Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 11-03-2025

KVIC Honey

• KVIC’s Honey Mission distributed 2,050 bee boxes and colonies to 205 beekeepers across six states. This initiative aims to boost honey production and create rural income.

• The mission, launched in

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  2017, aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s “Sweet Revolution” to promote apiculture. Over 20,000 beneficiaries have received bee boxes and colonies since its inception.

• Beekeeping integrates with agriculture, providing additional income streams for farmers. Apiculture products (honey, beeswax, royal jelly) are used in various industries.

• The recent distribution is part of the “New Khadi for New India” movement. A successful Khadi exhibition at the Prayagraj Mahakumbh generated ₹12.02 crore in sales, highlighting the growth of Khadi and village industries.

• KVIC, under the Ministry of MSME, promotes Khadi and village industries, fostering rural development and employment. Khadi sales have increased fivefold in the last 10 years, with significant job creation.

India’s AI Rise

• IndiaAI Mission: Government-led initiative driving AI transformation, aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047 vision to become a global AI powerhouse.
• AI Infrastructure Boost: Establishing high-end computing centers with massive GPU capacity, an open GPU marketplace for accessibility, and aims for indigenous GPU development within 3-5 years.
• Data & CoEs: IndiaAI Dataset Platform for open, anonymized datasets and AI Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in key sectors (Healthcare, Agriculture, Education) and 5 National AI Skilling Centres.
• Indigenous AI Models: Development of foundational AI models like BharatGen (multimodal LLM) and Sarvam-1 (multilingual LLM), along with language translation platforms like Digital India BHASHINI.
• AI with DPI: Integration of AI with digital infrastructure (Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker) to improve efficiency and service delivery. AI-driven tools deployed in Mahakumbh 2025.
• AI Talent & Workforce: India ranks 1st in Global AI Skill Penetration, with a substantial rise in AI-skilled workforce.
• AI Adoption & Industry Growth: Growing adoption across industries, with 80% of Indian companies prioritizing AI. Strong growth in GenAI startup funding.
• AI Regulation: Pragmatic approach, balancing innovation with accountability, by focusing on Techno-legal approach which creates a ecosystem of innovation while addressing ethical concerns.
• Challenges:
  • Reliance on foreign AI chips.
  • Shortage of specialized AI researchers.
  • Potential job displacement.
  • Ethical concerns regarding bias and data usage.
  • Environmental impact of AI hardware.
• Steps to Address Challenges:
  • Boost domestic AI chip manufacturing.
  • Expand AI workforce training.
  • Enact a dedicated AI & Quantum Act.
  • Promote inclusive and sustainable AI development.

KHANJAR-XII

• Exercise KHANJAR-XII, the 12th India-Kyrgyzstan joint special forces exercise, is underway in Kyrgyzstan from March 10th to 23rd, 2025.

• The exercise, initiated in 2011, is held annually, alternating between India and Kyrgyzstan.

• Participants include India’s Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Kyrgyzstan’s Scorpion Brigade.

• The primary goal is to enhance counter-terrorism and special operations capabilities in urban and high-altitude environments.

• Key training areas encompass sniping, building intervention, and mountain warfare techniques.

• Cultural exchanges, including the Kyrgyz Nowruz festival, are integral to strengthening bilateral ties.

• The exercise underscores India and Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to regional security, addressing shared concerns like terrorism and extremism.

• Kyrgyzstan’s location in Central Asia, particularly its shared Fergana Valley with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, is strategically important for India’s energy security interests (due to hydrocarbon resources).

• The exercise reinforces defense cooperation between the two nations, promoting peace and stability in the region.

• The previous edition of the exercise was held in India in January 2024.

Swine Flu

• H1N1 (swine flu) is a type A influenza virus causing respiratory illness, currently seeing a rise in cases alongside Influenza B.

• While originating in pigs, H1N1 contains genetic material from birds and humans, and spreads primarily person-to-person via coughs and sneezes.

• Symptoms mimic regular flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue; diarrhea and vomiting may occur. Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death.

• H1N1’s first confirmed Indian case was in May 2009, with subsequent outbreaks in 2021, 2022, 2023, and currently.

• No specific H1N1 vaccine exists; prevention relies on hygiene practices to limit germ spread.

• H1N1 is a serious disease, posing higher risks to young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

• Symptoms typically last 3-7 days, although cough and weakness can linger for two weeks.

• Isolation, particularly in the first 5-7 days of infection, is advised to contain spread.

