Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 26-03-2025

Blue Flag Tag

• Rushikonda Beach Regains Blue Flag Tag: The beach in Visakhapatnam has had its Blue Flag certification restored after a temporary revocation.
• Blue Flag Significance: This international eco-label recognizes beaches meeting high standards for environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria. It attracts international tourists.
• Reason for Temporary Revocation: The previous YSRCP regime’s negligence in maintaining amenities led to the temporary withdrawal.
• Blue Flag Criteria: Beaches must comply with 33 criteria across four categories: environmental education, water quality, environmental management, and safety/services.
• Minister’s Call for Action: The Tourism Minister urges collective efforts from public representatives, officials, and the public to maintain cleanliness.
• Future Plans: Initiatives include setting up bamboo passing spaces and beach shacks, to enhance the beach and attract more tourists with Chief Minister’s leadership.
• Focus on Sustainability and Community: The minister assured the well-being of locals like fishermen are protected.
• Management and Enforcement: Strict action will be taken against any encroachment on the land.

Vanishing Glaciers

• Accelerated Glacier Retreat: The UN’s World Water Development

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  Report 2025 highlights a 65% acceleration in glacier retreat in the Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) between 2011 and 2020.

• Significant Volume Loss Projected: HKH glaciers could lose 30-50% of their volume by 2100 if global warming is limited to 1.5-2°C, and almost 45% if it exceeds 2°C. Mountain glaciers globally may lose 26-41% of their mass by 2100.

• Impact on Human Populations: The melting glaciers threaten 1.1 billion people living in high-altitude regions.

• Increased Risk of GLOFs: Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are becoming more frequent, causing devastating flash floods and landslides, with a potential tripling of risk by 2100. Over 12,000 deaths have been attributed to GLOFs in the last 200 years.

• International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation: The UN declared 2025 the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and launched the Decade of Action on Cryospheric Science (2025-2034) to bolster conservation efforts.

• HKH Significance: The HKH region, crucial as the “Water Tower of Asia,” spans eight countries and includes four global biodiversity hotspots. The accelerated melting significantly impacts water resources for a vast population.

Energy Outlook 2024

• Global energy demand grew by 2.2% in 2024, exceeding the average growth rate. Emerging economies drove 80% of this increase.
• Renewables set a record, adding 700 GW of capacity (38% of growth). China and India were major contributors.
• Natural gas demand rose 2.7%, fueled by China’s LNG adoption, though growth slowed late in the year due to higher prices.
• Coal demand increased by 1% globally, reaching a record high, mainly driven by China and India. However, coal’s share of global electricity generation fell to its lowest since 1974 (35%).
• Crude oil demand grew by only 0.8%, primarily due to the petrochemical sector. Growth in EVs, LNG trucks, and high-speed rail curbed transport-related oil consumption.
• The IEA highlights renewables as the driving force in new electricity capacity and the crucial role of emerging economies, particularly in Asia, in shaping future energy trends. China’s dominance in renewable energy expansion is noteworthy.
• While fossil fuel demand still grew, the report emphasizes the significantly faster expansion of renewables and their increasing penetration in rapidly developing regions.

Samarth Incubator

• The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) launched the “Samarth” Incubation Program on March 19, 2025.

• Samarth aims to foster innovation in telecom and IT sectors by supporting startups.

• It focuses on next-generation technologies: Telecom Software, Cybersecurity, 5G/6G, AI, IoT, and Quantum Technologies.

• Implemented in partnership with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) under MeitY.

• Supports 36 DPIIT-recognized startups across two six-month cohorts.

• Offers hybrid learning, mentorship, infrastructure, and investor access.

• Provides Rs 5 lakh grants, six months of office space and lab facilities at C-DOT, and mentorship.

• Successful startups may collaborate on future C-DOT research projects.

• C-DoT is an autonomous R&D center under DoT, focused on indigenous telecom innovations.

• Samarth aims to create sustainable business models and facilitate growth from ideation to commercialization.

• The program connects startups with investors and strengthens the startup community.

• Applications are open on the C-DoT website.

