Current Affairs – May 07, 2025

{GS1 – A&C – Sites} Pre-historic Tools in Mangar

• Context (HT): Prehistoric tools belonging to the Lower Palaeolithic age were found in Mangar Bani Forest of Aravali in Haryana.

Key Findings

• The exploration unveiled a collection of over 200 artefacts, including stone tools that bear testament to the presence of Homo erectus – a human species from the Pleistocene age.
  • Pleistocene age began about 2.6 million years ago and ended 11,700 years ago.
• Tools: Cleavers, handaxes, and various types of scrapers
• Material: Locally sourced sandstone and quartzite
• Use: The tools we discovered were likely used for various tasks, from butchering animals and cutting trees to cleaning hides and polishing wood.
• Significance: These tools provide clues to the daily lives of the hunter-gatherer populations in the Acheulian (Lower Palaeolithic) cultural phase.
  • Acheulian cultural phase existed around 200,000 to 500,000 years ago.

Mangar Bani

• It is a Palaeolithic archaeological site and sacred grove hill forest perched next to the Mangar village on the Delhi-Haryana border.
• It is the Indian subcontinent’s largest neolithic tool-making site, dating back to 100,000 years Before the Present (BP).
• It is also the 1^st ever site discovered in the Aravalli range containing cave paintings, which date back to 20,000-40,000 BP.

{GS2 – IR – India-Pakistan} India Curtails Chenab River Flow *

• Context (IE): Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India reduced water flow through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River as coercive signalling in response to Pak’s alleged support for terrorism.

• Water Flow Halted: India stopped Chenab water flow by closing sluice gates of Baglihar and Salal dams, owing to which remnants of old structures like the 1933 Karan bridge in Pakistan became visible.

Chenab River

• Etymology: Name derives from Persian words Chan (Moon) and Aab (Water).
• Origin Point: Formed by the confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers at Tandi, Himachal Pradesh; both rivers originate on opposite sides of Baralacha Pass. Known as Chandrabhaga in its upper reaches.
• Course: Flows 974 km from Himachal through Jammu & Kashmir into Pakistan, joining Jhelum near Jhang and merging with the Sutlej at Mithankot before entering the Indus.
  • Geographic Passage: Flows west between the Siwalik (south) and the Lesser Himalayas (north), entering Pakistan’s Punjab plains.
• Tributaries: Includes Miyar Nalla, Sohal, Thirot, Bhut Nalla, Marusudar and Lidrar.
• Indus Water Treaty (1960): Allocated the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) to Pakistan, allowing India limited use for domestic, non-consumptive, agricultural, and hydroelectric purposes.
  • India can withdraw specific cusecs for Ranbir and Pratap Canals and is allowed to build run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects.
  • Past Disputes: Pakistan objected to the original height of Baglihar; India reduced the height and pondage capacity to accommodate concerns.
• Key Dams on Chenab River: Salal (rockfill dam), Aalal (concrete dam), Baglihar, Dul.

Baglihar Dam

• Type and Location: Run-of-the-river hydroelectric project on the Chenab River in Doda district, Jammu & Kashmir.
• Dam Specifications: 144.5 m high and 363 m long concrete gravity dam with a 475 million m³ reservoir.
• Power Generation: Total installed capacity of 900 MW in two phases (450 MW each), completed in 2 phases, in 2004 and 2008.

Salal Dam

• Type and Location: Run-of-the-river project on Chenab River in Reasi (J&K), with capacity of 690 MW.
• Built Under Treaty: India’s first dam under the Indus Water Treaty; completed post-1978 bilateral concessions with Pakistan.
• Power Distribution: Supplies electricity to J&K, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, etc.

{GS2 – IR – India-UK} India-U.K. Social Security Pact and FTA 2025 **

• Context (TH | IE): India and the U.K. signed a Social Security Pact and a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA), after three years of negotiations.

Double Contribution Agreement

• A Double Contribution Agreement exempts temporary workers from contributing to the host country’s social security, helping avoid dual payments.
• India already has similar agreements with Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, France, Denmark, South Korea, and the Netherlands.

Social Security Pact

• Purpose of Pact: To remove the mandatory National Insurance contributions for short-term Indian workers in the UK, addressing a long-standing demand of Indian companies.
• EPFO Continuity Permitted: Eligible Indian professionals can continue EPFO contributions in U.K.
• Contribution Exemption: Indian employees on short-term assignments in the U.K. are exempted from social security payments for up to 3 years.
• Cost Relief for Indian Employers: They save on dual contributions towards British social security funds.
• Equitable Benefits Assurance: Ensures Indian professionals do not lose out on social security benefits despite temporary postings abroad.

