Current Affairs – March 02-03, 2025

{GS1 – A&C – Misc} Banjara Community

• Context (PIB): Lok Sabha Speaker addressed the Banjara community at the 286^th birth anniversary celebration of Sant Sewalal Maharaj.

Key Facts

• ‘Banjara’ comes from Vanaj (trade) & Jara (travel), signifying their history as commercial nomads.
• Spread across India, primarily in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
• Settlement Pattern: Traditionally nomadic, now settled in permanent dwellings called Tandas.
• Language: Speak Gor Boli (Lambadi), an Indo-Aryan language with no script.
• Religious Practices: Predominantly Hindu, incorporating animistic beliefs and folk traditions.

Cultural Heritage of Banjaras

• Traditional Festivals: Teej is celebrated by unmarried girls.
• Folk Arts: Fire dance and Chari dance.
• Tattoo Culture: Tattoos hold symbolic significance for identity and family lineage.

Contributions of Sant Sewalal Maharaj

• Social Reformer: Dedicated his life to the welfare of the Banjara and other tribal communities.
• Ayurveda & Naturopathy: Used traditional medicine to dispel myths and superstitions.
• Service to Tribals: Traveled with his Ladeniya Troup to aid forest dwellers and nomadic tribes.

{GS1 – Geo – PG – Geomorphology} Avalanche in Uttarakhand **

• Context (IE): An avalanche struck the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) project site near Mana pass in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district.

About Avalanches

• Avalanches occur when an unstable mass of snow breaks away from a mountain slope. As it descends, it gathers more snow, ice, and debris, turning into a powerful force capable of destruction.
• They are common in high-altitude regions with significant snowfall, steep slopes, unstable snowpacks.

Types of Avalanches

• Snow Avalanches: These include sluff avalanches (small slides of dry, powdery snow) and slab avalanches (large, cohesive slabs of snow that break off and slide down).
• Rock Avalanches: Consist of massive chunks of rock breaking off and sliding down steep slopes.
• Ice Avalanches: Common around glaciers, where large ice masses break off and slide down slopes.
• Debris Avalanches: Contain soil, loose stones, and a mix of materials that move downhill with force.

What Causes Avalanches?

• Heavy Snowfall: Continuous snowfall increases the load on existing snow layers, and strong winds can deposit snow unevenly, creating unstable zones.
• Layering of Snow: Snowpacks form in layers over time, and weaker layers may collapse under stress.
• Steep Slopes: Avalanches typically occur on slopes steeper than 30 degrees, where gravity plays a crucial role in the downward movement of snow.
• Global warming: Warming weaken bonds between snow layers, increasing the likelihood of slides.
• Human Activities: Construction, skiing, and vehicular movement in avalanche-prone areas can disturb the snowpack, leading to deadly slides.
• Earthquakes: Seismic activity and loud noises can destabilize snow layers, initiating an avalanche.

How Can Avalanches Be Prevented or Controlled?

• Avalanche Detection and Monitoring: Scientists analyze snowpack stability, wind patterns, and temperature variations to assess avalanche risks.
• Structural Barriers: Diversion walls, fences, and rakes help redirect or slow down snow masses.
• Controlled Explosions: In ski resorts and high-risk zones, authorities use controlled explosions to trigger small avalanches before they become dangerous.
• Reforestation and Vegetative Barriers: Trees and vegetation help stabilize slopes and reduce the chances of snow slides.
• Early Warning Systems: Using advanced sensors and beacons, authorities can warn residents and workers in avalanche-prone areas.
• Emergency Response Planning: Training personnel and equipping them with rescue tools, including avalanche beacons and probes, enhance survival chances during disasters.

{GS1 – MIH – Personalities} Chandra Shekhar Azad’s Death Anniversary *

• Context (IE): Recently the death anniversary of Chandra Shekhar Azad was observed.

Credit: India Today

About Chandra Shekhar Azad

• Born in 1906 in the princely state of Alirajpur (present-day Madhya Pradesh). His original Name was ‘Chandra Shekhar Sitaram Tiwari’.
• At age 15 while participating in non-cooperation movement (1920–21) at Banares. He was arrested and put under trial in the court of Khareghat.
• Chandrashekhar’s attitude in the court was defiant. He was reported to have announced his name as ‘Azad’, his father’s name as ‘Swatantrata’, and his residence as ‘prison’.

