UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 March 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 March 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

 

InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents 

GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 March (2025)

1. Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

2. Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Baalpan ki Kavita initiative

 Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Dare2eraD TB Initiative

2. Third Battle of Panipat

3. India’s First Indigenously Developed MRI Scanner

4. DNA Polymorphism

5. India’s first zoo to preserve DNA samples

6. Rushikonda Beach regained Blue Flag certification

 Mapping:

1. Senkaku Islands

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 March 2025

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GS Paper 3 :

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Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

Syllabus: Agriculture

Source:  DTE

 Context: The FAO released the Third Report on the State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture on March 24, 2025.

• The report highlighted alarming dependency on nine crops and threats to global plant genetic diversity.

About State of the World’s Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (SoW-PGRFA):

• What it is:

• • A comprehensive assessment of the conservation, use, and status of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) at global, regional, and national levels.

• Report released by: Published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
• Aim:

• • To evaluate trends, gaps, and priorities in in situ and ex situ conservation of plant genetic resources.
  • To guide global action plans for safeguarding plant biodiversity and food security.

• History of the Report:
  • First Report (1998)

• • • Presented at the Fourth International Technical Conference in Leipzig, Germany (1996).
    • Based on inputs from 154 countries and 12 regional consultations.
    • First global assessment of PGRFA conservation status and management practices.

• Second Report (2010):

• • • Updated findings of the first report.
    • Highlighted changes since 1996 and focused on global conservation needs and gaps.
    • Emphasized linking conservation with climate resilience and food security.

Key Insights in the Third Report (2025):

• Crop concentration: 60% of global food comes from just nine crops (sugarcane, maize, rice, wheat, potatoes, soybeans, oil palm, sugar beet, cassava).
• Threatened diversity: Globally, 6% of farmers’ varieties (FV/LR) are threatened; in nine sub-regions, this exceeds 18%.
• Highest risk regions: Southern Africa, Caribbean, and Western Asia face the highest loss of genetic diversity.
• India’s scenario: Over 50% of documented FV/LRs across five agroecological zones are under threat.
• Ex situ collections: Over 5.9 million accessions conserved globally, with 41% safety-duplicated, many in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
• On-farm efforts: Around 35 million hectares in 51 countries cultivated with FV/LR to conserve genetic diversity.
• Climate threat: Frequent disasters impact crop diversity, with poor germplasm adaptation to local conditions post-disasters.

Challenges:

• Genetic erosion: Traditional crop varieties decline due to climate change, monoculture, and urbanization, threatening biodiversity.
• Funding gaps: Inconsistent financial support weakens gene bank operations and long-term conservation efforts.
• Lack of expertise: Shortage of skilled taxonomists and plant breeders hampers genetic resource management.
• Poor documentation: Incomplete data on plant genetic resources limits research and crop improvement.
• Seed system challenges: Limited access to quality, locally adapted seeds affects post-disaster recovery.

Way Ahead:

• Strengthen conservation: Integrate in-situ and ex-situ methods with community participation.
• Enhance funding: Boost investments in genebanks and explore public-private partnerships.
• Capacity building: Train professionals in plant breeding and genebank management.
• Participatory breeding: Engage farmers and Indigenous communities in developing resilient crops.
• Policy support: Promote crop diversification, local seed banks, and climate-adapted varieties.

Conclusion:

The third SoWPGRFA report underscores the urgent need to preserve crop genetic diversity for food security. Global collaboration, adequate investment, and community engagement are essential. Strengthening national systems will secure biodiversity for future generations.

PYQ:

 

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Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024

Syllabus: Disaster Management

Source:  PRS

Context: The Parliament has passed the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aiming to strengthen disaster response mechanisms.

About Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024:

Key Features and Amendments:

1. Disaster management plans: NDMA and SDMA will now prepare plans, replacing previous delegation to executive committees.
2. Expanded functions of NDMA and SDMA:
   • Periodic disaster risk assessments, including climate-related risks.
   • Providing technical guidance and minimum relief standards.
   • Preparing national and state-level disaster databases.
   • Conducting post-disaster audits and assessing state preparedness.
3. Urban Disaster Management Authorities:
   • To be set up in state capitals and cities with municipal corporations.
   • Headed by the Municipal Commissioner with District Collector as Vice-Chairperson.
4. State Disaster Response Force (SDRF):
   • Empowering states to form SDRFs with defined roles and service conditions.
5. Statutory status:
   • Given to the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and the High-Level Committee (HLC) for disaster financial oversight.
6. NDMA appointments:
   • NDMA can now specify staffing needs and appoint experts with Centre’s approval.

Need for the Amendment:

• Climate change: Rise in extreme climate events necessitates proactive disaster planning.
• Decentralization gaps: States faced difficulties with the 2005 Act’s execution framework.
• Strengthening institutions: Aims to create accountable, well-defined structures at national and sub-national levels.
• Data and tech integration: Need for real-time disaster databases and post-disaster audits.

Issues with New Disaster Management Bill, 2024

• Centralization concerns: Opposition claims excessive powers given to the Centre, undermining federal balance.
• Overlap with state powers: Potential encroachment on state authority in disaster planning and fund utilization.
• NDRF allocation control: Greater central monitoring may delay decentralized relief efforts.
• Omission of climate-induced disasters: Exclusion of phenomena like heatwaves from disaster definitions.
• Lack of dedicated state-specific relief budgets: States like Bihar demand region-focused disaster funding.

Way Ahead:

• Ensure federal balance: Respect state autonomy in disaster management execution.
• Incorporate climate change disasters: Update definitions to cover emerging threats.
• Transparent fund usage: Clear guidelines for state and district-level fund allocations.
• Strengthen local bodies: Capacity-building for District and Urban Disaster Management Authorities.
• Regular post-disaster audits: Transparent evaluations to improve readiness.

Conclusion:

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is a step toward strengthening disaster resilience in India. However, addressing federal concerns and climate realities is crucial. Collaborative, transparent, and proactive disaster governance will be key in safeguarding lives and livelihoods.

PYQ:

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

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Baalpan ki Kavita initiative

Context: The Ministry of Education has launched the “Baalpan ki Kavita initiative” to restore and promote Indian rhymes and poems for young children.

About Baalpan ki Kavita Initiative:

• What it is:

• • A national initiative to compile nursery rhymes and poems in all Bhartiya Bhasha and English focusing on culturally relevant themes for young children.

• Ministry: Launched by the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSE&L) under the Ministry of Education.
• Aim: To create a joyful and relatable learning environment for children by making them familiar with their cultural roots through poetry in their mother tongue.
• Features:

• • Preparation of a compendium of rhymes and poems from Indian languages and folklore.
  • Entries invited for Pre-primary (3-6 years), Grade 1 (6-7 years), Grade 2 (7-8 years).
  • Inclusion of both existing folklore rhymes and newly composed poems.

• Significance of the Scheme:

• • Promotes multilingual learning and cultural identity at the foundational learning stage.
  • Encourages regional literature and creativity.
  • Helps foster joyful learning, connecting education with Indian ethos.
  • Strengthens mother-tongue based education in alignment with NEP 2020 goals.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper 2:

• • Government policies and interventions: Focus on education policy implementation.
  • Issues relating to education and children: Initiatives to promote foundational literacy.

• GS Paper 4 (Ethics):

• • Emotional intelligence and empathy: Using cultural and linguistic roots to foster early emotional bonding and moral values.

• Essay Paper:

• • Can be used as an example in topics related to education reforms, cultural preservation, and early childhood development.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

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Dare2eraD TB Initiative

Source:  TH

Context: The Department of Biotechnology has completed sequencing 10,000 TB genome samples under the Dare2eraD TB initiative.

About Dare2eraD TB Initiative:

• What it is

• • Data-Driven Research to Eradicate TB (Dare2eraD TB) is a flagship program using genome sequencing to tackle drug-resistant tuberculosis in India.

