1. Union Cabinet Approves Amendments Proposed by the JPC to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill – Polity
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet has approved 14 amendments proposed by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The Bill, which was introduced in August 2023, seeks to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, focusing on regulation, registration, and dispute resolution of waqf properties in India. It is expected to be presented in Parliament during the second half of the Budget session (starting March 10, 2024).
Key Highlights of the Amendments
- Extended Timeframe for Registration of Waqf Properties
- The original Bill required all waqf properties to be registered on a central portal within six months of the law’s enactment.
- Amendment: The Waqf Tribunal can now grant extensions if the mutawalli (caretaker) provides valid reasons for the delay.
- Dispute Resolution: Role of District Collector Modified
- Earlier, the Bill transferred the power of settling property disputes from the Waqf Tribunal to the District Collector.
- Amendment: Instead of the Collector, the power will now be given to a senior state government officer.
- Changes in Waqf Board Representation
- The original Bill allowed non-Muslims to be appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and members of waqf boards.
- Amendment: The JPC revised this to ensure that:
- A Joint Secretary-level officer must be involved.
- At least one member should have expertise in Muslim law and jurisprudence.
Significance of the Amendments
- Balancing Government Oversight & Autonomy
- The amendments aim to strengthen government oversight while ensuring autonomy for waqf institutions.
- Addressing Property Disputes
- By involving a senior state government officer, the process of settling waqf property disputes may become more structured.
- Ensuring Representation in Waqf Boards
- The inclusion of an expert in Muslim law aims to respect religious and legal nuances while maintaining transparency.
Expected Developments
- The Bill will be debated in Parliament, and further modifications may be introduced before final implementation.
Relevance for Exam
- Polity & Governance: Understanding waqf laws, government intervention in religious properties.
- Indian Constitution: Relation to Article 26 (Freedom to manage religious affairs).
- Social Issues: Impact on minority rights and administration of religious endowments.
2. Olive Ridley Turtle – Environment
Why in News?
A 16-year assessment of turtle populations in India has indicated that Olive Ridley turtle numbers are stable or growing. This is a positive sign for conservation efforts, particularly in Odisha, which is home to one of the world’s largest mass nesting sites.
Key Facts about Olive Ridley Turtle
- Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea
- Size: Second smallest sea turtle species
- Distinctive Features:
- Olive-green carapace (shell)
- Unique mass nesting behavior known as Arribada
- Habitat & Distribution
- Found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans
- Major nesting sites in India:
- Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Odisha (largest nesting site)
- Rushikulya and Devi river mouths, Odisha
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu
- Diet & Behavior
- Omnivorous: Eats both marine plants and animals.
- Solitary lifestyle, except during migration and nesting.
- Migrates extensively between feeding and breeding grounds.
Conservation Status & Protection
- IUCN Status: Vulnerable (Threatened due to human activities)
- Indian Protection: Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Highest protection level)
- International Protection:
- CITES Appendix I (Restricts international trade)
- Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) Appendix I & II
Threats to Olive Ridley Turtles
- Habitat Destruction: Coastal development, pollution, and sand mining affect nesting sites.
- Fishing Net Entanglement: Accidental capture in trawl and gill nets leads to drowning.
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures affect hatchling sex ratios (warmer sand produces more females).
- Illegal Poaching & Egg Collection: Despite legal protection, turtles and their eggs are sometimes exploited.
Conservation Efforts in India
- Turtle Exclusion Devices (TEDs): Mandatory in fishing nets to prevent accidental captures.
- Operation Olivia: Annual Indian Coast Guard initiative to protect nesting turtles in Odisha.
- Marine Protected Areas: Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, and other sites designated for conservation.
- Community Involvement: Fishermen and local communities involved in turtle conservation programs.
Relevance for Exam
- Environment & Biodiversity: Important for conservation-related questions.
- Wildlife Protection Laws: Link to Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 & CITES.
- Climate Change & Marine Ecosystems: Impact of rising temperatures and ocean pollution.
- Himachal Pradesh Perspective: Although HP is landlocked, conservation policies for Schedule I species are relevant.
3. Border Roads Organisation (BRO) – Governance
Why in News?
Recently, 14 workers from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) were rescued from an avalanche in Mana, Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. This highlights BRO’s high-risk operations in extreme terrain while building strategic infrastructure.
What is the BRO?
- Established: 7 May 1960
- Governing Body: Works under the Ministry of Defence
- Primary Role: Constructs and maintains roads in India’s border areas, especially in Northern & Northeastern states to support Indian Armed Forces.
Why was it formed?
- Strengthen border security by enhancing connectivity in remote areas.
- Ensure strategic mobility for defense forces.
- Promote socio-economic development in border regions.
Key Functions of BRO
- Road & Highway Construction – Develops roads in border regions to improve connectivity.
- Steel Bridge Construction – Ensures strong & quick infrastructure for troop movement.
- Airfields & Helipads – Supports Indian Air Force operations in high-altitude areas.
- Tunneling Projects – Builds tunnels for year-round access (e.g., Atal Tunnel).
- Hydroelectric Projects – Helps in setting up power infrastructure in remote regions.
- Disaster Relief & Emergency Response – Assists in rescue operations during natural disasters like landslides, avalanches, and floods.
Governance Structure
- Border Roads Development Board (BRDB) oversees BRO’s operations.