Role in Independence Struggle

• Militant Path: Azad was very upset when Gandhi called off the Non Cooperation Movement in February 1922. Like many of his contemporaries, his frustration pushed him down a more militant path.
• Hindustan Republican Army (HRA): Joined HRA of Ram Prasad Bismil and Sachindranath Sanyal.
• Kakori Mail Robbery (1925): Involved in Kakori Robbery under the leadership of Ram Prasad Bismil.
• Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA): In 1928, Azad and his comrades transformed the HRA into HSRA.
• Saunders Assassination (1928): Avenging Lala Lajpat Rai’s death, Bhagat Singh and Rajguru killed British officer John Saunders, while Azad shot a pursuing constable.
• Legislative Assembly Bombing (1929): It was at his instance that Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt exploded bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly on 8 April 1929.
• He was also indirectly involved in the attempt to blow up the Viceroy’s train in December 1929.

Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)

• Meeting at Feroz Shah Kotla (1928): Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) reorganised into Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
• Key Members Present: Bhagat Singh, Bejoy Kumar Sinha, Shiv Varma, Jaidev Kapur, Bhagwati Charan Vohra, and Sukhdev (Chandrashekhar Azad did not attend the meeting).
• Objective: Bhagat Singh and his comrades advocated for socialism as a core objective.
  • They believed India’s freedom was not just political independence but also economic liberation.
• Leadership: Focused on collective leadership and mass movements rather than individual actions.
  • Azad was Commander of the Military Division responsible for leading organised armed resistance against British rule.

Death

• Chandrashekhar Azad was betrayed by an associate to police on 27 February 1931 in Alfred Park, Allahabad (now Prayagraj).
• Fighting bravely, he used his last bullet to shoot himself, ensuring that he was never captured alive.

{GS2 – Governance – Laws} Amendments to Waqf Bill, 2024

• Context (IE): The Union Cabinet approved 14 amendments to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), addressing key issues in waqf property regulation.

What is a Waqf Property?

• A Waqf is a donation of personal property by Muslims for religious, charitable, or private purposes, with the ownership believed to belong to God.
• A Waqf can be established through a written document, spoken agreement, or if a property has been used for religious or charitable purposes over time.
• Once a property is declared as Waqf, its status changes permanently and cannot be reversed.

How is a Waqf Governed?

• Waqf properties are governed by the Waqf Act of 1995, which replaced the Central Waqf Act of 1954.
• The Act includes provisions for the constitution and appointment of Waqf Boards, Waqf Councils, and Chief Executive Officers in the states.
• Central Waqf Council (CWC): A statutory body established in 1964, oversees and advises state-level Waqf Boards across India.
• 2013 Amendment to Waqf Act 1995:
  • Authority to Waqf Boards to designate a property as Waqf.
  • Prescribed imprisonment of up to two years for encroachment on Waqf property
  • Explicitly prohibit the sale, gift, exchange, mortgage, or transfer of Waqf property.
• Management and Oversight:
  • Waqf properties are managed by a mutawalli (caretaker) and are overseen by a survey commissioner who maintains a list of all Waqf properties.
  • Disputes related to Waqf properties are resolved by a Waqf Tribunal constituted by state govt.

Functions of Waqf Boards

• Waqf Boards act as custodians of Waqf properties in their respective states.
• Composition: It is led by a chairperson and includes state government nominees, Muslim legislators and parliamentarians, Muslim members of the state Bar Council, Islamic scholars, and mutawallis of Waqfs with an income of Rs 1 lakh or more annually.
• Waqf Boards have the authority to recover lost properties and sanction the transfer of immovable Waqf property (e.g., by sale, gift, or lease). Such transfers require approval from at least two-thirds of the Waqf Board members.

Further Amendments Approved by JPC

• Extended registration timeline: Waqf properties must be registered on a central portal, but an extension is allowed if the mutawalli provides a valid reason.
• Tribunal’s discretion on extension: The Waqf Tribunal has the authority to grant registration extensions without a fixed timeline.
• Legal proceedings deadline extension: Waqfs can file suits even if unregistered, provided they submit an affidavit explaining the delay.
• Replacement of District Collector: The JPC replaced the District Collector with a senior state government officer for determining government property claims.
• Interim status of disputed properties: Until a final decision, disputed properties will continue to be treated as government property.
• Changes in Waqf Board leadership: A Joint Secretary-level officer dealing with Waqf matters will be appointed instead of a non-Muslim CEO.
• A “designated officer” will update revenue records if a property is deemed government-owned instead of Waqf property.
• Tribunal composition: A sitting/retired district judge as chairperson & a Joint Secretary-level state govt officer as a member. It must include a member with expertise in Muslim law and jurisprudence.

