24th March - 30th March 2025

1. Waqf Amendment Bill 2024

• Overview: The Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 is being introduced in the current budget session of the Indian Parliament and has sparked significant controversy.

• Key Points:

  • Concerns have been raised that the bill may violate the rights of Muslims.

  • Protests, including wearing black bands during Eid prayers, have been organized nationwide.

  • The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution opposing the bill, urging the government to withdraw it.

• Details of the Bill:

  • Old Law: Under the 1995 Waqf Act (amended in 2013), claims on Waqf properties could only be appealed to the Waqf Tribunal. The decisions of the tribunal were final, and women or non-Muslims could not be members of Waqf Boards.

  • Proposed Amendments:

    • Claimants can now appeal to the Revenue Court, Civil Court, and even the High Court.

    • Properties with mosques will not automatically become Waqf Board property unless specifically donated.

    • The Waqf Board will now include two women and two members from other religions.

• Waqf Board Facts:

  • Number of Waqf Boards in India: 30

  • Land Managed: 8.7 lakh Waqf properties spread across 9.4 lakh acres.

  • Third Largest Landholder in India, after the Railways and Armed Forces.

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2. World TB Day 2025

• Date Observed: 24th March annually

• Theme for 2025: "Yes! We can end TB!" and "Commit, Invest, and Deliver"

• WHO's Role: The World Health Organization (WHO), established on 7th April 1948, leads the global fight against tuberculosis (TB).

• Global TB Statistics (2023):

  • India accounts for 26% of global TB cases.

  • 29% of global TB-related deaths are in India.

  • 25.5 lakh TB cases reported in India.

• India’s TB Elimination Efforts:

  • National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) and PM TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan 2022.

  • Slogan: "TB Harega, Desh Jeetega" with Amitabh Bachchan as the brand ambassador.

• Types of TB:

  • Pulmonary TB: Affects the lungs.

  • Extra-pulmonary TB: Affects other parts of the body.

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3. Exercise Varuna 2025

• Event: The 23rd edition of the Varuna naval exercise between India and France took place in the Arabian Sea.

• Indian Navy: INS Vikrant (India's indigenously designed aircraft carrier).

• French Navy: Included the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and a submarine.

• Purpose: These exercises help in enhancing interoperability for joint operations, including disaster relief and war tactics.

• India-France Defence Collaboration:

  • Co-design, co-development, and co-production of defense equipment, such as Rafale M fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines.

  • Other Joint Exercises:

    • Garuda (Air Force)

    • Shakti (Army)

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4. India’s First Vertical Lift Railway Sea Bridge (Pamban Bridge)

• Location: Connecting Tamil Nadu mainland to Rameswaram, Pamban Island.

• Key Features:

  • Height: 56 feet from the water surface.

  • Cost: ₹550 crore.

  • Technology: Electro-mechanical force lifts the bridge's vertical span to allow ships to pass.

• Development: Built parallel to the old bridge constructed in 1914 by American engineer William Donald.

• Expected Inauguration: On 6th April 2025 by Prime Minister Modi.

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5. Restoration of the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA)

• Background:

  • JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) was signed in 2015 between Iran and P5+1 countries (China, France, Russia, UK, US, Germany) to limit Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

  • US Withdrawal: In 2018, President Trump withdrew the US from the deal and reimposed sanctions.

• Recent Developments:

  • Talks under President Joe Biden's administration aim to restore the deal.

  • Iran’s Nuclear Activity: Iran enriched uranium, raising concerns over weapons-grade material.

• IAEA Overview: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitors nuclear activities and ensures compliance with nuclear regulations.

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6. Myanmar Earthquake (7.7 Magnitude)

• Date: Recently, a significant earthquake struck Myanmar, with a magnitude of 7.7.

• Affected Areas: India, Thailand, China, Bangladesh.

  • Death Toll: Over 1,700 deaths.

  • Rescue Operations: India launched Operation Brahma to provide humanitarian aid.

• Key Impacts:

  • Collapsed Infrastructure: Including a 91-year-old bridge, the Ava Bridge.

  • Seismic Activity: A shallow earthquake causes more significant damage due to its proximity to the Earth's surface.

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7. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Discusses National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)

• Current System: Judges are appointed through the Collegium System.

• NJAC (National Judicial Appointments Commission):

  • Proposed to replace the Collegium System.

  • The Supreme Court declared the NJAC unconstitutional in 2015.

• Recent Developments:

  • Vice President Dhankhar has reignited discussions about reforming the judicial appointment process.