Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 17-03-2025

Bhadra River

• Accidental Drowning: Two youths from Rajasthan drowned in the Bhadra River in the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. This is the immediate, and most important, news.

  • Why: This is a recent incident involving loss of life, making it a newsworthy event.

• Location and Details: The incident occurred near the hanging bridge in Kalasa. The victims, employees of a jewellery shop in Bengaluru, were on vacation.

  • Why: Provides context to the event, including location and the victims’ activities before the drowning.

• River’s Path: The Bhadra River originates in the Western Ghats and flows east across the Deccan Plateau.

  • Why: This describes the river’s geographic location and course, providing context for where the incident took place.

• River’s Course & Connection: The Bhadra flows through the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and joins the Tunga River at Koodli, eventually becoming the Tungabhadra which is a tributary of Krishna River.

  • Why: This provides an understanding of its importance in the regional water system.

• Bhadra Dam: A dam is built across the Bhadra River near Lakkavalli village.

  • Why: Provides information about the river’s usage for infrastructure.

• Length: The total length of the Bhadra River is 178 km.

  • Why: Offers a measurement of the river’s size.

Yemen Crisis

• US Airstrikes: The US launched significant airstrikes against Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, targeting Houthi leaders, bases, and missile defenses.
• Reason for Strikes: These strikes are a response to Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, impacting global trade and maritime security. The US aims to halt these attacks and protect its assets.
• Houthi Response: The Houthis have vowed to escalate their actions in response to the US strikes, increasing concerns about further disruptions to shipping.
• Strategic Location: Yemen’s control of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is crucial, as it’s a vital passage for oil and shipping between the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.
• Casualties: The strikes have resulted in numerous casualties, including civilians, according to Houthi sources.
• US Stance: The US Defense Secretary vowed “unrelenting” strikes until the Houthis cease attacks. Secretary of State Rubio indicated strikes will continue until Houthis lack the ability to attack shipping.
• Iran’s Role: The US accuses Iran of supporting the Houthis. Iran denies aiding the Houthis but is warned by the US to stop its support.
• Iran’s Response: Iran condemns the US strikes as a violation of international law and denies dictating Houthi decisions, asserting the Houthis act independently.
• International Reaction: Russia urges the US to halt strikes and engage in dialogue. Hezbollah condemns the strikes.
• Houthi Threat to Shipping: The Houthis claim the attacks on Yemen pose a threat to international shipping on the Red Sea.
• Trump’s Warning: President Trump warns Iran will be held “fully accountable.” Iran Guards threaten retaliation against any attacks.

Potti Sriramulu

• Statue Announcement: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister announced a 58-foot statue of Potti Sriramulu in Amaravati to commemorate his 58-day hunger strike.
• Memorial and Museum: A memorial will be built in Amaravati, and Potti Sriramulu’s house in Nellore district will be converted into a museum.
• Birth Anniversary Commemoration: Floral tributes paid on his birth anniversary. The government will organize year-long events to mark his 125th birth anniversary.
• Sacrifice Remembered: CM Naidu recalled Potti Sriramulu’s sacrifice that led to the formation of linguistic states in India.
• Historical Context: Emphasized Potti Sriramulu’s belief in Telugu people’s right to be governed in their own language, leading to his hunger strike and death.
• Martyrdom Day: December 15 to be commemorated as Potti Sriramulu’s martyrdom day.
• Future Aspirations: Andhra Pradesh aims to become the number one state by 2047.
• Focus on Social Progress: Commitment to poverty eradication and uplifting the underprivileged, including economically weaker sections in wealthy communities.
• Legacy of Linguistic States: Potti Sriramulu’s sacrifice laid the foundation for the reorganization of states based on linguistic lines. His actions directly led to the formation of Andhra State after his death sparked mass protests.
• Role in Freedom Movement: Participated in Salt Satyagraha and Quit India Movement.
• Fight for Dalit Rights: Undertook a hunger strike to allow Dalits entry into a temple, which was later granted.

