Current Affairs – March 23-24, 2025

{GS1 – A&C – Art} Pottery in Indian Culture

Context (IE): Pottery in India has religious and cultural significance, playing a role in rituals, daily life, and historical transitions in material culture.

Evolution of Pottery in India

Neolithic Age (10000 BCE): The earliest pottery was handmade, rough & unglazed, later transitioning to foot-wheel techniques for shaping.
Chalcolithic Age (4500-2000 BCE): Characterized by Black and Red Ware (BRW), Black-on-Red Ware, and Ochre-Colored Pottery (OCP), marking distinct ceramic cultures.
Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1500 BCE): Featured Polished Ware, Harappan Burial Pottery, Ochre-Coloured Pottery (OCP), Black-Grey Burnished Ware, and Painted Grey Ware (PGW).

Source: IE

Vedic Age (1500-500 BCE): Painted Grey Ware (PGW) and Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) emerged, linked to Mahabharata and Ramayana events.

Source: Wikipedia

Mauryan Period (321-185 BCE): Widespread use of pottery wheel, with NBPW as advanced technique.
Kushana Period (1st-4th Century AD): Introduced Red Polished Ware with stamped designs, signifying a new ceramic phase in Bengal and North India.

Source: Wikipedia

Gupta Period (4^th-5^th Century AD): Redware dominated, with major findings in Ahichchhatra, Rajgarh, Hastinapur, and Bashar, reflecting refined craftsmanship.
Medieval Period (~1000 AD): Glazed porcelain was introduced through trade with China and Islamic merchants, marking a major stylistic transition.

Source: Wikipedia

Turko-Mughal and Rajput Period (12^th Century AD onwards): Persian influence led to glazed ceramics in Gujarat and Maharashtra, while Jaipur’s Blue Pottery became a renowned craft.

Source: Wikipedia

Usage of Pottery in Indian Culture

Practical Utility: Used for storing/cooking/transporting food & water across households & communities.
Religious Symbolism: Represents deities and divine presence in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, signifying prosperity and spirituality.
Hindu Practice: Used in auspicious rituals, filled with coconuts/mango leaves/flowers to invoke divinity.
Ritualistic Importance: Integral to ceremonies, marriages, and death rituals, including Purna Kumbha (symbolising fertility and abundance) and Amrit Kumbha (mythological nectar pot).
Buddhist Traditions: Found in stupas, eg- Purna Kumbha symbolises life, prosperity & sacred blessings.
Death Rituals: Involves carrying fire in a pot for the funeral pyre, breaking water pots before cremation, and collecting ashes for river immersion.

Pottery as a Reflection of Society

Material Culture: Reflects technological expertise and daily life.
Socio-Economic Status: Luxury pottery like NBPW is associated with elites; common pottery by masses.
Chronological Marker: Helps date ancient sites and trace civilisation development.
Technological Advancement: Transition from handmade to wheel-thrown pottery signifies progress in craftsmanship.

Comparison of Pottery Styles

Lota (India): Globular body, rimmed mouth, no handles; rests easily on soft surfaces.
Surahi (Middle East): Long neck, conical base, designed for ships and sandy terrain.
Amphora (Greece): Two-handled pottery commonly used for storage and transport.

{GS1 – A&C – Misc} Lapis Lazuli *

Context (TH): Lapis lazuli has been treasured for millennia for its striking colour.

Source: TH

Appearance: A deep blue metamorphic rock with polished lustre and golden pyrite specks, prized for its intense colour variations.
Composition: Contains lazurite (25-40%), with sulphur determining its blue intensity, pyrite adding golden flecks, and calcite reducing blueness.

Historical Significance and Trade

Linguistic Origins: Latin ‘lapis’ (stone) & Persian ‘lazhward’ (blue), emphasising historical significance.
Ancient traders imported lapis lazuli from Badakhshan as early as 1000 BC.
Found in Indus Valley Civilization (Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa) and ancient Egyptian artefacts.
Used in Mesopotamia, Persia, and later Renaissance Europe. Traded through the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, connecting Afghanistan to Europe via Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey.
Global Sources: Chile, Russia & US, with Badakhshan in Afghanistan, producing the highest quality.

Uses in Ancient Civilizations

Jewelry and Ornaments: Carved into beads, amulets and decorative items.
Pigment (Ultramarine): Ground into powder for Renaissance paintings and Egyptian cosmetics.
Religious And Symbolic Uses: Used in seals, burial masks, and statues.

