17 march 2025 Current Affairs

India’s Role in Combating Terror Financing

Syllabus: IR

India recently reaffirmed its commitment to combat terrorism at the 4th ‘No Money for Terror’ (NMFT) Conference, emphasizing the need for global unity in addressing the evolving challenges of terror financing.
The country highlighted the increasing complexities in tracking illicit financial flows due to advancements in digital technology, making international cooperation more crucial than ever.

Challenges in Terror Financing

Terror financing remains a major threat to global security, with emerging technologies complicating fund transfers.
The rise of cryptocurrencies, digital wallets, and cross-border financial networks has made it increasingly difficult for law enforcement agencies to track and disrupt illicit transactions.

Strengthening Legal Frameworks

To counter these challenges, India has taken significant legal measures:

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967: Strengthened to enhance monitoring of financial networks linked to terrorist organizations.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002: Expanded to include new financial instruments and improve intelligence-sharing mechanisms.

Dedicated Counter-Terrorism Units

The Indian government has set up specialized units to focus on terror financing:

Terror Funding and Fake Currency (TFFC) Cell: Created within the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate cases related to terror funding and counterfeit currency.
Fake Indian Currency Note Co-ordination Centre (FCORD): Established to enhance intelligence-sharing among various security agencies and prevent the circulation of fake currency.

Regulatory Role of Financial Institutions

India’s financial system plays a crucial role in preventing illicit financial flows:

Reserve Bank of India (RBI): Oversees compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.
Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND): Develops red flag indicators for financial institutions to detect suspicious transactions.

Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

Recognizing the risks associated with virtual digital assets, India has initiated:

A Permanent Working Group on Terror Financing Identification, involving financial institutions, digital platform experts, and law enforcement agencies to strengthen financial surveillance.

Enhanced Surveillance Through NATGRID

The National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) has been developed as an integrated IT platform to assist intelligence and law enforcement agencies in analyzing terror-related financial data.
This has improved efficiency in tracking and disrupting terrorist networks.

India’s Active Role in International Conferences

Since 2018, India has actively participated in NMFT Conferences, fostering global cooperation on intelligence-sharing and counterterrorism strategies.
The 4th NMFT Conference further strengthened international partnerships, ensuring more effective law enforcement actions against terror financing.
Through legal reforms, institutional mechanisms, and global engagement, India continues to play a leading role in the global fight against terror financing.

With reference to India’s legal framework against terror financing, consider the following statements:

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, allows the government to declare an individual as a terrorist.
The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, was amended to include financial transactions through digital currencies under its ambit.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is the nodal agency responsible for implementing both UAPA and PMLA.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

Explanation: The UAPA (Amendment) Act, 2019, empowered the government to designate individuals as terrorists (earlier, only organizations could be declared terrorist entities). The PMLA was amended to cover financial transactions using digital assets like cryptocurrencies. However, the NIA is not the nodal agency for implementing PMLA; it falls under the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Astra Missile Test Launch

Syllabus: Defence

Successful Test Launch

Conducted by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
Launched from Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) AF MK1
Location: Off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha.
Marks a significant milestone in India’s self-reliance in defence technology.

Astra Missile: Key Features

Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) developed by DRDO.
Capable of engaging enemy aircraft beyond 100 km.
Features advanced guidance and navigation systems for high-precision strikes.
Integration with IAF and Navy

Already inducted into Indian Air Force (IAF).

Being integrated with LCA Tejas and Indian Navy’s MiG-29.
Enhances operational flexibility across different platforms.
Test Launch & Performance
Achieved a direct hit on a flying target.

All missile subsystems performed optimally, meeting mission objectives.

First test from LCA conducted in August 2023.

Collaborative Development
Developed by ADA, DRDO, HAL, and other agencies.
Supported by CEMILAC and DG-AQA.

Importance of BVR Missiles

Enables fighter jets to neutralize enemy aircraft from a safe distance.
Engages targets beyond 20 nautical miles (approx. 37 km).
Provides a strategic advantage in aerial warfare.

Future Prospects

Further trials planned to refine performance.
Strengthens India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
Praised by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat.
Expected to bolster India’s air combat superiority.

Consider the following statements regarding the Astra Missile:

It is an air-to-surface missile developed by DRDO.
It has a range of over 100 km.
It is being integrated with LCA Tejas and MiG-29 fighter jets.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: The Astra is a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), not an air-to-surface missile. It has a range of over 100 km and is being integrated with LCA Tejas and MiG-29.

