{"id":38451,"date":"2025-03-04T18:44:28","date_gmt":"2025-03-04T13:14:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=38451"},"modified":"2025-03-04T20:13:45","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T14:43:45","slug":"news-in-short-4-march-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/04-03-2025\/news-in-short-4-march-2025","title":{"rendered":"News In Short-04-03-2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>India Secures Copper Exploration Block in Zambia<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS1\/Geography\/Critical Minerals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India has secured a 9,000-sq-km exploration block to <strong>explore copper an<\/strong><strong>d cobalt in Zambia.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Zambia<\/strong> is the 7th largest copper producer globally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Recent Trends in Global Copper Market<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As per a Bloomberg report,<strong> global copper ore supply is shrinking<\/strong>, intensifying the race for resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>China <strong>controls 50% of global copper smelting and refining capacity<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Copper <strong>demand is rising<\/strong>, <strong>driven by EV batteries, renewable energy,<\/strong> and clean technologies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chile, Peru, China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the United States lead in global copper production.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India, China, and the U.S. are securing copper supply chains, leading to increased geopolitical competition over the next decade.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>India&#8217;s Copper Situation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Domestic ore production<\/strong> in 2023-24 was 3.78 million tonnes (8% lower than 2018-19).\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Madhya Pradesh is the leading producer of copper<\/strong> in India followed by Rajasthan.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Copper Mines in India:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"eedbc7\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"866\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Indias-Copper-Situation-866x1024.png\" alt=\"India's Copper Situation\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-38452\" style=\"--dominant-color: #eedbc7; width:350px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Indias-Copper-Situation-866x1024.png 866w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Indias-Copper-Situation-254x300.png 254w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Indias-Copper-Situation-768x908.png 768w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Indias-Copper-Situation.png 1198w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Copper Imports: <\/strong>India\u2019s copper concentrate imports have doubled in value to Rs 26,000 crore in 2023-24 from 2018-19.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Challenges with Domestic Deposits: <\/strong>India has large copper deposits, but they require extensive exploration before mining.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The global average time to operationalize a copper mine is 17 years.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overseas Investment Strategy: <\/strong>India is securing copper assets in Zambia, Chile, and the DRC for short-term demand.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>However, overseas investments carry significant geopolitical risks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Africa\u2019s Rising Share in Critical Minerals<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The continent produces <strong>70% of global cobalt and 16% of global copper.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>DRC is set to become<\/strong> the world\u2019s second-largest copper supplier by 2030.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>India\u2019s Efforts in Africa: <\/strong>India\u2019s Ministry of Mines is working in the DRC, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Rwanda to acquire critical mineral assets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-economics\/copper-india-china-us-race-demand-electric-9866300\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Swavalambini<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/ Governance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)<\/strong>, in collaboration with <strong>NITI Aayog<\/strong>, launched Swavalambini, a Women Entrepreneurship Programme.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Swavalambini aims to establish a<strong> structured and stage-wise entrepreneurial <\/strong>journey for young women.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This programme aims to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit among young women in <strong>Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)<\/strong> by providing them with the necessary mindset, resources, and mentorship to successfully build and scale their ventures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Features of the Swavalambini Programme<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Faculty Development Programme (FDP):<\/strong> Swavalambini focuses on training faculty members from participating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) with <strong>five-day training sessions.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mentorship:<\/strong> Once participants have developed their business plans, they receive mentorship from industry experts and successful entrepreneurs. Additionally, the programme facilitates:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Access to funding opportunities<\/strong> through government schemes and private investors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Networking opportunities<\/strong> with established business leaders and professionals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Women Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP):<\/strong> Building on the foundation laid in the EAP, the Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) provides a deeper understanding of:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Business planning, Leadership and decision-making skills,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Financial literacy and investment strategies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Market research and competitive analysis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pib.gov.in\/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2107337\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>PIB<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Doctrine of Equality<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus :GS 2\/Polity<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Supreme Court of India ruled that visually challenged candidates cannot be deemed unsuitable for judicial service.