UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 March 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 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 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 March (2025)

• India Mauritius Relations

India Mauritius Relations

• Slipping Good Governance

Slipping Good Governance

GS Paper 3:

• World Air Quality Report 2024

World Air Quality Report 2024

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

• Rotti Revival and Women Entrepreneurship

Rotti Revival and Women Entrepreneurship

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Starlink

Starlink

• Neural Networks

Neural Networks

• PM’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0)

PM’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0)

• Mission Amrit Sarovar

Mission Amrit Sarovar

• Mycelium Bricks

Mycelium Bricks

• No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference

No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference

• Plastic Ice VII

Plastic Ice VII

Mapping:

• Yamuna River

Yamuna River

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 March 2025

#### GS Paper 2 :

India Mauritius Relations

Syllabus: International Relations

Source: PIB

Context: India and Mauritius upgraded their ties to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister visit to Port Louis.

India-Mauritius Diplomatic History:

• Colonial Era & Early Connections (Pre-1947): Indian indentured laborers formed the foundation of Indo-Mauritian ties under British rule. Mahatma Gandhi’s 1901 visit inspired political consciousness among the Indian diaspora in Mauritius.

• Indian indentured laborers formed the foundation of Indo-Mauritian ties under British rule.

• Mahatma Gandhi’s 1901 visit inspired political consciousness among the Indian diaspora in Mauritius.

• Post-Independence Era (1947–1968): India supported Mauritius’s anti-colonial movements and continues to back its territorial claim over Chagos Archipelago. India established diplomatic relations with Mauritius following its independence in 1968.

• India supported Mauritius’s anti-colonial movements and continues to back its territorial claim over Chagos Archipelago.

• India established diplomatic relations with Mauritius following its independence in 1968.

• Economic & Strategic Expansion (1983–2020): DTAA (1983) made Mauritius a key FDI gateway for India. India supported maritime security (Coast Guard setup), digital growth, and metro infrastructure. Mauritius joined India’s SAGAR initiative in 2020.

• DTAA (1983) made Mauritius a key FDI gateway for India. India supported maritime security (Coast Guard setup), digital growth, and metro infrastructure.

• Mauritius joined India’s SAGAR initiative in 2020.

• Recent Developments (2021-Present): The CECPA (2021) strengthened trade ties, Mauritius joined India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, and ISRO helped launch Mauritius’ first satellite (2022). In 2024, India expanded Blue Economy cooperation and revised DTAA to prevent tax treaty abuse.

• The CECPA (2021) strengthened trade ties, Mauritius joined India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, and ISRO helped launch Mauritius’ first satellite (2022).

• In 2024, India expanded Blue Economy cooperation and revised DTAA to prevent tax treaty abuse.

Key Highlights of the Joint Declaration

• Defence & Maritime Securit Refit of Coast Guard Ships: Victory, Valiant, and Barracuda provided on a grant basis. Joint Maritime Surveillance: Increased deployment of Indian naval ships and aircraft. Security of EEZ: Cooperation on the Agalega runway and jetty to counter China’s presence in the Indian Ocean.

• Refit of Coast Guard Ships: Victory, Valiant, and Barracuda provided on a grant basis.

• Joint Maritime Surveillance: Increased deployment of Indian naval ships and aircraft.

• Security of EEZ: Cooperation on the Agalega runway and jetty to counter China’s presence in the Indian Ocean.

• Infrastructure & Development: 100 Electric Buses: Delivery of e-buses and charging infrastructure for clean transport. Water Pipeline Project: Replacement of 100 km of water pipelines, backed by a ₹487 crore rupee-denominated line of credit (India’s first-ever rupee-based credit line). New Parliament Building: India to gift a new Mauritius Parliament as a symbol of democracy.

• 100 Electric Buses: Delivery of e-buses and charging infrastructure for clean transport.

• Water Pipeline Project: Replacement of 100 km of water pipelines, backed by a ₹487 crore rupee-denominated line of credit (India’s first-ever rupee-based credit line).

• New Parliament Building: India to gift a new Mauritius Parliament as a symbol of democracy.

• Digital Cooperation & Capacity Building E-Judiciary System: India to support digitization of judicial services in Mauritius. Police & Civil Services Training: Training 500 Mauritian civil servants in India over five years. Cybersecurity & ICT: Collaboration in Digital Public Infrastructure and cyber resilience.

