Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 27-03-2025

Rising Star

• Webb Telescope Observation: The Webb Space Telescope has captured a gas and dust plume streaming from a star in the making. This is significant because it allows us to directly observe the early stages of star formation, something difficult to do otherwise.

• Location: The observed star-forming region is located approximately 625 light-years away in our Milky Way galaxy. Proximity allows for more detailed observation.

• Star Formation Process Overview: Stars form within molecular clouds, dense regions of gas and dust. Gravity causes these clouds to collapse, forming protostars. Nuclear fusion ignites within the core of the protostar, marking the birth of a star.

• Stages of Star Formation: The process involves several stages, including the formation of molecular clouds, gravitational collapse leading to protostars, the creation of accretion disks, the ignition of nuclear fusion, and the main sequence stage where the star stabilizes.

• Factors Influencing Star Formation: The mass of the star and environmental conditions (e.g., metallicity) determine how a star forms and its eventual lifespan.

• Stellar End States: The lifecycle of a star depends on its initial mass, impacting whether it becomes a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole. Observing a star in the making provides clues as to how large it may become.

India’s LPG Subsidy

• PAHAL DBT Scheme (2015): Direct transfer of LPG subsidies to consumers’ bank accounts, aiming to reduce leakages and enhance transparency. Over 30 crore LPG consumers enrolled, saving the government over ₹1.5 lakh crore.

• Give It Up Campaign (2015): Encouraged affluent LPG consumers to voluntarily surrender subsidies to support poorer households. While initially successful, participation slowed after the first year.

• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) (2016): Provides free LPG connections to women from economically weaker sections. Three phases have provided over 103 million connections. Offers financial assistance for stoves.

• Why LPG adoption remains limited despite increased access:

  • High refill costs remain a significant barrier for many low-income families.
  • Low refill rates among PMUY beneficiaries indicate underutilization.
  • Availability and affordability of traditional fuels like firewood continue to be a strong competitor, particularly in rural areas. Cultural preference for traditional cooking methods also plays a role.
• News Relevance: The schemes are celebrating a decade since their nationwide launch, highlighting their successes and ongoing challenges in achieving universal LPG adoption in India.

Neutrinos

• What are Neutrinos: Nearly massless, electrically neutral subatomic particles that interact very weakly with matter. They are the second most abundant particles in the universe.

• Majorana Particles: Neutrinos might be Majorana particles, meaning they are their own antiparticles. This is a key area of research.

• Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay (0νββ): A rare hypothetical nuclear decay where two neutrons transform into two protons, emitting two electrons only, no antineutrinos. It could only happen if neutrinos are Majorana particles. Observing it would help determine the neutrino mass.

• Significance of 0νββ: Finding 0νββ would have major implications, possibly explaining the imbalance of matter and antimatter in the universe. It could also confirm if neutrinos are Majorana particles.

• Experiments & Results: The AMoRE experiment in South Korea, used 3 kg of molybdenum-100. It found no evidence of 0νββ. The experiment found that If 0νββ exists, it will be slower than 10^24 years.

• Neutrino Mass: Current experiments estimate neutrino mass is extremely low (0.22-0.65 billionths of a proton’s mass). This is a crucial distinction because the Standard Model of particle physics suggests that neutrinos should be massless, so the small amount of mass vexes the theory and indicates a gap somewhere.

• Importance of Study: Studying neutrinos could solve many open questions, they may be a key to answering many open questions about our universe.

