Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 12-03-2025

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Plasti-Ice

Scientists confirmed the existence of Plastic Ice VII, a fourth form of water.
It’s a unique phase where water molecules rotate freely within a rigid crystalline structure.
This phase was predicted in 2008 and confirmed using neutron scattering experiments.
It forms under extreme conditions: pressures exceeding 30,000 times Earth’s atmospheric pressure and temperatures above 177°C.
The discovery uses quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) and diamond-anvil cells.
Plastic Ice VII’s molecules rotate in specific directions.
This discovery has implications for planetary science, particularly in understanding icy moons (e.g., Callisto, Ganymede, Titan).
It could help scientists explore whether extreme planetary conditions support life and how water affects celestial body structures.
The discovery could also have applications in materials science and futuristic technologies.

India Pharma

India’s Pharma Industry in the News: The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) proposed zero customs duty on US medicine imports to counter potential US tariffs and maintain market share.
US Market Importance: The US is a crucial market, importing $9 billion worth of Indian pharmaceutical formulations annually. Zero import duty is seen as crucial for maintaining this trade.
Industry Status: India is a major global pharmaceutical player, ranking 3rd in production volume and 14th in value. It’s a leading supplier of generics and vaccines. The market is valued at $50 billion and projected to grow significantly.
Key Strengths: Affordable pricing, government support (PLI scheme), strong R&D base (6th globally in patent applications), and high global demand drive growth.
Challenges: Quality concerns (Gambia cough syrup incident), regulatory hurdles, API import dependence (70% from China), price controls impacting profitability, global competition, and skill shortages.
Way Forward: Increase domestic API manufacturing, expand into high-value drug markets (gene therapy, personalized medicine), enhance R&D, improve regulatory compliance, and expand global market penetration.
Government Initiatives: Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks Scheme, National Medical Device Policy 2023 aim to support the industry.

Kyrgyz-Tajik Border

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have finalized a land swap agreement to resolve their long-standing border dispute. This ends decades of conflict stemming from poorly defined borders inherited from the Soviet era.
The agreement involves Kyrgyzstan gaining roughly 25 square kilometers of land from Tajikistan in exchange for other territories. This exchange improves access to water resources and farmland for both countries.
Several previously contested roads will become jointly accessible, and access to oil wells will be eased.
The deal includes provisions for relocating residents from villages affected by the land swap, with some villages being rebuilt. Access to a vital agricultural canal will also be improved.
The agreement follows a period of heightened tensions, including deadly clashes in autumn 2022. A meeting between the Kyrgyz and Tajik presidents in 2023 at a UN summit fostered optimism for a resolution.
The deal signifies an improvement in relations between the two countries and contributes to a broader trend of warming relations among the five Central Asian ex-Soviet republics. The final agreement will be signed by both presidents after parliamentary review and ratification.

eSHRAM

Over 3.06 crore unorganized workers registered on the e-Shram portal, with over 53% being women.
Launched August 26, 2021, to create a National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW).
Aims to improve access to social security schemes and employment benefits for unorganized workers, including migrant laborers and gig workers.
Key objectives include establishing a centralized database, enhancing access to social security, facilitating job matching and skill development, strengthening labor market resilience, and promoting financial inclusion.
Eligibility criteria: 16-59 years old, working in the unorganized sector, possessing Aadhaar, a linked mobile number, and a bank account; not a member of EPFO or ESIC.
Key features: Universal Account Number (UAN) linked to Aadhaar, streamlined single registration process, integration with employment and skill opportunities, family details capture for migrant workers, data sharing with BOCW Welfare Boards and State/UT governments via a Data Sharing Portal (DSP).
13 central government schemes are integrated with e-Shram, including PM-SVANidhi, PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, PM Awas Yojana (Gramin), and Ayushman Bharat.
The significant number of registrations highlights the portal’s increasing reach and potential impact on social security coverage for India’s vast unorganized workforce. The integration with various schemes streamlines benefit delivery.