North Sea

• A cargo ship collided with a U.S. military jet fuel tanker in the North Sea off the coast of eastern England.

• Both vessels caught fire, resulting in a fuel spill into the North Sea.

• All 37 crew members were rescued, with one hospitalized.

• The incident triggered a major rescue operation involving lifeboats, coast guard aircraft, and commercial vessels.

• The cause of the collision is under investigation.

• Concerns exist about the potential ecological impact of the spill, although scientists suggest the impact may be less severe than a crude oil spill due to jet fuel’s faster evaporation and biodegradation.

• The North Sea is a strategically important body of water: a major shipping zone, significant fisheries, and substantial petroleum and natural gas reserves. It borders several European countries including the UK, Norway, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. It’s connected to the Atlantic Ocean and the Baltic Sea. Numerous major rivers drain into it.

Kisan Credit Card

• Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, launched in 1998, provides credit to farmers for agricultural and allied activities.

• A significant rise (42%) in Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) in KCC accounts is causing concern. NPAs reached ₹96,918 crore in the July-September 2025 quarter.

• The increase in NPAs is attributed to various factors: weather-related crop damage, farmer unawareness of repayment timelines, delayed payments due to household needs, and weak loan recovery mechanisms.

• Lower loan amounts in KCC compared to other agricultural loans make repayment a lower priority for some farmers. Crop insurance inadequacy also impacts repayment.

• Anticipation of loan waivers ahead of elections influences repayment behavior. Banks also face limitations in recovering KCC loans compared to other loan types.

• The outstanding loan amount in operative KCC accounts has increased by nearly 30% between FY2021 and December 2024, reaching ₹5.91 lakh crore.

• The KCC scheme offers a revolving credit facility, with loans extended on a collateral-free basis up to ₹2 lakh. The government provides interest subvention under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS). In Budget 2025-26, the loan limit under MISS was increased from ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh.

• Uttar Pradesh had the highest outstanding KCC amount in 2024.

• Loan waivers create moral hazard, impacting credit flow and loan performance.

Barbados Freedom Order

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados.

• The award recognizes Modi’s strategic leadership and support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The award was announced during the India-CARICOM Summit in Guyana in November 2024.

• Modi dedicated the award to 1.4 billion Indians and the strong India-Barbados relationship.

• India and Barbados established diplomatic ties in 1966.

• Barbados became a republic in 2021, removing Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state.

• This is Modi’s 19th prestigious international award. Other notable awards include Russia’s Order of St. Andrew the Apostle and the US Legion of Merit.

• The award highlights the growing relationship between India and Barbados. The timing of the award announcement, during a summit, underscores its significance.

• Modi’s public expression of gratitude emphasizes the importance he places on this recognition and the bilateral ties.

India’s Energy Future

• Increased Energy Trade with the U.S.: India aims to boost oil and natural gas imports from the U.S., increasing energy trade value from $15 billion to $25 billion.

• Why:

  • Energy Security: India heavily reliant on imports for crude oil (over 85%), diversifying sources mitigates risks and reduces dependency on West Asia and Russia.
  • Bilateral Trade Growth: Part of a broader strategy to double overall bilateral trade with the U.S. to $500 billion by 2030.
  • Infrastructure Boost: US crude and LNG can support industrial growth, refining expansion, and petrochemical investments.
  • Geopolitical Alignment: Stronger ties could aid India’s IEA membership bid and counterbalance China’s influence.

• Current Energy Consumption & Imports:

  • Imported 234.26 million tonnes of crude oil in 2023-24 (87.8% import dependence).
  • Imported 31.80 billion cubic meters of LNG worth $13.405 billion in 2023-24.
  • Crude oil consumption projected to grow to 500 million tonnes by FY40.

• India’s Energy Strategy:

  • Increase natural gas share in energy mix to 15% by 2030.
  • Doubling oil & gas exploration area by 2030 and new projects.
  • Diversifying import sources (US, Russia, Brazil, etc.).
  • Expanding LNG infrastructure and city gas distribution.
  • Increasing focus on renewable energy (500 GW by 2030), ethanol blending, and hydrogen energy.
  • Policy reforms: FDI incentives and subsidies for EVs and green initiatives.

• Russia’s Role: Russia has become a major crude oil supplier to India(40%) at discounted prices.

• LNG and gas consumption Gas consumption is set to reach

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  103 bcm annually by the end of the decade.

