Current Affairs – March 11, 2025

{GS1 – A&C – Religion} Dalai Lama Reincarnation *

Context (IE): The Dalai Lama reincarnation debate intensified with recent discussions on whether the Dalai Lama can determine his successor independently or if China holds authority over the process.

Reincarnation in Buddhism

Reincarnation: In Buddhism, reincarnation is the idea that consciousness continues after death and is reborn into another life.
Samsara: The cycle of rebirth is called samsara, and it is an ongoing cycle of life, death and rebirth.

How Does Reincarnation Work in Buddhism?

Karma: Actions in a previous life determine what someone is reborn as. Good actions lead to good rebirths, and bad actions lead to bad rebirths.
Rebirth Realms: Rebirth can occur in realms of gods, demi-gods, humans, animals, ghosts, and hell.
Liberation: Buddhism teaches that by following Noble Eightfold Path, one can attain Nirvana (liberation) and be free from rebirth.

Avalokiteshvara

Avalokiteshvara, a revered bodhisattva in Buddhism, is especially prominent in Mahayana (“Greater Vehicle”) traditions. He is known as the embodiment of infinite compassion and mercy.
- The term bodhisattva was used primarily to refer to the Buddha Shakyamuni (as Gautama Siddhartha is known) in his former lives.
Avalokiteshvara supremely exemplifies bodhisattva’s resolve to postpone his own Buddhahood to help every sentient being on earth achieve liberation (moksha) from suffering (dukkha) and samsara.

Dalai Lama

Avalokiteshvara in Tibet: The Dalai Lama is revered as the emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, making him the spiritual and national symbol of Tibet.
Dalai Lama’s Institution: Since Gedun Gyatso was recognised as reincarnation of Gedun Drub in 15^th century, Dalai Lama’s institution was established and successive reincarnations have been recognised.
As Political Head: Since the 5^th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1642), Dalai Lamas served as both political and spiritual leaders of Tibet for 369 years until the political role was abolished in 2011.
The 14^th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

Will There Be a Next Dalai Lama?

The Dalai Lama has repeatedly stated that only the Tibetan people have the right to decide whether the institution should continue.
Tibetan religious and political bodies, including 14^th Tibetan Religious Conference, maintain that only Dalai Lama himself and Tibetan Buddhist traditions can determine the legitimacy of a successor.
- They have strongly affirmed that Tibetans will not accept a Chinese-appointed Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama has consistently reiterated that if the issue of Tibet is not resolved during his lifetime, his reincarnation will be born in a free country.

China’s Position and the Geopolitical Context

China maintains that the selection of the Dalai Lama follows historical conventions and must comply with Chinese laws.
- It insists on selecting a Dalai Lama within Tibet, similar to its appointment of the Panchen Lama, which Tibetans widely reject.
However, Tibetans and international observers view this as a strategy to control Tibetan Buddhism and legitimize China’s rule over Tibet.

Implications for India and Global Politics

India hosts Dalai Lama and Tibetan government-in-exile, making it a key player in this issue. While India has upheld its commitment to One China Policy, it also values Tibetan cultural and religious autonomy.
The reincarnation debate is not just a religious matter but a significant geopolitical issue, influencing India-China relations, global Buddhist communities, and human rights discussions.

Read More > China-Tibet Dispute

{GS1 – A&C – Sites} Restoration of Jalanatheswarar Temple

Context (TH): The Chola-era Jalanatheswarar temple faces severe structural deterioration, and Kumbhabhishekam is overdue for 15+ years.

Kumbhabhishekam: A Hindu temple ritual that purifies and energises the temple by pouring sanctified water, uniting the deity’s mystic powers.

About Jalanatheswarar Temple

Location: Situated in Thakkolam village, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu.
Deity: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Jalanatheswarar (Prithvi Lingam, a lingam made of sand). His consort is Goddess Giriraja Kannikambal.
Construction: Built by the Pallavas in 6^th century, later expanded by the Cholas. The present masonry structure dates to the 16^th century Nayak period.
Architectural Features: A three-tiered gopuram, concentric granite walls, and a parched temple tank.
Religious Significance: One of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, glorified in the Tevaram hymns of Tamil Saivite Nayanars.

Source: Wikipedia

The 275 temples that are mentioned in Tevaram are referred to as the Paadal Petra Sthalam, meaning the temples that were sung in the verses. On the contrary, Vaippu Sthalam are temples that were mentioned casually in the songs of the text.

