News In Short-26-03-2025

Third Battle of Panipat

Syllabus :GS 1/History  

In News

• Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis defended the Marathas’ bravery in the Third Battle of Panipat (1761), calling it a testament to their courage rather than a reminder of defeat. 

The Third Battle of Panipat

• It is one of the largest and deadliest battles of the 18th century.
• It was fought on January 14, 1761, between the Maratha Empire and a coalition led by Ahmad Shah Durrani of Afghanistan.
• The Marathas, under Sadashivrao Bhau, faced off against Afghan and Rohilla forces.
• Despite initial successes, the Marathas were besieged, suffering severe food shortages.
  • The battle resulted in a decisive Afghan victory, with massive casualties, including around 60,000-70,000 Marathas killed. 
  • The Marathas’ defeat halted their northern expansion for nearly a decade.
• However, under Peshwa Madhavrao, they later regained control of northern India by 1771.

Source :TH

Vikramshila University

Syllabus: GS2/ Education

In News

• A decade after the modern Nalanda University was re-established near its historical site in Rajgir, efforts are now underway to revive Vikramshila University.

About Vikramshila University

• It was founded by King Dharmapala of the Pala Dynasty in late 8th to early 9th century AD.
• It is present at Bhagalpur district, Bihar, India.
• Vikramshila was one of the most important Buddhist learning centres of medieval India, second only to Nalanda University.
• It was especially renowned for Tantric studies, which were popular during the Pala period in both Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
• Destroyed in the late 12th century by Bakhtiyar Khalji, a military commander under Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
• Atisa Dipankara was a renowned Buddhist master and scholar who played a significant role in the revival and reform of Buddhism in Tibet during the 11th century.

Source: IE

BHIM 3.0 

Syllabus :GS 2/Governance 

In News

• NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), a subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has launched BHIM 3.0.

BHIM 

• Bharat Interface for Money(BHIM) is a UPI based payment interface that allows real time fund transfers using a single identity like your mobile number or name.
• It was introduced in 2016 by the Prime Minister  and has played a key role in promoting digital payments in India.
• BHIM 3.0 is the latest version of the digital payment platform.
• It introduces several enhancements for a better user experience, including:
  • Expanded language support: Available in 15+ Indian languages.
  • Optimised for low internet areas: Ensures smooth transactions even in regions with poor network connectivity.
  • Advanced money management tools: Includes expense tracking, bill splitting, and spending analytics.
  • Family mode: Enables managing shared expenses and assigning payments for family members.

Source :TH

Boilers Bill, 2024

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

Context

• The Parliament has passed the Boilers Bill, 2024.

About

• It aims to regulate boilers, ensure safety from explosions, and provide uniformity in registration.
• Repeals Boilers Act, 1923: Replaces the century-old Boilers Act with modern provisions.
• A boiler is a closed vessel or container that is used to heat water or other fluids to generate steam or hot water.
  • The steam or hot water produced is then used for various industrial processes, heating purposes, or to power engines, turbines, or other machinery. 
  • Boilers are commonly found in industries such as manufacturing, power generation, and heating systems for buildings.

Major Features: 

• Safety and Competence: Requires qualified personnel for boiler repairs and emphasizes safety for those working with boilers.
• Simplified Legislation: Colonial-era provisions removed, with the bill being made simpler and more readable.
• State Powers Preserved: No encroachment on state rights.
• Penalties: Criminal penalties for major safety violations, fiscal penalties for minor offences, and executive penalties for non-criminal offences.
• Decriminalisation for Ease of Business: Benefits MSMEs, decriminalising some offences in line with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Act, 2023.
• Third-Party Inspection: Retains provisions for independent third-party inspections introduced in 2007.
• Impact on Workers’ Safety: Legislation prioritizes the safety of workers engaged in industries.

Source: AIR

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

In News

• RRBs achieve a record ₹7,571 crore profit in FY 2023-24; key financial indicators like CRAR, deposits, NPAs CD Ratio show steady improvement.

About Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)

• The genesis of RRBs can be traced back to 1975, following the recommendations of the Narasimham Working Group.
• Initially created through an ordinance, RRBs were later given a statutory foundation through the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976.
• First RRB established was Prathama Bank (sponsored by Syndicate Bank) in Uttar Pradesh.
• The primary objective of RRBs is to develop the rural economy by providing banking and financial services to: small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers. artisans and small entrepreneurs.
• RRBs follow a tripartite ownership model, ensuring coordinated support from the Centre, State, and sponsoring banks:
  • Government of India – 50%
  • State Government – 15%
  • Sponsor Bank (usually a Public Sector Bank) – 35%
• They are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and supervised by NABARD.
• RRBs have been consolidated in a phased manner based on the recommendations of Dr. K.C. Vyas Committee (2001).