Water Contamination Crisis in India

Syllabus: Environment

Extent of Contamination

A parliamentary Standing Committee on Water Resources has highlighted serious water contamination issues affecting 11,348 habitations across 96 districts in seven states.
Pollutants such as iron, nitrate, and heavy metals pose significant health risks in these regions.
Punjab is particularly affected by uranium contamination, with 32 habitations across nine districts
While interim measures have been implemented in some areas, many affected habitations lack adequate action.

Government Response

The Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) Phase II has been extended until 2025-26 to sustain Open Defecation Free (ODF) status and improve rural waste management.
Despite government initiatives, the committee noted underutilisation of funds, with only 33% of the revised budget spent in FY 2024-25.

Community Involvement

The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation is transitioning from a department-driven approach to a service delivery model, emphasising community participation (“Jan Bhagidhari”).
The government plans to sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with states to ensure reliable and sustainable water service delivery.

Challenges in Implementation

Delays in fund disbursement due to issues with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) e-Kuber platform have slowed progress.
The committee stressed the need for better pre-budget planning to avoid drastic budget reductions at the Revised Estimate

Future Directions:

To achieve long-term water security, the government must accelerate efforts to improve water quality and expand coverage.
Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission must work effectively to meet their ambitious targets.
Strengthened planning, execution, and financial management are essential to improving rural water supply and sanitation in India.

Consider the following pollutants that contribute to water contamination in India:

Iron
Nitrate
Uranium
Arsenic

Which of the above pollutants were specifically mentioned in the recent parliamentary committee report on water contamination?

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 1, 2, and 3 only
c) 2, 3, and 4 only
d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: b) 1, 2, and 3 only

Explanation: The parliamentary committee highlighted iron, nitrate, and uranium as major pollutants affecting water quality, particularly in states like Punjab. Arsenic, though a known contaminant, was not specifically mentioned in the report.

Mission Amrit Sarovar

Syllabus: Govt Policies

The Indian Railways will actively participate in the Mission Amrit Sarovar, a flagship initiative of the Union government aimed at tackling water scarcity across the country.
This initiative seeks to enhance water conservation efforts by constructing and rejuvenating water bodies nationwide.

About Mission Amrit Sarovar

Launched: April 2022
Objective: Construct or rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovars (ponds) per district, targeting a total of 50,000 water bodies across India.

Focus Areas:

Addressing water scarcity in rural areas.
Enhancing water conservation through community participation.
Utilization of excavated soil from ponds for infrastructure development.
Specifications of Amrit Sarovar: Each pond will have a minimum area of 1 acre.
Water holding capacity: 10,000 cubic meters.

Implementation and Governance

Community Participation:

The Gram Sabha will approve the site selection for Amrit Sarovars.
A Panchayat Partinidhi will be designated to supervise development on behalf of the Gram Sabha.

Multi-Ministerial Collaboration:

The Mission follows a “Whole of Government” approach, involving key ministries:
Ministry of Rural Development
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change

Financial Aspects:

No separate financial allocation has been made for the Mission.
Technical Support and Monitoring
Bhaskar Acharya National Institute for Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) serves as the technical partner for the Mission.

Digital Monitoring:

Amrit Sarovar Portal and Mobile App, developed by BISAG-N, are used to track progress and performance of the initiative at the district level.

This collaborative effort aims to significantly enhance water conservation while ensuring sustainable rural development across India.

Consider the following statements regarding Mission Amrit Sarovar:

The mission was launched in 2022 with the aim of constructing or rejuvenating 100,000 water bodies across India.
Each Amrit Sarovar is designed to have a minimum water holding capacity of 10,000 cubic meters.
The mission operates under a single ministry, the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Bhaskar Acharya National Institute for Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) serves as a technical partner for the initiative.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (b) 2 and 4 only
Explanation:

The mission aims to create 50,000 water bodies (not 100,000).
Each Amrit Sarovar has a water holding capacity of about 10,000 cubic meters.
It follows a multi-ministerial approach, not a single ministry.
BISAG-N is the technical partner for monitoring progress.

Nagorno-Karabakh

Syllabus: Geography

Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to a peace deal aimed at ending nearly four decades of conflict over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh

About Nagorno-Karabakh

Geography: A landlocked, mountainous region in the South Caucasus, known as Artsakh by Armenians.
Terrain: Ranges from steppes on the Kura lowland to dense oak, hornbeam, and beech forests on lower slopes, with birchwood and alpine meadows at higher altitudes.

