UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 March 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 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 – 11 March (2025)
• India needs to keep its deficit target flexible
India needs to keep its deficit target flexible
• India-U.S. trade agreement and the test of WTO laws
India-U.S. trade agreement and the test of WTO laws
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
• Teach a woman to fish
Teach a woman to fish
Facts for Prelims
• Global Engagement Scheme
Global Engagement Scheme
• SIPRI Report (2020-24)
SIPRI Report (2020-24)
• Gene edited Bananas
Gene edited Bananas
• Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24
Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24
• Bills of Lading Bill, 2025
Bills of Lading Bill, 2025
• INS Imphal
INS Imphal
Mapping
• North Sea
North Sea
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 March 2025
#### GS Paper 3 :
India needs to keep its deficit target flexible
Syllabus: Indian Economy
Source: NIE
Context
India’s Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act enforces a 3% fiscal deficit limit to ensure economic stability. While this cap aims to prevent excessive borrowing, it often hampers growth-oriented spending. Given India’s ambition to become a developed economy by 2047, adopting a flexible fiscal policy is crucial to ensure long-term investments without compromising fiscal prudence.
Why a rigid 3% fiscal deficit rule is problematic
• Distortion of budget priorities: The 3% limit forces governments to prioritize revenue expenditure (e.g., salaries, subsidies) over capital expenditure (e.g., infrastructure, healthcare), reducing investment in growth sectors.
• State-level fiscal constraints: Indian states manage 60% of public expenditure, yet the uniform deficit cap ignores region-specific needs, limiting their development potential.
• Inadequate counter-cyclical support: Developed nations adopt flexible deficit policies during economic downturns, but India’s rigid deficit rule restricts fiscal expansion during slowdowns.
• Increased debt burden: Revenue-deficit states like Punjab and Kerala rely on market borrowings due to limited fiscal space, exacerbating their debt-to-GSDP ratios (over 40% in some cases).
Sector-specific consequences of the fiscal framework
• Infrastructure delays: Limited fiscal flexibility slows investment in critical sectors such as transportation, energy, and urban development, delaying economic expansion.
• Welfare programme constraints: States with extensive welfare models, like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, struggle to expand services like healthcare and education.
• Rising regional disparities: High-growth states like Maharashtra and Gujarat require greater fiscal flexibility to sustain infrastructure expansion, while poorer states struggle with basic services.
International Best Practices for Flexible Fiscal Deficit Management
• United States: Maintains an average deficit of 5-6% with targeted investments in infrastructure and R&D.
• Germany: Temporarily relaxes its fiscal limits during economic crises to sustain public investment.
• Japan: Despite a 200% debt-to-GDP ratio, Japan continues investing in technology and public services to secure long-term gains.
• Australia: Uses public-private partnerships (PPP) to finance infrastructure, reducing its reliance on public debt.
Recommended Measures for a Flexible and Sustainable Fiscal Policy
• Flexible Deficit Range: Adopting a 3.5% to 4.5% range allows deficit adjustments based on economic conditions and investment requirements.
• Increased Capital Expenditure: Allocating funds to infrastructure, healthcare, and education ensures sustainable growth and productivity.
• Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB): Implementing ZBB requires justifying all expenditures annually, minimizing waste and improving resource allocation.
• Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF): India can divert part of its $615 billion forex reserves into an SWF to finance infrastructure and technology projects.
• Asset Monetization: Expanding the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) can generate non-debt revenue by leasing underutilized public assets.
• Enhanced GST Framework: Improving GST efficiency through compliance reforms can strengthen state revenues and reduce borrowing needs.
• Independent Audits and Transparency: Introducing third-party audits and public reporting can ensure fiscal accountability and curb fund mismanagement.
Conclusion
India’s fiscal deficit framework must evolve to accommodate regional needs, economic cycles, and development priorities. By adopting a flexible deficit range, increasing capital investment, and implementing innovative financing solutions such as Sovereign Wealth Funds and Asset Monetization, India can achieve a balanced fiscal strategy. Such reforms will foster economic stability, encourage long-term investments, and help India achieve its goal of becoming a developed economy by 2047.
