Current Affairs – March 13, 2025

{GS1 – A&C – Religion} BAPS Temple

Context (IE): The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Chino Hills, California, was vandalised.

What is BAPS?

BAPS stands for Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha.
Denomination of Swaminarayan Sampradaya: A sect of Vaishnavism within Hinduism.
Founded in 1907: Established by Shastriji Maharaj (1865-1951), based on the teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830).
Spiritual Practices: Members follow five-lifetime vows—abstaining from alcohol, addictions, adultery, meat, and impurity of body and mind. BAPS is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith with roots in the Vedas.
BAPS has a network of around 1,550 temples across the world.
Notable Temples: Akshardham temples in New Delhi and Gandhinagar and Swaminarayan temples in London, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Nairobi. Indian PM inaugurated a BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi in 2023.
BAPS runs hospitals, schools, and community service programs, focusing on healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid.

Also refer to Architecture of the Abu Dhabi BAPS temple.

Context (TH): A CSIR-CCMB study reveals that endogamy is a major cause of population-specific genetic diseases and impacts drug metabolism in India.

Endogamy

Endogamy is the practice of marrying within a specific social, caste, ethnic, religious, or tribal group, often enforced by traditional or legal norms.

Types of Endogamy

Caste Endogamy: Marrying within one’s caste or social class (e.g., India and Nepal).
Ethnic Endogamy: Marrying within one’s ethnic or cultural group (e.g., Polynesians, Armenians).
Religious Endogamy: Practiced within religious groups (e.g., Orthodox Judaism, Mormonism, Amish).
Tribal Endogamy: Marriage within the same tribe (e.g., Tartharol clan of Todas tribe in the Nilgiri Hills).
Royal Family Endogamy: Practiced to maintain bloodlines in royal families.

Purpose of Endogamy

Maintains group identity and cultural preservation.
Strengthens kinship networks and social cohesion.
Preserves social hierarchy and economic interests.
Resists integration with other communities.

Key Findings of the CSIR-CCMB Study

Impact of Endogamy on Genetic Disorders: High prevalence of population-specific hereditary diseases.
Inbreeding Rates: South Indian populations show nearly 60% inbreeding.
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Found linked to ‘HLA-B27:04 risk allele’ in Reddy community of Andhra.
Drug Metabolism Variability: Genetic variations alter responses to drugs like Tacrolimus (immunosuppressant) and Warfarin (anticoagulant), requiring personalised medicine.
Need for Genetic Screening: Essential for early detection and management of hereditary diseases.

Genetic Risks of Inbreeding/ Health Implications of Endogamy

Inbreeding Depression: Increases homozygosity for recessive disorders, reducing disease resistance.
Reduced Genetic Diversity: Limits adaptability to environmental changes and raises susceptibility.
Accumulation of Harmful Mutations: Leads to a higher risk of genetic diseases over generations.
Population-Specific Health Risks: Genetic clustering causes unique mutations and disease patterns.

{GS2 – Governance – Issues} Overhauling India’s Compliance Framework

Context (TH): Excessive compliance regulations and corruption hinder business growth in India.

Economic Impact of Corruption

Higher Business Costs: Businesses face recurring bribery demands to operate smoothly.
Deterrent to FDI: 80% of investors cite corruption as a major obstacle to investment.
Weakened Entrepreneurial Spirit: Bureaucratic red tape discourages startups and SMEs.
Slower Job Creation: Bribe payments divert resources from business expansion and hiring.
Systemic Inefficiency: Frequent compliance rule changes delay operations and reduce productivity.
Global Reputation Risk: Persistent corruption damages India’s credibility as a business hub.

Challenges in Compliance Regulations

Regulatory Extortion: Officials misuse compliance provisions to extract bribes.
Excessive Compliance Updates: 9,420 changes in one year (36 per day) create confusion.
Regulatory Arbitrary Powers: Inspectors can impose penalties without accountability.
Outdated Labour Laws: Despite new labour codes, implementation remains stalled.

Way Forward

Implement One Nation, One Business ID: Firms juggle 23 different identification numbers. A unified identifier can simplify compliance & cut corruption.
Implement Jan Vishwas 2.0: Decriminalisation of compliance laws to reduce regulatory harassment.
Labour Code Implementation: States must enforce labour reforms to ease business operations.
Annual Compliance Updates: Regulatory bodies should follow FSSAI’s model of predictable updates.
Adopt Digital Solutions: A single business ID & Digi Locker can streamline compliance & reduce bribery.
Eliminate Bureaucratic Arbitrary Powers: Transparent processes and accountability are essential.

