries buying Venezuelan oil
Month March 2025
 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)
Jairam Ramesh gives notice of privilege in Rajya Sabha against Kiren Rijiju for ‘misleading’ House
India Navy announces maiden India-African exercise, Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar
Iran says open to indirect nuclear talks with U.S.
100-day TB-Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: 2.85 lakh asymptomatic patients notified
SEBI to constitute committee to decide on conflict of interest of board members
Rupee recovers its 2025 losses; jumps 31 paise to close at 85.67 against U.S. dollar

Collegium Clears Judge’s Transfer.

In a major development, the Supreme Court Collegium on March 24, 2025, recommended the transfer of
Delhi High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, to the Allahabad High Court. This recommendation
comes amid allegations involving the discovery of “sacks of burnt currency” in a gutted storeroom on his
official residence premises on March 14. A three-member committee of judges is set to begin a deeper fact-
finding inquiry into the allegations soon.
Key Highlights:
Transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma
• Date of Transfer Recommendation: March 24, 2025.

• Reason for Transfer: Following allegations of burnt currency sacks found at his residence.
• Transfer Location: From Delhi High Court to Allahabad High Court.

Background of Allegations
• Incident Date: March 14, 2025.

• Nature of Allegations: Sacks of burnt currency found in a gutted storeroom on the premises of
Justice Varma’s official residence.
• Judicial Work Withdrawn: Justice Varma was relieved of judicial work at the request of the CJI.

Collegium Resolution and Inquiry

• Collegium Meetings: March 20 and March 24, 2025.

• Initial Enquiry Report: Submitted by Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya on March
21, endorsing the need for a deeper probe.
• Inquiry Committee Members:
o Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu.
o Himachal Pradesh Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia.
o Karnataka High Court Judge, Justice Anu Sivaraman.

Inquiry Details
• Nature of Probe: Deeper fact-finding inquiry into the incident.

• No Time Limit: Committee has no specific time frame and can devise its own procedure.
• Investigation Areas:
o Call details and internet protocol records.
o Background checks of security guards and High Court officials.
o Verification of video, photos, fire incident, and source of money.
o Statement of Justice Varma to be recorded.

About the Supreme Court Collegium

• Headed by: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna.
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• Purpose: Recommends appointments, transfers, and elevation of judges in higher judiciary.
• Members Involved in this Case: Two other senior judges (names not mentioned).
This transfer and inquiry aim to ensure transparency and maintain public trust in the judiciary.

Maharashtra Government Wants Comedian To Apologies For

Joke.
Kunal Kamra Apology Demand: The Maharashtra government demanded an apology from comedian
Kunal Kamra over a stand-up joke targeting Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, calling it a political ‘contract act.’
Vandalism and Demolition: Hours after Shiv Sena workers vandalized The Habitat studio in
Mumbai where Kamra performed, the BMC demolished an allegedly illegal structure outside the
studio.
Legal and Political Fallout: FIRs were filed, 12 Shiv Sena workers were arrested and released on
bail, and political leaders across parties debated the limits of free speech and expression.

Systematic Brief:
1. Government Action and Reaction
• Maharashtra government accused Kamra of defaming Eknath Shinde and called for his apology.

• CM Devendra Fadnavis criticized Kamra’s actions, stating that freedom of expression cannot
become “arbitrariness.”
• BMC demolished an allegedly illegal structure outside Habitat studio.
• FIR registered under Sections 353(1)(b), 353(2), and 356(2) of the BNS at MIDC Police Station.
2. Vandalism by Shiv Sena Workers
• 12 Shiv Sena members, including social media in-charge Rahool Kanal, vandalized the
Unicontinental Hotel in Khar where Kamra’s show was performed.
• All arrested workers were released on bail within hours.
• Shiv Sena leaders condemned Kamra’s joke as vulgar and demanded legal action.
3. Political Response
• Shiv Sena UBT and Uddhav Thackeray defended Kamra, arguing that calling a ‘gaddar’ (traitor) a
‘gaddar’ was not an insult.
• Congress and AAP criticized the government for failing to uphold law and order, emphasizing that
criticism is part of democracy.
• Congress leader Atul Londhe condemned the vandalism and stressed that violence undermines
democratic principles.
4. Habitat Studio Shutdown
• Habitat studio announced temporary closure citing threats to safety and vandalism.

• The management clarified that they only provide a platform for artists and do not endorse the views
of performers.
5. Kunal Kamra’s Stand
• Kamra refused to apologize and shared a photograph holding a copy of the Constitution on
Instagram.
• He criticized the government’s intolerance towards dissent and satire.

Background on Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression in India

• Constitutional Basis:
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o Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech and
expression.
o Reasonable Restrictions: Under Article 19(2), this right is subject to reasonable restrictions
for reasons like public order, defamation, and sovereignty of India.
Famous Cases on Freedom of Speech in India:
1. Romesh Thappar v. State of Madras (1950)
• One of the first landmark cases where the Supreme Court struck down a Madras government order
banning the circulation of a journal, establishing that freedom of speech is vital to democracy.
2. Bennett Coleman & Co. v. Union of India (1973)
• The court held that any action that restricts freedom of speech indirectly by controlling the press
violates Article 19(1)(a).
3. Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)
• The Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, stating it was unconstitutional for being
too broad and vague, and thus restricting free speech on the internet.
4. S. Rangarajan v. P. Jagjivan Ram (1989)
• The court reiterated that speech and expression can only be curtailed if it poses a direct and
imminent threat to public order.
5. K.A. Abbas v. Union of India (1970)
• The case highlighted that film censorship should balance artistic freedom with the state’s obligation
to prevent obscenity and hate speech.
The case of Kunal Kamra now joins the ongoing debate on the limits of freedom of speech and expression in
India.
10000 TB Samples Genome Sequencing Completed.
On World TB Day 2025 (March 24), Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the successful
completion of 10,000 genome sequences of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, marking a major milestone in
India’s fight against tuberculosis. This achievement under the Dare2eraD TB program (Data Driven
Research to Eradicate TB) is expected to revolutionize TB diagnosis, improve drug resistance prediction, and
help India achieve its target of eliminating TB five years ahead of WHO’s 2030 goal.
1. Genome Sequencing Milestone
• Completion of 10,000 Genome Sequences: The genome sequencing of 10,000 isolates of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is part of India’s ambitious goal to eradicate TB by 2025.
• Role of Dare2eraD TB Program: Launched on March 24, 2022, this initiative focuses on data-
driven research and aims to sequence 32,000 TB isolates to identify drug resistance mutations and
enhance treatment outcomes.
• Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance (InTGS) Consortium: Led by DBT, CSIR, ICMR,
and top clinical institutions, this initiative is aimed at using genomic data to predict drug resistance
and accelerate TB diagnosis.
2. Impact of Genome Sequencing on TB Diagnosis and Treatment
• Faster and Accurate Diagnosis: Genome sequencing reduces the time to identify drug resistance
and tailor treatments from weeks to mere hours or days.
• Precision Medicine: Enables personalized treatment regimens, minimizing the risk of treatment
failure or relapse.
3. Whole-of-Nation and Public Participation Approach
• Government Strategy: Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts
involving science, government, and public participation to ensure the success of TB eradication.

