Daily Current Affairs- 31st March 2025

Daily Current Affairs 31st March 2025

Operation Brahma

In the News: India has launched Operation Brahma in response to the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025. The earthquake caused significant destruction, claiming over 1,600 lives and leaving many injured and displaced. The operation aims to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the affected regions.

Key Details of Operation Brahma:

• Initiation: Operation Brahma was initiated on March 28, 2025, led by the Indian Army and coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) along with various branches of the Indian Armed Forces.
• Rescue Efforts: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are actively engaged in rescue operations, particularly at the 'U Hla Thein' monastery where around 170 monks were stranded. The NDRF is equipped with specialized tools for search and rescue operations.
• Medical Assistance: A specialized medical task force comprising 118 personnel has been deployed to provide urgent medical care, including trauma management and surgical interventions. A field hospital is being established to support local healthcare systems overwhelmed by casualties.
• Relief Supplies: Indian Navy vessels INS Satpura and INS Savitri have transported approximately 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Yangon, including essential items such as food, water, clothing, and medical supplies. An Air Force C-130J aircraft also delivered an additional 15 tonnes of relief materials.
• This mirrors past large-scale operations such as Operation Maitri during the 2015 Nepal earthquake, which was one of India's largest disaster relief efforts at that time. Both operations emphasize India's role as a "first responder" in regional crises. 

Sahyog Portal Controversy

In the News: The Sahyog portal, launched by India's Union Home Ministry in 2024, has recently come under scrutiny after the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) labeled it a "censorship portal." The Indian government has strongly condemned this characterization, asserting that Sahyog is a facilitative mechanism designed to streamline the reporting and removal of unlawful content online.

Key Details about the Sahyog Portal:

• Purpose: The Sahyog portal aims to expedite the process of sending notices to IT intermediaries for blocking or removing objectionable content under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. It facilitates coordination between government agencies and social media platforms to enhance compliance and ensure a safer online environment.
• Operational Framework:
  • The portal is maintained by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
  • It allows authorized government agencies to issue requests for content removal, which intermediaries must act upon to retain their "safe harbor" protections under the law.
• Stakeholders Involved:
  • As of now, 15 IT intermediaries have joined the Sahyog portal, including major platforms like Google, Apple, Telegram, and YouTube.
  • The initiative has been supported by 31 states and union territories, which have designated officers for its implementation.
• Government's Defense: In response to X's claims, the Indian government argued that:
  • The Sahyog portal is not a censorship tool but a necessary mechanism for law enforcement to act swiftly against illegal digital activities.
  • The government's use of Section 79(3)(b) does not bypass safeguards established in Section 69A of the IT Act but rather complements them by outlining intermediary obligations.
• Legal Challenges: X has filed a lawsuit challenging the government's framework for content regulation through the Sahyog portal. The platform argues that:
  • Content regulation orders should only be issued under Section 69A, which includes specific legal safeguards.
  • The Sahyog portal could lead to unchecked censorship by allowing multiple officials to issue removal orders without sufficient oversight.
• Judicial Involvement: The Karnataka High Court is currently hearing X's petition against the government's use of the Sahyog portal. The court has previously emphasized the need for real-time action against unlawful content and has directed intermediaries to comply with operational requirements. 

Energy Statistics India 2025

In the News: The National Statistics Office (NSO) of India has released its annual report titled Energy Statistics India 2025 on March 29, 2025. This comprehensive publication provides critical insights into India's energy landscape, including data on reserves, capacity, production, consumption, and trade across various energy commodities.

Key Highlights of Energy Statistics India 2025:

• Total Primary Energy Supply (TPES): In the fiscal year 2023-24, India's TPES grew by 7.8%, reaching 903,158 Kilo Tonnes of Oil Equivalent (KToE). This growth reflects a robust expansion in energy availability amid economic recovery.
• Renewable Energy Potential: India has significant renewable energy potential estimated at 2,109,655 Megawatts as of March 31, 2024. The breakdown includes:
  • Wind Power: 1,163,856 Megawatts (approximately 55% of total potential)
  • Solar Energy: 748,990 Megawatts
  • Large Hydro: 133,410 Megawatts
• Installed Capacity Growth: The installed capacity for renewable electricity generation increased from 81,593 Megawatts in 2015 to 198,213 Megawatts in 2024, achieving a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.36%.
• Electricity Generation: Gross electricity generation from renewable sources rose from 205,608 GWh in FY 2014-15 to 370,320 GWh in FY 2023-24, reflecting a CAGR of 6.76%.
• Per Capita Energy Consumption: Per capita energy consumption increased from 14,682 Mega Joules per person in FY 2014-15 to 18,410 Mega Joules per person in FY 2023-24, indicating a CAGR of 2.55%.
• Transmission and Distribution Efficiency: Electricity transmission and distribution losses have decreased from approximately 23% in FY 2014-15 to around 17% in FY 2023-24, showcasing improvements in efficiency.
• Sectoral Energy Consumption Growth: The industrial sector experienced the highest growth in energy consumption during FY 2023-24, rising from 242,418 KToE in FY 2014-15 to 311,822 KToE.
• New Chapter on Energy Accounts: This edition introduces a new chapter on Energy Accounts based on the System of Environmental Economic Accounting (SEEA) framework. It includes Asset Accounts and Physical Supply and Use Tables for fiscal years 2022-23 and 2023-24. 

Bodh Gaya temple controversy 

In the News: The Bodh Gaya temple controversy has escalated recently as Buddhist monks and followers across India protest against the management of the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Buddha attained enlightenment. The protests have gained momentum due to demands for the complete transfer of control from a mixed committee of Hindus and Buddhists to the Buddhist community.

Key Details:

• Historical Context: The Mahabodhi Temple has been under a management committee established by the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949, which comprises four Hindus and four Buddhists. This arrangement has been contentious, with many Buddhists arguing that it undermines their religious identity and authority over a site of immense significance.
• Protests and Demands:
  • Protests began in February 2025, with hundreds of Buddhist monks participating in hunger strikes and demonstrations. They demand the repeal of the 1949 Act and full control over the temple's administration.
  • Protesters argue that Hindu rituals performed at the site contradict Buddhist teachings, claiming that Brahminical control is an affront to Buddhism.
• Cultural Significance: The Mahabodhi Temple, originally constructed by Emperor Ashoka in 260 BCE, has a complex history involving periods of neglect and Hindu reclamation. Despite its historical ties to Buddhism, many Buddhists feel that recent Hindu rituals have attempted to "Brahminize" the site, which they see as disrespectful.

Overview of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act, 1949

• Establishment of Management Committee: The Act established the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC), consisting of eight members: four Buddhists and four Hindus, with the District Magistrate (DM) serving as the ex-officio chairperson. This structure was intended to ensure equal representation between Hindus and Buddhists in managing the temple.
• Response to Control Issues: The Act was enacted to address longstanding disputes over temple management, particularly as Buddhism declined in India during the medieval period when Hindu control was established. The 1949 legislation aimed to formalize management and reduce tensions between the two religious communities.

• Amendments and Dissatisfaction: In 2013, an amendment allowed for a non-Hindu DM to serve as chairperson, but many Buddhists argue that this change did not resolve core issues regarding representation and control. They continue to demand either an amendment or repeal of the Act to ensure predominant Buddhist control over temple management.
• Perceived Hindu Majority: Historically, the DM has often been from the Hindu community, leading to a perceived imbalance in favour of Hindu interests within temple administration. This has raised concerns among Buddhist organizations about their autonomy and rights over a site they consider sacred. 

China deploys two long range H-6 bombers in Scarborough Shoal 

In the News: Recent developments surrounding the Scarborough Shoal have heightened tensions in the South China Sea, particularly between China and the Philippines. Here are the key points regarding the ongoing situation:

Key Developments

• Chinese Military Deployment: China has recently deployed two long-range H-6 bombers around Scarborough Shoal, a move interpreted as an assertion of sovereignty over the contested area. This deployment occurred ahead of U.S. defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit to the Philippines, which claims the shoal lies within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of 200 nautical miles.
• Philippine Coast Guard Activities: In response to China's aggressive actions, vessels from the Philippine fisheries bureau and coast guard have been conducting missions near Scarborough Shoal to support local fishermen. These operations are part of an intensified effort to assert Philippine rights in the area following China's expulsion of Filipino fishing boats.
• Chinese Coast Guard Interference: Reports indicate that Chinese coast guard ships have been intercepting Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal, effectively blocking their access to this prime fishing area. This has raised concerns among Filipino fishermen about their livelihoods and safety.
• Historical Context: Scarborough Shoal, known as Huangyan Island in China and Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines, has been a flashpoint since 2012 when China seized effective control after a standoff with Philippine forces. The shoal is located approximately 140 miles from Luzon, making it geographically closer to the Philippines than to China.
• International Legal Rulings: An international arbitration tribunal ruled in 2016 that China's claims over the South China Sea lacked legal basis, but China has dismissed this ruling and continues to assert its historical claims over the area.
• Joint Military Exercises: In light of rising tensions, the United States, Japan, and the Philippines conducted joint naval drills near Scarborough Shoal. These exercises aim to enhance cooperation among allied forces amid increasing Chinese military presence and assertiveness in the region. 

6th BIMSTEC Summit 2025

In the News: The 6th BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Summit is scheduled to convene in Bangkok, Thailand, on April 4, 2025. The summit's theme is "PRO BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient and Open BIMSTEC".

Key Details of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit:

• Objective: The summit aims to bolster collaboration among the seven member states—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—to tackle shared security and developmental challenges.
• Agreements and MoUs:

• Agreement on Maritime Transport Cooperation: To enhance cargo and passenger transport across the Bay of Bengal, boosting trade and travel among member states.
• MoUs with IORA and UNODC: Memoranda of Understanding will be signed between BIMSTEC and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), initiating new developmental partnerships.

• Preparatory Meetings: The summit will be preceded by a meeting of BIMSTEC Senior Officials on April 2 and a meeting of BIMSTEC Foreign Affairs Ministers on April 3.
• BIMSTEC Overview:

• Member States: BIMSTEC comprises seven countries in the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
• Sectors of Cooperation: The organization pursues regional cooperation in multiple sectors, including trade, investment, transport, communication, energy, technology, tourism, and more.
• Evolution: Formed in 1997 as BIST-EC, the organization evolved to include Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan, eventually becoming

• Priority Areas: Priority areas of cooperation include trade and investment, technology, energy, transport and communication, and tourism. The organization also focuses on the blue economy, mountain economy, disaster management, and other areas. 

SpaceX's Fram2 Mission

In the News: SpaceX's Fram2 Mission is set to launch on March 31, 2025, marking a historic milestone as the first human spaceflight to orbit directly over Earth's poles. This groundbreaking mission will carry four astronauts, including cryptocurrency billionaire Chun Wang, who is financing the flight.

Key Details of the Fram2 Mission:

• Launch Information: The mission is scheduled for liftoff at 9:46 PM EDT (01:46 AM UTC on April 1) from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule.
• Crew Composition: The crew consists of:
  • Chun Wang (Commander): A cryptocurrency mogul and the mission's financier.
  • Jannicke Mikkelsen (Vehicle Commander): A Norwegian filmmaker with experience in extreme environments.
  • Rabea Rogge (Pilot): A German engineer specializing in robotics and polar research.
  • Eric Phillips (Medical Officer and Mission Specialist): An Australian polar explorer with extensive experience in polar expeditions.
• Mission Objectives: The Fram2 mission aims to spend three to five days in orbit, during which the crew will conduct 22 scientific experiments, including:
  • Growing mushrooms in microgravity to study nutritional requirements for long-duration space missions.
  • Taking X-rays of the human body in orbit for the first time.
  • Documenting auroral displays from space and comparing them with images taken from Earth.
• Significance: Fram2 will achieve a true polar orbit with a trajectory that demands more fuel than typical missions. Previous missions, such as the Soviet Vostok 6 in 1963, only approached polar orbits at an inclination of about 65 degrees. Fram2 will fly at a 90-degree inclination, providing unprecedented views of both the North and South Poles.
• Technological Aspects: The Falcon 9 rocket's first stage will return to Earth after launch, landing on SpaceX’s autonomous droneship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. This mission represents SpaceX's ongoing efforts in private space travel and exploration.
• Public Engagement: Mikkelsen has encouraged people on Earth to photograph auroras during the mission, creating a collaborative perspective between those on the ground and the crew in space.