• Launched in: Launched on World TB Day, March 24, 2022.
• Ministries/Organizations involved:

• • Led by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under Ministry of Science & Technology, in collaboration with ICMR and CSIR, along with the Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance Consortium (InTGS).

• Aims of the Initiative:

• • Conduct whole genome sequencing (WGS) of 32,200 TB strains from active TB cases.
  • Establish a biorepository of clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains.
  • Map genetic diversity and correlate with treatment outcomes.
  • Study household transmission dynamics and community-level spread.
  • Provide data-driven public health recommendations.

• Key Features:

• • Multi-laboratory network collaboration with RePORT India Consortium and National TB Elimination Program.
  • Sequencing and analysis at top institutes: ICGEB (Delhi), CCMB (Hyderabad), NIBMG (Kalyani), NIRT (Chennai), and analysis at NII (Delhi).
  • Data storage at the Indian Biological Data Centre (RCB, Faridabad).
  • Genome data integrated with epidemiological findings for actionable interventions.

• Achievements So Far:

• • 10,000 genome samples sequenced by March 2025 (1/3rd target).
  • 7% samples found resistant to single-drug therapy.

 

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Third Battle of Panipat

Source:  HT

Context: Maharashtra Chief Minister called the Third Battle of Panipat a symbol of Maratha bravery during a debate in the State Assembly.

• The Maharashtra government plans to build memorials in Agra and Panipat to honour Maratha valour.

About Third Battle of Panipat:

• What it is:

• • The Third Battle of Panipat was one of the largest 18th-century battles, fought between the Maratha Empire and the Afghan forces led by Ahmad Shah Abdali.

• Fought in: The battle took place on 14 January 1761 near Panipat, Haryana, around 95 km from Delhi.
• Fought between:

• • Maratha Empire, led by Sadashivrao Bhau and Vishwasrao.
  • Afghan forces, led by Ahmad Shah Abdali, supported by the Rohilla Afghans and Shuja-ud-Daula of Awadh.

• Causes of the Battle:

• • Maratha expansion: Rapid northward expansion under Peshwa Baji Rao and Nana Saheb.
  • Conflict over Punjab: Maratha invasion of Punjab in 1758 brought them into direct confrontation with Abdali.
  • Formation of anti-Maratha coalition: Abdali allied with Rohillas and Shuja-ud-Daula.
  • Religious and political power struggle: Islamic coalition vs. expanding Hindu Maratha influence.

• Key Events:

• • Marathas captured Delhi in August 1760.
  • Skirmishes along Yamuna; Marathas won at Kunjpura.
  • Abdali crossed Yamuna, cut off Maratha supplies, leading to siege and starvation.
  • On 13 January 1761, Maratha chiefs chose to battle instead of dying of hunger.
  • The final battle occurred on 14 January 1761; lasted all day, with heavy Maratha losses.

• Outcome:
  • Decisive Afghan victory: The battle ended with a clear win for Ahmad Shah Abdali’s forces.
  • Massacre of prisoners: After the battle, Afghan forces carried out a brutal slaughter. Nearly 40,000 captured Maratha soldiers were killed in cold blood.
  • Impact on Maratha expansion: The defeat halted Maratha advances in North India. For the next 10 years, Maratha political influence in the north weakened significantly.
  • Revival under Peshwa Madhavrao: In 1771, Madhavrao launched a strong comeback campaign. He successfully restored Maratha dominance in North India through strategic conquests.

 

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India’s First Indigenously Developed MRI Scanner

Source:  ET

Context: AIIMS New Delhi is set to install India’s first indigenously developed MRI scanner for clinical evaluation.

• The initiative aims to reduce dependency on imported medical devices and promote ‘Make in India’ innovation.

About India’s first indigenously developed MRI scanner:

• What it is:

• • The first fully indigenously developed 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner designed for advanced medical imaging and clinical trials.