Also refer to Waqf Amendment Bill, 2024

{GS2 – Governance – Laws} Dramatic Performances Act, 1876

• Context (IE): PM referenced the repeal of the obsolete Dramatic Performances Act of 1876 under the Repealing and Amending (Second) Act of 2017.

Key Provisions of the Act

• Colonial Origin: Curbed nationalist sentiments by banning plays deemed seditious or anti-British.
• Empowered magistrates to prohibit performances and seize related property.
• Prescribed up to three months’ imprisonment, fines or both for violations.
• Required prior approval/licensing of plays in certain regions.

Post-Independence Legal Status

• In 1953, the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA) challenged the law over a play ban, and the Allahabad High Court ruled its restrictions unreasonable under Article 19(2).
• Again, declared unconstitutional by the Allahabad High Court in 1956 (State vs. Baboo Lal & Ors.) and ruled it as a violation of freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).
• Similar laws existed in states like Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. Madras High Court struck down the Tamil Nadu Dramatic Performances Act in 2013.
• Largely unenforced for decades before its formal repeal.

Why Colonial Laws Persist in India

• Article 372 of the Constitution allows pre-independence laws to remain unless repealed.
• Colonial laws lack the presumption of constitutionality; the govt must justify their validity if challenged.
• Successive governments have defended some colonial-era laws like preventive detention laws, sedition law (retained in Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) and the marital rape exception.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Diseases} Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) *

• Context (TH): Gene therapy offers new treatment options for Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD).

MSUD

• It is a rare genetic disorder where the body cannot metabolise branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) like leucine, isoleucine and valine due to a deficiency in branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complex.
• Inheritance Pattern: Autosomal recessive; both parents must carry and pass on the mutated gene for the disease to manifest in offspring.

Types of MSUD

• Classic MSUD: Most severe and common; symptoms appear within the first few days after birth.
• Intermediate MSUD: Less severe than classic; symptoms emerge between 5 months and 7 years.
• Intermittent MSUD: Symptoms triggered by illness or stress; higher BCAA tolerance than classic MSUD.
• Thiamine-Responsive MSUD: Improves with high-dose vitamin B1 (thiamine) and dietary restrictions.

Symptoms of MSUD

• Distinct Odor: Sweet, maple syrup-like smell in urine, sweat, or earwax.
• Neurological Symptoms: Lethargy, irritability, and poor feeding in infants.

• Severe Complications: If untreated, can cause seizures, coma, or death.

Traditional Treatment Approaches

• Dietary Management: Lifelong adherence to a low-protein diet to limit BCAA intake.
• Liver Transplant: A potential cure by introducing functional BCKDH enzymes but carries surgical risks.

Advancements in Gene Therapy

• Recent Developments: A gene therapy using an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector is developed to deliver functional copies of the BCKDH A and BCKDH B genes.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Issues} Selenium *

• Context (TH): The ICMR’s interim report suggests that high selenium levels in wheat may be responsible for sudden hair loss cases in Buldhana, Maharashtra.

About Selenium

• It is an essential trace mineral important for metabolism, thyroid function, and antioxidant defence.
• Most selenium in the body is stored in muscle tissue. The thyroid gland has the highest selenium concentration due to seleno-proteins supporting thyroid function.
• Source: Protein foods from animals are generally good sources of selenium.
  • Other sources include Seafood, organ meats, Fortified cereals, Whole-wheat bread etc.

Importance

• Selenium is a vital component of enzymes and proteins called selenoproteins.
• Selenoproteins aid in DNA synthesis and protect against cell damage and infections.
• They play a crucial role in reproduction and thyroid hormone metabolism.

Effects

• Severe Selenium Deficiency: Two conditions are associated with severe selenium deficiency –
  1. Keshan disease, a type of cardiomyopathy or disease of the heart muscle.
  2. Kashin-Beck disease, a form of osteoarthritis.
• Excessive Selenium: Toxicity, symptoms like hair loss, brittle nails, fatigue, and neurological issues.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Health benefits of Giloy *

• Context (PIB): A 376.5% increase in research publications on Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) over the past decade highlights its growing global interest in biomedical sciences.

