Current Affairs – March 19, 2025

{GS1 – A&C – Sites} Indian Heritage Sites in News

• Context (IE): Indian heritage sites Santiniketan, Khajuraho Temples, Rani ki Vav, etc were in news recently.

About Santiniketan

Credit: Wikipedia

• Santiniketan: Residential school and centre for art based on ancient Indian traditions and on a vision of the unity of humanity transcending religious and cultural boundaries.
  • It represents a uniquely Indian example of a ‘total work of art’ (Gesamtkunstwerk) where life, learning, work and art, along with the local and the global, intertwined seamlessly.
• Established: In rural West Bengal in 1901 by renowned poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore.
• Rabindranath Tagore’s Vision: Santiniketan is an embodiment of Rabindranath Tagore’s vision and philosophy of where ‘the world would form a single nest’ using a combination of education, appreciation of nature, music and arts.
• Visva-Bharati: It is a public central university and Institute of National Importance in Shantiniketan.
• World Heritage Site: Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023 for its global cultural impact.

About Khajurao Temples

Credit: Wikipedia

• Khajuraho Temples: Located in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, Khajuraho temples were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050.
  • Khajuraho temples are mentioned in 1022 AD in travelogues of Al-Biruni.
• Famous Temples: Of the total 85 temples, today only about 20 temples survived. The largest and currently most famous surviving temple is Kandariya Mahadeva built in the reign of King Vidyadhara.
  • Other famous temples include Laxamana Temple, Chausath Yogini, Chitragupta Temple, etc.
• Architecture Style: Built with sandstone, these temples fall into Nagara-Style architecture. It is also famous for erotic sculptures.
• Exhibits Tolerance: They belong to two different religions – Hinduism and Jainism.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

About Rani-ki-Vav

Credit: UNESCO

• Rani-ki-Vav (Queen’s Stepwell): Built on the banks of the Saraswati River at Patan, Gujarat.
• Built: Initially built by Queen Udayamati in memory of her husband, King Bhima I of the Solanki dynasty, in the 11^th century.
  • They evolved over time from what was basically a pit in sandy soil towards elaborate multi-storey works of art and architecture.
• Purpose: The stepwell was constructed as a religious as well as functional structure and designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water.
• Architectural Style: Rani-ki-Vav was built in the Maru-Gurjara architectural style.
• National Monument: The property is protected as a national monument by provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites Act of 1958.
• World Heritage Site: In 2014 it is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.

Also Read>Dholavira.

{GS1 – MIH – Personalities} Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarakar *

• Context (IE): Ramkrishna Gopal Bhandarakar was in news recently.

• Born on July 6, 1837, in Malvan in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, he belonged to the first batch of graduates from Bombay University in 1862.
• Member of Legislative Council: As an educationist, he was elected to the Imperial Legislative Council in 1903 as a non-official member.
• In 1911, Bhandarkar was awarded by the British colonial government of India the title of Companion of the Order of the Indian Empire.
• Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute: Founded in Pune in 1917 to commemorate the work of R.G. Bhandarakar, the foremost pioneer of Scientific Orientology in India.

Credit: Wikipedia

Key Contribution

• Orientology: He made significant contributions to the study of Vedic literature, Sanskrit, and Indian epigraphy. His research helped in reconstructing India’s ancient past.
  • He participated in various international conferences held in London (1874) and Vienna (1886) on Oriental Studies and made invaluable contributions.
• Social Justice: In 1853, he joined Paramhansa Sabha, a secret society founded to oppose the evils of the caste system. He was also a member of Prarthana Samaj, founded in 1867.
  • While presiding over a conference of the depressed class in 1912, Bhandarkar asked the Hindus to eradicate untouchability.
• Women’s Upliftment and Empowerment: He sought out sanction in ancient Sanskrit and Pali texts in support of women’s education, widow remarriage and child marriage.
  • In 1885, Bhandarkar, along with noted social reformers Vaman Abaji Modak and Justice Ranade, established the Maharashtra Girls Education Society (MGE).
  • MGE society is the parent body of the 1^st native-run girls’ high school in Pune, known as Huzurpaga.

