Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 02-05-2025

Maharashtra Gujarat Day

65th Statehood Day: Maharashtra and Gujarat celebrated their 65th Statehood Day on May 1st, 2025, commemorating their formation in 1960 after the split of Bombay State.
Linguistic Reorganization: The states were formed based on linguistic identity, reflecting the idea that language shapes identity and governance should reflect cultural realities.
Samyukta Maharashtra Movement: This movement (1956) advocated for a Marathi-speaking state, including Mumbai and Vidarbha, playing a key role in Maharashtra’s creation.
Mahagujarat Movement: This movement (1928-1950s) pushed for a Gujarati-speaking state, uniting Saurashtra and Kutch, and promoting regional self-identity.
Celebrations: Both states celebrate with parades, cultural events, and reflections on their journey. Maharashtra’s main event is in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, while Gujarat holds events across cities, often at Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Riverfront.
Economic and Cultural Powerhouses: Both states have become significant economic centers and cultural torchbearers in India.
Legacy of Unity: Their formation represents a peaceful movement for self-determination achieved through dialogue. The day celebrates the resilience of communities that stood up for self-determination through dialogue, not division.
Shared Pride: While distinct in language and customs, they share a legacy of a democratic movement that reshaped Indian federalism.

Zoji La

Early Opening of Zojila Pass: The Zojila Pass has opened earlier than usual, enabling quicker access to Ladakh.
Siachen Base Camp Access: Tourists can now visit the Siachen base camp without needing prior authorization or NOC.
Galwan Valley Opening: The Galwan Valley, a key tourist destination, will open to visitors from June 15th, marking the first time it will be accessible for tourism.
Significance of Zojila Pass: The pass is a crucial link connecting Kashmir Valley with Ladakh, vital for both civilian travel and military logistics. It’s a high-altitude pass in the Himalayas and considered a strategic lifeline.
Zojila Tunnel Project: The Zojila Tunnel is under construction to provide all-weather connectivity, aiming to drastically reduce travel time and improve accessibility.
Context: This early opening provided the window to open tourist locations early.

Wind Report 2025

GWEC Report Warning: The Global Wind Report 2025 warns that projected wind capacity will only meet 77% of the 2030 target, jeopardizing net-zero and Paris Agreement goals.
Global Capacity Addition: 117 GW of new wind capacity was added in 2024, a slight increase from 2023 (116.6 GW), bringing total capacity to 1,136 GW.
China’s Dominance: China contributed 70% of new global wind capacity in 2024.
Regional Success: Uzbekistan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia showed significant onshore wind growth; Africa and Middle East onshore capacity doubled.
Offshore Wind Decline: Offshore wind installations fell by 26% in 2024 to 8 GW.
Key Challenges: Policy instability, permitting delays, underinvestment in grid upgrades, inflation, high interest rates, trade protectionism.
Scaling Up Needed: 320 GW of annual wind installations are required to meet COP28’s renewable energy tripling target.
India’s Wind Capacity: India has 50.04 GW of installed wind capacity as of March 2025, ranking 4th globally.
India’s Challenges: Land acquisition, non-modernized grid, policy inconsistencies, high upfront costs, supply chain issues, e-waste.
India’s Solutions: Strengthen policy framework, land banks, boost offshore wind potential, hybrid projects, financial innovations, domestic manufacturing.
India’s Domestic Manufacturing Capacity: India’s manufacturing capacity stands at about 18,000 MW annually.
Call to Action: The report calls for unprecedented levels of international cooperation, policy innovation, and targeted investment in both mature and emerging wind markets.

Emden Deep

Emden Deep is the world’s third-deepest point, located in the Philippines Trench.
It was first discovered in 1927 by the German ship Emden.
The deep was later explored in detail by the Danish ship Galathea in 1951, hence it’s also known as Galathea Deep.
The Philippine Trench, where Emden Deep is located, is a seismically active area.
The Emden Deep is named after the German cruiser SMS Emden, which bombed Chennai (Madras) during World War I.
Emden Deep was a question in a Science Quiz regarding challenging places for Summer Break.

