Articulate

MARCH 2025

An Initiative by Unacademy
MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS FOR UPSC CSE

Madhav National Park (Madhya

Pradesh): India’s 58th tiger reserve

India Launches ‘Cities Coalition

for Circularity (C-3)’

India’s Dependence on Coal

Increases to 79%: MOSPI Report

India-Mauritius Elevate Ties to

Enhanced Strategic Partnership

‘Anora’ Won the Best Picture Award

at the 97th Oscar Awards 2025
Contents
Polity and Governance 9
y Parliament 9
⚪ Privilege Motion Against External Affairs Minister 9
⚪ Section 79 (3) (b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000 9
⚪ Lok Sabha Approves ₹50 Lakh Crore Demands for Grants 10
⚪ Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee Recommends Reforms in CBI 10
⚪ Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 11
y Rights 12
⚪ ‘Right To Development A Priority Under Fundamental Rights’ says Supreme Court 12
⚪ India Ranked 24th In Free Speech Index 13
⚪ Section 44 (3) of the New Data Protection Law: Conflict with RTI 13
⚪ Free Speech Is An Integral Part Of Healthy And Civilised Society: SC 14
⚪ Govt defers satellite-based tolling over ‘privacy concerns’ 14
y Judiciary 15
⚪ Land Acquired for Public Purposes Cannot Be Returned via Private Deal: Supreme Court 15
⚪ Judiciary’s In-House Inquiry Against Delhi High Court Judge 15
⚪ Over 1,800 Contempt Cases Pending in Supreme Court: Union Law Minister 16
⚪ Disclosure of Judges’ Assets 17
⚪ SC Stays Allahabad HC Ruling on Attempt to Rape Charges 18
y Elections 18
⚪ ECI Addresses Concerns Over Duplicate Voter ID Numbers 18
⚪ Dubious or Doubtful Voters (D-Voters) in Assam 19
⚪ Voter ID & Aadhaar databases Linkage 20
y Centre-state relation/federalism 20
⚪ Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says ‘Betting & Gambling are State Subjects’ 20
⚪ Assam Assembly Passes Bill on Governor’s Control Over Delayed Autonomous
Council Elections 21
⚪ Issues of Southern States related to Delimitation 22
y Governance 23
⚪ Sahyog Portal: Automated Content Regulation 23
⚪ Rajasthan Tables Bill to Regulate Coaching Centres 24
y Probable MCQs 25

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Economy 28
y Money, Banking, Finance & Insurance 28
⚪ SEBI Launches ‘Bond Central’ 28
⚪ Govt Clears Incentive For Small UPI Transactions 29
⚪ PFRDA notified Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) 29
⚪ India Discontinues Medium and Long-Term Gold Deposit Options Under
Monetisation Scheme 30
⚪ RBI allows banks to hike ATM charge 31
y Sectors of the Economy, GDP, Inflation 31
⚪ ‘Navratna’ status for IRCTC and IRFC 31
⚪ Gum arabic 32
⚪ Q-commerce 33
⚪ Govt Notifies Revisions to MSME Classification Criteria 33
⚪ India’s Wheat Production Estimated to Hit Record High 34
⚪ Centre to own nearly 49% of Vodafone Idea 34
y Budget, Taxation & GST 35
⚪ India imposes anti-dumping duty on 5 products 35
⚪ Threshold of safe harbour rules raised to include lithium-ion batteries for EVs 35
⚪ Equalization Levy Withdrawal Not Linked to Trump Tariffs 36
⚪ Tamil Nadu Replaces Rupee Symbol in Budget 36
y Balance of Payment & International Trade 37
⚪ India’s goods trade deficit at 42-month low: Commerce Ministry Data 37
⚪ India Holds Only 0.7% Of Global Spices Market Despite Being The World’s Largest
Producer: WSO 38
⚪ Trump’s 25% Auto Tariffs Spark Concerns for India 40
y Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Energy Resources 40
⚪ Centrifuge Device and Its Use in Uranium Enrichment 40
⚪ Railways Panel gives approval to Pamban Bridge 41
⚪ India’s Dependence on Coal Increases to 79%: MOSPI Report 41
y Human Resource Development, Health and Education 42
⚪ The Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution
recommends the Fortified Rice Distribution 42
y Probable MCQs 43

IR Defence and Security 46

y International organisation, Conferences, Agreements 46
⚪ India Launches ‘Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3)’ 46
⚪ US Reciprocal Tariffs & Impact on India 46

 3
 ⚪ “Women’s Rights in Review: 30 Years After Beijing” Report Released By UN Women 47
⚪ Plaza Accord 1985 to Devalue Dollar 48
⚪ India to become Chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in Nov. 2025 48
⚪ Armenia and Azerbaijan Finalize Peace Treaty to End 40-Year Conflict 49
⚪ Balochistan Train Attack 50
⚪ India-Mauritius Elevate Ties to Enhanced Strategic Partnership 51
⚪ Israel Passes Controversial Law Granting Political Control Over Judicial Appointments 51
⚪ Nepal’s violent street protests 52
⚪ India-Europe Resilience Forum (IERF) 52
⚪ Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) and Indian Ocean Ship
(IOS) Sagar Initiative 53
⚪ US Exits UN Climate Damage Fund Meant For Poor Nations 53
y Defense and Internal Security 54
⚪ Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025 54
⚪ SIPRI Report (2020-2024) on Global Arms Trade 54
⚪ Ashwini Radar: Indigenous Surveillance System 55
⚪ Joint Naval Exercise, ‘Varuna’ 56
⚪ Army Conducts Tri-Service Exercise ‘Prachand Prahaar’ 56
⚪ Army inducts in-house developed First Person View drones 57
⚪ Stealth frigate - Tavasya 57
y Probable MCQs 58

Geography and Environment 61

y Physical Geography 61
⚪ Mount Erebus in Ross Island, Antarctica 61
⚪ Miller-Urey hypothesis about Life on Earth 61
y Environment Conservation 62
⚪ Madhav National Park (Madhya Pradesh): India’s 58th tiger reserve 62
⚪ Long-Term Impact of Deep Sea Mining 63
⚪ The Last Mango Juice 64
⚪ Impact of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on Satellites: MIT Study 65
⚪ Railways to Participate in Mission Amrit Sarovar 65
y Pollution 66
⚪ 2024 World Air Quality Report: Swiss Company IQAir 66
⚪ Tea Leaves Can Steep Out Lead, Heavy Metals: New Study 66
⚪ Byrnihat Emerges as India’s Most Polluted City in February 2024 67
y Flora and Fauna 67

 4
 ⚪ River Dolphins & Their Population In Indian Rivers 67
⚪ Pashu Aushadhi initiative: Affordable Vet Medicines 68
⚪ Two New Species of Jumping Spiders Discovered in Western Ghats 68
⚪ Smooth-coated Otter 69
⚪ US Butterfly Populations Plummet by 22% in Two Decades 70
⚪ Voyage of Iguana Lizard from the Americas to Fiji 70
y Disaster Management 71
⚪ 7.7-magnitude Earthquake struck central Myanmar 71
⚪ Myanmar Earthquake: India Launches ‘Operation Brahma’ 72
y Probable MCQs 72

Science and Technology 76

y Space Technology 76
⚪ First Private U.S. Spacecraft ‘Blue Ghost Mission1’ Landed on the Moon 76
⚪ Solar cycle 76
⚪ Responsibility for Space Debris Crashing on Earth 77
⚪ Martian Dust is likely to cause health issues among astronauts: Study 78
⚪ Aditya-L1 observed a flareless coronal mass ejection 79
y Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence 79
⚪ AI Kosha: A Unified AI Repository launched by MeitY 79
⚪ IT services company Zoho wins MeitY’s indigenous web browser development
challenge 80
y Biotechnology 80
⚪ The India BioEconomy Report: Department of Biotechnology 80
y Health 82
⚪ Avian flu (H5N1) 82
⚪ India Achieves National Health Policy Target for Maternal Mortality Rate 83
⚪ Hantavirus 84
⚪ Excessive Selenium in Wheat Led to Sudden Hair Loss 84
⚪ Melioidosis Disease in Odisha Linked to Monsoon Season 85
y Probable MCQs 85

History and Culture 89

y ‘Anora’ Won the Best Picture Award at the 97th Oscar Awards 2025 89
y Mudumal Menhirs in Telangana 90
y Ramnath Goenka Journalism Awards 90
y Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad, Maharashtra 91

 5
y Huskur Jatre – Madduramma Devi Temple Festival 91
y R.K. Shriramkumar Chosen for Sangita Kalanidhi Award 92
y Vinod Kumar Shukla Awarded with 59th Jnanpith Award 92
y Third Battle of Panipat (1761) 94
y India Wins ICC Champions Trophy 2025 95
y Padma selection procedure changed to acknowledge unsung heroes: Jitendra Singh 96
y Two important changes in IPL: BCCI 96
y Ancient ancestors were using bone tools at least 1.5 million years ago:Study 97
y Revival of Vikramshila university 97
y Sarhul Festival 98
y This Day in History 98
y Probable MCQs 99

PIN-GK 103
y Places in News 103
y Persons in News 107
y Book in News 112

 6
 7
POLITY IN NEWS: MARCH (2025)

PARLIAMENT

RIGHTS

JUDICIARY

ELECTIONS

CENTRE-STATE RELATION/FEDERALISM

GOVERNANCE

LEARN POLITY FROM THE BEST EDUCATORS

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 1 Polity and Governance

Parliament

Privilege Motion Against External Affairs Minister

About Privilege Motion:

y A Privilege Motion is a formal request by an MP to the presiding officer of the House to address
an alleged breach of Parliamentary Privileges.
y Parliamentary privileges refer to the special rights enjoyed by:
⚪ Each House collectively as part of Parliament.
⚪ Members individually function effectively beyond ordinary legal constraints.
y These privileges are not codified but are derived from Constitution articles.

Why in News?
Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose moved a privilege motion against External Affairs Minister
S. Jaishankar.

Section 79 (3) (b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000

Provision under Section 79 (3) (b):

y Purpose: Allows the government to direct online intermediaries (e.g., social media platforms)
to remove “unlawful” content.
y Consequence of Non-Compliance: Platforms risk losing their “safe harbour” protections, which
shield them from liability for user-generated content.
y Difference Between Section 69A & 79(3)(b):
⚪ Section 69A: Requires due process before blocking content (for reasons like national
security).

Polity and Governance 9

 ⚪ Section 79(3)(b): Allows blocking of any unlawful content under any law, but without clear
safeguards.

Why in News?
y X (formerly Twitter) sued the Central government, challenging Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act,
2000, for enabling a “parallel” and “unlawful” censorship regime through blocking orders.

Lok Sabha Approves ₹50 Lakh Crore Demands for Grants

What are Demands for Grants?

y Demands for Grants are detailed requests made by various Ministries for funds to cover their
expenditure in the upcoming financial year.
y Each Ministry presents its demand, which is debated and voted on in Parliament.
y Article 113 of the Constitution mandates that no money can be withdrawn from the Consolidated
Fund of India without Parliament’s approval.

Guillotine in the Parliamentary Process

y The guillotine is a legislative procedure where undiscussed Demands for Grants are voted on
in bulk without individual debate to expedite the budget process.
y This is usually applied towards the end of the Budget Session to ensure timely passage of the
Appropriation Bill.

Why in News?
The Lok Sabha approved ₹50 lakh crore in Demands
for Grants for the financial year 2025-26.

Department-related Parliamentary Standing

Committee Recommends Reforms in CBI

Challenges Faced by CBI

y Shortage of Suitable Officers: CBI is not receiving
enough or suitable nominations, especially from
state police forces, which were traditionally a key
source of recruitment.
y Delays in Deputation Process: Even when
officers are identified, lending departments
delay paperwork and do not send necessary
documents on time.
y Lack of Skilled Officers: Many nominated
candidates lack the required expertise, leading
to non-selection after scrutiny.

Polity and Governance 10

y Manpower Shortage in Lending Departments: State police and other departments face their
own staff shortages, making them reluctant to send officers on deputation.
y No Incentives for Lending Departments: Since there are no clear benefits, lending departments
are discouraged from sending officers to CBI.
y Dependence on External Experts: CBI lacks an in-house team for cybercrime, forensics, and
financial fraud and relies on outside specialists.
y Limited Investigative Powers: CBI requires state government consent for investigations. Eight
states have withdrawn general consent, restricting probes into corruption and organized crime.
⚪ General consent allows the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct investigations
in a state without requiring case-by-case approval from the state government.
⚪ This consent is granted under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE)
Act, 1946.
⚪ Without general consent, CBI needs specific approval from the state government for each
case, except in matters directed by courts or related to central government employees

Recommendations by the House Panel

y Direct Recruitment: CBI should hire officers directly through SSC, UPSC, or a dedicated CBI
examination instead of relying on deputations.
y Lateral Entry for Experts: Specialists in cybercrime, forensics, financial fraud, and legal
domains should be recruited through lateral entry.
y Creation of a Permanent Cadre: A structured career system should be introduced to ensure
long-term stability and reduce reliance on deputations.
y Limit Deputation: Deputation should be restricted to senior posts only to bring stability and
efficiency in investigations.
y New Law for Investigative Powers: The CBI should be allowed to investigate cases related to
national security and integrity without needing state government consent.
y Safeguards for Impartiality: The proposed law should ensure that CBI remains neutral and
prevents state governments from feeling powerless.
y In-House Expertise Team: A dedicated team of specialists should be formed within CBI to
reduce dependence on external experts.

Why in News?
The Parliamentary Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law, and Justice recommended a
new law granting CBI wider investigative powers in national security cases without state consent.

Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024

About the Bill:

y It seeks to modernize India’s oil exploration laws.
y It amends the original Oilfields Act of 1948, which had outdated overlaps with mining laws.
y At present, mining activities come under the separate legal regime of the Mines and Minerals

Polity and Governance 11

 (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957.
y However, petroleum and oilfield operations continued to be regulated under the outdated
provisions of the 1948 Act.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

Provision Details

y Separates petroleum exploration from mining operations,

Delinking from Mining Laws
which are governed by the MMDR Act, 1957.

y Expands the definition of oilfields to include shale oil,

Updated Definition of Mineral
enabling the adoption of modern techniques like hydraulic
Oil
fracturing.

y Introduces a uniform permit for exploring all types of mineral

Single Permit System
oils, including crude and shale oil.

Stable and Investor-Friendly y Ensures clear lease terms and tenure stability to attract
Leases foreign investors and boost ease of doing business.

y State governments retain the authority to grant petroleum

leases for exploration and production in onshore areas.
Implementation Powers y States will continue to receive royalties from petroleum
production that occurs within their territorial boundaries,
thus preserving their fiscal interests.

Why in News?
The Lok Sabha passed the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024.

Rights

‘Right To Development A Priority Under Fundamental Rights’ says Supreme Court

Background:
y Auroville is an experimental township in Tamil Nadu.
y The National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Madras High Court stopped construction due to
environmental clearance issues.
y The Auroville Foundation challenged these orders in the Supreme Court.
y The Foundation argued that the projects were part of the approved Master Plan and did not
require extra clearance.

Key Points of the Supreme Court Judgment:

y The Supreme Court set aside both the NGT’s 2022 order and the Madras High Court’s 2024
ruling that halted development at Auroville.

Polity and Governance 12

y The Supreme Court said that the NGT did not have the authority to give such orders, and its
decision was not legally valid.
y The judgment emphasized the need to maintain a balance between environmental protection
and developmental rights, calling it a “golden balance”.
y The right to a clean environment is a fundamental right under Articles 14 and 21, but the right
to development is also protected under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution.

Why in News?
The Supreme Court canceled the orders of the NGT and Madras High Court, which had stopped
development work in Auroville.

India Ranked 24th In Free Speech Index

About the Index:

y Released by: The Future of Free Speech, a U.S.-based think tank.
y It is based on the report, titled “Who in the World Supports Free Speech?”.

Global Rankings
y Norway (87.9) and Denmark (87.0) ranked highest in free speech support.
y India ranked 24th out of 33 countries with a score of 62.6.

Why in News?
A global survey-based index by The Future of Free Speech ranked India 24th out of 33 countries in
support for free speech.

Section 44 (3) of the New Data Protection Law: Conflict with RTI

About Section 44 (3) of new Data Protection Law:

y Section 44(3) of the DPDP Act, 2023 introduces a significant amendment to Section 8(1)(j) of
the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
y It restricts access to personal information under the RTI Act, which was previously subject to
disclosure if it served a larger public interest.

