Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 25-03-2025

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Frozen Ground

  • Permafrost is ground that remains completely frozen (32°F/0°C or colder) for at least two years.
  • It’s common in high mountains and high latitudes near the poles, both on land and beneath the ocean floor.
  • Permafrost can extend from a few feet to over a mile deep.
  • It covers nearly a quarter of the Northern Hemisphere’s land area.
  • Permafrost is a mix of soil, rocks, sand, and ice.
  • Upper layers contain organic carbon from dead plants.
  • Lower layers are mostly mineral-rich soil.
  • A layer called the active layer thaws in summer and refreezes in fall, its thickness varying by region.
  • Russia has the most permafrost.
  • Permafrost is primarily made of soil, rocks, sand, and ice.
  • The upper layers contain organic carbon from dead plants.
  • A significant amount of permafrost is located in the J&K and Ladakh regions (64.8% of the area).

India’s Post-Covid Migration

  • Urban-Rural Reversal and Rebound: COVID-19 triggered mass urban-to-rural migration, primarily of low-skilled workers facing joblessness and hardship. This was followed by a return to cities due to rural economic limitations and urban aspirations, fueled by initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission.

  • Climate-Induced Migration: Climate change is emerging as a key driver, particularly in agrarian states, leading to both distress and aspirational migration patterns.

  • Diversification of International Migration: While migration to Gulf countries remains robust, Indians are increasingly exploring new destinations. Europe, Africa (IT, manufacturing), and countries like Canada and Australia (skilled professionals) are attracting migrants. Student migration also surged.

  • Challenges in Migration Governance:

    • Data Gaps: Outdated census data and underestimation of emigrant numbers hinder effective policy planning.
    • Weak Social Security: Low awareness and digital exclusion of e-Shram portal, and gaps in ONORC implementation.
    • Limited Portability: Restrictions in scheme portability across states.
    • Vulnerability: Neglect of women, children, and low-skilled migrants (wage theft, poor working conditions).
    • Local Governance: Limited support from local bodies.
    • Climate Change Ignored: Climate-induced migration overlooked in policies.
    • Stigma and Discrimination: Migrants face xenophobia.

  • Strengthening Migration Governance:

    • National Data Models: Replicating Kerala Migration Surveys nationally for better data.
    • National Policy: Expediting a national policy for migrant workers, including inter-ministerial coordination.
    • International Frameworks: Expanding labor mobility agreements and enhancing pre-departure training.
    • Social Security: Implementing and ensuring portability of benefits.
    • Facilitation Centers: Establishing one-stop centers in urban areas.

Heat Action Plans

  • Key Point: Most Indian cities’ Heat Action Plans (HAPs) lack effective long-term strategies to address rising extreme heat. Cities with existing plans often fail to implement them properly.

    • Why: This highlights a critical gap in preparedness, given the increasing threat of heatwaves and associated health risks.

  • Key Point: HAPs primarily focus on short-term emergency measures (e.g., water access, work schedule adjustments) rather than long-term solutions.

    • Why: Long-term actions, such as providing cooling, insurance for lost work, and grid improvements, are crucial for building resilience and preventing heat-related harm.

  • Key Point: The study examined nine major cities (Bengaluru, Delhi, Faridabad, Gwalior, Kota, Ludhiana, Meerut, Mumbai, and Surat) expected to face the most significant heat index increases.

    • Why: This provides a focused analysis on the urban areas most vulnerable to extreme heat.

  • Key Point: Long-term strategies focus largely on the health system instead of preventative measures. Also lack of funding.

    • Why: A shift towards proactive measures is necessary for effective heat resilience, and better funding.

  • Key Point: A major impediment to long-term action is poor coordination between various government departments.

    • Why: Collaboration is essential for implementing comprehensive and effective heat resilience strategies.

Lapis Lazuli

  • Lapis lazuli is a metamorphic rock and semi-precious gemstone prized for its intense blue color.

  • Its vibrant blue hue stems from the mineral lazurite (25-40%), with sulfur content influencing the shade’s intensity. Calcite reduces blueness, while pyrite adds golden flecks.

  • The name “lapis lazuli” combines Latin (“lapis” = stone) and Persian (“lazuli” = blue).