India’s Biofuture

• Rapid Growth: India’s bioeconomy reached $165 billion in 2024, more than doubling since 2020, and accounts for over 4.2% of GDP. It is projected to reach $300 billion by 2030 and $1 trillion by 2047.
• Definition & Scope: Bioeconomy utilizes biological resources (plants, animals, microorganisms) and processes for industrial production, offering sustainable alternatives in sectors like biofuels, bioplastics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, etc.
• Driving Forces: Renewable resources, cost-effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and the growing need for sustainable solutions are fueling the growth. Ethanol from crops is a key example.
• Industry Trends: The industrial sector (biofuels, bioplastics) and pharmaceuticals (vaccines) are major contributors. Research and IT (biotech software, clinical trials) showed the fastest growth in 2024.
• Policy Focus (BioE3): The 2024 BioE3 policy aims to establish India as a global bio-manufacturing hub, promote R&D, encourage sustainability, and boost private sector participation.
• Regional Imbalance: The growth is concentrated in a few states (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh). The eastern and northeastern regions lag behind.
• Challenges & Way Forward: Maintaining growth requires addressing regulatory hurdles (GM crops), streamlining approvals, promoting regional development, and fostering public-private collaboration in research and commercialization.
• Future Outlook: The report calls for creating a National BioEconomy Mission, single-window regulatory mechanisms for biotech innovations and scaling up of bio-based solutions to sustain high growth.

Bandipur Reserve

Bandipur Tiger Reserve:

• Location: Southern Karnataka, at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.

• Ecological Significance: “Ecological confluence” of the Western and Eastern Ghats. Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

• Connectivity: Surrounded by Nagarahole, Mudumalai and Wayanad wildlife sanctuaries, forming a vital wildlife corridor.

• Rivers: Bordered by the Kabini River (north) and the Moyar River (south).

• Flora: Diverse vegetation ranging from dry deciduous to tropical mixed deciduous. Notable trees include rosewood, sandalwood, and bamboo.

• Fauna: Home to the largest wild Asian elephant population in South Asia. Also includes Bengal tigers, gaur, and sloth bears.

• Recent News: Karnataka maintains current night bus restrictions through the reserve (four buses each, from Kerala).

Rana Sanga: The Warrior King

• Controversy: Rajasthan Chief Minister criticized a Samajwadi Party MP for calling Rana Sanga a “traitor,” highlighting the sensitive nature of historical figures in current politics.
• Who was Rana Sanga: He was the Rana of Mewar (1508-1528 CE), a powerful Rajput ruler controlling significant territories in present-day Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Military Prowess and Expansion: Rana Sanga consolidated Rajput power through alliances. He defeated the Malwa Sultan and fought against the Gujarat Sultan and the Lodhi rulers.
• Key Battles & Outcomes:
  • Khatoli (1518) and Dholpur (1519): Victories against Ibrahim Lodi, demonstrating his strength.
  • Khanwa (1527): A pivotal defeat against Babur, marking the beginning of Mughal dominance in India. Babur’s gunpowder and tactics led to Sanga’s defeat.
• Death: After the defeat at Khanwa, he was allegedly poisoned by his own nobles in 1528, fearing another confrontation with the Mughals.

Contempt: India vs. US

• US President’s potential defiance of a court order to reinstate foreign aid sparked a debate on contempt of court. This highlights tensions between the US executive and judiciary.

• The case underscores differences in how US and Indian courts handle contempt.

• US contempt has two types: civil (non-compliance) and criminal (obstruction). Civil contempt is reversible upon compliance; criminal contempt is stricter but pardonable by the President. A sitting president has never been held in contempt.

• Indian contempt also has civil and criminal types. Proceedings can be initiated by the court (suo moto) or by petition with the Attorney General’s permission.

• The US relies on contempt powers, sanctions, and federal enforcement, often favoring negotiation and avoiding direct confrontation with officials due to sovereign immunity. Penalties are rare.

• India has stronger contempt powers, including fines, imprisonment, and direct summoning of officials. Sovereign immunity is weaker, allowing lawsuits against the government.

• The US court, in the foreign aid case, found that the administration used the order

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  as a justification to continue suspending funds. The administration argued it could lawfully halt payments without violating the order.

• The funding freeze caused widespread disruption to US foreign aid programs, leading to layoffs and potential financial collapse of partner organizations.

• Both US and Indian systems aim to uphold judicial decisions, but their approaches to enforcing compliance differ significantly due to varying legal frameworks and interpretations of sovereign immunity.

VLS Missile

• Developed by DRDO: The Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) is indigenously designed and developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

• Quick Reaction Capability: It’s a quick reaction missile system designed to neutralize aerial threats at close ranges, including sea-skimming targets.