Changes Made by Section 44(3):

y Earlier, Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act stated that personal information could be disclosed if it
had a connection to public interest and if it did not cause an unwarranted invasion of privacy.
y After the amendment, the provision is now shortened to simply: “Information which relates to
personal information.”
y This change removes the public interest clause, making it easier for authorities to deny RTI
requests on personal data.

Polity and Governance 13

Why in News?
Activists and Opposition leaders argue that the change made to the Right to Information Act, 2005
(RTI Act) by the DPDP Act undermines the RTI Act and weakens citizens’ right to information.

Free Speech Is An Integral Part Of Healthy And Civilised Society: SC

Background?
y The Supreme Court quashed a hate speech First Information Report(FIR) filed by the Gujarat
Police against Congress MP Imran Pratapgadhi.
y The case was based on a 46-second edited video shared on social media featuring a poem
recited by the MP alleged to promote disharmony among communities.
y The FIR was registered under Section 196 (promoting enmity) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
(BNS).
y The Gujarat High Court had earlier refused to quash the FIR, prompting the MP to approach the
Supreme Court.

Supreme Court’s observation:

y The Bench upheld the right to free speech under Article 19(1)(a), emphasizing that poetry,
satire, and other art forms are essential to a democratic society.
y Criticism or minority views cannot be criminalised for being unpopular.
y Law enforcement must act with reason and courage, not fear.
y Speech restrictions must be reasonable, not oppressive.
y Courts must intervene to protect rights when the State fails to do so.

Why in News?
On March 29, 2025, the Supreme Court quashed the criminal case against Imran Pratapgadhi,
marking a significant ruling on artistic freedom and free expression.

Govt defers satellite-based tolling over ‘privacy concerns’

Key points:
y Expert committees advised against full GNSS implementation for now, citing issues like data
privacy, security breaches, and operational control.
y The GNSS system would have used satellites and On-Board Units (OBUs) in vehicles to calculate
tolls based on distance traveled, enabling barrier-less tolling.
y Until India develops a fully indigenous satellite infrastructure, the GNSS-based system will
remain on hold.
y Instead, the government will move forward with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
FASTag System (AFS) for Barrier-Less Free Flow tolling on select corridors.

Polity and Governance 14

y Initial implementation will begin at Gharonda, Choryasi, Nemili, UER-II, and Dwarka Expressway
toll plazas.

Why in News?
The Indian government has deferred the rollout of its ambitious Global Navigation Satellite System
(GNSS) for toll collection due to security and privacy concerns, Union Transport Minister Nitin
Gadkari informed Parliament.

Judiciary

Land Acquired for Public Purposes Cannot Be Returned via Private Deal: Supreme Court

Background of the Case

y The government acquired 33 acres in Narela, Delhi, under the 1894 Land Acquisition Act for a
grain market and handed it to the Delhi Agricultural Marketing Board.
y Later, the Board agreed to return half the land to the original owner through a private deal with
compensation and interest.
y The Supreme Court ruled that such agreements weaken the State’s sovereign power of land
acquisition.

Key Observations by the Court:

y Eminent domain is the sovereign power of the state to acquire private land for public purposes,
and this power cannot be diluted or bypassed through private negotiations.
y A beneficiary of land acquisition (in this case, the statutory Board) cannot undo the acquisition
by privately returning the land to the original owner.
y Validating such private deals would amount to permitting fraud on the state and defeats the
purpose of compulsory acquisition.

Why in News?
The Supreme Court ruled that land meant for public use must not be diverted to private hands,
closing the door on post-acquisition private deals.

Judiciary’s In-House Inquiry Against Delhi High Court Judge

Background:
y As per media reports, it was claimed that a huge pile of cash was found after a fire at Justice
Varma’s residence.
y CJI initiated an unprecedented in-house inquiry by a three-member panel

About In-House Judicial Enquiry:

y Meaning: An internal mechanism to examine complaints of misconduct against sitting Supreme

Polity and Governance 15

 Court or High Court judges that do not warrant immediate impeachment.
y Established by: Supreme Court in 1999, based on recommendations of a 1997 committee
(Ravichandran Iyer v. Justice A.M. Bhattacharjee).
y Composition:
⚪ For HC Judges: 2 Chief Justices + 1 High Court judge
⚪ For SC Judges: 3 sitting Supreme Court judges
y Procedure:
⚪ Complaint is received by CJI or Chief Justice of concerned HC
⚪ Preliminary report is sought
⚪ If needed, a 3-member inquiry committee is formed
⚪ Judge is given a chance to respond (natural justice)
⚪ Findings submitted to the CJI
y Purpose:
⚪ To assess if allegations have merit.
⚪ To recommend if they warrant removal proceedings
⚪ If misconduct is established, the judge may be advised to resign or retire
⚪ If not followed, CJI informs the President and PM

Why in News?
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has initiated an unprecedented in-house inquiry by a
three-member panel into Delhi High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma.

Over 1,800 Contempt Cases Pending in Supreme Court: Union Law Minister

Status of Pending Contempt Cases

y As of March 20, 2025, 1,852 contempt cases are pending before the Supreme Court.
y As of March 24, 2025, 1,43,573 contempt cases are pending in High Courts, according to the
National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG).
y The reasons for non-compliance with court orders in these cases are not maintained by the
government.

What is Contempt of Court?

y Contempt of Court refers to any act or omission that disrespects or defies the authority,
justice, or dignity of the court.
y Defined under the Contempt of Courts Act of 1971, it is broadly classified into:
⚪ Civil Contempt: Wilful disobedience of a court order or direction.
⚪ Criminal Contempt: Includes actions that scandalize the court, prejudice judicial proceedings,
or obstruct the administration of justice.

Polity and Governance 16

y The power to punish for contempt is derived from Articles 129 and 215 of the Constitution:
⚪ Article 129: The Supreme Court, as a court of record, has power to punish for its contempt.
⚪ Article 215: Every High Court shall be a court of record and shall have all the powers of such
a court, including the power to punish for contempt of itself

Why in News?
Union Law Minister informed the Lok Sabha that over 1.45 lakh contempt cases are pending in the
Supreme Court and High Courts.

Disclosure of Judges’ Assets

What Are the Current Norms for Judges’ Asset Disclosure?

Aspect Supreme Court (SC) High Courts (HCs)

1997 resolution by SC (CJI J.S.

No uniform resolution across HCs;
Initial Resolution Verma) requiring judges to
varies by state
declare assets to CJI

Not mandated; initial Most HCs have opposed public

Public Disclosure
disclosures were internal only disclosure

In 2009, SC decided to
Voluntary
voluntarily disclose assets on A few HCs followed SC’s lead
Disclosure
its website

Only 7 HCs (Delhi, Punjab &

Online Uploaded in November 2009; Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madras,
Declarations not updated since 2018 Chhattisgarh, Kerala, and Karnataka)
publish assets

Website lists 28 of 33 judges as

Current Status (as 97 of 770 judges (~13%) have publicly
having submitted declarations
of 2025) declared assets
(not public)

2019 SC ruling: Judges’ assets Many HCs reject RTI requests, citing
RTI Applicability
not exempt from RTI judicial independence

What About Other Public Servants?

y Public servants (bureaucrats, politicians, elected officials) are often mandated to declare their
assets, and many such records are available publicly or via RTI.
y RTI Act, 2005 has pushed for regular declaration of assets by government employees.
y State governments like Gujarat, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh enforce stricter norms on
bureaucratic disclosures.

Polity and Governance 17

y Ministers and MPs also submit declarations:
⚪ Ministers (including PM) submit to the PMO (often publicly available).
⚪ MPs submit to the Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairperson (Rajya Sabha); accessible via RTI.
y Election candidates must publicly declare assets and liabilities as part of their nomination — a
norm since 2002, following a Supreme Court directive.

Recommendations and Need for Reform

y In 2023, the Parliamentary Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, and Law and Justice
recommended a law to mandate the public disclosure of judges’ assets and liabilities.

Why in News?
The alleged cash recovery from Justice Yashwant Varma’s residence has revived calls for mandatory
public disclosure of judges’ assets.

SC Stays Allahabad HC Ruling on Attempt to Rape Charges

Key Details:
y Background: The Allahabad HC ruled that grabbing a minor’s breasts and breaking her pyjama
string was only “preparation”, not “attempt to rape”.
y Supreme Court Reaction: A Bench of Justices B R Gavai and A G Masih stayed the HC’s ruling,
calling it “totally insensitive” and “inhuman”.
y High Court’s Position:
⚪ Dropped attempt to rape charges under IPC Sec 376 and POCSO Sec 18.
⚪ Directed trial under lesser charges: IPC Sec 354B (assault with intent to disrobe) and POCSO
Sec 9/10.
⚪ Cited the act did not go beyond “preparation” into “attempt”.
y Key Legal Distinction:
⚪ Preparation: Not punishable in most cases.
⚪ Attempt: Punishable; requires intent, preparation, and a direct act toward the offence.

Why in News?
SC Stays Allahabad HC Ruling, Explains Distinction Between ‘Preparation’ and ‘Attempt’ in Rape
Case.

Elections

ECI Addresses Concerns Over Duplicate Voter ID Numbers

What is an EPIC Number (Voter ID number)?

y The Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC) is a 10-digit unique voter ID number issued by

Polity and Governance 18

 the Election Commission of India to each registered elector.
y It serves as a primary form of identification for voters during elections.

Reasons for Duplicate EPIC Numbers:

y Manual voter ID allocation by State/UT CEO offices before ERONET led to errors.
y Identical alphanumeric EPIC series were sometimes assigned to electors in different states/
UTs. This resulted in duplicate EPIC numbers across different Assembly Constituencies in
various States/UTs.

ERONET: Digital Electoral Roll Management System

y ERONET (Electoral Roll Management System) is a web-based platform developed to
streamline electoral roll management.
y It integrates voter registration, migration, and deletion processes across states, ensuring a
centralized approach to electoral roll maintenance.

Why in News?
The ECI confirmed on March 2, 2025, that voters can only vote at their designated polling station
despite reports of duplicate Voter ID numbers in two states.

Dubious or Doubtful Voters (D-Voters) in Assam

About D-Voters:
y The Election Commission introduced the D-Voter (Doubtful Voter) concept in 1997 for individuals
unable to prove Indian nationality.
y The term isn’t defined under the Citizenship Act, 1955, or Citizenship Rules, 2003.
y As per Section 4(4) of the Citizenship Rules, 2003, such individuals are listed in the population
register for verification.

Rights & Restrictions of D-Voters:

y D-Voters cannot vote in elections as their citizenship remains unverified.
y They are not eligible to contest elections in India.
y The D-Voter status is temporary, and authorities must take a final decision within a fixed
timeframe.
y If a D-Voter is declared a foreigner or illegal immigrant, they may be deported or sent to a
detention center.
y D-Voters can apply for inclusion in the National Register of Citizens (NRC), but only after
receiving clearance from the Foreigners Tribunals (FTs).

Why in News?
The Assam government identified 1.2 lakh D-Voters, raising concerns about citizenship and
deportation policies.

Polity and Governance 19

Voter ID & Aadhaar databases Linkage

Key Points:
y The Election Commission of India (ECI) will collaborate with UIDAI to link voter records with
Aadhaar, ensuring it remains voluntary but requiring voters to provide a reason if they decline.

Current Status:
y By 2023, Aadhaar details of over 66 crore voters were collected, but the databases are not
yet linked.
y The focus is now on integrating data for voluntarily provided Aadhaar numbers.
y Form 6B Amendment: The Law Ministry will amend Form 6B (Voter Information) to clarify that
sharing Aadhaar is voluntary, removing restrictive options and allowing voters to explain why
they are not providing Aadhaar.

Why in News?
The ECI plans to link voter records with Aadhaar, keeping it voluntary to prevent duplicate IDs,
after a meeting with government officials.

Centre-state relation/federalism

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says ‘Betting & Gambling are State Subjects’

Meaning of Betting and Gambling:

y Betting: Wagering money on the outcome of an event, typically sports or elections, based on
analysis or prediction.
y Gambling: A broader term that includes games of chance (like casinos, lotteries, and online
gaming), where outcomes are largely uncertain and based on luck.

Key Points:
y Betting & Gambling are State Subjects: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that
betting and gambling fall under List II of the Constitution, meaning states have the legal
authority to regulate them.
y Centre’s Actions Against Online Gaming: Union Government has already banned 1,410 online
gaming sites based on complaints.
⚪ He mentioned that action can also be taken under Section 112 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.
⚪ Section 112 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) addresses “petty organised crime,” which
encompasses offenses such as theft, snatching, cheating, unauthorized selling of tickets,
and similar criminal acts committed by individuals as part of a group or gang.
⚪ The provision stipulates a minimum punishment of one year of imprisonment, which may
extend up to seven years, along with a fine.

Why in News?
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Lok Sabha said that Betting and Gambling falls under state list.

Polity and Governance 20

Assam Assembly Passes Bill on Governor’s Control Over Delayed Autonomous Council Elections

Key Points:
y The bill permits a maximum extension of one year (in two six-month phases), after which the
Governor may take over administration.

Governance of Tribal Areas:

y Statutory Autonomous Councils:
⚪ Created by states via state legislation (also present in Manipur).
⚪ Aim: Promote social, economic, educational, and cultural development of tribal communities.
⚪ In Assam, they exercise executive powers over 34 subjects like land, education, and cottage
industries.
y Constitutional Autonomous Councils (6th Schedule):
⚪ Established under Article 244, primarily in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura.
⚪ If multiple tribes reside in a district, the Governor can form separate autonomous regions
with their councils.
⚪ Composition: Up to 30 members (26 elected, 4 nominated); Bodoland Territorial Council is
an exception with 46 members.
⚪ Term: 5 years.

Polity and Governance 21

Why in News?
The Assam Assembly has passed bills empowering the Governor to assume control over
statutory autonomous councils if elections are not held after the expiry of their extended term.

Issues of Southern States related to Delimitation

Background: Freezing of Lok Sabha and Assembly Seats

y Initial Delimitation: Conducted based on the 1951, 1961, and 1971 Censuses, which adjusted
seat allocation and constituency boundaries according to population changes.
y 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976): During the Emergency, Parliament froze the total
number of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats until 2000 to encourage population control measures
by not penalizing States with successful family planning.
y 84th Constitutional Amendment (2001): Extended the freeze on the number of seats until
the first Census after 2026, i.e., no change in seat distribution would occur despite rising
population.
y Rationale: The freeze was intended to maintain equity among States, ensuring that those who
curbed population growth would not suffer reduced political representation.

Key Issues of Southern States vis-a-vis Delimitation Post 2026:

y Unequal Population Growth: Northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have grown faster

Polity and Governance 22

 than southern and northeastern states, creating an imbalance in representation if seats are
allocated purely on population.
y Threat to Federal Balance: States that controlled population growth may lose political influence,
which could undermine the principle of cooperative federalism.
y Lack of Clarity on Seat Allocation: The Centre has not clearly stated whether future seat
increases will be based on the existing share or projected population, leading to uncertainty
and concerns of regional disadvantage.

About Delimitation Commission

y Statutory Body: It is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament, tasked with

redrawing the boundaries of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituencies based on the
latest Census.
y Composition: Headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, with the Chief Election Commissioner
and respective State Election Commissioners as ex-officio members.
y Objective: To ensure fair and equal representation by adjusting constituencies in line with
population changes.
y Finality of Orders: Its decisions have the force of law and cannot be challenged in court,
ensuring independence and impartiality in the process.
Note: Delimitation has taken place four times in the years 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002.

Why in News?
Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin and other leaders have raised concerns about the delimitation’s impact
on southern states, which have controlled population growth.

Governance

Sahyog Portal: Automated Content Regulation

About SAHYOG Portal:

y Aim: To build a strong system for preventing, detecting, investigating, and prosecuting cybercrime
in India.
y Functions:
⚪ It streamlines legal notice processing under the IT Act, 2000, facilitating the removal of
unlawful content and enhancing coordination between authorised agencies and online
platforms.
⚪ In Phase 1: The government enables authorities to send takedown requests for unlawful
content.
⚪ In Phase 2: The portal’s functionality will be expanded to include information requests from
law enforcement agencies.
y Ministry: Developed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
y Note: 38 intermediaries like Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, Apple, YouTube, and Microsoft have
joined.

Polity and Governance 23

Why in News?
X Corp (Twitter) is challenging the Indian government’s content-blocking approach through the
SAHYOG portal in the Delhi High Court.

Rajasthan Tables Bill to Regulate Coaching Centres

Background:
y In the last two decades, Kota, along with other districts like Sikar, Jaipur, etc, has become a
national hub for coaching (NEET, JEE, CLAT).
y Case of rising student suicides: 28 in 2023, 17 in 2024, 7 in early 2025.
y Reasons: Concerns over academic pressure, commercialisation, and mental health risks.