Water Hyacinth

Here’s a breakdown of the key news:

• Mula River Infestation: The Mula river near Holkar Bridge in Pune is heavily infested with water hyacinth, alarming residents.
• Resident Concerns: Residents complain about the river’s deteriorating condition, mosquito problems, and the risk of diseases like malaria and dengue.
• Lack of Action: Residents claim authorities haven’t adequately addressed the issue despite repeated complaints.
• Pollution Indicator: Water hyacinth is a major indicator of organic pollution in the river. Untreated sewage from Pune is a contributing factor.

Why is water hyacinth in the news?

• Ecological Threat: Water hyacinth is an invasive species that forms dense mats, reducing water quality, altering flows, and increasing sedimentation.
• Biodiversity Impact: It crowds out native plants and animals, disrupting ecosystems and destroying habitats.
• Global Problem: Native to South America, it’s now found on all continents (except Antarctica) and is considered one of the world’s most serious water weeds.
• “Terror of Bengal”: Known for its rapid spread and severe environmental and economic impact.

Why is water hyacinth harmful?

• Waterway Blockage: It blocks waterways, hindering boat traffic, recreation, flood control, and wildlife use.

What are some potential uses?

• Biofertilizer: Used in some organic agriculture.
• Craft Material: Its fibrous stems can be used to make handbags, decorative items, and baskets.
• Phytoremediation: Can trap and remove toxic substances and heavy metals from water.
• Animal Feed/Soil Improvement: Can be used as animal feed, compost or biochar.

Fixed Capital Invest

• GFCF’s Significance: Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), representing investment in fixed assets, constitutes ~30% of India’s GDP and is crucial for long-term economic growth. It’s a key indicator of business confidence.

• Declining Private Capex: Private capital expenditure’s share in GFCF fell to a decade-low of 33% in FY24, primarily due to a contraction in unlisted entities’ investments. Listed entities, however, saw continued growth.

• Reasons for Decline: Weak domestic (especially urban) consumption, muted export demand, and cheap Chinese imports hindered capacity expansion plans. Firms prioritized debt repayment over new investments despite improved cash flow.

• GFCF Growth Trend: While GFCF showed a 10% CAGR from FY15-FY24, growth slowed to 9% in FY24 from 20% in FY23. Government capex and real estate investment partly offset the private sector slowdown.

• Implications of Decline: Reduced GFCF hampers long-term growth, limits productive capacity and job creation, delays infrastructure development, and weakens investor confidence. Over-reliance on unsustainable public spending may also result.

• Reviving Private Capex: Strategies include boosting domestic consumption (e.g., increasing wages), strengthening exports and imports (e.g., finalizing FTAs, addressing Chinese imports), incentivizing private R&D, improving industrial infrastructure, and promoting sustainable growth (e.g., green finance).

End Equalisation Levy

• Abolition of Equalisation Levy: The Indian government proposed abolishing the 6% Equalisation Levy on online advertisements, effective April 1, 2025. This tax, introduced in 2016, targeted foreign digital service providers.

• Beneficiaries: The move benefits advertisers on platforms like Google, X (formerly Twitter), and Meta by reducing their tax burden.

• Reasoning: The abolition is seen as a gesture of accommodation towards the US, which threatened reciprocal tariffs from April 2nd, 2025, due to concerns over the levy’s unilateral nature.

• Background: The Equalisation Levy was initially imposed on online ads (6%) and later extended to e-commerce (2%), with the latter abolished in August 2024. It aimed to ensure fair taxation of digital businesses without a physical presence in India.

• Tax Simplification: The government’s action aligns with its broader efforts to simplify income tax legislation.

• International Relations: Experts suggest the move aims to de-escalate tensions with the US and avoid potential trade retaliations.

• Impact: The abolition brings certainty to taxpayers and addresses concerns of partner nations regarding the levy’s unilateral nature. It also reduces costs for digital ad consumers and platforms.

FATF

• FATF PSCF 2025 in Mumbai: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Private Sector Collaborative Forum (PSCF) 2025 will be held in Mumbai from March 25th-27th, 2025.