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• Community Engagement: He highlighted the need for raising awareness and involving
communities to tackle TB as a societal challenge.
4. Scientific Advancements and Global Leadership
• Phenotypic vs. Genomic Diagnostics: While traditional phenotypic tests and M. tuberculosis
cultures are still gold standards, genome sequencing provides more rapid and precise drug resistance
insights.
• Scaling Innovations: Dr. Singh called for embedding these technologies into real-world
implementation, stressing that socioeconomic disparities must not hinder their adoption.
5. Policy Implications and Future Goals
• TB Surveillance Strengthening: Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary DBT, emphasized that the genomic
data generated will be pivotal for strengthening India’s TB surveillance and diagnostic capabilities.
• Vision for TB-Free India: With India carrying a significant share of the global TB burden,
continued investment in research and innovation could help achieve a TB-free India by 2025.
6. Participation of Key Leaders
• Prominent officials such as Dr. N. Kalaiselvi (DG, CSIR), Dr. Rajiv Bahl (DG, ICMR), and Dr.
M. Srinivas (Director, AIIMS) participated in the summit and underscored the importance of
translational research in TB eradication.

Background on Tuberculosis (TB) and India’s Initiatives:

1. Understanding TB:
• Cause: Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily
affects the lungs but can also impact other organs.
• Global Burden: India accounts for 27% of the world’s TB cases, making it a major focus of global
eradication efforts.
• Challenges: High disease burden, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), stigma, and delayed diagnosis
have hindered progress in eliminating TB.

2. Government of India’s Key Initiatives:

National Strategic Plan (NSP) 2017-2025
• Aims to achieve a TB-free India by 2025, five years ahead of the WHO’s 2030 target.

• Focuses on four strategic pillars: Detect, Treat, Prevent, and Build (DTPB).

Dare2eraD TB Program (2022)

• Launched to leverage data-driven research to eradicate TB.

• Includes the InTGS Consortium to sequence 32,000 TB isolates and improve drug resistance
detection.

Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY)

• Provides ₹500/month to TB patients to ensure nutritional support during treatment.

TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

• Focuses on generating awareness, community participation, and mobilizing resources for TB
prevention and treatment.

AI-Powered Nikshay Ecosystem

• A technology-driven platform to monitor TB patients, ensuring real-time data collection and
monitoring of treatment outcomes.

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3. Landmark Achievements:
• Nikshay Mitra Initiative: Engages community volunteers to support TB patients.

• Expansion of Molecular Diagnostics: Widespread use of GeneXpert machines for rapid TB and
drug resistance detection.
• Universal DST (Drug Susceptibility Testing): Ensures all diagnosed TB patients receive
appropriate treatment.
The completion of 10,000 genome sequences signals a major step in India’s ongoing efforts to defeat TB and
improve public health outcomes by ensuring faster, more accurate, and personalized treatment options.

Maiden India – Africa Naval Exercise IOS Sagar.

In response to China’s growing influence in Africa, piracy threats, and disruptions by Houthi rebels, the
Indian Navy is strengthening maritime cooperation with African nations and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
through two major initiatives — Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) and Indian Ocean
Ship (IOS) Sagar.
Key Initiatives:
1. Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME)
• Multinational Exercise: To be held in mid-April 2025 at Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania with 10
African countries.
• Co-Hosts: Indian Navy and Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF).
• Participants: Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles,
South Africa, and Tanzania.
• Phases:
o Harbour Phase: Table-top and command post exercises on piracy, seamanship training, and
visit board search and seizure (VBSS).
o Sea Phase: Seamanship evolutions, Search and Rescue (SAR), VBSS, small arms firing, and
helicopter operations.
• Inauguration: By Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

2. Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar Initiative

• Deployment of INS Sunayna: From April 5 to May 8, 2025, with a combined Indian and 44-
member foreign crew.
• Countries Participating: Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique,
Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
• Port Calls: Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, and Male.
• Joint Surveillance: Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and
Seychelles.
• Training in Kochi: Two-week training for foreign personnel in wholeship activities and
watchkeeping.
• AIKEYME Observation: IOS Sagar participants will witness the Harbour Phase of AIKEYME.

Strategic Objectives:
• MAHASAGAR Initiative: Enhances security and cooperation in the IOR.

• Building Capacity: Joint training, surveillance, and information sharing.

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• Strengthening India’s Role: Reinforces India as a ‘Preferred Security Partner’ and ‘First
Responder’ in the region.

India-Africa Relations Overview:

1. Historical and Diplomatic Ties
• Deep Roots: Centuries-old trade and cultural ties.

• Political Solidarity: Support for African liberation and decolonization.

2. Economic and Trade Relations
• Growing Trade: India-Africa trade surpassed $100 billion in 2023.

• Investments: Focus on energy, agriculture, IT, and pharmaceuticals.

• Lines of Credit: Over $12 billion for African development projects.
3. Maritime and Security Cooperation
• Anti-Piracy Operations: Ongoing efforts in the Gulf of Aden.

• Defense Partnerships: Training and capacity building.

• Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): Strengthened through patrols and information sharing.

Revision of Investment turnover criteria of MSME’s.

Introduction:
The Government of India has revised the investment and turnover criteria for classifying Micro, Small, and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), effective from April 1, 2025. The new limits aim to encourage growth and
expand the scope of MSMEs by increasing their eligibility thresholds.
Key Revisions:
1. Micro Enterprises
• Investment Limit: Increased from ₹1 crore to ₹2.5 crore.

• Turnover Limit: Increased from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore.

2. Small Enterprises
• Investment Limit: Increased from ₹10 crore to ₹25 crore.

• Turnover Limit: Increased from ₹50 crore to ₹100 crore.

3. Medium Enterprises
• Investment Limit: Increased from ₹50 crore to ₹125 crore.

• Turnover Limit: Increased from ₹250 crore to ₹500 crore.

Rationale Behind Changes:
• Budget Announcement: The changes align with the proposal made by Union Finance Minister
Nirmala Sitharaman during her budget speech.
• Growth and Expansion: The revised limits are expected to boost MSME growth by allowing larger
enterprises to benefit from MSME status.

ICRA Report On Investment Capital.

