• The Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs in Telangana have been added to India’s tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If approved, they could become the state’s second UNESCO site after the Ramappa Temple, which was listed in 2021.
• Menhirs
  • Menhirs are large, upright stones placed by humans, often tapered at the top.
  • The name comes from Brittonic words meaning “stone” and “long.”
• Historical Context
  • Menhirs date back to the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age (about 4,800 to 3,800 years ago).
  • Some of the oldest menhirs in Europe are around 7,000 years old.
  • The Mudumal menhirs are significant as they represent one of India’s earliest forms of monumental architecture.
• Purpose and Significance
  • The purpose of menhirs remains debated, but they were likely used for ceremonial functions, grave markers, or astronomical observations.
  • The Mudumal site is believed to be an ancient astronomical observatory, with some menhirs aligned with solar events like solstices.
• Cultural Importance
  • The Mudumal menhirs are linked to local legends, with one particular menhir venerated as Goddess Yellamma.

• Recently, the Union Home Minister addressed the 57th annual conference of the All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) in Kokrajhar, Assam, where he highlighted the success of the Bodo Peace Accord (2020) in bringing peace and stability to the region.

Background: Bodo Movement

• The Bodos are one of the largest tribal communities in Assam, with a distinct cultural and linguistic identity.
• Long-standing demands for autonomy led to the Bodoland movement in the 1980s, marked by agitation and insurgency led by groups like the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT).

Earlier Attempts to Resolve the Issue

• Bodo Accord (1993): Established the Bodoland Autonomous Council (BAC).
• Bodo Accord (2003): Created the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Bodo Peace Accord (2020):Signed between the Government of India, Assam Government, and Bodo organizations (including NDFB) to ensure peace and development in Bodo-dominated areas.

Key Features of the Accord

• BTC renamed as Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) with enhanced autonomy.
• Non-Bodo villages excluded from BTC for better administrative management.
• Expanded powers under the Sixth Schedule to strengthen governance.
• Bodo language recognized as an associate official language of Assam.

• India and New Zealand have officially commenced negotiations for a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to strengthen economic ties and expand market access.
• Expected Outcomes
  • Enhanced trade and investment across diverse sectors.
  • Stronger supply chain integration for goods and services.
  • Increased market access for Indian exports in New Zealand.
  • Strengthened Indo-Pacific economic cooperation aligning with India’s Act East Policy.
• Bilateral Trade Overview
  • Strategic Importance: This will be India’s second bilateral trade agreement in Oceania, following the India-Australia FTA (April 2022).
  • Trade Growth: Bilateral trade between India and New Zealand surpassed $1 billion during April-January 2025.
  • Key Exports (India to New Zealand): Pharmaceuticals, nuclear reactors and boilers, textiles.
  • Key Imports (India from New Zealand): Fruits and nuts, mineral fuels and oils, wood and articles, iron and steel, machinery.
• 2024-25 (April-December Data):
  • Indian exports to New Zealand: $494.44 million.
  • Indian imports from New Zealand: $463.07 million.

• The 14th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism is set to take place in New Delhi on March 19-20, 2025, co-chaired by India and Malaysia.
• This marks India’s first time as a co-chair of the EWG on Counter-Terrorism.

About ADMM-Plus

• Established in 2010, it is a security platform including ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) members and eight dialogue partners.
• Aims to enhance security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Focus areas include counter-terrorism, maritime security, peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance & disaster management, military medicine, humanitarian mine action, and cyber security.

Role of Experts Working Groups (EWGs)

• Each EWG is co-chaired for three years (one ASEAN nation + one dialogue partner).
• Co-chairs define objectives, policies, and guidelines for their tenure.
• Two meetings per year and one practical exercise in the final year.

Participants

• 10 ASEAN members: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand.
• 8 Dialogue Partners: Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, China, USA, Russia, India.
• Others: Timor-Leste and the ASEAN Secretariat.

Expected Outcomes

• Strengthening counter-terrorism strategies and regional security.
• Enhancing cooperation through experience-sharing and policy development.
• Formulating a strategic plan (2024-2027) for security collaboration.

• The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has released a comprehensive report on the population estimation and human-wildlife conflict assessment of common leopards and Asiatic black bears in Himachal Pradesh.