• Hosted by India: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, are hosting the forum, signifying India’s leadership in combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

• Inauguration and Key Participants: FATF President Ms. Elisa de Anda Madrazo will inaugurate the event, with RBI Governor Shri Sanjay Malhotra presiding. The forum attracts participation from FATF member countries, international organizations, and private sector stakeholders.

• India’s Role and Achievements: India is a member of the FATF and co-chairs a working group. India’s FATF Mutual Evaluation Report in September 2024 placed India in ‘regular follow-up,’ a high achievement. The report recognized India’s AML/CFT efforts, fintech ecosystem, UPI, and proactive inter-agency coordination.

• Forum Agenda: The PSCF 2025 will address global priorities such as payment transparency, financial inclusion, and the digital transformation of financial systems. Discussions will cover evolving financial crime threats, beneficial ownership transparency, leveraging digital tools for AML/CFT, and emerging terrorist and proliferation financing risks.

• Purpose: The PSCF aims to enhance the implementation of FATF’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) standards through collaboration and best practice exchange. It provides a critical platform for dialogue among stakeholders.

Lyme’s Disease

• Lyme Disease Cause: Bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.
• Transmission: Spread to humans through bites from infected black-legged (deer) ticks. Not spread human-to-human, pet-to-human, or via air, food, or other insects.
• Geographic Prevalence: Common in wooded/grassy areas, especially in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
• Typical Symptoms: Fever, headache, fatigue, and erythema migrans (bulls-eye rash). Untreated, can affect joints, heart, and nervous system.
• Treatment: Antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline, amoxicillin) are effective, especially if started early. Treatment duration varies.
• New Research Breakthrough: Scientists identified the enzyme BbLDH as crucial for B. burgdorferi‘s survival and infectivity.
• BbLDH as a Target: Targeting BbLDH with inhibitors shows promise for new Lyme disease treatments and potentially other tick-borne illnesses. BbLDH has a unique biochemical and structural feature
• No Vaccine: Currently, no Lyme disease vaccine is available.
• Untreated Symptoms (Later stage): severe headaches and neck stiffness, facial palsy (Bell’s palsy), meningitis, Arthritis (joint pain and swelling), nerve pain, vision problems, and memory and concentration problems (“brain fog”)
• Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS): Persistent symptoms even after antibiotics. No proven treatment, focus on managing symptoms.

NeVA: Digital Legislature

• Delhi Adopts NeVA: Delhi becomes the 28th legislature to join the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) platform, marking a significant step towards digital governance.

• Tripartite Agreement: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA), Government of India, and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD).

• Digitizing Legislative Processes: NeVA is an online platform designed to digitize legislative processes in all state and union territory assemblies, promoting efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability.

• Paperless System: Delhi’s adoption aligns with the “One Nation, One Application” vision, transitioning to a paperless and more transparent legislative system.

• Key Features: NeVA provides real-time access to documents (agendas, bills, reports), a secure digital repository, and multilingual capabilities.

• Device-Agnostic: Accessible across smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops, enabling legislators to manage legislative business from anywhere.

• Hosted on Meghraj 2.0: Ensures robust scalability, security, and data integrity.

• Stakeholders: Benefits members of Houses, Ministers, secretariat staff, government departments, reporters, and citizens.

• Services Provided: Includes access to the list of business, papers laid, bills, committee reports, questions and answers, bulletins, synopsis of proceedings, digital library, notices, and a member directory.

• Enhanced Transparency: NeVA aims to enhance transparency and accountability within legislative processes, fostering efficient and transparent legislature.