INA’s Enduring Legacy

• Lieutenant Rangaswamy Madhavan Pillai, a veteran of the INA, celebrated his 99th birthday by laying wreaths at war memorials.
• Pillai joined the INA on November 1, 1943, at 17.
• He joined the Indian Independence League in 1942.
• He served as a recruitment and fundraising officer for the INA in Burma.
• He was imprisoned in Rangoon Jail for 8 months in 1945.
• Later served in the INA headquarters in Rangoon.
• Officially recognized as a freedom fighter in 1980.
• Felicitated by Prime Minister Modi in 2024.
• Awarded a silver medal in 2021 for his role in the INA and India’s Independence.
• The INA aimed for India’s complete independence from British rule, uniting volunteers and soldiers.
• The wreath-laying ceremony honors INA sacrifices and the nation’s ongoing journey to break free from colonial legacies.

Permian Extinction

• The End-Permian Mass Extinction, approximately 252 million years ago, was the Earth’s most severe extinction event.
• It marks the boundary between the Permian and Triassic periods.
• It led to the elimination of about 95% of marine species and 70% of terrestrial species.
• More than half of all taxonomic families disappeared.
• The supercontinent Pangea was breaking up during this period.
• Massive volcanic eruptions from the Siberian Traps are believed to be the primary cause.
• The eruptions released extreme amounts of carbon dioxide, causing global warming of over 10°C on land and 8°C in the ocean.
• Eruptions caused acid aerosols and dust clouds.
• This led to ocean acidification and collapse of the food chain.
• New fossil evidence suggests the extinction’s impact on plants might not have been as severe as previously thought.
• The Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction killed the dinosaurs.
• The oldest mass extinction is the Ordovician-Silurian (O-S) extinction.

Mudumal Menhirs

• Telangana’s Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs added to UNESCO’s Tentative World Heritage List in 2025, a mandatory step for full inscription.
• Site is potentially South India’s largest megalithic-era burial site, dating back 3,500-4,000 years.
• Features approximately 80 tall menhirs (10-14 feet) and 3,000 alignment stones across 80 acres, used for funerary rites.
• Menhirs may have served as an ancient astronomical observatory, aligning with solar events (equinoxes, solstices).
• One menhir shows earliest South Asian depiction of Ursa Major constellation, indicating advanced astronomical knowledge.
• Local communities revere menhirs as “Niluralla Thimmappa” and Goddess Yellamma, showcasing living cultural traditions.
• Reflects advanced understanding of mathematics and astronomy, making it a rare archaeo-astronomical site.
• Mudumal is one of six Indian sites recently added to the Tentative List.
• Addition to the Tentative List is mandatory step for properties being nominated to the World Heritage List.
• Alignment of stones with sun used to calculate dates and calendrical events, change of seasons.

Bongosagar 2025

• Bongosagar 2025 Naval Exercise: Indian Navy’s INS Ranvir and Bangladesh Navy’s BNS Abu Ubaidah conducted joint naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal.
• Enhanced Cooperation: The exercise aimed to improve operational coordination and maritime security.
• Regional Stability: The exercise contributes to regional stability under India’s SAGAR initiative.
• INS Ranvir: A Rajput-class Guided Missile Destroyer, commissioned in 1986, participated.
• Sagar Initiative: India’s SAGAR policy, introduced in 2015, promotes cooperation, security, and economic growth in the Indian Ocean region.
• Mahasagar Initiative: India’s 2025 MAHASAGAR policy builds on SAGAR, focusing on security, trade, and development across the Global South.
• India-Bangladesh Cooperation: The exercise is part of a larger strategic partnership between India and Bangladesh, including joint military exercises like Sampriti (Army) and CORPAT (coordinated patrols).