  • While found globally (Chile, Russia, US), Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province yields the finest quality, mined for over 6,000 years.

  • Ancient significance is vast: traded to India (1000 BC), used ornamentally in the Indus Valley Civilization (Mohenjo-daro, Harappa), employed by ancient Egyptians in jewelry and cosmetics, and ground into ultramarine pigment by Renaissance artists.

  • Lapis lazuli’s rich history and vibrant color continue to make it a sought-after gemstone and artistic medium. The recent news article highlights this enduring appeal and its historical significance across various civilizations.

Equalisation Levy

  • Proposed Abolishment: The central government plans to abolish the Equalisation Levy (digital tax) on online advertisements from April 1, 2025.
  • Beneficiaries: This benefits advertisers using platforms like Google, X (formerly Twitter), and Meta.
  • Original Intent: Introduced in 2016, the levy targeted income earned by foreign e-commerce companies from digital advertising services in India. It taxed business-to-business transactions.
  • Scope Evolution: Initially a 6% tax on online ad services, it was expanded in 2020 to include a 2% levy on e-commerce transactions (abolished in August 2024).
  • Tax Mechanism: The Equalisation Levy is a direct tax, withheld by the service recipient at the time of payment, applicable if payments to a non-resident exceed ₹1 lakh annually.
  • Exemptions: Exemptions include non-resident service providers with a permanent Indian office linked to the service, or services not intended for professional use. Double taxation is also avoided.
  • Tax Rates: 6% on online advertising, previously 2% on e-commerce transactions.
  • Why Abolish?: Part of India’s efforts to maintain a cooperative stance with the US, addressing concerns about the levy’s unilateral nature and easing trade tensions. Simplifies income tax laws.
  • Q1 Answer: To tax digital transactions and income earned by foreign e-commerce companies from India
  • Q2 Answer: June 2016
  • Q3 Answer: Direct Tax

Urban Heat

  • Urban Heat Island (UHI) Defined: Urban areas like Hyderabad experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and urbanization.

  • Hyderabad’s Situation: Hyderabad is experiencing a rising trend of heat stress, with temperatures in April 2024 about 1°C higher than the previous decade’s average.

  • Causes of UHI:

    • Reduced vegetation leading to less cooling.
    • Heat absorption by buildings, roads, and urban materials like concrete
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      and asphalt.
    • Waste heat emissions from air conditioners, vehicles, and industries.
    • Altered wind patterns due to high-rise buildings.
    • Air pollution trapping heat.
    • Limited surface water.

  • Effects of UHI:

    • Increased energy demand.
    • Health issues (heat-related illnesses).
    • Reduced air quality.
    • Water stress.
    • Impact on biodiversity.

  • Government Acknowledgment & Response: The Telangana government acknowledges the UHI effect in its Socio-Economic Outlook 2025. It is addressing the issue through its Clean and Green Energy Policy 2025, which promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable urban development, aiming to create cooler, greener, and more climate-resilient cities.

  • Mitigation Strategies:

    • Increasing green cover through planting trees and creating urban forests.
    • Using cool roofs and reflective materials.
    • Sustainable urban planning to reduce emissions.
    • Creating water bodies and green spaces.
    • Improving ventilation in cities.

Judicial Transfers Inquiry

  • Judicial Transfer and Allegations: The Supreme Court Collegium proposed transferring Delhi High Court Judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, to Allahabad High Court. This follows reports of an “incident” involving “sacks of burnt currency” at his residence.
  • Separate Processes: The transfer is a separate action from the in-house inquiry. The Supreme Court clarified that the transfer proposal and the in-house inquiry are not connected.
  • In-House Inquiry: Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna initiated an in-house inquiry into the “incident.” This follows a report by the Delhi High Court Chief Justice. The inquiry aims to examine the veracity of allegations, and a deeper probe will be conducted if necessary.
  • Inquiry Procedure: The in-house inquiry involves a two-stage process. The Delhi High Court Chief Justice assesses the allegations. If warranted, the CJI constitutes a three-member committee to investigate, ensuring natural justice.
  • Constitutional Basis for Transfers: Article 222 empowers the President to transfer judges based on the CJI’s recommendation, without requiring the judge’s consent.
  • Collegium’s Role: The Collegium considers various factors like judicial workload and expertise, and consults with relevant Chief Justices and possibly the concerned judge.
  • Importance of Transfers: Transfers help balance workload, prevent undue influence, and maintain public trust in the judiciary.
  • Restatement of Values: This process upholds judicial integrity, accountability, and the Restatement of Values of Judicial Life.