Gold Monetisation

• Discontinuation of MLTGD: The Government of India will discontinue Medium-Term and Long-Term Government Deposits (MLTGD) under the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) from March 26, 2025.
• GMS Overview: Launched in November 2015 to mobilize idle gold from households and institutions, aiming to bring it into the formal economy and reduce gold imports, thereby improving the Current Account Deficit (CAD).
• GMS Components: Consisted of Short Term Bank Deposits (1-3 years), Medium Term Government Deposits (5-7 years), and Long-Term Government Deposits (12-15 years).
• Who Can Deposit: Individuals, HUFs, trusts, and institutions like temples can deposit gold.
• Redemption Options: Depositors can redeem in cash, gold bars, or coins upon maturity.
• Tax Benefits: Interest and capital gains are exempt from income tax, wealth tax, and capital gains tax.
• MLTGD Purpose: Utilized by the government and RBI for gold reserves; redemption only in cash.
• Interest Rates: Interest rate payable for short-term deposits is decided by the banks. For medium and long-term deposits, the rate of interest was decided by the government.
• Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB) Discontinued: Issuance has been discontinued. Gold bonds were issued in denominations of 5g, 10g, 50g, and 100g with the aim to reduce demand for physical gold.
• Existing Deposits: Existing MLTGD deposits will continue until redemption.
• Reason for Discontinuation: Based on the examination of the performance of the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) and evolving market conditions, it has been decided to discontinue the Medium Term and Long Term Government Deposit (MLTGD) components of the GMS.

CBDT Safe Harbor Rules Expand

• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has expanded the safe harbour rules for transfer pricing.

• The threshold for availing safe harbour has been increased from ₹200 crore to ₹300 crore for Assessment Years 2025-26 and 2026-27. This provides larger companies with greater protection against transfer pricing disputes.

• Lithium-ion batteries for electric and hybrid vehicles are now included as core auto components eligible under safe harbour rules. This specifically supports the burgeoning EV sector.

• Safe harbour rules, under Section 92CB of the Income-tax Act, 1961, allow companies to declare Arm’s Length Prices (ALPs) without disputes if within the specified limits. The tax authorities accept the declared transfer price.

• The changes aim to enhance tax certainty, reduce transfer pricing disputes, and encourage investment in India’s clean mobility ecosystem. The higher threshold offers a broader safety net for businesses, particularly in the EV sector.

• Transfer pricing refers to the price charged in transactions between related entities within multinational enterprises (MNEs). Safe harbour provisions simplify this process and minimize potential conflicts.

Euclid Space Telescope

Here are the key points regarding the Euclid Space Telescope and its recent news:

• Mission Goal: To investigate dark energy and dark matter by mapping the large-scale structure of the universe and understand its accelerated expansion.
• Named After: Euclid of Alexandria, a Greek mathematician known for geometry.
• Part of: ESA’s Cosmic Vision Programme.
• Launch: Launched July 1, 2023, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
• Location: Lagrange Point 2 (L2), 1.5 million km from Earth, providing a stable environment for observation.
• Lifespan: Minimum 6 years.
• Observational Method: Uses visible and near-infrared imaging and spectroscopic techniques to observe galaxies across 10 billion years of cosmic history.
• Image Quality: Four times sharper than ground-based telescopes.
• Instruments:
  • VIS: Visible-Wavelength Camera to capture high-resolution galaxy images and detect distortions caused by gravitational lensing (for dark matter study).
  • NISP: Near-Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer, measures galaxy recession speeds to study dark energy’s influence, with NASA contribution.
• Data Scope: Aims to survey 1.5 billion galaxies, covering a third of the sky.
• First Data Release: Scheduled for October 2026.
• Significance: Provides insight into dark energy, dark matter, and the evolution of cosmic structures, complementing James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) which focuses on early galaxies and exoplanets.

Boilers Bill 2024

Key points of the Boilers Bill, 2024:

• Replaces outdated legislation: The bill repeals the Boilers Act, 1923, which was no longer aligned with modern safety standards and industry practices. Passed by Rajya Sabha on Dec 4, 2024.
• Ease of Doing Business: Decriminalizes 3 out of 7 offenses, reducing legal hurdles for businesses, particularly MSMEs. Other offences converted to fiscal penalties handled via an executive mechanism.
• Modernized Drafting: The bill is redrafted using modern drafting practices for improved clarity, efficiency, and easier understanding. Organized into six chapters.
• Enhanced Safety: Focuses on worker safety inside boilers and mandates repairs by qualified personnel.
• Offense Categorization: Retains criminal penalties for major offenses risking life and property. Other offences are now subject to fiscal penalties.
• Redundant Provisions Removed: Obsolete sections from pre-constitutional times have been omitted, and new definitions added for better clarity.
• Jan Vishwas Act Alignment: Follows decriminalization principles of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023.
• Clear Government Roles: Defines powers and functions of the Central Government, State Governments, and the Central Boilers Board.
• Concurrent List: Boilers fall under the Concurrent List, allowing both Centre and States to legislate.
• Modern Industry: Meets current stakeholder needs including industry, personnel, and implementers.
• Risk-Based Inspections: The bill promotes risk-based inspections, for a more streamlined and efficient inspection process
• Bill to be sent to President of India