Reasons for newsworthiness:

Geographic Significance: As the third-deepest point in the world, Emden Deep is naturally of interest to geography enthusiasts and researchers.
Historical Context: The connection to the SMS Emden links the geographic feature to a historical event, adding another layer of interest.
Quiz Feature: Inclusion in a popular Science Quiz increases general awareness and highlights Emden Deep as a notable location.
Seismic Activity: The location within a seismically active trench makes it relevant for those interested in geology and natural disasters.

Emden Deep

Palamu’s Tigers

Village Relocation: Jaigir has become the first village to be entirely relocated from the core area of the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Jharkhand.
Reduced Biotic Pressure: The relocation aims to reduce human impact on the PTR’s wild habitat.
Habitat Improvement: The original Jaigir site will be converted into a grassland to attract prey for tigers.
Future Relocations: Eight more villages within the PTR’s core area have been identified for relocation.
PTR Area: The reserve covers 1129.93 sq km, with a core area of 414.08 sq km.
Relocation Efforts: Relocation efforts were intensified in 2023, with officials emphasizing the benefits
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to villagers.
Model Village: Polpol village is being developed as a model to inspire other villages to relocate.
Location: The PTR is located in the Latehar and Garhwa districts of Jharkhand, part of the Chotanagpur plateau.
Part of Betla National Park: The reserve forms a part of the Betla National Park.
Early Tiger Reserve: PTR was one of the first nine tiger reserves created under Project Tiger.
Pugmark Census: The reserve was the first in the world to conduct a tiger census using pugmark counts in 1932.
Flora and Fauna: The reserve boasts moist and dry deciduous forests, including sal and bamboo, and is home to tigers, elephants, leopards, wolves, gaurs, and sloth bears.
Minerals: The area is rich in minerals like Bauxite and Coal.

Private Bill

What is it? A legislative proposal introduced by an MP who is not a minister.
Purpose: Reflects MP’s ideology, convictions, or public interest concerns, offering a platform for diverse voices.Mehul Chhabra is a Legislative Assistants to Members of Parliament (LAMP) Fellow 2024-25. Atharva Deshmukh is a Legislative Assistants to Members of Parliament (LAMP) Fellow 2024-25
Time Allotment: Fridays are reserved for PMBs, but often disrupted or overridden.
Success Rate: Very low; only 14 passed since Independence, last in 1970.
Recent Trends: Many introduced but few discussed (e.g., 17th Lok Sabha: 729 introduced in Lok Sabha, only 2 discussed).
Current Status: Discussions rare due to disruptions and prioritization of government business.
VP Dhankhar’s View: Emphasized PMBs as “forward-looking” and a “gold mine” for legislative progress.
Examples: ‘Right to Disconnect’ Bill (Supriya Sule) sparked debate on work-life balance; Transgender Persons Bill (Tiruchi Siva) laid groundwork for later government act.
Impact of Anti-Defection Law: Limited independent action of MPs, making PMBs a crucial avenue for alternative policies.
Need for Reforms: Protect dedicated time, institute a review committee, extend parliamentary working hours, and consider adopting the “Ten-Minute Rule” from the U.K. Parliament.
Safeguarding Democracy: PMBs allow MPs to serve as a voice for their constituents’ aspirations and concerns.

Locust Hordes

Locust swarms are guided by cognitive decision-making, not randomness: A new study shows locusts use visual cues to coordinate movement, leading to organized swarm behavior.
Decentralized decision-making drives swarm behavior: Locusts don’t have a central leader; instead, individual locusts make decisions based on visual information, resulting in coordinated swarm movement.
Model helps predict swarm behavior: Understanding the locusts’ decision-making process can help predict swarm movements and improve early intervention strategies.
Locusts are destructive migratory pests: Desert Locusts are the most destructive and can form swarms that consume massive amounts of vegetation. A small swarm can eat as much as 35,000 people eat in a day.
Locusts undergo gregarisation: They transform from solitary insects to social insects that form large swarms.
Locusts are a trans-border threat: They migrate between Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, posing a challenge to multiple countries.
India is vulnerable to locust invasions: Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana are particularly susceptible, with invasions often originating from Africa and the Gulf.
India has a Locust Warning Organization: This organization, along with Locust Circle Offices, monitors and controls locusts in coordination with state governments.