India’s private capital expenditure (capex) as a share of Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) has
dropped to a 10-year low of 33% in FY2024, as per a report by ICRA. While listed companies have
increased their capex, a decline in investments by unlisted entities has slowed overall private sector capital
investments.
Key Highlights:
1. Decline in Private Capex Share
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• Private capex fell to 33% of GFCF in FY2024, its lowest in a decade.
• Listed companies increased capex by 28% in FY2023 and 12% in FY2024.
• Unlisted entities scaled back investments, causing the overall slowdown.
2. GFCF and Its Growth Trend
• GFCF accounts for 30% of India’s nominal GDP and is the second-largest component after private
final consumption expenditure.
• GFCF grew at a 10% CAGR from FY2015 to FY2024, but slowed to 9% in FY2024, compared to
20% in FY2023.
3. Government and Household Contributions
• Government capex and household real estate investments supported GFCF growth.

• Private capex growth remained subdued despite increased cash flow post-Covid.
4. Sector-wise Capex Leaders
• Leading sectors in private investments: oil & gas, power, automobiles, iron & steel, and telecom.

• Post-Covid, improved corporate cash generation led to higher cash flow to capex ratio of 1.6 times
in FY2024, reducing corporate debt (gearing ratio fell to 0.9 times from 1.1 times in FY2014).
5. Importance of Private Capex Revival
• Unlisted entities account for a larger share of private capex, making their revival crucial to boosting
overall private investments.

Basics of Capital and Revenue Expenditure:

Capital Expenditure (Capex):
• Definition: Spending on acquiring, upgrading, and maintaining physical assets such as buildings,
machinery, equipment, and technology.
• Purpose: Long-term benefits, capacity enhancement, and growth.
• Examples: Infrastructure projects, machinery purchase, factory expansion.

Revenue Expenditure:
• Definition: Spending on day-to-day operations and maintenance that does not result in asset
creation.
• Purpose: Ensures smooth functioning and sustains current operations.
• Examples: Salaries, rent, raw material purchases, maintenance costs.

Quick Bits -
India, China discuss ‘early resumption’ of cross-border cooperation and exchanges at WMCC meeting
CBI hosts two-day workshop on compliance of Interpol notices
India-Singapore to jointly develop Green and Digital Shipping corridor
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta presents ₹1 lakh cr ‘historic budget’; women empowerment, infrastructure
key focus areas
Bangladesh awaits India's response to Muhammad Yunus-Narendra Modi meeting proposal
India wins two silver and two bronze in ITF Masters World Championship
On March 22, the probe made another attempt to get within 6 million km of the sun, considered a very
small distance to be from the star
India’s Flash PMI slips to 58.6 on slower service activity
SEBI to constitute committee to decide on conflict of interest of board members

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International Commission Of Jurists , GOI And Opposition In

Parliament Calls For Collegium Reforms
Judicial Reform Urged After Cash Discovery at Judge’s Residence
An international body of jurists, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), has recommended that the
Indian government and Parliament enact a law establishing a ‘Judicial Council’ to handle judicial
appointments and transfers using transparent and objective criteria. This recommendation follows the
discovery of half-burnt currency notes at the residence of Delhi High Court judge, Justice Yashwant
Varma, which has reignited debates on judicial accountability.
Key Points:
ICJ Recommendations:
• A ‘Judicial Council’ should oversee judicial appointments and transfers based on merit, competence,
and integrity.
• The council must comprise a majority of judges to maintain judicial independence.
• A statutory mechanism should be established to address complaints against judges, with outcomes
open to judicial review.

Criticism of Collegium System:

• Lack of transparency and objective criteria in appointments and transfers.

• Transfers often proceed on vague grounds such as ‘public interest’, making it hard to distinguish
between genuine transfers and punitive actions.
• The ‘in-house procedure’ for inquiring into misconduct lacks statutory backing and transparency.

Political Response:
• Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the urgency of
reconsidering the Collegium system.
• Both the government and the Opposition agree on the need for an alternative system.
• BJP President J.P. Nadda was tasked with consulting party leaders to explore possible solutions.
• Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge placed the onus on the government to clarify its
stance on the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC).

Judicial Transfers and Inquiries:

• Concerns raised about judicial transfers being used as covert punitive actions.

• The Supreme Court Collegium recommended the transfer of Justice Varma to the Allahabad High
Court amid the controversy.

Judicial Independence and Structural Weaknesses:

• ICJ highlighted that judicial independence in India is compromised by external influences and
ineffective self-governance mechanisms.
• The lack of a statutory process for inquiries against judges makes accountability difficult.

Background:
Collegium System:
• Introduced through judicial interpretations in the Second Judges Case (1993) and modified by the
Third Judges Case (1998).
• Consists of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and a group of senior judges who recommend
appointments and transfers in the higher judiciary.

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• Criticized for being opaque and lacking public accountability.

NJAC and Its Demise:

• The National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) was established through the 99th
Constitutional Amendment in 2014.
• It sought to replace the Collegium with a six-member body, including government representatives.
• The Supreme Court struck down NJAC in October 2015, citing concerns about judicial
independence and potential government influence.

Calls for Reform:

• Recent incidents, such as the cash recovery at Justice Varma’s residence, have heightened concerns
about judicial accountability.
• The political and judicial discourse has rekindled the need for a more transparent and credible
appointment system.

India China 33rd WMCC Meeting

India-China Border Talks Focus on LAC Situation, Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra Resumption
India and China, during the 33rd Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China
Border Affairs (WMCC) meeting in Beijing, reviewed the Line of Actual Control (LAC) situation and
explored measures to resume cross-border cooperation, including the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. This
meeting followed the Special Representatives’ engagement in December 2024 and is part of preparations for
the next meeting to be held in India later this year.

Key Points:
High-Level Engagements:
• Special Representatives NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met in December
2024 after PM Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping’s meeting in Kazan in October.
• The upcoming Special Representatives meeting will be held in India in 2025.

Border Situation and Diplomatic Mechanisms:

• Both sides comprehensively reviewed the situation along the LAC.

• Emphasis was placed on maintaining and strengthening existing diplomatic and military
mechanisms to ensure peace and tranquility.

Proposals for Cross-Border Cooperation:

• Measures were discussed to implement decisions from the 23rd Special Representatives’ meeting.

• Discussions included resuming cross-border exchanges related to trans-border rivers and the
Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra.

Resumption of Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra:

• The Yatra, paused since 2020 due to the pandemic and subsequent lack of renewal from China, is
expected to restart in 2025.
• Modalities for resumption are yet to be finalized, with in-principle agreements in place for restoring
direct flights.

Courtesy Calls and Delegation Leaders:

• Indian delegation led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia), Ministry of External Affairs.

• Chinese delegation led by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary & Oceanic Affairs
Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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• The Indian side also paid a courtesy call on Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei.

Background: India-China Border and Ongoing Issues

LAC Dispute:
• India and China share a 3,488 km-long unmarked boundary known as the Line of Actual Control
(LAC).
• The boundary is divided into three sectors:
o Western Sector: Ladakh region (Aksai Chin dispute).
o Middle Sector: Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
o Eastern Sector: Arunachal Pradesh (claimed by China as South Tibet).