Carbon Credit Trading

• Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023: Replaces Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) to create the Indian Carbon Market (ICM), aligning with India’s Paris Agreement commitments.
• Focus: Decarbonizing the Indian economy by pricing GHG emissions and facilitating carbon trading. Shifts from energy intensity to GHG emission intensity.
• Mechanism: Issues Carbon Credit Certificates (CCC) representing one tonne CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) reduction. Includes a compliance mechanism for energy-intensive industries (e.g., steel, cement) meeting GHG reduction targets, and an offset mechanism for voluntary participation.
• Sectors Initially Covered: Energy-intensive industries (iron & steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, etc.). Power sector may be included later.
• Regulatory Oversight: Managed by multiple government bodies (Bureau of Energy Efficiency, National Steering Committee for Indian Carbon Market).
• India’s Climate Goal: Aiming to reduce emission intensity by 45% by 2030. CCTS encourages clean technologies, renewables and carbon capture.
• Challenges in Implementation:
  • Balancing emission reduction targets (lenient targets lower prices, stringent targets increase costs).
  • Compliance and enforcement issues (lack of penalties in PAT).
  • Delays in credit issuance reducing market confidence.
  • Transparency issues regarding industry emissions data.
• Strengthening CCTS:
  • Align with international best practices (e.g., EU ETS).
  • Build Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) capacity.
  • Develop a robust trading platform with digital registries and cross-border compatibility.
  • Encourage industry participation with incentives for green technologies.

Kyushu: Land of the South

• Potential Missile Deployment: The Japanese government is considering deploying long-range missiles on Kyushu Island. This is significant due to its strategic location and potential implications for regional security.

• Strategic Location: Kyushu is the southernmost and third-largest of Japan’s main islands, bordered by the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The Tsushima Strait separates it from the Korean Peninsula. This proximity to the Korean Peninsula and China makes it a crucial location for defense.

• Volcanic Activity: Kyushu is known for its volcanic ranges, including Mount Aso, the world’s largest active volcanic crater. This unique geographical feature can impact military infrastructure and planning.

• Subtropical Climate: Kyushu has a subtropical climate with heavy rainfall. This affects terrain and operational considerations for military deployments.

• Economic Significance: Northern Kyushu has industrial centers like Kita-Kyūshū and Fukuoka, known for iron, steel, and chemicals. Any military buildup could affect these industries and local economies. Nagasaki is also a major city, adding to Kyushu’s importance.

• Agricultural Production: Kyushu produces rice, tea, tobacco, sweet potatoes, and citrus fruit. A military presence could potentially impact agricultural land use.

• Cultural Significance: Saga prefecture is famous for porcelain and pottery, indicating the island’s rich cultural heritage that should be taken into consideration during military planning.

SSPE

Here are the key points about Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE):

• Serious Health Concern in UP, India: SSPE remains a significant problem in Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh due to low measles vaccination rates, despite being rare globally.
• Fatal Brain Disorder: SSPE is a progressive and ultimately fatal brain disorder linked to a prior measles infection.
• Delayed Onset: It develops years after a person contracts measles, even if they seemed to have fully recovered.
• Measles Virus Persists: The measles virus remains in the brain, slowly damaging nerve cells.
• Alarmingly High Cases: KGMU sees 2-3 cases of SSPE per month which is alarmingly high for a disease considered rare
• Symptoms: Initial signs include poor school performance, forgetfulness, temper outbursts, and hallucinations. Later, seizures, muscle jerks, cognitive decline, motor impairment, and loss of consciousness occur.
• 100% Mortality Rate: The disease has almost a 100% mortality rate, making prevention crucial.
• No Cure: There is no cure for SSPE, and treatment focuses on symptom management.
• Vaccination is Key: Measles vaccination is crucial for prevention, as SSPE is entirely preventable with timely vaccination.
• Urgent Call to Action: Health experts urge increased awareness and stricter implementation of vaccination programs.