Early Toolkit

Recent discoveries push back the timeline of bone tool use to 1.5 million years ago, a million years earlier than previously thought.
This challenges the long-held belief that toolmaking was uniquely human.
Earliest stone tools date back 3.3 million years, further indicating tool use predates the Homo genus.
The ability to make tools was once considered evidence of superior human intellect (“Man, the tool-maker”).
Chimpanzees and other primates have been observed using and modifying tools in the wild, challenging the human-exceptionalism narrative.
Lucy, a 3.2-million-year-old hominin, may have possessed the hand dexterity for tool use, despite stone tools being discovered later.
Archaeological evidence shows stone tool use for meat processing and bone marrow extraction by hominins before 3.39 million years ago.
The study of primate hand morphology suggests that precision dexterity and tool use might have been present in the last common ancestor of all great apes 13 million years ago.
The timeline of tool technology remains imprecise, but evidence points to its origins much earlier than previously believed, predating the Homo genus and challenging the notion of human uniqueness in this regard.

Foreigners Bill

Purpose: Streamline immigration laws, enhance national security, and impose stricter penalties. Replace outdated colonial-era laws with a modern framework.
National Security: Prioritizes national security, denying entry/stay to foreigners deemed a threat.
Immigration Officer Powers: Arrest without warrant, restrict movement, and demand name changes if suspecting violation.
Registration & Reporting: Foreigners must register upon arrival, report changes in status, and institutions (hospitals, schools) must report foreigners under their care.
Entry & Stay Regulations: Requires valid passports and visas. Carriers are liable for passengers’ documentation, facing fines and seizure.
Penalties for Violations:
- No valid documents: Up to 5 years jail, ₹5 lakh fine.
- Forged documents: 2-7 years jail, ₹1-10 lakh fine.
- Overstaying: Up to 3 years jail, ₹3 lakh fine.
- Transporting without papers: ₹5 lakh fine, vehicle seizure.
Dual Citizenship Handling: Foreigners with dual citizenship will be treated as citizens of the country whose passport was used for entry.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Researchers developed a new, eco-friendly method for synthesizing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) using a hydrazone-linked Covalent Organic Framework (COF).
This method is more efficient and energy-saving than conventional methods.
The COF enables H₂O₂ production under visible light, eliminating the need for external reagents.
H₂O₂ is a versatile chemical with uses as an antiseptic, disinfectant, bleaching agent, rocket propellant, and in food processing.
Current industrial production of H₂O₂ is energy-intensive and produces hazardous byproducts.
The new method uses sunlight, making it a sustainable alternative.
The hydrazone-linked COF shows exceptional photocatalytic H₂O₂ production, outperforming most organic photocatalysts under similar conditions.
A significant amount of H₂O₂ was produced under sunlight irradiation (550 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹).
Using a water-benzyl alcohol solution further enhances H₂O₂ production (up to 21641 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹), paving the way for continuous flow reactors.
This breakthrough offers a cleaner and more sustainable pathway for H₂O₂ production, potentially revolutionizing industrial processes.
The research was conducted at the S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata.

LHDCP Animal Health Centers

Launch of Pashu Aushadhi Kendras: India will launch veterinary medicine stores, modeled after PMBJKs, to provide affordable generic and ethnoveterinary medicines.
Affordable Veterinary Care: Aims to reduce farmers’ expenses on livestock healthcare, a significant portion of their out-of-pocket expenditure.
Improved Livestock Health: Will help prevent and treat diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease, Brucellosis, and Lumpy Skin Disease, improving livestock productivity and milk/meat yield.
Part of LHDCP: Falls under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP), a centrally sponsored scheme with a ₹3,880 crore outlay (2024-26). Pashu Aushadhi receives ₹75 crore for medicines and sales incentives.
Operational Model: Stores will be run by cooperative societies and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samriddhi Kendras (PMKSKs).
Generic and Ethnoveterinary Medicines: Will offer both generic veterinary drugs and traditional, indigenous remedies.
Addressing a Large Livestock Population: India has a vast livestock population (536 million in 2019), making accessible and affordable healthcare crucial.
Significance: Combats high medicine costs burdening farmers and complements existing vaccination drives to reduce disease prevalence and improve farmer income.
Why in News: The launch was recently approved by the Union Cabinet, signifying a major step towards affordable and accessible livestock healthcare in India.