Key Findings

• Population Density:
  • 1,114 leopards (2 per 100 sq. km) and 835 bears (1.5 per 100 sq. km).
  • Leopards inhabit mid-to-low altitudes, bears in higher elevations.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict:
  • 15% of the state is conflict-free, but conflict zones are increasing.
  • Low (18.5%), medium (7.83%), and high (4.45%) conflict areas identified.
• Survey Method: Used Spatially Explicit Capture-Recapture (SECR) with cameras and microphones.
• Una District Insights
  • 30-34 leopards, no bears.
  • Leopards found in Ramgarh, Kutlehar, and Bharwain forest ranges.
  • Prey includes sambar, barking deer, and blue bull calves.

• Mumbai Indians secured their second Women’s Premier League (WPL) title in three seasons, defeating Delhi Capitals by 8 runs in the WPL 2025 final at Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai.

Match Highlights:

• Mumbai Indians: 149/7 (20 overs)
• Delhi Capitals: 141/8 (20 overs)
• WPL 2025 Awards:
• Player of the Match: Harmanpreet Kaur (MI)
• Player of the Series: Nat Sciver-Brunt (MI)

• The Fit India Carnival was successfully held from March 16 to 18,2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
• The event, inaugurated by Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, aimed to promote a healthier and more active lifestyle as part of the Fit India Movement.

Key Highlights

• Unveiling of Khelo India Para Games Mascot & Anthem (Games to be held from March 20-27, 2025).
• Sports & Fitness Activities: Rope skipping, arm wrestling, cricket bowling, push-ups, squat challenges, and more.
• Health & Wellness Support: Free consultations from NCSSR (National Centre of Sports Sciences & Research) doctors, nutritionists, and psychologists.
• Cultural Performances: Traditional acts like Kalaripayattu, Mallakhamb, and Gatka, alongside live DJ music and dance performances promoting fitness.
• Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana was recognized as a ‘Fit India Icon’ for his contribution to promoting fitness and wellness.

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received the Digital Transformation Award 2025 from Central Banking, London for its successful digital initiatives.
• Recognition for Pravaah and Sarthi, developed in-house by RBI’s IT team, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing paper-based processes.
• RBI’s Digital Initiatives:
• Sarthi: Internal Digital Workflow System (Launched: January 2023)
  • Eliminates paper-based processes, enabling secure digital submissions.
  • Enhances collaboration through secure file sharing.
  • Integrates advanced analytics for better decision-making.
  • Acts as a unified database, replacing fragmented manual/digital systems.
• Pravaah: Digital Regulatory Application Portal (Launched: May 2024)
  • Digitized 70+ regulatory applications for seamless submission.
  • Integrated with Sarthi, ensuring smooth processing.
  • Implemented centralized cybersecurity for enhanced security.
  • By end of 2024, 2,000+ applications filed; 80% increase in monthly submissions.
• Impact of RBI’s Digital Transformation:
  • Faster Processing: Reduces manual errors and improves efficiency.
  • Stronger Cybersecurity: Continuous monitoring ensures data safety.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: IT team worked closely with RBI staff for smooth adoption.
  • Operational Excellence: Streamlined internal and external workflows.

• The recent WHO report, “Compassion and Primary Health Care”, emphasizes the role of compassion in improving healthcare services and patient outcomes.
• Benefits of Compassionate Care:
  • For Patients: Faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, reduced anxiety, better trust in healthcare.
  • For Healthcare Providers: Lower stress, reduced burnout, higher job satisfaction, stronger patient relationships.
• Significance of the Report:
  • Advocates for compassion-based training and policies in healthcare.
  • Supports a holistic, patient-centered approach to medical care.
  • Aims to enhance both medical effectiveness and emotional well-being.

• Recently, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched a dedicated mobile app for the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS) to streamline the registration process for the second round of internships. The app addresses limited computer access among applicants, making participation easier through mobile technology.

About PM Internship Scheme (PMIS)

• Introduced to enhance youth employment by offering professional training across various sectors.
• Launched in 2023, the scheme aims to provide 10 million internships over five years.
• Internship Benefits: ₹5,000 monthly stipend and a one-time grant of ₹6,000 for incidental expenses.
• Eligibility Criteria: Open to individuals aged 21-24 years who have completed 10th, 12th, UG degree, ITI, or other technical courses.

Key Developments

• Facilitation Centre in Kolkata
  • Established through a Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) partnership.
  • Supports candidates with guidance and mobilization efforts.
• Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Events
  • MCA to conduct over 70 awareness events nationwide.
  • Ensures applicants are well-informed about internship opportunities.
• Internship Targets
  • Round 1: 28,141 candidates secured internships.
  • Round 2: Over 1,00,000 internships in 300+ companies.
  • FY 2025 Target: 1.25 lakh internships.