FATF

  • India will host the FATF Private Sector Collaborative Forum 2025 in Mumbai.
  • The forum will address global priorities like payment transparency, financial inclusion, and digital financial system transformation.
  • Discussions will focus on tackling money laundering, terror financing, and promoting financial inclusion.
  • The forum aims to enhance transparency, leverage digital tools for AML/CFT compliance, and address evolving threats.
  • FATF President and RBI Governor will attend.
  • The forum will evaluate information-sharing practices and discuss emerging risks like cryptocurrency-related laundering.
  • The FATF recently placed India in a “regular follow-up” category in its mutual evaluation report.
  • FATF commended India’s AML/CFT efforts.
  • The forum is a platform for dialogue between member countries, organizations, and private sector stakeholders.
  • Participants include financial institutions, DNFBPs, VASPs, international organizations, and academia.
  • FATF is an intergovernmental body combating money laundering and terrorist financing, established in 1989.
  • FATF has 39 member countries and more than 180 affiliates.
  • Members must be strategically important, adhere to financial standards, and participate in international organizations.
  • FATF assesses countries’ actions and publishes reports on techniques to mitigate risks.
  • Countries that fail to comply can face being placed on a “grey list” or “black list”.

DNA Variation

  • DNA polymorphisms are variations in DNA sequences, differentiating individuals.
  • DNA polymorphisms are crucial for parentage, ancestry, and identity verification.
  • Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) are short
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    DNA sequences repeated multiple times, unique to each individual.
  • STRs are inherited and help trace ancestry and genetic inheritance.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplifies DNA segments, creating millions of copies.
  • PCR steps: Extract DNA, denature, anneal primers, extend, cycle.
  • DNA fingerprinting uses STR variations, creating a unique profile.
  • Capillary electrophoresis separates DNA fragments for analysis.
  • DNA fingerprints are unique except for identical twins.
  • DNA can be sourced from various body materials (teeth, bones, blood, etc.).
  • DNA fingerprints aid in forensic investigations, identifying suspects and exonerating wrongly accused.
  • DNA analysis is used for social security purposes like Aadhaar numbers.
  • DNA is highly stable, allowing analysis from ancient remains and cold cases.

World Water 2025

  • World Water Day 2025 Launch: The Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the 6th edition of Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign 2025 on March 22, 2025 (World Water Day).

  • Theme: “People’s Action for Water Conservation – Towards Intensified Community Connect” (Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Jan Jagrukta Ki Or), emphasizing community participation.

  • Focus Areas: Primarily focused on 148 districts across India, water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge.

  • Key Initiatives:

    • Launch of the “Jal-Jangal-Jan: Ek Prakritik Bandhan Abhiyan,” (Water-Forest-People: The Intrinsic Bond campaign) aimed at restoring ecological links between forests, rivers, and springs.
    • Inauguration of various projects including Rainwater harvesting systems, Borewell recharge projects and Micro-irrigation initiatives.
    • Mukhyamantri Jal Sanchay Yojana, reinforcing the theme “Jal Sanchay, Janbhagidari”
    • Launch of Water Resources Atlas, An Online Canal Water Management System and e-booklet on Integrated water resources management

  • Government Commitment: Reaffirmed commitment to “Every Drop Counts” and achieving water security.

  • Community-Led Approach: Importance of community involvement is emphasized as a key to water conservation.

  • Vision for the Future: Underlined the need to recharge water sources, advocating the “Catch the Rain where it falls” approach.

