Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 31-03-2025

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Centrifuge

Centrifuges separate substances based on density using centrifugal force.
They are crucial for uranium enrichment, a process vital for nuclear power and weapons.
Natural uranium needs enrichment because it’s mostly U-238 (99.3%), while U-235 (0.7%) is fissile.
Nuclear reactors require 3-20% U-235, while weapons need ~90%.
Iran’s deployment of thousands of advanced centrifuges for uranium
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enrichment is causing international concern.
The process involves converting uranium into gas (UF₆), spinning it in a centrifuge, and separating heavier U-238 from lighter U-235.
Multiple centrifuge stages are needed to reach desired U-235 purity.
Centrifuges have rotors (spinning component) and chambers (holding the gas) typically made of strong, lightweight materials like carbon fiber.
Besides nuclear technology, centrifuges are used in various fields including medical applications and scientific research.
Iran’s actions are newsworthy due to the potential for increased nuclear capabilities.

Tonga

Earthquake and Tsunami Warning: A strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near Tonga, triggering a tsunami warning. This is the immediate and most pressing news.
Geographic Location: Tonga is an archipelago in the South Pacific, composed of 169 islands, with only 36 inhabited. Understanding its location is crucial for context.
Volcanic Activity: Located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, Tonga experiences frequent volcanic activity, making it vulnerable to events like earthquakes.
Island Types: Tonga’s islands vary, with western islands being volcanic and higher elevation and eastern islands being low-lying coral islands.
Key Islands: The largest islands are Tongatapu, Ha’apai, and Vava’u.
Capital: Nuku‘alofa is located on the island of Tongatapu, being the most populated.
Political Status: Tonga is an independent constitutional monarchy, a member of the Commonwealth and the United Nations.
Economic Dependence: Tonga relies heavily on agriculture, fishing, and remittances from Tongans living abroad due to a lack of strategic or mineral resources.
Past Protectorate: Tonga was formerly a British protectorate but was never formally colonised, gaining full independence in 1970.

Q2. Nuku‘alofa

Q3. Britain

Mahabodhi Temple

Protests and Demands: Buddhist monks, led by the All India Buddhist Forum (AIBF), are protesting since February 2024, demanding the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA), 1949.
Historical Context: Bodh Gaya is the site where Buddha attained enlightenment, making it a primary Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Temple Management: The BTA of 1949 established an eight-member management committee with equal representation from Hindus and Buddhists. The District Magistrate (DM) was made the ex-officio chairperson.
Controversy: The DM, historically from the Hindu community, led to a perceived Hindu majority in administration, causing resentment among Buddhist groups.
Buddhist Demand: Buddhist organizations seek full control over the temple, referring to it as Bodh Gaya Mahavihara.
Historical Control: Historically, the temple was a Buddhist site, but control shifted to Hindus after the decline of Buddhism in India.
1949 Act: The BTA was passed to resolve disputes, formalizing management control with the committee.
Amendment: In 2013, an amendment allowed the DM chairperson to be from any faith.
Past Attempts: A bill in the early 1990s aimed to transfer management to the Buddhist community but failed to pass.
Importance of Bodh Gaya: The temple is one of Buddhism’s four most sacred sites.
Protests: Similar protests occurred in November 2023, and a petition was filed in 2012 to repeal the Act.
Historical Background: Emperor Ashoka built the original temple. Bakhtiyar Khilji’s invasion led to Buddhism’s decline.

Parbati-II Hydro Project

Successful Trial Run: NHPC completed the trial run for Unit 2 (200 MW) of the Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project. This signifies progress in commissioning the project.
Project Location: The project is located in Sainj, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.
River Harnessing: The project utilizes the hydro potential of the Parbati River, a major tributary of the Beas River.
Project Details: A concrete gravity dam will divert water through a long head race tunnel to a powerhouse for power generation.
Total Capacity: The project has a total installed capacity of 800 MW, comprised of four 200 MW units.
Expected Power Generation: Once fully operational, the project is projected to generate approximately 3,074 million units of electricity annually. This contributes to renewable energy production.
Ownership: The project is developed and owned by National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Private Limited (NHPC), holding a 100% stake.
Delayed Commissioning: Originally slated for completion in 2010, the project faced significant delays attributed to challenges during construction.

