UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 March 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 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.

GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 March (2025)

• Indian Coastal Crisis

Indian Coastal Crisis

• Technical Textiles in India

Technical Textiles in India

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Sahkar Taxi

Sahkar Taxi

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• Vikramashila University

Vikramashila University

• Heritage Repatriation Fund

Heritage Repatriation Fund

• Gaia Space Observatory

Gaia Space Observatory

• BioSaarthi Mentorship Initiative

BioSaarthi Mentorship Initiative

• Silvaguard

Silvaguard

• Maasai Tribe

Maasai Tribe

• Nag Missile System (NAMIS)

Nag Missile System (NAMIS)

Mapping:

• Kasungu National Park

Kasungu National Park

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 March 2025

#### GS Paper 3 :

Indian Coastal Crisis

Syllabus: Ecology

Source: DTE

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

About India’s Coastal Region:

• Extensive Coastline: India has 7,500 km of coastline, spanning 9 states and 4 UTs, supporting livelihoods, trade, and biodiversity.

• Economic Hub: Contributes 4% to India’s GDP through fisheries, tourism, and shipping.

E.g., Mumbai and Chennai ports handle 70% of trade.

• Biodiversity Hotspots: Home to mangroves (Sundarbans), coral reefs (Gulf of Kutch), and endangered species like Olive Ridley turtles.

• Population Pressure: Over 250 million people live within 50 km of the coast, increasing vulnerability to disasters.

• Climate Vulnerability: Faces rising sea levels (3.2 mm/year) and cyclones.

Significance of Coastal Ecosystems:

• Carbon Sequestration: Mangroves absorb and store 4x more carbon than terrestrial forests, mitigating climate change.

E.g., Example: Bhitarkanika mangroves (Odisha) act as a major carbon sink.

• Fisheries Support: Coastal waters contribute 70% of India’s fish production, sustaining millions of livelihoods.

E.g., 16 million fishers depend on coastal fishing for income.

• Natural Barriers: Coral reefs and sand dunes reduce wave impact, preventing coastal erosion.

E.g., Gulf of Mannar’s reefs protect Tamil Nadu’s shoreline.

• Tourism Revenue: Coastal tourism generates $11 billion annually, boosting local economies.

E.g., Goa and Puri beaches attract millions of tourists yearly.

• Cultural Heritage: Coastal regions host UNESCO sites and indigenous fishing traditions.

E.g., Chola temples (Tamil Nadu) and Koli fishing communities.

Issues Plaguing Indian Coastal Systems:

• Illegal Light Fishing: Despite bans, mechanized boats use bright LED lights to attract fish, depleting juvenile populations.

E.g., Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh face rampant violations, harming traditional fishers’ livelihoods.

• Coastal Erosion: Rising sea levels and human activities like sand mining accelerate shoreline loss.

E.g., Dakshina Kannada (Karnataka) lost 48.4% of its coast in 30 years.

• Pollution: Plastic waste and industrial effluents choke marine life and degrade water quality.

E.g., Versova Beach (Mumbai) required massive cleanups to restore ecosystems.

• Habitat Destruction: Mangroves and wetlands are cleared for infrastructure, reducing natural storm buffers.

E.g., Mumbai lost 40% of its mangroves since 1987 due to urban expansion.

• Weak Enforcement: Lack of monitoring allows illegal construction and fishing to thrive unchecked.

E.g., Adani port in Kerala faced CRZ violations due to poor oversight.

Way Forward:

• Strict Enforcement: Deploy AI drones and increase Coast Guard patrols to detect illegal activities.

E.g., Kerala’s crackdown on LED-equipped boats reduced light fishing.

• Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Artificial reefs and sand replenishment can stabilize eroding coastlines.

E.g., Puducherry’s submerged breakwaters reduced erosion by 30%.

• Community Participation: Engage local fishers in conservation to ensure sustainable fishing practices.

E.g., Tamil Nadu’s fisher unions actively patrol against illegal trawling.

• Climate Adaptation: Relocate high-risk coastal settlements to safer inland areas.

E.g., Odisha built cyclone-resistant homes for vulnerable communities.

• Research & Funding: Expand scientific studies on erosion and allocate budgets for mangrove restoration.

E.g., NCCR’s satellite mapping helps track erosion hotspots.

Conclusion:

India’s coasts are vital for ecology, economy, and culture, but face threats from erosion, pollution, and overfishing. Stricter enforcement, community involvement, and sustainable policies can safeguard these ecosystems for future generations.

• Coastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyse the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. (UPSC-2019)

Technical Textiles in India

Syllabus: Textile Industry

Source: PIB

Context: India is strengthening its position as a global leader in technical textiles through strategic initiatives like the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM) and state-level investments, aiming to unlock innovation, exports, and employment.

Data/Stats on Technical Textiles in India:

• Global Ranking: India is the 6th largest textile exporter with a 3.9% share in global textile trade.

E.g.: Exports include automotive, healthcare, and industrial textiles.

• Contribution to GDP: The textile sector contributes ~2% of India’s GDP, with technical textiles gaining increasing weight.

• Sectoral Growth Target: The Indian textile market is projected to reach USD 350 billion by 2030, generating 3.5 crore jobs.

• Government Funding: The NTTM was allocated ₹1,480 crore from 2020–26; ₹517 crore released, and ₹393.39 crore utilized till now.

• R&D Push: 168 R&D projects worth ₹509 crore approved under NTTM to develop new materials and market applications.

Potential of Technical Textiles in Indian Economy:

• Diverse Industrial Application: Used in automotive, construction, defence, agriculture, and healthcare sectors for enhanced functionality.

E.g.: Use of geotextiles in roads, and agro-textiles for better yield.

• Employment Generator: Expected to train and employ over 50,000 professionals in niche textile applications.

• Export Booster: Dedicated export promotion council to tap new markets and meet global demand.

• Startup Innovation: Schemes like GREAT support early-stage innovations with up to ₹50 lakh funding.

E.g.: Mahina, India’s first bonded period underwear, launched by Eicher Goodearth.

• Support for Make in India: Strong thrust on local innovation and manufacturing, aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Challenges to Technical Textiles:

• Limited Awareness: End-users, especially in MSMEs, lack knowledge of technical textiles’ utility and scope.

• Skilled Workforce Gap: Shortage of trained professionals in advanced textile technologies and applications.

• High R&D Costs: Research in advanced fibres and coatings is capital intensive, limiting startup participation.

• Import Dependency: Several raw materials and machinery still need to be imported, raising production costs.

• Market Penetration Issues: Domestic market acceptance is still slow due to conservative procurement practices.

Way Ahead:

• Incentivize Domestic Manufacturing: Expand capital subsidies and tax reliefs to attract investments.

E.g.: Tamil Nadu increased spinning modernization subsidy from 2% to 6%.

• Boost Exports via FTAs: Leverage free trade agreements to reduce entry barriers for Indian tech-textile products.

• Public Procurement Mandates: Mandate use of technical textiles in government infrastructure and health projects.

• Global Collaborations: Partner with international firms for tech transfer, certifications, and co-development.

• Awareness Drives: Conduct nationwide awareness campaigns targeting industries and consumers.

Conclusion:

India’s rise in the technical textiles sector reflects a shift from traditional to functional fabrics, aligning with modern industrial needs. Through policy backing, R&D, and startup encouragement, the nation is on track to emerge as a global hub for technical textiles. With continued focus, this sector can become a cornerstone of India’s economic and export strategy.

• Analyse the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. (UPSC-2013)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 March 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Sahkar Taxi

Context: The government has announced the upcoming launch of ‘Sahkar Taxi’, a cooperative-based ride-hailing service aimed at directly benefiting drivers.

About ‘Sahkar Taxi’:

• What is Sahkar Taxi?

• A government-backed cooperative ride-hailing platform where drivers retain full profits without intermediary commission cuts. Inspired by app-based services like Ola and Uber, but driven by cooperative societies.

• A government-backed cooperative ride-hailing platform where drivers retain full profits without intermediary commission cuts.

• Inspired by app-based services like Ola and Uber, but driven by cooperative societies.

• Why the Need?

• Platform Exploitation: Ola and Uber have been criticized for high commissions and opaque pricing algorithms. Consumer Concerns: Alleged unfair pricing based on devices (iPhone vs Android) has raised questions about transparency and fairness. Driver Welfare: Drivers often face poor earnings and lack bargaining power due to centralized app control.

• Platform Exploitation: Ola and Uber have been criticized for high commissions and opaque pricing algorithms.

• Consumer Concerns: Alleged unfair pricing based on devices (iPhone vs Android) has raised questions about transparency and fairness.

• Driver Welfare: Drivers often face poor earnings and lack bargaining power due to centralized app control.