• Extended Range: Originally designed for a 40 km strike range, the missile can now engage targets up to 80 km.

• Expanding Deployment: Initially for the Indian Navy, the VL-SRSAM is being developed for the Indian Air Force to protect air bases.

• Advanced Guidance: Utilizes a fibre-optic gyroscope-based inertial guidance during mid-course flight and active radar homing in the terminal phase for precision.

• Integrated System: It’s an integrated missile and weapon control system (WCS) with a twin quad-pack canister configuration for multiple missiles.

• Successful Flight Test: Recent test-firing from a land-based vertical launcher at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) successfully intercepted a high-speed aerial target at very close range and low altitude.

• Low Altitude Validation: The test validated the missile’s capability to neutralize targets at very low altitudes and “near-boundary-low altitude capability”.

• Agility and Accuracy Demonstrated: Destroyed the target by executing high turn rate, demonstrating its agility, reliability, and pin-point accuracy.

• User Associate Trial: The test was conducted by DRDO in collaboration with the Indian Navy as a user associate trial to validate updated elements in combat configuration.

Gounsa Temple

• Key Point: Unprecedented wildfires recently destroyed parts of the 1,300-year-old Gounsa Temple complex in South Korea.

  • Why: Highlights the immediate impact of the disaster on a significant historical site.

• Key Point: Two buildings designated as national treasures were burned down.

  • Why: Emphasizes the loss of cultural heritage.

• Key Point: Gounsa Temple, meaning “Solitary Cloud Temple,” is a Buddhist temple.

  • Why: Provides context about the temple’s significance and religious affiliation.

• Key Point: Located in the southeastern town of Uiseong, at the foot of Deungun Mountain.

  • Why: Provides geographical context.

• Key Point: Founded in the 7th century during the Shilla dynasty.

  • Why: Establishes the temple’s historical origins.

• Key Point: Survived destruction by the invading Japanese.

  • Why: Shows the temple’s resilience through historical events.

• Key Point: Underwent major reconstruction after the Imjin War.

  • Why: Demonstrates the temple’s renovation and continuity.

• Key Point: Headquarters Temple of the 16th District of the Jogye-jong Order (the largest Buddhist Order in Korea).

  • Why: Shows the current importance of the temple.

Q1 . Gounsa Temple is located in the southeastern town of Uiseong.

Q2 . Gounsa Temple was originally built during the Shilla dynasty.

Q3 . Gounsa Temple is located at the foot of Deungun Mountain.

Sahyog: Collaboration Portal

• X Corp (formerly Twitter) sued the Indian government in the Karnataka High Court, challenging content regulation via the Sahyog portal and Section 79 of the IT Act.

• X argues that content blocking orders should only be issued under Section 69A of the IT Act, which has stricter safeguards than Section 79(3)(b).

• The Sahyog portal, launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs, facilitates collaboration between government agencies and social media platforms for content removal. X calls it a “censorship portal.”

• Section 69A allows the government to block content for reasons like national security, while Section 79 grants intermediaries immunity from liability for third-party content unless they fail to act on notices of illegal content.

• X contends that the government’s use of Section 79(3)(b) to issue blocking orders bypasses the Supreme Court-mandated safeguards in Section 69A, violating the Shreya Singhal vs Union of India ruling.

• The government argues that Section 79 notices are not direct blocking orders but inform platforms of liability for illegal content; they justify the wide reach of Sahyog due to India’s size and diverse law enforcement needs.

• X seeks interim protection from coercive action for non-compliance with Section 79(3)(b) orders and the requirement to appoint a nodal officer for the Sahyog portal.

• The court adjourned the hearing until March 27, 2025. A previous petition by X challenging Section 69A orders was dismissed.

Lead Poisoning

• Lead poisoning is a major, overlooked public health crisis in India, especially affecting children. A 2020 UNICEF-Pure Earth report found half of Indian children have high blood lead levels.

• While India has various laws addressing lead contamination, a comprehensive framework for prevention and mitigation is lacking, hindering effective enforcement.

