27th March 2025-Current Affairs

1. Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) – Science and Technology

Why in News?

Recently, parties to the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) convened in Rome for the 20th meeting (CGRFA-20), highlighting global discussions surrounding genetic resources crucial for food security and agriculture.

The CGRFA plays a central role in managing biodiversity that underpins food systems and adapting agriculture to climate change.

What is the CGRFA?

• Established: 1983 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
• Purpose: To serve as the main intergovernmental platform to discuss, formulate, and implement policies on conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture.
• Membership: 179 member countries including India and the European Union.
• Expanded Mandate: Initially focused on plant genetic resources, now includes:
  • Animal genetic resources (AnGR)
  • Forest genetic resources
  • Aquatic genetic resources
  • Microbial and invertebrate genetic resources

Key Functions & Focus Areas

• Global Assessments: Prepares state-of-the-world reports on plant, animal, and forest genetic resources.
• Policy Development: Guides global plans of action, voluntary codes of conduct, and technical standards.
• Cross-cutting Themes:
  • Climate change adaptation
  • Food and nutritional security
  • Equitable access and benefit sharing
  • Biodiversity conservation

Major Treaties and Achievements

🔹 International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)

• Adopted: November 3, 2001
• Objective:
  • Facilitates access to plant genetic materials.
  • Recognizes farmers’ contributions to crop diversity.
  • Mandates benefit-sharing with countries of origin.
• Provides a Multilateral System (MLS) for sharing 64 food crops and forages essential to food security.

🔹 Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR)

• Key Document: Global Plan of Action for AnGR (2007)
• Provides technical guidelines and country-level frameworks for managing animal genetic diversity sustainably.

Relevance for Exam

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims (Objective Type)

Q. Consider the following international agreements:

1. International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
2. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
3. World Heritage Convention

Which of the above has a bearing on biodiversity?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 ✅

Mains (GS II / III)

Q. Discuss the role of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) in strengthening global food security and biodiversity conservation. What are the challenges and opportunities for India under this framework?

Final Takeaway

The CGRFA is a vital global institution for ensuring food and nutrition security through the sustainable management of genetic resources. It supports equitable benefit sharing, protects biodiversity, and enhances the resilience of food systems amid climate change.

2. Revival of Vikramshila University – History & Culture

Why in News?

A decade after the revival of Nalanda University, the Bihar Government has shifted its focus to the revival of Vikramshila University, one of India’s most important ancient centers of Buddhist learning. The project is gaining momentum, with 202.14 acres of land allocated in Antichak village, Bhagalpur, for developing a Central University at the historical site.

Historical Background

• Founder: King Dharmapala of the Pala Dynasty (8th–9th century AD)
• Location: Near the Ganges River in Bhagalpur district, Bihar
• Academic Focus: Specialized in Tantric Buddhism, particularly Vajrayana
• Notable Scholars:
  • Atisa Dipankara: Played a key role in spreading Buddhism in Tibet
  • Naropa, Buddhajnanapada and others contributed to key Buddhist texts
• Student Body: Over 1,000 students and 100+ teachers were part of the institution

Architectural and Institutional Features

• Structure:
  • Central cruciform brick stupa (15 meters high)
  • 208 monastic cells arranged for scholars and monks
  • Advanced library with climate-sensitive architecture for manuscript preservation
• Administration: Headed by a Kulpati or Mahasthavir (chief abbot), who managed both academic and monastic affairs
• Subjects Taught: Buddhist philosophy, logic, grammar, metaphysics, tantric rituals

Decline and Destruction

• Destroyed in 1193 AD by Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khalji
• The decline coincided with the rise of Hinduism, loss of state patronage, and Islamic invasions
• It marked the end of the Buddhist golden era in India along with the destruction of Nalanda and Odantapuri

Cultural and Religious Significance

• Major center of Vajrayana Buddhism with focus on esoteric and meditative practices
• Home to the composition of Cakrasamvara Tantra, a major tantric text
• Influenced Buddhist thought in Tibet, Central Asia, and the Far East
• Many original texts survived via Tibetan translations, preserving India’s Buddhist intellectual heritage

Relevance for Exam

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims MCQ

Q. Which of the following ancient universities in India was known for its focus on Tantric Buddhism and Vajrayana practices?
(a) Nalanda
(b) Takshashila
(c) Vikramshila ✅
(d) Vallabhi

Q. Which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
I. Lothal – Ancient dockyard
II. Sarnath – First Sermon of Buddha
III. Rajgir – Lion capital of Asoka
IV. Nalanda – Great seat of Buddhist learning

Select the correct answer using the codes below:
(a) I, II, III and IV
(b) III and IV
(c) I, II and IV ✅
(d) I and II

Mains (GS I)

Q. Discuss the historical importance of Vikramshila University in the development and spread of Tantric Buddhism. How does its revival reflect the government’s approach towards preserving cultural heritage?