• Significance:

• Empowerment: Enables driver ownership through cooperative structures, enhancing income security. Decentralization: Promotes local economic participation, aligned with ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation). Alternative Model: Offers a sustainable and inclusive alternative to profit-driven aggregator platforms. Consumer Trust: Brings transparency in pricing and builds accountability in digital service platforms.

• Empowerment: Enables driver ownership through cooperative structures, enhancing income security.

• Decentralization: Promotes local economic participation, aligned with ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation).

• Alternative Model: Offers a sustainable and inclusive alternative to profit-driven aggregator platforms.

• Consumer Trust: Brings transparency in pricing and builds accountability in digital service platforms.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:

GS Paper II – Governance & Social Justice:

• Government Initiatives & Schemes: Focus on cooperative governance and inclusive economic models.

• Consumer Protection Mechanisms: Highlights emerging challenges in digital consumer rights and regulatory oversight.

GS Paper III – Economy:

• Inclusive Growth & Employment: Encourages grassroots entrepreneurship through cooperatives.

• Digital Economy & Platform Regulation: Explores fair practices in gig economy platforms and e-commerce sectors.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 March 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Vikramashila University

Source: IE

Context: Vikramshila University has recently drawn attention due to renewed efforts aimed at reviving and transforming this ancient Buddhist learning centre into a prominent educational hub.

About Vikramashila University:

• What is Vikramashila?

• It is an ancient Buddhist monastery and leading centre of learning in medieval India. Location: Situated at Antichak village near Kahalgaon, Bhagalpur district, Bihar.

• It is an ancient Buddhist monastery and leading centre of learning in medieval India.

• Location: Situated at Antichak village near Kahalgaon, Bhagalpur district, Bihar.

• Established by: Founded by King Dharmapala of the Pala dynasty in the late 8th or early 9th century CE.

• Historical Significance:

• Vikramashila ranks among India’s most distinguished Buddhist mahaviharas, alongside Nalanda and Odantapuri (Bihar). Primarily known through Tibetan historical accounts, especially those authored by Tāranātha, a renowned Tibetan monk-historian (16th–17th century). Noted for scholars like Atisha Dipankara, founder of the Sarma traditions in Tibetan Buddhism. At its height during King Chanaka’s reign (955–983 CE), Vikramashila gained prominence for its structured hierarchy, as highlighted by historian Sukumar Dutt.

• Vikramashila ranks among India’s most distinguished Buddhist mahaviharas, alongside Nalanda and Odantapuri (Bihar).

• Primarily known through Tibetan historical accounts, especially those authored by Tāranātha, a renowned Tibetan monk-historian (16th–17th century).

• Noted for scholars like Atisha Dipankara, founder of the Sarma traditions in Tibetan Buddhism.

• At its height during King Chanaka’s reign (955–983 CE), Vikramashila gained prominence for its structured hierarchy, as highlighted by historian Sukumar Dutt.

• Major Academic and Cultural Features:

• Renowned as a prominent centre of Vajrayana Buddhism, employing eminent Tantric teachers such as Buddhajñānapāda, Dīpaṁkarabhadra, and Jayabhadra. Specialized in Buddhist Tantra, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, logic, and occult studies.

• Renowned as a prominent centre of Vajrayana Buddhism, employing eminent Tantric teachers such as Buddhajñānapāda, Dīpaṁkarabhadra, and Jayabhadra.

• Specialized in Buddhist Tantra, philosophy, grammar, metaphysics, logic, and occult studies.

• Architectural Highlights:

• Features a central cruciform stupa surrounded by 208 cells (52 cells on each side) for monks. Hosted an advanced library with a cooling system designed for manuscript preservation.

• Features a central cruciform stupa surrounded by 208 cells (52 cells on each side) for monks.

• Hosted an advanced library with a cooling system designed for manuscript preservation.

Heritage Repatriation Fund

Source: NIE

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

About Heritage Repatriation Fund:

• What is Heritage Repatriation Fund?

• A proposed financial initiative to facilitate the recovery and return of stolen Indian cultural artifacts from abroad.

• Proposed by: Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture.

• Ministry: Under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

• Aim: To support efforts in reclaiming India’s stolen or illegally exported antiquities from other nations.