• Developed by:

• • Developed by SAMEER (Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research), an autonomous R&D body under Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).

• To be installed in:

• • Planned installation at AIIMS New Delhi by October 2025 for clinical evaluation and feedback.

• Project under:

• • Developed under the national mission SCAN-ERA (Swadeshi Chumbakiya Anu-naad Chitran – Ek Rashtriya Abhiyaan), started in December 2014.

• Key Features:

• • Indigenous technology aimed at reducing treatment costs.
  • 1.5 Tesla MRI system designed to match global clinical standards.
  • Backed by government’s PLI scheme for medical devices.
  • Complements development of other critical devices like CT scanners, LINACs, and heart valves under PLI.

About MRI Scanner Working:

• Scientific principle behind working:

• • MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to align and excite protons in body tissues.
  • As protons realign with the magnetic field, they release energy, which sensors capture to create 3D anatomical images.

• Used for:

• • Imaging of soft tissues, brain, spinal cord, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
  • Detecting tumors, aneurysms, neurological disorders, and musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Functional MRI (fMRI) tracks brain activity during cognitive tasks.

• Risks associated:

• • Magnetic interference: Dangerous for patients with implants like pacemakers or cochlear devices.
  • Noise discomfort: Loud clicking sounds may cause discomfort; ear protection is recommended.
  • Claustrophobia: Patients may face anxiety inside closed MRI tunnels; open MRI systems address this issue.
  • Contrast agents: Risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in dialysis patients from gadolinium-based agents.

 

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DNA Polymorphism

Source:  TH

Context: DNA polymorphisms and their role in DNA fingerprinting were highlighted for identifying individuals, exonerating the wrongly accused, and solving cold cases.

• Recent advancements show extraction of intact DNA from 65,000-year-old remains, proving DNA’s stability and forensic significance.

About DNA Polymorphism:

• What it is:

• • DNA polymorphism refers to the variations in DNA sequences among individuals that help in distinguishing one person from another.

• Key Features:

• • Arises due to mutations or variations in the DNA sequence.
  • Found in both coding and non-coding regions of DNA.
  • Occurs in forms like single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and short tandem repeats (STRs).

• How they differentiate between people:

• • Polymorphisms cause unique DNA patterns that differ in length or sequence.
  • They help trace lineage and ancestry by identifying parental origin of chromosomes.
  • Variation in repeat numbers at specific loci creates a distinct genetic profile.

About Short Tandem Repeats (STRs):

• What they are:

• • STRs are short sequences of DNA bases (2–6 base pairs) repeated multiple times in a row.

• Key Characteristics:

• • Found at specific locations in the genome.
  • Highly polymorphic due to variation in repeat numbers among individuals.
  • Serve as the basis for DNA fingerprinting.

About DNA Fingerprinting:

• What it is: A technique to create a unique DNA profile for an individual using STR patterns, helpful for identification and parentage analysis.
• Organs that can be used: Blood, Saliva, Semen, Skin cells, and Teeth and Bones.
• Key Features:

• • Utilizes PCR and capillary electrophoresis for amplification and separation of STRs.
  • DNA fingerprints are unique for each person, except identical twins.
  • Used for forensic investigations, disaster victim identification, and organ donor matching.
  • Can analyze samples even from degraded or aged biological materials.

• Limitations:

• • Requires careful handling to avoid contamination.
  • Partial profiles may arise from degraded samples.
  • Cannot distinguish identical twins.
  • Privacy concerns regarding genetic data misuse.

 

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India’s first zoo to preserve DNA samples

Source:  TH

Context: Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling has become India’s first zoo to preserve DNA samples of Himalayan wildlife.

• The initiative aims to create a genetic bank or “frozen zoo” to aid future conservation efforts.

About Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park:

• Located in: Situated in Darjeeling, West Bengal, at an altitude of 2,150 metres (7,050 feet).
• Established in: Founded on 14th August 1958, as a joint venture of the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal.
• History:

• • Initially named Himalayan Zoological Park.
  • Renamed in 1975 in memory of Smt. Padmaja Naidu, former Governor of West Bengal.
  • Transferred to the Department of Forests, Government of West Bengal in 1993.
  • Operates under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.