{GS3 – Envi – PA} Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Context (FPJ): A massive wildfire has occurred in the Sajjangarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Location: Situated on the outskirts of Udaipur (Rajasthan) in the Aravalli hills.
Historical Significance: Encompasses Sajjangarh Fort, built in 1874 by Sajjan Singh of Mewar.
Water Body: Features Bari Lake (Tiger Lake) on the western slope, built by Maharana Raj Singh.
Vegetation Type: Comprises deciduous and semi-evergreen forests.
Flora: Dominated by teak, mango, neem, jamun, khair, ber, and bamboo groves.
Fauna: Home to leopards, hyenas, wild boars, jackals, sloth bears, sambar deer, spotted deer, and four-horned antelopes.

{Prelims – PIN World – CA} Fuego Volcano Eruption *

Context (TG): Fuego volcano in Guatemala erupted recently, triggering emergency measures.

Fuego Volcano

Name & Location: “Volcano of Fire” (Spanish: Volcán de Fuego) near Antigua.
Activity: Among the most active volcanoes in Central America, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Eruption History: Has a history of violent eruptions dating back to the 16th century. The 2018 eruption killed 194 people and left 234 missing.
Eruptive Style: Characterized by explosive events, lava flows, and pyroclastic flows.

Source: Volcano

Stratovolcanoes

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Tall, steep, cone-shaped volcanoes formed by layers of lava and pyroclastic material.
Formation: Typically found in subduction zones, mainly in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Composition: Made of andesite and dacite lavas, which are cooler, more viscous, and silica-rich.
Eruption Style: Gas buildup leads to explosive eruptions, producing volcanic bombs and pyroclasts.
Lava Flow: Highly viscous lava flows slowly and solidifies quickly, creating steep-sided cones.
Global Presence: Comprise ~60% of Earth’s volcanoes, with examples like Mt. Pelée and Fuego.

Major Hazards and Risks or Stratovolcanic Eruptions

Lahars: Fast-moving mudflows of ash, rock, and debris capable of burying entire villages.
Pyroclastic Flows: High-speed clouds of hot ash, gas & rock fragments threatening nearby settlements.
Air Travel Disruptions: Ash plumes rise up to 7,000 meters, leading to airspace restrictions.

{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Turning Urine into Plant Fuel

Context (TH): A new electrochemical method extracts urea from urine, enabling wastewater treatment while converting it into a sustainable resource.
It converts urea into percarbamide, a solid peroxide derivative, using graphitic carbon-based catalysts.

Urine as a Valuable Resource

“Liquid Gold” Concept: Urine contains phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen, the key nutrients for plant growth and fertilisers.
Nutrient Recycling: Returning extracted nutrients to the soil can complete the nitrogen cycle.
Annual Output: An adult produces ~ 500 litres of urine containing 4 kg nitrogen and 0.3 kg phosphorus.

Significance of the Process

Dual Benefits: Enables efficient urine treatment in wastewater management while producing a sustainable fertilising agent with nearly 100% purity.
Potential Applications: Integrates wastewater treatment with resource recycling for long-term environmental benefits.
Bridging the Nitrogen Cycle Gap: Efficient methods to extract urea from urine were lacking. This new, Greener Electrochemical process closes the missing link in the nitrogen cycle, promoting sustainable nutrient recovery.

Advantages of Percarbamide as Fertilizer

Slow Nitrogen Release: Provides a sustained nutrient supply to plants.
Enhanced Root Respiration: Boosts oxygen availability in the soil.
Eco-Friendly Alternative: Reduces dependence on commercial synthetic fertilisers.

{GS3 – S&T – Physics} Discovery of Plastic Ice VII

Context (ToI): Discovery of Plastic Ice VII offers insights into extraterrestrial environments.

What is Plastic Ice VII?

A newly confirmed fourth form of water distinct from solid, liquid, and gas.
Exists under extreme conditions of high pressure (6 GPa) and high temperature (up to 327°C or 620°F).
Displays unusual molecular behaviour different from conventional ice. Plastic Ice VII allows water molecules to rotate freely within a rigid crystalline structure.

How Was It Created?

Scientists synthesised it using Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS).
High-fidelity instruments tracked molecular rotation and movement in extreme conditions.
Hydrogen atoms in Ice VII exhibit non-traditional rotational behaviour.

Significance of Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS)

A technique used to analyse atomic-scale particle motion in extreme environments.
Observes both translational and rotational motion of water molecules under pressure.
Helps detect phase transitions in complex materials like Plastic Ice VII.