Major Disputes:
1. Aksai Chin: Occupied by China since 1962, claimed by India as part of Ladakh.
2. Arunachal Pradesh: India controls the territory, but China claims it as part of its territory.
3. Doklam Plateau: 2017 standoff near the India-China-Bhutan trijunction.

Recent Tensions and Agreements:

• Galwan Valley Clash (June 2020): Deadliest clash in decades, resulting in casualties on both sides.

• Multiple rounds of disengagement at friction points in eastern Ladakh have been undertaken, though
tensions persist.
• India and China agreed on five-point disengagement principles in 2020, but progress has been
slow.

Challenges and Unresolved Issues:

• Border Infrastructure Development: Both nations are rapidly building infrastructure along the
LAC.
• Trust Deficit: Despite diplomatic and military talks, a lack of trust hampers long-term resolution.
• Continued Military Presence: Both sides have maintained a strong military presence in sensitive
areas.
The current dialogue aims to promote lasting peace and gradually restore normalcy along the disputed
boundary.

India – Singapore Digital LOI Port

India and Singapore Sign LoI for Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC)
India and Singapore signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to establish a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor
(GDSC) aimed at promoting digitalization and decarbonization in the maritime sector. The corridor will
encourage the adoption of low-emission technologies and enhance collaboration between the two nations.
Key Points:
Purpose of the GDSC:
• Focus on digitalization and decarbonization of the maritime sector.

• Accelerate the development and uptake of zero or near-zero GHG emission technologies.
• Promote adoption of digital solutions in the maritime industry.

Signatories and Witnesses:

• Signed by R Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW),
India, and Teo Eng Dinh, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
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• Witnessed by Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State of Sustainability and the Environment,
Singapore, and Sarbananda Sonowal, Indian Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.

Strengthening India-Singapore Relations:

• Sonowal emphasized that this initiative will strengthen the long-standing partnership and further
deepen India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Singapore Maritime Week Participation:

• Sonowal is on a three-day visit to Singapore for Singapore Maritime Week, attended by 20,000
delegates and exhibitors from around the world.

Next Steps:
• Both sides will collaborate on:

o Identifying relevant stakeholders.

o Formalizing the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the
Singapore-India GDSC.

Growing Stakeholder Engagement:

• Since 2022, the GDSC has expanded to include over 28 stakeholders from the maritime, energy,
and finance sectors.

Singapore’s Commitment to Maritime Innovation:

• Singapore reiterated its commitment to advance maritime digital innovation and decarbonization
through partnerships with like-minded countries.
This initiative is expected to create a sustainable and tech-driven future for maritime operations between
India and Singapore

SEBI On Easing FPI Disclosures.

SEBI Eases FPI Disclosures, Sets Up High-Level Review Committee
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved a proposal to double the threshold for
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) disclosures from ₹25,000 crore to ₹50,000 crore. The move aims to
enhance transparency while adapting to the rising trading volumes in Indian equity markets. Additionally,
SEBI has formed a high-level committee to review conflict of interest and disclosure norms.
Key Points:
Doubling FPI Disclosure Threshold:
• New threshold raised to ₹50,000 crore from the earlier limit of ₹25,000 crore.

• FPIs holding more than ₹50,000 crore in equity AUM will be required to make additional
disclosures.
• This change is driven by the doubling of trading volumes in cash equity markets between FY 2022-
23 and FY 2024-25.

Objective of the Change:

• To alter market dynamics without changing the concentration criteria.

• Ensures better transparency while reducing the compliance burden on smaller FPIs.

Review Committee for Conflict of Interest:

• SEBI has decided to set up a high-level committee to review:

o Conflict of interest.

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o Disclosure requirements related to property, investments, and liabilities of board members
and officials.
• The committee is expected to submit its recommendations within three months.
• Members will include distinguished experts from constitutional, statutory, public sector, private
sector, and academia backgrounds.

Motivation for Review:

• The review follows allegations of conflict of interest involving former SEBI Chairperson Madhabi
Puri Buch in the Hindenburg Research-Adani Group case.

Objective of the Review:

• To strengthen the framework for transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct of SEBI
members and officials.

Committee Member Disclosure:

• Names of the committee members will be disclosed in due course, as confirmed by SEBI
Chairperson Tuhin Kanta Pandey.

About SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India):

Established: 1988 (Statutory powers granted in 1992).
Headquarters: Mumbai, India.
Purpose:
• Regulates securities markets in India to protect investor interests.

• Ensures the development and smooth functioning of the capital market.

Key Functions:
• Regulate stock exchanges and securities markets.

• Oversee FPIs, mutual funds, and alternative investment funds (AIFs).

• Protect investor rights and prevent malpractices in the market.
• Develop and enforce rules to ensure market integrity.

Recent Concerns and Actions:

• Increased scrutiny after allegations of conflict of interest and market manipulation.

• Focus on enhancing governance standards and ensuring ethical conduct.

This latest initiative by SEBI is aimed at fostering greater transparency and maintaining high standards of
governance in India’s capital markets.

BHIM 3.0 Launched.

BHIM 3.0 Launch by PCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL)
PCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), a subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India
(NPCI), has launched BHIM 3.0, offering enhanced digital payment services. The latest version introduces
user-friendly features, expanded language support, and business tools to streamline payments and financial
management.

Key Features of BHIM 3.0:

For Users:
• Expanded Language Support: Now available in 15+ Indian languages, ensuring broader
accessibility.

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• Optimised for Low Internet Areas: Ensures seamless transactions in regions with weak or
unstable networks.
• Advanced Money Management Tools: Allows users to track, manage, and split expenses
efficiently.
• Split Expenses Feature: Enables easy division of bills among friends and family.
• Family Mode: Onboards family members, monitors shared expenses, and assigns payments for
better planning.
• Spends Analytics: Provides a categorized breakdown of monthly expenses with an intuitive
dashboard.
• Action Needed Task Assistant: Reminds users about pending bills, UPI Lite activation, and low
balance alerts.

For Merchants:
• BHIM Vega: A seamless in-app payment solution that integrates with online merchant platforms,
allowing customers to complete transactions without using third-party apps.

Nationwide Rollout:
• BHIM 3.0 will be launched in phases across platforms.

• Full availability is expected by April 2025, contributing to India’s vision of a cashless economy.

About BHIM and UPI

Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM):
• Launched: December 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• Purpose: Facilitate fast, secure, and seamless UPI-based payments.

• Developed by: NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India).
• Main Features: Peer-to-peer transfers, bill payments, merchant transactions, and financial inclusion.

Unified Payments Interface (UPI):

• Launched: April 2016 by NPCI.