Hakki Pikki

  • Expulsion from Gabon: Twenty-two members of the Hakki Pikki tribe from Karnataka were penalized and forced to leave Gabon due to recent policy changes.
  • Fines: The tribe members were each fined ₹55,000.
  • Semi-nomadic tribe: The Hakki Pikki are a semi-nomadic community traditionally known for bird-catching and hunting.
  • Karnataka residents: They primarily reside in Karnataka, with significant populations in Davangere, Mysuru, Kolar, Hassan, and Shivamogga districts.
  • Scheduled Tribe Status: Recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in India.
  • Vaagri language: Their mother tongue, Vaagri, is endangered, listed by UNESCO.
  • Shift in occupation: Due to stricter wildlife laws, they transitioned from hunting to selling spices, flowers, Ayurvedic products, and herbal oils. Also, taking on odd jobs.
  • Global trade: They now travel internationally, particularly to Africa, to sell their products.
  • Indigenous medicine expertise: The tribe is known for its traditional herbal medicine systems.
  • Matriarchal society: The Hakki Pikki tribe has a matriarchal social structure, with dowry paid by the groom.
  • Cross-cousin marriages: They practice cross-cousin marriages.
  • Cultural practices: They follow Hindu traditions and celebrate Hindu festivals.
  • Clan-based structure: Their society is organized around clans.

Judge’s Internal Inquiry

  • Judiciary’s In-House Inquiry: Chief Justice of India (CJI) initiated an unprecedented in-house inquiry against Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma.

  • Trigger: The inquiry stems from allegations of currency notes being found in his official residence after a fire incident.

  • Impeachment vs. In-House Procedure: This internal inquiry follows a separate process from the formal impeachment procedure outlined in the Constitution (Article 124(4) and 218).

  • In-House Procedure Details: The process involves a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the allegations. It was formulated in 1999 to address misconduct that doesn’t meet impeachment standards. The procedure begins with a complaint to the CJI, a preliminary report, potentially a deeper probe by a three-member panel, and a final report with recommendations, potentially leading to advising, resignation, or informing the President for removal proceedings.

  • Significance: The judiciary is taking action to address potential misconduct, distinct from formal impeachment. The in-house process aims to maintain judicial accountability for acts of omission or commission.

Judge's Internal Inquiry

Meghalaya Rail Projects Shelved

  • Shelving of Projects: Indian Railways is likely to shelve railway line projects in Meghalaya, specifically to Byrnihat and potentially to Jowai. Shillong may become the only state capital without rail connectivity.

  • Opposition to Railways: Local pressure groups, particularly the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), have opposed railway projects due to concerns about an influx of “outsiders” and the potential for demographic changes. They demand the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to regulate entry.

  • Current Status & Projects:

    • Meghalaya has only one operational railway station at Mendipathar.
    • Three other projects are facing challenges:
      • Tetelia-Byrnihat line: Work on the Assam side is completed, but it might be terminated at the border due to opposition.
      • Byrnihat-Shillong line: Project stalled due to KSU opposition; funds have been asked to be returned.
      • Chandranathpur to Jowai line: Recently approved, but already facing opposition in the Jaintia Hills.

  • Economic Implications: The lack of railways increases transportation costs and inflation. Railways could improve economic viability by reducing logistical costs, facilitating trade, and benefiting local businesses.

  • Government and Public Sentiment: The Chief Minister supports railway connectivity for economic reasons, but acknowledges the need for consensus. The public is largely indifferent, with pressure groups using railway projects as leverage for ILP implementation.

Finance Bill

  • Finance Bill debate in Lok Sabha saw Congress criticizing the government’s fiscal management, calling it “patchwork solutions.”
  • Shashi Tharoor highlighted Southern states’ significant tax contributions (28.5% GST) but receiving only 15% of the central tax pool.
  • Tharoor criticized the GST system as “most confusing and complex” and pointed to high unemployment, inequality, and outflow of wealth.
  • Nishikant Dubey countered by defending the budget’s positive aspects, claiming improvements in the economy.
  • K.C. Venugopal and other opposition members protested the absence of the Finance Minister during the debate.
  • Mahua Moitra accused the government of favoring crony capitalists and engaging in “tax terrorism.”
  • Concerns were raised about corporate loan write-offs and inflated Maha Kumbh footfall figures.
  • Hibi Eden highlighted the 5% GST on life-saving drugs, calling for its removal.

Human Evolution: New Insights

  • Challenge to Single Ancestry Theory: A new study refutes the long-held belief that modern humans evolved from a single ancestral population.

  • Two Ancestral Populations: Modern humans likely emerged from the admixture of two distinct ancestral populations—a majority group (~80%) and a minority group (~20%).

