Context: A very large survey has brought out the figure of 6,327 Gangetic dolphins inhabiting the waters of the Ganga and its tributaries, it is the very first standardized assessment of their population. At present, because of varied previous counting methodologies, this number cannot yet indicate trends in population over time. Distribution of Dolphin Population This survey is the first step undertaken in scientific conservation efforts, covering a huge expanse of river stretches that totals 8,507 km. Difficulties in Counting the Dolphins New Survey Methodology Threats of Gangetic Dolphins Roadmap for Conservation in the Future State Wise Dolphin Population With standardized survey methods, simple and focused conservation strategies, India is gearing up for a major leap in the direction of ensuring a favorable future for the Gangetic dolphin, one of the most relevant indicators of river ecosystem health. Source: TH
Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3)
Context: India launched the Cities Coalition for Circularity C-3, a multi national platform for city to city collaboration, knowledge sharing, and partnership with the private sector in support of sustainable urban development. Key Objectives of C-3 Prime Minister’s Vision To further strengthen the coalition, he proposed the formation of a working group to develop the structure and operational framework for the coalition. Key Signing of the CITIIS 2.0 Agreement A key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for CITIIS 2.0 was signed at the time of the launch in the city of Jaipur. C-3 will play a very crucial role in making Indian cities sustainable and resource efficient, said Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. 3R and Circular Economy Forum Previous Development A Milestone: The Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023) The launch of C 3 marks a significant step in India’s commitment to sustainability. Through this initiative, India aims to lead global efforts in circular economy practices, ensuring a greener, more resilient urban future. Source: TH
The Sacred Orans
Context: In pursuance of the judgment of the Supreme Court of India, all sacred forests in Rajasthan known as orans were, from December 2024, protected under a High Court order recognising the socio-ecological and cultural significance of orans in T. N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India. The ruling brought orans under the purview of the biodiversity-related laws, but the issue remains whether formalisation undermines community governance. The meaning of Orans Yet, despite the concern for mere empowerment of communities that the Court expressed, the whole idea of formalisation, as presented, makes one apprehensive: Declare Orans as Forests under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 Declare Orans as Community Reserves under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Orans may become âCommon Forest Landâ under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. Strengthening Community Led Governance While the Supreme Court’s ruling acknowledged the cultural and ecological significance of orans, the formalization could disturb traditional governance systems.
India-Belgium Defence Ties
Context: India and Belgium deliberated upon defence engagements in Indo Pacific with a view to the maritime domain and, by extension, industrial cooperation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken and Princess Astrid in New Delhi to discuss boosting Belgiumâs defence investments in India.An “institutionalised defence cooperation mechanism” is likely in further discussions between the two sides. India-EU Defence Collaboration Strategic Importance This promising India Belgium and India EU partnership will open a new chapter in global defence cooperation for security in the Indo Pacific but beyond. Source: TH
The White House Clash
Context: A day after the heated exchange at the Oval Office between President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, protests for Ukraine erupted across numerous cities in the U.S. Meanwhile, a survey by the PEW Research Center highlights an increasing partisan divide regarding U.S. aid to Ukraine and NATO issues. Moulding Attitudes on U.S. Support for Ukraine Party Split (Chart 1 and 2) Concerns Based on National Security NATO Membership of the U.S.: Eroding Faith Decreasing Support for Additional European Defense Spending A deepening partisan divide over aid to Ukraine, NATO and national security means that greater challenges could loom for U.S. foreign policy in the future. With the Trump administration signaling a shift in priorities, the role of the U.S. in general security alliances continues to remain controversial. Source: TH
India-Australia Economic Cooperation
Context: Australia expressed continuing faith in the economic ascent of India, backing its aim to become the third largest global economy by 2030, and supporting India’s permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council. Recently, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia announced the New Roadmap for Australia Economic Engagement with India to expand cooperation in various sectors ranging from trade to investment to geostrategic partnership. Trade Surge between India and Australia Focus Areas under the Roadmap The roadmap identified four “Superhighways of Growth”: The other visible path of prosperity will come alive through the seven ‘Major Economic Roads’ including investments, technology, sports, arts & culture, resources, defence, space, and health. Harnessing the Indian Diaspora People to people ties are at an all time high with the 1 million strong Indian diaspora, the fastest growing population group in Australia.Australia is investing âč132 crore in the Centre for Australia India Relations and âč22 crore in the Maitri grants program to further strengthen this ‘human bridge’ between the two nations. Going Forward: CECA Implications The New Roadmap indicates Australia’s long term commitment to enhancing India’s economic strength, putting forth a clear, structured approach to an intensified partnership.