Historical Importance of Thakkolam

Ancient Names: Originally called Thiruvural, as mentioned in Saivite hymns. Also known as Aparajita-Chaturvedimangalam during the Pallava reign.
Chola Connection: During Chalukya King Vimaladitya’s reign, who married Kundavai (Rajaraja Chola’s daughter), the town was renamed Thakkolamana Thiruvuralpuram.
Battle of Thakkolam (949 CE): Rajaditya Chola (son of Parantaka Chola) was killed in battle against the Rashtrakutas.
Inscriptions: 51 inscriptions detailing land grants, gold donations, and temple endowments, found in the temple, include references to Pallava king Aparajita and Chola rulers. Rajakesari Inscription mentions a solar eclipse in 894-895 CE, confirming Aditya I’s reign from 870-907 CE.

Context (IE): The wife of Oscar winner actor died from Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS).

Hantavirus: A family of rodent-borne viruses that can cause serious illness and death in humans.
- HPS is endemic to the Western Hemisphere.
Transmission: Infected rodents spread the viruses through their urine, faeces, and saliva.
- They do not typically transmit from person to person, although rare cases of human-to-human transmission have been reported with certain strains, such as the Andes virus.
Types: There are different types of hantavirus depending on the region, and each hantavirus is specific to a different rodent host.
- The most common HPS-causing hantavirus is carried by the deer mouse.
- Haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is another group of illnesses caused by hantaviruses found primarily in Europe and Asia.
Population at Risk: People who live or work in areas where rodent populations are more. E.g., farmers, construction workers, those involved in cleaning old or unused spaces etc.
Symptoms:
- Early Stage: Flu-like symptoms i.e., fever, chill, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain etc.
- Advance Stage: Shortness of breath and a tightness in chest as the lungs fill with fluid.
Mortality: 38 % of people who develop respiratory symptoms may die from the disease.
Treatment: There is no known cure or treatment for HPS.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} 69^th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)

Context (TH): Union Minister for Women and Child Development will lead India’s delegation at the 69^th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) session at the UN
It marks the 30^th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

About the CSW

Establishment: Founded in 1946 by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
Mandate Expansion (1996): Assigned the role of monitoring the Beijing Declaration and integrating gender perspectives into UN activities.
Functions: Promotes gender equality, reviews progress on Beijing Declaration and sets global standards for empowerment. Recommendations & agreements forwarded to ECOSOC for further action.
Held Annually: Conducted at the UN headquarters in New York with participation from member states, civil society organisations, and the private sector.
Membership: 45 member states elected by ECOSOC based on regional representation (13 from Africa, 11 from Asia, 9 from Latin America and the Caribbean, 8 from Western Europe & 4 from Eastern Europe).
Role in Global Advocacy: Documents women’s status worldwide and addresses emerging issues like conflict impact on women.
Key Contributions: Drafted landmark conventions such as:
- Convention on the Political Rights of Women (1953).
- Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) (1979).
- Convention on Consent to Marriage (1962).

Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995)

Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing, September 1995) resulted in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, addressing critical issues for global gender equality.

Key Objectives of the Beijing Declaration

Global Equality: Promote equality, development, and peace for women worldwide.
Education Access: Ensure free, quality education for all women and girls.
Eradicating Violence: Eliminate violence against women through awareness, policies and programs.
Leadership Representation: Increase women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles.
Human Rights: Establish women’s and children’s rights as integral to universal human rights.

Core Aspects of the Beijing Platform for Action

Women’s Comprehensive Participation in all aspects of economic, social, cultural and political life.
Legal & Social Freedoms: Access to education, freedom from violence, and equal pay for equal work.
Gender Parity in the UN: Aim for 50% representation of women in UN administrative and decision-making roles by 2000.

India’s Participation at CSW 69

Focus Areas: Discussions on resourcing and accelerating the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Side Event (March 12): India, in collaboration with UN Women, will host a session on financial and digital empowerment strategies for women.

India’s Key Initiatives on Gender Equality

Women-Led Development Approach: Policies emphasising women’s participation in governance, economy, and digital sectors.
Financial Inclusion: Programs like Stand-Up India and MUDRA Yojana support women entrepreneurs.
Skill Development and Digital Empowerment: Initiatives such as Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) and STEM education promotion for girls.
Social Security & Safety Measures: Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana aim to promote gender equality; One Stop Centres for violence survivors & women’s helpline services.
Political Representation: 33% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions and proposed reservation in Parliament.

Legislative Protections for Women Empowerment

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (2005)
Domestic Violence Act (2005): Protection against all forms of abuse (physical, emotional & mental).
Dowry Prohibition Act: Outlaws dowry transactions, preventing exploitation during marriage.
Maternity Benefits Act: Guarantees paid maternity leave to support working mothers.
Equal Remuneration Act (1976): Ensures equal pay for men and women performing similar work.
Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act (2013): Legal protection for women against workplace harassment, inspired by the Vishaka Guidelines.

{Prelims – In News} Kavaru in Kochi’s Backwaters *

Context (TH): Undrained Pokkali rice fields and Vembanad backwaters witness ‘Kavaru’.

