Daily Current Affairs Quiz9&10 March, 2025 International Affairs 1. OIC’s Rejections Against Trump’s Gaza Takeover Plan Context: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has officially accepted an Arab League backed counter proposal to the controversial American proposal for Gaza by President Donald Trump. It signals the regional resistance to external control over Gaza and heralds an alternate view led by Arab states. Key Developments OIC Endorsing the Arab League Plan Rejection of Trump’s Proposal Strategic & Diplomatic Implication Regional Unity against U.S. & Israeli Proposals U.S. and Israeli Opposition to the Arab Plan Financial/Political Challenges in Rebuilding Gaza What is Next? This move by the OIC signifies a very harsh geopolitical stance against U.S. proposals for Gaza. However, gaining broad international support and political intricacies such as the role of Hamas with the plan will be key challenges in actualizing the Arab League plan. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), formerly the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1969.[1] It consists of 57 member states, 48 of which are Muslim-majority. 2. India-Mauritius Relations Context: PM Modi will visit Mauritius (March 11-12, 2025) as the Guest of Honour for its Independence Day celebrations on March 12. Political Context Historical & Cultural Ties Economic & Trade Relations Maritime Security & Strategic Cooperation Outlook India-Mauritius ties must remain a strong and stable anchor in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape. Source: TH 3. India Raises Concerns Over Pakistan’s Investment in NDB Context: IMF is conducting its first review of a $7 billion bailout granted to Pakistan in 2023. India has previously abstained from voting on Pakistan’s IMF loan requests but took a stricter stance in January 2024. India urged the IMF to ensure “stringent monitoring” of funds provided to Pakistan to prevent diversion towards defense spending or external debt repayment. Pakistan’s Plan to Invest in NDB India’s Objection & Concerns India’s Prior Stand on Pakistan’s IMF Loans Implications & Next Steps This development adds another layer to India-Pakistan tensions and raises questions about Pakistan’s financial strategy amid its ongoing economic crisis. New Development Bank (NDB) The New Development Bank (NDB), formerly referred to as the BRICS Development Bank, is a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS states (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). According to the Agreement on the NDB, “the Bank shall support public or private projects through loans, guarantees, equity participation and other financial instruments.” National Affairs 1. Geo Mapping of Plantations in Kerala by the Rubber Board Context: The Rubber Board of India will commence geo mapping rubber plantations in Kerala from next week to enable the growers to have more market access for better price realization and compliance with international sustainability norms. It is at the initiative overview: What is Geo Mapping? This gives clear origin tracking, thus making Indian rubber products more competitive in world markets. Why is This Important? This geo mapping initiative lays an important milestone in determining the sustainable production of rubber in India. Integrating into a status of digital tracking and certification with long term commitment towards global regulatory compliance gives better prices, improved trade access, and long term sustainability to Indian rubber growers and exporters. Source: TH 2. TB Elimination Campaign Context: The 100 day intensified TB elimination campaign, which began on December 7, 2024, covered 33 States and Union Territories, with 455 intervention districts. It tried to find symptomatic and asymptomatic TB cases among high risk groups by way of chest X ray screening and bacteriological confirmation through molecular tests. Key Highlights of the Campaign Objectives TB Notification Data The increase in TB notifications compared to last year is slight(+220 cases). Increased notifications between Dec 7, 2024, and Feb 22, 2025, against same intervals of last year: +44,585 cases. Challenges and Limitations Overclaim of Campaign Efficacy Low Utilization of X Ray Screening Poor Infrastructure Short Duration & Unrealistic Goal While the 100-day intensified TB elimination campaign likely improved case detection to some extent, its overall impact has been overstated. Key limitations, including low X-ray screening coverage, inadequate infrastructure, and a short intervention period, undermine the effectiveness of the initiative. Source: TH India’s Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination Program 3. River Dolphin Conservation in India Context: The recent population study released by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change reports 6,327 river dolphins in India, highlighting the critical status of these freshwater mammals. The study also raises concerns regarding their threats, ecological role, and conservation strategies. A deeper analysis is essential to understand whether existing efforts are sufficient or if stronger intervention is needed. River Dolphins River dolphins are categorized into facultative and obligate species, each with unique habitat preferences and conservation concerns. Facultative River Dolphins (Both Freshwater and Marine) Obligate River Dolphins (Exclusively Freshwater) Key Analytical Insights Adaptations The Ganges and Indus river dolphins have evolved unique adaptations to survive in muddy, freshwater environments with low visibility. Sensory Adaptations Key Analytical Insights Conservation Challenges Despite their legal protection under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972), river dolphins in India face multiple anthropogenic (human-induced) threats. 1. Habitat Destruction & River Pollution 2. Overfishing & Bycatch Mortality 3. Poaching & Use in Traditional Medicine Key Analytical Insights 4. Conservation Efforts: Are They Sufficient? Current Strategies Limitations & Gaps Analytical Insights Way Forward 1. Expansion of Protected Areas & Dolphin Reserves 2. Stricter Regulation of Fishing Practices 3. Pollution Control & Sustainable Water Management 4. Community Involvement & Eco-Tourism 4. The IndiaAI Mission Context: The IndiaAI Mission, worth ₹10,371.92 crore, aims at driving India’s artificial intelligence development and reducing the dependence on foreign AI models through indigenous capacity building. In this sense, the mission has aims in compute infrastructure, datasets, model development, safety, and skill building. It is a mission, too, that stands of great importance in light of rapid advances in AI technology across the globe and a rapidly emerging necessity for developing culturally and linguistically relevant AI tools for India’s diversity. Key Pillars and Their Strategic Impact AI Kosha Democratizing AI Infrastructure AI Safety & Governance Indigenous AI Model Development AI Innovation & Skill Development: Building a Talent Pipeline Assessment of the IndiaAI Mission Initiative Progress Challenges Strategic Impact