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 2 & 3 March, 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz2 & 3 March, 2025 International Affairs 1. Trump-Zelensky Clash at White House Context: European leaders have rallied behind Volodymyr Zelensky after Donald Trump’s furious exchange with the Ukrainian president in the White House. The leaders of Germany, France, Spain, Poland and the Netherlands were among those who posted social media messages backing Ukraine – with Zelensky responding directly to each one to thank them for their support. Culminations The Meteoric Rise: A President Forged in War Turning Points: A War That Has Stalled Where To From There? Zelensky Tries to Fix Things After the Showdown at the White House Fallout: When U.S. Ukraine Tensions Burst Zelenskyy’s Response: Damage Controlling Starts What’s Next? 2. Firefly Aerospace Blue Ghost Lunar Mission Context: On Sunday, March 3, 2024, Firefly Aerospace, a U.S. based company, successfully landed its Blue Ghost Mission 1 spacecraft on the moon. It made the second private mission to reach this goal. Unlike their first private mission in February, which crashed on its side, Blue Ghost made an upright landing. It is a huge technical achievement. Details About the Landing Technical Aspects of the Mission Scientific Objectives and Payloads Major Future Observations Mission Significance National Affairs 1. UGC Draft Regulations, 2025 Introduction of “Caste-Based Discrimination” Broader Scope Than Under 2012 Regulations Regulatory framework & compliance Next Steps The draft regulations of 2025 broaden the meaning of discrimination and provide for stricter enforcement. They would still require clarity and coverage about anti-reservation bias in universities. UGC Regulations, 2025 Source: The Hindu 2. Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) Context: Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare genetic disorder that prevents the body from processing certain amino acids. This leads to a characteristic odor of maple syrup in the urine. Hope has been renewed for Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) with the introduction of a new gene therapy. Key Findings Meaning for the Human Patient Long-term Assessment: Assess how the therapy affects BCKDH levels in the brain.Cognition and Behavior Assessment: Check for neurological and cognitive advantages for longer periods. Source: The Hindu 3. Sources and Health Effects of PM2.5 Pollution in Northern India What is PM 2.5? PM2.5, or fine particulate matter, is a type of air pollution that can cause serious health problems. It’s made up of tiny solid particles and liquid droplets that are 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. Main Highlights from Study Published in Nature Communications Oxidative Potential and Health Risks Air Quality Variations from Season to Season Policy Recommendations and Implications The study revealed the necessity for local air pollution control in Northern India, especially in high traffic and biomass burning areas, to prevent the most severe health impacts. Source: The Hindu 4. Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2025 Context: The Centre withdrew the Bill on February 22, declaring that it needed to have public consultation and present a new draft of the same for reintroduction. The Bar Council of India (BCI) opposed the Bill vehemently, asserting that it jeopardizes the bar’s autonomy and independence. Key Provisions & Impasse Strike & Boycott by Lawyers Banned Government Control Over BCI Widened BCI’s Powers Greatly Enhanced Recognition of Corporate Lawyers and Foreign Law Firms Way Forward The Bill sought to create reforms for the legal profession and was heavily criticized for attempting to undermine bar autonomy, government overreach, and unclear provisions for corporate lawyers. 5. ERONET (Electoral Roll Management System) Context: Complaints were being made about voter ID numbers (EPICs being the same) for voters in different states. The Election Commission (EC) clarified that the voter’s right would be exercised solely at the polling station designated by him in the state of his enrollment in that electoral roll irrespective of the EPIC number.Thus, the 10 digit EPIC number is a means of identification, and its exercise beyond the designated constituency would not be permitted. Comments and Remedial Actions by EC What is ERONET? The Election Commission has further reassured voters that duplications will not come in the way of voting rights, and systematic