• Features and Functions:

• Funding Sources: Accept contributions from corporations, wealthy individuals, and Indian diaspora through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Legal Support: Finance legal actions, negotiations, and purchases of disputed cultural objects. Technological Integration: Use advanced imaging, DNA testing, and AI databases to authenticate and establish the provenance of artifacts. Logistics & Conservation: Fund safe transportation and proper conservation of repatriated items. Heritage Recovery Task Force: A dedicated multidisciplinary team comprising diplomats, legal experts, and art historians to identify and recover artifacts worldwide. International Agreements: Advocate more Cultural Property Agreements (CPAs) to prevent illicit trafficking, similar to recent agreements with the USA.

• Funding Sources: Accept contributions from corporations, wealthy individuals, and Indian diaspora through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

• Legal Support: Finance legal actions, negotiations, and purchases of disputed cultural objects.

• Technological Integration: Use advanced imaging, DNA testing, and AI databases to authenticate and establish the provenance of artifacts.

• Logistics & Conservation: Fund safe transportation and proper conservation of repatriated items.

• Heritage Recovery Task Force: A dedicated multidisciplinary team comprising diplomats, legal experts, and art historians to identify and recover artifacts worldwide.

• International Agreements: Advocate more Cultural Property Agreements (CPAs) to prevent illicit trafficking, similar to recent agreements with the USA.

Gaia Space Observatory

Source: TOI

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

About Gaia Space Observatory:

• What is Gaia?

• Gaia (originally Global Astrometric Interferometer for Astrophysics) was a space-based astrometry mission designed to map the Milky Way with unmatched precision.

• Organisation Involved: Developed and operated by the European Space Agency (ESA).

• Launched In: December 2013 and began full-scale operations from July 24, 2014.

• Objective of Mission:

• To chart a three-dimensional map of the Milky Way. To track positions, distances, movements, and physical characteristics of over 2 billion stars. To predict the galaxy’s future shape and study its formation history.

• To chart a three-dimensional map of the Milky Way.

• To track positions, distances, movements, and physical characteristics of over 2 billion stars.

• To predict the galaxy’s future shape and study its formation history.

• Significant Discoveries:

• 3D Galactic Map: Gaia revealed the warped and wobbling structure of the Milky Way’s disc and provided insights into its spiral arms and central bar. New Class of Black Holes: Detected “dark” black holes only by their gravitational pull — a first in astronomical observation. Stellar Collisions: Confirmed the Milky Way’s dynamic evolution due to ancient galactic collisions, possibly influencing the formation of the Sun. Asteroid Tracking: Catalogued over 1.5 lakh asteroids, helping identify potential threats to Earth. Legacy Data: Although only 2% of the Milky Way has been mapped, Gaia’s data will support discoveries for decades as further releases continue.

• 3D Galactic Map: Gaia revealed the warped and wobbling structure of the Milky Way’s disc and provided insights into its spiral arms and central bar.

• New Class of Black Holes: Detected “dark” black holes only by their gravitational pull — a first in astronomical observation.

• Stellar Collisions: Confirmed the Milky Way’s dynamic evolution due to ancient galactic collisions, possibly influencing the formation of the Sun.

• Asteroid Tracking: Catalogued over 1.5 lakh asteroids, helping identify potential threats to Earth.

• Legacy Data: Although only 2% of the Milky Way has been mapped, Gaia’s data will support discoveries for decades as further releases continue.

BioSaarthi Mentorship Initiative

Source: PIB

Context: Union Minister unveiled the BioSaarthi Mentorship Initiative at the 13th Foundation Day of BIRAC, highlighting India’s rapid rise in the global bioeconomy.

About BioSaarthi Mentorship Initiative:

• What is BioSaarthi?

• A structured global mentorship program aimed at nurturing India’s emerging biotech startups through expert guidance and capacity building.

• Ministry Involved: Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.

• Implementing Agency: Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

• Objective:

• To strengthen India’s biotechnology ecosystem by supporting startups, fostering innovation, and promoting global competitiveness through mentorship.

• Key Features

• Six-Month Cohort Model: Structured sessions for selected startups with dedicated mentor-mentee engagements. Global Mentor Pool: Involvement of overseas experts, especially from the Indian diaspora, volunteering to support India’s innovation ecosystem. Startup-Centric Approach: Personalized mentoring to address entrepreneurial challenges in biotech, including R&D, scaling, regulation, and funding. Innovation Ecosystem Linkage: Promotes collaboration between industry, academia, and government institutions. Nationwide Outreach: Complements initiatives like BioE3 (Biotech for Economy, Employment, Environment) for inclusive sectoral growth.

