Answer: b

• The Jammu and Kashmir government, on March 6, 2025, introduced new regulations for Bangus Valley, aiming to develop it as an ecotourism hub while ensuring environmental conservation.
• About Bangus Valley
• Location: Kupwara district, north Kashmir, at 10,000 ft altitude in the Trans-Himalayan region.
• Geographical Features:
• Bodh Bangus (Big Bangus): A 300 sq. km elliptical valley.
• Lokut Bangus (Small Bangus): A smaller valley to the northeast.
• Trans-Himalayan Range
• The Trans-Himalayas, also known as the Tibetan Himalayas, extend for 1,600 km beyond the Great Himalayan Range.
• Major ranges include Zanskar, Ladakh, Kailash, and Karakoram.
• Serves as an ecological boundary between the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan Plateau.
• Significance of the Initiative
• Promotes sustainable tourism while protecting the ecosystem.
• Boosts local employment through eco-tourism opportunities.
• Strengthens border tourism potential near the Line of Control (LoC).

Answer: (b

• The Sahitya Akademi, India’s premier literary institution under the Ministry of Culture, is organizing its annual literature festival, Sahityotsav: The Festival of Letters, from March 7 to 12, 2025, in New Delhi.
• About Sahityotsav 2025
• The festival will feature 722 authors, poets, and literary figures from 53 Indian languages across 120 sessions.
• Theme: Indian Literary Traditions: Heritage and Evolution.
• Sahitya Akademi Awards: On March 8, 23 award winners will be felicitated.
• Special Focus Areas: Literature from the Northeast, tribal regions, and LGBTQ+ communities will be highlighted through panel discussions, writer interactions, and book readings.
• Venues: The festival will take place at Rabindra Bhawan Lawns, Kamani Auditorium, Art Galleries of Lalit Kala Akademi, and Sahitya Akademi Auditoriums.
• About Sahitya Akademi
• Founded: March 1954.
• Status: Autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture.
• Objectives:
• Promote literary excellence and healthy reading habits.
• Foster dialogue between different linguistic and literary traditions.
• Facilitate mutual translations through workshops and projects.
• Publish literary works, including translations, journals, anthologies, and dictionaries.

Answer: (b)

• The World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB), have recently introduced Mission 300.
• About Mission 300:
• Objective: To provide electricity to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030.
• Background: This initiative builds on extensive efforts, particularly those spearheaded by the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP).
• Key Goals:
• Accelerate electrification while promoting sustainable energy sources.
• Drive economic growth and create job opportunities.
• Current Scenario:Around 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa still lack electricity, constituting 83% of the world’s unelectrified population.
• Key Focus Areas:
• Strengthening power generation, transmission, distribution, and regional connectivity.
• Implementing sectoral reforms to ensure affordable, reliable, and high-quality electricity.
• India’s Electrification Journey:
• Pre-Independence Era (Before 1947): Limited electrification, mostly confined to urban centers.
• Post-Independence: Emphasis on rural electrification and state-driven electricity management.
• 1980s: Establishment of the Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) to enhance rural power supply.
• 1990s: Introduction of private sector participation, leading to structural reforms in the power sector. The Electricity Act of 2003 reshaped regulations to boost efficiency.
• 2021 Milestone: India achieved 100% household electrification.

Answer: (a)

• On March 4, 2025, the Arab League held an Emergency Summit, adopting the Cairo Declaration—a $53-billion plan for Gaza’s reconstruction. This initiative, aimed at addressing the post-conflict humanitarian crisis, hinges on the full implementation of a ceasefire agreement.
• Key Elements of the Cairo Declaration

1. Rebuilding Gaza’s Infrastructure: Aims to restore essential services and stabilize the region through financial and political support.
2. Gaza Administration Committee: Proposes a governing body led by qualified Gazans to oversee administration and governance.
3. Trust Fund for Reconstruction: Calls for the establishment of a dedicated fund to ensure transparent and efficient rebuilding efforts.
4. UN Peacekeeping Deployment: Suggests stationing UN peacekeeping forces in Gaza and the West Bank to maintain stability and prevent further conflict.

• Historical Context and Previous Initiatives
• Builds upon past Arab League proposals, particularly the Bahrain Declaration (May 2024).
• Aligns with the Arab Peace Initiative (2002), which advocates for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Political Dynamics and Palestinian Governance
• Stresses the need to unify Palestinian factions under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
• Notably omits any reference to Hamas, allowing the group to maintain influence during the transition.
• Proposes an interim governance structure to restore administration and prepare for future elections.
• International Reactions and Challenges
• Israel and the United States have expressed concerns, particularly over Hamas’ potential role.
• Israel opposes the PLO’s involvement in Gaza’s governance.
• The success of the Cairo Declaration depends on cooperation from all stakeholders, including international actors and regional powers.

Answer: (c)

Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP)

• The Union Cabinet has approved the revised Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme (LHDCP) with a budget of ₹3,880 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26. The programme aims to improve livestock and poultry health through enhanced disease control and veterinary services.
• About LHDCP
• Comprises three major components:

1. National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) – Focuses on controlling major livestock diseases.
2. LHDCP – Strengthens veterinary infrastructure and disease management.
3. Pashu Aushadhi –
4. A new initiative to provide affordable veterinary medicines for farmers.
5. Seeks to reduce disease outbreaks, enhance productivity, and support rural livelihoods.

• Key Sub-components

1. Critical Animal Disease Control Programme (CADCP): Focuses on managing severe animal diseases.
2. Establishment & Strengthening of Veterinary Hospitals (ESVHD-MVU): Expands veterinary care, especially in remote areas.
3. Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases (ASCAD): Supports states in disease prevention efforts.

