{"id":68929,"date":"2026-03-13T20:51:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T15:21:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=68929"},"modified":"2026-03-13T20:59:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T15:29:31","slug":"news-in-short-13-03-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/13-03-2026\/news-in-short-13-03-2026","title":{"rendered":"News In Short 13-03-2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Dandi March<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS1\/ Modern History of India<\/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 Vice President of India recently paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom fighters involved in the <strong>Dandi March (1930).<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Dandi March<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The British colonial government had imposed a <strong>monopoly on the production and sale of salt <\/strong>and levied a salt tax, making even this basic necessity expensive for Indians.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>In 1930<\/strong>, Gandhiji declared that he would <strong>lead a march to break the salt law as <\/strong>it was sinful to tax salt since it is such an essential item of food.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gandhiji with his 78 followers started Salt Satyagraha March on <strong>12th March 1930 <\/strong>from <strong>Sabarmati Ashram<\/strong> and reached Dandi after <strong>24 days on 6 th April 1930.\u00a0<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>He broke the salt law by picking up natural salt from the seashore and boiling seawater to make salt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Salt Satyagraha became the starting point of the <strong>Civil Disobedience Movement.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Dandi March inspired similar protests across different regions like in <strong>Tamil Nadu led by C. Rajagopalachari<\/strong> &amp; in Kerala organized by<strong> K. Kelappan, popularly known as Kerala Gandhi.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After Gandhi\u2019s arrest, <strong>Sarojini Naidu led a nonviolent protest<\/strong> at the <strong>Dharasana Salt Works <\/strong>on 21 May 1930.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/vice-president-pays-tribute-to-mahatma-gandhi-and-freedom-fighters-of-dandi-march\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>AIR<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Bull Sharks in Iran\u2019s Karun River<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS1\/ Geography<\/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>Recent discussions about unusual wildlife habitats have highlighted the presence of bull sharks in Iran\u2019s Karun River near the city of Ahvaz.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Karun River<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Karun River is the <strong>largest<\/strong> and only navigable river in Iran. It originates in the <strong>Zagros Mountains.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It flows through southwestern Iran and eventually joins the <strong>Shatt al-Arab<\/strong>, which is formed by the confluence of the <strong>Tigris River<\/strong> and <strong>Euphrates River.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Shatt al-Arab then empties into the <strong>Persian Gulf.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Biological Features: <\/strong>Bull sharks are one of the few shark species <strong>capable of surviving in both saltwater and freshwater.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They possess specialised <strong>osmoregulation mechanisms<\/strong> that allow them to control salt concentration in their bodies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This adaptation enables them to travel <strong>far inland through river systems.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Global Distribution:<\/strong> Bull sharks have been recorded in several rivers across the world, like; Mississippi River (USA), Amazon River, Zambezi River and Ganges River.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conservation Status: <\/strong>It is listed as<strong> Vulnerable <\/strong>on the IUCN Red List.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/wildlife-biodiversity\/did-you-know-about-the-bull-sharks-of-the-karun-river-in-irans-ahvaz#:~:text=The%20Karun%20has%20the%20high\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>DTE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Special 301 Report<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/ International Relations<\/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 United States has launched Section 301 investigations into manufacturing and trade policies of 16 major trading partners, including the EU, China, and India.<\/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>Section 301 is a provision under the <strong>US Trade Act of 1974<\/strong> that empowers the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to <strong>investigate foreign trade practices.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is used when the <strong>US believes another country\u2019s policies are unfair, discriminatory, or restrict US commerce<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After investigation, the US government can take <strong>retaliatory trade actions, such as imposing tariffs, trade sanctions &amp; restricting market access<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The report places countries into different categories based on the <strong>seriousness of IPR concerns<\/strong> like <strong>Priority Foreign Country<\/strong> (Most severe designation), <strong>Priority Watch List<\/strong> (Countries with serious IPR protection deficiencies) &amp; <strong>Watch List <\/strong>(Countries with moderate IPR issues).\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>India\u2019s Stand<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India argues its IPR regime complies with the <strong>WTO\u2013TRIPS agreement. <\/strong>India emphasizes balancing innovation with public health needs and affordable medicines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/cities\/chandigarh\/cctv-ordered-spca-explain-poor-nutrition-shelter-dogs-10579285\/?ref=infinite\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>India co-sponsors Resolution Passed by UNSC Condemning Iran Attacks on Gulf<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/IR<\/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 co-sponsored a resolution at the <strong>UN Security Council<\/strong> that condemned the <strong>attacks by Iran against Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan.<\/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>India along with<strong> 134 countries<\/strong> that demanded the <strong>\u201cimmediate cessation of all attacks by Iran\u201d<\/strong> against GCC countries Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The resolution was passed with <strong>13 UNSC members voting in favour while Russia and China abstained.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It also condemned <strong>\u201cany actions or threats by Iran aimed at obstructing international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz\u201d.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It reaffirmed that the exercise of navigational rights and freedoms by merchant and commercial vessels, in accordance with international law, must be respected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Reasons for India\u2019s Stand<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India has a <strong>large diaspora in the GCC countries<\/strong>, and their well-being and welfare are of utmost importance.