• Six-Month Cohort Model: Structured sessions for selected startups with dedicated mentor-mentee engagements.

• Global Mentor Pool: Involvement of overseas experts, especially from the Indian diaspora, volunteering to support India’s innovation ecosystem.

• Startup-Centric Approach: Personalized mentoring to address entrepreneurial challenges in biotech, including R&D, scaling, regulation, and funding.

• Innovation Ecosystem Linkage: Promotes collaboration between industry, academia, and government institutions.

• Nationwide Outreach: Complements initiatives like BioE3 (Biotech for Economy, Employment, Environment) for inclusive sectoral growth.

Silvaguard

Source: BW

Context: Dryad Networks has unveiled Silvaguard, an AI-powered autonomous drone system capable of detecting and suppressing wildfires, offering a vital solution amid rising wildfire threats.

About Silvaguard:

• What is Silvaguard? Silvaguard is a prototype drone-based wildfire detection and suppression system developed to autonomously locate and extinguish early-stage wildfires.

• Silvaguard is a prototype drone-based wildfire detection and suppression system developed to autonomously locate and extinguish early-stage wildfires.

• Developed by: Dryad Networks, a Berlin-based climate-tech company specializing in forest monitoring and environmental sensor networks.

• Aim: To deliver a rapid, autonomous wildfire response system that reduces fire damage and prevents large-scale CO₂ emissions from forest fires.

• Key Features of Silvaguard: Integration with Silvanet: Works with Dryad’s Silvanet IoT sensor network deployed across forests to detect fires even before visible flames emerge. Autonomous Launch: Upon fire detection, drones are launched automatically from solar-powered hangars. Real-Time Imaging: Equipped with thermal cameras, obstacle avoidance systems, and infrared sensors to provide live visuals and precise fire location. Fire Suppression Capability: Future versions to use sonic wave technology to extinguish fires using sound frequencies.

• Integration with Silvanet: Works with Dryad’s Silvanet IoT sensor network deployed across forests to detect fires even before visible flames emerge.

• Autonomous Launch: Upon fire detection, drones are launched automatically from solar-powered hangars.

• Real-Time Imaging: Equipped with thermal cameras, obstacle avoidance systems, and infrared sensors to provide live visuals and precise fire location.

• Fire Suppression Capability: Future versions to use sonic wave technology to extinguish fires using sound frequencies.

Maasai Tribe

Source: DTE

Context: Maasai tribe in Tanzania are resisting international carbon credit projects, fearing land dispossession and erosion of their traditional way of life.

About the Maasai Tribe:

• Who They Are:

• The Maasai are semi-nomadic pastoralists and one of the most prominent indigenous communities of East Africa. They speak Maa, a language from the Eastern Sudanic branch of the Nilo-Saharan language family.

• The Maasai are semi-nomadic pastoralists and one of the most prominent indigenous communities of East Africa.

• They speak Maa, a language from the Eastern Sudanic branch of the Nilo-Saharan language family.

• Found In: Tanzania and Kenya, particularly along the Great Rift Valley and semi-arid savannas.

• Key Features: Physical Characteristics & Identity:

• Physical Characteristics & Identity:

• Known for their distinct dress, beadwork, and warrior traditions. Morans (young men aged 14–30) undergo bush training to build courage, endurance, and tribal discipline.

• Known for their distinct dress, beadwork, and warrior traditions.

• Morans (young men aged 14–30) undergo bush training to build courage, endurance, and tribal discipline.

• Social Structure:

• Society is patrilineal with clans divided into two moieties. Operates through age-set systems, with stages from junior warriors to senior elders over ~15-year intervals.

• Society is patrilineal with clans divided into two moieties.

• Operates through age-set systems, with stages from junior warriors to senior elders over ~15-year intervals.

• Livelihood:

• Dependent on livestock—mainly cattle, sheep, and goats—for meat, milk, and blood.

• Traditional Maasai pastoralists do consume blood as part of their cultural diet.

• Practice transhumance, moving in search of pasture and water throughout the year. Reside in kraals, circular enclosures with mud-dung houses and thorn fences.

• Practice transhumance, moving in search of pasture and water throughout the year.

• Reside in kraals, circular enclosures with mud-dung houses and thorn fences.

Nag Missile System (NAMIS)

Source: IT

Context: The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹2,500 crore deal to procure the Nag Missile System (NAMIS) and 5,000 light vehicles, marking a significant step toward enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

About Nag Missile System (NAMIS):

• What is NAMIS?