• Affordable Veterinary Medicines
• ₹75 crore allocated for Pashu Aushadhi to ensure low-cost generic veterinary medicines.
• Includes incentives for distribution, making medicines more accessible to farmers.
• Impact on Livestock Productivity
• Aims to control diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Brucellosis, and Lumpy Skin Disease.
• Strengthens immunisation efforts to prevent outbreaks.
• Enhances overall livestock health, leading to higher productivity and reduced economic losses.
• Benefits for Farmers and the Rural Economy
• Creates employment opportunities in rural areas.
• Reduces financial losses for farmers due to disease outbreaks.
• Improves accessibility to veterinary services through mobile units and strengthened infrastructure.
• Surveillance and Disease Control
• Emphasises early detection and monitoring to respond swiftly to outbreaks.
• Strengthens biosecurity measures to safeguard the agricultural economy.

Answer: (c)

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially named its latest beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile as Gandiva. This advanced missile is set to strengthen India’s aerial combat capabilities, particularly against potential adversaries.
• Development and Key Features
• Under Development: The Gandiva missile is under development to enhance India’s air superiority.
• Extended Strike Range:
• 340 km for high-altitude targets.
• 190 km for low-altitude targets.
• Advanced Propulsion: Equipped with a dual-fuel ducted ramjet engine, allowing launch from various altitudes and making it highly adaptable.
• Multi-Target Engagement: Capable of striking fighter jets, bombers, and other aerial threats.
• Deployment and Testing
• Integrated with Indian Air Force (IAF) platforms:Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
• Successful Trials: Ground and flight tests have validated integration with aircraft systems
• Aligned with India’s Indigenisation Goals:
• Part of the Positive Indigenisation List, promoting domestic defence manufacturing.
• Strengthens India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence technology.

Answer: (b)

• The Ganga Water Treaty (1996) between India and Bangladesh is set to expire in 2026. Upcoming negotiations hold critical importance as Bangladesh seeks a larger share of Ganga’s dry-season water to address severe agricultural shortages.
• The discussions take place amid political shifts in Bangladesh and unresolved transboundary water-sharing disputes, particularly regarding the Teesta River.
• Background of the Ganga Water Treaty
• The Ganga River has been a source of India-Bangladesh tensions for decades.
• Farakka Barrage (1975), built to regulate Ganga’s flow, intensified disputes over water distribution.
• The treaty established a structured water-sharing mechanism, recognizing Bangladesh’s status as a lower riparian state.
• It aimed to balance India’s upstream needs and Bangladesh’s water security, addressing historical grievances.
• Key Provisions of the Treaty
• Water-sharing formula based on Ganga’s flow at Farakka Barrage during the dry season:
• If flow is 70,000 cusecs or less, both nations receive equal shares.
• Guarantees minimum water availability for Bangladesh during critical months.
• Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) oversees treaty compliance and dispute resolution.
• Significance of Upcoming Talks
• Marks the 86th round of negotiations between India and Bangladesh.
• Bangladesh demands a more comprehensive framework, addressing all transboundary rivers.
• The Ganga Water Treaty remains the only active water-sharing agreement between the two nations.
• The outcome could set a precedent for resolving other disputes, especially concerning the Teesta River.

Answer: (c)

• The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE), under the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has inaugurated the first batch of the Rashtriya Karmayogi Jan Seva Programme.
• This initiative, launched by the Capacity Building Commission, aims to instill a solution-oriented, compassionate, and citizen-focused approach among government officials.
• Key Features of the Programme
• Comprises four short training sessions (approximately 1.5 hours each).
• Encourages interactive discussions, teamwork, and practical problem-solving using service-oriented case studies.
• Hosted at Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, from 5th to 11th March 2025.
• Launch and Vision
• Inaugurated by Shri Amit Yadav, Secretary, DoSJE, who emphasized the fundamental purpose of public service.
• Highlighted how bureaucratic routines can sometimes diminish direct citizen interaction, making such programmes crucial for renewing commitment to public welfare.
• Stressed the need for leadership skills, a problem-solving mindset, and Seva Bhav (spirit of service) in governance.
• Significance of the Initiative
• Encourages self-improvement and citizen engagement among government officials.
• Reinforces the idea that every action by public servants contributes to national progress.
• Aligns with the philosophy of Karmayogi, which underscores duty towards the nation, citizens, and self-improvement.

Answer: (b)

• The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), under the IndiaAI Mission, has developed AI Kosha, a centralized AI innovation platform to facilitate secure access to datasets, AI models, and development tools.
• Key Features
• AI Dataset Repository: Hosts 300+ datasets and 80+ AI models for research.
• AI Sandbox Environment: Provides an integrated development environment (IDE) with tools and tutorials for model training.
• Content Discoverability: Uses AI-readiness scoring to identify relevant datasets.
• Security & Access Control: Implements data encryption, secure Application Programming Interface(API)access, and real-time threat filtering.
• Permission-Based Access: Offers tiered access for researchers, startups, and government bodies.
• Benefits of AI Kosha
• Accelerates AI Research: Reduces AI development time with pre-trained models and quality datasets.
• Enhances AI Innovation: Supports startups and enterprises in building AI solutions.
• Strengthens AI Security: Ensures ethically sourced and consent-based datasets for responsible AI.
• Boosts Public Sector AI Adoption: Supports AI applications in governance, healthcare, and education.
• Limitations
• Limited Dataset Variety: Mostly sourced from government and research institutions, lacking commercial data.
• Access Restrictions: Strict security protocols may limit private-sector participation.
• Early Stage Development: Needs wider industry collaboration for expansion.