Parker Solar Probe

Here’s a summary of the Parker Solar Probe’s key points in the news:

• Closest Approach: On December 24, 2024, the Parker Solar Probe reached within 6.1 million km of the Sun’s surface. Another approach was made on March 22, 2025, with another planned for June 19, 2025.
• Mission Objective: To study the Sun’s corona, solar wind, and magnetic fields to understand space weather and its effects on Earth.
• Spacecraft Design: Launched in 2018, it’s the fastest human-made object (692,000 km/hr) and uses Venus’ gravity to spiral closer to the Sun.
• Heat Shield: Employs a 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite shield to withstand temperatures up to 1,377°C.
• Scientific Instruments: Equipped with FIELDS, ISoIS, SWEAP, and WISPR instruments to measure electric/magnetic fields, observe energetic particles, record solar wind properties, and capture corona images.
• “Sun-Touching” Event: In April 2021, the probe entered the Sun’s corona, crossing the Alfvén surface.
• Discoveries:
  • Detected dust-free zones near the Sun.
  • Discovered “magnetic switchbacks” (reversals in the solar wind’s magnetic field).
• Significance: Aims to help explain how the solar wind accelerates and understand coronal heating, solar flares, CMEs, and magnetic storms.
• Protection: This data helps protect Earth by improving predictions of solar storms, which can cause electric grid failures, telecommunication loss, and satellite damage.
• Long-Term Mission: Designed to complete 24 orbits around the Sun, with a mission extending into the 2030s.
• Named After: Eugene Parker, who predicted the existence of the solar wind.

PSL

• RBI Revises PSL Guidelines: The Reserve Bank of India has updated its Priority Sector Lending (PSL) guidelines to improve the allocation of bank credit to priority sectors.
• Effective Date: The revised guidelines will become effective from April 1, 2025.
• Key Changes: The revisions include increased loan limits for specific areas like housing and a broader definition of eligible projects under renewable energy. Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) will have a revised overall PSL target of 60% of ANBC or CEOBSE, whichever is higher. The definition of weaker sections has also been expanded.
• Purpose of PSL: PSL aims to direct credit to essential sectors driving economic development such as agriculture, MSMEs, education, housing, renewable energy, and weaker sections.
• PSL Targets and Categories: Banks are mandated to allocate a certain percentage of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent of Off-Balance Sheet Exposures (CEOBSE) to PSL. Commercial banks, for example, must allocate 40% of their ANBC to PSL. PSL encompasses categories like Agriculture, MSMEs, Export Credit, Education, Housing, Renewable Energy, and Weaker Sections.
• Monitoring and Compliance: Banks are monitored to ensure they meet the PSL targets, with penalties for non-compliance.

MPs vs. Workers

• A 24% hike in MP salaries and pensions was implemented retrospectively from April 1, 2023, based on the Cost Inflation Index (CII). This mechanism, established in 2018, automatically adjusts MP compensation every five years.

• The India Employment Report (IER) 2024 shows stagnant or declining real wages for India’s workforce, contrasting sharply with the MP salary increase. Real wages for salaried and casual workers fell, while self-employed saw only marginal gains, with women experiencing declines.

• The significant disparity between the substantial MP salary hike and the wage stagnation of the general population raises concerns about democratic accountability and fairness. A retired MP’s pension exceeds double the average Indian income, while a sitting MP earns almost nine times as much.

• This asymmetry in governance priorities highlights a disconnect, with the minimum wage remaining unchanged since 2017 at a low Rs 176/day, while MP salaries significantly increased. This fuels perceptions of self-serving governance and erodes public trust.