correction processes are taking their course. However, this giving rise to political slanging matches over election integrity. Credit: The Hindu 6. Gulf Coast Communities in Kerala Rebel Against Offshore Mining Plans Context: Coastal communities in Kerala have been agitating against the Centre’s offshore mining plans, fearing destruction to marine ecosystems and loss of livelihoods. The agitation gained momentum after the 2023 amendment to the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002, which opened offshore mining to private players.The Kerala Fisheries Coordination Committee has been formed to lead the resistance, with a Parliament march planned for March 12. Government Plans and Identified Mineral Reserves Fisheries and Scientific Concerns Call for a âRight to the Sea Actâ N.K. Premachandran, MP, who is leading the RSPâs protest march, demanded that the Centre introduce a âRight to the Sea Actâ, similar to the Right to Forest Act, to protect the rights of Indiaâs coastal communities. He accused the Union government of pushing ahead with the project in a unilateral and opaque manner and raised several critical questions: After acquiring protection from truckers, the Kerala government and local fishing communities want the entire offshore mining process to stop until a thorough environmental impact study is conducted. With protests intensifying and ecological ruin reckoned as a possibility, the controversy is far from closure. 7. Einstein Ring Contemporary research into the existence and properties of heat has remained a vital part of gravitational lensing. For over a century, one of the most powerful members of physics, Alfred Einstein, shared his brilliant ability by predicting that massive objects such as galaxies and galaxy clusters might bend light from distant objects through their gravitational influence. This effect, called gravitational lensing, can produce arc like distortions or, on rare occasions, a perfect Einstein ring, should their alignment be perfect. What is an Einstein Ring? A rare optical phenomenon where light from a distant object encircles a massive foreground object.The stunning effect is produced with the help of strong gravitational lensing. By bending spacetime more than its delineation,
EU-India FTA
Bilateralism Rises in Global Trade The signing of such FTAs is indeed becoming critical for India in the arena of economic and strategic reorientation in the context of a changing global order. Evidence for the Decline: Anti Multilateralism Erosion of Global Institutions Retreat from Global Leadership by the U.S. All these changes, particularly chipping away at the national economy, as multilateralism, by its very design, had been offering protection to the weaker economies from the devours of the mightier cities. Since the status of multilateralism has veered toward a trajectory of fragmentation, bilateral agreements have become mainstream. India’s Challenge: Strengthening Bilateral Enagements Expand Bilateral & Plurilateral Engagements Strengthening the Capabilities for Negotiation Competitively Weighted Concessions
Financial Frankenstein
Context: Banks have been aggressively selling mutual funds and insurance policies as substitutes for traditional deposits, primarily to boost fee income. These actions have led to the downfall of low cost deposits, which banks now feel sorry for as costs of borrowing rise. Did bankers act as Frankenstein? Banking Challenges Today Strategies in Response Future Outlook Deposit strategy reconsideration is needed in banks instead of playing into the hands of fee income.Otherwise, sooner or later, they could face financial instability as experienced by Frankenstein’s uncontrolled creation. Current and savings accounts (CASA) Current accounts do not accrue any interest, while savings yield meager returns largely in public sector banks (PSBs): Importance of CASA Deposits Credit: BS
Irdai’s Move toward Equity Derivatives
Context: At Irdai’s direction, insurers could hedge their equity exposure on derivatives, providing a tool for better market volatility management and protection of policyholder returns. This step seems to enhance risk management, but experts suggest it is not going to drastically affect the insurers’ particular investment strategy. Current Regulatory Setup Due to the increasing investment in equities by insurers and market volatility, Irdai realized the need to allow the hedging of equity derivatives. Impact on Life Insurers Equity Exposure in Policy Types Guidelines & Next Steps