Q1. What were the reasons for the introduction of Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003? Discuss critically its salient features and their effectiveness. (10 M) (2013)
India-U.S. trade agreement and the test of WTO laws
Syllabus: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development
Source: TH
Context
India and the United States have agreed to negotiate a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) during Prime Minister’s visit to the U.S. The agreement aims to improve bilateral trade relations but raises concerns about its compliance with WTO laws and potential risks for India’s economic interests.
What is it About?
• Unclear scope and structure: The U.S.-India Joint Leaders Statement announced a multi-sector BTA but did not specify which sectors or products would be included.
• Not labelled as an FTA but requires WTO compliance: Although the BTA is not formally identified as a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), WTO rules require such bilateral deals to cover “substantially all trade” to comply with Article XXIV.8(b) of GATT.
• India’s tariff reduction for U.S. products: The Joint Leaders Statement welcomed India’s recent tariff cuts on U.S. products — a move that risks breaching WTO’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principle if similar reductions are not extended to other WTO members.
• Possibility of an interim agreement: The BTA may be notified as an ‘interim agreement’ under Article XXIV.5 of GATT, which requires a defined timeline (typically within 10 years) for establishing a comprehensive FTA.
Implications
Aspect | Positive Implications | Negative Implications
- 1.Trade Expansion | The BTA could expand India’s access to U.S. markets in sectors like technology, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. | India’s recent tariff reductions, which the U.S. welcomed in the Joint Statement, may increase imports from the U.S., risking trade imbalances.
- 2.Investment Growth | The BTA could promote U.S. investments in sectors like digital services, energy, and manufacturing, supporting India’s economic growth. | By improving access for U.S. products, India’s MSMEs and domestic producers may face increased competition.
- 3.Strategic Cooperation | The BTA could strengthen bilateral ties in areas like technology transfer, defence partnerships, and supply chain security. | The U.S. emphasis on reciprocal tariffs contradicts WTO norms and may undermine India’s strategic flexibility in trade negotiations.
- 4.WTO Compliance | The BTA can meet WTO standards if structured as an interim agreement with a clear FTA roadmap. | Without covering “substantially all trade,” the BTA risks violating WTO’s MFN principle, which prohibits selective tariff reductions.
Challenges
• Unclear structure and compliance risk: The absence of defined terms in the BTA’s framework creates uncertainty about its alignment with WTO’s “substantially all trade” condition.
• Pressure for reciprocal tariffs: The U.S.’s push for reciprocal tariffs contradicts WTO’s principles of bound tariff rates and violates the special and differential treatment (S&DT) provision that allows developing nations to impose differentiated tariffs.
• Exclusion from WTO’s enabling clause: Since India’s tariff reductions are designed to favour U.S. exports rather than supporting developing nations, the BTA cannot be justified under the enabling clause framework.
• Potential misuse of the interim agreement route: Using an ‘interim agreement’ as a strategy to bypass WTO obligations without genuine intent to establish an FTA may lead to legal challenges and weaken India’s global trade credibility.
Way Forward
• Define a comprehensive BTA framework: India must ensure the BTA includes a broad range of trade sectors to comply with WTO’s “substantially all trade” requirement.
• Resist pressure for unilateral concessions: India must adopt a firm stance to prevent U.S. demands for reciprocal tariffs that contradict WTO norms.
• Strengthen domestic competitiveness: India should expand initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and improve export strategies to safeguard vulnerable sectors from import surges.
• Leverage WTO platforms: As a prominent advocate of rule-based trade, India must actively participate in WTO discussions to reinforce fair trade practices while protecting its economic interests.
Conclusion
The proposed India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement offers potential economic benefits, including improved market access, increased investments, and strategic cooperation. However, India must ensure the BTA aligns with WTO principles, protects its MSMEs, and avoids unequal trade concessions. By adopting a transparent framework, strategic diplomacy, and strong domestic trade policies, India can ensure the BTA supports sustainable growth without compromising its global trade position.