Final Takeaway

The revival of Vikramshila University is more than just a restoration project—it’s a reclamation of India’s ancient educational legacy. As a center of tantric Buddhist learning, its restoration will boost cultural tourism, academic scholarship, and heritage preservation in Bihar and India at large.

3. Global Warming and Its Impact on Mountain Ranges – Environment

Why in News?

UNESCO, in its United Nations World Water Development Report 2025, titled “Mountains and Glaciers: Water Towers”, highlighted the accelerated impact of climate change on mountain ecosystems. Released on March 21, 2025, coinciding with the first-ever World Day for Glaciers, the report reveals a troubling picture of melting glaciers, thawing permafrost, and reduced snow cover—phenomena that threaten water security, biodiversity, and human livelihoods globally.

Key Findings

Glacier Melting

• Unprecedented Loss: Since 1975, glaciers have lost over 9,000 billion tonnes of mass—equivalent to an ice block the size of Germany with a 25-meter thickness.
• 2024 Loss Alone: 450 gigatons lost, with severe declines in Scandinavia, Svalbard, and North Asia.
• Causes:
  • Rising temperatures (primary driver)
  • Black carbon and dust darkening glacier surfaces → more solar absorption
  • Wildfires & dust storms accelerate melting

Permafrost Thaw

• Carbon Reservoir: Mountain permafrost stores ~4.5% of global soil organic carbon.
• Impact: Thawing releases greenhouse gases, intensifying climate change and increasing geological hazards like landslides and erosion.

Decline in Snow Cover

• Global 7.79% decline in persistent snow cover (1979–2022).
• Shifting Snow Lines: Altitude for snowfall is rising → more rainfall, less snow.
• Early Snowmelt: Disrupts ecosystems and water availability.

Threat to Freshwater Sources

• Mountains = Water Towers: Cover 33 million sq. km; nearly 2 billion people depend on meltwater for agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower.
• Snow-fed rivers becoming unreliable due to earlier melting.

Rising Sea Levels

• Glacier melt contributes 25–30% of global sea level rise.
• Between 2006–2016, glaciers lost 335 billion tonnes annually, raising sea levels by 1 mm/year.
• Up to 300,000 people threatened by flooding.

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)

• Melting glaciers + thawed permafrost = unstable glacial lakes
• Increases risk of sudden floods, devastating downstream communities.

Urgent Climate Action Needed

• Mitigation: Drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and black carbon pollutants.
• Adaptation: Invest in early warning systems, climate-resilient water infrastructure, and ecosystem-based solutions.

Relevance for Exam

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims MCQ

Q. Which of the following contributes significantly to the rise in global sea levels?

1. Glacier melt
2. Groundwater depletion
3. Permafrost thaw
4. Ocean thermal expansion

Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 and 4 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
✅ (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Mains GS Paper I / III

Q. Discuss how global warming is impacting mountain ecosystems globally, particularly in the context of glacier melt, permafrost thaw, and freshwater security. Suggest adaptive measures to mitigate these challenges.

Final Takeaway

The UNESCO report underscores that mountain ecosystems are warming faster than the rest of the world, with glaciers disappearing at record speed, jeopardizing global freshwater security, biodiversity, and climate stability. Mountains must be a priority in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.

4. How is an In-House Inquiry Conducted? – Polity

Why in News?

A three-member in-house committee has been constituted to investigate serious allegations involving burnt cash found at the residence of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, following a fire incident. The case raises questions of judicial accountability and the integrity of the in-house inquiry mechanism.

What is an In-House Inquiry?

• Definition: An internal mechanism developed by the Supreme Court in 1997 to address allegations of misconduct against sitting judges.
• Legal Status: Not defined in the Constitution of India, but recognized as a legitimate process by the judiciary.
• Trigger: Initiated after a preliminary inquiry by the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court or the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

Procedure of In-House Inquiry

1. Complaint Received by High Court CJ/CJI/President.
2. Preliminary Inquiry is conducted by the High Court CJ.
3. If prima facie evidence exists, a 3-member committee is formed by the CJI.
4. Committee submits report to the CJI.
5. Based on findings:
   • Judge may be asked to resign.
   • Or impeachment proceedings may be recommended.
   • The judge may also be transferred or barred from judicial duties.

🧾 Case Reference: Justice P.D. Dinakaran was investigated by such a panel and later resigned before impeachment.