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Supreme Court\u2019s Recent Rulings&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The court emphasized the <strong>principle of inclusivity and equality<\/strong>, noting that \u2018disability\u2019 should be added as a ground for non-discrimination in<strong> Article 15 of the Constitution.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The court stressed that any indirect discrimination, such as rigid cut-offs or procedural barriers, that excludes persons with disabilities (PwD) from judicial service should be removed to ensure equality.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Right to Equality in India&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Articles 14 to 18 deal with different aspects of the right to equality.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Article 14<\/strong> &#8211; It ensures that all persons are <strong>equal before the law and have equal protection<\/strong> of the laws within India, without discrimination on grounds such as religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 15 &#8211;&nbsp; <\/strong>It prohibits discrimination by the state on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Allows for special provisions to be made for the welfare of women, children, socially and educationally backward classes, and SCs\/STs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Also prohibits discrimination in public spaces like shops, restaurants, and public entertainment venues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 16 <\/strong>-It guarantees equality of opportunity for all citizens in public employment, prohibiting discrimination in employment based on religion, race, caste, sex, descent, place of birth, or residence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 17 &#8211;<\/strong> It abolishes untouchability and prohibits its practice in any form.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Article 18<\/strong> &#8211;&nbsp; It prohibits the state from granting titles other than military or academic distinctions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source:TH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>US Announces Creation of Crypto Strategic Reserve<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The U.S. government has announced the creation of a <strong>Crypto Strategic Reserve.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the Crypto Strategic Reserve?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Crypto Strategic Reserve will serve as a <strong>national stockpile of digital assets<\/strong>, managed under a <strong>federal regulatory framework<\/strong>. The reserve will consist of five major <strong>cryptocurrencies:<\/strong> Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Solana &amp; Cardano.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This initiative aims to integrate cryptocurrencies into the U.S. financial infrastructure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Significance of the Initiative<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The establishment of a Crypto Strategic Reserve draws parallels to the <strong>Strategic Petroleum Reserve.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By holding digital assets, the U.S. can <strong>mitigate financial risks and expand its economic portfolio.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cryptocurrencies can serve as a<strong> safeguard against inflation and traditional market fluctuations.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: TH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Ferrihydrite<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Space<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A study by NASA and ESA suggests that<strong> Mars&#8217; red color originates from ferrihydrite.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Formation of Ferrihydrite:<\/strong> Ferrihydrite requires cool water to form, indicating that Mars may have had liquid water in its past.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mars was thought to have turned red due to <strong>slow oxidation in dry conditions over billions of years.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"eeeeee\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"611\" height=\"182\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/comparison-of-martian-iron-oxides.webp\" alt=\"comparison of martian iron oxides\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-38453\" style=\"--dominant-color: #eeeeee; width:529px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/comparison-of-martian-iron-oxides.webp 611w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/comparison-of-martian-iron-oxides-300x89.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 611px) 100vw, 611px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Implication for Habitability:<\/strong> The presence of ferrihydrite implies that Mars could have been habitable in the past, with conditions that allowed liquid water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Significance of the Study<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Evidence of Water:<\/strong> The presence of ferrihydrite indicates prolonged water activity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Past Habitability: <\/strong>Suggests an environment more suitable for sustaining life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Climate Insights:<\/strong> Helps reconstruct Mars\u2019 transition from a wet to a dry planet.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"b4766d\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/how-mars-turned-red.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-38454\" style=\"--dominant-color: #b4766d; width:464px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/how-mars-turned-red.png 500w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/how-mars-turned-red-300x169.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>About Mars<\/strong><br>&#8211; Mars is the fourth planet from the sun and has a distinct rusty red appearance and two unusual moons.