Q1. What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies. (10 M) (2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Teach a woman to fish
Context
The ‘Input Assistance to WSHGs for Pisciculture in Gram Panchayat Tanks’ initiative in Kendrapara district, Odisha is an innovative model aimed at empowering women through sustainable pisciculture. By integrating women’s self-help groups (SHGs) into fisheries activities, the initiative promotes livelihood generation, gender inclusion, and rural economic development.
What is the Initiative About?
• Empowering Women through SHGs: Over 2.6 lakh women from 1,199 SHGs are engaged in sustainable pisciculture across 520 hectares of panchayat tanks.
• Leadership and Support: Initiated by Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas, IAS (then District Collector, Kendrapara), the project provides SHGs with technical assistance, bank loan facilitation, and input support through the Directorate of Fisheries.
• Profitability and Growth: Each hectare yields around 4-5 metric tonnes of fish annually, helping SHGs earn over ₹3 lakh per year.
• Community Impact: SHGs manage supervisory roles, while engaging local men for operational tasks, fostering inclusive employment.
• Sustainability Focus: The initiative regenerates derelict panchayat tanks, improving water resource utilization and enhancing local ecosystems.
Relevance for UPSC Papers
• GS-1 (Society): Women empowerment through economic activities. Role of SHGs in promoting gender inclusion and social equity.
• Women empowerment through economic activities.
• Role of SHGs in promoting gender inclusion and social equity.
• GS-2 (Governance): Best practices in decentralized governance and community-driven initiatives. Effective implementation of welfare schemes like Mission Shakti.
• Best practices in decentralized governance and community-driven initiatives.
• Effective implementation of welfare schemes like Mission Shakti.
• GS-3 (Economy): Promotes rural entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and sustainable livelihoods. Example of utilizing natural resources (panchayat tanks) for economic growth.
• Promotes rural entrepreneurship, self-reliance, and sustainable livelihoods.
• Example of utilizing natural resources (panchayat tanks) for economic growth.
• Essay Paper: Themes like Women-led Development, Sustainable Livelihood Models, and Community Empowerment.
• Themes like Women-led Development, Sustainable Livelihood Models, and Community Empowerment.
• Ethics (GS-4): Demonstrates proactive leadership by a civil servant (IAS officer Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas) and commitment to inclusive development.
• Demonstrates proactive leadership by a civil servant (IAS officer Suryawanshi Mayur Vikas) and commitment to inclusive development.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Global Engagement Scheme
Source: pib
Context: The Global Engagement Scheme was recently discussed in the Lok Sabha, where the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, provided details about its implementation, including the participation of artists from Maharashtra in international cultural festivals.
About Global Engagement Scheme
What is the Global Engagement Scheme?
The Global Engagement Scheme, initiated by the Ministry of Culture, aims to promote India’s diverse cultural heritage on the global stage and foster international cultural collaborations.
Nodal Ministry- Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Key Features of the Scheme
• Promoting Cultural Heritage: Showcases India’s rich cultural diversity, including folk, classical, and contemporary art forms.
• Strengthening Bilateral Cultural Ties: Encourages collaboration with foreign nations to enhance India’s cultural outreach.
• Festival of India (FOI): Empanelled Indian artists perform abroad in cultural festivals organized by Indian Missions. Covers folk music, dance, puppetry, theatre, classical music, experimental dance, etc. Government funds travel and performances of selected artists.
• Covers folk music, dance, puppetry, theatre, classical music, experimental dance, etc.
• Government funds travel and performances of selected artists.
• Grant-in-Aid for Indo-Foreign Friendship Societies: Financial support to cultural societies fostering Indo-foreign cultural exchange.
SIPRI Report (2020-24)
Source: THE HINDU
Context: India has become the second-largest arms importer globally between 2020-24, following Ukraine, as per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report.
• The report highlights a decline in India’s arms imports from Russia and a rise in French arms exports to India.
About SIPRI Report (2020-24):
Key Highlights of the SIPRI Report (2020-24)
Global Trends in Arms Imports & Exports
• Ukraine emerged as the largest arms importer due to ongoing war with Russia, with a 100-fold rise in imports.
• India ranked second in arms imports, despite a 9.3% decline compared to 2015-19.