Red Cross Federation

IFRC’s Urgent Appeal: Launched an appeal for over $100 million to aid victims of the Myanmar earthquake. ( Why: Demonstrates the organization’s immediate response to crises and commitment to providing aid.)
World’s Largest Humanitarian Network: The IFRC is the biggest humanitarian network globally. (Why: Underscores the organization’s significant reach and impact in providing assistance.)
Mission & Focus: Improves the lives of the vulnerable, coordinating aid for those affected by disasters (natural, man-made), including the displaced, and during health crises. (Why: Highlights the core purpose and scope of IFRC’s work in various humanitarian situations.)
Disaster Preparedness: Assists vulnerable communities in building resilience through disaster preparedness activities. (Why: Emphasizes the IFRC’s preventative approach to mitigate the impact of disasters.)
Member Society Support: Strengthens the capabilities of its 192 member Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for effective emergency relief, disaster preparedness, and health programs. (Why: Indicates the IFRC’s commitment to empower its network and ensure efficient aid delivery.)
International Representation: Represents its member societies on an international level. (Why: Illustrates the IFRC’s role in advocating for humanitarian causes and coordinating global efforts.)
Additional Programs: Addresses the humanitarian consequences of urbanization, climate change, violence, and migration. (Why: Demonstrates the IFRC’s ability to adapt with humanitarian crises.)
Funding Sources: Relies on voluntary contributions from various sources (governments, NGOs, corporate donors, and the public). (Why: Explains the funding model and the importance of support for IFRC’s operations.)
Relationship with ICRC: Works alongside the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which focuses on humanitarian law and aid in conflict zones. (Why: Clarifies the distinction between the two organizations, showing their roles in humanitarian action.)

Sarhul Celebration

Significance: Sarhul, meaning “worship of the Sal tree,” marks the arrival of spring and the new year for Adivasi communities. It celebrates the union of the Sun and Earth, essential for life and a celebration of the cycle of life.
Rituals: The three-day festival includes preparation, main rituals at sacred groves (Sarna Sthals) involving sacrifices, prayers, and cultural performances, and a community feast.
Communities: Celebrated by tribes like Oraon, Munda, Santal, Khadia, and Ho.
Evolution: Originally a hunting-based ritual, it evolved into an agricultural festival.
Geographical Spread: Celebrated across Jharkhand, Chhotanagpur region, and in Assam, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan, due to historical migration.
Modern Processions & Identity: Sarhul processions have become larger, particularly in Ranchi, and it is an opportunity for Adivasi communities to reaffirm their distinct identity, with some demanding recognition of Sarna religion.
Political Aspects: The festival also sees contrasting views, with some groups seeking separation from Hinduism while others affiliated with Hindu organizations seeing Adivasis as part of Hinduism.
Sacred Groves: The main rituals take place at Sarna Sthals, which are communally protected “sacred groves” that serve as biodiversity hotspots.
Key Individuals:
- Baba Karthik Oraon: An Adivasi leader who initiated Sarhul processions in Ranchi.
- Anthropologist Sarat Chandra Roy (1928): Noted the evolution of Sarhul from hunting to agricultural rituals in Oraon Religion and Customs.
- Bandhan Tigga Village priest
- Geeta Shree Oraon: national women’s president of the Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad
Practices: Rituals often include ceremonial fishing, rice beer (Handia), and traditional cuisine.

Karimpuzha Wildlife

Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala’s newest protected area (declared 2020), is a biodiversity hotspot.
Recent faunal survey revealed 63 new species: 41 odonates, 6 butterflies, and 16 birds.
The survey, a first since its inception, was conducted by the Forest Department with the Society for Tropical Ecology and Research (STEAR) and Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS).
Notable new bird species include Eurasian Sparrow Hawk, White-Rumped Vulture, and Blue-eared Kingfisher.
Butterfly species discovered include Suffused Double Banded Judy and Painted Courtesan.
New odonate species like Gomphidia kodaguensis and Rhyothemis triangularis were found.
Other fauna recorded: 141 moth species, 4 cicada species, 38 ant species, 5 bee species, 4 fish species, elephants, Nilgiri Tahrs, tigers, leopards, gaurs, sambars and striped-necked mongooses.
Located in Malappuram district, Kerala, on the western slopes of the Nilgiri Hills, it’s part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO).
Borders Mukurthi National Park (Tamil Nadu) and Silent Valley National Park (Kerala).
Its diverse topography (40m to 2550m altitude), including steep hills, valleys, grasslands, and forests, contributes to high biodiversity.
Seven forest types are present, including evergreen and semi-evergreen rainforests.
The Cholanaikans, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), live within the sanctuary.
A follow-up post-monsoon survey is planned.

