Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 29th March 2025

Indian Coastal Crisis:

India’s coastal regions face a dual crisis—illegal light fishing depleting marine life and erosion threatening 33.6% of the coastline, as revealed by recent government data.

• India has 7,500 km of coastline, spanning 9 states and 4 UTs, supporting livelihoods, trade, and biodiversity.
• Contributes 4% to India’s GDP through fisheries, tourism, and shipping.
• E.g., Mumbai and Chennai ports handle 70% of trade.
• Biodiversity Hotspots: Home to mangroves (Sundarbans), coral reefs (Gulf of Kutch), and endangered species like Olive Ridley turtles.
• Population Pressure: Over 250 million people live within 50 km of the coast, increasing vulnerability to disasters.
• Climate Vulnerability: Faces rising sea levels (3.2 mm/year) and cyclones.

Heritage Repatriation Fund:

A Parliamentary panel recently proposed establishing a ‘Heritage Repatriation Fund’ to assist in recovering Indian antiquities stolen and smuggled overseas.

• A proposed financial initiative to facilitate the recovery and return of stolen Indian cultural artifacts from abroad.
• Proposed by Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture.
• Under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
• Aim is to support efforts in reclaiming India’s stolen or illegally exported antiquities from other nations.

Gaia Space Observatory:

The European Space Agency (ESA) officially retired its Gaia space observatory. Gaia significantly enhanced our understanding of the Milky Way by creating the most detailed 3D map of the galaxy.

• Gaia (originally Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics) was a space-based astrometry mission designed to map the Milky Way with unmatched precision.
• Developed and operated by the European Space Agency (ESA).
• Launched In December 2013 and began full-scale operations from July 24, 2014.
• Objective of Mission:
  • To chart a three-dimensional map of the Milky Way.
  • To track positions, distances, movements, and physical characteristics of over 2 billion stars.
  • To predict the galaxy’s future shape and study its formation history.

Exercise Prachand Prahar:

The Indian Armed Forces recently conducted a multi-domain exercise, Prachand Prahar, in Arunachal Pradesh.It is a tri-service integrated multi-domain warfare exercise conducted in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh.

• It was conducted ‘deep’ in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern sector of the 3,488-km long Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• It was carried out under the aegis of the Eastern Army Command.
• The exercise involved the Army, IAF and the other combat elements in a synergised combat drill designed to simulate future warfare.
• It commenced with the deployment of advanced surveillance resources of all three services, including long-range surveillance aircraft of the IAF and the maritime domain awareness aircraft of the Indian Navy, helicopters, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), along with space resources and the Indian Army’s elite special forces to create seamless domain awareness and detect simulated targets.
• Once identified, these targets were swiftly destroyed through the synchronised joint firepower of fighter aircrafts, long-range rocket systems, medium artillery, armed helicopters, swarm drones, loitering munitions, and kamikaze drones in an electronically contested environment.
• The ‘Exercise Prachand Prahar’ validated integrated planning, command and control, as well as seamless execution of surveillance and firepower platforms across the three services, covering the entire spectrum of conflict.
• This exercise is in continuation with ‘Exercise Poorvi Prahar’ held in November 2024, which had focused on the integrated application of aviation assets.

Nag Anti-Tank Missile System:

Defence Ministry signs ₹2,500 crore contracts for NAMIS and Light Vehicles.

• Developed By: Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), DRDO Production by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
• NAMIS is a tracked version of the Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) mounted on a BMP-2 chassis.
• Third-generation ‘fire-and-forget’ missile that locks onto targets using an Imaging Infrared (IIR) Seeker before launch.
• Designed to destroy heavily armored enemy tanks, including those equipped with composite and reactive armor.
• Night-strike capability for operations in low visibility conditions.
• Top Attack Mode: Missile climbs after launch and dives onto the target from above.
• Direct Attack Mode: The Missile travels at a lower altitude and directly hits the target.
• Range: 500 meters to 4 km.
• NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier):
  • Based on Russian-origin BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
  • Amphibious capability for mobility across varied terrains.