• The widening income gap fuels populism as inflation rises and household savings remain low. The focus on political pay hikes may overshadow necessary long-term welfare reforms. This also undermines India’s goal of inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

• India’s weak social protection infrastructure, including a narrowly defined minimum wage, fails to address essential needs beyond basic food requirements.

• Proposed solutions include creating an independent emoluments commission to depoliticize pay revisions, indexing minimum wages to inflation, shifting towards a “fair wage” definition incorporating living standards, and leveraging digital governance for better wage compliance. An 8th Pay Commission could also address government salary parity.

Genetic Resources Commission

Here are the key points and why in the news for the “Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture” (CGRFA):

• Upcoming Meeting: Parties to the CGRFA will convene in Rome on March 24, 2025, for their 20th meeting (CGRFA-20).

  • Why: This highlights current and future discussions regarding genetic resources.

• Key Discussion Topics: The meeting will cover plant and forest genetic resources, the role of genetic diversity in climate adaptation, and policies for strengthening global forest security.

  • Why: Shows the CGRFA’s focus on relevant and pressing global issues.

• Report Releases: Two major reports will be released during the CGRFA-20 meeting.

  • Why: Indicates significant information sharing and assessment of the state of genetic resources.

• Core Mandate: The CGRFA is the only permanent intergovernmental body addressing biological diversity for food and agriculture.

  • Why: Emphasizes the CGRFA’s unique and crucial role in global governance of these resources.

• Scope: The Commission now covers plant, animal, forest, aquatic, microbial, and invertebrate genetic resources.

  • Why: Highlights the
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    breadth of biodiversity that the CGRFA addresses.

• Cross-Cutting Issues: The CGRFA also considers food security, climate change adaptation, access and benefit-sharing (ABS), and digital sequence information (DSI).

  • Why: Shows an integrated approach to managing genetic resources in relation to global challenges.

• Membership: The Commission has 179 member countries, including India.

  • Why: Demonstrates broad international engagement and commitment.

• Landmark Achievements: The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) is a key achievement.

  • Why: Illustrates concrete action toward global cooperation.

• ITPGRFA Objectives: The treaty recognizes farmers’ contributions, establishes a global system for access to plant genetic materials, and ensures benefit-sharing.

  • Why: Underscores the importance of equitable access and recognition of farmers’ roles.

Bhadra Sanctuary

• Soft-Release of Elephants: Karnataka Forest Department plans to “soft-release” captured elephants from Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu into Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. This is due to increasing human-elephant conflict.
• Location: Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts of Karnataka, is being used as the release site.
• Enclosure: A 20 sq. km enclosure, separated by railway barricades, will be created within the sanctuary for initial acclimatization. Selection is based on water, forage, road access and minimal human activity.
• Monitoring: Elephants will be monitored by veterinarians for several months with no human interaction to adjust to the wild. Medicine will be provided as needed.
• Final Release: After acclimatization, the enclosure gate will be opened allowing elephants to join the existing population (approx. 450 elephants). Sanctuary can accommodate additional 200.
• Expert Guidance: The plan is guided by a team led by R. Sukumar from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. The team includes senior forest officers.
• Site Selection: The expert team will visit Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary to finalize the enclosure site, prioritizing areas free from human intervention.
• Sanctuary Details: Bhadra was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1951 and a Project Tiger Reserve in 1998. It includes diverse terrain with hills like Mullayanagiri, and various forest types like Moist Deciduous, Dry Deciduous, and Shola forests.

South Island

• Earthquake: A strong 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off New Zealand’s South Island, highlighting seismic activity in the region.
• Geography: South Island is the larger, southernmost of New Zealand’s two main islands, featuring mountainous terrain (Southern Alps culminating in Mount Cook) and separated from the North Island by the Cook Strait.
• Key Features: Fiordland National Park, part of the Te Wāhipounamu UNESCO World Heritage site, is notable for its fjords and lakes. Lakes such as Tekapo, Wakatipu, and Pukaki are prominent.
• Urban Centers: Key cities include Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill, serving as population and economic hubs.
• Kerala Cooperative Bank Investigations: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is investigating 18 cases (ECIRs) of money laundering against cooperative banks/societies in Kerala. Sixteen of these cases involve cooperative banks.
• Irregular Loan Practices: Investigations reveal irregular loan practices, including loans granted without borrower knowledge, overvaluation of mortgaged property, and multiple loans on the same property.
• High Court Involvement: The Kerala High Court is involved due to appeals by depositors seeking refunds following financial fraud in cooperative societies.