• NAMIS (Tracked version) is a third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system designed for the Indian Army.

• Developed By:

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Procurement carried out through Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited.

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

• Procurement carried out through Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited.

• Features of Nag Missile (Mark 2):

• Fire-and-Forget Capability: Allows target engagement without post-launch guidance. High Precision Targeting: Capable of defeating tanks with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA). Platform Integration: Mounted on NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) for greater mobility. Indigenous Design: Fully developed under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ category to promote self-reliance.

• Fire-and-Forget Capability: Allows target engagement without post-launch guidance.

• High Precision Targeting: Capable of defeating tanks with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA).

• Platform Integration: Mounted on NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) for greater mobility.

• Indigenous Design: Fully developed under the ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ category to promote self-reliance.

• Procurement Highlights:

• Category: Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM). Aligned With: Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission to promote domestic defence production. Employment Generation: Expected to boost MSMEs and generate both direct and indirect employment through component manufacturing.

• Category: Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM).

• Aligned With: Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission to promote domestic defence production.

• Employment Generation: Expected to boost MSMEs and generate both direct and indirect employment through component manufacturing.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 March 2025 Mapping:

Kasungu National Park

Source: DTE

Context: Kasungu National Park is in news as communities along the Malawi-Zambia border have initiated legal action against the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) due to increased human-elephant conflicts after relocating 263 elephants into the park.

About Kasungu National Park:

• Location: Central Region of Malawi, west of Kasungu town, approximately 175 km north of Lilongwe, bordering Zambia.

• Established: 1970, second-largest park in Malawi, covering 2,316 sq km.

• Controlled by: Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).

• Rivers within Park: Dwangwa, Lingadzi, Lifupa (important for hippo sightings at Lifupa Lodge).

• Local Tribes: Predominantly inhabited by Chewa people.

• Key Features Flora:

• Flora:

• Primarily Miombo woodland.

• Grassy wetlands or dambos along river channels. Fauna:

• Fauna:

• Major Wildlife: Elephants, Sable antelope, Roan antelope, Kudus, Impalas, Hartebeest, Zebras, African Buffaloes.

• Conservation: Designated Lion Conservation Unit since 2005.

• Current Issue:

• Elephant Relocation: 263 elephants moved from Liwonde National Park to Kasungu in 2022 by Malawi’s DNPW, African Parks, and IFAW.

• Elephants frequently enter nearby villages, causing at least 12 deaths and crop damage affecting over 11,000 villagers, leading to significant financial losses.

About International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW):

• What is IFAW?

• A leading global non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to animal welfare and conservation. Established: In 1969 by Brian Davies. Headquarters: Based in the USA, with operations spanning over 40 countries.

• A leading global non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to animal welfare and conservation.

• Established: In 1969 by Brian Davies.

• Headquarters: Based in the USA, with operations spanning over 40 countries.

• Objective:

• Protect and rescue individual animals and wildlife populations globally. Conserve natural habitats to maintain ecological balance.

• Protect and rescue individual animals and wildlife populations globally.

• Conserve natural habitats to maintain ecological balance.

• Key Functions:

• Wildlife Rescue: Saving animals from emergencies, natural disasters, or exploitation. Habitat Preservation: Ensuring safe ecosystems through habitat restoration projects. Advocacy: Promoting strong legal frameworks and public policies to protect animals. Public Awareness: Educating communities on coexistence and animal welfare.

• Wildlife Rescue: Saving animals from emergencies, natural disasters, or exploitation.

• Habitat Preservation: Ensuring safe ecosystems through habitat restoration projects.

• Advocacy: Promoting strong legal frameworks and public policies to protect animals.

• Public Awareness: Educating communities on coexistence and animal welfare.

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Table of Contents

GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 March (2025)

Indian Coastal Crisis

Technical Textiles in India

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

Sahkar Taxi

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

Vikramashila University

Heritage Repatriation Fund

Gaia Space Observatory

BioSaarthi Mentorship Initiative

Silvaguard

Maasai Tribe

Nag Missile System (NAMIS)

Mapping:

Kasungu National Park

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 March 2025

Indian Coastal Crisis

Technical Textiles in India

Sahkar Taxi

Vikramashila University

Heritage Repatriation Fund

Gaia Space Observatory

BioSaarthi Mentorship Initiative

Silvaguard

Maasai Tribe

Nag Missile System (NAMIS)

Kasungu National Park