Implications for Extraterrestrial Habitability

Challenges traditional understanding of water’s role in sustaining life on other planets.
Extreme Planetary Ice: It may exist in deep interiors of exoplanets and icy moons like Europa and Titan.
Water Behavior Insights: Helps predict water’s role under extreme pressures in distant celestial bodies.
Astrobiological Significance: Expands understanding of potential alien biospheres with unconventional water states.

{GS2 – IR – Africa} Indian PM Conferred Mauritius’ Highest Civilian Honour

Context (IE | HT): Indian PM’s Mauritius visit strengthened bilateral ties through diplomacy, economy, and culture and announced OCI cards and India-funded projects.

Highlights of the Visit

Bhojpuri Cultural Exchange: PM welcomed by traditional Geet Gawai performance by Indian diaspora.
Conferred Highest Civilian Honor: Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean. PM Modi is the first Indian and fifth foreign leader to receive this distinction.

Geet Gawai

Bhojpuri folk musical art ensemble performed mainly by women, especially during weddings.
Historical Roots: Originated with Indian indentured labourers in Mauritius, preserving Bhojpuri culture.
UNESCO Recognition: Listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since December 2016.
Cultural Significance: Bonds community through devotional songs during pre-wedding rituals.

{Prelims – In News} White Hydrogen in France

Context (TNN): Scientists in northeastern France have discovered a massive natural hydrogen deposit, making it one of the largest white hydrogen reserves ever found.

What is White Hydrogen?

Also called natural hydrogen, gold hydrogen, or geologic hydrogen, it is naturally occurring molecular hydrogen found within the Earth’s crust, requiring no industrial production.
Major Deposits: Found in France, Mali, USA, Russia, Australia, Oman, and Eastern Europe.
Formation: Produced through degassing from Earth’s crust and mantle, reactions with minerals and water, and biological or radiolytic decomposition of organic matter.
Extraction Challenges: Found in sedimentary basins and ocean floors, but its high solubility in water makes continuous extraction complex.

Advantages of White Hydrogen

Zero Carbon Emissions: Unlike gray or blue hydrogen, it does not release CO₂ when used as fuel.
Cost-Effective: Estimated at $1 per kg, significantly cheaper than green hydrogen ($6 per kg).
Abundant & Renewable: Naturally occurring, unlike synthetic hydrogen production methods.
Infrastructure Compatibility: Can be integrated into existing hydrogen storage & transport systems.

Applications of White Hydrogen

Industrial Uses: Aviation and shipping industries as a clean fuel alternative; Steel and chemical production to replace fossil-fuel-based hydrogen.
Energy Sector: Powering fuel cells for electricity generation; Providing grid storage solutions for renewable energy integration.

Comparison of Hydrogen Types

Type	Source	Carbon Emissions	Production
White Hydrogen	Naturally occurring underground	None	Direct extraction
Green Hydrogen	Electrolysis using renewable energy	None	Water electrolysis
Blue Hydrogen	Natural gas with Carbon Capture Storage (CCS)	Low	SMR + CCS technology
Gray Hydrogen	Natural gas (Steam Methane Reforming – SMR)	High	Industrial production
Brown/Black Hydrogen	Coal gasification	Very High	Coal-based extraction

{GS2 – IR – Pakistan} Balochistan Insurgency

Context (IE): Insurgents of the Balochistan Liberation Army hijacked a train in Balochistan’s Bolan.

Source: IE, Atlantic Council

About the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)

Nature: Ethnonationalist militant group seeking independence for Balochistan.
Designation: Banned in Pakistan (2006) and declared a global terrorist organisation by the U.S. (2019).
Terror Tactics: Uses suicide squads, guerrilla warfare, and high-profile attacks.
Operational Focus: Targets Pakistani security forces, govt installations & foreign investments like CPEC.

Background of the Baloch Insurgency

Baloch is the largest but least populated province of Pakistan, rich in natural resources (oil, gas, gold, and copper).
Economic Grievances: Locals accuse Pakistan’s federal govt of economic exploitation and neglect. Therefore, Baloch leaders demand autonomy and resource control.

Historical Context

Post-Partition Status (1947-48): Remained independent under a treaty with Pakistan until March 1948. The Khan of Kalat initially sought independence but was pressured into joining Pakistan.
Insurgency: Baloch separatist movements have persisted for decades, leading to multiple insurgencies.
Accusations of Foreign Involvement: Pakistan frequently alleges Indian support for Baloch insurgents, which India denies.