Moon Mission Success

• Chandrayaan-3, India’s second lunar mission attempt, successfully landed on the Moon’s South Pole on August 23, 2023.
• The mission’s objectives include a safe landing, rover exploration, and in-situ scientific experiments, aiming to find water ice.
• New data suggests water ice may exist beyond the Moon’s polar regions, based on measurements indicating a non-conductive surface layer.
• The Chandrayaan-3 lander and rover completed their mission after a lunar day. The propulsion module remains in Earth orbit.
• Chandrayaan-3 used ISRO’s LVM3 rocket, a cost-effective three-stage rocket, to reach a parking orbit.
• The mission’s lander and rover successfully performed their designated tasks.
• Chandrayaan-3’s mission differs from Chandrayaan-2 as it lacks an orbiter, focusing on landing and rover operations.
• The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) analyzed data from the ChaSTE instrument to find clues about water ice.
• ChaSTE’s measurements show a 60°C temperature difference between the lunar surface and 10 cm below, hinting at the Moon’s surface composition and thermal properties.

Pant: A Leader

• Govind Ballabh Pant’s death anniversary (March 7th) was observed. This is newsworthy because it prompted a tribute from the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath.

• Pant (1887-1961) was a pivotal figure in Indian history, serving as a freedom fighter and the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. His legacy continues to be relevant and influential.

• He played a significant role in the Indian freedom struggle, participating in the Salt Satyagraha, Civil Disobedience Movement, and Quit India Movement. His involvement in these landmark events makes him a significant historical figure.

• Pant was a key member of the Constituent Assembly, contributing to the drafting of the Indian Constitution. This highlights his influence on the foundational document of India.

• As Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, he focused on abolishing the Zamindari system and modernizing the state. These actions demonstrate his commitment to social and economic reform.

• He served as the Union Home Minister under Jawaharlal Nehru, playing a crucial role in establishing Hindi as an official language of India. This showcases his impact at the national level.

• Pant received the Bharat Ratna in 1957, India’s highest civilian award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the nation. The award highlights the significance of his work.

• His mentorship of future UP leaders like Chaudhary Charan Singh underscores his lasting influence on Indian politics. His guidance shaped the trajectory of political figures.

• The Chief Minister’s tribute highlights Pant’s continued relevance and importance in the political landscape of Uttar Pradesh. The act itself is news as it symbolizes respect for a historical figure.

Sarus Crane

• Rare sighting: A Sarus Crane was spotted in Assam’s Saikhowa region, attracting bird watchers.
• Tallest flying bird: Standing at 152-156 cm tall, it’s the tallest flying bird globally.
• Distribution: Found in Southeast Asia, northern India, and northern Australia. In India, concentrated along the Gangetic plain and eastern Rajasthan.
• Non-migratory: This species doesn’t migrate.
• Habitat: Wetlands, canals, marshes, ponds, and sometimes near human settlements.
• Appearance: Predominantly grey plumage, naked red head and upper neck, pale red legs, white patch on top of head and a small white spot behind the eye. Wingspan reaches 2.5m and weight ranges from 5-12kg.
• Social behavior: Least social crane, mostly seen in pairs or small groups. Monogamous, with lifelong mate bonds.
• Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List), Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, and Appendix II (CITES).
• Nesting: Nests are built in wetlands or flooded paddy fields.
• Lifespan: Cranes generally live 30-40 years, though some species can reach 80 years.

Unknown Topic

• The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) celebrated its 55th anniversary on March 5th, 2025.

• The NPT is a multilateral treaty aiming to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons while promoting peaceful nuclear energy use.

• Key provisions define Nuclear-Weapon States (NWS) as those possessing nuclear weapons before January 1st, 1967 (US, UK, France, China, and Russia). Non-nuclear states pledge not to develop them, and NWS pledge not to transfer them.

• The treaty allows for the peaceful use of nuclear energy and includes a withdrawal clause.

• 191 countries are members, including the five NWS. India is not a member.

• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitors compliance.

• India’s opposition to the NPT stems from its perceived discriminatory nature, legitimizing nuclear weapons for five states but not others.

• India maintains a “No First Use” (NFU) nuclear policy and advocates for global nuclear disarmament. This stance is central to its non-membership.

• The anniversary highlights the ongoing debate surrounding nuclear proliferation and disarmament, with India’s position remaining a significant factor in international discussions.

India: #2 Arms Importer

• India is the world’s second-largest arms importer in 2020-24, after Ukraine, according to SIPRI. This is despite a 9.3% decrease in imports compared to 2015-19.

• Russia remains India’s top arms supplier, but its share significantly decreased to 36% from 72% (2010-14). France became the second-largest supplier to India (28%).