&nbsp;<br>1. Phobos: ~6000 km above Mars; Deimos: ~20 000 km above Mars.<br>&#8211; It has a very thin atmosphere, but dusty.&nbsp;<br>&#8211; <strong>Gravity: <\/strong>3.711 m\/s2 (about one third of Earth\u2019s gravity)<br>&#8211; Mars also has the largest volcanoes in the solar system, <strong>Olympus Mons<\/strong> being one of them.<br>&#8211; <strong>Atmosphere:<\/strong> 95.32% carbon dioxide, 2.7% nitrogen, 1.6% argon, 0.13% oxygen<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/economictimes.indiatimes.com\/news\/science\/iron-mineral-reason-for-marss-red-colour-study-suggests-hints-planet-was-once-habitable\/articleshow\/118578921.cms?from=mdr\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>ET<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>National Board for Wildlife<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Environment&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Prime Minister chaired the 7th meeting of the <strong>National Board for Wildlife at Gir National Park in Gujarat.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Outcomes of the Meeting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A report on the <strong>country\u2019s first riverine dolphin estimation was released.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>6,327 river dolphins recorded across 28 rivers in 8 states.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Uttar Pradesh<\/strong> has the highest population followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Foundation stone of National Referral Centre for Wildlife laid in Junagadh for wildlife health and disease management hub.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To deal<strong> with Human-Wildlife Conflict, <\/strong>a Centre of Excellence will be established at the Wildlife Institute of India\u2019s campus in SACON (Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History), Coimbatore.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rapid Response Teams to be equipped with technology for conflict mitigation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plans to introduce cheetahs in<strong> Gandhisagar Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh) and Banni Grasslands (Gujarat) to strengthen reintroduction efforts.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>National Board for Wildlife<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Established: <\/strong>Reconstituted in 2022 (Replacing the earlier Indian Board for Wildlife, which was formed in 1952).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Leadership:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chairperson: <\/strong>Prime Minister of India (Ex-officio).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vice-Chairperson: <\/strong>Minister of Environment, Forest &amp; Climate Change (MoEFCC).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Structure:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The 47-member committee includes government officials, conservationists, ecologists, environmentalists, and military personnel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Approval from NBWL is Required for:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Construction of tourist lodges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Alteration of Protected Area (PA) boundaries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Destruction\/diversion of wildlife habitat.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>De-notification of Tiger Reserves.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Gir National Park<\/strong><br>&#8211; <strong>Location: <\/strong>Situated in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat.<br>&#8211; <strong>Established: <\/strong>In <strong>1965<\/strong>, as a sanctuary, and later upgraded to a national park in <strong>1975<\/strong>.<br>&#8211; <strong>It is the only place in the world outside Africa <\/strong>where a lion can be seen in its natural habitat.<br>1. Since the late 1960s, Asiastic lion numbers have increased from less than 200 to 674 (Census 2020).<br>&#8211; Gir is a home to 40 species of mammals and 425 species of birds.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/india\/pm-modi-chairs-national-board-for-wildlife-meeting-announces-key-conservation-initiatives\/articleshow\/118686305.cms\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>TOI<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>First Comprehensive Estimate of River Dolphins in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ Conservation, Species in News<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India\u2019s first comprehensive survey of river dolphins, conducted under <strong>Project Dolphin<\/strong> <strong>(launched in 2020)<\/strong>, estimates a population of 6,327 dolphins, primarily in the<strong> Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river basins.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Findings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India is home to <strong>two species of freshwater dolphins:<\/strong> Ganges (Platanista gangetica) and Indus (Platanista minor).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There are 6,324 Ganges river dolphins, and three Indus river dolphins.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Highest populations <strong>recorded in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista Gangetica)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Characteristics:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Functionally blind; relies on <strong>echolocation<\/strong> for hunting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Known as <\/strong><strong><em>Susu<\/em><\/strong><strong> <\/strong>due to the sound it makes while breathing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exclusively freshwater species, inhabiting Ganga and Brahmaputra river basins in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Threats: <\/strong>Habitat destruction, pollution and hunting.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Status:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species): Appendix I<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CMS (Convention on Migratory Species): Appendix I<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IUCN Red List: <em>Endangered<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National &amp; State Recognition:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Declared India\u2019s National Aquatic Animal in 2009.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recognized as the State Aquatic Animal of Assam.