Tejas LCA Mk1A:

After delays, GE Aerospace announces delivery of jet engines for Tejas LCA-Mk1A

• GE Aerospace has begun delivering F404-IN20 jet engines to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Tejas LCA Mk1A fighter jets after a delay.
• The first engine was shipped from GE’s facility on March 26, 2025, and is expected to arrive in India in April.
• HAL aims to deliver 12 Tejas Mk1A jets in 2025, with production ramping up to 24 jets per year.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates 31 fighter squadrons, far below the sanctioned 42.5 squadrons, highlighting the urgency of these deliveries.
• Tejas LCA Mk1A is an upgraded variant of India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, developed by HAL.
• It features over 40 improvements over the Mk1 variant, enhancing its combat capabilities, survivability, and operational efficiency.

GSAT-18:

Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee has expressed “dismay” at the avoidable expenditure totalling Rs 17.27 crore on the launch of GSAT-18 communication satellite.

• The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns over the economic viability of GSAT-18 due to the underutilisation of six transponders until 2027.
• The committee has recommended that the Department of Space should exercise greater financial prudence in planning satellite projects involving public funds.
• The report highlighted a revenue loss of ₹117 crore due to the idle transponders.
• GSAT-18 is a communication satellite launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on October 5, 2016.
• Launch Vehicle: Heavy-duty Ariane-5 VA-231 rocket from Kourou, French Guiana.
• Weight: 3,404 kg at liftoff.
• Mission Life: 15 years (until 2032).
• Orbit: Injected into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• Satellite Control: Managed by ISRO’s Master Control Facility (MCF) in Hassan, Karnataka.

Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile:

India successfully flight tested the vertically launched short range surface to air missile (VL-SRSAM) from a defence test facility off the Odisha coast recently.

• Vertically-Launched Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VLSRSAM) is an indigenously developed Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (SRSAM).
• It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• It is a quick reaction missile capable of neutralising various aerial threats at close ranges, including sea-skimming targets.
• Initially designed for the Indian Navy for a strike range of 40 km, it can now attack targets up to 80 km.
• The missile is now being developed for use by the Indian Air Force to protect its air bases.
• Features:
  • Having a diameter of 178 mm and a wingspan of 508 mm, the missile is 3.93 metres long.
  • It weighs around 170 kg and uses solid propellant.
  • With a maximum speed of Mach 4.5, the weapon system can reach an altitude of 16 km.
  • During the mid-course flight, the missile uses a fibre-optic gyroscope-based inertial guidance mechanism, while the terminal phase uses active radar homing.
  • It comes as an integrated missile and weapon control system (WCS) with a capability to hold multiple missiles in a twin quad-pack canister configuration.

Gounsa Temple : Large Part Destroyed

Unprecedented wildfires ripping through South Korea’s southern regions recently destroyed large parts of the Gounsa Temple complex, burning down two buildings that had been designated national treasures.Gounsa Temple, which means “Solitary Cloud Temple”, is a 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple located in South Korea.It is nestled at the foot of Deungun Mountain in the southeastern town of Uiseong. It was reportedly built in the 7th century during the Shilla dynasty that ruled the area and other parts of the Korean Peninsula at the time. While it doesn’t house buildings constructed in the ancient period, it is home to several famous cultural heritages built later.Unlike so many other major temples on the Korean peninsula, Gounsa temple avoided being destroyed by the invading Japanese at this time.After the Imjin War, Gounsa Temple underwent a large-scale reconstruction project that started in 1695.It is also the headquarters temple of the 16th District of the Jogye-jong Order (the largest Buddhist Order in Korea).

Thai PM Declares Emergency After Myanmar Earthquake:

On March 28, 2025, a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing widespread panic and structural damage in Bangkok, Thailand. The Thai government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, declared a state of emergency as tremors led to evacuations and the collapse of an under-construction skyscraper. The earthquake’s epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar, at a depth of 10 km, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

India Becomes the World’s Second-Largest Tea Exporter in 2024:

The Indian tea industry, which has been facing numerous challenges over the years, finally has a reason to celebrate. Recent data released by the Tea Board of India indicates that India has emerged as the second-largest tea exporter in the world in 2024, surpassing Sri Lanka and trailing behind Kenya, which retained the top position.