JALAJ

Jalaj Initiative Review: The Union Jal Shakti Minister reviewed the Jalaj initiative, a flagship program under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), implemented by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
Linking Conservation and Livelihoods: Jalaj aims to connect river conservation with sustainable livelihoods, empowering communities in major river basins. This involves engaging locals in protecting aquatic biodiversity.
Key Components: The initiative includes establishing Jalaj centers for education and skill development, training Ganga Praharis (local volunteers), and promoting sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism, handicrafts, skill development, and wellness centers.
Digital Platform Launch: A digital platform, www.rivres.in, was launched, offering ecological insights, conservation data, and information on various Indian rivers.
Community Engagement: The project emphasizes community involvement, with over 5,000 Ganga Praharis trained. Extensive capacity-building programs have reached thousands of stakeholders.
Science-Based Approach: The initiative employs a structured, multidisciplinary conservation plan, including monitoring centers, species restoration, and rescue programs. Advanced technologies were used in river surveys.
Project Dolphin: The initiative includes Project Dolphin to conserve dolphins and their habitats, while supporting local livelihoods.
Knowledge Products: The MoJS released knowledge products like “Hydrophytes: Green Lungs of Ganga” to strengthen the scientific foundation of biodiversity conservation.
Overall Goal: Jalaj seeks to promote a river-centric economic model balancing ecological preservation and economic development.

Services Survey

Pilot Study on Annual Survey of Services Sector Enterprises (ASSSE): Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released findings from a pilot study to address data gaps in India’s incorporated service sector.
Coverage: Enterprises registered under the Companies Act or Limited Liability Partnership Act. Used GSTN database as primary sampling frame.
Objective: To test the suitability of the GSTN database, verify frame information, and test survey operational modalities (response of enterprises, clarity of instructions, data collectability). Aimed to firm up the methodology, survey instruments and other operational aspects of conducting a full-fledged pan-India survey
Two-Phase Approach: Phase I focused on verifying enterprise details. Phase II involved detailed data collection under the Collection of Statistics Act.
Key Findings: Majority of enterprises are Private Limited Companies (82.4%). Larger enterprises (output ≥ ₹500 crore) dominate in asset ownership, capital formation, and value added. Approximately 28.5% of enterprises have additional places of business within the state, highest in the Trade sector (41.8%).
Importance of Services Sector: Contributes significantly to GDP, employment, and global trade. Growing integration of services like design, logistics, and after-sales support into manufacturing processes, has boosted productivity. Critical for urbanization, Digital India, and the Smart Cities Mission.
Challenges: Skill gaps, informal employment, global competition, infrastructure gaps, and post-pandemic vulnerabilities.
Addressing Challenges: Upskilling initiatives, strengthening global competitiveness through FTAs, improving digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, and fostering growth in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
Way Forward: The pilot study provides a strong foundation for launching the full-scale annual survey starting in January 2026.The pilot study confirmed the suitability of the GSTN database as a sampling frame for the survey.

Agent Orange

50th Anniversary & Ongoing Impacts: The 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War’s end highlights the continued suffering of millions of Vietnamese due to Agent Orange exposure.
Agent Orange Composition & Toxicity: A herbicide mix (2,4-D and 2,4,5-T) contaminated with dioxin, used for defoliation. Dioxin persists in the environment (soil, water) for decades and up to 20 years in human body.
Health Consequences: Agent Orange exposure causes birth defects, cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders, and other serious health issues, impacting multiple generations. Estimated 3 million Vietnamese suffer from Agent Orange exposure.
Environmental Damage: Agent Orange rendered agricultural land unusable for years, severely damaging wildlife and soil.
Scale of Exposure: The US sprayed about 74 million liters of chemicals, more than half of it Agent Orange, over South Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia between 1961-1971. Estimated 4.8 million Vietnamese and 2.8 million US soldiers were exposed.
US Acknowledgement & Limited Action: US stopped using Agent Orange in 1971 and acknowledged in 1991 that certain diseases are related to exposure and made US veterans who had them eligible for benefits but largely ignored impact in Vietnam until mid-2000s.
Cleanup Efforts & Challenges: The US and Vietnam began cleanup efforts in 2006. However, these efforts are slow, expensive, and face funding cuts. Contaminated sites, like the Da Nang airbase, remain a major concern.
Call for Responsibility: Vietnam calls on the US government and Agent Orange manufacturers to take responsibility
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and support the victims, particularly since the country cannot handle the toxic chemical legacy on its own.