• China exited the top 10 arms importers list for the first time since 1990-94, reflecting its growing domestic defense industry.
• Pakistan’s arms imports surged by 61%, with China supplying 81% of its total imports.
• European arms imports increased by 155% due to geopolitical tensions and military rearmament.
India’s Defense Imports
• Russia remained the top supplier but its share dropped to 36% (from 55% in 2015-19 & 72% in 2010-14).
• France emerged as a major supplier, with 28% of its total arms exports going to India.
• India has contracted major military deals with France, including 36 Rafale jets & six Scorpene-class submarines.
• Deals for 26 Rafale-M jets & three more submarines are expected to be finalized soon.
Global Arms Transfer & Export Trends
• USA expanded its global arms market share to 43%, reinforcing its dominance.
• Russia’s arms exports fell by 64%, now comprising only 7.8% of global exports, behind France (9.6%).
• Italy climbed to 6th place in arms exports, with a 4.8% share in global arms trade.
• 35 countries have supplied weapons to Ukraine since 2022, with more deliveries in progress.
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)
What is SIPRI?
• SIPRI is an independent international institute focused on research in conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament.
Establishment
• Founded in 1966 in Stockholm, Sweden.
Functions & Significance
• Analyzes trends in global arms trade and their impact on international security.
• Monitors military spending of nations and their strategic implications.
• Provides data-driven insights for policymakers on global defence dynamics.
Gene-edited bananas
Source: IE
Context: A UK-based biotech company, Tropic, has developed a gene-edited banana that remains fresh and yellow for 12 hours after peeling, reducing food waste.
• This breakthrough in genetic modification could help curb post-harvest losses and carbon emissions, contributing to sustainability.
Recent Advancements in Gene-Editing Technology
• CRISPR-Cas9 Breakthroughs: CRISPR-Cas9 remains the most widely used gene-editing tool, enabling precise DNA modifications.
• Scientists have improved base-editing techniques, allowing for single-nucleotide changes without breaking DNA strands.
• Scientists have improved base-editing techniques, allowing for single-nucleotide changes without breaking DNA strands.
• Prime Editing: A more refined version of CRISPR, Prime Editing, can directly write new genetic sequences without cutting DNA entirely.
• This technique enhances safety and accuracy in genetic modifications.
• This technique enhances safety and accuracy in genetic modifications.
• Gene-Edited Crops for Agriculture: Non-browning bananas (Tropic) and Arctic apples (Okanagan Specialty Fruits) extend shelf life and reduce waste.
• Drought-resistant wheat, pest-resistant rice, and vitamin-enhanced tomatoes are advancing agricultural productivity.
• Drought-resistant wheat, pest-resistant rice, and vitamin-enhanced tomatoes are advancing agricultural productivity.
• Therapeutic Applications: Gene editing is revolutionizing cancer treatment (CAR-T cell therapy).
• Ongoing trials aim to cure genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis.
• Ongoing trials aim to cure genetic disorders like sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis.
About Gene Editing
What is Gene Editing?
• Gene editing involves modifying an organism’s DNA to enhance traits, eliminate defects, or develop resistance to diseases.
• Unlike traditional breeding, it allows precise and controlled alterations at the molecular level.
Methods Used
• CRISPR-Cas9 – Most common technique, cuts DNA at specific sites for modification.
• Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs) – Custom DNA-binding proteins used to alter genes.
• TALENs (Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases) – Precise cutting and editing of genetic sequences.
Regulatory Provisions in India
• Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under MoEFCC oversees gene-editing approvals.
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulates genetically modified foods.
• India approved GM Mustard for commercial cultivation but has stricter regulations for gene-edited crops.
Current Status in India
• India has not approved CRISPR-based crops for commercial use yet, but research is underway.
• Gene-edited rice, wheat, and bananas are in developmental stages.
• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is exploring gene-editing to improve climate resilience and pest resistance in crops.
Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24
Source: PIB
Context: The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24 findings were released by the National Statistics Office (NSO), highlighting trends in household spending on food and non-food items.