8th State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) Meeting Conducted by RBI in Sikkim:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) organized the 8th State Level Coordination Committee (SLCC) Meeting in Gangtok, Sikkim, on March 26, 2025. The meeting, chaired by Shri Ravindra Telang, Chief Secretary of Sikkim, was convened by Shri Thotngam Jamang, Regional Director of RBI, and attended by key officials from RBI, SEBI, and multiple state government departments.

US Imposes 25% Tariff on Imported Cars and Auto Parts:

US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on imported cars and auto components, which will take effect next week. This move is expected to have global implications, affecting markets like the European Union (EU), Canada, India, and China. While Indian automakers might not face immediate challenges, auto component manufacturers and tyre companies exporting to the US could experience significant consequences.

Roshni Nadar Becomes First Indian Woman in World’s Top 10 Richest Women:

Roshni Nadar, Chairperson of HCL Technologies, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to enter the world’s top 10 richest women list. According to the Hurun Global Rich List 2025, she ranks 5th among the world’s wealthiest women, with a net worth of ₹3.5 lakh crore (US$40 billion). This achievement follows the transfer of a 47% stake in HCL Technologies from her father, Shiv Nadar, further cementing her position as one of India’s most influential billionaires. She remains India’s richest woman and is now the third-richest person in the country in 2025.

Sourcex India 2025 Inaugurated At Yashobhoomi Centre:

The 3rd edition of Sourcex India 2025, organized by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) with support from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, was inaugurated on March 26, 2025, at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi. The event was officially launched by Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Government of India. Sourcex India 2025 serves as a strategic platform for Indian exporters to engage with over 150 global buyers from 45+ countries.

Pamban Rail Bridge:

Prime Minister of India to inaugurate India’s first vertical-lift railway bridge on April 6, replacing the 111-year-old Pamban Bridge.The new ₹531-crore bridge enhances maritime safetyand rail connectivity to Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.Old Pamban Bridge is  historic railway bridge linking Rameswaram Island to Mandapam (mainland Tamil Nadu). Built in: 1914 (completed in 2.5 years). by British India under Madras Railway. Connects Mandapam (mainland) with Rameswaram (Pamban Island), Tamil Nadu.It is India’s first and only sea bridge until Bandra-Worli Sea Link (2010).

Silvaguard:

Dryad Networks has unveiled Silvaguard, an AI-powered autonomous drone system capable of detecting and suppressing wildfires, offering a vital solution amid rising wildfire threats.Silvaguard is a prototype drone-based wildfire detection and suppression system developed to autonomously locate and extinguish early-stage wildfires.Developed by Dryad Networks, a Berlin-based climate-tech company specializing in forest monitoring and environmental sensor networks.Aim is to deliver a rapid, autonomous wildfire response system that reduces fire damage and prevents large-scale CO₂ emissions from forest fires.

Yusuf Pachmariwala Appointed as Managing Director & CEO of Hitachi Cash Management Services:

Hitachi Cash Management Services (CMS), a subsidiary of Hitachi Payment Services, has officially announced the appointment of Yusuf Pachmariwala as its Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO), effective April 1, 2025. He will be succeeding Anup Neogi, who has decided to retire from his role after a successful tenure. This leadership change is expected to further strengthen Hitachi CMS’s position in the cash management industry, leveraging Pachmariwala’s extensive experience in cash business operations and digital payments.

Sahkar Taxi:

The government has announced the upcoming launch of ‘Sahkar Taxi’, a cooperative-based ride-hailing service aimed at directly benefiting drivers.Sahkar Taxi is A government-backed cooperative ride-hailing platform where drivers retain full profits without intermediary commission cuts. Inspired by app-based services like Ola and Uber, but driven by cooperative societies.

United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) : Report

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in its 2025 report recommended designating India as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), citing alleged religious freedom violations.India strongly rejected the report, calling it “biased and politically motivated.USCIRF has urged the US government to label India as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for “systematic and egregious” violations of religious freedom.The report recommended sanctions on India’s external intelligence agency, RAW, and individuals like Vikash Yadav under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).