• Features:

• • Largest high-altitude zoo in India spread over 67.8 acres.
  • Known for ex-situ conservation and captive breeding of species like red pandas, snow leopards, Tibetan wolves.
  • Focus on educating and spreading conservation awareness among locals and visitors.
  • Houses dedicated research facilities for animal health, behavior, and biodiversity conservation.

About India’s First Zoo to Preserve DNA Samples:

• Project Name: Popularly known as India’s first frozen zoo or DNA cryogenic conservation project.
• Aim:

• • Preserve genetic material of endangered Himalayan species for future research and conservation.
  • Facilitate assisted reproduction techniques and safeguard biodiversity from extinction threats.

• Implemented by:

• • Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in collaboration with Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad.
  • Collection of tissue samples from captive and deceased animals like red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan black bears.
  • Storage of samples in liquid nitrogen at -196°C in dedicated bio-banking facilities.
  • Project started in 2023, with 60 DNA samples collected so far.

 

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Rushikonda Beach regained Blue Flag certification

Source:  TH

Context: Rushikonda Beach in Visakhapatnam has regained its prestigious Blue Flag certification after temporary withdrawal due to compliance issues.

About Removal of Blue Flag:

• Organisation Responsible: The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Denmark, administers and monitors the Blue Flag certification globally.
• Procedure for Removal of Blue Flag:

• • In each country, a National Operator designated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is responsible for conducting scheduled and surprise control visits to Blue Flag beaches.
    • In India, Blue Flag India under the Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) acts as the National Operator.
  • Control visits are conducted by National Operator to assess compliance with 33 environmental and safety criteria.
  • Observations and recommendations are shared with local authorities.
  • Temporary withdrawal is implemented if issues are unresolved within 10 days.
  • After corrective actions, compliance is verified through audits before restoring the flag.

• Conditions for Removal:

• • Minor non-compliance: Single minor issue that does not affect health/safety; rectification required within 10 days.
  • Multiple non-compliances: Two or three minor issues; temporary withdrawal until resolved.
  • Major non-compliance: Any serious issue impacting visitor safety or environmental integrity leads to immediate and season-long withdrawal.
  • Climatic or unforeseen emergencies can also lead to temporary suspension of the certification.

About Rushikonda Beach:

• Located in: Situated in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Features:

• • Only Blue Flag-certified beach in Andhra Pradesh; first awarded in 2020.
  • The beach boasts beautiful golden sands and clear waters, making it a popular spot for relaxation and swimming.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 March 2025 Mapping:

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Senkaku Islands

Source:  DD News

Context: Japan has raised strong concerns over the longest recorded intrusion by Chinese Coast Guard ships near the disputed Senkaku Islands.

About Senkaku Islands Dispute:

• Location:

• • The Senkaku Islands are located in the East China Sea, northeast of Taiwan.
  • The group comprises eight uninhabited islands with a total area of approximately 7 sq km.

• Presently controlled by: The islands are currently administered and controlled by Japan since 1972.
• Disputed Nations: The dispute exists between Japan, China (Diaoyu Islands), and Taiwan (Diaoyutai Islands).
• History of Dispute:

• • After World War II, Japan renounced several territories, including Taiwan, through the 1951 Treaty of San Francisco.
  • Under this treaty, Nansei Shoto islands came under US trusteeship and were returned to Japan in 1971.
  • China began asserting its claim only after the discovery of potential oil and gas reserves in the 1970s.

• Significance of Senkaku Islands:

• • Strategic Location: Close to key shipping lanes between East Asia and the rest of the world.
  • Resource Potential: Rich in fisheries and potential oil and gas reserves.
  • Geopolitical Hotspot: Represents growing China-Japan-US strategic tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.

 

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 26 Mar 2025

 

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