Imphal INS

INS Imphal, the third of four Project 15B Visakhapatnam-class destroyers, made its maiden port call at Port Louis, Mauritius.
Commissioned in December 2023, it’s named after Imphal, Manipur, the first warship in the class to be so named.
The ship is the first naval warship to accommodate women officers and sailors.
INS Imphal is one of India’s largest destroyers, measuring 164 meters long and displacing over 7,500 tonnes, capable of reaching 56 km/hr.
It’s equipped with a variety of weaponry and systems, including anti-submarine warfare capabilities, a 76mm gun, BrahMos missiles, and modern surveillance radar.
Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built by Mazagon Dock Ltd., the ship boasts a 75% indigenous content.
It features a Total Atmospheric Control System (TACS) for protection from chemical, biological, and nuclear threats.
The ship’s crest features the Kangla Palace and Kangla-Sa, significant historical and symbolic elements of Manipur.

Delhi’s Foul Air

Delhi ranked world’s most polluted national capital for the sixth consecutive year by IQAir’s World Air Quality Report 2024.
Annual average PM2.5 concentration in Delhi was 91.6 µg/m3 in 2024, slightly lower than 2023 but still extremely high. This is far above the WHO recommended limit of 5 µg/m3.
India has 13 of the world’s 20 most polluted cities. India’s average PM2.5 concentration was 50.6 µg/m3, a 7% decrease from 2023 but still significantly high.
Crop stubble burning accounted for 60% of Delhi’s pollution during peak periods. Other sources include vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, and construction dust.
The report highlights the severe health risks associated with PM2.5 pollution, including respiratory problems, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

The provided text about Duterte is irrelevant to Delhi’s air quality and should not be included in a response focused on the air quality report.

World Air Quality

IQAir’s 2024 World Air Quality Report analyzes global air quality.
13 of the 20 most polluted cities are in India.
Byrnihat, on the Assam-Meghalaya border, is the world’s most polluted city.
India ranks fifth globally in air pollution (after Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Congo).
India’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) is 50.6 μg/m³—ten times the WHO’s guideline value.
Air pollution in India reduces life expectancy by an estimated 5.2 years.
Only 17% of global cities meet WHO air quality guidelines.
126 of 138 countries/regions exceed WHO PM2.5 guidelines.
Central and South Asia house seven of the world’s most polluted cities.
India holds six of the nine most polluted cities globally.
PM2.5 concentrations decreased in Southeast Asia, though haze and El Niño persist.
Africa faces a severe lack of publicly accessible air quality data.
Delhi’s pollution levels remain high, with a slight improvement noted.
India saw a 7% decline in PM2.5 concentrations in 2024 compared to 2023.
Los Angeles is the most polluted major US city, and Ontario, CA, the most polluted US city.

North Sea

A cargo ship carrying toxic chemicals (including sodium cyanide) collided with a US military oil tanker in the North Sea.
The incident occurred 16km off the coast of Hull, UK, on March 10, 2025.
A large fire resulted, with one crew member missing and another hospitalized. The search for the missing crew member was called off.
The collision raised concerns about environmental damage due to the release of chemicals and jet fuel.
Experts noted that while jet fuel evaporates quickly, the sodium cyanide and smoke pose significant risks to marine life and the ecosystem, particularly near a harbor porpoise breeding ground.
The incident occurred in a busy shipping lane, prompting questions about navigational safety and procedures. Initial investigations suggest no foul play, but this hasn’t been ruled out.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is assessing the situation and coordinating pollution response efforts. The Port of Grimsby expressed concern over the incident.
The North Sea is a vital trade route and rich in oil and gas resources, highlighting the risks associated with heavy maritime traffic in the region.