About the Bill:

y The Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Bill, 2025, was introduced in the
Assembly on March 19, 2025.
y It aims to regulate private coaching centres and ensure a stress-free learning environment.

Why in News?
The Rajasthan government introduced a landmark bill to regulate coaching centres amid growing
student suicides.

Polity and Governance 24

Probable MCQs
1. Consider the following statements regarding Privilege Motion in Parliament:
1. A Privilege Motion is used by Members of Parliament to raise concerns about violations of
their special rights and immunities.
2. Parliamentary privileges are explicitly codified under Article 105 and cannot be altered by
any court.
3. Privilege Motions can only be raised against non-members of Parliament.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (a)

2. With reference to Demands for Grants and the Guillotine procedure, consider the following
statements:
1. The Demands for Grants are made by individual ministries and require parliamentary
approval before funds can be withdrawn.
2. The Guillotine is used to club together undiscussed demands to ensure the timely passage
of the Appropriation Bill.
3. The process of the Guillotine violates Article 113 of the Constitution as it skips individual
debate.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)

3. Consider the following statements about the recent Supreme Court judgment on Auroville and
the right to development:
1. The Court recognized development as part of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and
21.
2. The Supreme Court upheld the NGT’s authority to impose a stay on all development activities
in eco-sensitive zones.
3. The judgment emphasized a “golden balance” between environmental protection and the
right to development.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)

4. Consider the following statements regarding D-Voters in India:

1. D-Voters are individuals whose Indian citizenship is in doubt and hence face temporary
restrictions.

Polity and Governance 25

 2. The D-Voter classification is defined under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
3. Clearance from Foreigners Tribunals is required before inclusion in the National Register of
Citizens (NRC).
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)

5. Consider the following statements about EPIC Numbers and ERONET:

1. EPIC is a 10-digit alphanumeric voter ID unique to each elector.
2. Duplicate EPICs arose due to pre-ERONET manual issuance of IDs by state CEOs.
3. ERONET is designed to eliminate duplicate entries and ensure uniformity in electoral rolls.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)

Polity and Governance 26

ECONOMY IN NEWS: MARCH (2025)

MONEY, BANKING, FINANCE & INSURANCE

SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY, GDP, INFLATION

BUDGET, TAXATION & GST

BALANCE OF PAYMENT & INTERNATIONAL TRADE

INFRASTRUCTURE, MANUFACTURING, ENERGY RESOURCES

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, HEALTH AND EDUCATION

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 2 Economy

Money, Banking, Finance & Insurance

SEBI Launches ‘Bond Central’

About Bond Central:

y Bond Central is a centralized database portal that serves as a single, authentic source of
information on corporate bonds issued in India.
y Developed by the Online Bond Platform Providers (OBPP) Association in collaboration with
Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) (stock exchanges and depositories).
y Publicly accessible and free of cost, acting as an information repository for investors and
market participants.
y Operated by the OBPP Association, a not-for-profit entity with support from MIIs.

Why in News?
SEBI launched Bond Central on February 28, 2025, as a centralized database portal for corporate
bonds in India.

28 Economy
Govt Clears Incentive For Small UPI Transactions

About BHIM-UPI Incentive Scheme:

y ₹1,500 crore allocated to promote small-value UPI (P2M) transactions up to ₹2,000.
y Aims to encourage digital payments and improve “Ease of Living.”
y 0.15% incentive for transactions up to ₹2,000 for small merchants.
y 55% of total merchant transactions to be covered under the scheme.

Why in News?
The Union Cabinet cleared a `1,500-crore incentive for promotion of small-value BHIM-UPI (P2M)
transactions up to `2,000.

PFRDA notified Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

About Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

y The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) applies to Central Government employees covered under
the National Pension System (NPS) who choose to opt for it.
y Both existing and new employees under NPS can choose UPS, but once selected, the choice is
final and cannot be changed.
y The PFRDA may issue rules to manage and implement the scheme. It will come into effect from
April 1, 2025.
y Key Features of UPS
⚪ UPS offers a guaranteed pension after retirement.

Economy 29
 ⚪ Employees completing 25 years of service will receive 50% of the average basic pay from
the last 12 months before retirement.
⚪ Those with 10 to 25 years of service will get a proportionate pension.
⚪ A minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month is assured for those with at least 10 years of
service.
⚪ If an employee voluntarily retires after 25 years, the pension will start from their actual
superannuation date.
⚪ In case of the pensioner’s death after retirement, the legally wedded spouse will receive
60% of the pension as family pension.
⚪ Dearness Relief (DR) will be added to both employee and family pensions, calculated just
like Dearness Allowance for current employees.
⚪ Employees who are dismissed, removed, or resign will not be eligible for the UPS benefits.
y Contributions under UPS
⚪ UPS is a contributory scheme (unlike the old pension system).
⚪ Employees must contribute 10% of their basic pay and DA, while the central government
will contribute 18.5%.
⚪ The final pension payout also depends on market returns, mainly from government debt
investments.

Why in News?
Unified Pension Scheme for Central Government Employees Notified by PFRDA.

India Discontinues Medium and Long-Term Gold Deposit Options Under Monetisation Scheme

Key Details:
y The Centre has discontinued the medium- and long-term deposits under the Gold Monetisation
Scheme.
y The Ministry of Finance cited evolving market conditions and the performance of the scheme
as reasons.
y Short-term bank deposits (1-3 years) under GMS will continue at the discretion of banks,
based on commercial viability.
y Existing deposits will continue till maturity and are not affected by the discontinuation.

Scheme Overview:
y Launched in 2015 to channel idle gold into the formal economy and reduce imports. It included:
⚪ Short-term deposits (1–3 years)
⚪ Medium-term deposits (5–7 years)
⚪ Long-term deposits (12–15 years)
⚪ Minimum deposit: 10 grams of raw gold; no maximum limit.

Economy 30
y Interest Rates:
⚪ Short-term: Rate decided by banks.
⚪ Medium-term: 2.25% (paid by the government)
⚪ Long-term: 2.5% (paid by the government)

Why in News?
The Centre has discontinued the medium- and long-term deposits under the Gold Monetisation
Scheme from March 26, 2025.

RBI allows banks to hike ATM charge

Key Details:
y The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed banks to increase ATM cash withdrawal charges
from ₹21 to ₹23 per transaction beyond the free monthly limit, effective May 1, 2025.
y Customers get 5 free ATM transactions per month from their own bank (including financial and
non-financial).
y They also get 3 free transactions at other bank ATMs in metro areas and 5 in non-metro areas.
y The new charge of ₹23 applies after these free limits are exceeded.
y These rules will also apply to cash recycler machines, except for cash deposits.

Why in News?
RBI allows banks to hike ATM charges to ₹23/withdrawal beyond free monthly usage from May 1.

Sectors of the Economy, GDP, Inflation

‘Navratna’ status for IRCTC and IRFC

About Navratna Status:

y Criteria for Navratna Status:
⚪ Navratnas are second-tier
CPSEs between Maharatnas and
Miniratnas.
⚪ Awarded based on profitability,
net worth, earnings, and inter-
sectoral performance.
⚪ Six key indicators are considered:
 Net profit to net worth ratio
 Manpower cost to total cost
 PBDIT to capital employed
(Return on Capital)

Economy 31
  PBIT to turnover
 Earnings per share
 Inter-sectoral performance
y A company must score 60+ on these indicators and have an Excellent or Very Good MOU rating
in at least three of the last five years.

Benefits of Navratna Status:

y Increased financial autonomy: Can invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth in a single
project without government approval.
y Mergers & Acquisitions: Can form joint ventures, subsidiaries, and enter M&A deals without
direct government intervention.
y Global Expansion: Can expand internationally and form strategic alliances.
y Market Position: Being financially stable, they attract more investors and offer better
shareholder returns.

Why in News?
The Central Government approved the upgradation of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism
Corporation (IRCTC) and Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) as the country’s 25th and 26th
Navratna companies, respectively.

Gum arabic

About Gum arabic:

y A natural substance from acacia trees.
y Used in food, cosmetics, and pet food
y Functions as a stabilizer, thickener, and
emulsifier.
y Sudan produces 80% of the world’s gum
Arabic.
y Challenges in Supply Chain:
⚪ Difficult to trace the origins of gum
Arabic due to smuggling.
⚪ Western companies face risks of
unknowingly sourcing from conflict
areas.

Why in News?
As per reports, Gum arabic is increasingly being
trafficked from rebel-held areas of war-torn
Sudan.

Economy 32
Q-commerce

About Q-commerce:
y Meaning: Q-commerce, or
quick commerce, is a business
model that focuses on ultra-
fast delivery of goods, typically
within 10 to 30 minutes
y Origin & Growth: Emerged
during COVID-19 lockdowns and
continued post-pandemic.
y How Quick Commerce Works: It
uses dark stores (warehouses
without in-person shopping)
for fast distribution and relies
on mobile apps and customer
data for inventory management
and personalized shopping.

Why in News?
Rise of quick commerce in India
poses certain challenges in terms of
level playing field for other retailers
and distributors.

Govt Notifies Revisions to MSME Classification Criteria

What are the Revised MSME Classification Criteria?

y The Ministry of MSME has notified new thresholds for classifying enterprises as micro, small,
or medium, effective April 1, 2025.
y The revised criteria are based on investment in plant and machinery/equipment and annual
turnover, with significant increases from previous limits.

New Classification Thresholds:

Category Investment Limit (Revised) Turnover Limit (Revised)

Micro Enterprise Up to ₹2.5 crore (earlier ₹1 crore) Up to ₹10 crore (earlier ₹5 crore)

Small Enterprise Up to ₹25 crore (earlier ₹10 crore) Up to ₹100 crore (earlier ₹50 crore)

Medium Enterprise Up to ₹125 crore (earlier ₹50 crore) Up to ₹500 crore (earlier ₹250 crore)

Polity and Governance 33

Why in News?
The government has notified the revised classification norms for MSMEs on March 24, 2025, to be
implemented from April 1, 2025.

India’s Wheat Production Estimated to Hit Record High

Key Points:
y Wheat production for 2024–25 is estimated to reach a record high of 115.3 million metric
tonnes (MMT).
y This is a 2% increase over the 113.3 MMT in 2023–24, as per the Second Advance Estimates
released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

About Wheat Crop:

y Season: Wheat is a Rabi crop, sown in October–December and harvested in March–May.
y Temperature: Requires cool weather for growth (12°C to 25°C) and warm, dry weather at
maturity.
y Rainfall: Ideally needs 50–100 cm of annual rainfall.
y Total area under wheat cultivation (2023-24): 318.33 lakh hectares, making it the second-
largest crop after paddy in terms of area.
y Major wheat-producing states: Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana.

Why in News?
India’s wheat production is set to reach a record high in 2024–25.

Centre to own nearly 49% of Vodafone Idea

Key Details:
y The Indian government will increase its stake in Vodafone Idea (Vi) to nearly 49% by converting
₹36,950 crore of the company’s dues into equity.
y This is the second bailout, following a previous conversion of ₹6,133 crore in 2023, bringing the
total to over ₹43,000 crore.
y The government will now become Vi’s largest shareholder, though promoters will retain
operational control.

Why in News?
Govt to Convert ₹36,950 Crore Vodafone Idea Dues into Equity to Ease Financial Burden.

Economy 34
Budget, Taxation & GST

India imposes anti-dumping duty on 5 products

About Anti-dumping duty:

y Anti-dumping duty is a trade protection measure imposed by a country on imported goods that
are being sold at below fair market value, causing harm to domestic industries.
y Purpose:
⚪ To protect domestic manufacturers from unfair price competition.
⚪ To prevent market distortion caused by foreign companies dumping goods at lower prices.
⚪ To ensure fair trade practices and prevent monopoly by foreign firms.

India’s Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Goods:

y India has imposed anti-dumping duties on five Chinese products to protect domestic industries
from cheap imports.
y Affected products:
1. Soft Ferrite Cores
2. Vacuum-insulated flasks (certain thickness)
3. Aluminium foil
4. TrichloroIsocyanuric Acid
5. Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) Paste Resin
y Reason for duty: These goods were exported to India at below normal prices (dumping).
y Implemented by: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Department of Revenue.

Why in News?
India has imposed anti-dumping duties on five Chinese goods in March 2025.

Threshold of safe harbour rules raised to include lithium-ion batteries for EVs

What are Safe Harbour Rules?

y Defined under Section 92CB of the Income-tax Act, 1961.
y Safe harbour refers to situations where income-tax authorities accept the transfer price
declared by the assessee.
y Transfer price is the price charged between related entities of the same multinational enterprise
(MNE) group.

Key Amendments by CBDT:

y Scope of safe harbour rules expanded to include lithium-ion batteries used in electric and
hybrid vehicles.
y Threshold for availing safe harbour increased from ₹200 crore to ₹300 crore.

Economy 35
y Amendments will apply for assessment years 2025-26 and 2026-27.

Impact & Benefits:

y Reduces transfer pricing disputes for imported EV components.
y Provides tax certainty to assessees opting for safe harbour.

Significance for EV Sector

y Lithium-ion batteries are now classified as core auto components under tax rules.
y Encourages tax clarity and compliance for businesses importing EV parts.

Why in News?
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) notified amendments to the Income-tax Rules to expand
the scope of safe harbour rules by including lithium-ion batteries for use in electric or hybrid
electric vehicles.

Equalization Levy Withdrawal Not Linked to Trump Tariffs

What is the Equalisation Levy?

y The Equalization Levy is a tax introduced by the Indian government to tax
digital services provided by non-resident entities to Indian customers.
Two types of levies were introduced:
⚪ 6% levy on online advertisements (introduced in FY 2016)
⚪ 2% levy on e-commerce supply or services (introduced in 2020)
y These applied to payments made by Indian businesses to non-resident digital service providers,
such as Google, Facebook, etc.

What has the Government Done?

y As part of Finance Act 2025, the 6% equalization levy on digital advertisements has been
withdrawn.
y The 2% levy had already been removed earlier during the July 2024 Budget, following stakeholder
consultations to ease compliance burdens.

Why in News?
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that the removal of the equalization levy was a
planned policy move, not a reaction to U.S. tariff actions.

Tamil Nadu Replaces Rupee Symbol in Budget

Key Highlights:
y Ahead of presenting the State Budget 2025–26, the Tamil Nadu government released a new budget
logo that replaced the Devanagari rupee symbol (₹) with ‘ru’, the Tamil letter for rubaai (rupee).

Economy 36
y The logo read “Ellorkkum Ellaam” (Everything for Everyone), emphasizing inclusivity and Tamil
linguistic pride.

Why in News?
The Tamil Nadu government replaced the rupee symbol with a Tamil letter in its budget logo.

Balance of Payment & International Trade

India’s goods trade deficit at 42-month low: Commerce Ministry Data

Economy 37
Meaning of Trade Deficit:
y A trade deficit occurs when a country buys (imports) more goods and services from other
nations than it sells (exports).
y It reflects the gap where the total value of imports surpasses the total value of exports over a
specific period.

Key findings of the Commerce Ministry Data:

Category Amount Key Details

Trade Deficit $14.05 billion Lowest in 42 months

Trade Deficit (Jan 2025) $22.9 billion Was higher last month

Trade Deficit (Feb 2024) $19.5 billion Was higher last year

Total Exports $36.9 billion Down 10.84% from last year

Lowest in 22 months, down

Total Imports $50.9 billion
16.3%

Over $23 Much higher than Feb 2025

Usual Trade Deficit in FY2025 (First 10 months)
billion deficit

Why in News?
India’s goods trade deficit was down to a 42-month low of $14.05 billion as imports of gold, silver,
and crude dipped in February 2025.

India Holds Only 0.7% Of Global Spices Market Despite Being The World’s Largest Producer:
WSO
About World Spice Organisation (WSO):
y The World Spice Organisation (WSO) is a not-for-profit entity.
y It is registered under the Travancore Cochin Literary, Scientific and Charitable Societies Act,
1956.

Key Points:
y According to WSO, despite being the world’s largest producer and exporter of various spices,
India’s presence in the global seasoning market remains minimal.
y The global market was valued at $14 billion in 2024. India’s share in this market stands at just
0.7%. In comparison, China holds a 12% share, while the U.S.A. accounts for 11%.

Economy 38
Why in News:
The chairman of the World Spice Organisation (WSO), Ramkumar Menon, has highlighted India’s low
share in the global spice market.