• Function: Enables real-time money transfers between bank accounts through mobile devices.
• UPI Growth: Over 10 billion transactions monthly, becoming India’s preferred mode of digital
payment.
• International Adoption: UPI technology is now being adopted in various countries for cross-border
payments.

Russia Ukraine Agreed To End Military Action In Black Sea.

Russia and Ukraine Agree on Black Sea and Energy Strike Ceasefire
On March 25, 2025, Russia and Ukraine agreed to halt military strikes in the Black Sea and on energy
infrastructure after talks mediated by the United States in Riyadh. The agreement aims to ensure safe
navigation and reduce military escalation, though its success remains uncertain amid ongoing ground
fighting.

Key Points of the Agreement:

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Ceasefire Agreement:
• Black Sea Safety: Both nations agreed to halt strikes on commercial vessels and ensure safe
navigation.
• Energy Infrastructure: Ban on strikes on energy infrastructure to be enforced by the U.S.
• Third-Party Monitoring:
o Turkey: May oversee compliance in the Black Sea.
o Middle Eastern Nation: Could monitor the energy-related agreements.
U.S. Role and Agricultural Incentives:
• U.S. Mediation: U.S. President Donald Trump pushed for a rapid end to the war, facilitating three
days of indirect talks in Riyadh.
• Agricultural Concessions:
o U.S. to help restore Russia’s access to global markets for agricultural and fertilizer exports.
o Russia demands lifting of restrictions on the Russian Agricultural Bank and reconnection
to SWIFT payment systems before the agreement takes effect.

Ukraine’s Caution and Concerns:

• Zelenskyy’s Stance: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about the
agreement’s effectiveness.
• Sanctions Concern: Zelenskyy warned that easing agricultural restrictions for Russia could weaken
Western sanctions.
• Ukraine’s Self-Defense Clause: Ukraine retains the right to defend itself if Russian warships
violate the agreement.

Russia’s Position and Conditions:

• Lavrov’s Demand: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated that Russia’s compliance
depends on the lifting of restrictions on its agricultural exports.
• Historical Narrative: Lavrov accused Western countries of trying to “contain” Russia like
Napoleon and Hitler.

Current Ground Situation:

• Ongoing Hostilities:

o Russia claimed to have captured two more villages in southern and eastern Ukraine.
o Ukraine shot down 78 out of 139 drones launched by Russia on March 25, 2025.
• Casualties in Sumy:
o Russian strike in Sumy injured 101 civilians, including 23 children, with some in critical
condition.

Background and Context:

• Previous Efforts: A prior UN-brokered deal had allowed grain exports from Ukraine, but Russia
claimed it was not beneficial for its trade.
• Kyiv’s Initial Agreement: Ukraine had earlier agreed to a U.S.-proposed unconditional ceasefire,
but Russia rejected it, seeking to gain a battlefield advantage first.
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Quick Bits –
GST 2.0 needed to streamline procedures, ease compliance: PAC
Non-performing assets of banks at multi-year low, profits up: Finance Minister
‘The Atlantic’ releases Signal chat: Pete Hegseth texted planned time of targeted killing of Yemeni
‘terrorist’
Supreme Court stays ‘insensitive, inhuman’ remarks by Allahabad High Court on rape
India slams U.S. commission report on religious freedom
IMF approves $1.3 billion loan for Pakistan, frees first tranche of bailout package
ICMR successfully tests drone-based cornea transport to aid eye care

Supreme Court Stays Allahabad HC Order in Attempt to Rape

Case
The Supreme Court on March 26, 2025, stayed an Allahabad High Court order dated March 17, which held
that actions such as grabbing a minor’s breasts and breaking the string of her pyjama were insufficient to
constitute an attempt to rape. A Bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai criticized the High Court’s observations as
“insensitive” and “inhuman,” calling them legally flawed and lacking in sensitivity. The apex court issued
notices to the Union government and Uttar Pradesh, with the matter listed for hearing after two weeks.

Summary of the Case

• High Court Order:

o Justice Ram Manohar Narayan Mishra’s March 17 order modified the trial court’s summons
for charges of rape and attempt to rape.
o He ruled that the actions of the accused did not show a clear determination to commit rape.
• Supreme Court’s Intervention:
o The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the order.
o It found the High Court’s remarks legally incorrect and harmful, given that the case was still
at the stage of issuance of summons.
• Current Status:
o Notices issued to the Union and State governments.
o Victim’s mother was allowed to implead herself in the case.
o Case scheduled for hearing after two weeks.

Overview of Rape Laws in India

• Section 375 IPC: Defines rape as sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent.

• Section 376 IPC: Punishes rape with imprisonment of 10 years to life.

• Section 511 IPC: Penalizes attempts to commit offences with half the punishment prescribed for the
offence.
• POCSO Act:
o Section 18: Punishes attempts to commit offences under the POCSO Act.
o Section 9: Covers aggravated sexual assault, including intent to disrobe a minor.
• Section 354(b) IPC: Punishes assault or criminal force to disrobe a woman, with 3 to 7 years
imprisonment.

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Karnataka Governor Returns Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has returned the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2025, citing
concerns that it may interfere with the powers of elected local bodies protected under the 74th Constitutional
Amendment. The Bill, which was passed by both Houses of the State legislature during the Budget session,
proposes to split the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into seven municipal corporations.

Key Highlights of the Case

• Proposed Bill:

o The Bill suggests forming seven municipal corporations in Greater Bengaluru, modeled after
Delhi’s Metropolitan City structure.
o A Greater Bengaluru Governance Authority would be established to oversee these
corporations.
• Governor’s Concerns:
o Splitting BBMP may result in administrative inefficiency, citing the failure of a similar
experiment in Delhi.
o The Bill could interfere with the powers of elected bodies under the 74th Amendment.
• Petitions Opposing the Bill:
o Bengaluru Town Hall: Citizens and civic groups expressed concerns over ill-advised
infrastructure projects like the proposed tunnel road and skydeck.
o BJP Opposition:
▪ BJP leaders, including State president B.Y. Vijayendra, met the Governor on March
19, 2025.
▪ They argued that the Bill violates the 74th Amendment, weakens the State Election
Commission, and undermines the role of the Metropolitan Planning Committee.
• Governor’s Decision:
o Returned the Bill with directions to resubmit it after addressing the legal and public interest
concerns.
o Called for a re-evaluation considering objections from civic groups and the Opposition.

Governor’s Power to Return a Bill – Background

• Article 200 of the Constitution:

o The Governor can either assent, withhold assent, or return a Bill (other than a Money Bill)
passed by the State legislature for reconsideration.
o If the Bill is passed again by the legislature with or without amendments, the Governor is
bound to give assent.
• Role in Safeguarding Constitution:
o The Governor ensures that laws passed by the State legislature do not violate constitutional
provisions or public interest.
o The power to return a Bill allows the Governor to seek clarifications or improvements before
approving laws that may affect governance or constitutional principles.