Importance of Balochistan

Resource Wealth: Home to Reko Diq, one of the world’s largest gold and copper mines.
Geopolitical Significance: Borders Afghanistan and Iran, with a coastline near the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil trade route.
Security Risks: Ongoing insurgency threatens Pakistan’s economic and strategic plans in the region.
CPEC Hub: Crucial to China’s CPEC.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Strategic Corridor: A 3,000 km infrastructure network linking China’s Xinjiang with Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. Includes highways, railways, pipelines, and major infrastructure projects to boost connectivity.
Part of BRI: Launched in 2015 as a key project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Also refer to Pakistan’s Attack on Iran.

Context (DTE): UN Statistical Commission has adopted a new indicator on Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD) to track progress toward Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 on Zero Hunger.

United Nations Statistical Commission

Established in 1946. Highest global statistical body. Comprises Chief Statisticians from member states.
Responsible for setting statistical standards and developing concepts for implementation.
Held its 56^th session in March 2025, where the MDD indicator was adopted.

Minimum Dietary Diversity Indicator

Yes/no measure: Whether at least 5 out of 10 defined food groups consumed in the past 24 hours.
Developed to assess dietary diversity for children (MDD-C) and women of reproductive age (MDD-W).
Ten Food Groups: Grains; white roots, tubers & plantains; pulses; nuts & seeds; milk & milk products; meat, poultry & fish; eggs; dark green leafy vegetables; vitamin A-rich fruits & vegetables; other vegetables; other fruits.
Ensures the focus is on quality nutrition rather than just calorie consumption.

Custodianship

Managed jointly by Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) & UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF). FAO oversees MDD-W, while UNICEF manages MDD-C.
Aids in policy-making and program evaluation by governments and international organisations.

Significance of the MDD Indicator

Addresses a Critical Gap: Previously, no SDG indicator specifically tracked healthy diet quality.
Tracking Global Progress: Helps benchmark country-level advancements in promoting nutritious diets.
Ensures Micronutrient Sufficiency: No single food provides all essential nutrients; dietary diversity via MDD ensures better health outcomes.
Food System Transformation: Poor diets are the leading cause of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases globally. MDD elevates healthy diets as a central goal in global food policy discussions.

India’s Progress in SDG 2

SDG India Index Score: Upgraded from Aspirant (2020-21) to Performer.
National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: 99.01% beneficiary coverage ensuring food access.
Agricultural Productivity: Rice and wheat productivity improved from 2018-19.
Economic Growth in Agriculture: Gross Value Added (GVA) in agriculture per worker increased from ₹0.71 lakh (2018-19) to ₹0.86 lakh (2022-23).

{Prelims – PIN World – Africa} India’s Stand on Chagos Islands

Context (IE): India reaffirmed its support for Mauritius’ sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, signalling a strong stance against the neo-imperialist ambitions of major global powers.

Chagos Islands

The Chagos archipelago is a group of seven atolls in the Indian Ocean, comprising at least 60 islands about 500 km south of the Maldives and more than 2000 km northeast of Mauritius.
Chagos Islands are the southernmost archipelago of the Chagos–Laccadive Ridge, a long submarine mountain range in the Indian Ocean.
Key Islands: Salomon Islands, Diego Garcia, Nelsons Island, etc.
The Great Chagos Bank is the largest atoll in the world.
The Chagos Islands, including Diego Garcia, house a critical US military base in the Indian Ocean.

History of Sovereignty Dispute Over the Archipelago

Colonial Control: Originally uninhabited, controlled by the French before passing to the British in 1814. Used for coconut plantations with workers from Africa and India.
Separation from Mauritius (1965): Britain separated the Chagos Islands from Mauritius before its independence to form the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT).
Forced Relocation (1970s): Nearly 2,000 residents were forcibly moved to Mauritius and Seychelles for the establishment of a U.S. military base on Diego Garcia.
Legal Challenges & UN Resolution (2019): UN General Assembly passed a non-binding resolution urging the UK to return the islands to Mauritius, calling the eviction unlawful.
UK agreed to cede Chagos to Mauritius in 2023, raising concerns in USA over US military presence.
Continued British Control: Despite international pressure, the UK extended the lease for Diego Garcia until 2036 in 2016, maintaining strategic military control.

Neo-Imperialism

Neo-imperialism refers to indirect control and expansionist policies by powerful nations, often under economic or military pretexts.

US, China and Russia expanded through territorial conquests, shaping global power dynamics.
US President Donald Trump openly supported expansionist policies, reviving imperialist debates.

India’s Anti-Imperialist Legacy

India led one of the longest anti-colonial movements, inspiring global decolonisation.
Policy Commitment: India historically refrains from territorial expansion.
India has consistently opposed territorial aggrandisement, including its stance on the Russia-Ukraine war.