Economy 39
Trump’s 25% Auto Tariffs Spark Concerns for India

About US Tariffs and Their Impact on the Indian Auto Industry:

y New US Tariffs on Automobiles & Auto Parts
⚪ 25% tariffs on imported automobiles starting April 3, 2025.
⚪ Auto parts to face similar tariffs by May 3, 2025, unless modified or withdrawn.
⚪ Justified by the US under national security concerns.
y Impact on Indian Auto Exports
⚪ India’s auto component exports to the US stood at $6.79 billion in FY24.
⚪ Major affected exports: Engines, transmissions, powertrain parts, and electrical components.
⚪ Risk of selective relaxations favoring specific countries, which may adversely impact Indian
exports.
y Importance of the North American Market
⚪ The US and Europe account for 32% each of India’s $21.2 billion auto component exports.
⚪ FY24 exports grew by 5.5%, driven by strong demand from these markets.
y Risks of Reducing Import Duties in India
⚪ Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) warns against lowering tariffs on passenger cars to
counter US tariffs.
⚪ Example: Australia reduced auto import tariffs from 45% to 5% in the 1980s, leading to the
collapse of its domestic auto industry.
⚪ The Indian auto sector contributes one-third of the manufacturing GDP, making policy
stability crucial

Why in News?
Trump has levied 25% auto tariffs, posing a threat to India’s $7 billion component exports.

Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Energy Resources

Centrifuge Device and Its Use in Uranium Enrichment

What is Uranium Enrichment?

y Uranium enrichment is the process of increasing the proportion of Uranium-235 (U-235) in a
sample of natural uranium.
y Natural uranium consists of:
⚪ 99.3% U-238 (non-fissile)
⚪ 0.7% U-235 (fissile and useful for nuclear reactions)
y Nuclear power reactors require 3–20% U-235, depending on reactor design.
y Nuclear weapons require ~90% U-235, referred to as weapons-grade uranium.

Economy 40
What is a Centrifuge and How Does It Work?
y A centrifuge is a device used to separate isotopes
based on their mass difference using centrifugal
force.
y Uranium is first converted into uranium hexafluoride
(UF₆), a gas at moderate temperatures.
y UF₆ gas is spun in centrifuges at ~50,000 revolutions
per minute (RPM).
y Heavier U-238 molecules move outward, while lighter
U-235 molecules concentrate near the center.
y The enriched U-235 fraction is siphoned off and
passed through multiple centrifuges to increase
enrichment levels (cascade system).
y The centrifuge rotor is made of lightweight yet
strong materials (e.g., carbon fibre) to withstand
high-speed spinning.

Why in News?
There has been a renewed focus towards the nuclear energy in recent times in view of increasing
carbon emissions.

Railways Panel gives approval to Pamban Bridge

What is the Pamban Bridge Project?

y The new Pamban Rail Bridge connects Rameswaram (Pamban Island) to Mandapam (mainland
India) in Tamil Nadu.
y It is a 2.05 km long bridge featuring a 72 m vertical lift span, the first of its kind in India.
y It is the second vertical lift railway bridge in the world after Hamburg’s Kattwyk Bridge.
y Replaces the British-era Pamban Bridge built in 1914, which had a double-leaf bascule lift
span.

Why in News?
On March 30, 2025, a Railways panel approved the new Pamban Bridge after reviewing earlier
safety concerns.

India’s Dependence on Coal Increases to 79%: MOSPI Report

Reasons for High Reliance on Coal Despite Renewable Push:

y Stable Energy Supply: Coal provides reliable base load power, unlike solar and wind, which are
intermittent.
y Economic Advantage: Coal remains cost-effective with abundant domestic reserves and lower
setup costs than renewables.

Economy 41
y Employment Dependence: Coal mining supports millions of jobs, especially in states like
Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
y Infrastructure Gaps: India lacks adequate infrastructure to transmit renewable energy from
remote areas to demand centres.

Why in News?
According to the latest Energy Statistics in India report by MOSPI, India’s dependence on coal
increased to 79% in FY2024.

Human Resource Development, Health and Education

The Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution recommends the
Fortified Rice Distribution

What is Food Fortification?

y Food fortification means adding essential vitamins and minerals (like iron, folic acid, and vitamin
B12) to food. It helps improve the nutritional value of commonly eaten foods.

What is Fortified Rice?

y Fortified rice is normal rice that
has extra nutrients added to it.
The added nutrients can include
iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
y It looks, cooks, and tastes like
regular rice but provides better
nutrition.

Key Recommendations of the

Standing Committee:
y Ensure Effective
Implementation of Fortified Rice
Distribution Scheme, especially
in rice-consuming states.
y Combat Malnutrition: Fortified
rice would help improve health and well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations.
y Improve Budget Accuracy: The Ministry should adopt a more precise approach while preparing
future budget estimates.

Why in News?
The Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution has advised the
Centre to ensure strict and effective implementation of the fortified rice distribution scheme
across India.

Economy 42
Probable MCQs

1. With reference to SEBI’s “Bond Central” portal, consider the following statements:
1. It provides a centralized repository for all corporate bond information in India.
2. It is owned and operated solely by SEBI under the Securities Contracts Regulation Act.
3. It was developed collaboratively by Market Infrastructure Institutions and the OBPP
Association.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (c)

2. Which of the following best reflects the purpose of Anti-Dumping Duty?

(a) To prevent under-invoicing of export consignments
(b) To protect domestic producers from unfair foreign pricing practices
(c) To generate revenue for the exchequer through countervailing tariffs
(d) To regulate the quality standards of foreign products
Answer: (b)

3. Which of the following factors contribute to India’s increasing dependence on coal, as per the
MOSPI Energy Statistics Report (FY2024)?
1. Reliability in base-load power generation
2. Low transmission losses for coal-generated electricity
3. Employment generation in mining states
4. Delayed grid infrastructure for renewables
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3, and 4 only
(c) 2, 3, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (b)

4. With reference to the ‘Navratna’ status of CPSEs, consider the following statements:
1. Companies must score at least 60 points on key performance indicators to be eligible.
2. Navratnas have financial autonomy to invest up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth in
a project without prior government approval.
3. IRCTC and IRFC were recently granted Navratna status for meeting the required benchmarks.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)

5. With reference to the Equalization Levy in India, consider the following statements:
1. The 6% Equalization Levy on online advertisements was introduced in the Finance Act of

Economy 43
 2025.
2. The 2% Equalization Levy is applied to e-commerce services provided by foreign companies
to Indian customers.
3. As of 2025, both the 6% and 2% levies have been withdrawn.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)

Economy 44
IR IN NEWS: MARCH (2025)

INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION, CONFERENCES, AGREEMENTS

DEFENSE AND INTERNAL SECURITY

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 3 IR Defence and Security

International organisation, Conferences, Agreements

India Launches ‘Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3)’

About Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3):

y It is a multi-nation alliance launched by India for sustainable urban development.
y It focuses on city-to-city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private-sector partnerships.
y It aims to improve waste management and resource efficiency in the Asia-Pacific region.
y Objectives of C-3:
⚪ Promote 3R principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and circular economy concepts.
⚪ Encourage policy dialogue and capacity building among member nations.
⚪ Establish a working group to finalize the coalition’s structure and operational framework.

About the Regional 3R & Circular Economy Forum (Asia-Pacific):

y Established in 2009 to promote sustainable waste management and resource efficiency.
y Addresses challenges arising from rapid economic growth, resource depletion, and waste
generation.
y Led to the adoption of the Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023) with 33 voluntary goals for a
resource-efficient economy.

Why in News?
India launched Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3) at the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy
Forum in Jaipur.

US Reciprocal Tariffs & Impact on India

Meaning of tariff and Reciprocal Tariff:

y A tariff is a tax or duty imposed by a government on imported or exported goods. It is used to
regulate trade, protect domestic industries, or generate revenue.
⚪ Tariffs can be import tariffs (on goods coming into a country) or export tariffs (on goods
leaving a country).
y Reciprocal tariffs refer to trade policies where two countries impose similar or equivalent
tariffs on each other’s goods.

US’s announcements related to Tariff:

y US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs effective from April 2, 2025.

46 IR Defence and Security

y The Trump administration said that India’s high tariffs on US goods, particularly a 100% tariff
on automobiles, are unfair.

Impact on India:
y Sectors at risk include food, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, which are the most vulnerable.
y Moody’s report indicates that India’s economy is less exposed than Vietnam’s or Thailand’s but
still faces challenges.
⚪ Capital outflows and currency depreciation may occur due to trade tensions.
⚪ Central banks may struggle to ease monetary policy due to external pressure.

Why in News?
The US announced reciprocal tariffs from April 2, 2025, impacting India’s trade negotiations.

“Women’s Rights in Review: 30 Years After Beijing” Report Released By UN Women

About the UN Report:

y The report “Women’s Rights in
Review: 30 Years After Beijing”
highlights setbacks in gender
equality due to democratic
backsliding and conflicts.
⚪ Democratic backsliding
means a country’s
democracy is weakening. It
happens when leaders limit
people’s rights, reduce free
speech, or make elections
unfair.
y It is released by UN Women
ahead of International
Women’s Day (March 8, 2025).
y Despite some progress,
women’s rights regressed in
nearly 25% of countries worldwide.

Key Findings of the Report

Gender Discrimination Still present in economies and societies.

Women Leaders Only 87 countries have ever had a female leader.

Legal Rights Women have only 64% of men’s legal rights.

Lawmakers 75% are men, though female legislators have doubled since 1995.

IR Defence and Security 47

 10% of women live in extreme poverty; maternal mortality hasn’t
Poverty & Health
improved much since 2015.

Family Planning Young women (15-24) still face barriers.

Violence Against Women 1 in 3 women face physical/sexual violence.

Homicide A woman/girl is killed every 10 minutes by a family or a partner.

Conflict-Related Violence Increased by 50% since 2022; 95% of victims are women/children.

Laws Against Violence 88% of countries passed laws in the last 5 years.

Workplace & Education Most nations banned job discrimination & improved girls’ education.

Gender Budget Tracking 54% of governments track it; only 26% meet SDG standards.

Why in News?
The UN Women report warns of increasing gender inequality, calling for urgent global action to
protect and advance women’s rights.

Plaza Accord 1985 to Devalue Dollar

About Plaza Accord 1985:

y The Plaza Accord was a 1985 agreement between the United States, Japan, Germany, France,
and the UK (G5) to devalue the US dollar in a coordinated manner.
y This was done to correct trade imbalances, as a strong dollar made US exports expensive and
imports cheaper, worsening the US trade deficit.

Why in News?
y With the US facing large trade deficits and a strong dollar, there is speculation that Trump
could push for a new Plaza Accord-style deal (dubbed the Mar-a-Lago Accord).

India to become Chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in Nov. 2025

IR Defence and Security 48

About IORA:
y The Indian Ocean Rim
Association (IORA) is an
intergovernmental regional
organization that promotes
economic cooperation, trade,
and security among Indian
Ocean littoral states.
y Founded: March 1997 in
Mauritius with the adoption of
the Charter of IORA.
y Members: 23 coastal states
across the Indian Ocean
Region.
y IORA Secretariat: Based in
Mauritius.
y IORA’s Core Objectives:
⚪ Promote sustainable economic growth and regional development.
⚪ Enhance maritime safety and security.
⚪ Strengthen disaster risk management and climate resilience.
y India’s Leadership Role in IORA: India will assume the Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association
(IORA) in November 2025 for a two-year term. Currently, India is the vice chair of IORA.

Why in News?
India will assume the Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in November 2025, leading
the regional body for two years.

Armenia and Azerbaijan Finalize Peace Treaty to End 40-Year Conflict

Background:
y The conflict began in the late
1980s, when the Armenian-
majority Nagorno-Karabakh
sought to secede from
Azerbaijan.
y This led to two wars and mass
displacements, including the
2023 offensive, which forced
over 100,000 ethnic Armenians
to flee.

IR Defence and Security 49

About the Agreement:
y On March 13, 2025, Armenia and Azerbaijan finalized the text of a peace treaty to resolve the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
y Both nations expressed readiness to normalize ties, signaling a major step toward South
Caucasus stability.
y However, Azerbaijan demands constitutional changes from Armenia, which is open to a
referendum but has not set a date.

Why in News?
The treaty signals a potential end to one of the world’s longest-running conflicts, though its final
signing remains uncertain due to constitutional demands by Azerbaijan.

Balochistan Train Attack

Key Points:
y BLA insurgents hijacked the Jaffar
Express train ( train from Quetta
to Peshawar) in the Bolan area in
Balochistan.
y Around 182 passengers were
taken hostage, including army and
intelligence personnel.
y The BLA claimed to have killed 20
Pakistani soldiers and shot down a
drone.
y Pakistani security forces responded,
killing 16 militants and rescuing
about 100 passengers.

Indian Response:
y India denies any involvement in
Balochistan and rejects Pakistan’s
allegations of supporting Baloch
militants.
y It urges Pakistan to focus on internal
issues instead of externalizing blame.
y India’s stance is driven by geopolitical
concerns, regional stability, and its
complex relationship with Pakistan.
y India highlights minority rights
in Balochistan in line with its
democratic and secular values.

IR Defence and Security 50

Why in News?
The hijacking of the Jaffar Express and the killing of 18 Pakistani soldiers mark a serious escalation
in Baloch insurgent activity.

India-Mauritius Elevate Ties to Enhanced Strategic Partnership

Key Details About the Visit:

y PM Modi was awarded Mauritius’ highest civilian honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the
Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GCSK).
y He is the first Indian to receive this honour, recognising his role in deepening bilateral relations.

Key Outcomes:

Key Outcome Brief Details

Enhanced Strategic Boosted ties in defence, maritime security, trade, and development.
Partnership Focus on Indo-Pacific stability.

MAHASAGAR Vision India’s new outreach to Global South for security, growth, and
Launch regional cooperation.

Development Inauguration of 20 HICDPs, an Area Health Centre, and launch of

Cooperation Phase II and new Parliament aid.

Major Inaugurations Opened Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute for governance and innovation.

Why in News?
In March 2025, India and Mauritius upgraded their ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership
during PM Narendra Modi’s visit.

Israel Passes Controversial Law Granting Political Control Over Judicial Appointments

Key Details:
y The Israeli Parliament passed a new law limiting the Supreme Court’s powers.
y The court can no longer cancel government decisions using the “reasonableness” rule.
y Meaning of Reasonableness:
⚪ It’s a legal idea courts use to check if decisions are fair and balanced.
⚪ Israel’s court used it to stop some government actions in the past.
y PM Netanyahu’s team says it gives more power to elected officials.
y They believe judges interfere too much in politics.

IR Defence and Security 51

y Public response:
⚪ Mass protests have happened across Israel for months.
⚪ Doctors, tech leaders, soldiers, and others are joining protests.
⚪ A rights group has asked the Supreme Court to cancel the new law.

Why in News?
Israel passes contentious law amid protests which is an ‘attempt to curb judiciary’s powers.

Nepal’s violent street protests

Key Details about Protests:

y In Nepal, former King Gyanendra Shah has emerged as a symbol of public frustration with
widespread corruption, political instability, and the current democratic system.
y Although Shah has not openly sought to reclaim the throne, his public messages and interactions
with citizens have sparked a growing pro-monarchy movement.
y On March 28, 2025, massive pro-monarchy protests in Kathmandu turned violent, leading to
three deaths and 110 arrests.
y The rally far outnumbered a simultaneous Left Front event and led to clashes with police.
y Leaders of the ruling coalition called for Shah’s arrest, while the royalist Rastriya Prajatantra
Party challenged the government.
y The unrest is fueled by public anger over corruption, with several current and former prime
ministers accused of scams and misuse of power.

Why in News?
On March 28, 2025, massive pro-monarchy protests in Kathmandu turned violent, leading to three
deaths and 110 arrests.

India-Europe Resilience Forum (IERF)

About India-Europe Resilience Forum (IERF):

y A Track 1.5 Diplomacy initiative to enhance cooperation on non-traditional security challenges.
⚪ Track 1.5 Diplomacy refers to informal, unofficial dialogue involving non-governmental
individuals or groups to build trust and influence Track 1 (official) diplomacy.
y The IERF is jointly led by Indian and European institutions including the Institute of Peace and
Conflict Studies and Hanns Seidel Foundation India.
y The forum aims to deepen collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, resilient supply
chains, defence, digital and green transition, space, and semiconductors. Both sides agreed to
explore joint R&D in areas like chip design and sustainable semiconductor technologies.

IR Defence and Security 52

Why in News?
On March 28, 2025, India and the European Union launched the India-Europe Resilience Forum
(IERF).

Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) and Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar Initiative

Key details:
y Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME):
⚪ A multinational naval exercise co-hosted with the Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Force (TPDF).
⚪ Scheduled for mid-April 2025 in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, with participation from 10
African nations.
⚪ Activities include command post drills, anti-piracy exercises, Seamanship training, VBSS,
search and rescue, and helicopter operations.
⚪ AIKEYME means Unity in Sanskrit and reflects India’s commitment to maritime collaboration.
y Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar Initiative:
⚪ Deployment of INS Sunayna from April 5 to May 8, 2025 with a combined crew from India and
nine Friendly Foreign Countries (FFCs) including Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives,
Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.
⚪ The mission includes port calls at Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, and
Male.
⚪ It will involve joint surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and training for African
personnel in Kochi.

Why in News?
Amid increasing Chinese presence in Africa and growing maritime threats, the Indian Navy has
announced two key initiatives to strengthen ties with African nations and Indian Ocean Region
(IOR) partners.

US Exits UN Climate Damage Fund Meant For Poor Nations

The Loss and Damage Fund was established at COP27 in 2022 after years of negotiations, mainly
pushed by developing nations and small island states suffering from climate change.

Key Points:
y The US has withdrawn from the board of the recently established Loss and Damage Fund,
which provides financial aid to countries affected by climate change.
y This is part of the Trump administration’s broader disengagement from international climate
agreements.
y The US has already pulled out of the Paris Agreement, stopped participation in IPCC meetings,
and canceled committed funds for the Green Climate Fund.

IR Defence and Security 53

Why in News?
The US has withdrawn from the board of the recently established Loss and Damage Fund.

Defense and Internal Security

Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025

About Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025:

y Event: 6th edition of India-Japan joint military exercise
y Location: East Fuji Training Area, Japan
y It is an annual event conducted alternatively in India and Japan.
y Key Focus Areas:
⚪ Counter-terrorism operations in urban terrain
⚪ UN peacekeeping operations (HADR activities)
⚪ Tactical drills, heli-borne insertion, slithering, storming operations

Why in News?
y The Army contingent from India participated in the sixth edition of the India-Japan joint military
exercise ‘DharmaGuardian’ in Mount Fuji, Japan.

SIPRI Report (2020-2024) on Global Arms Trade

IR Defence and Security 54

Key Findings of SIPRI Report:
y Ukraine became the world’s largest arms importer (2020-2024), with imports rising almost 100
times compared to 2015-2019.
⚪ Top Suppliers of Ukraine: USA (45%), Germany (12%), Poland (11%).
y Global Share: Ukraine accounted for 8.8% of total global arms imports.
y India remained the second-largest arms importer, though its imports fell by 9.3% from 2015
to 2019.
⚪ Key Supplier: Russia (36%), a drop from 55% (2015-2019) and 72% (2010-2014).
y France became the world’s second-largest arms exporter. India (28%) and Qatar (9.7%) were
the top buyers.
y For the first time since 1990-1994, China is no longer among the top 10 arms importers.

About Stockholm International Peace Research Institute(SIPRI):

y Founded: 1966, Stockholm, Sweden.
y It is an independent global research institute specializing in conflict, armaments, arms
control, and disarmament.

Why in News?
SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) has published its report on global arms
transfers for 2020-2024.

Ashwini Radar: Indigenous Surveillance System

About Ashwini Radar:

y It is an advanced indigenous surveillance system designed to improve the Indian Air Force’s
ability to detect and track aerial threats.
y Development: Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in collaboration with Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

IR Defence and Security 55

Why in News?
Bharat Electronics Wins ₹2,463 Crore IAF Contract for Indigenous Ashwini Radars.

Joint Naval Exercise, ‘Varuna’

About Joint naval exercise, ‘Varuna’:

y Joint Naval Exercise between the
Indian Navy and the French Navy.
y It aims to enhance operational
cooperation and interoperability.
y Strengthens joint operational
proficiency and maritime security.

Why in News?
Indian and French navies participated in
the joint naval exercise, ‘Varuna’, between
March 19 and 22.

Army Conducts Tri-Service Exercise ‘Prachand Prahaar’

About Exercise Prachand Prahaar:

y ‘Prachand Prahaar’ is a tri-service integrated multi-domain warfare exercise conducted by
the Indian Army from March 25 to 27, 2025, in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.
y Conducted under the Eastern Command, it aimed to validate integrated surveillance, command
& control, and precision firepower capabilities across the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

IR Defence and Security 56

Why in News?
The Army announced the successful conduct of Exercise Prachand Prahaar on March 27, 2025,
showcasing advancements in joint operations.

Army inducts in-house developed First Person View drones

About First Person View (FPV) drone:

y This drone was developed, tested, and validated internally in collaboration with the Terminal
Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh.
y Officials confirmed that an initial batch of five FPV drones, each costing ₹ 1.4 lakh, has been
inducted, with a subsequent procurement of 95 more planned.
y FPV drones gained prominence during the war in Ukraine, where they demonstrated their
capacity to alter battlefield dynamics by effectively neutralising substantial and costly military
assets such as tanks.
y The FPV drone was developed by Major Cephas Chetan in conjunction with a team from TBRL,
led by Dr. Raghvendra, under an initiative launched in August 2024.

Why in News?
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Indian Army has begun inducting a First Person View (FPV) drone
equipped with an anti-tank payload.

Stealth frigate - Tavasya

Key details:
y Tavasya, the final of four
follow-on Krivak-class
stealth frigates contracted
from Russia, and the
second constructed at Goa
Shipyard Limited (GSL)
under a technology transfer
agreement.
y With Tavasya’s launch, India
nears full independence
in warship design and
construction, marking the
likely end of warships built
under foreign license.

Why in News?
In March 2025, the Indian Navy launched Tavasya, the final of four follow-on Krivak-class stealth
frigates.

IR Defence and Security 57

Probable MCQs
1. With reference to the Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3), consider the following statements:
1. It is a multilateral initiative led by India to promote sustainable urban development in the
Asia-Pacific region.
2. It promotes the adoption of 3R principles and supports the circular economy model.
3. It is operated under the Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum, established in 2009.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (a)

2. The Plaza Accord of 1985 was primarily intended to:

(a) Stabilize global oil prices through coordinated production cuts
(b) Launch a unified digital trade platform among the G4 nations
(c) Devalue the US dollar to correct global trade imbalances
(d) Establish a monetary union among the top industrial nations
Answer: (c)

3. Which of the following are core objectives of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)?
1. Promote sustainable economic growth among coastal states
2. Establish a customs union across Indian Ocean member nations
3. Enhance maritime safety and regional disaster risk management
4. Regulate fishing rights in exclusive economic zones (EEZs)
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 3, and 4 only
Answer: (b)

4. With reference to the Exercise Dharma Guardian 2025, consider the following statements:
1. It is a joint military exercise between India and Japan focused on counter-terrorism.
2. It is a biennial event conducted only in India.
3. The 2025 edition was conducted at the East Fuji Training Area in Japan.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)

5. With reference to the stealth frigate ‘Tavasya’ recently launched by the Indian Navy, consider
the following statements:
1. It is the final vessel in a series of Krivak-class stealth frigates built under a technology
transfer agreement with Russia.

IR Defence and Security 58

 2. It was constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
3. The launch of Tavasya marks a milestone in India’s indigenous warship-building capability.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)

IR Defence and Security 59

GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENT IN NEWS: MARCH (2025)

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION

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4 Geography and Environment

Physical Geography

Mount Erebus in Ross Island, Antarctica

About Mount Erebus:

y Location: Antarctica’s southernmost
active volcano, situated on Ross Island
at 12,448 feet above sea level.
y Nomenclature: Named after Erebus,
the Greek god of darkness, by British
explorer Sir James Clark Ross in 1841.
y Ranking: 2nd tallest volcano in
Antarctica, after Mount Sidley.
y Type: Glaciated intraplate stratovolcano,
part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
y Lava Lake: Contains a continuously
active lava lake since at least 1972,
emitting gases and steam.
y Eruptions: Produces Strombolian
eruptions, ejecting magma and
pyroclastic rocks. Also has an inactive
side crater.

Gold Emission
y Emits gold micro-crystals (as small as 20 micrometers) through volcanic gas. These particles
have been detected over 600 miles away.

Why in News?
Scientists discovered that Mount Erebus is the only known volcano to release metallic gold in
solid form.

Miller-Urey hypothesis about Life on Earth

About the Miller-Urey hypothesis:

y The Miller-Urey hypothesis suggests that organic molecules necessary for life could have formed
on early Earth through chemical reactions triggered by lightning.
y In 1952, Stanley Miller and Harold Urey conducted an experiment simulating early Earth
conditions, demonstrating that amino acids could form when electricity interacted with water
and inorganic gases (methane, ammonia, and hydrogen).

Geography and Environment 61

Findings of New Study:
y A recent study led by Stanford chemist Richard Zare proposed that “microlightning” (tiny
sparks from water droplets) could generate organic compounds without external electricity.

Why in News?
According to a new study, the process of Life could have been kicked off simply with crashing
waterfalls and breaking waves.

Environment Conservation

Madhav National Park (Madhya Pradesh): India’s 58th tiger reserve

Key Details about Madhav National Park

Location Located in Shivpuri district in the Chambal region of Madhya Pradesh.

Located on the northern fringe of the Central Highlands, part of the Upper
Geography
Vindhyan Hills, with plateaus and valleys.

Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar in the southern part, supporting aquatic
Lakes
biodiversity and terrestrial species.

River The park area forms a catchment of the Sind river.

Vegetation Northern tropical dry deciduous mixed forests and Dry Thorn Forests.

Geography and Environment 62

 Kardhai, Salai, Dhaora, Khair, with understory plants like Ber, Makor, and Karonda.
Flora
Jamun and Mahua grow along nullahs.

Herbivores include Nilgai, Chinkara, Chowsinga, Chital, Sambar, and Barking

Fauna
Deer. Carnivores include Leopard, Wolf, Jackal, Fox, and Wild Dog.

Why in News?
Madhav National Park in Madhya Pradesh became India’s 58th tiger reserve.

Long-Term Impact of Deep Sea Mining

What is Deep Sea Mining?

y Deep sea mining is the process of extracting minerals and metals from the ocean floor,
especially from depths beyond 200 metres.

Geography and Environment 63

y It includes:
⚪ Collecting polymetallic nodules from the seabed.
⚪ Mining seafloor sulphide deposits.
⚪ Stripping cobalt crusts from underwater rocks.
y These sources contain nickel, cobalt, rare earth metals, and other materials used in:
⚪ Battery production (for electric vehicles, renewable energy storage).
⚪ Electronic devices (phones, computers).

What Did the Study Find?

y The study titled ‘Long-term impact and biological recovery in a deep-sea mining track’ was
published in Nature on March 26, 2025.
y It was conducted by the UK’s National Oceanography Centre; it examined a mined area of the
Pacific Ocean that had been disturbed in 1979.
y Key findings:
⚪ The seafloor had not fully recovered even after 40+ years.
⚪ There were long-term changes in sediment composition.
⚪ Larger organisms in the area had reduced populations.
⚪ Some species showed early signs of recolonisation, but recovery was very limited.

Why in News?
A new study revealed that an area of the Pacific Ocean seabed mined in 1979 has not recovered.

The Last Mango Juice

Key Points:
y The concept of the “last mango juice pack” is a symbolic
warning of future biodiversity loss.
y The poster highlights the ecological link between fruit
bats and mango trees.
y Fruit bats are vital seed dispersers for mango trees.
Their decline directly affects mango propagation.
y With fewer bats, mango trees may decline, threatening
the availability of mango juice.

Why in News?
The ad campaign is linked to World Wildlife Day, aiming to
raise awareness about the interconnectedness of wildlife
and human needs.

Geography and Environment 64

Impact of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on Satellites: MIT Study

Key Findings of the study:

y MIT researchers found that under high-emission scenarios, the safe satellite capacity in low
Earth orbit may drop by 50–66% by 2100.
y Satellite deorbiting rates decline significantly with higher CO₂ levels.

How does it happen?

y GHG emissions cool and contract the upper atmosphere (mesosphere and thermosphere),
reducing air density.
y Lower air density leads to less drag on space debris, allowing it to stay in orbit longer and
increasing collision risks.
y This worsens space congestion, threatening satellite sustainability.

Why in News
A new study in Nature Sustainability warns that rising greenhouse gas emissions could significantly
reduce the number of satellites that can safely orbit Earth.

Railways to Participate in Mission Amrit Sarovar

Key Points:
y As part of Mission Amrit Sarovar (MAS), the Indian Railways has been directed to dig ponds or
rejuvenate water bodies near railway tracks to support water conservation and tackle water
scarcity.
y This aligns with the Union Government’s push for sustainable and climate-resilient
infrastructure.

About Mission Amrit Sarovar:

y It was launched in April 2022 by the Ministry of Rural Development
y Objective: Construct or rejuvenate 75 water bodies per district across India to enhance water
availability and conserve local ecology.
y Progress: As of October 2024, over 68,000 ponds have been created or rejuvenated.
y Phase II Focus:
⚪ Climate resilience
⚪ Community participation (Jan Bhagidaari)
⚪ Sustainable groundwater recharge

Why in News?
Indian Railways has been integrated into Mission Amrit Sarovar Phase II.

Geography and Environment 65

Pollution

2024 World Air Quality Report: Swiss Company IQAir

Key Findings:
y For the sixth consecutive year, Delhi has been ranked
as the world’s most polluted national capital.
y India Dominates Polluted Cities List: 13 of the 20
most polluted cities globally are in India.
y Major Pollution Sources: Crop stubble burning
contributed up to 60% of pollution during peak times,
along with vehicular emissions, industrial discharges,
and construction dust.
y Most Polluted City: Byrnihat, on the Assam-
Meghalaya border, recorded the highest annual PM2.5
concentration (128.2 µg/m³).

Why in News?
New Delhi continues to be the world’s most polluted
capital while Meghalaya’s Byrnihat is the world’s most
polluted metropolitan area, according to the 2024 World
Air Quality Report.

Tea Leaves Can Steep Out Lead, Heavy Metals: New Study

About the Study:

y A study by Northwestern University found that brewing tea can remove heavy metals like lead,
cadmium, chromium, copper, and zinc from water through adsorption.
⚪ Adsorption is the key process, where metal ions stick to tea leaves, keeping them out of
the water.
y Key findings include Up to 15% lead removal with regular brewing; overnight steeping removes
even more.
⚪ Finely ground black tea adsorbed more metals than whole leaves due to its larger surface
area.

Why in News?
The study adds to tea’s known benefits, showing its potential in removing toxic metals from
drinking water.

Geography and Environment 66

Byrnihat Emerges as India’s Most Polluted City in February 2024

Key Points:
y The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a Helsinki-based non-profit think
tank founded in 2019, released air pollution data across Indian cities for February 2024.

Key Insights:
y Byrnihat, an industrial town in Meghalaya near the Assam border, recorded India’s highest
PM2.5 levels with a monthly average of 183 µg/m³.
y Byrnihat vs. National Averages: Its pollution levels surpassed even Bihar’s Araria, the
second-most polluted city, indicating a serious air quality issue in the Northeast.

Why in News?
Byrnihat emerged as the most polluted city of india it has raised alarm over rising pollution in the
Northeast, traditionally known for cleaner air.

Flora and Fauna

River Dolphins & Their Population In Indian Rivers

Key Findings:
y Total Population: 6,327 Gangetic river dolphins are present in the Ganga and its tributaries.
y Geographical Distribution:
⚪ The highest is in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.

Geography and Environment 67

Comparison of River Dolphins in India:

Gangetic River Indus River

Feature Irrawaddy Dolphin
Dolphin Dolphin

Common Name Susu Bhulan Irrawaddy Dolphin

Habitat Freshwater Freshwater Freshwater & coastal waters

Ganges-Brahmaputra- Coastal areas in South and

Meghna and Lower Indus River Southeast Asia; Rivers:
Distribution Karnaphuli-Sangu river (Pakistan) and Beas Irrawaddy (Myanmar),
systems (India, Nepal, River (India) Mahakam (Indonesia), Mekong
Bangladesh) (China); Chilika Lake (India)

IUCN Status Endangered Endangered Critically Endangered

Why in News?
The dolphin report was officially made public on March 3, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Pashu Aushadhi initiative: Affordable Vet Medicines

About the Pashu Aushadhi initiative:

y Objective: To provide affordable generic veterinary medicines for livestock farmers.
y Part of the Livestock Health and Disease Control Program (LHDCP).
y Modeled after Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras, which provide low-cost generic
medicines.
y To be run by cooperative societies and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras.
y Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying to release guidelines for store operations.