• It is also called Guduchi (Hindi) or Amrita (Sanskrit) and is a large, succulent-stemmed climber widely used in Ayurveda for its therapeutic properties, known as the ‘herb of immortality.’
• Cultivation: Propagates through stem cuttings, grown in diverse soils and climatic conditions.

Key Medicinal Properties

• Immunomodulatory Effects: Strengthens immunity and enhances the body’s defence mechanisms.
• Anti-inflammatory & Antipyretic: Used in fever management and inflammatory conditions.
• Anti-cancer Potential: Recent studies highlight its role in cancer therapy, particularly in cervical cancer and as a steroid-free alternative for breast disorders.
• Autoimmune & Chronic Disease Management: Effective in conditions like Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis (IGM).
• Adaptogenic Benefits: Helps the body adapt to stress and maintain homeostasis.

{GS3 – Envi – CC} Methane Emissions from Arctic Glaciers

• Context (IE): Glacial fracking in Arctic glaciers accelerates methane release as the glaciers melt.

Key Findings

• Vallakrabreen glacier in Svalbard showed methane concentrations up to 800 times higher than atmospheric levels.
• Methane levels are rising sharply in recent years, intensifying short-term global warming.

Source: Biogeosciences

Climate Change Impact of Methane

• Major Contributor: Methane accounts for 30% of global warming since preindustrial times.
• Heat-Trapping Power: 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.
• Ground-Level Ozone Formation: Methane contributes to ozone, worsening climate change.

Health Risks

• Air Pollution: Ground-level ozone formation linked to methane causes respiratory diseases.
• Premature Deaths: Contributes to 1 million premature deaths annually.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Ancient Rock Art in Lankamalleswara WLS

• Context (TH | DC): 3 rock shelters from the Megalithic to early historic period were found near Bandigani Chella in Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary.

Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS)

• Location: It is located in the southern part of the Nallamala Hills in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Rivers: Catchment area for River Pennar; Telugu Ganga canal drains into Pennar River, which separates Nallamala Hills from Palkonda Hills.
• Vegetation: Southern tropical dry deciduous, scrub forest, tropical thorn forest & dry evergreen forest.
• Flora: Rare species like Red Sanders, Sandalwood, Terminalia spp., Syzygium spp. (Jamun), Wild Mango, Bamboo, and Hardwickia binata.
• Fauna: Rich biodiversity including Common Indian Skink, Green Vine Snake, Bullfrog, and Common Toad. It is also the only known habitat for Jerdon’s courser bird (CR).
• Threats: Red sanders smuggling.

Rock Art and Inscriptions

• One of the rock shelters contained prehistoric paintings made using red ochre, kaolin, animal fat and crushed bones
• Languages & Scripts: Found in Brahmi, Nagari, Telugu, and Shell Characters in Sanskrit, Prakrit & Telugu.
• Time Frame: Spanning from the 4^th to the 15^th century CE.
• Estampage Process: Inscriptions copied for further research and preservation.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Biodiversity Leakage **

• Context (DTE): Recent research published in Science highlights a critical yet under-recognised issue in global conservation efforts: biodiversity leakage.

The Concept of Biodiversity Leakage *

• Biodiversity Leakage: Refers to a situation where conservation or environmental policies aimed at protecting biodiversity in one area unintentionally lead to the loss of biodiversity in another region.
• Example: If a protected area is established in one region, industries might move their operations to nearby unprotected areas, leading to habitat destruction there.

Impact of Biodiversity Leakage

• Loss of Global Biodiversity: This phenomenon can offset or even outweigh the ecological benefits of conservation initiatives, resulting in net harm to global biodiversity.
  • It contributes to the decline of plant and animal populations, disrupting ecological balance.

• Threats to Indigenous Communities: Expansion of agricultural activities into new regions may disrupt traditional land use, threatening the livelihoods and cultural heritage of indigenous populations.
• Reduced Effectiveness of Conservation Policies: If conservation efforts fail to account for leakage, they may provide only localised benefits while exacerbating environmental degradation elsewhere.