• India’s neighbors show contrasting trends: Pakistan’s arms imports increased by 61%, with China as the main supplier (81%). China, meanwhile, dropped out of the top 10 importers due to a strong domestic defense industry.

• Globally, arms transfers remained stable compared to previous periods but were higher than 2005-09. Europe saw a massive surge in imports (155%) due to the war in Ukraine. The US remained the largest arms exporter.

• India is actively pursuing self-reliance in defense manufacturing, with initiatives like increased domestic production, the SRIJAN portal, and positive indigenization lists. Significant budget allocations and FDI support are also key elements.

• The war in Ukraine caused a 100-fold increase in its arms imports, primarily from the US, Germany, and Poland. Russia’s global arms exports significantly decreased (64%) due to sanctions and production constraints.

Phased Array Radar

• China deployed a powerful Large Phased Array Radar (LPAR) near the China-Myanmar border in Yunnan province.
• The radar has a surveillance range exceeding 5,000 kilometers, allowing monitoring of the Indian Ocean and deep into Indian territory.
• It can detect and track ballistic missile launches in real time.
• Unlike traditional radars, LPARs use electronically controlled antennas for rapid scanning and tracking multiple targets.
• This technology is crucial for early warning systems and air defense.
• Besides China, only the US and Russia possess similar systems.
• China’s LPAR is comparable to the US PAVE PAWS radar, with similar detection ranges.
• The LPAR can monitor missile tests from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, crucial for testing strategic weapons like Agni-V and K-4 missiles.
• Capturing data on missile trajectories gives China strategic advantage for developing countermeasures.
• A phased array radar uses an array of antennas to steer the radar beam electronically.

Smooth Otters

• Two smooth-coated otters have arrived at the Delhi zoo after a 20-year absence. This is newsworthy because it signifies a potential boost to the zoo’s collection and conservation efforts for this vulnerable species.

• Smooth-coated otters ( Lutrogale perspicillata) are found in freshwater habitats across South and Southeast Asia. Their presence in the Delhi zoo raises awareness about this less-known otter species.

• They are characterized by smooth fur, a round head with a prominent nose, a flattened tail, and webbed feet. These physical traits distinguish them from other otter species.

• Smooth-coated otters are social animals and hunt fish in groups. This information highlights their behavioral ecology.

• The species is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN and is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and Appendix I of CITES, indicating its endangered status and the need for conservation.

• They inhabit protected areas like Corbett and Dudhwa Tiger Reserves, showcasing their importance within existing conservation strategies. The arrival in Delhi zoo may facilitate further breeding programs or research opportunities.

• The otters’ arrival is part of a larger animal exchange program between various Indian zoos, highlighting collaborative conservation efforts across the country.

Arms Trade

• Global arms trade volume remained roughly stable between 2015-19 and 2020-24, though 18% higher than 2005-09.
• Ukraine became the largest arms importer in 2020-24, with imports increasing nearly 100-fold compared to 2015-19.
• India was the second-largest arms importer in 2020-24, with a 9.3% decrease in imports compared to 2015-19. Russia was India’s largest arms supplier (36%) a significant drop from previous decades.
• Russia’s global arms exports fell by 64% during 2020-24.
• France emerged as the second-largest arms exporter (9.6%) in 2020-24, while the US increased its export share to 43%.
• India was the biggest export destination for both Russia and France.
• Four Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Japan, Australia) were among the top 10 arms importers.
• Pakistan’s arms imports rose 61% between 2015-19 and 2020-24, with China becoming its dominant supplier (81%).
• China dropped out of the top 10 arms importers for the first time since 1990-94.
• European arms imports increased by 155% during the same period.
• India received the largest share of French arms exports (28%).

Q1. The US is the largest arms exporter.
Q2. Ukraine is the largest arms importer.

Poshan Abhiyan

• Why in News: Poshan Abhiyan’s ongoing efforts to improve nutrition through technology, cross-sectoral collaboration, and community involvement are consistently newsworthy. Recent updates highlight progress and ongoing initiatives.

• What is Poshan Abhiyan?: A flagship program of the Ministry of Women and Child Development launched in 2018 to improve nutrition for pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescent girls, and children (0-6 years).

• Objectives: Reduce stunting, undernutrition, anemia, and low birth weight.

• Strategic Pillars:

  • Quality services through ICDS, NHM, and PMMVY.
  • Cross-sectoral convergence (e.g., water & sanitation).
  • Technology (Poshan Tracker, ICDS-CAS).
  • Community engagement (“Jan Andolan”).

• Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0: Focuses on infrastructure upgrades for Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) and promoting health, wellness, and immunity. Significant improvements in AWC infrastructure are being reported.

• Progress: NFHS-5 data shows improvement in key indicators like wasting, undernutrition, and stunting compared to NFHS-4, though challenges remain.

• Key Focus Areas: The first 1000 days of a child’s life, access to essential services, behavior change through community engagement (“Jan Andolan”), and multi-sectoral collaboration.

KHANJAR-XII

• Khanjar-XII, the 12th India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise, is taking place in Kyrgyzstan from March 10-23.

• The exercise focuses on counter-terrorism and special forces tactics in challenging terrains, including mountainous and high-altitude environments.

• Participating forces include India’s Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and Kyrgyzstan’s Kyrgyz Scorpion Brigade.

• Training will cover advanced sniping, close-quarters combat, building interventions, and mountain warfare.

• Cultural exchange is also a key component, featuring the celebration of Nowruz, the Kyrgyz New Year.

• The exercise strengthens defense ties and addresses common concerns about terrorism and extremism.

• The exercise, initiated in 2011, alternates annually between India and Kyrgyzstan. The previous edition was held in India in January 2024.

• Simultaneously, India and Japan concluded their 7th Army-to-Army Staff Talks, focusing on enhanced defense cooperation, including the Dharma Guardian exercise and collaboration in niche technologies.

La Niña

• La Niña is a climate pattern characterized by unusually cool ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific. It’s the opposite of El Niño.

• La Niña’s cooling effect may be weakened by climate change, rendering it less effective at counteracting rising temperatures.

• La Niña influences global weather patterns, causing increased rainfall in some regions (Southeast Asia, parts of Africa and Brazil) and drier conditions in others (western South America, parts of the US).

• It impacts agriculture, sometimes positively (increased monsoon in parts of India) and sometimes negatively (flooding in Australia). The current La Niña is weak and short-lived.

• India experienced its warmest February since 1901, highlighting the impact of climate change despite La Niña’s presence. An early, intense summer with heatwaves is predicted.

• El Niño events are projected to become more frequent and severe due to climate change, exacerbating global warming’s effects. Even during ENSO-neutral periods, severe heatwaves are likely.

• While La Niña can bring benefits like boosting fish populations through upwelling, its overall impact is becoming less significant compared to the overarching effects of climate change.

Trade-to-Trade
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Inter-Trade
T2T
Trade Flow

• Trade-to-Trade (T2T) stocks require delivery (T+2 settlement) before trading. This means no intraday or Buy Today Sell Tomorrow trading.
• Stocks are moved to T2T by exchanges based on factors like price-earnings ratio, volatility, and market capitalization. This aims to protect retail investors from high volatility and limit speculation.
• Exchanges evaluate stocks bi-weekly and quarterly for T2T placement.
• Stocks not available for Futures & Options trading are also considered for T2T.
• T2T stocks are identified by a suffix (e.g., “BE” on NSE, “T” on BSE) in the stock’s name.
• SEBI is considering relaxing short-selling restrictions, potentially excluding T2T stocks.
• T2T stocks are designed to mitigate risk by limiting the potential for rapid, price-driven trading.

Gange Rejuvenation

• Why in News: The Namami Gange Programme (NGP) has made significant progress in cleaning the Ganga River and has been extended with increased funding. Recent achievements and ongoing projects highlight its impact.

• What is NGP?: A flagship program for Ganga rejuvenation, focusing on pollution reduction, improved water quality, and ecosystem restoration. It operates on a five-tier structure.

• Key Interventions: Pollution abatement (Nirmal Ganga) through improved sewage treatment; ecological improvement and maintaining flow (Aviral Ganga); community engagement (Jan Ganga); and research & policy development (Gyan Ganga).

• Key Achievements: Sewage treatment capacity increased significantly; water quality improved in several states (measured by BOD reduction); Gangetic river dolphin population increased; and international recognition received.

• Implementation Details: Uses Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) for sewage treatment plant (STP) development; a large number of STPs have been completed and are operational, alongside biodiversity and afforestation projects.

• Recent Initiatives: New projects focus on intercepting polluted drains, building more STPs, and creating a national framework for safe reuse of treated wastewater. Biodiversity parks and wetland restoration are also underway.

• Challenges: While significant progress has been made, challenges remain in completely cleaning the river and maintaining long-term sustainability. The program’s success depends on continued commitment and funding.