Why in News?
The Government will open “Pashu Aushadhi” stores across the country to provide affordable
generic veterinary medicines for livestock to people engaged in animal husbandry and dairying.

Two New Species of Jumping Spiders Discovered in Western Ghats

Geography and Environment 68

Newly Discovered Spider Species in the Western Ghats:

Species Distinctive Features

Epidelaxia falciformis Brown carapace with a yellow-brown stripe.

Epidelaxia palustris Pale brown band along the side of the body.

Why in News?
Two new species of jumping spiders, Epidelaxia falciformis and Epidelaxia palustris, have been
discovered in the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kollam, Kerala.

Smooth-coated Otter

About Smooth-coated Otter:

y Scientific Name: Lutrogale perspicillata
y Habitat: Found in freshwater rivers, lakes,
wetlands, and mangroves across South and
Southeast Asia.
y Physical Features:
⚪ Largest otter species in Asia.
⚪ Has a smooth, short, and dense coat (hence
the name).
⚪ Webbed feet and a strong tail aid in swimming.
y Diet: Primarily feeds on fish, crustaceans, and
amphibians.
y Behavior:
⚪ Social animals, often found in family groups.
⚪ Excellent swimmers and hunters.
y Conservation Status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List) due to habitat loss, poaching, and water
pollution.
y Importance: Plays a key role in maintaining aquatic ecosystem balance by controlling fish
populations.

Why in News?
Smooth-coated Otter will return to the Delhi zoo after a two-decade gap as part of an exchange
programme with the Surat zoo.

Geography and Environment 69

US Butterfly Populations Plummet by 22% in Two Decades

Key Points:
y The study published in the journal Science reveals that butterfly populations have declined by
22% over the past 20 years.
y Key Findings:
⚪ Butterflies are crucial pollinators, aid in nutrient cycling, and serve as prey for birds and
other wildlife.
⚪ Climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use are identified as major causes.

Why in News?
A new study warns of a drastic 22% decline in US butterfly populations in just 20 years, raising
urgent concerns about insect biodiversity and ecosystem stability.

Voyage of Iguana Lizard from the Americas to Fiji

What Are Iguanas?

y Iguanas are large herbivorous
lizards native to tropical parts of
the North and South Americas. They
have scaly skin, spines on their back,
and a dewlap under the neck. Found
in various colours like green, blue,
and grey, they live in trees, forests,
wetlands, and even urban areas.
y Conservation Status:
⚪ IUCN: Not Threatened.
⚪ CITES: Appendix II (regulated
trade).

How Did Iguanas Reach Fiji?

y A study suggests Fijian iguanas rafted 8,000 km from the Americas on floating vegetation.
y The Fiji journey is the longest known reptile rafting event.

Why in News?
Research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that Fijian
iguanas rafted across the Pacific on floating vegetation to reach Fiji.

Geography and Environment 70

Disaster Management

7.7-magnitude Earthquake struck central Myanmar

Affected Areas:
y Myanmar: The country
was the Worst affected,
with heavy damage in
Mandalay.
y Thailand: A building under
construction collapsed in
Bangkok, killing at least 9
people.
y Northeast India: Tremors
were felt, but no major
damage or casualties
were reported.

Location & Cause:

y Epicenter: 17.2 km from Mandalay, at a depth
of 10 km (a shallow quake).
y Sagaing Fault:
⚪ The earthquake occurred along the Sagaing
Fault, which runs north to south through
central Myanmar.
⚪ This fault is one of the most active in
Southeast Asia.
⚪ It marks the boundary between the Indian
Plate (moving northward) and the Eurasian
Plate (moving southward).
y Tectonic Plate Movement:
⚪ The quake was caused by strike-slip
faulting, where two plates move sideways
against each other.
⚪ The Indian Plate is shifting northward
while the Eurasian Plate is moving in the
opposite direction.
⚪ This movement builds up stress, which is
released as earthquakes when the plates
slip suddenly.

Geography and Environment 71

Why in News?
A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025.

Myanmar Earthquake: India Launches ‘Operation Brahma’

What is Operation Brahma?

y Operation Brahma is India’s relief mission to help Myanmar and Thailand after a major
earthquake on March 29, 2025.
y The operation involves the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. They are working together to
provide rescue, medical help, and relief supplies, especially in Mandalay, Myanmar.

Why in News?
India intensified its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts in Myanmar
following a high-magnitude earthquake.

Probable MCQs
1. With reference to Madhav National Park, recently declared India’s 58th tiger reserve, consider
the following statements:
1. It is located in the Vindhyan mountain range and forms a part of the Sind river catchment.
2. The vegetation primarily includes tropical evergreen forests and alpine scrub.
3. It hosts lakes such as Sakhya Sagar and Madhav Sagar, supporting both aquatic and terrestrial
species.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only

Geography and Environment 72

 (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b)

2. Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes the

Gangetic River Dolphin from the Indus and Irrawaddy Dolphins?
(a) Gangetic Dolphins are the only species adapted to coastal marine waters.
(b) Indus River Dolphins are found only in India, primarily in the Brahmaputra River system.
(c) Irrawaddy Dolphins are known to inhabit both freshwater and coastal ecosystems.
(d) Gangetic River Dolphins are classified as critically endangered by the IUCN.
Answer: (c)

3. With reference to Operation Brahma launched by India, consider the following statements:
1. It is a humanitarian relief mission to assist Myanmar and Thailand after a major earthquake.
2. The operation is being led solely by the Indian Navy.
3. It is focused particularly on the Mandalay region of Myanmar.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)

4. With reference to Mount Erebus, consider the following statements:

1. It is Antarctica’s highest active volcano and part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
2. It contains one of the few continuously active lava lakes in the world.
3. It uniquely emits solid gold micro-crystals through volcanic gases.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)

5. With reference to the “Pashu Aushadhi” initiative, consider the following statements:
1. It aims to provide affordable branded veterinary medicines to urban pet owners.
2. It is modeled after the Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendra scheme.
3. It will be implemented through cooperative societies and PM Kisan Samriddhi Kendras.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b)

Geography and Environment 73

Economy 74
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN NEWS: MARCH (2025)

SPACE TECHNOLOGY

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BIOTECHNOLOGY

HEALTH

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 5 Science and Technology

Space Technology

First Private U.S. Spacecraft ‘Blue Ghost Mission1’ Landed on the Moon

Key Details of Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1

Launched January 15, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

Mons Latreille, a volcanic formation in Mare Crisium, on the Moon’s northeastern

Landing Site
near side.

Conduct scientific experiments to study the Moon’s regolith and collect data to
Objective
assist NASA’s Artemis program.

Why in News?
Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 successfully landed on the Moon on March 2, 2025,
making it the first private U.S. spacecraft to land upright.

Solar cycle

About the Solar Cycle:

y The Sun has a magnetic field that flips every 11 years, reversing its north and south poles.

76 Science and Technology

y This periodic change is known as the solar cycle.
y The solar maximum occurs when the magnetic field flips,
leading to increased solar activity.
y The solar minimum follows when solar activity decreases.

Why So Many Solar Missions Now?

y The current solar activity suggests the cycle is nearing its
maximum.
y The solar maximum provides the best opportunity to study
the Sun and collect data.
y If this opportunity is missed, the next solar maximum won’t occur until 2035-2036.

Why in News?
NASA launched the PUNCH mission in March 2025 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

Responsibility for Space Debris Crashing on Earth

Science and Technology 77

About Space Debris and International Law:
y There is no universally accepted legal definition of space debris in international treaties.
y The Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and United Nations Committee
on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space define it as all non-functional man-made objects in orbit
or re-entering the atmosphere.

Legal Framework for Space Debris:

Treaty/Convention Key Provisions

Outer Space Treaty y States are responsible for all governmental and private
(1967) – Article VI space activities.

y Establishes absolute liability for damage caused by space

Liability Convention objects on Earth.
(1972) y No proof of negligence is required—the launching state is
automatically responsible.

Why in News?
The increasing incidents of uncontrolled space debris crashes highlight gaps in international law
and enforcement.

Martian Dust is likely to cause health issues among astronauts: Study

Key findings:
y Martian dust is extremely fine, about 4% the
width of a human hair.
y Particles can penetrate deep into the lungs
and enter the bloodstream, leading to
respiratory issues and disease.
y Lung mucus cannot expel these particles,
making them highly hazardous.

Toxic Components in Martian Dust

y Silica dust – Can cause silicosis, a severe lung disease.
y Iron dust – Potentially harmful when inhaled in large amounts.
y Perchlorates & gypsum – Toxic substances that astronauts could be exposed to.
y Harmful metals – Includes chromium and arsenic, which pose additional health risks.

Compounded Risks
y Microgravity and radiation exposure on Mars could worsen health effects.
y Radiation-induced lung disease may amplify the damage caused by dust inhalation.

Science and Technology 78

Why in News?
Martian Dust is likely to cause respiratory issues and elevated risk of disease among astronauts, a
new study has found.

Aditya-L1 observed a flareless coronal mass ejection

Key details:
y India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, has successfully observed a flareless coronal mass ejection
(CME) using its Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), developed by the Indian Institute of
Astrophysics (IIA).
y The CME was recorded on July 5, 2024, without any accompanying solar flare.

Flares and CMEs:

y Flares and CMEs are explosive events in the Sun. They are due to magnetic reconnection during
which magnetic field lines rearrange.
y During a flare, energy is released primarily as electromagnetic radiation from the heated plasma.
y Compared to flares, the CMEs are massive eruptions of plasma and magnetic field weighing
about trillion kilograms that race outwards from the Sun through the interplanetary space at
speeds up to 3,000 kilometres per second.
y The association between flares and CMEs is ambiguous till date.

Why in News?
Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have reported observations of a flareless
coronal mass ejection (CME) from the solar atmosphere with the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph
(VELC) instrument onboard Aditya-L1 mission.

Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence

AI Kosha: A Unified AI Repository launched by MeitY

About AI Kosha:
y Purpose: A central platform for datasets, AI models, and tools to accelerate AI innovation in
India.
y Objectives:
⚪ Enhance access to datasets and models from multiple sources.
⚪ Provide shared AI toolkits to support solution development.
⚪ Showcase AI use cases to inspire new applications.
y Key Features:
⚪ Repository: Over 300 datasets, 80+ AI models, and a diverse range of AI applications.
⚪ AI Sandbox: Integrated development environment with tools and tutorials.

Science and Technology 79

Why in News?
The Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) has launched AI Kosha to accelerate AI innovation and
research in India.

IT services company Zoho wins MeitY’s indigenous web browser development challenge

Key points:
y The challenge aimed to foster homegrown technology solutions, supporting India’s vision of
becoming a “product nation”.
y The IT Minister emphasized the need for self-reliance in hardware and software and urged
rapid productisation of innovations.
y The browser designs had to include features such as:
⚪ A dedicated trust store with CCA India Root certificate
⚪ Digital signing capabilities
⚪ Child-safe browsing and parental controls
⚪ Full compatibility with Indian languages
⚪ Support for Web3 technologies
y The challenge unfolded in three stages—ideation, prototype, and productisation.

Why in News?
The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) announced IT services company Zoho as the winner
of the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge, a competition to design a secure and India-
centric web browser.

Biotechnology

The India BioEconomy Report: Department of Biotechnology

Key findings:

Science and Technology 80

y India’s Bioeconomy in 2024
⚪ Valued at $165 billion, contributing 4.2% to India’s GDP.
⚪ Projected to grow to $300 billion by 2030 and $1 trillion by 2047.
y Understanding Bioeconomy
⚪ Involves industrial use of biological resources (plants, animals, microorganisms) and natural
biological processes.
⚪ Key applications: biofuels, bioplastics, healthcare, agriculture, synthetic biology, and bio-
based chemicals.
⚪ Example: Ethanol production through fermentation as an alternative to fossil fuels.
y Growth Trends in India’s Bioeconomy
⚪ Value nearly doubled in the last five years (from $86 billion in 2020 to $165 billion in 2024).
⚪ Number of bioeconomy companies increased by 90% (from 5,365 in 2021 to 10,075 in 2024).
Expected to double by 2030.
⚪ Employment in bioeconomy projected to reach 35 million people by 2030.
y Sector-Wise Contribution
⚪ Industrial sector: 50% of bioeconomy value (~$78 billion) – major areas include biofuels and
bioplastics.
⚪ Pharmaceutical sector: 35% – major contributor vaccines.
⚪ Fastest-growing segment: Research & IT (biotech software, clinical trials, bioinformatics).
y Regional Disparity
⚪ Top five states: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh – account for
over two-thirds of bioeconomy value.
⚪ Eastern & Northeastern regions: Contribute less than 6% of the total bioeconomy value.
y India’s bioeconomy share (4.2% of GDP) is comparable to the US and China, but lower than
Spain and Italy (20%).

Science and Technology 81

y Key Recommendations of the Report:
⚪ National BioEconomy Mission to drive growth.
⚪ Single-window regulatory mechanisms for biotech innovations.
⚪ Addressing regulatory uncertainty in agricultural biotechnology.

Why in News?
A new The India BioEconomy Report, has pegged the value of India’s bioeconomy in 2024 at more
than $165 billion, accounting for over 4.2% of the country’s GDP.

Health

Avian flu (H5N1)

About Avian flu:

y Avian Influenza (H5N1) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects birds and can
occasionally infect humans and animals.
y It is caused by the H5N1 strain of the Influenza A virus.
y Transmission:
⚪ Spreads through direct contact with infected birds, their droppings, secretions, or
contaminated surfaces.
⚪ Human-to-human transmission is rare but possible in certain conditions.

Science and Technology 82

y Prevention & Control:
⚪ Biosecurity measures in poultry farms
⚪ Vaccination of birds
⚪ Avoiding contact with sick or dead birds
⚪ Proper cooking of poultry products (the virus is killed at high temperatures).
y Treatment: Antiviral drugs like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can be effective if administered early.

Why in News?
Cats and a bird were found to have the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in Madhya Pradesh’s
Chhindwara

India Achieves National Health Policy Target for Maternal Mortality Rate

Key Point:
y India has met the National Health Policy (NHP) target, reducing MMR to 100 deaths per 1 lakh
live births.

Science and Technology 83

Why in News?
Union Health Minister said India has achieved the National Health Policy (NHP) target of a maternal
mortality rate (MMR) of 100 deaths per one lakh live births.

Hantavirus

​​About Hantavirus:
y A family of rodent-borne viruses that
can cause severe illness or death in
humans.
y Spread through rodent urine, feces, and
saliva (not human-to-human).
y Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
is common in the Western Hemisphere
(spread by deer mice).
y Symptoms of HPS
⚪ Flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever,
muscle aches) appear 1-8 weeks
after exposure.
⚪ In severe cases, respiratory distress
occurs as the lungs fill with fluid.
⚪ High mortality rate (38%-50%) for severe respiratory cases.
y Cure: No known cure.

Why in News?
Wife of Actor Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa succumbed to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS)
in Santa Fe.

Excessive Selenium in Wheat Led to Sudden Hair Loss

About Selenium:
y Selenium is used in glassmaking, electronics, and health supplements.
y It comes from metal ores, soil, and industrial processes.
y Excess selenium can harm aquatic life and pollute water sources as well its leaching in soil
can affect human health.

How Selenium in Wheat Led to Hair Loss?

y Excess selenium intake causes selenosis, a condition that damages hair follicles through
oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to brittle hair and hair loss.
y It also disrupts protein synthesis in keratin-rich tissues. In the Shegaon case, selenium levels
were 25–31 times above normal, triggering sudden hair fall.

Science and Technology 84

Why in News?
An investigation by the ICMR-AIIMS team found excessive selenium levels in wheat supplied
through PDS outlets in Shegaon taluka, Maharashtra.

Melioidosis Disease in Odisha Linked to Monsoon Season

About Melioidosis Disease:

y The disease was linked to rainfall,
temperature, humidity, cloud
cover, and low solar radiation,
which help the bacteria survive
longer.
y It is a bacterial infection,
also known as Whitmore’s
disease, caused by Burkholderia
pseudomallei.
y Found in soil and surface water in
tropical and subtropical regions.
y Transmitted through inhalation,
ingestion, or contact with
contaminated soil or water.
y Common in Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and parts of India.
y Affects mainly adults aged 40–60 with underlying conditions; it is rare in children.
y Treatable with antibiotics.

Why in News?
A recent environmental mapping study found that melioidosis cases in Odisha peak during and
after the monsoon, showing a clear seasonal pattern.