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US Commission Recommends Sanctions on R&AW Over Alleged
Assassination Plots
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended targeted sanctions
against India’s external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), over alleged
involvement in assassination plots against Sikh separatists. The commission, in its annual report released on
March 26, 2025, also alleged that religious minorities in India face deteriorating treatment.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Sanctions Recommendation:

o USCIRF recommended that the US impose targeted sanctions on R&AW over alleged
assassination plots of Sikh separatists.
o It cited the case of ex-Indian intelligence officer Vikash Yadav, charged by Washington for a
foiled assassination attempt on Khalistan leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.
• Country of Particular Concern (CPC):
o The panel recommended designating India as a "country of particular concern" (CPC) for
violations of religious freedom.
• Allegations Against Indian Government:
o Alleged that PM Narendra Modi and the BJP spread hateful rhetoric against Muslims and
religious minorities during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
o Accused the government of promoting discrimination and violence against religious
minorities.
• India’s Response:
o India has rejected the panel’s allegations, calling the reports “deeply biased.”
o It maintains that its policies, such as electrification and subsidy schemes, benefit all
communities without discrimination.
• Geopolitical Context:
o Analysts note that the US sees India as a counter to China’s influence and has often
overlooked human rights issues.
o The Trump administration is unlikely to impose sanctions, as USCIRF’s recommendations
are non-binding.
• Concerns Over Vietnam:
o The report also recommended designating Vietnam, a US ally against China, as a “country
of particular concern” for controlling religious affairs.

Background of Secularism in the Indian Constitution

• Constitutional Provisions:

o Preamble: India is declared a “Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic.”

o Article 25-28: Guarantee the right to freedom of religion and protection of religious
practices.
o Article 14: Ensures equality before the law, irrespective of religion.
• Concept of Secularism in India:
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o Indian secularism follows the model of “equal respect for all religions” rather than strict
separation of religion and state.
o The State treats all religions equally but does not favor or discriminate against any religion.
• Landmark Judgments:
o S.R. Bommai Case (1994): Reinforced secularism as a basic feature of the Constitution.
o Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Established that secularism is part of the basic
structure of the Constitution, which cannot be amended.

GE Aerospace Delivers First of 99 F404 Engines to HAL for Tejas

Mk-1A Jets
GE Aerospace delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the
Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A programme. The engines are intended to power the Mk-1A
variant of Tejas, with the delivery expected to help HAL commence the supply of jets to the Indian Air Force
(IAF).

Key Highlights of the News

• Engine Supply to HAL:

o GE Aerospace delivered the first of 99 F404-IN20 engines to HAL for the Tejas Mk-1A
jets.
o The engine was delivered from GE’s manufacturing facility in Lynn, Massachusetts and is
expected to reach India by early next month.
• Delay in Jet Deliveries:
o Delay in the delivery of the F404 engines was one of the key reasons for HAL missing its
deadline for supplying Tejas jets to the IAF.
• Previous Order and Production Restart:
o HAL had ordered an additional 99 engines in 2021, leading to the restart of the F404-IN20
production line, which had been dormant since 2016.
o Restarting the production line during the COVID pandemic was challenging, but GE
Aerospace managed to resume production with the support of its suppliers and partners.
• Technical Specifications:
o The F404-IN20 engine is a tailored version of the F404 family, featuring:
▪ Highest thrust in the F404 family.
▪ Higher-flow fan, unique single-crystal turbine blades, and special components.
• Tejas Production and Future Plans:
o The IAF ordered 83 Tejas Mk-1A jets in February 2021 for ₹48,000 crore, but no aircraft
has been delivered yet.
o In November 2024, the Defence Ministry gave initial approval for an additional batch of 97
Tejas jets for the IAF.
• Significance of the Partnership:

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o GE Aerospace emphasized its 40-year relationship with HAL and its commitment to
India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.

Background of Tejas and Other Fighter Jets in India

1. Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA):
• Development: Developed by HAL and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) as part of India’s
indigenous fighter aircraft program.
• Variants:
o Tejas Mk-1: Initial operational clearance in 2011.
o Tejas Mk-1A: Enhanced version with advanced avionics and weapons.
o Tejas Mk-2: Under development, with a more powerful engine and better capabilities.
• Role: Multi-role aircraft capable of air combat, offensive air support, and reconnaissance.
2. Sukhoi Su-30MKI:
• Origin: Developed by Russia and produced under license by HAL.

• Role: Heavy multi-role fighter, backbone of the IAF with over 270 aircraft in service.
3. Dassault Rafale:
• Origin: French-made multi-role fighter jets.

• Procurement: India procured 36 Rafale jets in 2016 to enhance IAF’s air superiority.
4. Mirage 2000:
• Origin: French fighter jets, instrumental in India’s Balakot airstrike in 2019.

• Role: Precision strike and air superiority missions.

5. MiG-29:
• Origin: Russian-origin aircraft, used by the IAF for air defence and strike roles.

• Upgrades: MiG-29UPG with advanced avionics and radar systems.

6. HAL AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft):
• In Development: India’s 5th generation stealth fighter aircraft, expected to bolster India’s future air
power.

Santosh Film Blocked In India.

CBFC Denies Certification to Award-Winning Film Santosh for Theatrical Release
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has refused to certify Santosh, an acclaimed film by British-
Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri, citing concerns over its depiction of police brutality, caste discrimination,
and misogyny. Despite receiving international recognition, including a BAFTA nomination and premiering
at Cannes, the film is unable to secure a theatrical release in India.

Key Highlights of the News

• Plot and Themes:

o Santosh follows the journey of a young widow who joins the police force and investigates
the murder of a Dalit girl.
o It highlights sensitive themes such as misogyny, caste-based violence, and institutional
Islamophobia.
• International Recognition:
o Premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to critical acclaim.
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o Was the U.K.’s official entry for the Oscars’ international feature category.
o Lead actress Shahana Goswami won Best Actress at the Asian Film Awards.
• CBFC’s Concerns and Rejection:
o CBFC refused certification, citing concerns over its realistic portrayal of law enforcement
and morally complex narrative.
o Suri described the CBFC’s demanded cuts as extensive and impossible to implement
without compromising the integrity of the film.

Background of Film Certification in India

1. Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC):
• Established under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, the CBFC regulates public exhibition of films in
India.
• Films must receive a certification to be released in cinemas, broadcast on television, or streamed on
OTT platforms.
2. Certification Categories:
• U (Universal): Suitable for all age groups.

• U/A (Parental Guidance): Suitable for children below 12 with parental guidance.
• A (Adult): Restricted to adult audiences only.
• S (Special Category): Restricted to specific groups such as professionals.