North Sea

Collision in the North Sea: A cargo ship carrying toxic chemicals collided with a US military jet fuel tanker on March 10, 2025, raising environmental concerns.
Location: The incident occurred 16 km off the coast of Hull, UK, a significant port and fishing area.
Vessels Involved: The Portuguese-flagged Solong (carrying sodium cyanide and alcohol) and the US-registered Stena Immaculate (carrying jet fuel).
Casualties: 36 people rescued, one crew member missing (later declared lost).
Environmental Concerns: Sodium cyanide’s toxicity and potential jet fuel impact on marine life, particularly near a harbor porpoise breeding ground, are major worries. Though jet fuel is considered less environmentally damaging than crude oil, the smoke and any spill poses risks.
Investigation: Authorities are investigating the cause of the collision, questioning how it could occur in daylight despite modern navigation systems. Foul play hasn’t been ruled out.
North Sea Significance: The North Sea is a strategically important area with significant oil and gas reserves, offshore wind farms, fisheries, and major shipping routes. It borders several European countries including the UK, Germany, Netherlands, and others.
Response: The UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency is assessing pollution risks and leading the response effort.

Fuego’s Fury

Volcán de Fuego eruption: A recent powerful eruption in Guatemala sent pyroclastic flows and incandescent material towards nearby communities.
Location and type: Volcán de Fuego is a stratovolcano overlooking Antigua, Guatemala, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Frequent activity: Guatemala experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its location on the Ring of Fire. Fuego is one of Central America’s most active volcanoes.
History of eruptions: Volcán de Fuego has a long history of violent eruptions, including a deadly 2018 eruption that killed 194 and left 234 missing.
Eruptive style: Characterized by
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explosive events, lava flows, and hazardous pyroclastic flows.
Stratovolcano characteristics: Tall, steep, cone-shaped volcanoes formed by layers of lava and pyroclastic material. They’re typically found above subduction zones and are common in volcanically active regions.
Composition: Mostly andesite and dacite lavas (cooler, more viscous than basalt), leading to explosive eruptions due to gas pressure buildup.
Guatemala’s risk: The frequent volcanic activity poses
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a significant risk to nearby communities.

Sajjangarh Sanctuary

Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the outskirts of Udaipur, Rajasthan, is situated in the Aravalli hill range.
It covers an area of approximately 5.19 sq.km.
The sanctuary surrounds the Sajjangarh Fort, built in 1874 by Maharana Sajjan Singh of Mewar.
A recent wildfire engulfed about 50 hectares of the sanctuary.
The sanctuary features a blend of deciduous and semi-evergreen forests.
Flora includes teak, mango, neem, jamun, khair, ber trees, and bamboo groves.
Fauna includes panthers, hyenas, wild boars, jackals, sloth bears, sambar deer, spotted deer, and four-horned antelopes.
Bari Lake, also known as Tiger Lake, is located on the sanctuary’s western slope and was built by Maharana Raj Singh.

POLG Syndrome

Rare Genetic Disease: POLG is a rare genetic mitochondrial disorder.
Energy Production: It prevents cells from producing enough energy, leading to organ dysfunction.
Organ Involvement: Affects multiple organs, primarily brain, nerves, muscles, and liver, potentially impacting vision.
Mitochondrial Impact: POLG affects mitochondria, the cell’s energy producers. Mutations in POLG and POLG2 genes affect mitochondrial replication.
Symptoms: Symptoms range from mild to severe, appearing in childhood or adulthood. Common symptoms include muscle weakness, ophthalmoplegia, epilepsy, and liver failure. Neurological function is also affected, impacting balance, speech, and movement.
No Cure: Currently, there’s no cure for POLG.
Treatment Focus: Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Prince Frederik’s Death: A 22-year-old Luxembourg prince recently died from the disease.