Mitigation Strategies

• Monitoring changes in food and wood production within conservation areas.
• Evaluating projects reporting minimal production losses to ensure genuine conservation impact.
• Incorporating leakage considerations into national and international conservation policies.
• Reducing demand for high-leakage products and improving agricultural efficiency.
• Targeting conservation in regions where restoration efforts will cause minimal production displacement.
• Enhancing yields in or near conservation zones to compensate for losses.

Global Policy Gaps and Awareness

• Overlooked in Global Conservation Policies: A survey of 100 conservation project managers found that 37% were unaware of it, and fewer than half had mitigation strategies.
• Key Biodiversity Policies lack explicit Measures: E.g., Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, etc.

The Need for a Global Perspective

• As nations work towards the 30×30 biodiversity goal (protecting 30% of land and sea by 2030), addressing biodiversity leakage is crucial.
• By adopting a more holistic, globally coordinated approach, policymakers can ensure that restoration efforts truly contribute to a sustainable future for biodiversity.

{GS3 – IE – Urbanization} Maharashtra Slum Areas Act, 1971

• Context (IE): Bombay High Court launched a landmark review of the Maharashtra Slum Act, 1971, as mandated by SC to address redevelopment issues.

Maharashtra Slum Areas Act, 1971

• Objective: Identifies, acquires, and redevelops slum areas to improve living conditions.
• Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA): A statutory body overseeing slum redevelopment projects.
• Developer Involvement: Private developers, in agreement with slum dwellers, fund redevelopment and provide free housing in exchange for saleable land.
• Incentives for Developers: Includes higher Floor Space Index (FSI) and lower-cost land acquisition.

Issues with the Act

• Delays in Redevelopment: Slum projects face prolonged delays, violating residents’ rights to shelter and livelihood.
• Case Backlog with many unresolved for over a decade.
• Weak Enforcement: Judicial rulings lack effective implementation, leading to persistent violations.
• Developer Misconduct: Abandonment, deadline breaches, and manipulation in project execution.
• Flawed Land & Eligibility Process: Manipulation in slum land identification and disputed verification of dwellers create legal challenges.
• Accountability & Governance Issues: Regulatory bodies lack independence, and developers exploit loopholes, reducing slum rehabilitation efforts.
• Concerns Over Vertical Slums: Redeveloped slum buildings often lack quality infrastructure & amenities.

{Prelims – In News} Solarpunk *

• Context (IE): Solarpunk was in the news.

What is Solarpunk?

• Concept & Focus: A sci-fi literary and art movement exploring sustainable civilisations through reimagined technology and infrastructure.

Solarpunk vs. Cyberpunk

• Cyberpunk: Marked by late-stage capitalism, extreme inequality, and corporate dominance.
• Solarpunk: Optimistic, emphasising sustainability, community welfare & environmental restoration.

Solarpunk in India

• Gandhian Ideals: Panchayati Raj, sustainable agriculture, resource conservation, and decentralisation.
• Indigenous Knowledge: Sacred groves, environmental conservation, and jugaad innovation contribute to sustainable practices.
• Contemporary Efforts: Growth in solar energy, wind power, electric mobility & circular economy.

{Prelims – S&T – Defence – Exercise} Exercise Desert Hunt 2025

• Context (PIB): An integrated Tri-Service Special Forces exercise named Exercise Desert Hunt 2025 was conducted by the Indian Air Force.

About Exercise Desert Hunt 2025

• Participants: Elite Para (Special Forces) from the Indian Army, Marine Commandos from the Indian Navy, along with the Garud (Special Forces) from the Indian Air Force.
• Aim: Enhancing interoperability, coordination and synergy among the three Special Forces units to ensure swift and effective response towards emerging security challenges.

{Species – Mammals} New Bat Species Discovered in Sri Lanka

• Context (TH): A new bat species, Hipposideros srilankaensis, endemic to Sri Lanka has been identified.

Hipposideros srilankaensis

• Family: Hipposideridae.
• Characteristics: Broad noseleaf structure distinct from  from the Indian Hipposideros brachyotus. Unique ear shape and cranial characteristics.
• Habitat: Found in dense forests to caves.
• Genetic analysis confirms distinctiveness from other Hipposideros species.

Source: IE

• Hipposideros brachyotus: A newly reclassified bat species, previously a subspecies of Hipposideros galeritus, now confirmed as endemic to India. Genetic and echolocation call analysis confirmed its distinctiveness from other bat species in the region.