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'Exemplar' — U.N. lauds India's progress in child mortality reduction
Airtel brings 2Africa Pearls cable with over 100 Tbps international capacity to India

Kunal Kamra Granted Interim Anticipatory Bail by Madras High

Court
On March 28, 2025, the Madras High Court granted interim protection from arrest to comedian Kunal Kamra
in a case filed by Khar police, Mumbai, for alleged slanderous comments against Maharashtra Deputy CM
Eknath Shinde during his comedy show ‘Naya Bharat.’ Kamra, who shifted to Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, in
2021, claimed he had not named anyone in his show.
Key Points:
• Court’s Decision:

o Justice Sunder Mohan issued a notice to Khar police, returnable by April 7, 2025.
o Granted interim anticipatory bail to prevent arrest before Kamra could approach the Bombay
High Court for regular bail.
o Directed Kamra to execute a bond with two sureties to the satisfaction of the judicial
magistrate at Vanur, Villupuram district.
• Background of the Case:
o Show Details: ‘Naya Bharat’ was performed in Mumbai in February 2025 and uploaded to
YouTube on February 23, 2025.

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o Complaint Filed: A group of political activists vandalized the venue on March 23, 2025,
and an MLA filed an FIR on the same day, alleging defamation.
o Kamra’s parents in Mumbai were served summons on March 23, 2025.
• Kamra’s Defense:
o His counsel argued that the content did not name Mr. Shinde.
o Kamra requested to appear for inquiry via video conferencing but received no clear response
from the police.
• Safety Concerns:
o Kamra reported receiving death threats from politicians and anonymous callers.
o Expressed fear for his and his family’s safety, and concerns about possible physical harm or
police torture if arrested.

Anticipatory Bail:
• Definition:
Anticipatory bail is granted under Section 438 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), allowing
a person to seek bail in anticipation of arrest if they believe they may be arrested for a non-bailable
offense.
• Purpose:
o Protects individuals from harassment or unjustified arrest.
o Prevents unnecessary detention during investigation.
• Conditions:
o May include surrendering passport, regular police reporting, or cooperating with the
investigation.
o Bail is granted at the discretion of the court after considering the nature and gravity of the
accusation.
• Duration:
o Valid until regular bail is granted or the case is dismissed.

Massive Earthquake Strikes Myanmar and Causes Widespread

Devastation
On March 28, 2025, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar near Mandalay at 12:50 pm local time
(0620 GMT), followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock just 11 minutes later. The tremors were felt in
neighboring Thailand, China, and India, causing panic and widespread destruction.

Key Points:
• Casualties and Damage:

o Death toll: 144 confirmed dead, over 730 injured (expected to rise).
o Myanmar military government confirmed casualties and warned of higher tolls.
o A 30-storey government building under construction collapsed in Thailand, trapping 81
people.

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o Collapse of a high-rise building in Bangkok left 5 dead and 117 missing.
o A mosque collapse in Myanmar killed 3 people, and a hotel in Aung Ban killed 2, injuring
20 others.
• International Aid and Response:
o Myanmar’s military government invited India and ASEAN nations to provide aid.
o PM Narendra Modi expressed concern and assured India’s readiness to assist.
o International aid routes have been opened to facilitate assistance.
• Tremors in Neighboring Countries:
o India: Mild tremors felt in Kolkata and Imphal. No casualties or property damage reported.
o China: Tremors reported in Yunnan province.
o Panic in Bangkok as buildings shook, and people ran into the streets.
• Rescue and Relief Efforts:
o Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors under the rubble.
o Structural instability and aftershocks complicate operations.
o Thai authorities continue rescue operations at collapsed sites with urgency.
• Infrastructure and Seismic Vulnerability:
o Myanmar's rapid development, combined with weak infrastructure and poor urban planning,
increases vulnerability.
o Mandalay, with over a million residents, lies in a high-risk seismic zone and has experienced
destructive quakes in the past.

Earthquake Zones in India:

India is divided into four seismic zones based on the risk of earthquakes:
1. Zone V (High Risk):
o Covers regions with the highest seismic risk.
o Includes parts of Northeast India, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rann of
Kutch, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
2. Zone IV (Severe Risk):
o Includes Delhi, parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Sikkim, parts of Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.
3. Zone III (Moderate Risk):
o Covers regions like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Kerala.
4. Zone II (Low Risk):
o Includes regions with the least seismic risk, such as parts of central and southern India.
India’s vulnerability is highest in the Himalayan region due to the active Indian-Eurasian plate collision,
making the northern states prone to high-magnitude earthquakes.

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India Signs ₹62,700 Crore Deal with HAL for 156 Light Combat
Helicopters (LCH)
On March 28, 2025, the Defence Ministry signed two contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
(HAL) to procure 156 indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) and associated equipment, worth
₹62,700 crore (excluding taxes). The Indian Army will receive 90 helicopters, while 66 will be supplied to
the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Key Points:
• Contract and Delivery Details:

o The supply of helicopters will commence from the third year and will be spread over five
years.
o The deal aims to enhance the combat capabilities of the Armed Forces, especially in high-
altitude regions.
• Indigenous Content and Impact:
o LCH is India’s first indigenously designed combat helicopter, capable of operating at
altitudes over 5,000 metres.
o Over 65% indigenous content is expected during order execution.
o Involves over 250 domestic companies, mostly MSMEs, creating more than 8,500 direct
and indirect jobs.
• LCH Specifications and Capabilities:
o Weight Class: 5 to 8 tonnes.
o Combat Radius: 500 km, with a service ceiling of 21,000 feet, ideal for high-altitude
operations.
o Armaments:
▪ 20 mm nose gun.
▪ 70 mm rockets.
▪ Anti-tank guided missile ‘Dhruvastra’.
▪ MBDA’s air-to-air missile ‘Mistral-2’ (6.5 km range).
• Operational History:
o The Army and IAF inducted 15 limited series production models at ₹4,264 crore (10 for
IAF, 5 for Army).
o IAF inducted the LCH into the 143 Helicopter Unit ‘Dhanush’ at Jodhpur in October 2022.
o The Army’s first LCH squadron was raised on June 1, 2022, in Bengaluru and later moved
to Misamari, Assam.
• Origins and Development:
o LCH was conceptualized after the 1999 Kargil conflict to meet the need for a high-altitude
combat platform.
o It is the only attack helicopter capable of take-off and landing at 5,000 m (16,400 ft) with a
significant load of weapons and fuel.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)
Other Key Deals:
• Flight Refueller Aircraft (FRA):

o Contract signed with Metrea Management for wet leasing of one KC135 flight refueller
aircraft.
o Delivery within six months to train IAF and Navy pilots in air-to-air refuelling.
• Upcoming Deal:
o Procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A expected to be finalized soon.

Background of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):

• Established: December 23, 1940, as Hindustan Aircraft Limited in Bangalore (now Bengaluru).

• Ownership: Government-owned defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence, India.