• E-Judiciary System: India to support digitization of judicial services in Mauritius.

• Police & Civil Services Training: Training 500 Mauritian civil servants in India over five years.

• Cybersecurity & ICT: Collaboration in Digital Public Infrastructure and cyber resilience.

• Health & Education Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Expansion of affordable generic medicine stores in Mauritius. Ayush Centre of Excellence: Promotion of Indian traditional medicine (AYUSH). Education & Research: Cooperation on curriculum development, Science & Technology policies, and research exchanges.

• Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Expansion of affordable generic medicine stores in Mauritius.

• Ayush Centre of Excellence: Promotion of Indian traditional medicine (AYUSH).

• Education & Research: Cooperation on curriculum development, Science & Technology policies, and research exchanges.

Challenges & Differences:

• China’s Influence: China’s increasing strategic footprint in the Indian Ocean challenges India’s influence in Mauritius.

• Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA): Delays in ratifying amendments to the tax treaty, affecting bilateral trade and investment clarity.

• Geopolitical Balancing: Mauritius maintains neutral diplomatic ties with multiple global powers, making India’s exclusive influence difficult to secure.

• Economic Dependencies: Mauritius seeks economic diversification beyond India, limiting full-scale reliance on Indian trade and investments.

Way Ahead:

• Stronger Defence Cooperation: Expand joint naval exercises and white shipping agreements for regional security.

• Trade and Investment Expansion: Expedite full CECPA implementation to boost bilateral trade and economic diversification.

• Technology Transfer & Green Energy: Promote EV technology, solar power projects, and digital governance initiatives.

• Address Taxation & Economic Concerns: Speed up DTAA ratification and enhance tax transparency to resolve investor concerns.

• Regional Leadership: Strengthen Mauritius-India collaboration in Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) & Colombo Security Conclave.

Conclusion:

India’s transition from SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) marks its expanding Indo-Pacific strategy, strengthening maritime security, trade, and sustainable growth. This vision fosters regional stability and economic cooperation across the Indian Ocean and Global South.

• Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss.

Slipping Good Governance

Syllabus: Governance

Source: NIE

Context: The New Delhi railway stampede, which claimed 18 lives, raised concerns over lack of accountability and poor governance mechanisms.

• The handling of inquiry reports, blame deflection, and lack of preventive measures highlight India’s governance challenges.

What is Good Governance?

• Transparent, accountable, and participatory governance that ensures effective decision-making and service delivery.

• Key Principles: Rule of law, responsiveness, equity, inclusivity, efficiency, and accountability.

• Essential for democracy, ensuring public trust, institutional efficiency, and socio-economic development.

Challenges to Good Governance in India:

• Lack of Transparency: Inquiry reports on public disasters are often suppressed, limiting accountability.

• Bureaucratic Red Tape: Slow decision-making and inefficient administrative processes hinder effective governance.

• Political Interference: Frequent transfers and political influence affect independent functioning of institutions.

• Corruption & Nepotism: Lack of integrity in public offices leads to resource misallocation and trust deficit.

• Weak Accountability Mechanisms: No clear liability for administrative failures, leading to repeated governance lapses.

Government Schemes for Good Governance

• Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005: Enhances transparency by allowing citizens access to government records.

• PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation): Real-time monitoring system for fast-tracking government projects.

• Digital India Initiative: Focuses on e-governance, digital services, and transparency in public administration.

• Mission Karmayogi: Aims to train civil servants in governance reforms and improve public service delivery.

• Citizen’s Charter & Sevottam Model: Promotes service accountability and quality in public administration.

Way Ahead:

• Strengthening Accountability: Ensure independent inquiry mechanisms and public access to investigative reports.

• Bureaucratic Reforms: Implement transparent appointment processes and reduce political interference.

• Technology-Driven Governance: Expand AI-based predictive governance, digital monitoring, and e-governance initiatives.

• Public Participation: Enhance citizen engagement in policy-making and governance through participatory democracy.

• Anti-Corruption Measures: Strengthen whistleblower protection laws and transparent funding mechanisms.

Conclusion:

Good governance is key to democracy and sustainable development. India must strengthen transparency, ensure accountability, and enhance institutional efficiency to build public trust. A responsible, proactive, and participatory governance model is essential to prevent governance failures and foster national progress.

• Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how far successive governments have progressed in dealing with these humongous problems. Suggest measures for improvement. (UPSC-2017)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 March 2025 GS Paper 3:

World Air Quality Report 2024

Syllabus: Air Pollution

Source: TOI

Context: The World Air Quality Report 2024 which was published by Swiss air technology firm IQAir, gives a detailed analysis of global air pollution levels, bringing to light the alarming trends and some important information.

Status of Air Pollution in India

• High PM2.5 Levels: India’s average PM2.5 concentration in 2024 was 50.6 µg/m³, exceeding the WHO safe limit (5 µg/m³) by 10 times.

• Most Polluted Cities: 13 out of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in India, with Byrnihat (128.2 µg/m³) and Delhi (91.6 µg/m³) ranking among the worst.

• Health Impact: Air pollution contributed to 2.1 million deaths in India in 2021, making it a leading cause of premature mortality.

• Regional Crisis: Northern states (Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh) experience severe pollution due to crop burning, industrial emissions, and vehicular traffic.

Status of Air Pollution in the World

• Global Air Pollution Crisis: 99% of the world’s population breathes air that exceeds WHO’s PM2.5 limit (5 µg/m³), with only 12 countries meeting safe levels​.

• Most Polluted Countries: Chad (91.8 µg/m³), Bangladesh (78 µg/m³), Pakistan (73.7 µg/m³), Congo (58.2 µg/m³), and India (50.6 µg/m³) rank as the world’s most polluted nations.

• Health Impact: Air pollution caused 1 million deaths worldwide in 2021, making it the second largest global risk factor for mortality after high blood pressure​.

• Unequal Burden: South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East face the highest pollution levels, while Europe and Oceania have the cleanest air due to strict regulations and renewable energy adoption.

Major Causes of Air Pollution:

• Fossil Fuel Combustion: Power plants, industries, and vehicles release high levels of PM2.5, worsening air quality.

• Crop Burning: Stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana, and UP causes 60% of Delhi’s winter pollution.

• Industrial Emissions: Cities like Byrnihat face severe air pollution due to factories, distilleries, and steel plants.

• Construction Dust: Unregulated urban expansion leads to high particulate matter pollution in cities.

Challenges in Tackling Air Pollution:

• Weak Policy Enforcement: Lack of strict penalties and poor GRAP implementation weaken pollution control.

• Lack of Coordination: Different states adopt varied pollution measures, creating inconsistent results.

• Public Apathy: Low awareness and poor compliance hinder effective air pollution mitigation.

• Rising Vehicular Emissions: Urban traffic congestion and fossil fuel dependence increase air pollution.

• Limited Air Quality Monitoring: Many Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities lack real-time air quality tracking systems.

Way Ahead:

• Strict Implementation of GRAP: Enforce bans on stubble burning and limit industrial emissions.

• Investment in Public Transport: Promote electric vehicles (EVs) and expand metro networks.

• Green Energy Transition: Shift from coal-based power plants to renewable energy sources.

• Better Urban Planning: Develop green belts, regulate construction dust, and improve air filtration.

• Community Awareness Programs: Educate people on air pollution’s health risks and mitigation strategies.

Conclusion:

The World Air Quality Report 2024 highlights India’s worsening air crisis, with multiple cities ranking among the most polluted. While government policies exist, their weak enforcement has resulted in little improvement. Urgent policy interventions, technological innovations, and community engagement are necessary to mitigate India’s air pollution crisis.

• Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards?

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Rotti Revival and Women Entrepreneurship

Anecdote: In the heart of Kotnoor village, Kalaburagi, 35-year-old Nirmala once struggled to sustain her small rotti-making business, preparing each batch by hand. With rising competition and urbanization shifting preferences toward rice and wheat, her traditional jowar rottis found fewer buyers. However, in March 2024, a government-backed cooperative introduced rotti-making machines, offering women like her a chance to scale up production and increase income. Investing in a machine through a subsidized model, Nirmala quickly saw her daily output double, reaching markets beyond Kalaburagi. Orders poured in from Bengaluru and Hyderabad, facilitated by Swiggy and Zomato listings. Today, she earns ₹30,000 per month, repaying loans, funding her children’s education, and securing a future once uncertain. The Kalaburagi Rotti Sahakara Sanga is not just reviving a staple food but also empowering women entrepreneurs, proving that rural innovation can drive economic independence. As the initiative eyes exports to the US and UK, Nirmala stands as a testament to the transformative power of inclusive policies and entrepreneurship.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper 1 (Indian Society & Culture): Highlights rural livelihoods, role of women in the economy, and preservation of traditional food systems.