{GS2 – Governance – Initiatives} ‘Shishtachar’ Squads to Curb Harassment

• Context (TH): Delhi Police launches ‘Shishtachar’ squads to check sexual harassment in public spaces, inspired by UP’s ‘Anti-Romeo Squads.’

Key Features

• Team Composition: Led by an Inspector, with a Sub-Inspector, five male constables, four female constables, and one technical assistant from the Anti-Auto Theft Squad.
• Supervision: By Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) in the Crime Against Women Cell.
• Hotspot Identification: District DCPs will list high-risk areas for women’s safety.
• Routine Patrolling: Squads will patrol vulnerable areas daily and conduct drives at two key points.
• Surprise Checks: Plain-clothed officers will inspect public transport and report harassment.

Need for the Initiative

• Rising Crimes Against Women: Numerous cases of rape, molestation, and eve-teasing reported in Delhi.
• Law Enforcement Focus: Emphasis on legal enforcement over personal or cultural morality.
• Crime Deterrence: Visible police presence in vulnerable areas to prevent harassment.

{GS2 – IR – Groupings} 10^th Raisina Dialogue

• Context (IE): PM inaugurated the 10^th Raisina Dialogue on geopolitics. 2025 theme is ‘Kalachakra- People, Peace and Planet’, tackling sustainability, global stability and human development.

Raisina Dialogue

• Global Policy Forum: It has been held annually since 2016 in New Delhi on geopolitics and geoeconomics, hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs.
• It is modelled on the lines of Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue and the Munich Security Conference.
• Multi-Stakeholder Participation: Includes heads of state, policymakers, industry leaders, academics, journalists, and think tanks from around 125 countries.

Significance of Raisina Dialogue

• Diplomatic Engagement: Enables bilateral & multilateral discussions on key international issues.
• Strengthens India’s Global Role: Enhances India’s soft power, diplomatic outreach & policy influence.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Fosters cross-sectoral dialogue between govt, business & civil society.
• Addresses Emerging Global Challenges: Focuses on security, climate change, digital governance and economic stability.

{GS2 – IR – Groupings} Five Eyes Alliance *

• Context (IE): NSA Doval hosted an intelligence meeting with Five Eyes representatives.

• Formed during World War II, starting with the BRUSA Agreement (1943) between the US War Department and the UK Govt Code & Cypher School (GC&CS).
• UKUSA Agreement (1946) formalised this Strategic Intelligence-Sharing Alliance.
• Core Purpose: Multilateral intelligence-sharing to strengthen national security, cybersecurity, and counterintelligence operations.
• Expanded Membership: Canada (1949), Australia & New Zealand (1956).
• Five Eyes Intelligence Oversight and Review Council (2016): Ensures non-political oversight and security coordination.
• Significance: Enhances intelligence sharing on cyber threats and espionage while strengthening defence ties among English-speaking democracies.

{GS2 – Polity – Bodies – Constitutional} CAG in the Spotlight *

• Context (IE): A PIL challenges executive-controlled CAG appointments, seeking independence amid concerns over financial irregularities and effectiveness.

Role and Significance

• Constitutional Authority: Established under Articles 148-151, appointed by the President, and removed like a Supreme Court judge to ensure independence.
• Financial Autonomy: Expenses charged to the Consolidated Fund of India; post-retirement ineligibility for employment in government prevents influence.
• Audit Functions: Examines Union, state, PSU, and public-funded body accounts through compliance, performance, and financial audits.
• Legislative Reporting: Submits reports to Parliament and state legislatures via the President/Governor for scrutiny.
• Guardian of Public Funds: “Watchdog of public purse”, ensuring financial discipline & accountability.
• Parliamentary Oversight Support: Aids Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU) in enforcing executive accountability on financial matters.