Vikramshila’s Legacy

• Revival of Vikramshila University: Work is underway to revive the ancient Vikramshila University in Bihar, following the establishment of a new Nalanda University. This includes the development of the ancient site by the ASI and the allocation of land for a new Central University.
• Historical Significance: Vikramshila was a prominent center of learning during the Pala Empire (8th-12th century) in medieval India, specializing in Buddhist education, particularly the Vajrayana sect.
• Location and Foundation: Located in present-day Bhagalpur, Bihar, it was founded by Dharmapala of the Pala Dynasty.
• Focus on Tantric Studies: Vikramshila was unique for its specialization in tantric and occult studies, which were significant during its peak.
• Comparison with Nalanda: While Nalanda was more diverse, Vikramshila excelled in tantric studies and at one point, even oversaw Nalanda’s affairs. Both universities, under the common patronage of King Dharmapala, exchanged knowledge and teachers.
• Key Scholar: Atisha Dipankara Srijnana, a key Buddhist scholar, who spread Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet, was an alumnus.
• Destruction: The university was destroyed in 1203 CE by Bakhtiyar Khilji.
• Modern Developments: The Central government approved the project in 2015 with a sanction of Rs 500 crore. The Bihar government has allocated land for a new university near the ancient site, with land acquisition in progress. The goal is to have collaboration between the new Nalanda and Vikramshila universities, mirroring their ancient connections.
• Archaeological Efforts: The ASI is actively conserving the site, with excavations revealing significant structures, including a cruciform brick stupa and student cells. A museum at the site showcases antiquities discovered during excavations.

NOTTO

• Data Sharing Concerns: The Union Government is seriously concerned about hospitals failing to share organ transplantation data with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This non-compliance undermines the National Transplant Registry’s purpose.

• NOTTO’s Role: The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) is India’s apex body for overseeing organ donation, procurement, and transplantation. It functions under the Directorate General of Health Services and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

• Mandate and Responsibilities: NOTTO is responsible for establishing and maintaining the National Transplant Registry to monitor activities, ensure transparency, facilitate organ allocation, and support policy-making.

• Legal Framework: NOTTO operates under the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994 (amended in 2011).

• Objectives: NOTTO’s objectives include promoting organ donation awareness, ensuring equitable organ distribution, maintaining a national registry, coordinating transplant activities, and setting guidelines.

• Structure: NOTTO operates at national, regional (ROTTOs), and state (SOTTOs) levels to manage organ donation and transplantation across India.

• Data Submission Requirements: Hospitals are required to furnish data on deceased and living donors/recipients monthly, and update the National Transplant Registry within 48 hours.

• Action on Non-Compliance: State Appropriate Authorities are requested to ensure data compliance and take action against hospitals violating the rules.

• Monitoring Foreign Transplants: The Health Ministry is monitoring organ transplants involving foreign nationals due to a recent surge and allegations of bypassing Indian patients.

Cloud Bands & Monsoons

• IISc study reveals monsoon cloud band strength is crucial for its northward movement and rainfall intensity over India.

• Only strong equatorial cloud bands trigger wet spells in India; weak bands fail to propagate, contradicting previous models.

• Wet spell duration and intensity depend on cloud band size and strength. Boreal Summer Intraseasonal Oscillation (BSISO) influences these spells by moving cloud bands.

• Air-sea interaction in the equatorial Indian Ocean is vital for moisture buildup and wind strength, impacting monsoon intensity.

• Climate change will increase background atmospheric moisture, leading to more intense wet spells (projected 42-63% rainfall increase over India and adjoining seas).

• Study findings will improve seasonal and sub-seasonal monsoon forecasting models.

• The study challenges the existing understanding that cloud bands always propagate northward regardless of their initial strength.

• India receives 80% of its annual rainfall during the summer monsoon (June-September), characterized by wet and dry spells driven by BSISO.