Probable MCQs
1. With reference to India’s Aditya-L1 mission and recent solar observations, consider the
following statements:
1. Aditya-L1 recently observed a coronal mass ejection (CME) without an accompanying solar
flare.
2. CMEs are less massive and slower than solar flares, consisting mainly of high-frequency
radiation.
3. The instrument used to capture this CME was the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC),
developed by ISRO.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only

Science and Technology 85

 (d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (b)

2. What is the primary objective of the “AI Kosha” initiative launched by the Ministry of Electronics
and IT (MeitY)?
(a) To build humanoid robots for defense and disaster management
(b) To promote AI-focused startups through venture capital funding
(c) To act as a centralized repository of AI datasets, models, and development tools
(d) To regulate ethical use of AI algorithms in surveillance and policing
Answer: (c)

3. Which of the following measures help prevent the spread of H5N1 avian influenza?
1. Ensuring poultry is cooked thoroughly
2. Avoiding contact with infected or dead birds
3. Taking antiviral drugs preventively without doctor consultation
4. Enforcing biosecurity protocols at poultry farms
Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1, 2, and 4 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer: (a)

4. With reference to Hantavirus, consider the following statements:

1. It spreads primarily through contact with rodent excreta and is not known for human-to-
human transmission.
2. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is most common in Southeast Asia.
3. There is no known cure for severe HPS, and it has a high mortality rate.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)

5. With reference to the solar cycle and recent solar missions, consider the following statements:
1. The solar cycle lasts approximately 22 years and includes a magnetic pole reversal.
2. Solar maximum refers to a period of heightened solar activity, such as solar flares and
CMEs.
3. NASA launched the PUNCH mission in 2025 to coincide with the expected solar minimum.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)

Science and Technology 86

Economy 87
HISTORY IN NEWS: MARCH (2025)

• ‘ANORA’ WON THE BEST PICTURE AWARD AT THE 97TH OSCAR AWARDS 2025
• MUDUMAL MENHIRS IN TELANGANA
• RAMNATH GOENKA JOURNALISM AWARDS
• AURANGZEB’S TOMB IN KHULDABAD, MAHARASHTRA
• HUSKUR JATRE – MADDURAMMA DEVI TEMPLE FESTIVAL
• R.K. SHRIRAMKUMAR CHOSEN FOR SANGITA KALANIDHI AWARD
• VINOD KUMAR SHUKLA AWARDED WITH 59TH JNANPITH AWARD
• THIRD BATTLE OF PANIPAT (1761)
• INDIA WINS ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025
• PADMA SELECTION PROCEDURE CHANGED TO ACKNOWLEDGE UNSUNG HEROES:
JITENDRA SINGH
• TWO IMPORTANT CHANGES IN IPL: BCCI
• ANCIENT ANCESTORS WERE USING BONE TOOLS AT LEAST 1.5 MILLION YEARS
AGO:STUDY
• REVIVAL OF VIKRAMSHILA UNIVERSITY
• SARHUL FESTIVAL
• THIS DAY IN HISTORY

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6 History and Culture

‘Anora’ Won the Best Picture Award at the 97th Oscar Awards 2025

KeyPoints:
y The 97th Academy Awards are also known as the Oscars 2025.
y Organized by: the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).
y Held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Key Oscar Award 2025 Winners

Best Picture Anora

Best Actor Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)

Best Actress Mikey Madison (Anora)

Most Nominations Emilia Pérez (13 nominations)

Biggest Winner Anora (5 Oscars)

Best Director Sean Baker (Anora)

Best International Feature Film I’m Still Here

Best Animated Feature Film Flow

History and Culture 89

Why in News?
The 97th Academy Awards (Oscar Awards) were held in March 2025, celebrating filmmaking.

Mudumal Menhirs in Telangana

About Menhirs:
y Definition: Menhirs are upright,
man-made stones, often large
and tapered at the top.
y The word “menhir” comes from
Brittonic words meaning “long
stone” and was first used in the
18th century.
y The Oldest Menhirs were found
in Europe (~7,000 BP) and India
(Mudumal site, ~3,500–4,000
BP).
y Usage: Some were grave
markers, and others served astronomical or ceremonial functions.

Mudumal megalithic menhirs in Telangana:

y Dating back 3,500–4,000 years, Mudumal Menhirs in Telangana’s Narayanpet district are
among India’s best-preserved megalithic sites.
y UNESCO Recognition: Added to India’s tentative UNESCO World Heritage List in 2025, bringing
Telangana closer to a second inscription after Ramappa Temple (2021).
y Largest Burial Site in South India.

Why in News?
Telangana’s Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs have been listed under the tentative UNESCO heritage
list from India.

Ramnath Goenka Journalism Awards

About Ramnath Goenka journalism awards:

y The Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards is one of India’s most prestigious
journalism honors, instituted by the Ramnath Goenka Foundation.
y It recognizes outstanding contributions in print, digital, and broadcast journalism across 13
categories, including investigative journalism, politics, sports, and regional reporting.
y Winning Stories (2023 awards): Notable stories include ground reporting from Israel and the
West Bank, an investigation into medical colleges in Madhya Pradesh, and the struggles of
champion wrestlers for justice.

History and Culture 90

Why in News?
President Droupadi Murmu presented the Ramnath Goenka Journalism Awards at a ceremony in
New Delhi on March 19, 2025.

Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad, Maharashtra

Key Points:
y Location: Aurangzeb is buried in Khuldabad, Maharashtra,
near Aurangabad, in the dargah complex of Sheikh
Zainuddin, a 14th-century Chishti saint.
y Tomb Structure:
⚪ A simple, open-air grave, in line with Aurangzeb’s
puritanical beliefs.
⚪ Originally marked by a stone cenotaph, later faced
with white marble in the early 20th century on the
orders of Lord Curzon.
⚪ The top is filled with earth, allowing plants to grow,
reflecting Islamic austerity.
y Aurangzeb, the last powerful Mughal emperor (1658–
1707), expanded the empire but spent his final years fighting the Marathas in the Deccan.
y Unlike the grand garden tombs of Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb’s
grave is minimalist.
y The Taj Mahal (Shah Jahan’s tomb) and Humayun’s tomb in Delhi are vastly different in scale
and design.

Why in News?
A protest by some people demanding the removal of
the tomb of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb led to
violence and arson in Nagpur.

Huskur Jatre – Madduramma

Devi Temple Festival

About Festival:
y Festival Name: Huskur Jatre (Madduramma Devi
Temple Festival)
y Location: Huskuru, Karnataka
y Huskur Jatre is not just a religious event but
also a major cultural and agrarian festival with a
history spanning over 500 years.

History and Culture 91

y Key Attractions:
⚪ Kurju (Pagoda-type Chariots): Huge decorated chariots pulled to the temple
⚪ Cattle Fair: Sale of bulls, cows, and other livestock.
⚪ Bulls Display: Well-organized showcase of large bulls.
y Religious Significance:
⚪ Madduramma Devi: A powerful form of Goddess Shakti
⚪ Worshiped for protection against epidemics like pox and cholera
⚪ A 20th-century epidemic was believed to have ended after prayers to the Goddess.

Why in News?
A chariot, which was part of the historic Madduramma temple festival, collapsed due to heavy rain
and strong winds on the outskirts of Bengaluru.

R.K. Shriramkumar Chosen for Sangita Kalanidhi Award

About R.K. Shriramkumar

y A renowned violinist, Shriramkumar hails from the
Rudrapatnam family of musicians.
y He is also celebrated for his interpretations of Muthuswami
Dikshitar’s compositions.

Sangita Kalanidhi is one of the most prestigious awards in

Carnatic music, conferred annually by the Music Academy,
Chennai.

Why in News?
R.K. Shriramkumar has been awarded the Sangita Kalanidhi title by the Music Academy for 2025.

Vinod Kumar Shukla Awarded with 59th Jnanpith Award

About Vinod Kumar Shukla:

y Vinod Kumar Shukla, aged 88, is an eminent Hindi writer,
poet, short story writer, and essayist.
y He is known for his unique linguistic style and the
emotional depth in his works.
y Shukla is the 12th Hindi writer to receive the Jnanpith
Award and the first-ever writer from Chhattisgarh to be
honored.
y His famous works include:
⚪ “Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rahati Thi” – won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1999.

History and Culture 92

 ⚪ “Naukar Ki Kameez” (1979) – later adapted into a film by Mani Kaul.
⚪ “Sab Kuch Hona Bacha Rahega” (1992) – a well-known poetry collection.

What is the Jnanpith Award?

y The Jnanpith Award is India’s highest literary honor, instituted in 1961 by the Bharatiya
Jnanpith.
y It is awarded annually to Indian authors for their outstanding contributions to literature in any
of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and English Language.
y The first award was conferred in 1965 to Malayalam poet G. Sankara Kurup for his anthology
“Odakkuzhal”.
y Not conferred posthumously.
y The award includes:
⚪ ₹11 lakh cash prize.
⚪ Bronze statue of Saraswati (Hindu goddess of learning).
⚪ Citation.

Why in News?
Vinod Kumar Shukla has been named the 59th Jnanpith Award recipient for 2025, recognizing his
extraordinary contribution to Hindi literature and distinctive writing style.

History and Culture 93

Third Battle of Panipat (1761)

Background of the Third Battle of Panipat:

y Mughal-Maratha War (1680–1707): The Marathas lost significant territories to Mughal Emperor
Aurangzeb.
y Maratha Expansion: Under Peshwa Baji Rao, they gained control over Gujarat, Malwa, and
Rajputana.
y Victory Near Delhi (1737): Baji Rao defeated the Mughals, securing lands south of Agra.
y Punjab Invasion (1758): Raghunath Rao removed Timur Shah (Abdali’s son) and took control
of Peshawar. The Marathas drove out Najib-ud-Daula and seized Punjab, directly challenging
Abdali.
y Abdali’s Return: He launched a counterattack and defeated the Marathas in the Third Battle of
Panipat (1761).

Outcomes of the Battle:

y Maratha Defeat: Ahmad Shah Abdali’s forces broke through Maratha flanks and secured victory.
y Impact on Marathas: Their northern expansion stopped, and their power weakened for about
a decade.
y Following the Third Battle of Panipat, Ahmad Shah Abdali appointed Shah Alam II as the emperor
of Delhi.

Significance of the Third Battle of Panipat:

y Weakened Maratha Power: The defeat diminished their military strength and reduced territorial
control.

History and Culture 94

y Rise of British Influence: The battle paved the way for British dominance in India.
y Regional Shifts: The decline of the Marathas allowed Sikhs, Rajputs, and Jats to gain power,
increasing political diversity.
y Maratha Revival (1771): Mahadji Shinde led a campaign to reclaim lost territories and punish
those who opposed the Marathas.
y Cultural Impact: The battle became a significant theme in Indian literature, folklore, and
historical narratives.

Why in News?
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that the Third Battle of Panipat (1761) should be
remembered as a symbol of Maratha courage rather than just a defeat.

India Wins ICC Champions Trophy 2025

About the Tournament:

y The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 ended with India emerging victorious, defeating New Zealand
in the final held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on March 9, 2025.
y This marked India’s third ICC Champions Trophy title, after their previous wins in 2002 (joint-
winners with Sri Lanka) and 2013.
y Host Details: Hosted by Pakistan, all of India’s matches were played in Dubai.

Top Performers – ICC Champions Trophy 2025:

Category Player Team Performance

Player of the Tournament Rachin Ravindra New Zealand All-round performance

Top Run-Scorer Rachin Ravindra New Zealand 263 runs

Top Wicket-Taker Matt Henry New Zealand 10 wickets

Why in News?
India won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and became the most successful team in the tournament’s
history.

History and Culture 95

Padma selection procedure changed to acknowledge unsung heroes: Jitendra Singh

About Padma Award Selection: Then vs Now

Aspect Earlier Selection (Pre-2014) Reformed Selection (Post-2014)

Limited participation; largely An open online public nomination

Nomination Process done through bureaucratic or system was introduced to encourage
political channels. public participation.

Skewed towards urban, Greater representation from rural

Diversity of Awardees mainstream sectors like film, areas, tribal communities, and local
politics, and industry. innovators.

Systematic effort to identify and

Recognition of Rare and sporadic recognition
award grassroots innovations and
Grassroots Work of rural or unknown individuals.
local heroes.

Why in News?
Minister Jitendra Singh said the Modi government’s reform in the Padma award selection highlights
how past governments ignored grassroots innovators.

Two important changes in IPL: BCCI

Key Changes:
y The IPL has introduced two significant changes favoring bowlers:
⚪ Saliva Ban Lifted: The COVID-era ban on using saliva to shine the ball has been revoked,
allowing bowlers to use it again to aid swing, particularly reverse swing.
⚪ Second Ball in Night Matches: To combat the dew factor in the second innings of night

History and Culture 96

 games, umpires can now replace the ball with a dry, used one after the 11th over if conditions
warrant it. Fielding teams can request a ball change, but the final decision lies with the
umpire.
y These changes were pushed by IPL captains and coaches, with unanimous support for the
saliva rule.
y The dew has long been a problem, affecting both spinners and pacers by making the ball
slippery and hard to control.
y This has been a frequent complaint from players, including MS Dhoni and Dale Steyn, citing it
impacts performance and safety.
y The new rules aim to restore balance between bat and ball in such conditions.

Why in News?
y BCCI arrives at decision to scrap covid-time restriction on using saliva and use second ball
after 11 overs in chase after meeting IPL captains.

Ancient ancestors were using bone tools at least 1.5 million years ago:Study

Key Findings:
y A new study shows that bone tools were used by our ancestors at least 1.5 million years ago—
much earlier than previously believed.
y Stone tools date back to 3.3 million years, and evidence suggests wooden tools may have been
used even earlier, though they haven’t survived.
y This challenges the long-held belief that toolmaking was unique to humans.
y Observations of chimps and other primates using and modifying tools support the idea that
tool use predates humans and is not exclusive to our species.
y The growing evidence urges a shift away from the idea of “human exceptionalism.”

Why in News?
Ancient ancestors were using bone tools at least 1.5 million years ago, roughly a million years
earlier than was previously thought, a study published in the journal Nature reported.

Revival of Vikramshila university

Key details:
y Originally founded in the 8th–9th century by Pala king Dharmapala, Vikramshila was renowned
for its expertise in Tantrayana Buddhism and once rivaled Nalanda in influence.
y The site features a large stupa and 208 monk cells, and was home to great scholars like Atisa
Dipankara, who helped spread Buddhism to Tibet.
y Excavations have uncovered a vast library, ancient manuscripts, and religious sculptures.
y The university declined around the 13th century due to invasions and the rise of Hinduism.

History and Culture 97

Why in News?
A decade after Nalanda University came up in the foothills of Rajgir, work is on to revive another
ancient centre of learning in Bihar — Vikramshila.

Sarhul Festival

Key details:
y Sarhul is a major spring and New
Year festival celebrated by Adivasis
in Jharkhand and the broader
Chhotanagpur region, rooted in nature
worship and the veneration of the Sal
tree, seen as the abode of Sarna Maa,
the village protector.
y The three-day festival symbolizes the
union of the Sun and Earth, essential
for life. Rituals begin with fasting,
water collection, cleaning of sacred
groves (Sarna Sthal), and offering Sal flowers.
y The final day is marked by a grand feast with handia (rice beer) and traditional food. Tribes such
as the Oraon, Munda, Santal, Khadia, and Ho celebrate it, each with distinct customs.
y In recent decades, it has gained political relevance, especially amid debates over Adivasi
religious identity and demands for a separate Sarna religion column in national records.

Why in News?
Adivasis in Jharkhand and the larger Chhotanagpur region will welcome the new year and the
spring season with the Sarhul festival.

This Day in History

Date Event

The Kargil War officially began when Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated
1 March 1999
Indian positions in the Kargil sector.

Mahatma Gandhi announced the Dandi March as part of the Civil Disobedience
6 March 1930
Movement against the British Salt Laws.

International Women’s Day is celebrated globally to recognise women’s

8 March
achievements and promote gender equality.

The Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule began in Lhasa, leading to the Dalai
10 March 1959
Lama fleeing to India.

History and Culture 98

 Mahatma Gandhi began the Dandi March from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi to
12 March 1930
protest against the British salt monopoly.

Mahatma Gandhi was sentenced to 6 years in prison for sedition after the
16 March 1922
Non-Cooperation Movement.

The Dutch East India Company was established, becoming a model for
20 March 1602
modern corporations and colonial trade.

World Water Day is observed to highlight the importance of freshwater and

22 March
sustainable water management.

Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were hanged in Lahore Jail, becoming
23 March 1931
martyrs of India’s freedom struggle.