• GS Paper 2 (Governance & Welfare Schemes): Aligns with PM Formalization of Micro Food Enterprises (PMFME) and PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY 2.0), supporting women-led businesses.

• GS Paper 3 (Economy & Agriculture): Showcases agro-based entrepreneurship, value addition in food processing, and millet promotion under India’s Millet Mission.

• Essay & Ethics (GS Paper 4): Demonstrates women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and sustainable entrepreneurship in rural India.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Starlink

Source: BT

Context: Airtel and Jio have collaborated with Starlink, a satellite internet network operated by SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, to deliver satellite broadband services in India.

About Starlink:

• What is Starlink?

• A satellite-based internet service operated by SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk. Designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband globally, especially in remote areas.

• A satellite-based internet service operated by SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk.

• Designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband globally, especially in remote areas.

• Developed by: SpaceX

• Launched in 2019, aims to deploy 42,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO).

• Launched in 2019, aims to deploy 42,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO).

• How Does Starlink Work?

• Uses a constellation of LEO satellites to provide internet access. A Starlink dish connects to the nearest satellite, which transmits data to and from ground stations connected to the internet. Unlike fiber or cellular networks, Starlink does not depend on terrestrial infrastructure.

• Uses a constellation of LEO satellites to provide internet access.

• A Starlink dish connects to the nearest satellite, which transmits data to and from ground stations connected to the internet.

• Unlike fiber or cellular networks, Starlink does not depend on terrestrial infrastructure.

• Key Features:

• Low Latency (25-50 ms): Suitable for gaming, video calls, and HD streaming. Speeds up to 220 Mbps: Varies by region, with average speeds of 50-100 Mbps. Global Coverage: Effective in areas with poor broadband infrastructure. Portability: Works for homes, businesses, vehicles, ships, and aircraft. Easy Installation: Self-installable dish and router for quick setup.

• Low Latency (25-50 ms): Suitable for gaming, video calls, and HD streaming.

• Speeds up to 220 Mbps: Varies by region, with average speeds of 50-100 Mbps.

• Global Coverage: Effective in areas with poor broadband infrastructure.

• Portability: Works for homes, businesses, vehicles, ships, and aircraft.

• Easy Installation: Self-installable dish and router for quick setup.

• Is Starlink Superior to Regular Broadband?

• Nations Rolling Out Starlink:

• Active in 100+ countries: U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, Australia, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, etc. Pending approvals: India, Pakistan, Indonesia.

• Active in 100+ countries: U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, Australia, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, etc.

• Pending approvals: India, Pakistan, Indonesia.

Neural Networks

Source: DD News

Context: Neural networks form the foundation of modern AI models, enabling machines to process complex data efficiently.

About Neural Networks:

• What are Neural Networks?

• Neural networks, also called artificial neural networks (ANNs), are a machine learning technique that mimics the human brain. They consist of interconnected nodes (neurons) that process and interpret data to identify patterns and make decisions.

• Neural networks, also called artificial neural networks (ANNs), are a machine learning technique that mimics the human brain.

• They consist of interconnected nodes (neurons) that process and interpret data to identify patterns and make decisions.

• How Neural Networks Work?

• Neural networks have three main layers: Input Layer: Receives raw data (e.g., images, text, or numbers). Hidden Layers: Process and refine information by adjusting weights and biases. Output Layer: Produces the final result based on the processed inputs. The model learns by adjusting the strength of connections between neurons using algorithms like backpropagation. Training a neural network requires large datasets to improve accuracy over time.

• Neural networks have three main layers: Input Layer: Receives raw data (e.g., images, text, or numbers). Hidden Layers: Process and refine information by adjusting weights and biases. Output Layer: Produces the final result based on the processed inputs.

• Input Layer: Receives raw data (e.g., images, text, or numbers).