Source: PIB

Gold Monetisation Scheme

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

In News

• The Ministry of Finance has decided to discontinue the Medium Term and Long Term Government Deposit (MLTGD) components of the Gold Monetisation Scheme effective from March 26, 2025.

About Gold Monetisation Scheme

• Launched: September 15, 2015
• Objective:
  • To mobilise gold held by households and institutions
  • Reduce India’s reliance on gold imports
  • Use idle gold for productive purposes in the economy
• The GMS had three components:
  • Short Term Bank Deposit (STBD): 1 to 3 years (Handled by banks)
  • Medium Term Government Deposit (MTGD):  5 to 7 years
  • Long Term Government Deposit (LTGD): 12 to 15 years
• It is implemented by all scheduled commercial banks excluding Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).

Source: TH

Disaster Relief Funds

Syllabus :GS 3/Disaster Management  

Context 

• The Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that freebies given out by states should not be funded through disaster relief funds.

Key points 

• Union Home Minister defended the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, stating it did not infringe on federalism and emphasized that states could not use disaster response funds for freebies. 
• He also defended the PM-CARES Fund, claiming it was transparent and properly managed, unlike the PMNRF, which he accused of lacking transparency 

The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)

• It was  established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, is the primary fund for State Governments to respond to disasters. 
• The Central Government contributes 75% of the SDRF allocation for general category States/UTs and 90% for special category States/UTs. 
• SDRF is specifically used for providing immediate relief to victims of disasters such as cyclones, floods, earthquakes, and others.
• States can also use up to 10% of SDRF for local disasters not listed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, provided the State has established clear guidelines and received approval from the State Executive Authority (SEC).

Do you know? – The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) supplements the SDRF in cases of severe disasters when additional funds are needed. The Central Government fully funds the NDRF, unlike the SDRF, which has a cost-sharing mechanism with the States. – Both SDRF and NDRF funding allocations are based on recommendations from the Financial Commissions, with the Central Government providing contributions to both. The NDRF also accepts contributions from individuals and institutions to further bolster its funding.

Source :TH

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Washing

Syllabus: GS3/Science & Technology

Context

• There is a new and growing question – whether companies are making over-inflated claims about their use of AI.
  • Tech companies and startups marketing themselves as using AI, but not doing so forms the basis of ‘AI washing’.

About

• AI washing is a term derived from greenwashing, where companies exaggerate their environmental friendliness to appeal to customers. 
• Similarly, businesses that claim to have integrated AI into their products, when they’re actually using less sophisticated technology, can be accused of AI washing.
• When it comes to AI washing, there are several types.
  • Some companies claim to use AI when they’re actually using less-sophisticated computing, while others overstate the efficacy of their AI over existing techniques, or suggest that their AI solutions are fully operational when they are not.
• Concerns: AI washing can have concerning impacts for businesses, from overpaying for technology and services to failing to meet operational objectives the AI was expected to help them achieve.
  • For investors it can make it harder to identify genuinely innovative companies.

Source: IE

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

Context

• The Forest Department is working out a plan for the capture and rehabilitation of wild elephants involving releasing them in a phased manner in the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

About

• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a prominent wildlife reserve located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. 
• It is part of the larger Bhadra Tiger Reserve, which was declared in 1998. 
• The sanctuary is named after the Bhadra River, which flows through it.
• It’s also known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Shivamogga and Chikmagalur districts.
• Wildlife: Home to over 250 bird species (many endemic), mammals, reptiles, and the Jagara Giant, the largest teak tree in Karnataka.

Source: TH

Signal App

Syllabus: Miscellaneous

Context

• Senior Trump administration officials used Signal, an encrypted messaging app, for military discussions and accidentally included a journalist, exposing sensitive information.

About Signal

• It is an app used for direct messaging, group chats, and phone and video calls.
  • It employs end-to-end encryption for both messaging and calling services, preventing third parties from viewing conversations or listening in on calls.
  • The app collects minimal user data and features automated message deletion after a set time, adding an extra layer of privacy.
• While Signal has gained popularity among government officials for its privacy features, the recent incident highlights the potential risks of user errors and raises questions about the appropriateness of using such apps for national security communication.

Source: IE