Saffron Sunrise: NE India

• Northeast India identified as next saffron cultivation hub, following Jammu & Kashmir’s Pampore.
• Mission Saffron, a centrally-funded project, expanded to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
• Large-scale saffron cultivation underway in Menchukha (Arunachal Pradesh) and Yuksom (Sikkim).
• Plans to expand to Nagaland and Manipur.
• Saffron thrives at altitudes above 2000m, in specific soil types and climates.
• NECTAR (North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach) leading the initiative.
• NECTAR aims to improve agricultural potential without disrupting existing crops.
• NECTAR’s new permanent campus in Shillong will boost innovation.
• NECTAR established in 2014, focuses on technology-driven solutions for Northeast development.
• NECTAR will promote saffron cultivation similar to lavender in Kashmir.
• NECTAR also working on drone technology for land mapping.
• The Northeast is strategically important for India’s future growth as a nation.
• Government committed to developing robust infrastructure, connectivity, and empowering the region.
• Union Minister emphasized the region’s potential to add value to India’s economic growth.

Byrnihat

• Byrnihat, located near Guwahati and Shillong, is the most polluted city globally according to the 2024 World Air Quality Report. Its annual average PM2.5 concentration is alarmingly high at 128.2 µg/m3, far exceeding the WHO guideline of 5 µg/m3.
• Rapid industrialization, including coke production, cement, ferroalloys, steel, distilleries, and brick kilns, is a major contributor to pollution. Coal reserves and proximity to Guwahati attract industries.
• Many industrial units operate without proper pollution control measures, leading to uncontrolled emissions.
• Significant vehicular pollution from heavy diesel vehicles, often not adhering to norms, further exacerbates the problem.
• The bowl-like topography traps air pollutants, hindering dispersion and increasing pollution levels.
• Byrnihat is a regional industrial hub with industrial units in both Meghalaya and Assam, which compounds the pollution issue.
• The residential town and surrounding industries are located within a confined area near the hills, making the pollution more problematic.

CAR T-Cell Therapy

• India’s first CAR T-cell therapy trial: Published in The Lancet, showing efficacy in nearly 73% of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and large B-cell lymphomas.
• Phase I and II results: Assessed safety and effectiveness of the therapy.
• First Indian CAR T-cell therapy published internationally: Demonstrates a significant advancement in Indian medical technology.
• Comparable to global therapies: The treatment’s efficacy is similar to those approved worldwide, but at a significantly lower cost (approximately US$30,000).
• Improved access and affordability: The lower cost could expand access to this life-saving treatment.
• High haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) incidence: A serious complication occurred in 12% of patients, resulting in at least one death. Other treatment-related deaths included lung bleeding and multi-organ failure.
• Common side effects: Anaemia (61%), thrombocytopenia (65%), neutropenia (96%), and febrile neutropenia (47%) were common.
• Limited Phase III trial: India’s drug regulator waived a full Phase III trial due to the novel nature of the therapy and its intention for patients with limited other options.
• 15-year follow-up required: The company must monitor all patients for 15 years post-treatment.
• Targeted blood cancers: The therapy targets blood cancers affecting B cells.
• Treatment mechanism: Immune T-cells are collected, engineered to target cancer cells, multiplied, and infused back into the patient.
• Global access limitations: CAR T-cell therapy is currently restricted to a select few countries due to high costs and technological challenges.