- Prime Minister – Chairman of BRDB
- Defence Minister – Deputy Chairman
- Personnel from General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) and Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers are actively involved.
BRO’s Role in National Security
- Ensures rapid troop movement in sensitive areas like Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim.
- Provides logistical support during conflicts (e.g., Doklam standoff with China).
- Rebuilds strategic roads and airstrips for quick mobilization of forces.
- Plays a critical role in India-China & India-Pakistan border infrastructure development.
Notable Achievements
- Atal Tunnel (Rohtang, Himachal Pradesh)
- World’s longest highway tunnel (9.02 km)
- Reduces travel time to Ladakh by 4-5 hours
- Zoji La Tunnel (Under Construction)
- Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel (13.14 km)
- Will provide all-weather connectivity between Ladakh & Kashmir
- Bailey Bridges in Arunachal Pradesh
- BRO built India’s longest Bailey bridge (360 ft) over the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh
BRO’s Motto
- “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam” – “Everything is achievable through hard work.”
Relevance for Exam
- Geography & Infrastructure – Role in high-altitude construction.
- Defense & Security – Contribution to India’s border security.
- Disaster Management – Role in rescue and rehabilitation.
- Himachal Pradesh Perspective – Projects like Atal Tunnel are directly relevant to HP.
4. Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) – Defence & Security
Why in News?
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully conducted flight trials of the Naval Anti-Ship Missile (NASM-SR) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur. This marks a significant advancement in India’s naval defense capabilities.
What is NASM-SR?
- Full Name: Naval Anti-Ship Missile – Short Range (NASM-SR)
- Type: Indigenous air-launched anti-ship missile
- Range: 55 km (Short-range)
- Launch Platform: Indian Navy’s helicopters & aircraft
- Purpose: Designed to neutralize enemy warships & naval assets
Key Features & Technology
- Man-in-Loop Capability
- Allows for in-flight retargeting, meaning the operator can change targets after launch.
- Bearing-only Lock-on Mode
- Helps in engaging targets in cluttered maritime environments, selecting the right target even among multiple enemy ships.
- Advanced Guidance System
- Indigenous Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker for precision targeting.
- Fiber Optic Gyroscope-based Inertial Navigation System (INS) for mid-course corrections.
- Radio Altimeter to maintain accurate altitude over the sea.
- Propulsion System
- Powered by solid propulsion.
- Equipped with an in-line ejectable booster & long-burn sustainer for sustained flight.
- Real-time Data Link
- Two-way datalink system enables real-time transmission of seeker images back to the pilot.
- Ensures enhanced target tracking & engagement accuracy.
Development & Manufacturing
- Developed by multiple DRDO laboratories, including:
- Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
- Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL)
- High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
- Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL)
- The missile is part of India’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliance in Defense) Initiative.
Strategic Significance
- Strengthens India’s Maritime Security – Enhances Indian Navy’s capability to target enemy ships.
- 🇮🇳 Boosts Indigenous Defense Industry – Reduces dependency on foreign anti-ship missiles (e.g., Harpoon, Exocet).
- Flexible Targeting – In-flight retargeting ensures high mission adaptability.
- Enhances Operational Readiness – Complements BrahMos in India’s anti-ship missile arsenal.
Relevance for Exam
- Defense & Security – India’s maritime defense advancements.
- Science & Technology – Indigenous missile development under DRDO.
- Geopolitics – Enhances India’s naval power amid Indo-Pacific tensions.
- Make in India & Atmanirbhar Bharat – Indigenous weapons manufacturing.
5. Exercise Desert Hunt 2025 – Defence & Security
Why in News?
The Exercise Desert Hunt 2025 was conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur from February 24 to 28, 2025. This was a Tri-Service Special Forces drill, aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination among the Special Forces of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Key Highlights of the Exercise
- Type of Exercise: Tri-Service Special Forces Drill
- Location: Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Participating Forces:
- Para (Special Forces) – Indian Army 🏹
- Marine Commandos (MARCOS) – Indian Navy ⚓
- Garud Commandos – Indian Air Force ✈️
- Objective:
- Strengthen inter-service cooperation & synergy.
- Improve response capabilities to emerging security challenges.
Key Activities Conducted
- Airborne Insertion – Special Forces were air-dropped into the mission zone.
- Precision Strikes – Simulated surgical strikes on high-value targets.
- Hostage Rescue Operations – Demonstrated skills in urban counter-terrorism.
- Combat Free Falls – High-altitude jumps for covert insertions.
- Urban Warfare & Counter-Terrorism – Training for modern security threats.
The combat readiness of the participating forces was tested under realistic battlefield conditions.
Strategic Significance
- Enhances Joint Operational Capabilities – Ensures the Special Forces can work seamlessly in integrated operations.
- Boosts Counter-Terrorism & Asymmetric Warfare Skills – Prepares forces for urban & unconventional warfare.
- Strengthens National Security – Improves India’s preparedness for cross-border threats & hostage crises.
- Geostrategic Importance – Conducted in Rajasthan’s desert region, relevant for Indo-Pak border security.
Relevance for Exam
- Defense & Security – India’s special forces capabilities & tri-service cooperation.
- Geopolitics & Internal Security – Preparedness against terrorism & border threats.
- Strategic Importance of Rajasthan – Desert warfare training & proximity to Pakistan.
- Military Exercises & Joint Operations – Similar to Exercise Vayu Shakti, Yudh Abhyas, Indra.