Deep Sea Mining

Deep Sea Mining Explained: Extraction of minerals and metals (nodules, sulphides, cobalt crusts) from the ocean floor. These resources are crucial for batteries, renewable energy, and electronics.
Environmental Concerns: A recent study reveals that a mining area from 40 years ago in the Pacific Ocean seabed is still not recovered, with long-term sediment changes and decline in larger organisms. Deep sea mining can lead to habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem disruption.
Moratorium Calls: Growing global calls, supported by 36 countries at a recent UN ISA meeting, are demanding a pause on deep sea mining activities.
International Regulation: The International Seabed Authority (ISA), established under UNCLOS, regulates and manages deep-sea mining in international waters.
Evolving Technology: Mining techniques are developing, including AI-powered robots and advanced machinery for extraction.
Strategic Importance: Governments and corporations see deep sea mining as essential due to depleting onshore reserves and rising mineral demand.
Study Findings Highlight Impact: A study of a 1979 mining experiment shows long-term changes in seabed sediment and a decline in animal populations, underscoring the potential for lasting damage.

INIOCHOS 25

INIOCHOS-25: A Multinational Air Exercise: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in the biennial multinational air exercise INIOCHOS-25, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force in Greece.
Objective: The primary goal is to enhance aerial combat skills, exchange tactical knowledge, strengthen military ties, and refine tactics in complex air warfare scenarios.
Participants: The exercise involves air forces from fifteen countries, including the US, Israel, France, and others.
IAF’s Participation: The IAF is deploying Su-30 MKI fighters, IL-78 (combat enabler), and C-17 (combat enabler) aircraft. This participation aims to boost international cooperation, synergy, and interoperability.
Exercise Phases: The exercise is divided into three phases, including the deployment of participating forces, the main execution phase (March 31 to April 11, 2025), and the redeployment of forces.
Training Focus: The exercise will provide opportunities for training in combined air operations, and gaining insights into operational best practices.
Significance: Participation enhances India’s strategic partnerships, boosts its capabilities in joint operations, and reinforces its commitment to global defense cooperation.

Green Credits

Green Credit Program (GCP) Overview: The GCP is an initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to incentivize environmentally positive actions.
Mechanism: Individuals, communities, and industries earn tradable “Green Credits” for engaging in eco-friendly activities like afforestation, water conservation, and sustainable agriculture. These credits can be traded on a domestic platform, like a dedicated exchange, to meet legal obligations.
Trading and Compliance: Industries can purchase these credits to meet their environmental obligations, such as compensatory afforestation.
Legal Concerns: The Law Ministry raised concerns about the legal validity of the Green Credit Rules under the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA), 1986, particularly regarding the market-based mechanism, but the Environment Ministry proceeded without a formal legal review from the Department of Legal Affairs.
Law Ministry Objection: The Law Ministry advised examining the legality, as they had doubts on the EPA supporting a business model for Green Credits.
Environment Ministry’s Justification: The Environment Ministry argued the GCP aligns with the EPA’s mandate to plan and implement national programs for environmental protection and improvement.
Current Status: Hundreds of entities, including public sector undertakings (PSUs) like Indian Oil, Power Grid, and NTPC, have registered under the scheme.
Difference between Green Credits and Carbon Credits: Green Credits cover a broader range of environmental actions, unlike Carbon Credits, which only address greenhouse gas emissions.
Voluntary vs Mandatory: Senior advocate Sanjay Upadhyay said that the Green Credit Program is a voluntary program, so the comparison with EPR is an unfair
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one.
Legal Opinion: Prakriti Srivastava, a retired Indian Forest Service officer, stated that the EPA does not permit a business model for Green Credits for compensatory afforestation, which needs to have due process.