{GS1 – Geo – EG – Water Resources} World Water Day 2025 **

Context (TH | BS| TH | TI): World Water Day (March 22) 2025 focuses on “Glacier Preservation”, highlighting the global water crisis.
World Water Day was first proposed at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. Officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993.

Water Crisis

Water crisis refers to a situation where there is insufficient access to clean, safe, and reliable water to meet the needs of populations. World Bank defines water scarcity as when the annual per-capita availability is less than 1000 cubic metres.
It hinders the achievement of SDG 6, which aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.

Global Water Crisis

Severe Water Shortages: Two-thirds of the global population faces water scarcity for at least one month annually, affecting over 2 billion people.
Projected Crisis: By 2030, 40% of the world’s population may suffer from severe water shortages, with 700 million people at risk of displacement due to droughts.
High-Risk Regions: Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and parts of the United States experience extreme water stress.
Urban Water Crisis: Cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Cape Town risk reaching “Zero Day” when water reserves deplete.

Water Crisis Situation in India

Limited Freshwater Resources: India holds only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources while supporting 17% of the world’s population. Freshwater scarcity is escalating due to climate change, rising demand, and over-extraction, particularly in agriculture.
Water Stress: As per NITI Aayog’s Composite Water Management Index report, India is experiencing the worst water crisis in its history, with nearly 600 Mn people facing high to extreme water stress.
Per Capita Water Availability: India’s annual per capita water availability was 1,486 cubic meters in 2021, which falls under the water stress category (less than 1,700 cubic meters). This is projected to reduce to 1,341 cubic meters by 2025 and 1,140 cubic meters by 2050.

Global Water Disputes

Pope Francis (2017) warned of an impending “world war for water.”
In 2023, global water trade was valued at $4.84 billion, with US, Germany & UK being major importers.
Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has escalated tensions between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan over Nile water rights.
India-Pakistan Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) faces challenges due to hydroelectric projects in J&K.

Key Causes of Water Crisis

Climate Change: Rising temperatures accelerate glacier melting, disrupting freshwater supply.
Over-extraction: Unregulated groundwater withdrawal, especially in agricultural areas (Punjab & Rajasthan), depletes reserves.
Pollution: Industrial and domestic waste contaminates surface and groundwater sources.
Inefficiency: High wastage in industries, domestic consumption & agriculture intensifies water shortages.
Impact of Bottled Water: Causes groundwater depletion, severe plastic pollution, and limits affordable access due to privatisation.

Water Conservation & Sustainable Measures

Water Conservation at Home & Community: Fix leaks, implement rainwater harvesting, use low-flow fixtures, and promote awareness in schools and workplaces.

Global Actions & UN’s Role

Human Right to Water (2010): Recognized by the UN as a fundamental right.
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Aims for universal access to clean water & sanitation by 2030.
UN Water Development Report 2025 by UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) on behalf of UN-Water highlights glacier preservation & integrated water resource management (IWRM).
- Glaciers store 70% of Earth’s freshwater, essential for drinking water, agriculture, and clean energy.
- Climate Threats: Rapid glaciers melt in the Himalayas, Andes, and Arctic disrupts freshwater availability, worsening global water scarcity.
- Urgent need to cut greenhouse gas emissions to slow glacier retreat and preserve freshwater sources.

Government Initiatives in India

Jal Jeevan Mission: Aims to provide 100% tap water coverage in rural households by 2024.
Jal Shakti Ministry: Formed by merging various ministries, it is responsible for clean drinking water, resolving inter-state water disputes, and Ganga rejuvenation.
Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA): Launched in 2019, JSA focuses on water conservation, recharge, and rainwater harvesting. Initially targeting 256 water-stressed districts, it now covers all 740 districts in India.
Atal Bhujal Yojana: Focuses on sustainable groundwater management and recharge, with priority in seven states facing critical groundwater issues.

Amrit Sarovars: Aims to create 50,000 water bodies, each covering one acre, for water conservation.