• The data is expected to play a crucial role in policy formulation, inflation tracking, and poverty estimation.
About Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24
• Data Collection & Methodology
• Conducted between August 2023 – July 2024 by NSO under MoSPI. Digital data collection via Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) for accuracy and real-time validation. Survey covered 405 items across food and non-food categories. Rural sampling based on land possession, while urban sampling considered car ownership as a classification criterion.
• Conducted between August 2023 – July 2024 by NSO under MoSPI.
• Digital data collection via Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) for accuracy and real-time validation.
• Survey covered 405 items across food and non-food categories.
• Rural sampling based on land possession, while urban sampling considered car ownership as a classification criterion.
• Broad Consumption Categories
• Food items: Cereals, pulses, dairy, vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat, edible oil, beverages. Non-food items: Fuel, medical expenses, education, rent, clothing, consumer services, entertainment.
• Food items: Cereals, pulses, dairy, vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat, edible oil, beverages.
• Non-food items: Fuel, medical expenses, education, rent, clothing, consumer services, entertainment.
• New Items Added in 2023-24 Survey
• Food & Beverages: Almonds, pistachios, breakfast cereals, nachos, mayonnaise, cup noodles. Personal Care: Handwash, facewash, body oil, deodorants, aftershave balm. Clothing & Apparel: Joggers, jumpsuits, sleepwear, lehengas, shrugs. Consumer Electronics: Bluetooth speakers, headphones, air purifiers, geysers, food processors. Sports & Medical Equipment: Treadmills, fitness cycles, wheelchairs, weighing machines.
• Food & Beverages: Almonds, pistachios, breakfast cereals, nachos, mayonnaise, cup noodles.
• Personal Care: Handwash, facewash, body oil, deodorants, aftershave balm.
• Clothing & Apparel: Joggers, jumpsuits, sleepwear, lehengas, shrugs.
• Consumer Electronics: Bluetooth speakers, headphones, air purifiers, geysers, food processors.
• Sports & Medical Equipment: Treadmills, fitness cycles, wheelchairs, weighing machines.
• Policy Implications
• Provides insights into poverty levels, income disparities, and standard of living. Helps in revising inflation estimates and GDP calculations. Serves as a basis for policy interventions in welfare schemes such as food security, healthcare, and education.
• Provides insights into poverty levels, income disparities, and standard of living.
• Helps in revising inflation estimates and GDP calculations.
• Serves as a basis for policy interventions in welfare schemes such as food security, healthcare, and education.
About National Statistics Office (NSO)
What is NSO?
• NSO is India’s premier statistical body under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• It is responsible for conducting surveys, data collection, and statistical analysis for economic and social indicators.
Established In
• Formed in 2019, after merging the Central Statistics Office (CSO) and National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
Chaired By
• The Secretary, MoSPI, heads the NSO.
Organizational Structure
• Survey Division: Conducts household and enterprise surveys.
• Economic Division: Estimates national income, inflation, and industrial production.
• Field Operations Division: Collects data from households and businesses.
Functions & Powers
• Conducts large-scale surveys, including National Sample Surveys (NSS), Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), and Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES).
• Publishes GDP data, Consumer Price Index (CPI), and Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
• Provides statistical inputs for government policies and economic planning.
• Ensures data accuracy, transparency, and compliance with global statistical standards.
Bills of Lading Bill, 2025
Source: TH
Context: The Lok Sabha passed the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, replacing the 169-year-old colonial-era Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856, to modernize India’s shipping laws.
• The new legislation aims to align India’s maritime trade with global standards, simplifying legal processes and enhancing efficiency in the shipping sector.
About Bills of Lading Bill, 2025
What is the Bills of Lading Bill?
• A Bills of Lading is a legal document used in international shipping, acting as proof that goods have been loaded onto a vessel and specifying the terms of transport.
• The Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, replaces the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856, ensuring a modern, transparent, and efficient framework for shipping transactions.
Key Features of the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025
• Legal Modernization: Replaces colonial-era provisions with a more structured and simplified framework.
• Enhanced Business Efficiency: Streamlines shipping documentation, reducing litigation risks and legal disputes. Establishes clear guidelines for carriers, shippers, and consignees.