Free Trade Agreement

• Zero-Duty Access for Indian Exports: 99% of Indian exports to enter the U.K. market duty-free.
• Tariff Reductions by India: 90% of tariff lines are to be reduced, with 85% of them becoming fully tariff-free within 10 years.
• Key Indian Export Beneficiaries: Textiles, marine products, leather, footwear, gems and jewellery, auto parts, organic chemicals, sports goods, engineering goods.
• Cheaper U.K. Goods for Indian Consumers: Lower tariffs on cosmetics, medical devices, aerospace components, soft drinks, chocolate, biscuits, lamb, salmon and electrical machinery.
• Reduced Tariffs on Automobiles and Spirits: Auto tariffs cut from over 100% to 10% under quota; Whisky and gin tariffs halved from 150% to 75% and reduced to 40% by the 10^th year.
• Expanded Work Quotas and Mobility: Higher access for Indian professionals across sectors in the U.K.

Strategic Drivers of the FTA

• Post-Brexit Realignment: U.K. seeks alternate large markets after leaving EU’s Single Market.
• China-Plus-One Strategy: Western firms diversifying supply chains due to overdependence on China.
• India’s RCEP Non-Participation: India seeking alternatives to China-led RCEP by pursuing bilateral FTAs.
• Economic Pressures in the U.K.: FTA part of U.K.’s strategy to fight cost-of-living crisis and revive growth.

Implications of the Deal

• Bilateral Trade Boost: Annual trade expected to increase by £25.5 Bn by 2040 (2024 trade at £42.6 Bn).
• U.K.’s Largest Bilateral Deal Post-Brexit: Touted as the most economically significant FTA signed by the U.K. since 2020.
• Market Access for Indian Services: Greater mobility & recognition for Indian professionals in UK.
• Potential Limits for India: GTRI report highlights limited new trade gains, as most Indian goods already enjoy low or zero tariffs.
• Strategic Deepening of Ties: Strengthens India-U.K. relations across trade, mobility and global cooperation platforms.

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Civil Defence Mock Drills

• Context (IE): Amid rising India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam attack, the Centre has ordered all states and UTs to hold mock drills on May 7 and boost civil defence in 244 key districts.

• States and UTs have been asked to operationalise air raid warning sirens, implement crash blackout measures in selected areas and train civilians, including students, on safety protocols to follow during an aerial or ground assault.
• The Centre has also asked to activate Civil Defence Services, especially warden services, firefighting, rescue service, depot, updation of the Civil Defence Plan, etc.
• Other key measures include rehearsals of evacuation plans and early camouflaging of vital installations such as power plants and military-linked infrastructure.
• These mock drills are conducted under the Civil Defence Act of 1968.

History of Civil Defence in India

• Pre-independence: India’s 1^st experience with civil defence drill dates back to the World Wars.
• Post Independence: Civil defence initially focused on raising awareness and preparing paper plans for major cities and towns.
• After the 1962 and 1965 War: The 1962 Chinese aggression and the 1965 war with Pakistan prompted a re-evaluation of civil defence, which led to the Civil Defence Act in 1968.
  • The last such elaborate drills were conducted in the country during the build-up of the 1971 war.
• Up to 1985, all Civil Defence preparedness was restricted against the threat of conventional weapons. Following this, the government also took into consideration nuclear threats.

Government’s Powers Under the Civil Defence Act of 1968

• Restrictions on Movement: It empowers the government, in times of emergencies, to restrict movement, impose curfews, control assemblies, close roads, ports, and transport services as needed.
• Detention Powers: The government may detain or arrest a person without the usual legal process and even order the killing of animals.
• Property and Resource Control: It also enables the government to acquire property, requisition services, and regulate the supply and distribution of goods (especially essential ones).
• Mandatory Service: The government can direct individuals or classes of persons to perform specific work or duties and control industries crucial to national security.
• Media and Communication Censorship: It also empowers the government to regulate or censor communications, publications, and broadcasts.

How Will These Impact the General Public?

• Direct Participation Civil Defence Units: District controllers, various district authorities, civil defence wardens/volunteers, home guards, National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme volunteers, Nehru Yuva Kendra volunteers and students in general.
• Everyday Life Of the Public Tends to Get Affected In Notified Districts:
  • Notified towns and cities may have to deal with sudden power outages briefly.
  • Following an air raid warning, all vehicular traffic in a notified area must halt, and passengers are expected to take shelter and take other precautionary measures.
  • Occupants of vulnerable areas may be evacuated and moved to shelters, bunkers or trenches.

What are Civil Defence Districts?