Nal Se Jal Scheme: Part of the Jal Jeevan Mission, this scheme aims to provide piped drinking water to every rural household by 2024.
Namami Gange Program: Focuses on pollution abatement and rejuvenation of the Ganga River to ensure clean water (Nirmal Dhara) and continuous flow (Aviral Dhara).
National Water Policy: Promotes water conservation and the protection of water resources, emphasising rainwater harvesting.
National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program: Aims to map and scientifically manage aquifers to ensure sustainable groundwater use.
Mission Sahbhagita: Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), this initiative encourages the participatory conservation and wise use of wetlands.

Steps for Global Water Crisis Management

Reviving Traditional Practices: Restore local water management systems (e.g., Johads in Rajasthan, Ahar Pynes in Bihar) and integrate them with modern rainwater harvesting to enhance sustainability.
Community-Led Conservation: Promote decentralised water management through models like Swajal Model (Uttarakhand) & groundwater rejuvenation programs, ensuring participatory water use.
Nature-Based Solutions: Enhance wetland restoration, artificial floodplains, and forest management to improve water retention, quality, and disaster prevention.
Efficient Water Use & Recycling: Adopt smart irrigation systems, reduce agricultural water wastage, and expand wastewater recycling and desalination technologies for sustainable water supply.
Technology & Data-Driven Approaches: Use real-time monitoring, AI & IoT for water tracking and develop advanced filtration systems for reuse.
Policy & Regulatory Interventions: Mandate rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and greywater management, strengthen groundwater laws & regulate industrial water use for long-term sustainability.
Public Advocacy: Promote educational programs, encourage sustainable habits (shorter showers, water-efficient appliances) & advocate water conservation policies at local, national & global levels.
Global Cooperation: Strengthen transboundary water agreements, encourage international collaboration, and develop joint crisis management strategies to address global water challenges.

Conclusion

By embracing the 5Ps: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace & Partnership, we can ensure sustainable water management for future generations.

{GS2 – MoMA – Initiatives} Buddhist Development Plan under PMJVK *

Context (PIB): Govt is implementing the Buddhist Development Plan (BDP) under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) in Ladakh and other Himalayan states.

Key Features of BDP

Extended Coverage: Now includes five additional states/UTs – Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Nagaland, Goa, and Puducherry.
Project Timeline: The completion period ranges from 12 to 36 months after the first instalment release.
Funding: Provided by the Government of India, State Governments, and UT Administrations.
Financial Support: Additional funding is provided through National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC) schemes.
Execution: Implemented by respective State/UTs; grievances addressed through CPGRAMS.
Skill Development: Includes training programs under “PM Virasat Ka Samvardhan” (PM VIKAS) for artisans and craftsmen.
Alignment with Aspirational Districts: 61 out of 115 Aspirational Districts with significant minority populations are covered under PMJVK.

About PMJVK

PMJVK: Restructured from the Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) in 2018 to provide education, health, and skill development infrastructure for minority communities.
Funding: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). Projects executed by State/UT; no direct funding to individuals or private firms.
Under: Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Coverage: Implemented in 1300 Minority Concentration Areas (MCAs) across 308 districts.

It is an area development programme under which community infrastructure and basic amenities are being created in the identified areas.
BDP under PMJVK: Aims to improve socio-economic infrastructure & livelihood opportunities for Buddhist communities in Himalayan regions.

Special Focus Areas

Minority Beneficiaries: Six notified minority communities as per the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 – Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Parsis and Jains.
Education, Health & Skill Development: 80% of PMJVK funds are allocated to these sectors.
Women-Centric Projects: 33-40% of resources are reserved for projects benefiting women.

Context (IE): Rajasthan introduced the Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Bill to address student suicides, regulate coaching institutes, and ensure a supportive academic environment.

Objectives of the Bill

Regulate Coaching Centres: Mandate registration for all coaching institutes operating in Rajasthan.
Prevent Commercialisation: Ensure coaching centres function within a student-friendly framework.
Protect Student Well-being: Create a supportive environment for competitive exam aspirants.
Ensure Accountability: Set legal scrutiny for institutes with 50 or more students.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Mandatory Registration: Coaching institutes must register within 3 months of the Act’s enforcement.
Minimum Standards: Tutors must be graduates, minimum space of one square meter per student, no misleading rank guarantees and no hiring of individuals convicted of moral turpitude.
Fee Regulations: Institutes must offer a pro-rata fee refund for withdrawals and cannot increase fees during an ongoing course.
Regulatory Authority: Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Authority to operate at state and district levels, chaired by the Higher Education Secretary and District Collector, respectively.
Transparency Measures: A state-level portal for monitoring, a 24×7 student helpline, and a mandatory website with tutor qualifications, course details, fees, and success rates.
Mental Health & Well-being: Mandatory psychological counselling, a five-hour daily class limit with weekly breaks, remedial classes for weak students, and first aid availability on-premises.
Student Safety Compliance: Coaching centres must ensure medical assistance and safety standards within their premises.
Strict Penalties: Fines of Rs 2 lakh for the first violation, Rs 5 lakh for the second, and cancellation of registration for repeated offences.
Monitoring Mechanism: Includes representatives from education departments, police, psychiatrists, coaching institutes and parents for oversight.