Issues in CAG’s Appointment and Functioning

• Lack of Independent Appointment Process: Executive unilaterally appoints the CAG without a selection panel, allowing potential political influence.
• Absence of Defined Criteria: No merit-based selection process, leading to concerns over neutrality.
• Financial Irregularities Exposed: ₹2,002 crore loss (Delhi Excise Policy), fund misuse (CAMPA), fiscal violations (Kerala off-budget borrowing), overpricing (COVID-19 PPE procurement in Kerala).
• Criticism of Colonial Auditing Approach: Paul Appleby Report warned excessive scrutiny could restrict decision-making and hinder governance.
• Weak Legislative Oversight: Delayed report presentation reduces effectiveness, while PAC’s short tenure, lack of expertise, and non-binding recommendations limit impact.
• Perceived Political Targeting: Some CAG reports are seen as biased against state governments, raising concerns over fairness.

Proposed Reforms for a Stronger CAG

• Independent Appointment Process: A neutral selection committee to prevent political influence.
• Multimember CAG Structure: Introduce collective decision-making for better audit assessments.
• Internal Audit of CAG: Self-regulation mechanisms to enhance transparency & accountability.
• State-Level Audit Bodies: Create separate state auditors to prevent fiscal federalism disputes.
• Global Best Practices: Follow models of Australia, Canada & US of distinct federal and state auditors.
• Timely Report Submission: Set mandatory deadlines to ensure effective legislative scrutiny.
• Strengthening PAC: Expert involvement, long tenure, binding recommendations for stronger oversight.

Reforms Recommended by Vinod Rai

• Expand the coverage of CAG to include all entities that receive public funds or provide public goods, such as PRIs and government-funded societies.
• PPPs are a popular medium for the execution of infrastructure projects worth millions of rupees, but they are not currently audited by the CAG, and there is no independent oversight of these projects.
• Introduce a Collegium-type mechanism to appoint a new CAG, similar to how the CVC is chosen, to ensure independence and impartiality.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Diseases} Human Coronavirus HKU1

• Context (IE): Human coronavirus HKU1 is not a novel virus and poses no pandemic threat.

• First identified in 2005, HKU1 is a human coronavirus causing mild respiratory illness, primarily affecting the upper respiratory tract.
• Nature of Virus: Unlike Covid-19, it does not cause severe outbreaks and is generally self-limiting.
• Symptoms: Cough, runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, headaches, low-grade fever; severe cases may cause pneumonia or bronchitis.
• High-Risk Groups: Elderly, children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals.
• Modes of Transmission: Spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact & contaminated surfaces.
• Prevention Measures: Hand hygiene, mask-wearing, covering mouth/nose while coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact when sick.
• Treatment: No specific antiviral treatment; symptomatic treatment and supportive care is recommended.

{GS3 – S&T – IPR – GI} G.I. Products of Bihar *

• Context (IE): Recently, G.I. products of Bihar, Katarni Rice, Magahi Paan and Shahi Litchi were in the news.

About Katarni Rice

• Katarni Rice: Aromatic, short-grain rice grown in Bhagalpur, Banka and Munger districts of Bihar.
  • Its slender grains and aromatic flavour make it ideal for preparing beaten rice (Chura) during festivals.
• Decrease in cultivation: Mainly due to increased irrigation cost, higher production of other paddy varieties, declining demand, etc.
• Geographical Indication (G.I.) Tag: It was given a GI tag in 2018.

About Magahi Paan

• Magahi Paan: Traditional crop variety of Betel leaf cultivated mainly in the Magadh division of Bihar.
  • Mainly cultivated in Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada and Nalanda districts.
• GI Tag: It was given a GI tag in 2018.