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Gulf is also very important for<strong> India\u2019s energy security needs<\/strong> as India\u2019s energy purchases from the region make up about 50% of its crude oil and 90% of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/india-co-sponsors-resolution-passed-by-unsc-condemning-iran-attacks-on-gulf\/article70735268.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Purple Potatoes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Agriculture<\/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 young farmer from Punjab has gained attention for cultivating <strong>purple potatoes<\/strong> using seed tubers imported <strong>from Bolivia.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Purple potatoes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Originally cultivated in the<strong> Andean region of South America<\/strong>, <strong>especially Peru and Bolivia.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Purple potatoes are <strong>naturally pigmented potato varieties<\/strong> with deep purple skin and flesh.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The tubers are deep purple both externally and internally due to a high concentration of <strong>anthocyanins<\/strong>, natural antioxidants responsible for the colour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The thicker peel gives them a <strong>longer shelf life than conventional potatoes.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The crop duration is around <strong>90\u2013100 days<\/strong>, with sowing generally done in <strong>October\u2013November.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are rich in <strong>vitamin C and antioxidants<\/strong>, and are considered beneficial for people managing conditions such as <strong>diabetes or joint pain<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ebecf0\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Do You Know?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India has developed its own purple potato variety <strong>Kufri Jamunia<\/strong>, launched in 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Potato Cultivation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India is the <strong>world\u2019s second top producer and consumer of potato after China;<\/strong> in 2020, it saw a production of 51.30 million tonnes.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Among the states in India,<\/strong> <strong>Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal <\/strong>lead the production, followed by Bihar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Potato is a<strong>cool-season crop<\/strong> and best suited to <strong>well-drained sandy loam soils.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: TH<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Assam\u2019s GI-tagged Joha Rice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Economy<\/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 facilitated the export of 25 metric tonnes of<strong> Assam\u2019s GI-tagged Joha Rice<\/strong> to the United Kingdom and Italy.<\/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>The aromatic indigenous rice variety, which received its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/09-09-2025\/news-in-short-9-september-2025\"><strong>Geographical Indication (GI) tag<\/strong><\/a> in 2017, is gaining recognition in premium global markets for its distinctive fragrance, fine grain texture and rich taste.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Joha Rice is cultivated in about <strong>21,662 hectares <\/strong>with a production of approximately 43,298 metric tonnes (FY 2024-25).\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The<strong> leading districts<\/strong> in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aninews.in\/topic\/joha-rice\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Joha rice<\/a> production are: Nagaon, Baksa, Goalpara, Sibsagar, Majuli, Chirang and Golaghat.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This strong production base provides a good opportunity to create a surplus for exports and enhance farmers&#8217; income.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/india-facilitates-export-of-25-metric-tonnes-of-assams-gi-tagged-joha-rice-to-uk-and-italy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>AIR<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Peptide Therapy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/Health; GS3\/Science and Technology<\/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>Growing global interest in<strong> peptide-based therapies <\/strong>for treating diseases and improving wellness has raised both medical opportunities and safety concerns, leading experts to call for stronger regulation and cautious use.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are Peptides?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They are very small chains of amino acids, the basic building blocks of proteins in the body.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They naturally act as messengers that regulate functions such as hormone release, metabolism, immune responses and tissue repair.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Peptide Therapy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Peptide therapy involves the use of synthetic or naturally derived peptides as medicines that mimic the body\u2019s natural signaling molecules.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peptides bind to specific receptors on cells in a<strong> \u201clock-and-key\u201d manner.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Major Applications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Therapeutically, peptide drugs mimic signals to target specific biological pathways, making them more precise and often better tolerated than conventional medicines.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They are used in areas like metabolic diseases, oncology, endocrinology, regenerative medicine, dermatology, and cardiovascular health.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Many are delivered by injection to avoid breakdown in the digestive system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Source :<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/sci-tech\/health\/as-peptide-therapy-becomes-a-popular-trend-experts-call-for-caution\/article70727007.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TH<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Operation White Hammer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Internal Security<\/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>Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)<\/strong> recently raided an <strong>illegal Alprazolam <\/strong>manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh as part of <strong>Operation \u201cWhite Hammer.\u201d<\/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>The raid uncovered a clandestine industrial setup producing <strong>Alprazolam<\/strong>, a psychotropic substance regulated under the <strong>Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985<\/strong>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug<\/strong> used to treat anxiety disorders and commonly marketed under <strong>brand names such as Xanax.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>India is one of the <strong>world\u2019s largest producers of generic medicines<\/strong>, which sometimes leads to misuse of pharmaceutical chemicals for illicit drug trade.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Legal Framework in India<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985:<\/strong> Regulates production, possession, sale, transport, and consumption of narcotic and psychotropic substances.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940<\/strong>: Regulates manufacture, quality, and sale of pharmaceutical drugs in India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Directorate of Revenue Intelligence<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>About:<\/strong> It is India\u2019s premier anti-smuggling intelligence agency &amp; functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Headquarters<\/strong>: New Delhi.