Reportable Diseases

• Notifiable Diseases: Diseases legally required to be reported to public health authorities. Purpose is for monitoring, prevention, and control of outbreaks.
• Examples: Includes infectious diseases like cholera, tuberculosis, AIDS, dengue, hepatitis, leprosy, meningitis, plague, and measles, and recently snakebites.
• Legal Mandate: Healthcare providers and sometimes the public are legally obligated to report. Failure to report can result in legal consequences.
• Cancer as Notifiable: There’s ongoing debate in India about making cancer a notifiable disease.
• Arguments For: Could enhance early detection and resource allocation for cancer treatment.
• Arguments Against: Cancer is a diverse group of diseases, not a single condition. Notification is more suitable for outbreak-prone diseases. Legal mandates might burden physicians without necessarily improving patient care. Privacy concerns and stigma associated with cancer diagnosis could deter patients from seeking timely treatment.
• Existing Cancer Data System: India’s National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) is the primary cancer data collection system. Its objectives are to collect data on cancer incidence, trends, and survival rates.
• Proposed Solution: Strengthening and expanding the NCRP, including hospital and population-based registries. Improving cancer screening initiatives is a more effective alternative to legally mandating notification. Voluntary reporting and enhanced data collection without legal compulsion are preferred to mandatory notification.

Jalanatheswarar Temple

• Jalanatheswarar Temple in Thakkolam, Ranipet district, is in a dilapidated state. A collapsed wall and overgrown tank are visible signs of neglect.
• The temple, built in 876 AD by Pallava King Aparajita Varman, features a 3-tiered Rajagopuram added in 1543 AD by Vijayanagara King.
• It showcases Dravidian architecture, similar to major temples in Thanjavur and Madurai.
• The temple is situated on the banks of the Kosasthalai river and is one of 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams.
• The temple holds inscriptions detailing land, gold, and goat grants from Pallava and Chola kings.
• The last kumbabishekam (consecration) was over 15 years ago. Restoration efforts are underway.
• The CISF renamed its Recruits Training Centre in Arakkonam to Rajaditya Chola RTC in memory of Chola prince Rajaditya, killed in battle in Thakkolam.
• Thakkolam’s historical significance is highlighted by the presence of numerous inscriptions. Inscriptions provide critical historical details of the region, especially regarding the Chola dynasty.
• The town’s ancient name, Thiruvural, is mentioned in Saiva hymns. The name Thakkolam is associated with the marriage of Chalukya King Vimaladitya and Kundavai.

Great Dying

• End-Permian Mass Extinction: The most severe extinction event, wiping out 90% of species, 95% marine, and 70% terrestrial species, around 252 million years ago. The Permian-Triassic extinction boundary.

• Causes debated, but likely multiple factors: Siberian Traps Volcanism (massive eruptions, greenhouse gases), Climate Change (global warming, 8-10°C increase), Ocean Anoxia (oxygen depletion), Methane Hydrate Release (further warming), and Ozone Depletion.

• Greenhouse Gases a Key Driver: Like modern climate change, the extreme greenhouse gas release was a key factor. Polar ice caps melted, causing massive sea level rise.

• Plant Refuge Found: Fossils suggest a refuge in China where plant life weathered the extinction.

• Slow Recovery: Ecosystems took 5-10 million years to recover. Survivors (dinosaurs, mammals, reptiles) diversified, forming new Triassic ecosystems.

Sentinels of the Northeast

• Assam Rifles, one of six Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), is relocating from Aizawl to Zokhawsang, Mizoram.
• The relocation involves a land transfer: 106.853 acres from Assam Rifles to Mizoram government, and 1305.15 acres leased by Mizoram government to Assam Rifles.
• The move aims to decongest Aizawl and improve city development.
• The Assam Rifles has a dual control structure: administrative control with Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), operational control with the Indian Army (Ministry of Defence).
• This dual structure means salaries/infrastructure from MHA, while deployment/personnel matters are handled by the Army.
• Senior ranks (DG to IG, sector headquarters) are Army officers.
• The force is commanded by a Lieutenant General from the Army.
• Assam Rifles headquarters is in Shillong, unlike other CAPFs headquartered in Delhi.
• Recruitment, perks, promotions, and retirement follow MHA rules for CAPFs.
• The Assam Rifles traces its history back to 1835, initially as the Cachar Levy.
• It has played crucial roles in various conflicts, including World Wars and the Sino-India War.
• The Assam Rifles has a significant record of gallantry awards.