• Establishes clear guidelines for carriers, shippers, and consignees.
• Alignment with Global Standards: Adapts international best practices to boost India’s role in global maritime trade.
• Government Empowerment: Allows the Central Government to issue directions for effective implementation. Introduces a standard repeal and saving clause to maintain legal continuity.
• Introduces a standard repeal and saving clause to maintain legal continuity.
• User-Friendly Provisions: Simplifies language and structure without altering the substantive principles of the original law.
• Boost to Maritime Trade: Strengthens India’s position as a maritime hub, supporting ease of doing business.
Implementing Body- Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Government of India.
INS Imphal
Source: ANI
Context: INS Imphal has arrived at Port Louis, Mauritius, to participate in the 57th Mauritius National Day celebrations on March 12, 2025.
• The visit underscores India’s commitment to maritime security and regional cooperation, aligning with the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and SAGAR vision.
About INS Imphal
What is INS Imphal?
• INS Imphal is a Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy.
• It is the third indigenous stealth destroyer, commissioned in December 2023.
• Built by: Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
Key Features of INS Imphal
• State-of-the-Art Weaponry Equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles for aerial defense. 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) and AK-630 CIWS for close-range combat.
• Equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
• Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles for aerial defense.
• 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) and AK-630 CIWS for close-range combat.
• Advanced Sensor & Radar Systems: Features Multi-Function Surveillance and Threat Alert Radar (MF-STAR). Includes electronic warfare suites and towed array sonar for underwater surveillance.
• Includes electronic warfare suites and towed array sonar for underwater surveillance.
• Stealth Capabilities: Designed with low radar cross-section for stealth operations. Reduces detectability in enemy radar systems.
• Reduces detectability in enemy radar systems.
• Enhanced Mobility & Endurance: Powered by four gas turbines, capable of reaching over 30 knots. Operational range: 4,000 nautical miles.
• Operational range: 4,000 nautical miles.
• Helicopter & UAV Operations: Can carry two multi-role helicopters, including MH-60R Seahawks. Supports unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations for reconnaissance.
• Supports unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations for reconnaissance.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 March 2025 Mapping:
North Sea
Source: TOI
Context: A rare collision between an oil tanker and a cargo ship in the North Sea resulted in a massive fire and injured 32 people.
• A large-scale rescue operation was launched by the UK Coastguard, with firefighting vessels and emergency services responding to the incident.
About North Sea
What is the North Sea?
• The North Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, located between Great Britain, Scandinavia, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.
Key Facts About the North Sea
• Area: Approximately 570,000 square kilometers.
• Average Depth: 95 meters, with a maximum depth of 700 meters in the Norwegian Trench.
• Connected Water Bodies: Linked to the Norwegian Sea, English Channel, and the Baltic Sea.
• Bordering Countries: United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France
• Major Rivers Flowing into the North Sea: Rhine River (Germany, Netherlands), Elbe River (Germany), Thames River (United Kingdom), Seine River (France), Ems River (Germany), Meuse River (Belgium, Netherlands)
Geographical and Economic Significance
• Maritime Trade & Shipping Hub: One of the busiest maritime routes globally, handling a significant portion of European trade. Major ports: Rotterdam (Netherlands), Hamburg (Germany), Antwerp (Belgium), and London (UK).
• Major ports: Rotterdam (Netherlands), Hamburg (Germany), Antwerp (Belgium), and London (UK).
• Rich in Natural Resources: Vast reserves of oil and natural gas, making it a critical energy hub. Major offshore oil fields: Brent, Ekofisk, and Forties. Leading energy suppliers: Norway and the UK.
• Major offshore oil fields: Brent, Ekofisk, and Forties.
• Leading energy suppliers: Norway and the UK.
• Renewable Energy Hub: Home to some of the largest offshore wind farms in the world, crucial for Europe’s green energy transition.
• Fishing Industry: One of the world’s most productive fishing zones, supporting industries in Norway, Denmark, and the UK.
• Strategic Military Importance: Historically significant in both World Wars and remains a key region for NATO naval exercises.
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