• Definition: Civil Defence Districts are demarcated areas or regions, including towns and districts, which the government designates to implement civil defence programmes.
• Demarcation: These are demarcated on the recommendation of the Ministry of Defence. These demarcations are made based on the –
  • Location of the Towns or Districts: near the borders, vulnerable to attacks, etc.
  • Location Of Vital Installations: such as defence installations, nuclear plants, thermal power plants,
  • Key Government Buildings and Critical Infrastructure: Key highways, railways, ports, etc.
• Total Civil Defence Districts: There are 259 Civil Defence Districts, as notified by the MHA in 2010. These are spread across all states and UTs and divided into three categories.
  1. Category I districts (13) require full implementation of civil defence programmes.
  2. Category II (201)
  3. Category III (45) requires partial implementation in varying degrees.
• Statewise Civil Defence Districts: The maximum number of such districts (32) are in West Bengal, followed by Rajasthan (28), Assam (20) etc.
• According to an MHA communication (Jan 2023), the Centre has “identified 295 vulnerable towns/ districts of the country where Civil Defence measures need to be implemented during peacetime”.

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Ghassem Basir Ballistic Missile

• Context (NDTV): Iran unveiled a solid-fuel ballistic missile named the Ghassem Basir ballistic missile.

Key Features

• It is a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM).
• Range: Approximately 1,200 kilometres, enabling it to reach targets across the Middle East.
• Propulsion: A solid-fuel system allows for quicker launch readiness and longer storage life compared to liquid-fueled missiles
• Guidance System:
  • Optical and Thermal Imaging: Equipped with a thermal imaging sensor, the missile can identify and home in on targets using heat signatures during its terminal flight phase.
  • Inertial Navigation System (INS): Provides guidance without relying on GPS, enhancing resistance to electronic jamming.
• Maneuverable Reentry Vehicle (MaRV): Designed to perform evasive manoeuvres during the terminal phase, increasing its ability to bypass advanced missile defence systems like THAAD and Patriot.
• Warhead: Approximately 500 kg, capable of delivering substantial payloads to designated targets.

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} HawkEye 360 Technology

• Context (NOA): The US has approved the sale of HawkEye 360 technology to India to boost its maritime domain awareness in Indo-Pacific.

Key Features

• HawkEye 360 is a satellite-based surveillance technology. These satellites track radio frequency (RF) signals from ships, aircraft, vehicles, and coastal systems.
• It includes software, training, and support services. This system will enable India to detect vessels that have disabled their tracking systems.
• The sale of HawkEye 360 aligns with the Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) goals.

Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA)

• IPMDA is a technology and training initiative to enhance maritime domain awareness in the Indo-Pacific region and increase transparency to its critical waterways.
• Launched by: Quad countries (India, USA, Japan, Australia) in 2022.
• Aim: To enhance maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region through real-time information sharing.
  • It focuses on tracking “dark shipping” (vessels that switch off Automatic Identification Systems to avoid detection).

Benefits to Regional Partners

• IPMDA supports the ability of Indo-Pacific partners to rapidly detect and respond to a wide range of challenges involving illicit maritime activities like illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
• The initiative also involves regional information centres, helping to establish a common operating picture of the maritime domain across the Indo-Pacific region.

Read More> QUAD.

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Igla-S *

• Context (BL): An improved version of Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), Igla-S, was received by the Indian Army.

Key Features

• Russian-origin Igla-S missiles are portable, shoulder-fired weapons designed to bring down low-flying enemy aircraft, drones and helicopters with precision.
• It is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system that uses infrared (IR) homing to lock onto the heat signatures of aerial targets.
• Range: Up to 6 km away and at altitudes of up to 3.5 km.
• Its compact form makes it ideal for mobile ground units in high-threat zones.

Credit: Business Today

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Multi-Influence Ground Mine

• Context (TH): India has successfully test-fired an advanced underwater naval mine designed to enhance the Navy’s capabilities against modern stealth ships and submarines.

Credit: DRDO

Key Features

• Objective: The MIGM is a sophisticated naval mine designed to counter the growing threat posed by modern stealth ships.
  • Detect various influences, such as acoustic, magnetic, and pressure signatures generated by vessels.
• Developed by: It is indigenously designed and developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory, Visakhapatnam, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories.
• Deployment: It can be deployed from various platforms, including ships, submarines, and Cooperative Undersea Operating Platforms (COOPs).

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Operation Sindoor *

• Context (IE): Operation Sindoor is India’s most extensive counter-terror military strike in recent years, targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) in a retaliatory response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
  • Executed in the early hours of May 7, 2025.
  • Joint military operation conducted by the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Credit-SCALP Missile: MT, Loitering Munitions : sps

Primary Objective

• Eliminate high-value terror leaders and camps: Targeted key leaders and facilities of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen involved in cross-border terrorism.
• Neutralise terror launchpads: Focused on eliminating terrorist camps and launchpads used for training and preparing terrorists for infiltration into India.
• Prevent cross-border terrorism: Aimed to disrupt terrorist operations and prevent further infiltration of militants from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (Pok).
• Send a deterrence message: Delivered a clear message to Pakistan and terror groups that India will not tolerate cross-border terrorism and will retaliate decisively.