  • Majority Population Decline and Recovery: The larger ancestral population experienced a significant decline before recovering.

  • Minority Population’s Cognitive Contribution: The smaller group contributed genes significantly impacting brain function and cognition. These genes underwent purifying selection, suggesting strong evolutionary pressures.

  • Significant Genetic Exchange: The interbreeding between these two groups contributed nearly ten times more genetic material than later interbreeding with Neanderthals and Denisovans.

  • Timing of Divergence and Interbreeding: The two populations diverged around 1.5 million years ago and interbred approximately 300,000 years ago.

  • Data Source: The research utilizes data from the 1000 Genomes Project, a global initiative sequencing DNA from diverse populations. This differs from previous research primarily relying on fossil evidence.

  • News Significance: This study offers a significantly revised understanding of human evolution, highlighting the importance of ancient population mixing and its impact on modern human genetics.

Vikramshila

  • Vikramshila University, a historic ancient Buddhist learning center in Bihar, is being revived.
  • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is developing the site for tourism and university establishment.
  • The Bihar government has identified 202.14 acres in Antichak village for a Central University.
  • The project was approved in 2015 with a ₹500 crore budget, but land acquisition delayed progress.
  • Vikramshila was a major center for Tantric and Vajrayana Buddhism, specializing in occult studies, different from Nalanda’s broader curriculum.
  • It drew scholars and students from across India and internationally.
  • The university, founded by King Dharmapala, flourished for centuries before destruction in the 13th century.
  • Prime Minister Modi announced the project’s revival.
  • The site features a stupa, cells for monks, a library with a unique cooling system, and remnants of academic buildings.
  • The university taught theology, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, logic, and tantras.
  • Land acquisition is underway, and road connections are being improved.
  • The revival aims to connect the new Vikramshila University with Nalanda University, mirroring their historical collaboration.

Black Sea Basin

  • US-Russia Talks: US and Russian officials are holding diplomatic talks in Saudi Arabia, aiming for a broader ceasefire in Ukraine and a Black Sea maritime ceasefire.
  • Peace Efforts: These talks are part of intensified efforts by the US to broker peace, including prior discussions with Ukrainian officials.
  • Black Sea Ceasefire Goal: The Black Sea ceasefire agreement seeks to restore free navigation for shipping.
  • Ongoing Conflict: Talks occur despite ongoing Russian missile strikes in Ukraine, exemplified by a recent attack on Sumy injuring 65 people.
  • Location: The Black Sea is a large inland sea in southeastern Europe, bordering the Balkan Peninsula, Caucasus Mountains, East European Plains, and Anatolia.
  • Bordering Countries: The sea is bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, Bulgaria, Georgia, and Romania.
  • Strategic Importance: Crucial for global trade, especially Russia and Ukraine’s grain and energy exports.
  • Military Presence: The region is highly militarized with NATO and Russia conducting naval operations. Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is stationed in Crimea.
  • Key Features: The Crimean Peninsula extends into the Black Sea. Russia has the longest coastline. It connects to the Mediterranean via the Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, and Dardanelles Straits. The Kerch Strait links it to the Sea of Azov.
  • Montreux Convention: Regulates naval ship passage through the Bosporus and Dardanelles Straits, giving Turkey control.

IORA India Route

  • India’s Chairmanship: India will assume the chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in November 2025, currently holding the vice-chair position.

  • Objectives: India aims to bolster IORA’s governance by increasing its budget, improving data management through technology, and collaborating on maritime course development.

  • IORA’s Role: IORA promotes economic cooperation and regional integration among Indian Ocean bordering countries, focusing on trade, investment, and sustainable development.

  • India’s Strategic Contributions: India’s “SAGAR” vision (Security and Growth for All in the Region) aligns with IORA’s goals. India will leverage its ties with member states to foster solutions.

  • Enhancements Planned: India plans to secure sustainable funding through public-private partnerships in maritime sectors. It intends to integrate digital tools for data governance and partner with institutions for marine-focused courses.

  • Challenges Faced by IORA: IORA faces financial constraints due to dependence on member contributions, limiting its operations. It struggles with private sector involvement and has limited institutional capacity, including data management inefficiencies.