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"818e6a\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"593\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Dolphins.png\" alt=\"Dolphins\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-38455\" style=\"--dominant-color: #818e6a; width:371px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Dolphins.png 593w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Dolphins-300x202.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 593px) 100vw, 593px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Characteristics:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Functionally blind, navigates using echolocation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Locally called <em>Bhulan<\/em><\/strong> in the region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Found mainly in the<strong> Indus River System (Pakistan) <\/strong>with a small population in <strong>India\u2019s Beas River.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Threats: <\/strong>Habitat fragmentation, Restricted range, leading to population isolation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Status:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CITES: Appendix I<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IUCN Red List: <em>Endangered<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>State Recognition:<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Declared the State Aquatic Animal of Punjab.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"ab9788\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Indus-River-Dolphin.png\" alt=\"Indus-River-Dolphin\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-38456\" style=\"--dominant-color: #ab9788; width:370px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Indus-River-Dolphin.png 640w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Indus-River-Dolphin-300x225.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fff2cc\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Do You Know?<\/strong><br>&#8211; One more species of Dolphin i.e. <strong>Irrawaddy dolphin<\/strong> found in India<strong> in Chilika Lake (Asia&#8217;s largest brackish water lagoon) in Odisha<\/strong>.<br>&#8211; Unlike the other two species, Irrawaddy dolphins are<strong> not blind and have a bulbous head<\/strong> with no beak.<br>&#8211; <strong>IUCN Red List Conservation status:<\/strong> Critically Endangered.<br><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"199\" height=\"152\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsz\/AD_4nXfDKxyCIV5OVd07wR1F7SBGuqyO1cPyQ2iucCahEdmiqA8TL72FXmdtbPf4n-wwN5mwtpEYND22z1IBNO6BSSPtKuoIxTCJMd0o9GugHqbwQbK0QqP5nygnsaWtO1c90I8UcbvI?key=--x-bg6cgHf47on2WbbNZgB6\"><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Importance of River Dolphins<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>River dolphins reflect the overall health of freshwater ecosystems. Help in<strong> carbon sequestration, flood regulation, and water purification<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They play a crucial role in maintaining <strong>ecological balance<\/strong> by controlling fish populations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The<strong> Ganges River Dolphin (Susu) and Indus River Dolphin (Bhulan) <\/strong>hold <strong>cultural and religious significance <\/strong>in many communities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They promote <strong>sustainable tourism<\/strong> and local economic development.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: TH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Oscars<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus :Miscellaneous<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>97th Academy Awards <\/strong>was held recently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Oscars<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Oscars, officially known as the Academy Awards, is an annual event which has recognized excellence in c<strong>inematic achievements.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It was <strong>first established in 1929 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Categories: <\/strong>The Oscars feature a variety of categories, with Best Picture being the most coveted.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Other major awards include Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Original Screenplay.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Major Highlights of Recent awards&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&#8220;<strong>Anora<\/strong>,&#8221; an indie film from Brighton Beach, New York, won five Oscars, including <strong>Best Picture<\/strong>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is a drama about a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Director Sean Baker<\/strong> won Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing with a $6 million budget.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mikey Madison<\/strong> won Best Actress for her role in Anora, despite lacking precursor wins (no BAFTA, Golden Globe, or SAG).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adrien Brody <\/strong>won <strong>Best Actor<\/strong> for The Brutalist, making him the only actor to win twice without a loss in the category.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technical Wins:<\/strong> The Brutalist won Best Cinematography and Best Original Score for its use of VistaVision.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flow<\/strong> became the first non-dialogue animated film to win Best Animated Feature.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Paul Tazewell <\/strong>became the first Black person to win Best Costume Design for Wicked.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source :TH<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India has secured a 9,000-sq-km exploration block to explore copper and cobalt in Zambia.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-38451","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-affairs"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38451","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38451"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38451\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":38474,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38451\/revisions\/38474"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38451"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38451"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38451"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}