Indian ASHA Workers

• ASHA Workers Protest in Kerala: Kerala ASHA workers are protesting for higher wages (Rs 21,000), retirement benefits (Rs 5 lakh), and pending dues. They want to be classified as government employees.

• ASHA Worker Role: Community health volunteers under the National Health Mission (NHM), working alongside Anganwadi workers in rural and urban areas. They perform vital tasks like antenatal/postnatal care, immunization, and disease prevention.

• Financial Concerns: ASHAs receive low and irregular payments (Rs 5,000-15,000), task-based incentives (varying by state), and often delayed payments. This is despite their crucial role during the pandemic. They are not considered government employees, therefore not eligible for benefits like pensions.

• Centre-State Dispute: Kerala’s government alleges the Centre has not released due health funds. The Centre says Kerala has not submitted required documentation.

• State Actions: Some states, like Andhra Pradesh, have begun to provide benefits like gratuity, while others (like Kerala) are still

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  pushing for greater financial support and employee status.

• Formalization Needed: The 2020 Parliamentary Standing Committee recommended formalizing ASHA roles, but no action has been taken. Formalization would grant them essential labor rights.

Indian Mangroves

• Tamil Nadu’s mangrove cover has doubled from 4,500 hectares in 2021 to 9,039 hectares in 2024, largely due to new plantations and preservation efforts.
• Tiruvarur and Thanjavur districts account for nearly half of the increase, with significant new plantings.
• Other districts like Cuddalore and Nagapattinam also contributed to the expansion.
• The increase in mangrove cover correlates with an increased carbon storage capacity in these areas, beneficial for climate change mitigation.
• However, invasive species like Prosopis juliflora pose a threat in several districts.
• The report emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices like eco-tourism and carbon credit programs to ensure the long-term success of mangrove conservation efforts.
• District-specific planning and tailored conservation strategies are crucial for preserving and expanding these ecosystems.

India’s Q-Commerce Boom

• Quick commerce (Q-commerce) is a rapidly growing segment of e-commerce, delivering goods within minutes.
• Q-commerce relies on “dark stores” (warehouses for online orders) strategically located in high-demand areas.
• It uses AI for demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and personalized recommendations.
• Q-commerce is popular for impulse purchases, particularly food and beverages.
• The Indian Q-commerce market is valued at $3.34 billion (FY 2024), projected to reach $9.95 billion by 2029, growing at 76% YoY.
• Major players like Flipkart, Ola, Blinkit, BigBasket, and Zepto are aggressively expanding.
• Q-commerce now contributes 35% of total e-commerce sales for large FMCG brands.
• Concerns include predatory pricing to eliminate competitors and differential pricing based on data.
• Traditional retailers, especially small kirana stores, are struggling to compete.
• Concerns exist about data exploitation and impact on employment.
• Q-commerce’s growth raises environmental concerns, increasing single-use plastic waste and pollution from deliveries.
• Delivery agents face low wages, lack of protective gear, and high-pressure targets.
• Q-commerce primarily thrives in Tier-1 cities (especially metropolitan areas) but faces hurdles in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
• Regulatory oversight, fair labor practices, and hybrid retail models are needed for sustainable growth.

Maritime Security 2025

• Joint Naval Drills: China, Iran, and Russia conducted “Maritime Security Belt 2025” naval drills in the Gulf of Oman. This is the fifth year of these exercises.

• Strategic Location: Drills took place near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane for global oil trade (about a fifth of the world’s oil).

• Tensions: The drills occurred amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and its relationship with the U.S. Yemen’s Houthi rebels also pose a threat to shipping in the region.

• Show of Force: The drills are a show of force by the participating nations, particularly given the region’s geopolitical sensitivities.

• GPS Interference: British military reported GPS interference in the Strait of Hormuz, likely related to the drills and designed to disrupt drone and missile targeting.