<\/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>Operation Sagar Bandhu<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/IR; GS3\/Defence<\/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 Indian Army has launched a <strong>Major Bridge Project in Sri Lanka<\/strong> under <strong>Operation Sagar Bandhu<\/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>The bridge will connect <strong>Colombo<\/strong>, the capital city, with the key economic centre of <strong>Puttalam<\/strong> along a vital coastal corridor passing through <strong>Chilaw District<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The project reflects India\u2019s engineering assistance to support Sri Lanka\u2019s infrastructure recovery and connectivity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is aligned with India\u2019s <strong>Neighbourhood First Policy<\/strong> and broader regional cooperation initiatives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Background<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India launched <strong>Operation Sagar Bandhu<\/strong> in November 2025 as a <strong>First Responder<\/strong> following the devastating <strong>Cyclone Ditwah<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The operation aimed to provide <strong>Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)<\/strong> to Sri Lanka.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsonair.gov.in\/indian-army-launches-major-bridge-project-in-sri-lanka-under-operation-sagar-bandhu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>AIR<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Science and Technology<\/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>Under the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025\u201326, a total budgetary provision of \u20b920,000 crore has been made for the research, design, development, and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)<\/strong><strong>?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Small modular reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to <strong>300 MW(e) per unit, <\/strong>roughly one-third the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power plants.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Small <\/strong>\u2013 physically a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Modular <\/strong>\u2013 making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reactors <\/strong>\u2013 harnessing nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>There are four four main types<\/strong> of SMR i.e., light water, high temperature gas, liquid metal, and molten salt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"9abfc7\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-71-1024x576.png\" alt=\"SMRs\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-68930\" style=\"--dominant-color: #9abfc7; width:448px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-71-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-71-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-71-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-71-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/03\/image-71.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Advantages of SMR<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Enhanced Safety Features:<\/strong> SMRs utilize passive safety mechanisms, such as natural convection and gravity-driven cooling, which help prevent overheating without relying on external power or human intervention.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flexibility:<\/strong> The modular nature of SMRs allows for incremental power additions, which is ideal for growing energy needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Suitability for Remote and Off-Grid Areas: <\/strong>SMRs compact design makes them adaptable for smaller grid systems and applications like district heating and water desalination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost-Effective Construction:<\/strong> Prefabrication in controlled environments reduces on-site construction time and costs.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2238907&amp;reg=3&amp;lang=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>PIB<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Shadow Fleet<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/IR<\/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 Strait of Hormuz is largely closed due to the 2026 conflict, leaving most tankers stranded, while a \u201cshadow fleet\u201d of rule-breaking ships continues to move.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Shadow Fleet<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The \u201cShadow Fleet\u201d comprises ships that bypass international trade restrictions, flout environmental laws, smuggle goods, or conceal their cargo and operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These vessels exploit the voluntary nature of maritime regulation, turning off tracking transponders, registering under flags of convenience, carrying opaque insurance, and using shell companies.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some even change names or identification numbers to evade detection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They persist because, unlike strictly enforced land borders, the oceans are largely governed by voluntary regulations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Governance of&nbsp; international shipping<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea was signed by 167 countries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It\u00a0 requires almost every commercial vessel to carry a radio transponder that broadcasts the ship\u2019s identity, position, speed to port authorities, coast guards and commercial tracking networks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source : <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.downtoearth.org.in\/energy\/why-shadow-tankers-are-the-only-ships-still-moving-through-the-strait-of-hormuz#google_vignette\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>DTE<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><strong> Context <\/strong><\/p>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> The Vice President of India recently paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom fighters involved in the Dandi March (1930). <\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong> About Dandi March <\/strong><\/p>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> The British colonial government had imposed a monopoly on the production and sale of salt and levied a salt tax, making even this basic necessity expensive for Indians. <\/li>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> In 1930, Gandhiji declared that he would lead a march to break the salt law as it was sinful to tax salt since it is such an essential item of food.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/li>\n<p><a href=\" https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/13-03-2026\/news-in-short-13-03-2026 \" class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm float-end\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"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-68929","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\/68929","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\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=68929"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68929\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":68936,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68929\/revisions\/68936"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68929"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=68929"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=68929"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}