• Hidden Layers: Process and refine information by adjusting weights and biases.

• Output Layer: Produces the final result based on the processed inputs.

• The model learns by adjusting the strength of connections between neurons using algorithms like backpropagation.

• Training a neural network requires large datasets to improve accuracy over time.

• Significance of Neural Networks:

• Automates Decision-Making: Enables AI systems to function with minimal human intervention. Handles Complex Data: Processes unstructured data like images, text, and speech with high accuracy. Improves Predictions: Used in weather forecasting, stock market analysis, and medical diagnostics. Enhances Language Processing: Powers AI assistants like ChatGPT, Siri, and Google Assistant. Drives Deep Learning: Forms the backbone of computer vision, speech recognition, and autonomous systems.

• Automates Decision-Making: Enables AI systems to function with minimal human intervention.

• Handles Complex Data: Processes unstructured data like images, text, and speech with high accuracy.

• Improves Predictions: Used in weather forecasting, stock market analysis, and medical diagnostics.

• Enhances Language Processing: Powers AI assistants like ChatGPT, Siri, and Google Assistant.

• Drives Deep Learning: Forms the backbone of computer vision, speech recognition, and autonomous systems.

PM’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0)

Source: DD News

Context: The Ministry of Education launched PM’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0) to mentor young authors and promote a reading and writing culture.

About PM’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0):

• Established in: First launched in 2021; now in its third edition (2025).

• Ministry involved: Ministry of Education, under the Department of Higher Education.

• To mentor young authors and develop a new generation of writers. To promote reading, writing, and book culture in India. To showcase Indian heritage, culture, and knowledge systems globally.

• To mentor young authors and develop a new generation of writers.

• To promote reading, writing, and book culture in India.

• To showcase Indian heritage, culture, and knowledge systems globally.

• Key Features:

• Age Limit: Open to authors below 30 years. Mentorship Program: Selected writers will get training from renowned authors. Focus Areas: Indian Diaspora in Nation Building Indian Knowledge System Makers of Modern India (1950-2025) Execution: Implemented by the National Book Trust (NBT), India. Books will be published and translated into multiple Indian languages. Authors will engage in literary festivals and cultural exchanges. Alignment with NEP 2020: Supports creative leadership development among youth.

• Age Limit: Open to authors below 30 years.

• Mentorship Program: Selected writers will get training from renowned authors.

• Focus Areas: Indian Diaspora in Nation Building Indian Knowledge System Makers of Modern India (1950-2025)

• Indian Diaspora in Nation Building

• Indian Knowledge System

• Makers of Modern India (1950-2025)

• Execution: Implemented by the National Book Trust (NBT), India. Books will be published and translated into multiple Indian languages. Authors will engage in literary festivals and cultural exchanges.

• Implemented by the National Book Trust (NBT), India.

• Books will be published and translated into multiple Indian languages.

• Authors will engage in literary festivals and cultural exchanges.

• Alignment with NEP 2020: Supports creative leadership development among youth.

• Coverage:

• Open to participants across India, covering 22 Indian languages + English. Encourages regional language literature to promote linguistic diversity.

• Open to participants across India, covering 22 Indian languages + English.

• Encourages regional language literature to promote linguistic diversity.

Mission Amrit Sarovar

• •Source: TH*

Context: Indian Railways will dig ponds under the Mission Amrit Sarovar to tackle water scarcity and improve water conservation.

About Mission Amrit Sarovar:

• What is Mission Amrit Sarovar?

• A nationwide water conservation program to construct and rejuvenate ponds across India. Aims to ensure water sustainability at the local level.

• A nationwide water conservation program to construct and rejuvenate ponds across India.

• Aims to ensure water sustainability at the local level.

• Launched in: April 24, 2022, as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.

• Ministry involved: Led by the Ministry of Rural Development, with collaboration from eight other ministries.

• Implemented by: Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N), providing geospatial data for site identification.

• Key Features:

• Target: Construct or rejuvenate 75 ponds per district. Community Participation (Jan Bhagidaari): Involves local communities in water conservation. Climate Resilience: Aims to strengthen groundwater levels and restore ecological balance.

• Target: Construct or rejuvenate 75 ponds per district.

• Community Participation (Jan Bhagidaari): Involves local communities in water conservation.