Case Highlights – Justice Yashwant Varma

• Incident: Fire at residence on March 14 revealed burnt cash.
• Response: Denied knowledge of the cash; preliminary inquiry led to transfer to Allahabad High Court and suspension from judicial duties.
• Significance: Highlights gaps in judicial accountability similar to past cases like Justice Soumitra Sen (2011) and Justice S.N. Shukla.

Issues with the Current In-House System

International Comparison – UK’s JCIO (Judicial Conduct Investigations Office)

Relevance for Exam

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims MCQ

Q. Which of the following statements is/are true about the In-House Inquiry mechanism in India?

1. It is a constitutional process provided under Article 124.
2. It was established by the Supreme Court in 1997.
3. It involves a three-member committee formed by the Chief Justice of India.

Options:
(a) 1 and 2 only
✅ (b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) All of the above

Mains GS Paper II

Q. Discuss the in-house judicial inquiry mechanism in India. Highlight its limitations and suggest reforms by comparing it with international models such as the UK’s Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO).

Final Outcome

• The current case reaffirms the need to overhaul India’s judicial accountability framework.
• Recommendations include:
  • Establishing a statutory, independent oversight body.
  • Ensuring public disclosure of inquiry outcomes (except sensitive matters).
  • Implementing time-bound procedures.
  • Holding judges criminally accountable for proven misconduct.

5. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary – Environment

Why in News?

The Karnataka Forest Department has launched a plan to ‘soft release’ captured elephants into the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. This is part of the state’s efforts to mitigate human-elephant conflict in the districts of Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, and Kodagu.

Key Facts about Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Flora

• Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests
• Dry Deciduous Forests
• Shola Forests

These ecosystems contribute to the sanctuary’s rich biodiversity and ecological balance.

Fauna

• Big Cats: Tigers, leopards
• Elephants
• Birds: Over 250 species including Malabar trogon, hornbills
• Reptiles: Including monitor lizards and snakes
• Other Mammals: Gaur, wild boar, sambar, sloth bear

Soft Release of Elephants: What & Why?

Objective: To reduce human-elephant conflict while rehabilitating captured elephants in a natural environment.

Process:

• A 20 sq. km enclosure with water availability and minimal human disturbance will be prepared.
• Elephants will be acclimatized in the enclosure under veterinary care and constant monitoring.
• No human interaction to help the elephants revert to wild behavior.
• Once ready, elephants will be gradually released into the broader sanctuary area.

Relevance for Exam

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims MCQ

Q. Consider the following statements about Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary:

1. It is located in Karnataka and traversed by the Bhadra River.
2. It was the first Project Tiger Reserve in India.
3. It is known for successfully relocating human settlements outside its boundaries.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
✅ (b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Mains GS Paper III

Q. Discuss the significance of soft release strategies in wildlife conservation using the recent initiative in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary as a case study. How can such strategies help mitigate human-wildlife conflicts in India?

Final Outcome

• This initiative sets a model for humane and eco-sensitive conflict resolution.
• Reinforces Bhadra’s status as a leader in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.
• Helps re-establish elephant corridors, reducing accidental crop damage and human fatalities.
• Aligns with broader Project Elephant and Project Tiger goals.

6. Water Hyacinth – Environment

Why in News?

A large-scale proliferation of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) has been observed in the Mula River near Holkar Bridge, sparking environmental concerns. This invasive aquatic plant is threatening river biodiversity, water quality, and navigation, highlighting the urgent need for ecological management.

Key Details

Ecological Threats

• Dense Mats Formation: Blocks sunlight, inhibits photosynthesis for submerged plants.
• Oxygen Depletion: Leads to eutrophication, fish kills, and biodiversity loss.
• Hampers Navigation: Obstructs boats and water transport.
• Sediment Accumulation: Alters hydrology and promotes siltation.
• Breeding Ground for Mosquitoes: Increases risk of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.

Beneficial Uses

Despite being invasive, water hyacinth has potential economic and ecological value:

Relevance for Exam

Possible Exam Questions

Prelims (Objective)

Q. Which of the following statements about Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is/are correct?

1. It is native to India.
2. It is effective in phytoremediation.
3. It depletes oxygen levels in water bodies.

Options:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only ✅
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Mains (GS Paper III)

Q. Discuss the environmental threats posed by invasive aquatic species such as Water Hyacinth in India. How can such threats be turned into opportunities through sustainable resource management?

Final Outcome

• The unchecked spread of Water Hyacinth is a serious ecological challenge in Indian water bodies.
• Integrated strategies are essential, such as:
  • Mechanical removal
  • Biological control (weevils and fungi)
  • Community-based reuse
  • Sewage and nutrient control to reduce growth triggers
• Balancing ecological removal with economic utilization can offer a sustainable solution.