• Sources of lead exposure include leaded gasoline (phased out in 2000), insecticides (Lead Arsenate still listed despite a ban), paints (regulations don’t address existing lead-based paint), food products (regulatory loopholes allow trace lead contamination), and water contamination (weak enforcement of existing regulations).

• The absence of a defined safe blood lead level (BLL) and inconsistent enforcement of existing regulations exacerbates the problem.

• India needs a dedicated legal framework under the Environment Protection Act (EPA) 1986, covering the entire lifecycle of lead, from production to disposal.

• Strengthened occupational safety standards, mirroring international best practices (e.g., US OSHA, UK regulations), are needed to protect workers.

• Stricter penalties for non-compliance, public awareness campaigns, and market incentives for lead-free products are crucial for effective mitigation.

• Regulatory impact assessments across relevant ministries are necessary, along with promoting market mechanisms that prevent lead poisoning.

Bad Loans

• NPA Levels at Multi-Year Low: Finance Minister reported gross NPAs of scheduled commercial banks at 2.5% in September 2024. This indicates improved financial health for banks.

• Definition of NPAs: Loans and advances where borrowers fail to repay principal or interest for over 90 days (as per RBI). This impacts a bank’s income generation.

• Types of NPAs: Include Substandard, Doubtful, and Loss assets, categorized by how long they remain unpaid. Understanding categories helps assess the severity of the problem.

• Causes of NPAs: Internal factors include poor credit assessment and willful default. External factors include economic slowdowns and natural disasters. Identifying causes is crucial for addressing the problem.

• Impact on the Economy: NPAs reduce bank profitability, credit availability, investor confidence, and potentially burden taxpayers. This impacts overall economic growth.

• Measures to Tackle NPAs: Legislative measures like SARFAESI Act and IBC, along with RBI’s PCA framework, are implemented. Institutional mechanisms like ARCs and Bad Banks are used. Bank-level reforms include credit appraisal improvements. These measures aim to resolve stressed assets and improve financial stability.

Gold Monetisation

• The Indian government is discontinuing the Medium-Term and Long-Term Government Deposit (MLTGD) components of the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) effective March 26, 2025.

• The decision is based on the scheme’s performance and evolving market conditions.

• Short-Term Bank Deposits (STBD) will remain available through banks.

• GMS aimed to reduce India’s reliance on gold imports by mobilizing idle gold.

• The scheme included short-term bank deposits (1-3 years), medium-term government deposits (5-7 years), and long-term government deposits (12-15 years).

• Interest rates for MLTGD were fixed by the government (2.25% and 2.5%), while STBD rates were determined by banks.

• The government also recently discontinued the Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB) scheme.

• The discontinuation of these schemes follows a recent increase in gold prices.

• Existing GMS deposits will continue until redemption.

• The government’s rationale is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of gold mobilization strategies in line with current market conditions.

BHIM Evolution

• BHIM 3.0, an upgraded version of the BHIM UPI app, launched by NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL).

• Improved accessibility and security: Supports 15+ languages, optimized for low-internet areas, and enhanced security features.

• Enhanced user experience: Offers split expense functionality, expense analytics, and an action-needed assistant for better financial management.

• New features for merchants: BHIM Vega provides a seamless in-app payment system for online merchants.

• Aims to boost digital payments and financial inclusion across India, particularly in low-internet areas.

• Phased rollout, with full availability expected by April 2025.

• BHIM 3.0 is seen as a significant step in furthering India’s digital financial landscape, making transactions simpler and more accessible.

• The app’s family mode allows users to manage shared expenses and assign payments among family members.