Antibiotic Access & CRGN

Limited Access to Appropriate Antibiotics: Only 7.8% of Indian patients with carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative (CRGN) infections received appropriate antibiotic treatment in 2019. The average across eight LMICs was 6.9%.
High Mortality: An estimated 3.5 lakh deaths in India were linked to CRGN infections due to lack of proper treatment.
Barriers to Treatment: Insufficient diagnostic testing, lack of standardized treatment protocols, and issues with antibiotic supply and affordability were identified as key barriers.
Dual Crisis: India faces a paradox of antibiotic overuse leading to resistance, coupled with insufficient access to necessary antibiotics for those who genuinely need them.
Call for Action: The study emphasizes the need for a two-pronged approach: preserving antibiotics through responsible use (antibiotic stewardship) and ensuring access for those in need. It recommends stronger regulatory frameworks.
Study Scope: The research examined nearly 1.5 million CRGN infection cases across eight LMICs to identify barriers in the treatment pathway.
Overuse and Misuse: High-end antibiotics are extensively overused and misused in countries like India, significantly contributing to resistance against these life-saving drugs
Recommendations: calls for more research to better understand the barriers in accessing care, diagnoses and appropriate treatment.
Significance: Lack of access to appropriate treatment increases morbidity, mortality, healthcare costs, and prolongs hospitalization.

Green Hydrogen

Green Hydrogen Certification Launched: The Indian government has launched a green hydrogen certification scheme.
Purpose: To establish a framework for certifying green hydrogen production, ensuring transparency, traceability, and market credibility.
Scope: The scheme covers production stages up to compression and purification.
Eligibility: Applies to green hydrogen producers utilizing government incentives under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
Exclusions: Exporters not utilizing government incentives are initially excluded.
Definition of “Green”: Hydrogen is considered “green” if emissions are ≤2 kg CO₂e/kg (12-month average).
Materiality Threshold: A 1% materiality threshold is set for emission sources.
Nodal Agency: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency accredits certifying agencies.
Significance:
- Decarbonization: Reduces CO₂ emissions in industries. India aims for 5 MMT annual production by 2030.
- Energy Security: Aims to cut fossil fuel imports.
- Economic Growth: Targets ₹8 lakh crore investments and 6 lakh jobs by 2030 (NGHM).
Hydrogen Production Methods: The article provides details on different hydrogen production methods, including green (renewable energy), grey (natural gas), blue (CCS), brown/black (coal), pink (nuclear), turquoise (methane pyrolysis), yellow (grid electricity), and white (natural geological).

Creative Economy

India’s Orange Economy Spotlighted: The Prime Minister recently highlighted India’s thriving orange economy at the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai.
Definition of Orange Economy: It encompasses sectors related to creativity and cultural industries, also known as the “creative economy.”
Drivers of Growth: Content, creativity, and culture are key drivers, with an emphasis on individual skill and talent.
Global Impact: The Orange Economy contributes around 3% of global GDP and supports 30 million jobs worldwide (UNESCO data).
Key Industries: Includes advertising, architecture, arts and crafts, design, fashion, film, music, publishing, software, and more.
Characteristics: Driven by innovation, unique products (not mass-produced), and digitized processes.
Origin of the Term: Popularized by Colombian economists, the color “orange” symbolizes creativity and cultural identity.
Why it Matters: It has potential for job creation, wealth generation, and promoting cultural value.

NSAB

NSAB Reconstituted: The National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) has been reorganized with new appointments.
New Chairman: Alok Joshi, former R&AW chief, is the new Chairman.
Other New Members: Seven new members inducted, including D. B. Venkatesh Varma, Lt Gen A. K. Singh, Air Marshal P. M. Sinha, Rear Admiral Monty Khanna, Rajiv Ranjan Verma, Manmohan Singh and A. B. Mathur.
Timing: This comes amid tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Operational Freedom: PM Modi gave armed forces “complete operational freedom” regarding response to the Pahalgam attack.
Continuity: Reconstitution is a standard practice to introduce new members. Not all members are changed simultaneously to maintain continuity. Half the Board has been recomposed.
NSAB’s Role: NSAB advises the National Security Council (NSC) on national security issues, recommending policy options.
NSAB Structure: NSAB established in 1998, comprised of individuals from diverse backgrounds. The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) assist the NSC, NSAB and the Strategic Policy Group.
Tenure Board members are appointed for two-year terms.
Past Contributions: NSAB contributed to the Nuclear Doctrine (2001) and National Security Review (2007).
Review Task Force: In 2011, a task force headed by Naresh Chandra made suggestions for the Permanent Chairman of Chief of Staff Committee which later became the Chief of Defence Staff.