Kavaru

It refers to bioluminescence, a natural emission of light by microbes (bacteria, algae, fungi) in water.
Trigger Conditions: High salinity, stirring of water and movement of fish activate the blue glow.
Best Viewing Conditions: Dark nights without moonlight; vehicle headlights reduce visibility.
Color Variations: Appears blue in Kochi’s backwaters; suggests green hues in other regions.

Impact of Kavaru

Tourism Boost: Large crowds visit Chellanam and Kumbalanghi, increasing local economic activity.
Environmental Significance: Indicates ecological balance and the presence of diverse microorganisms.

Vembanad-Kol Wetland

It is the second-largest Ramsar Site in India after Sundarbans. It is also the longest lake in India.
Largest brackish lake in Kerala, spanning across the Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts.
It is below sea level and comprises paddy fields like Pokkali, Kayal, and Kole wetlands used for farming and aquaculture that are below sea level.

Pokkali Rice

Pokkali is a traditional rice variety grown in Kerala’s water-logged coastal regions, known for its ability to withstand saline water.
Cultivation Cycle: June to November – Rice cultivation when salinity is low; November to April – Prawn farming when salinity rises.
Growing Regions: Thrissur, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts.
Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: Recognized for its unique cultivation method and heritage.

Benefits of Pokkali Rice Cultivation

Climate Resilience: Thrives in saline conditions, making it suitable for coastal areas prone to flooding and climate change effects.
Sustainable Farming: Integrated rice-prawn rotation enriches soil without chemical fertilisers/pesticides.
Economic Viability: Increasing demand for organic and climate-resilient crops enhances market value.
Nutritional Value: High antioxidants & protein, low carbohydrates; preferred for diabetes management.

Challenges in Pokkali Rice Cultivation

Labor-Intensive Process: Requires specialised farming techniques, making it less commercially attractive.
Limited Cultivation Area: Requires specific saline and soil conditions, restricting its expansion.
Competition from Other Crops: Higher-yielding commercial rice varieties challenge its sustainability.

Best Practices and Conservation Efforts

‘Oru Nellum, Oru Meenum’ Project: A Kerala initiative enabling 2,000 acres of Pokkali farms to cultivate rice for six months and fish for the next six months, ensuring sustainable agricultural cycles.
Biodiversity Preservation: Pokkali’s genetic traits are valued for developing salt-resistant crop varieties.

{Prelims – PIN World – Europe} North Sea *

Context (TH): A cargo ship and a U.S. military fuel tanker collided in the North Sea.

Location: A marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, bordered by England and Scotland (west), the Netherlands, Belgium, and France (south), and Norway, Denmark, and Germany (east).

Marginal Sea: Partially enclosed by land but connected to a larger ocean; influenced by surrounding geography, climate, and ocean currents.

Economic Importance

Oil and Gas Reserves: Major offshore drilling operations, especially in the UK and Norway, contribute significantly to global energy production.
Fisheries: One of the richest fishing zones in the world, supporting economies of bordering nations.
Trade and Shipping: A crucial maritime route for European trade, connecting major ports like Rotterdam, Hamburg, and London.
Renewable Energy: A hub for offshore wind farms, contributing to Europe’s clean energy transition.

Concerns in/Threats to the North Sea

Oil & Gas Extraction: Erodes biodiversity, disrupts food webs and simplifies ecosystems.
Pollution & Spills: Industrial discharge & oil spills harm water quality and marine life.
Overfishing: Depletes fish stocks, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem balance.
Unregulated Shipping & Security Risks: Foreign ships without AIS (Automatic Identification System) and sabotage of infrastructure raise security concerns.
Climate Change Effects: Sea level rise and temperature shifts disrupt marine & coastal habitats.

Also refer to Gas reserves in India.

{Prelims – Sport} India Wins ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Context (IE): India won the third Champions Trophy title, beating New Zealand, hosted by Pakistan.

What is the Champions Trophy?

Champions Trophy: Originally called the ICC Knockout when it began in 1998 in Dhaka (Bangladesh). It was renamed as the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002.
Held: Every two years until 2009. After that, the event transitioned to a 4-year cycle.

Champions Trophy 2025

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Began in Karachi with a match between Pakistan and New Zealand.
Teams Participation: Top 8 teams from the 10-team points table of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
- Earlier, the Champions Trophy featured the top 8 ranked ODI teams.
Host: Pakistan was a host. However, India played all the games in Dubai.
- India played their first game against Bangladesh.
Final: India beat New Zealand by 4 wickets in Dubai and became the only team to win the Champions Trophy 3 times, in 2002, 2013, and 2025.
- Player of the Match: Rohit Sharma
Player of the Series: Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand).