GSAT-18 Satellite

• GSAT-18 Overview: Indian communication satellite launched in 2016 by ISRO to enhance telecommunication, broadcasting, and broadband services. Launched via Ariane 5 rocket, with a designed lifespan of 15 years (until 2032).
• PAC Concerns: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns about the economic viability of GSAT-18 due to the underutilisation of six Upper Extended C-band transponders. The transponders were projected to be idle until 2027.
• Financial Implication: The PAC highlighted a revenue loss of ₹117 crore due to these idle transponders.
• PAC Recommendation: The committee has recommended that the Department of Space exercise greater financial prudence in planning satellite projects involving public funds.
• Department of Space Response: The Department of Space stated that keeping the transponders idle was per plan, citing factors such as redundancy for GSAT-14, orbit spectrum protection, and cost efficiency. It argued that launching a separate satellite for these transponders would be more expensive.
• Redundancy and Continuity: The Department of Space said these transponders provide redundancy to mitigate any in-orbit failure of
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  operational transponders. The mission life of GSAT-14 is until September 2027. GSAT-18 will take over after that until 2032.
• Orbit Spectrum Protection: The Department of Space said that protecting the orbit spectrum was also one of the considerations, with non-occupancy of a spectrum for three years leading to a loss of priority in utilising it.
• Technical Details: GSAT-18 has 48 communication transponders across Upper Extended C-band, Normal C-band, and Ku-band, supporting TV broadcasting, VSAT services, and telecommunication networks. It is part of ISRO’s fleet of communication satellites, ensuring continuity of services.

Data Law 44(3)

• Controversy: Section 44(3) of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, is under fire for allegedly weakening the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
• Opposition: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and RTI activists like Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey, Prashant Bhushan, and Anjali Bhardwaj, are urging its repeal. They fear it will restrict access to public information.
• DPDP Act Intent: Aims to regulate digital personal data processing while balancing individual privacy rights with lawful data processing needs and received Presidential assent on August 11, 2023.
• RTI Amendment: Section 44(3) amends Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, expanding the scope to deny information by broadly exempting personal data.
• Previous RTI Act: Section 8(1)(j) previously allowed disclosure of personal information if a larger public interest justified it.
• New Amendment Impact: The “larger public interest” clause is removed and broadly exempts all personal information from disclosure under RTI.
• Impact on Transparency: Before the DPDP Act, personal information could be disclosed if public interest was at stake. Now, all personal information is exempt, potentially hindering scrutiny of public officials and their activities.
• Example: Requests for details of public officials’ assets, previously possible when corruption was suspected, can now be denied under the pretext of personal data protection.
• Balance Shift: The DPDP Act shifts the balance from a case-by-case determination of privacy vs. transparency to a blanket exemption for personal data.
• Potential misuse: Activists fear the blanket exemption granted to all “information which relates to personal information” could be used to deny the public their right to know.

Baalpan Kavita

• Launched by: Union Education Ministry.
• Objective: Revive and restore traditional Indian rhymes and poems for young children in all Indian languages.
• Goal: Create a comprehensive collection of nursery rhymes and poems in all Bhartiya Bhashas (Indian languages) and English.
• Purpose: Provide young learners with joyful, culturally relevant learning materials to enhance foundational education.
• Collaboration: Initiative involves collaboration with MyGov, inviting public contributions.
• Contribution Types: Existing poems, folklore rhymes, or newly composed joyful poems/rhymes can be submitted.
• Categories: Submissions accepted across pre-primary (3-6 years), Grade 1 (6-7 years), and Grade 2 (7-8 years).
• Language: Contributions are invited in all Indian languages and English.
• Focus: Emphasizes regional rhymes and poems with cultural significance in the Indian context.

Why in the News: This initiative aims to make foundational education more engaging by connecting children to their cultural roots through familiar and enjoyable rhymes and poems. It encourages public participation in preserving and promoting India’s rich oral tradition for younger generations. The use of local languages is especially important for fostering linguistic and cultural diversity.

IORA

• India to Chair IORA: India will assume the chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in November 2025 for two years, currently the Vice-Chair.

• India’s Priorities: Focus areas during India’s chairmanship include:

  • Expanding IORA’s budget through funding opportunities.
  • Integrating technology for data management and policy analysis.
  • Creating maritime-focused courses in collaboration with academic institutions.

• IORA’s Purpose: IORA is an intergovernmental organization established in 1997 to promote regional cooperation and sustainable development among Indian Ocean countries.