Ukraine’s Minerals

US-Ukraine Strategic Minerals Deal: Grants the U.S. preferential access to Ukrainian mineral projects and establishes a joint investment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Signed in Washington after negotiations.
Critical Minerals Defined: Essential for industries like defense, aerospace, green energy, and electronics. Lack commercially viable substitutes. The U.S. Geological Survey considers 50 minerals critical.
Rare Earth Elements (REEs): A group of 17 metals crucial for magnets in EVs, smartphones, and missile systems.
Ukraine’s Mineral Wealth: Holds deposits of 22 of the 34 minerals classified as critical by the EU.
Key Minerals in Ukraine: Rare earth elements (lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, erbium, yttrium, scandium), lithium, nickel, manganese, beryllium, gallium, zirconium, graphite, apatite, fluorite, and titanium.
Graphite Reserves: Represent 20% of global resources, important for EV batteries and nuclear reactors. Deposits are in the centre and west of Ukraine.
Lithium Reserves: Estimated at 500,000 metric tons, among Europe’s largest. Found in the central, eastern, and southeastern regions.
Titanium: Concentrated in the northwestern and central regions, used in aerospace and defense.
China’s Dominance: Ukraine offers a strategically attractive alternative to China for Western economies, as China dominates global rare earth production.
Investment Potential: Ukraine estimates the sector’s total investment potential at about $12-15 billion by 2033, with the government preparing about 100 sites to be jointly licensed and developed.
Challenges: Inefficient regulations, difficulty accessing geological data and obtaining land plots hinder investment despite Ukraine having a qualified workforce.
Territorial Control: The war has caused Russia to control around a fifth of Ukraine’s territory, including about 40% of its metal resources and at least two Ukrainian lithium deposits in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia.

Caste Census

Landmark Achievement: Ghaziabad issued India’s first Certified Green Municipal Bond, raising ₹150 crore for a Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP).
Purpose & Impact: Funds the development of a TSTP with a 40 MLD capacity, serving 1,400+ industrial units via a 95 km pipeline network. It supplies 9.5 MLD treated water to 800+ firms, reducing reliance on freshwater.
Financial Innovation: The project utilizes a Public-Private Hybrid Annuity Model (PPP-HAM), with 40% municipal funding.
Sustainability Focus: The Green Municipal Bond funds environmentally sustainable infrastructure, aligning with the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban’s goal of garbage-free cities by 2026.
Regulatory Framework: Green Municipal Bonds are regulated under SEBI guidelines, requiring specific certifications and financial discipline from issuers.
Certified & Recognized: Certified by the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI). Ghaziabad received the Best Municipal Treated Water Reuse Award at the Water Digest World Water Awards 2024-25.
Significance: This initiative sets a precedent for sustainable urban infrastructure financing, demonstrating financial responsibility while promoting environmental conservation and supports the government’s vision for cleaner cities.

GHCI Certification

Launch of Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI): Initiated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) to establish transparency and credibility in green hydrogen production.
National Green Hydrogen Mission Support: Aims to position India as a global hub for green hydrogen production and export.
Emission Threshold: Hydrogen is certified “green” if non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions are under 2 kg CO₂ equivalent/kg of hydrogen, averaged over 12 months.
Certification Process: Comprehensive process to verify renewable energy use and emissions, with clear definitions, objectives, and roles for stakeholders.
Accredited Carbon Verification (ACV) Agencies: Producers must use agencies recognized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency for independent verification.
Four Certificate Types: Concept, Facility-Level, Provisional, and Final certificates. Final certificate is mandatory for those using government incentives or selling domestically.
Data Monitoring (MRV): Requires detailed production and emission records maintained for at least five years, guided by a standardized MRV framework.
International Alignment: Aligns with international standards like ISO 19870:2023, ensuring global comparability and investor confidence.
Carbon Credits: Enables producers to access carbon credits under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), subject to compliance.
Compliance and Penalties: Certificates can be withdrawn for exceeding emissions limits or non-compliance. Repeat offenses can lead to penalties.
Initial Scope: Applies to companies bidding for government incentives for green hydrogen production.
Exclusion: Currently excludes exporters who haven’t availed government incentives.
Materiality Threshold: Sets a 1% materiality threshold for emission sources.