• Climate Resilience: Aims to strengthen groundwater levels and restore ecological balance.

• Railways’ Role: Identify and excavate new waterbodies near railway sites. Utilize excavated material for railway embankment construction. Coordinate with State governments for implementation.

• Identify and excavate new waterbodies near railway sites.

• Utilize excavated material for railway embankment construction.

• Coordinate with State governments for implementation.

Mycelium Bricks

• •Source: TH*

Context: Mycelium bricks are emerging as a sustainable alternative to conventional clay bricks, which contribute to 300 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

About Mycelium Bricks:

• What are Mycelium Bricks?

• Bioengineered construction material made from fungal mycelia, sawdust, and husk. Mycelium forms a fibrous network that solidifies into lightweight, durable bricks.

• Bioengineered construction material made from fungal mycelia, sawdust, and husk.

• Mycelium forms a fibrous network that solidifies into lightweight, durable bricks.

• Developed by:

• Research in sustainable construction has driven their development. Innovators like Roha Biotech (IIT Madras Incubated) and global research institutions are refining production techniques.

• Research in sustainable construction has driven their development.

• Innovators like Roha Biotech (IIT Madras Incubated) and global research institutions are refining production techniques.

• Key Features:

• Lightweight & Strong: High strength-to-weight ratio but weaker than concrete. Thermal Insulation: Effective heat insulator, reducing energy consumption. Fire-Resistant: Naturally resistant to flames but requires treatment for long-term durability. Biodegradable: Decomposes naturally, reducing waste. Eco-Friendly Production: Low carbon footprint as it does not require high-temperature kilns.

• Lightweight & Strong: High strength-to-weight ratio but weaker than concrete.

• Thermal Insulation: Effective heat insulator, reducing energy consumption.

• Fire-Resistant: Naturally resistant to flames but requires treatment for long-term durability.

• Biodegradable: Decomposes naturally, reducing waste.

• Eco-Friendly Production: Low carbon footprint as it does not require high-temperature kilns.

• Significance of Mycelium Bricks:

• Reduces Carbon Footprint: Offers an alternative to high-emission clay bricks. Sustainable Construction: Aligns with green building initiatives and high-performance architecture. Potential for Mass Adoption: Suitable for interior panels, liquid filters, sports equipment, and circuit boards.

• Reduces Carbon Footprint: Offers an alternative to high-emission clay bricks.

• Sustainable Construction: Aligns with green building initiatives and high-performance architecture.

• Potential for Mass Adoption: Suitable for interior panels, liquid filters, sports equipment, and circuit boards.

No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference

Source: PIB

Context: The 4th ‘No Money for Terror’ (NMFT) Conference was held in Munich, 2025, where India emphasized the need for global cooperation against terror financing.

About No Money for Terror (NMFT) Conference:

• What is NMFT?

• A global ministerial-level initiative aimed at combating terrorist financing. Platform for intelligence sharing, legal cooperation, and policy formulation against terror funding.

• A global ministerial-level initiative aimed at combating terrorist financing.

• Platform for intelligence sharing, legal cooperation, and policy formulation against terror funding.

• Established in: 2018, first held in Paris.

• Under control of: Financial Action Task Force (FATF) & UN Counter-Terrorism Bodies.

• Disrupt financial networks of terrorist organizations. Strengthen global financial monitoring and regulatory frameworks. Facilitate international cooperation in countering terror financing.

• Disrupt financial networks of terrorist organizations.

• Strengthen global financial monitoring and regulatory frameworks.

• Facilitate international cooperation in countering terror financing.

• Functions & Features: Intelligence Sharing: Enhances real-time data exchange on financial transactions linked to terrorism. Legal Reforms & Regulations: Encourages nations to update counter-terrorism laws and financial tracking systems. Monitoring Digital Transactions: Addresses cryptocurrency risks, online crowdfunding, and emerging terror financing methods. Strengthening Banking & Financial Oversight: Works with banks, fintech companies, and financial intelligence units to detect suspicious transactions. Capacity Building: Provides training, technical expertise, and resources to nations for effective counter-terrorism operations.

• Intelligence Sharing: Enhances real-time data exchange on financial transactions linked to terrorism.

• Legal Reforms & Regulations: Encourages nations to update counter-terrorism laws and financial tracking systems.