• Core Operations:
o Design, development, and production of fighter aircraft, helicopters, avionics, and aero-
engines.
o Major projects include Tejas (LCA), Dhruv (ALH), Rudra (armed variant of ALH), and
Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).
• Key Milestones:
o Merged with Aeronautics India Limited (AIL) in 1964 to form HAL.
o Indigenous development of various defence platforms, including the Advanced Light
Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv.
• Global Standing:
o HAL is one of the largest aerospace and defence manufacturers in Asia.
o Exports military aircraft and components to several countries.

Putin Proposes Placing Ukraine Under UN Control to Hold Fresh

Elections
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed placing Ukraine under temporary UN control to elect what
he called a more "competent" government, challenging the legitimacy of the current Kyiv administration.
Ukraine dismissed the proposal as a "crazy" idea aimed at delaying peace talks, while the US and its allies
reaffirmed that Ukraine’s governance is determined by its constitution and people.

Key Points:
• Context of Putin's Proposal:

o Putin’s remarks came amid US efforts to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing full-scale war
between Russia and Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
o His suggestion was presented while speaking to the crew of a nuclear-powered submarine
in Murmansk.
• Reason for Proposal:
o Russia claims Ukraine’s government is illegitimate because President Volodymyr Zelensky
has remained in power beyond his term.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)
o Elections have been postponed due to martial law and logistical difficulties caused by war
and displacement.
o Putin hopes that calling for elections would undermine Zelensky’s authority and divide
Ukraine internally.
• International Response:
o Ukraine: Dismissed the proposal, accusing Russia of trying to stall peace talks and continue
the war.
o US & Allies: Reiterated that Ukraine’s governance is a matter for its people, following its
constitution.
• Ceasefire Talks and Conditions:
o A limited truce in the Black Sea was announced after talks with the US.
o Russia demanded the lifting of Western sanctions, raising concerns that Moscow aims to
derail peace efforts.
• Historical Precedents Mentioned by Putin:
o Suggested UN control as an option, citing precedents like East Timor and regions in the
former Yugoslavia.
• Recent Diplomatic Moves:
o Following a meeting between Zelensky and European allies in Paris, France and the UK
proposed a "reassurance force" for Ukraine.

Background on Russia-Ukraine War:

• Invasion Start:

o Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, following months
of military buildup along Ukraine’s borders.
• Key Objectives of Russia:
o Regime change in Ukraine by removing President Zelensky.
o Control over Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine.
o Securing Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
• Ukraine’s Resistance:
o Ukraine mounted fierce resistance, preventing Russia from taking Kyiv and major cities
early in the war.
o Western nations provided military aid, intelligence, and humanitarian support.
• International Response:
o Severe economic sanctions imposed by the West on Russia.
o NATO strengthened its eastern flank and extended membership to Finland and Sweden.

Bangladesh Welcomes Chinese Participation in Teesta River

Project and Strengthens Bilateral Ties
Month March 2025
 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)
On March 28, 2025, Bangladesh welcomed China’s participation in the Teesta River Comprehensive
Management and Restoration Project during Chief Advisor Prof. Mohammed Yunus' visit to China. The
visit concluded with a Joint Statement reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to the One-China Policy and
announcing enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, and maritime
cooperation.

Key Points:
• Teesta River Project:

o Bangladesh invited Chinese participation in the Teesta River Comprehensive

Management and Restoration Project.
o Discussions on optimizing the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement were initiated.
• Bilateral Agreements and Free Trade:
o Bangladesh and China agreed to start discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at
an early date.
o Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the Mongla Port Facilities
Modernisation and Expansion Project.
o Both sides will cooperate to further develop the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone
(CEIZ) in Chittagong.
• Belt and Road Cooperation:
o The countries agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen
industrial and supply chain collaboration.
o They resolved to advocate an “equal and orderly multi-polar world”.
• Cultural and Diplomatic Exchanges:
o 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and China, with
plans to deepen exchanges in culture, tourism, media, education, health care, and youth.
o A Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation will be held at an appropriate time.
• Humanitarian Cooperation and Rohingya Issue:
o Bangladesh appreciated China’s role in building peace in Myanmar and providing support
for the Rohingya repatriation process.
o China assured support for the repatriation of displaced people from Rakhine State.

Background on Teesta River and Its Importance:

• Geography and Flow:

o Originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake in Sikkim, India.

o Flows through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh,
where it joins the Brahmaputra (Jamuna) River.
• Teesta Water Dispute:
o India and Bangladesh have been negotiating a water-sharing treaty over the Teesta for
decades.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)
o Bangladesh seeks a larger share of the Teesta’s water to support agriculture and livelihood
in its northern regions, but India’s West Bengal government has resisted, citing local water
needs.

Trump Imposes 25% Tariffs on Auto Imports to Boost U.S.

Manufacturing
On March 26, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on automobile imports,
claiming it would spur domestic manufacturing. However, the move could raise costs for automakers that
rely on global supply chains and potentially impact auto sales. The tariffs are part of Trump’s broader
strategy to reshape global trade relations by imposing reciprocal taxes.

Key Points:
• Impact on Automakers:

o U.S. automakers, including General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, rely on components
from Canada, Mexico, and other countries.
o GM’s shares fell by 3%, Stellantis’ dropped by 4%, while Ford’s stock showed a slight
increase.
o Higher costs from imported parts could lead to higher vehicle prices and reduced sales.
• Broader Tariff Strategy:
o Trump’s tariffs aim to relocate production to the U.S. and reduce reliance on foreign
supply chains.
o Reciprocal taxes will be imposed on April 2, 2025, matching tariffs and sales taxes imposed
by other nations.
• Tariffs on Other Goods:
o 25% tariffs imposed on:
▪ Steel and aluminum imports (previously exempted in 2018).
▪ Autos and parts from Mexico and Canada (30-day reprieve expires in April 2025).
▪ Computer chips, pharmaceuticals, lumber, and copper.
o 20% import tax on Chinese goods due to fentanyl production.
o Planned 25% tariff on countries importing oil from Venezuela.

India-U.S. Trade Relations Overview:

• Bilateral Trade Growth:

o India and the U.S. are key trading partners with bilateral trade exceeding $190 billion in
2024.
o India is the 9th largest trading partner for the U.S., while the U.S. is India’s largest
trading partner.

Month March 2025

 Monthly Current Affairs by Exam Charcha
(examcharcha.in)
Quick Bits –
Sukma encounter: 16 Maoists killed, two jawans injured in Chhattisgarh
RBI allows banks to hike ATM charges to ₹23/withdrawal beyond free monthly usage from May
1
Key infra sectors growth slows to 2.9% in February
Union Cabinet announces ₹22,919 crore electronics component manufacturing scheme
Rupee rises 25 paise to close at 85.49 against U.S. dollar
India sends 15 tonnes of relief material to earthquake-hit Myanmar

Month March 2025