Pratibimb Module

Pratibimb module, a GIS-based software, launched by I4C, helps map cybercriminals in real-time and track their networks.
It projects mobile numbers used in cybercrime across the country on a map, showing locations.
The module facilitates data sharing and analytics on interstate cybercrime linkages.
It has led to 6,046 arrests, 17,185 linkages, and 36,296 assistance requests.
Samanvaya, a coordination platform for LEAs, was launched for cybercrime data sharing.
The I4C’s National Cyber Forensic Laboratory assists state police in cybercrime investigations (11,835 cases).
I4C aims to coordinate cybercrime efforts across states and provide tech-legal assistance to law enforcement agencies.
The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is located in New Delhi.

Dharma Guardian VI

The 6th edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian, a bilateral military exercise between India and Japan, concluded successfully in Japan.
This annual exercise, alternating between India and Japan, focuses on enhancing defense cooperation and interoperability.
The exercise included counter-terrorism training in urban environments, United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO) drills, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercises. These aspects improve combat readiness.
The exercise is significant because it strengthens the bilateral defense relationship between India and Japan, a key partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. Increased interoperability is crucial for responding to regional security challenges.
This is one of several multilateral exercises involving India and Japan, including Veer Guardian (air force), SHINYUU Maitri (air force), JIMEX (naval), and Malabar (naval) (with Australia and the US). These joint exercises demonstrate a growing commitment to regional security and cooperation among partner nations.

Oman Gulf

Iran, Russia, and China are conducting joint naval drills (Marine Security Belt 2025) in the Gulf of Oman for the fifth consecutive year.
The Gulf of Oman is a vital shipping route for oil from the Persian Gulf, with roughly one-third of global oil exports passing through.
It’s the only passage from the Arabian Sea to the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz.
The drills aim to enhance maritime security, counter piracy, and terrorism in the northern Indian Ocean.
The Gulf of Oman borders Iran, Pakistan, Oman, and the UAE.
Significant ports include Ṣuḥār, al-Khābūrah, Muscat, Ṣūr (Oman) and Jāsk, Chāh Bahār (Iran).
Islands include Sheytan, Al Fahal, Dimaniyat, and Sawadi Islands.
The Gulf’s importance lies primarily in its role as a shipping lane, not fishing.
The region’s security is of global importance due to the significant amount of oil transported through it.

Hantavirus

Hantavirus is a rare but severe virus spread through rodent urine, droppings, and saliva.
It causes Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).
Transmission is primarily via aerosolized rodent waste inhalation, direct contact, or rarely, bites. Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare.
Initial symptoms mimic the flu (fever, muscle aches, fatigue). HPS progresses to shortness of breath, coughing, and lung fluid buildup.
High-risk groups include farmers, construction workers, hikers, and those in rodent-infested areas. Children under five, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are also at higher risk.
No specific antiviral treatment exists; treatment focuses on supportive care like oxygen therapy and intensive care for severe cases.
Prevention is key: rodent control (sealing entry points, proper waste disposal), and protective gear when cleaning potentially contaminated areas.
Recent news mentions the death of Betsy Hackman, highlighting the virus’s severity despite its rarity.

Kuki

Kuki tribes in Manipur protested against the Centre’s order for free movement, attacking security vehicles with stones and projectiles on the first day of the order.
A video shows security forces’ armoured vehicle navigating through a blockade of buses, vans, and barricades.
Protests are due to demands for a separate administration.
Violence includes clashes between protesters and security forces, injuring civilians and security personnel, with some protesters firing at forces.
Security forces responded with minimum force.
Some Kuki leaders and militant groups want a separate administration before allowing free movement.
The Meitei community questions the safety of IDPs returning home.
The conflict involves land rights and political representation issues between the Meitei community and Kuki tribes.
The Kuki tribe, a collection of Northeastern Indian tribes, also reside in parts of Myanmar, Bangladesh, and other regions.
The term ‘Kuki’ was imposed by colonial authorities.
The Kukis traditionally practised Jhum cultivation, leading to land disputes with the Nagas and Meiteis.
The Kuki Rebellion (1917-1919) saw their territory divided by the British.
Most Kukis are Christian.
The Kuki tribes are believed to have originated from the Tibeto-Burman group.
Violence has caused over 250 deaths and 50,000 internal displacements.