• Monitoring Digital Transactions: Addresses cryptocurrency risks, online crowdfunding, and emerging terror financing methods.

• Strengthening Banking & Financial Oversight: Works with banks, fintech companies, and financial intelligence units to detect suspicious transactions.

• Capacity Building: Provides training, technical expertise, and resources to nations for effective counter-terrorism operations.

Plastic Ice VII

• •Source: NewsX*

Context: Scientists have experimentally confirmed the existence of Plastic Ice VII, an exotic phase of water with hybrid solid-liquid properties.

About Plastic Ice VII:

• What is Plastic Ice VII?

• A unique phase of water where molecules remain in a rigid crystalline structure while retaining rotational motion. Originally predicted in 2008, but experimentally confirmed in 2025.

• A unique phase of water where molecules remain in a rigid crystalline structure while retaining rotational motion.

• Originally predicted in 2008, but experimentally confirmed in 2025.

• How does it form?

• Extreme Conditions: Forms under 450-600K (177-327°C) temperature and 0.1-6 GPa pressure (60,000 times atmospheric pressure). Lab Confirmation: Verified through Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS) at ILL, France.

• Extreme Conditions: Forms under 450-600K (177-327°C) temperature and 0.1-6 GPa pressure (60,000 times atmospheric pressure).

• Lab Confirmation: Verified through Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS) at ILL, France.

• Key Characteristics:

• Applications & Significance:

• Planetary Science: Explains water’s behavior inside icy moons (Ganymede, Callisto, Titan) and exoplanets. Extreme Environment Research: Helps in understanding high-pressure physics and material science. Space Exploration: Improves knowledge of ice phases in extreme planetary conditions, aiding in future astrobiology studies. Hydrogen Storage & Energy Research: May have potential technological applications in material sciences.

• Planetary Science: Explains water’s behavior inside icy moons (Ganymede, Callisto, Titan) and exoplanets.

• Extreme Environment Research: Helps in understanding high-pressure physics and material science.

• Space Exploration: Improves knowledge of ice phases in extreme planetary conditions, aiding in future astrobiology studies.

• Hydrogen Storage & Energy Research: May have potential technological applications in material sciences.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 13 March 2025 Mapping:

Yamuna River

Source: IT

Context: Delhi has introduced solar-hybrid river cruises on the Yamuna River, covering a 22 km stretch between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur, to boost eco-friendly tourism and connectivity.

• The initiative reduces carbon emissions, promotes green energy solutions, and enhances sustainable urban mobility in the capital.

About Yamuna River:

• Origin: The Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Himalayas at an altitude of 4,421 meters. Historically, it was a tributary of the River Ghaggar (likely the Saraswati River of the Vedas) but later shifted eastward due to tectonic activity.

• Historically, it was a tributary of the River Ghaggar (likely the Saraswati River of the Vedas) but later shifted eastward due to tectonic activity.

• Course & States: The Yamuna River basin extends across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Total Length: 1,376 km (Longest River in India that does not directly drain into the sea).

• Total Length: 1,376 km (Longest River in India that does not directly drain into the sea).

• Major Tributaries: Himalayan Region: Rishi Ganga, Hanuman Ganga, Tons, and Giri. Plains: Hindon, Chambal, Sind, Betwa, and Ken. Tons River contributes approximately 60% of the Yamuna’s total water flow.

• Himalayan Region: Rishi Ganga, Hanuman Ganga, Tons, and Giri.

• Plains: Hindon, Chambal, Sind, Betwa, and Ken.

• Tons River contributes approximately 60% of the Yamuna’s total water flow.

• Confluence: The Yamuna merges with the Ganga at Prayagraj (Allahabad), forming the sacred Sangam.

• Key Cities Along the Yamuna: Noida, Mathura, Agra, Firozabad, Etawah, Kalpi, Hamirpur, and Prayagraj (Allahabad). In Delhi, the Yamuna enters at Palla Village and exits at Jaitpur, covering 52 km within the National Capital Territory.

• Noida, Mathura, Agra, Firozabad, Etawah, Kalpi, Hamirpur, and Prayagraj (Allahabad).

• In Delhi, the Yamuna enters at Palla Village and exits at Jaitpur, covering 52 km within the National Capital Territory.

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 13 Mar 2025

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