Historical Dispute:

After the Russian Empire’s collapse in 1917, both Armenia and Azerbaijan laid claim to the territory.
While internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, it was governed for decades by the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (Republic of Artsakh).
The region historically had a majority ethnic Armenian population and operated with close ties to Armenia, though lacking official recognition from any UN member state.

Key Events in the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Early History & Soviet Era

1920s: The Soviet Union created the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region within Azerbaijan, despite its majority Armenian population.

Collapse of the Soviet Union & First Karabakh War (1991-1994)

1991: Karabakh declared independence following the Soviet Union’s disintegration, triggering war between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
1992-94:

The First Karabakh War led to up to 30,000 deaths.

Armenian forces took control of the region and occupied surrounding Azerbaijani areas, forming a buffer zone.

Later Developments & Renewed Conflict

2017: A referendum led to a presidential system of governance and renamed the region as the Republic of Artsakh.
2020: The Second Karabakh War saw Azerbaijan reclaiming lost territory, resulting in 3,000 Azerbaijani and 4,000 Armenian casualties over six weeks.
2022: Fresh clashes erupted, causing the deaths of 100 Armenian and 70 Azerbaijani soldiers.

Resolution & Dissolution of Nagorno-Karabakh

2024: The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic was officially dissolved, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s history.
The peace agreement signifies a major step toward stability in the South Caucasus, potentially ending one of the world’s longest-running territorial disputes.

Consider the following statements regarding Nagorno-Karabakh:

It is a landlocked, mountainous region located in the South Caucasus.
It has historically been recognized as part of Armenia by the United Nations.
The region was governed by the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (Republic of Artsakh) before its dissolution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation: While Nagorno-Karabakh has a majority ethnic Armenian population, it has always been internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, not Armenia.

UNCTAD

Syllabus: International Organizations

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has raised concerns about economic fragmentation and stressed the importance of global cooperation to prevent trade disruptions and ensure sustainable growth.

About UNCTAD

Established: 1964 by the United Nations General Assembly.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
Mandate: Supports developing countries in achieving equitable participation in the global economy.

Functions:

Provides economic and trade analysis.
Facilitates consensus-building on global trade policies.
Offers technical assistance in trade, investment, finance, and technology for inclusive and sustainable development.

Governance:

A permanent intergovernmental body under the UN Secretariat.
Reports to the UN General Assembly and Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) but maintains independent membership, leadership, and budget.
Part of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG).

Key Developments in UNCTAD’s History

1964: The first UNCTAD Conference was held in Geneva, setting the foundation for addressing trade and development issues.
1989: The Global System of Trade Preferences among Developing Countries (GSTP) came into force, promoting tariff and non-tariff preferences. To date, 44 countries have ratified the agreement.
1995: The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established after the Uruguay Round of GATT negotiations, strengthening the legal framework for global trade.
2000: The 10th UNCTAD Conference in Bangkok adopted the “Spirit of Bangkok” declaration, emphasizing a differentiated approach to the challenges faced by developing nations in a globalized world.

Major Reports Published by UNCTAD

Trade and Development Report – Analyzes global trade trends and economic policies.
World Investment Report – Provides insights into global investment patterns and foreign direct investment (FDI).
The Least Developed Countries Report – Focuses on the economic challenges and opportunities for the world’s least developed nations.
By advocating for enhanced global cooperation, UNCTAD aims to foster an inclusive and stable global trade environment, ensuring long-term economic resilience.

Consider the following statements regarding UNCTAD:

It was established by the United Nations Security Council in 1964.
It supports developing countries in achieving equitable participation in the global economy.
It functions as an autonomous specialized agency under the United Nations system.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 2 only

Explanation: UNCTAD was established by the UN General Assembly, not the UN Security Council (Statement 1 is incorrect). It is not an autonomous specialized agency; rather, it is a permanent intergovernmental body under the UN Secretariat (Statement 3 is incorrect).

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve

Syllabus: Environment

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Uttar Pradesh is set to serve as a new habitat for rhinos migrating from Nepal, as conservation efforts gain momentum to establish a permanent refuge for these pachyderms.

About Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR)

Located in Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh, PTR is a part of the Terai Arc Landscape within the Upper Gangetic Plain Biogeographic Province.
It shares its boundary with Nepal, lying in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Several rivers originate or flow through the reserve, including:

Gomti River (originates in PTR)
Sharda, Chuka, and Mala Khannot rivers (act as major catchments)
The Sharda Sagar Dam, extending 22 km, marks the boundary of the reserve.
PTR experiences a dry and hot climate, leading to a mix of dry teak forests and Vindhyan Mountain soils.