MoRD and UNICEF YuWaah Sign Statement of Intent to Empower Rural Women and Youth:

The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) YuWaah have signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) to empower rural women and youth across India. The three-year partnership focuses on creating livelihood opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing digital infrastructure for rural communities

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Sworn in as Namibia’s First Female President:

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made history on March 21, 2025, by becoming Namibia’s first female president. Her inauguration coincided with Namibia’s 35th Independence Day. A veteran of the South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO), she won the November 2024 elections with 58% of the vote. The outgoing president, Nangolo Mbumba, handed over power during a ceremony attended by several African leaders. Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged that while Namibia has progressed since its independence in 1990, many challenges remain. Her administration will focus on tackling unemployment, especially among the youth, with a goal of creating 500,000 jobs over the next five years through investments in agriculture, fishing, and the creative sectors.

Rahul Bhave Appointed as MD & CEO of IFCI:

The government has approved the appointment of Rahul Bhave as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI). Bhave, who previously served as Deputy Managing Director, has been appointed for a term of three years from the date he assumes office. The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by the Prime Minister.

Canara Bank Appoints S. K. Majumdar as Executive Director:

Canara Bank has appointed S. K. Majumdar as its Executive Director, effective March 24, 2025. Prior to this, he served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the bank. With over 25 years of experience, Majumdar has played a vital role in various administrative and operational capacities within the organization. His extensive expertise in finance and leadership is expected to contribute significantly to the bank’s continued growth and governance.

North Atlantic Treaty Organisation : Clarification

NATO clarifies statement on missing U.S. soldiers in Lithuania.NATO clarified its earlier statement regarding the status of four missing U.S. soldiers in Lithuania, emphasising that “the search is ongoing.”Initial confusion arose when NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte suggested that the soldiers had died. Still, later, NATO stated that Rutte was referring to unverified news reports rather than confirming their fate.The soldiers were part of the S. Army’s 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, conducting training exercises near Pabradė, Lithuania, close to the Belarus border.Their armored vehicle was found submerged in water, and recovery efforts are underway.

Maasai Tribe:

Maasai tribe in Tanzania are resisting international carbon credit projects, fearing land dispossession and erosion of their traditional way of life.The Maasai are semi-nomadic pastoralists and one of the most prominent indigenous communities of East Africa. They speak Maa, a language from the Eastern Sudanic branch of the Nilo-Saharan language family. Found In tanzania and Kenya, particularly along the Great Rift Valley and semi-arid savannas. Known for their distinct dress, beadwork, and warrior traditions. Morans (young men aged 14–30) undergo bush training to build courage, endurance, and tribal discipline.

West Bengal Police Launches Mobile App for Transparent Transfers:

The West Bengal Police has introduced a mobile application designed to streamline the transfer process for its personnel, ensuring transparency and efficiency. This initiative aims to eliminate malpractices such as bribery and favoritism in transfer postings. The app, integrated with the e-HRMS software, will be used by police personnel ranging from constables to sub-inspectors to submit their transfer requests digitally. The app ensures a transparent and corruption-free transfer process within the police department.

Channa nachi:

A new species of snakehead, named Channa nachi, was recently discovered in Meghalaya.It is a new species of snakehead fish.
It was found in a shallow, slow-flowing stream that feeds into the Simsang River system near Chokpot village, Meghalaya, a waterbody with a substrate of sand, leaf litter, and pebbles—an ideal habitat for lesser-known aquatic species.

B Sumeeth Reddy Announces Retirement from Badminton to Focus on Coaching:

India’s doubles badminton specialist B Sumeeth Reddy has announced his retirement from professional badminton to fully dedicate himself to coaching. A key player in India’s badminton circuit, Sumeeth was a part of the 2022 Commonwealth Games silver medal-winning squad and has had a successful career spanning over a decade. He shared the news on social media, expressing his gratitude and excitement for the next chapter of his journey.