• Participating Nations: China and Russia sent vessels. Observers included Azerbaijan, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the UAE, with the US Navy likely monitoring.

• Iran’s Nuclear Program: Iran’s nuclear program and recent Israeli attacks on Iranian targets add to regional instability.

• Regional Instability: Ongoing conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and Israel’s conflict with Hamas, contribute to the unstable environment.

• Iran’s Drone Support: Russia relies on Iran for drone support in the war in Ukraine and China continues to purchase Iranian crude oil.

Phansad Sanctuary

Here’s a summary of key points regarding Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, based on the provided information:

• First Honey Harvest: A successful honey harvest near the sanctuary signifies positive conservation outcomes and collaboration with tribal communities.

• Location: Situated in the Murud region of Raigad district, Maharashtra.

• Purpose: Established to conserve the coastal woodland ecosystem of the Western Ghats.

• Area: Covers 17,250 acres, encompassing forests, grasslands, and wetlands.

• Historical Significance: Formerly part of the hunting reserves of the princely state of Murud-Janjira.

• “Mals”: Features pockets of open grasslands known as “mals.”

• Flora: Diverse plant life including Ain, Kinjal, Teak, Hirda, Jamba, Mango, and Ficus species.

• Fauna: Home to leopards, hyenas, sambar, mouse deer, and various bird species like Malabar Pied Hornbill and Black Eagle. It is also a habitat for the critically endangered White-rumped vulture.

• Ecological Importance: Woodlands, like those in Phansad, act as transition zones between ecosystems.

• Nearby Landmark: Murud-Janjira fort is a notable site in the Raigad district.

India-NZ Trade Deal

• FTA Negotiations Launched: India and New Zealand have initiated negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
  • Why: To boost economic ties and increase market access for both nations.
• What an FTA Does: An FTA reduces or removes trade barriers like tariffs, import/export restrictions, and other trade hurdles between the involved countries.
  • Why: Makes it easier and cheaper for businesses to trade with each other, leading to increased trade volume.
• Scope of the Agreement: The FTA will encompass trade in goods (agriculture & industry) and services (banking, IT, construction, etc.), potentially including investments, intellectual property rights, government procurement, and competition policies.
  • Why: This broad scope would foster economic growth by providing a framework for trade in different sectors.
• India’s Oceania Strategy: This is India’s second bilateral trade agreement in Oceania.
  • Why: Demonstrates India’s commitment to expanding its trade partnerships and presence in the region.
• Trade Growth Indicators: Bilateral trade is growing; exports from India grew, and imports from New Zealand also saw substantial growth.
  • Why: Indicates potential for increased trade volume and mutual benefit if the FTA is finalized.

Summer Scorcher

• Heatwave conditions are likely in Odisha (March 13-17), Jharkhand (March 14-17), and Gangetic West Bengal (March 15-17).
• A heatwave is a period of unusually high temperatures, thresholds vary by location.
• IMD defines heatwaves based on absolute temperature and departure from normal.
• Plains: ≥ 40°C (heatwave), ≥ 47°C (severe heatwave), 4.5-6.4°C above normal (heatwave), ≥6.5°C above normal (severe heatwave).
• Hilly areas: ≥ 30°C (heatwave), 4.5-6.4°C above normal (heatwave), ≥6.5°C above normal (severe heatwave).
• Coastal regions: ≥ 37°C, 4.5°C or more above
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  normal.
• Duration requirement: Conditions must persist for at least two consecutive days.
• Heatwaves typically occur March-June, sometimes July.
• Warnings issued for Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra on March 16.
• Jharkhand temperatures crossed 40°C in seven districts.
• Karnataka health minister urged people to stay indoors during peak heat.
• Heatwave declaration needs to be met at a minimum of two stations in a meteorological subdivision.
• IMD uses a network of observatories to measure temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind.
• IMD uses historical data (1991-2020) to determine normal temperatures.