Vizhinjam Port

Formal Inauguration: The Prime Minister will formally inaugurate the Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala. This signifies a major leap for Kerala’s maritime presence on a global scale.
Location and Uniqueness: Situated in Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala, it is India’s first dedicated transshipment port and the country’s first semi-automated port. This distinction makes it a game-changer for Indian maritime infrastructure.
Investment and Operation: Built at approximately Rs 8,900 crore under a public-private partnership (PPP), with the Adani Group as the operator and the Kerala government holding a majority stake. This blended approach aims to maximize expertise and resources.
Key Features: Boasts India’s deepest breakwater (nearly 3 km), a natural draft of around 20 meters, and India’s first AI-powered Vessel Traffic Management System developed with IIT Madras. It also features fully automated cranes for faster and safer operations and minimal littoral drift, which reduces maintenance costs.
Strategic Importance: Its location near a crucial international shipping route and naturally deep waters are ideal for large container vessels. This allows it to compete with established global hubs and reduce India’s reliance on foreign ports for transshipment. This aims to reduce foreign exchange losses by handling more of India’s transshipment traffic domestically.
Multi-Modal Hub: Plans are underway to develop Vizhinjam into a multi-modal logistics hub with direct highway connectivity (NH-66), a cloverleaf interchange, and a future railway link. This integrated approach will enhance connectivity and efficiency.

Buddha Relic to Vietnam

Sacred Relic to Vietnam: India is sending a sacred relic of Sakyamuni Buddha from Sarnath to Vietnam for an international exposition.
Event Significance: The exposition marks the United Nations Day of Vesak on 12th May 2025. It is organized by the Ministry of Culture and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC). It aims to highlight Buddhism’s influence in Southeast Asia.
Sarnath Relic’s Importance: Excavated in Andhra Pradesh (Nagarjuna Konda), it is believed to be a corporeal relic of Buddha. Enshrined at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara in Sarnath since 1932 (gifted to the Mahabodhi Society of India).
Ashoka’s Role: Emperor Ashoka sent missionaries (including his son and daughter) to spread Buddhism in Southeast Asia (Sri Lanka). This helped plant the seeds of Theravāda Buddhism.
Gupta Period Influence: The Gupta Empire promoted Mahayana Buddhism through trade and scholars. They supported Buddhist universities (Nalanda), attracting monks from across Asia.
Trade and Religious Exchange: Indian rulers (Maurya & Gupta) promoted maritime trade, connecting Indian ports with Southeast Asia. Buddhist monks and artisans spread Buddhist ideas, rituals, and iconography.
Cultural Diplomacy: Indian epigraphy, Sanskrit inscriptions, and Buddhist art styles were adopted in Southeast Asia. Angkor Wat (Cambodia) and Bagan (Myanmar) exemplify Indian influence on religious architecture.

IPMDA

U.S. Approval of Foreign Military Sale to India: The U.S. State Department has approved a potential $131 million sale of IPMDA-related equipment and technology to India.
Key Components of the Sale: This includes SeaVision software, Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT) training, remote software support, documentation, and logistics assistance.
Purpose of IPMDA: The Quad-led initiative aims to track “dark shipping” and enhance maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific by creating a comprehensive surveillance network.
Geographic Focus: IPMDA targets three sub-regions: Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Strategic Importance for the U.S.: The sale strengthens the U.S.-India strategic relationship, bolstering regional security and stability.
India’s Enhanced Capabilities: The acquisition improves India’s maritime domain awareness, analytical capabilities, and strategic posture to address current and future threats.
Principal Contractor: Hawkeye 360 will be the primary contractor for this sale.
Pilot Program Success: IPMDA has been tested on a pilot scale within a Quad country and is now set for full-scale launch.
Navy Chief’s Perspective: IPMDA will monitor and secure maritime activities and promote cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Quad Initiative: Announced at the Tokyo summit in May 2022, IPMDA is a collaborative effort by India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S.