Habitat and Vegetation

Characterized by sal forests, tall grasslands, and swamps, sustained by seasonal flooding from rivers.
Vegetation type: North Indian Moist Deciduous Forest.

Flora:

The sal forests dominate nearly 76% of the reserve, with excellent natural regeneration.
The landscape also includes grass meadows with species such as:
Sacchrum, Sclerostachya, Imperata, Themeda, Bothriochloa, Vetiveria, Apluda, Dichanthium, Digitaria, and Cyperus.

Fauna

PTR is home to diverse wildlife, including several endangered species:
Mammals: Bengal Tiger, Swamp Deer, Hog Deer, Leopard

Birds:

Rare and endangered species like Bengal Florican, Lesser Florican, Swamp Francolin, and Great Hornbill.
Other species include Black Francolin, Jungle Bush Quail, Red Junglefowl, and Asian Openbill.

With its rich biodiversity and strategic location, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is poised to become a significant conservation site for rhinos, further strengthening its role in wildlife preservation.

Consider the following statements regarding the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR):

It is located in the state of Uttarakhand.
The reserve is part of the Terai Arc Landscape.
The Gomti River originates from PTR.
The Sharda Sagar Dam marks the boundary of the reserve.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2, 3, and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Explanation:

Statement 1: It is located in the state of Uttarakhand.
Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) is located in Uttar Pradesh, not Uttarakhand. It lies along the India-Nepal border in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh.
Statement 2: The reserve is part of the Terai Arc Landscape.
PTR is part of the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL), a crucial conservation area extending across India and Nepal, covering the foothills of the Himalayas.
Statement 3: The Gomti River originates from PTR.
The Gomti River originates within the reserve, making it ecologically significant for water conservation and wildlife.
Statement 4: The Sharda Sagar Dam marks the boundary of the reserve.
The Sharda Sagar Dam, which extends 22 km, forms a boundary of the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve and serves as a key water source for its ecosystem.

Brahmani River

Syllabus: Georaphy

Recent News

The construction of a bridge over the Brahmani River near Brahmabarada, which began eight years ago, remains incomplete.
This has caused significant inconvenience to residents of over 20 villages across five gram panchayats in Rasulpur and Jajpur blocks of Odisha.

About the Brahmani River

The Brahmani River is one of the major rivers of eastern India, primarily flowing through Odisha.
In its lower reaches, it is known as the Dhamra River.

Course and Origin

The river originates from the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers near Rourkela, Odisha.
Both source rivers originate from the Chota Nagpur Plateau:
The Sankh River originates near the Jharkhand-Chhattisgarh border.
The South Koel River rises in Jharkhand.
The Brahmani River basin spans Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, covering a total area of 39,033 sq. km.
It ultimately drains into the Bay of Bengal.

Delta and Ecological Significance

The Brahmani River, along with the Mahanadi and Baitarani rivers, forms a vast delta before emptying into the Bay of Bengal at Palmyras Point, Odisha.
The Brahmani Delta houses the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, renowned for its estuarine crocodiles.

Length and Geography

The total length of the Brahmani River is approximately 799 km, with 541 km flowing through Odisha.

The river basin is:

Bounded to the north by the Chota Nagpur Plateau.
Bordered to the west and south by the Mahanadi basin.
Ends to the east at the Bay of Bengal.
The river cuts through the Eastern Ghats, forming a minor gorge at Rengali, where a dam has been constructed.

Major Tributaries

The principal tributaries of the Brahmani River include:

Sankh River
Tikra River
Karo River

Consider the following statements regarding the Brahmani River:

It is formed by the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers.
It flows only through the state of Odisha.
The river is known as Dhamra in its lower reaches.
The Brahmani River delta is home to the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 1, 3, and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Correct Answer: (b) 1, 3, and 4 only

Explanation:

It is formed by the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers
The Brahmani River originates from the confluence of the Sankh River and South Koel River near Rourkela, Odisha. Both of these rivers have their origins in the Chota Nagpur Plateau.
It flows only through the state of Odisha
While the majority of the Brahmani River’s course lies in Odisha, its tributaries originate in Jharkhand. The river basin extends into Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha before draining into the Bay of Bengal.
The river is known as Dhamra in its lower reaches
In its lower reaches, before emptying into the Bay of Bengal, the Brahmani River merges with the Baitarani River, and this combined watercourse is referred to as the Dhamra River.
The Brahmani River delta is home to the Bhitarkanika Wildlife
The Brahmani River delta, along with the Baitarani River delta, forms the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, which is famous for its estuarine crocodiles and mangrove ecosystems.