District GDP

Current GDP estimation is flawed: Relies on top-down approach for secondary and tertiary sectors, leading to inaccurate district-level data and overlooking local economic strengths. Bottom-up approach used for primary sector but suffers from outdated and inconsistent data collection.
Need for District Domestic Product (DDP) estimation: Accurate DDP data crucial for achieving USD 5 trillion economy target by understanding district-level contributions and implementing localized strategies. PM Modi has emphasized this approach.
Challenges in implementing DDP: High reliance on informal sector, lack of standardized methodology, inconsistent data collection across states, and financial/logistical barriers hinder accurate DDP estimation. Political and administrative hurdles also contribute to delays and inconsistencies.
Benefits of DDP: Empowers district administrations for better resource allocation, enables accurate economic analysis, promotes equitable growth, and strengthens fiscal federalism. Facilitates effective policy reforms based on granular data.
Way forward for robust DDP: Pilot projects in economically active districts, strengthening collaboration between states and research institutions, improving local data collection mechanisms, leveraging digital tools and real-time economic indicators, and expanding the role of MoSPI are crucial steps. Investment in data yields high returns in development.
Why in the news: The need for a shift from national and state-level GDP estimates to district-level (DDP) estimations is gaining traction, driven by the desire for more accurate and granular economic data to inform policymaking and development strategies. The limitations of the current top-down approach are becoming increasingly apparent.

ICC: Justice on Trial

ICC’s Focus: The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and prosecutes individuals for serious crimes: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. It intervenes when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute.
Duterte’s Case: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is under ICC investigation for alleged “crimes against humanity” related to his “war on drugs” campaign. This campaign resulted in the deaths of around 6,000 suspects during his six-year term.
Rome Statute & Membership: The ICC was established by the Rome Statute (1998). As of January 2025, 125 countries are members. The Philippines withdrew in 2019, but the current government has allowed ICC investigators to enter. Key countries like India, China, and the US are not members.
Jurisdiction & Powers: The ICC can exercise jurisdiction if crimes occur in a member state or are committed by a national of a member state. It relies on other countries for arrests, asset freezes, and sentence enforcement, as it lacks its own police force.
Duterte’s Actions: Before becoming President, Duterte was the mayor of Davao for 22 years and gained fame for making the city one of the country’s safest from street crimes. He used Davao’s reputation to cast himself as a tough-talking anti-establishment politician and won the 2016 elections by a landslide. He also promised to give himself and his security forces immunity from prosecution and pardon himself.
Political Context: Duterte’s case has emerged amid strained relations with the current President, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Duterte remains popular, particularly in Mindanao, the region where he’s from. His daughter is a potential presidential candidate in 2028.

Salt, Freedom, & After

95th anniversary of the Dandi Salt March, a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence.
The 24-day march, starting from Sabarmati Ashram, challenged the British salt monopoly, a symbol of colonial oppression.
Gandhi’s defiance of the Salt Act by making salt at Dandi ignited the Civil Disobedience Movement.
Widespread civil disobedience followed, with salt marches organized across India (Bengal, Bombay, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Bihar, etc.).
Mass arrests (estimated 60,000), declaration of the Indian National Congress illegal, and violent police crackdowns (Dharsana).
Simultaneous movements included boycotts of foreign goods, anti-chowkidari tax protests, and tribal forest uprisings.
The Frontier Gandhi (Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan) and his Khudai Khidmatgars actively participated in the NWFP.
Revolutionary activity, such as the Chittagong Armoury raid, occurred alongside the non-violent movement.
Gandhi’s choice of salt was strategic; the British salt monopoly impacted everyone, making it an ideal symbol for mass resistance.
The Gandhi-Irwin Pact (March 1931), resulting from the movement, led to the release of political prisoners and Congress’s participation in the Round Table Conference. It ended the Civil Disobedience movement temporarily.