Tunnel T-8: Rishikesh-Karnaprayag

India’s Longest Rail Tunnel: Tunnel T-8 on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line is set to be India’s longest rail transportation tunnel at 14.57 km.
Strategic Importance: The Rishikesh-Karnaprayag project is strategically important as it provides access to the China border and facilitates the Char Dham Yatra.
Time Reduction: The rail line will cut travel time between Rishikesh and Karnaprayag from 7 hours to 2 hours.
Tunnel Breakthrough: A tunnel breakthrough was completed on April 16, marking the connection of the tunnel excavated from both ends, coinciding with a significant date for Indian Railways.
Twin Tunnel: T-8 is a twin tunnel project; excavation of the second tunnel is underway and expected to be completed by June.
Extensive Tunnelling: Approximately 83% (104 km) of the 125-km Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line consists of tunnels.
Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs): TBMs, weighing 2,200 tonnes and imported from Germany, were used for the first time in Himalayan rail projects to excavate 10.4 km of T-8.
New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM): The NATM was used to excavate the remaining 4.11 km of the tunnel, especially in non-uniform geological zones.
Advanced Technologies: Three advanced technologies were deployed for safety and precision: Tunnel Seismic Prediction (TSP), Torque Box, and Void Measurement.
Challenges: Difficulties included mobilising heavy machinery, managing Himalayan geology, and preventing tunnel collapse due to squeezing. The project also faced a massive inflow of water during excavation.
Cost Overruns: The anticipated cost of the project has increased from Rs. 16,216 crore to an expected Rs 35,000 crore.

AML Act

Increased ED Activity: Significant intensification of Enforcement Directorate (ED) actions under PMLA since 2014, with 5,113 new investigations initiated between 2014-2024, averaging over 500 cases per year. In 2024-25, 775 new PMLA investigations were launched, and 333 prosecution complaints filed.
High Conviction Rate: ED achieved a 93.6% conviction rate in the 47 PMLA cases decided in court.
Asset Attachments: Provisional attachment orders valued at ₹30,036 crore were issued in 2024-25, a 141% rise in total value compared to the previous year. Total value of assets under provisional attachment stands at ₹1,54,594 crore as of March 31, 2025.
Restitution to Victims: ED facilitated restitution of ₹15,261 crore to victims/claimants in 30 cases during 2024-25.
Focus on FEMA and Fugitive Economic Offenders: Key focus areas include Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) cases and actions under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018. Applications filed against 24 individuals under the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, with 14 declared as fugitive economic offenders and over ₹900 crore worth of assets confiscated.
International Cooperation: Enhanced cooperation with foreign counterparts through MoUs. First MoU signed with Financial Crimes Commission of Mauritius.
Advanced Technology: The ED will be employing advanced technology and forensics in investigations.
PMLA Objectives: The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, aims to prevent money laundering, confiscate properties derived from laundered money, and address related economic offenses.

AML Act

Chandola Lake

Demolition Drive Upheld: The Gujarat High Court recently upheld a demolition drive in the Chandola Lake area of Ahmedabad.
Artificial Lake in Ahmedabad: Chandola Lake is an artificial lake situated in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Established by a Mughal Sultan’s Wife: The lake was established by the wife of a Mughal Sultan of Ahmedabad, Tajn Khan Nari Ali.
Significant Water Source: Chandola Lake spans around 1200 hectares, and acts as a significant water source for nearby industrial and residential areas.
Circular Shape and Divisions: The lake is circular in shape and divided into Chota Chandola and Bada Chandola.
Kharicut Canal Scheme: The lake is linked to the Kharicut Canal Scheme, one of Gujarat’s oldest irrigation schemes, intended to irrigate rice land.
Bird Habitat: Chandola Lake is a habitat for various bird species including cormorants, painted storks, and spoonbills.
Shah Aalam’s Tomb: Adjacent to the lake is the tomb of Shah Aalam, a revered Muslim religious teacher of Ahmedabad, built between 1475 and 1483. The tomb is known for its gold and stone decorations.