Robert Koch discovered the tuberculosis bacterium, now commemorated as

24 March 1882
World TB Day.

Mission Shakti: India became the 4th country to demonstrate anti-satellite

27 March 2019
missile capability.

The Dalai Lama entered India seeking asylum after fleeing Tibet; a key moment
31 March 1959
in India-China-Tibet relations.

Probable MCQs
1. With reference to the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars 2025), consider the following statements:
1. Anora won the Best Picture and Best Actress awards.
2. Sean Baker received the Best Director award for The Brutalist.
3. Emilia Pérez received the most nominations at the Oscars 2025.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (c)

2. Which of the following correctly describes the Jnanpith Award?

(a) A government-sponsored award given exclusively to writers in Hindi and Sanskrit
(b) India’s highest literary award given annually for contributions in any language listed in the
Eighth Schedule or English
(c) A Sahitya Akademi fellowship conferred posthumously for outstanding poetry
(d) An award conferred for debut novels written in regional dialects of Hindi
Answer: (b)

3. With reference to the Third Battle of Panipat (1761), consider the following statements:
1. The battle was fought between the Marathas and the Mughal forces under Shah Alam II.

History and Culture 99

 2. The defeat weakened Maratha expansion in the north and allowed British and regional
powers to rise.
3. Ahmad Shah Abdali’s victory led to his permanent control over the Delhi throne.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (b)

4. Which of the following correctly explains the historical significance of Vikramshila University?
(a) It was established by Ashoka and specialized in Theravada Buddhism.
(b) It rivaled Nalanda in influence and was a major center for Tantrayana Buddhism under the
Pala dynasty.
(c) It was the first center for Islamic studies in eastern India.
(d) It was revived under the Mughals during the reign of Akbar.
Answer: (b)

5. With reference to the Sarhul Festival, consider the following statements:

1. It is a spring festival that marks the Adivasi New Year and involves nature worship.
2. It includes offerings to Sarna Maa under the Sal tree, the sacred site of worship.
3. It is celebrated by communities such as the Oraon, Munda, and Bhil across Maharashtra and
Gujarat.
Which of the above statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (a)

History and Culture 100

Economy 101
CURRENT AFFAIRS IN NEWS: MARCH (2025)

PLACES IN NEWS

PERSONS IN NEWS

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LEARN CURRENT AFFAIRS FROM THE BEST EDUCATORS

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7 PIN-GK

Places in News

Name Description

Chikhali (Gujarat) y Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy

Shri Pralhad Joshi inaugurated a state-of-the-
art 5.4 GW solar cell gigafactory/manufacturing
facility of Warree Energy at Chikhali in Gujarat.
y It is India’s largest solar cell factory.

Bangus Valley y Bangus Valley, located at 10,000 ft in north

Kashmir’s Kupwara district near the LoC,
consists of two bowl-shaped valleys—Bodh
Bangus (Big Bangus) and Lokut Bangus (Small
Bangus).
y Spanning around 300 sq. km, it lies within
the Trans-Himalayan zone and features a
unique mix of grassland and coniferous (Taiga)
forests.
y Surrounded by mountain ranges like Rajwar,
Mawar, Shamasbury, and Karnah Guli, the
valley offers lush meadows, dense forests, and
a peaceful environment, making it ecologically
rich and scenically stunning.

Why in News?
The Jammu & Kashmir government has announced
new rules to promote Bangus Valley in north
Kashmir’s Kupwara district as an ecotourism
destination.

PIN-GK 103
 Syria y In March 2025, Syria’s civil war escalated
sharply with clashes between government
forces and loyalists of former President
Bashar al-Assad.
y The conflict took a sectarian turn, with Sunni
fighters targeting Alawite civilians through
close-range shootings, arson, and identity-
based killings.
y The violence was mainly concentrated in
Latakia, Baniyas, and the surrounding coastal
areas.

Vanuatu (South Pacific Ocean) y The island nation of Vanuatu runs one of
the world’s most popular golden passport
or Citizenship by Investment (CBI) schemes,
allowing wealthy individuals to obtain
citizenship by paying between $135,500 and
$155,500.
y It is among the fastest citizenship programs
globally, requiring minimal documentation
and no in-person presence.

Parandur (Tamil Nadu) y It is proposed as Chennai’s second airport.

y The Parandur Greenfield Airport Project near
Chennai has faced strong opposition from
farmers, villagers, and environmentalists for
over three years.
y Over 54% of the project area comprises
wetlands, raising concerns about flood risks
and ecological damage.

PIN-GK 104
 Chagos Archipelago (Indian Ocean) y India has reaffirmed its support for Mauritius’
sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago,
which remains under UK control despite
international rulings.
y The Chagos Archipelago was separated
by the UK in 1965 before Mauritius gained
independence and turned into the British
Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
y Despite a 2019 International Court of Justice
ruling, the UK continues to control Diego
Garcia, which hosts a key US-UK military base.
y In 2024, the UK recognized Mauritius’s
sovereignty over Chagos but retained 99-year
operational control of Diego Garcia, drawing
criticism.
Odisha (India) y The Odisha government has shifted the
observance of Panchayati Raj Day from March
5 (Biju Patnaik’s birth anniversary) to April 24,
aligning it with the national celebration.

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki ( Indonesia) y Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki volcano
erupted thrice on March 21, 2025, sending ash
clouds up to 8,000 meters high.
y It is located on the island of Flores.

PIN-GK 105
 New Zealand y Location: Southwest Pacific Ocean, near
Australia.
y It is bordered by the Tasman Sea (west) and
the Pacific Ocean (east).
y Geographical Features: Mountains, fjords,
volcanic plateaus, geothermal areas.
⚪ Southern Alps on South Island; Mount
Cook (Aoraki) is the highest (3,724m).
y Climate: Temperate to subtropical, with four
seasons.
y Major rivers: Waikato, Clutha, Whanganui.
y Largest lake: Lake Taupo.

Why in News?
After a gap of about 10 years, India and New Zealand
announced the resumption of negotiations for
a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) to boost
economic ties.
Mana Village y Location: Mana village is in Uttarakhand’s
Chamoli district, about 55 km from the India-
China border.
y Border Significance: Earlier known as the “last
village of India”, now referred to as the “first
Indian village” before the China border.

Why in News?
An avalanche near Mana trapped 57 people at a
BRO project site; 33 were rescued and brought to
an ITBP camp in Mana.

PIN-GK 106
Persons in News:

Name Brief Description

Rodrigo Duterte y Rodrigo Duterte served as the 16th President of the

Philippines from 2016 to 2022.
y As president, Duterte launched a brutal anti-drug
campaign that drew widespread international criticism
for alleged human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings.
y Duterte also pursued an independent foreign policy,
distancing the Philippines from traditional allies like the
U.S. and strengthening ties with China and Russia.
y His presidency was marked by both strong domestic
support and significant global scrutiny.

Why in News?
Former Philippine President Duterte arrested on an ICC
warrant over drug killings.
Kirsty Coventry y Competed in five Olympic Games, winning a total of
seven medals in her Swimming Career.
y Set multiple world records during her career.
y Served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts,
and Recreation starting in 2019.
y Notable Achievements:
⚪ Recognized as the most successful African Olympian
with seven medals.
⚪ Inducted into the International Swimming Hall of
Fame.

Why in News?
Kirsty Coventry was elected as the President of the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) on March 20, 2025,
becoming the first woman and first African to hold this
position.

PIN-GK 107
Sanjay Kumar Mishra y He is a 1984-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer
(Income Tax cadre), and served as ED chief till September
15, 2023.
y His extended tenure was curtailed by the Supreme Court
after petitions challenged multiple extensions.
y He will serve in the rank and pay of a Secretary to the
Government of India.

Why in News?
Sanjay Kumar Mishra, former Enforcement Directorate (ED)
chief, has been appointed as a full-time member of the
Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM).
Rajiv Gauba y Gauba is a 1982-batch IAS officer (Jharkhand cadre) and
served as Cabinet Secretary from 2019 to August 2024.
y His previous roles include Union Home Secretary,
Housing and Urban Development Secretary, and Chief
Secretary of Jharkhand.
y At NITI Aayog, Gauba joins notable members like:
⚪ Dr. VK Saraswat (former DRDO chief)
⚪ Prof. Ramesh Chand (Chairman, Institute of Economic
Growth)
⚪ Dr. VK Paul (Public health expert)
⚪ Dr. Arvind Virmani (Former IMF Executive Director).

Why in News?
Rajiv Gauba, former Cabinet Secretary, was appointed as a
full-time member of NITI Aayog.
Padmakar Shivalkar y Padmakar Shivalkar was a legendary left-arm spinner.
y He was a key figure in Mumbai’s dominance in the Ranji
Trophy, contributing to their 15-season winning streak.
y Honoured with the Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime
Achievement Award by BCCI in 2017.
y Made his First-Class debut for Mumbai in 1961-62, and
continued playing until the 1980-81 Ranji final.

Why in News?
Padmakar Shivalkar was a legendary left-arm spinner who
passed away at the age of 84.

PIN-GK 108
 Srimathi Champakam Dorairajan y Champakam Dorairajan was a Brahmin woman born in
1915 who aspired to become a doctor in an era (1940s).
y In 1948, she challenged the Madras government’s
Communal General Order (G.O.), which allocated
educational seats based on caste.
y In 1951, the Supreme Court struck down the G.O. as
unconstitutional, stating that classification based on
caste, religion, or race violated fundamental rights.
y The ruling prompted the First Constitutional
Amendment, which introduced Article 15(4), allowing
reservation in education for socially and educationally
backward classes.

Hayao Miyazaki y Hayao Miyazaki is a legendary Japanese animator and

co-founder of Studio Ghibli.
y Known for films like “Spirited Away,” “My Neighbor
Totoro,” and “Princess Mononoke.”
y His works feature strong female leads, fantasy themes,
and environmental messages.
y “Spirited Away” won an Oscar in 2003; “The Boy and
the Heron” won in 2024.
y Widely regarded as one of the greatest animators in film
history.

Sunil Chhetri (India Football y Legendary striker Sunil Chhetri, aged 40, has been
Player) recalled to the Indian national team less than a year
after his retirement in June 2024 for the March 2025
international football matches.
y Chhetri, who has 94 international goals in 150 matches,
is behind only Ronaldo, Messi, and Ali Daei in men’s all-
time scorers list.

V. Anantha Nageswaran y The Government, on February 20, 2025, extended the

tenure of Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V. Anantha
Nageswaran for two years till March 2027.
y The office of CEA is responsible for giving advice to the
government on various economic policies and drafting
the Economic Survey which is tabled in Parliament a day
ahead of the Union Budget.

PIN-GK 109
Roshni Nadar Malhotra y She is set to become the largest shareholder in HCL Corp
and Vama Delhi (promoter entities of HCL Technologies
and HCL Infosystems) .
y Her father, Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Group,
transferred 47% of his stake to her in a succession plan.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi y He will serve in the Supreme Court for over six years and
is set to become the Chief Justice of India from May 25,
2031, to October 2, 2031.
y He was appointed as a judge of the Calcutta High Court
in 2011.

Why in News?
Justice Joymalya Bagchi, former Calcutta High Court judge,
was sworn in as a Supreme Court judge by CJI Sanjiv Khanna.

Mankombu Gopalakrishnan y Born in 1947 in Mankombu village, Alappuzha (Kerala).

y Wrote over 700 songs for around 200 movies.
y Worked on blockbuster films like RRR, Baahubali-1,
Baahubali-2, and Magadheera.

Why in News?
Lyricist Mankombu Gopalakrishnan passes away in Kochi.

Sunita Williams y Full Name: Sunita Lyn Williams

y Birth: September 19, 1965, in Euclid, Ohio, USA
y Designated as a Naval Aviator in 1989.
y Selected as an astronaut in 1998.
y Veteran of multiple space missions.
y Holds records for the longest single spaceflight by a
woman and most spacewalks by a woman.
y Recent Mission:
⚪ Launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on
June 5, 2024, for its first crewed flight
⚪ Mission extended due to technical issues, resulting
in a nine-month stay aboard the International Space
Station.

PIN-GK 110
 Why in News?
Sunita Williams returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, via
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule, landing off the coast of
Florida.
Indranil Bhattacharyya y He is appointed as Executive Director (ED) of the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
⚪ He will look after the Department of Economic and
Policy Research (DEPR).
y He has also served as a former Adviser in the Monetary
Policy Department, RBI.

Why in News?
Indranil Bhattacharyya was appointed as Executive Director
of RBI with effect from 19 March 2025.
Uttam Mohanty y Uttam Mohanty was a renowned actor in Odia cinema,
having worked in over 150 films.
y Awards & Recognition: Honored with the Jayadev
Award, Odisha’s highest film award (equivalent to a
lifetime achievement award).

Why in News?
Uttam Mohanty passed away in New Delhi due to prolonged
liver-related illness at the age of 66.

Amir Khusrau y Amir Khusrau (1253–1325) was a mystic, poet, and

musician, regarded as the “Parrot of India” (Tuti-yi-
Hind).
y Cultural Synthesis: His works symbolize the blend of
Indian and Persian cultures.
y Contributions to Music: He played a key role in shaping
Indian classical music and qawwali, and is credited with
influencing the development of Hindavi (a precursor to
Hindi and Urdu).
y Royal Patronage: He served as a court poet under five
Sultans, including Jalaluddin Khalji and Alauddin Khalji.
y He was the most beloved disciple of Sufi saint
Nizamuddin Auliya and remained deeply connected to
his spiritual teachings.
y He wrote in Persian and Hindavi, composing ghazals,
riddles, and songs, blending Persian, Turkic, and Indian
influences.

PIN-GK 111
 y He is credited (though with limited evidence) for crafting
new ragas, developing khayal music, and inventing the
sitar and tabla.

Why in News?
The Prime Minister has participated in Jahan-e-Khusrau
which is an international Festival dedicated to Sufi music,
poetry, and dance.
Mark Carney y Former central banker Mark Carney will become
Canada’s next Prime Minister after the governing Liberal
Party elected him its leader.
y Key Contributions:
⚪ Played a crucial role in stabilizing economies during
financial crises.
⚪ Advocated for green finance and climate risk
management in financial policies.
Himmat Shah y Born in Lothal, Gujarat, inspired by archaeologists,
theatre troupes, and potters.
y Remembered as one of India’s greatest sculptors,
always pushing artistic boundaries.
y Himmat Shah passed away in March 2024, at age 91.

Book in News:

Book Name Author Brief Description

Wild Fictions — Essays Amitav Ghosh y A powerful collection of Amitav

Ghosh’s essays on climate change,
colonialism, and environmental
degradation.
y Combines personal experiences,
historical insight, and literary depth
to explore global ecological crises.
y Divided into themed sections like
Climate & Environment, Witnesses,
Travel, Narratives, Conversations,
and Presentations.

PIN-GK 112
 The Undying Light Gopalkrishna Gandhi y This book reflects on India’s journey
from Gandhi’s assassination in 1948
to the Modi era post-2014.
y It explores whether India is deeply
fragmented or fundamentally united,
examining key political events,
electoral flaws, and rising religious
polarization.
y The author critiques the decline of
democratic values and institutions,
such as the abolition of the Planning
Commission, and highlights symbolic
moments like the unveiling of
Gandhi’s statue in London.

Bofors Gate ​Journalist Chitra y The book delves into the Bofors
Subramaniam bribery scandal that emerged in 1987.
y Subramaniam, who extensively
reported on the case, highlights
a significant concern related to
the alleged non-examination of
boxes containing between 500 to
1,000 pages of confidential Swiss
documents handed over to India in
1997.

Thomas Mathew y This fascinating biography traces

Ratan Tata: A Life
Ratan Tata’s years in detail, from his
lonely childhood to his irrepressible
youthful exuberance, from his first
major role in the Tatas to being
appointed chairman of the group
in 1991 and to his role today as the
head of Tata Trusts, India’s largest
philanthropic enterprise.
y It is as much a story of determination
and an unwavering commitment to
enduring principles and values.

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Home in the world Amartya Sen y The book explores Sen’s formative
years, his education at Santiniketan
and Cambridge.
y Amartya Sen:
⚪ Sen, along with Mahbub ul Haq,
played a key role in developing
the concept and methodology of
HDI.
⚪ His Capability Approach
influenced HDI by emphasizing
that development should
focus on people’s well-being,
opportunities, and freedoms, not
just GDP.
⚪ Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences
(1998) for contributions to welfare
economics.
⚪ Bharat Ratna (1999) – India’s
highest civilian award.

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