• Key Features of IORA:

  • 23 Member States, including India, Australia, and South Africa.
  • 12 Dialogue Partners, such as the USA and China.
  • Secretariat in Mauritius.
  • Council of Foreign Ministers (COM) meets annually.

• IORA’s Objectives:

  • Promote sustainable growth and balanced development in the region.
  • Enhance regional cooperation in trade, investment, and social development.
  • Address challenges like maritime security, disaster risk management, and climate change.

• Challenges Faced by IORA:

  • Limited funding, member-dependent budget.
  • Need for technological advancements in data management and policy analysis.

• Recommendations for India:

  • Leverage its relationships to create workable solutions.
  • Collaborate with member states (Australia, France, Singapore, UAE, Oman) leveraging the their area of expertise.
  • Mainstream traditional knowledge from coastal nations.
  • Encourage industrial leaders to collaborate with educational institutions to create maritime-related courses.

• Significance: IORA is crucial for regional prosperity, and India’s leadership is vital to overcome institutional issues and achieve its goals.

Bhadra Tiger Reserve

• Karnataka proposes a “soft-release” strategy to manage human-elephant conflict in Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu districts.

• This involves capturing elephants causing trouble and gradually rehabilitating them into the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS).

• Elephants will be kept in a 20 sq. km enclosure for acclimatization and health checks before phased release at four pre-selected sites within BWS.

• BWS, also known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, is a Project Tiger reserve with diverse flora and fauna, including a large elephant population (currently around 450, with capacity for 200 more).

• The soft-release plan is guided by an expert team, including renowned wildlife expert R. Sukumar.

• The selected sites within BWS prioritize water availability, forage, road connectivity, and minimal human activity.

• The 20 sq. km enclosure will be separated from the rest of the sanctuary by railway barricades. Veterinarians will monitor the elephants closely.

• Approximately 200 elephants are roaming in the three districts, raiding crops and attacking people, prompting protests from locals.

• The plan aims to mitigate human-elephant conflict while ensuring the elephants’ welfare. A similar experiment was conducted in West Bengal.

India’s Auto Industry

• Record growth in India’s automobile sector in 2023-24, reaching 28 million units, driven by the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
• Transformation into a global manufacturing hub, particularly for Electric Vehicles (EVs).
• Significant contribution to the economy: USD 240 billion turnover, 6% of GDP, and 30 million jobs.
• Strong auto component industry growth, with exports reaching USD 21.2 billion in FY24.
• Rapid growth in EV registrations, exceeding 4.4 million by August 2024, despite low penetration.
• Government initiatives like FAME-II, PLI-Auto, and PLI-ACC to boost EV adoption and manufacturing.
• Challenges include import dependency on key EV components, limited EV penetration, insufficient charging infrastructure, and a skilled workforce shortage.
• Strategies for accelerating growth and sustainability include localization of auto components, infrastructure development, fostering a circular economy, policy harmonization, and a smooth transition from ICE vehicles to EVs.
• Upcoming stricter emission norms (CAFE III & IV) will drive technological upgrades and potentially increase ICE vehicle prices.
• FDI inflows of USD 36 billion (2020-2024) show investor confidence. Planned USD 7 billion investment by FY28 to localize electric motors and automatic transmissions.

Senkaku Dispute

• Japan’s Concern: Japan has expressed serious concern over a prolonged incursion by Chinese Coast Guard ships near the Senkaku Islands. This marks one of the longest intrusions into what Japan considers its territorial waters. Why: Highlights the ongoing tensions and potential for escalation in the region.

• Location: The Senkaku Islands are an uninhabited group in the East China Sea, north of Yaeyama Islands (Okinawa Prefecture, Japan) and northeast of Taiwan. Why: Establishes the islands’ geographic position, a key factor in the dispute.

• Multiple Names: The islands are known as Senkaku Islands (Japan), Diaoyu Islands (mainland China), Diaoyutai Islands (Taiwan), and Pinnacle Islands. Why: Underscores the differing perspectives and claims on the islands.