Criticisms to the Bill

Parental Opposition: Alleging the bill favours institutes, parents demand stricter fee regulations and penalties for coaching centres in student suicide cases.
Political Concerns: Removal of the Centre’s guidelines that required students to be 16 years or older claims the govt diluted provisions to benefit coaching centres.

{GS3 – IS – Issues} Hawala *

Context (IE): Hawala transactions linked to illegal activities in central India across Nepal & Myanmar.

What is Hawala?

Source: WSM

An informal method of money transfer that operates without physical currency movement.
Based on trust, transactions occur through a network of intermediaries called hawaladars.
Functions outside traditional banking systems, making it difficult to track transactions.

Origins and Evolution

Originated in South Asia during the 8^th century as a remittance mechanism.
Historically used for trade and finance before modern banking emerged.
Remains popular among expatriates in regions where formal banking is inaccessible or restricted.

How Hawala Works?

Involves two hawaladars at different locations facilitating fund transfers without actual money movement.
Example: A worker in Muscat deposits money with a hawaladar, receives a token, and shares it with the recipient in Lucknow, who collects an equivalent amount from another hawaladar.
Settlement between hawaladars occurs later through cash, property, or service exchanges.

Who Uses Hawala?

Migrant Workers: Used for remittances in regions with poor banking infrastructure.
Traders: Used for cross-border trade in countries with strict financial regulations.
Sanctioned Nations: Individuals from restricted economies eg-Iran use hawala to bypass capital controls.
Illegal Networks: Terror financing, money laundering, drug trafficking exploit hawala’s anonymity.

Key Features of Hawala

Trust-Based System: No legal documentation; transactions occur on mutual trust.
Anonymity: No official records, making it difficult to trace the money trail.
Cost-Effective: Lower fees than banks; often fee exemptions for expatriates.
Fast Transactions: Faster than conventional bank transfers, especially in underbanked regions.
Banned/Restricted: Many countries (eg-India), have outlawed hawala due to its unregulated nature.
Challenges in Regulation: Lack of formal records makes enforcement difficult; transactions often bypass financial oversight.

{Prelims – In News} Discovery of Life Beneath Antarctic Ice Shelf

Context (IE): Scientists discovered a thriving marine ecosystem beneath the Antarctic ice shelf after the A-84 iceberg broke away as part of the Challenger 150 mission.

Breakaway of A-84 Iceberg

The A-84 iceberg, measuring 510 sq. km, separated from the George VI Ice Shelf. This exposed an underwater region previously covered by 150-metre-thick ice for centuries.

Source: DailyMail

Key Discoveries

Thriving Deep-Sea Ecosystem: Discovered at 1,300 metres depth, hosting diverse marine life.
Unique Marine Species: Icefish, giant sea spiders, octopi & a one-metre-wide phantom jellyfish.
Ancient Organisms: Large corals, sponges & a vase-shaped sponge potentially hundreds of years old.

Source: IE

New Species Potential: Several unclassified species may expand understanding of deep-sea life.

Challenger 150 Initiative

A global deep-sea 8-day research exploration supported by UNESCO to study marine biodiversity & ecosystem functioning, capturing high-resolution images/videos while collecting biological specimens.
Remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian was deployed to examine the newly exposed seafloor.

Significance of the Discovery

Research builds on previous discoveries of bottom-dwelling life beneath the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf (2021) by the British Antarctic Survey.
Challenges conventional beliefs that deep-sea life depends solely on photosynthetic surface nutrients.
Demonstrates the existence of an independent nutrient cycle sustaining life under thick ice for centuries.
Scientists suggest ocean currents, glacial meltwater, or unknown factors as possible nutrient sources for deep-sea life.