  

Targeted Locations

• Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK): Key terror hideouts and launchpads in PoJK were struck to prevent infiltration into Indian territory.
• Nine key locations hit:
  • Bahawalpur: Headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
  • Muridke: Major base of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
  • Muzaffarabad: Hizbul Mujahideen hideout
  • Kotli: Hizbul Mujahideen hideout
  • Rawalakot: Lashkar-e-Taiba camp
  • Peshawar: Jaish-e-Mohammed camp
  • Sialkot: Lashkar-e-Taiba training center
  • Islamabad: Jaish-e-Mohammed facility
  • Quetta: Lashkar-e-Taiba base

Weapons Used

SCALP Missiles

• Type: Long-range, air-launched cruise missile.
• Range: Over 300 km, with some sources claiming up to 560 km.
• Speed: Subsonic (Mach 0.8).
• Stealth: Designed for stealth, capable of evading radar detection.
• Guidance System: Terrain-following, GPS/INS, and infrared terminal homing for precise targeting.
• Warhead: 450 kg, capable of penetrating fortified bunkers and structures.
• Purpose: Deep strikes against high-value targets like command centres, terrorist camps, infrastructure
  • Effective in hitting well-protected or deep targets within enemy territory
  • Significance: Offer precision and high success rates in difficult-to-reach, fortified locations.

Loitering Munitions (Suicide Drones)

• Type: Precision-guided, autonomous or operator-controlled drones with warheads.
• Mode of Operation: Drones loiter above the target area, observing and waiting for the right moment.
  • Strikes occur by crashing into the target or using guided explosive mechanisms
• Flexibility: Operators can change targets mid-flight or abort the mission entirely.
• Purpose: Designed for precision strikes on concealed and time-sensitive targets like terror launchpads.
  • Allows strike capability without crossing enemy borders, reducing the risk of escalation.
• Significance: Offer enhanced accuracy and minimal collateral damage for hard-to-reach targets. A game-changer for India in future counter-terrorism operations, providing a strategic edge.

Significance

• First Use of Loitering Munitions: The Indian Navy deployed loitering munitions (suicide drones) for the first time, marking a significant advancement in precision strike capabilities.
• Enhanced Inter-Service Coordination: Demonstration of seamless coordination between the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, highlighting India’s technological and operational synergy.
• Measured and Non-Escalatory Retaliation: India’s response was precise, focused, and non-escalatory, targeting terrorist camps and leadership figures without provoking broader conflict.
• Assertion of Self-Defence Rights: Reinforced India’s right to self-defence under international law, acting in response to cross-border terrorism.
• Deterrence Against Terror Infrastructure: By targeting terror groups protected by state actors, the operation sent a strong deterrent message against harbouring or supporting terrorist activities.

{Prelims – PIN India} Northeast’s 1^st Geothermal Well Drilled In Dirang *

• Context (TOI): The Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS) has successfully drilled the northeast’s 1^st geothermal production well at Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district.

• The CESHS is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Science & Technology, Arunachal Pradesh govt.

About Dirang Geothermal Project

• The Dirang region has been identified as a medium- to high-enthalpy geothermal zone.
  • Reservoir temperatures are estimated at 115°C using mixing models, making it highly suitable for direct-use geothermal applications.

Significance

• The successful drilling marks a milestone in the region’s quest for sustainable energy.
• Once operational, the geothermal energy will power eco-friendly solutions, including fruit, nut, and meat drying, space heating, and controlled-atmosphere storage systems.
  • Vital for improving agricultural and living conditions in the state’s high-altitude terrain.

Also Read > Geothermal Energy.

{Prelims – PIN World – NA} Alcatraz Island

• Context (IE): US President Donald Trump announced plans to rebuild and expand the infamous Alcatraz prison, shut for over 60 years.

  

• Location: Rocky island covering 22 acres in San Francisco Bay, about 2 km off the coast of California.

{Species – Mammal – CR} Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis) *

• Context (DTE): An international team of scientists has mapped the genome of the Saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis), the rarest large land mammal in the world.

• Known as the ‘Asian unicorn’, the saola was only discovered in 1993. No scientist has ever observed a live saola in the wild.

  

  Credit: DTE & IUCN

• Estimated Population: 50–300 individuals (as of 2015). It is the only species in the genus Pseudoryx.
• Distribution: Annamite Mountains region of Laos and Vietnam.
• Habitat: Wet Evergreen Forest.
• Physical Features: Two parallel horns with sharp ends, which can reach 20 inches long, are found in both males and females.
  • Saola has striking white facial markings and large glands on the muzzle.
• Diet: The saola fed on all plants and preferred the Sterculiaceae species.
• Conservation Status: IUCN: Critically Endangered I CITES: Appendix I
• Major Threats: Snaring, Habitat loss, Lack of care in captivity (all 1990s captures died), etc.