Bernoulli Principle

During Champions Trophy 2025, Indian pacer Mohammad Shami appealed to ICC to lift the ban on using saliva to shine cricket balls that was introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In this context, it becomes essential to understand the Bernoulli Principle, which states that an increase in the speed of a fluid leads to a decrease in its pressure. This fundamental concept in fluid dynamics is key to understanding the aerodynamics of a swinging cricket ball.
According to Bernoulli’s principle, the faster-moving air on the seam side leads to lower pressure, causing the ball to swing in that direction.
As the ball gets older, one side becomes rougher while players maintain the shine on the other. This alters airflow behaviour. Cricketers traditionally used saliva to polish the ball, enhancing the contrast between the two sides to aid reverse swing.

Duckworth-Lewis Method (DLS)

DL Method: Statistician Frank Duckworth co-created the DL method with Tony Lewis. This method was first used in international cricket in 1997 and was fully adopted by the ICC in 1999.
DLS Method: In 2014, it was updated by Australian statistician Steven Stern and renamed the DLS (Duckworth-Lewis-Stern) method.
Use: When rain interrupts a cricket match, leading to a reduction in overs, or if rain disrupts the second innings, this method calculates the chasing team’s revised target.

{Species – Discovery} Discovery of Dulcibella Camanchaca

Context (ToI): Discovery of Dulcibella camanchaca in the Atacama Trench challenges previous assumptions about deep-sea life.

Dulcibella Camanchaca

New Discovery: A large predatory amphipod found at 7,902 meters in the Atacama Trench, representing a new genus and deep-sea biodiversity.
Unique Behavior: Unlike scavenging amphipods, D. camanchaca is an active predator, the first known in the hadal zone (below 6,000 meters).
Size: Measures under 4 cm but exhibits lethal hunting abilities.
Adaptations: Specialized raptorial appendages for capturing amphipods in a food-scarce environment.
Survival in Extreme Conditions: Endures high pressure, freezing temperatures, and complete darkness.

Source: ET

Atacama Trench (Peru–Chile Trench)

Location: Eastern South Pacific Ocean, off the coast of northern Chile.
Conditions: Exceeds 8,000 meters, among the deepest oceanic trenches, with intense pressure, near-freezing temperatures, high sediment loads, and complete darkness.
Isolation: One of the most geographically isolated hadal features, affecting its unique biodiversity.

{Species – Misc} Declining population of Butterflies

Context (IE): A new study found that the US lost 22% of its butterflies over the past 2 decades.

The study found the number of butterflies in the US has been falling on average 1.3% a year. America’s butterflies are disappearing because of insecticides, climate change and habitat loss.

About Butterflies

Butterflies: Butterflies, along with the moths and the skippers, make up the insect order Lepidoptera.
Species Diversity: There are about 28,000 species of butterflies in the world.
Physical Description: Butterflies (and moths) are the only group of insects that have scales covering their wings, although some butterflies have reduced scales.
- The bright patterns on butterfly wings are thought to serve many purposes, including attracting mates and deceiving predators.

Butterflies in India

Range: Butterflies are found in almost every part of India except very high snow-clad mountains.
Diversity: India is endowed with 1,504 different types of butterflies, i.e. 5.4 % of the world’s butterflies.
Examples: Common crow, plain tiger, Peacock Pansy, Indian Red Admiral etc.
Largest Butterfly: The Himalayan butterfly named Golden Birdwing (Troides Aeacus)
Smallest Butterfly: Quaker.

Significance

Pollination: Butterflies are very important to many plants that are dependent upon flower-visiting insects for cross-pollination.

Credit: Britannica

Indicator Species: Their presence in an area indicates a healthy environment and ecosystem.
Part of Food Chain: Serve as food for birds, spiders & other predators, maintaining ecosystem balance.

Threats

Habitat Loss: Deforestation, urbanisation, and agriculture destroy butterfly habitats, reducing places for breeding and feeding.
Climate Change: Climate change disrupts butterfly migration, food, and reproduction, causing population declines as species struggle to adapt.
Pesticides and Pollution: Chemical pesticides harm butterflies directly and reduce nectar-producing plants. Air and water pollution also negatively impact their survival.
- E.g., Overuse of pesticides has killed pollinators in Himachal Pradesh (Wildlife Institution of India).
Decline in Host Plants: Many butterflies rely on specific plants for laying eggs and feeding (e.g., Monarch butterflies need milkweed). The decline of these plants affects butterfly survival.

Conservation Measures

National Learn about Butterflies Day: Observed annually on March 14^th in US to increase awareness of butterflies, their importance to ecosystems.
Civil Society Organisations: Organizations like “Butterfly Conservation” and “The Xerces Society” are dedicated to protecting butterflies and their habitats.
India’s Measures: September is the National month of butterflies celebrated in India. India created a butterfly park in Gujarat.
- Maharashtra has become the first state in India to declare Blue Mormon as a state butterfly.