• Composition: The islands include Uotsuri Island, Kuba Island, Taisho Island, Kitakojima Island, Minamikojima Island, Tobise Island, Okinokitaiwa Island and Okinominamiiwa Island with a total land area of roughly 6.3 sq km. Uotsuri Island is the largest (3.6 sq km). Why: Provides a factual description of the islands.

• Geology: The islands are composed of conglomerate sandstone, tuff, andesite, andesitic lava, coral outcroppings, and other rocky material in a volcanically active area. Why: Gives insights into the islands’ natural characteristics and formation.

• Territorial Dispute: The Senkaku Islands are at the center of a territorial dispute between Japan and China, and Japan and Taiwan. Why: This is the core issue driving the news and regional instability.

• Japanese Administration: Japan incorporated the islands in 1895 and currently administers and controls them as part of Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture. Why: States Japan’s claim to the islands based on historical and current control.

Tejas Mk1A

• GE Aerospace Delivers First F404-IN20 Engine: Marks the start of engine deliveries for the Tejas LCA Mk1A program after delays. Delivery happened on March 26, 2025, and is expected to arrive in India in April. This is significant as the engine is crucial for the aircraft’s performance.

• HAL Production Targets: Aims to deliver 12 Tejas Mk1A jets in 2025 and ramp up to 24 jets per year. HAL has manufactured three aircraft and 11 more will be ready by the year end.

• IAF Squadron Shortage: The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates 31 fighter squadrons, below the sanctioned 42.5, emphasizing the urgency of Tejas Mk1A deliveries.

• Tejas Mk1A Enhancements: Features over 40 improvements over the Mk1, including advanced avionics (AESA radar), enhanced electronic warfare systems (UEWS, self-protection jammer), and digital fly-by-wire.

• Engine Features: The F404-IN20 engine has higher-flow fans, single-crystal turbine blades, and is tailored for IAF needs. It helped the Tejas achieve Mach 1.1 in testing.

• Delivery Delays: Delays were due to restarting the production line dormant for five years, compounded by COVID-19 pandemic issues.

• Future Orders The existing order for 87 LCA-Mk1A would be completed in three and a half years and the additional order for 97 jets by FY31-32

• IAF Dilemma: Fighter jets like Jaguars, MIG-29UPGs and Mirage-2000 will start phasing out by end of decade while LCA-Mk2 is under development and AMCA is a decade away. IAF needs 35-40 fighter jets every year.

PM SHRI Schools

• Parliamentary Panel Intervention: A Parliamentary Standing Committee urges the Education Ministry to release over ₹4,000 crore in pending Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal.
• PM SHRI Scheme Link: The funds are being withheld from states that haven’t signed MoUs for the PM SHRI scheme, which aims to establish 14,500 model schools aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP).
• States’ Concerns: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and West Bengal have resisted implementing the three-language formula under NEP and signing the PM SHRI MoU.
• Committee’s Criticism: The Committee deems the withholding of SSA funds for not signing PM SHRI MoUs as unjustified, emphasizing that SSA predates PM SHRI and supports the Right to Education (RTE) Act.
• Impact on States: The non-release of funds is affecting teachers’ salaries, RTE reimbursements, and school infrastructure in these states, despite their strong educational outcomes.
• Committee’s Recommendations: The Committee recommends immediate release of pending SSA funds to prevent disruption in education and to re-evaluate funding allocations to ensure no state is disadvantaged for not accepting NEP or PM SHRI.
• PM SHRI Scheme Details: Aims to establish 14,500 model schools focused on holistic education, 21st-century skills, eco-friendly infrastructure, and competency-based assessment. Key features include enhanced infrastructure, technology integration, play-based learning, and regular evaluation using the School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF).
• SSA Scheme Details: Centrally sponsored scheme to ensure universal access to quality education from pre-primary to higher secondary levels. Supports states in implementing the RTE Act, focusing on school infrastructure, teacher training, learning outcomes, and inclusive education.
• Budget: The PM SHRI Scheme has a budget of ₹27,360 crore for 5 years (2022-23 to 2026-27), with ₹18,128 crore as the central share.