IORA India Route

Nagarjunasagar Tiger Reserve

  • Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) tiger population increased from 74 to 76 between 2023 and 2024.
  • Located in the Nallamala hills of Andhra Pradesh, it’s the largest tiger reserve in India, spanning 5937 sq km.
  • It’s the largest tiger reserve in the Eastern Ghats.
  • Named after the Nagarjuna Sagar and Srisailam dams.
  • Comprises Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary (GBM).
  • The Krishna River flows through the reserve for 270 km.
  • Topography includes plateaus, ridges, gorges, and valleys.
  • Vegetation is tropical dry deciduous forest with bamboo and grass undergrowth.
  • Notable endemic flora includes Andrographis nallamalayana and Eriolaena lushingtonii.
  • Fauna includes tigers, leopards, wolves, wild dogs, jackals, various prey species (sambar, chital, etc.), and riverine species like muggers, otters, and turtles.

IOS Sagar

  • IOS Sagar: A maritime security cooperation initiative in the Southwest Indian Ocean Region (IOR), running from April 5 to May 8, 2025. India’s INS Sunayna OPV will participate.
  • Participants: India and 9 African nations (Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, South Africa).
  • Activities: Port calls, joint surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of participating nations, and training for African personnel in Kochi, India.
  • AIKEYME: Another India-Africa maritime exercise (“Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement”), meaning “Unity” in Sanskrit, co-hosted by the Indian Navy and Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF).
  • AIKEYME Duration/Location/Participants: Six days in mid-April 2025 at Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, involving India and 10 African nations (Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania).
  • AIKEYME Activities: Harbour phase (table-top/command post exercises, piracy/maritime information-sharing training) and sea phase (search and rescue, small arms firing, helicopter operations, maritime security drills).
  • Purpose/Background: The initiatives aim to bolster cooperation with African nations in the IOR, particularly in light of Chinese influence and piracy concerns. It strengthens India’s role as a security partner and responder in the region.
  • Long-term goals: Countering Chinese influence, enhancing maritime security, building capacity, and expanding economic connectivity in the region.

Species-Specific Conservation

  • Targeted species-specific conservation significantly reduces extinction risk and prevents extinctions. A PLOS Biology study shows this.

  • Nearly all species improving in IUCN Red List status since 1980 benefited from targeted interventions (99.3%).

  • Success stories include the Iberian lynx, kākāpō, and European bison, all showing population rebounds due to specific conservation efforts.

  • India’s conservation programs include Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Project Crocodile, and others focused on specific endangered species. These involve captive breeding, habitat restoration, and community participation.

  • The Vulture Action Plan, Sea Turtle Conservation Project, and Indian Rhino Vision 2020 demonstrate successful species-specific approaches in India.

  • A new initiative focuses on pangolin conservation in Maharashtra.

  • Project Cheetah, aiming to reintroduce cheetahs to India, saw its first wild birth in 75 years in 2023.

  • While targeted conservation shows success, the study highlights that far more species are declining than improving. Ambitious, coordinated, and large-scale conservation efforts are needed.

  • Island ecosystems showed high recovery rates, while tropical regions experienced the most significant declines. Threats include habitat destruction, hunting, fishing, pollution, climate change, disease, and invasive species.

Lapis Lazuli

  • What it is: Lapis lazuli is a vibrant blue metamorphic rock, valued for its intense color. The color intensity depends on the sulfur content in the lazurite mineral.

  • Composition: Primarily composed of lazurite (contributing to the blue color), along with calcite (white) and pyrite (golden flecks, contributing to the sparkle).

  • Historical Significance: Used since ancient times, traded along the Silk Road to regions like Egypt, Mesopotamia, and India. Afghan lapis lazuli reached Harappan cities. It was also used by ancient Egyptians for jewelry and eyeshadow.

  • Major Sources: The highest quality lapis lazuli originates from the Sar-e-Sang mines in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province. Other sources include Chile, Russia, and the USA.

  • Name Origin: The name “lapis lazuli” combines the Latin word “lapis” (stone) and the Persian word “lazhward” (blue).

  • Uses: Used as a semi-precious gemstone. It was also ground into ultramarine pigment in the Renaissance period.

  • Context: The article in The Hindu highlights the significance of Lapis Lazuli.