About Shahi Litchi

Credit: Telegraph India

• Shahi Litchi: Mainly grown in Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Vaishali, and surrounding regions of Bihar.
• Production: India is the 2^nd largest producer of litchi (Litchi chin) in the world, after China. Bihar tops in terms of production of litchi.
• GI Tag: It was given a GI tag in 2018.
• Climate: Litchi requires a subtropical climate, having 2-3 months of dry, cool autumn and winter before flowering in March. Frost in winter is injurious for plants.
  • A temperature range of 15-20°C favours flowering and above 20°C for fiuit set.
• Soil: A fairly deep well, drained sandy loam or clayey loam soil rich in organic matter content with a pH ranging between 5.5 and 7 is the ideal soil for litchi cultivation.
• Fruit Cracking: Shahi litchi is known to be prone to heavy fruit cracking.
• Benefits: Shahi litchi is rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

Read More> G.I. Tag.

{Prelims – In News} Pi Day

• Context (TH): Recently, Pi Day was celebrated around the world.

• Pi Day: Celebrated on March 14 every year. The date was chosen because it can be written 3/14 — the first three digits of an infinite number with many practical uses.
• Pi Day dates to 1988 when physicist Larry Shaw began celebrations at a science museum in San Francisco. In 2009, the US Congress officially designated every March 14 to be Pi Day.
• Significance of March 14: Apart from Pi Day, it is also Albert Einstein’s birthday. The value of pi was used in many of his breakthrough theories. Physicist Stephen Hawking also died on March 14, 2018.

What is Pi?

• About Pi: It is considered a constant number. It is also mathematically irrational, meaning it has an infinite number of decimal places without repeating.
• Value of Pi: The approximate value of pi is 3.14159, but it is often rounded to 3.14 for simplicity.
  • The first algorithms that calculated pi up to record-setting lengths of several million digits were based on formulae published by Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan in 1914.
• Symbol: In 1706, mathematician William Jones started using the Greek symbol (π) for pi.
  • It comes from the first letter of “periphery” and “perimeter,” as pi represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.

Applications of Pi

• Mathematics: It figures into numerous formulas used in physics, astronomy, engineering, and other fields, dating back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, Babylon, and China.

• Space: Space agencies like ISRO use pi to calculate orbits, positions of planets, elements of rocket propulsion, and spacecraft communication.
• Air Conditioning System: Pi is also useful in determining the necessary scale of a tank that serves heating and air conditioning systems in buildings of various sizes.

{Prelims – In News} Truth Social

• Context (IE): Indian PM joined Truth Social, owned by Trump Media & Technology Group.

• Social Media Platform: Created in 2022 by Donald Trump’s TMTG after he was banned from mainstream platforms like Twitter (X) and Facebook.
• User Interface: Similar to X, where users post ‘Truths’, which can be reshared and replied to.
• Available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store after agreeing to stricter moderation policies.

How is Truth Social Different?

• Claims to promote free speech with minimal censorship but is dominated by conservative voices.
• But anti-Trump content faces restrictions.

{Prelims – PIN World – Africa} Port Louis

• Context (IE): Indian Navy’s INS Imphal visited Port Louis as part of a goodwill mission.

Port Louis

• Location: Capital city of Mauritius, situated on the Indian Ocean.
• Economic Significance: Major port and financial hub, facilitating trade, tourism, and investment.
• Rich colonial history, diverse heritage, and a blend of African, Indian, French, and Chinese influences.
• Geopolitical Relevance: Strategic location enhances India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and maritime cooperation.

INS Imphal: A Technological Marvel

• Class and Design: Third of four Project 15B (Visakhapatnam-class) destroyers, designed by the Indian Navy and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders.
• It is powered by Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion.
• The ship can reach a maximum speed of 30 knots and a maximum range of 4000 nautical miles.
• Helicopter Support: Carries two advanced multi-role helicopters for reconnaissance & rescue missions.
• Multi-Mission Capabilities:
  • Anti-surface warfare (engaging enemy ships).
  • Anti-air warfare (defence against aerial threats).
  • Anti-submarine warfare (detecting and neutralising submarines).
  • Electronic warfare (disrupting enemy communications and radars).

Also refer to Indo-Mautitius Relations.