The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has issued a warning that frankincense is at risk of extinction. Main Species Affected: Notable Boswellia Species: Uses of Frankincense: (Source: DTE)
Category: Current Affairs
Frankincense is in danger
India’s External Debt
India’s external debt surged by around 11% at the end of December 2024 compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. The debt increased from approximately $648 billion at the end of December 2023 to about $718 billion at the end of December 2024 – an increase of over $69 billion (10.7%). Composition of the Debt Currency Denomination Debt Components of the Debt (Source: BL)
MoD inks biggest-ever deal with HAL for supply of 156 copters
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on March 28 signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for the biggest-ever procurement of 156 light combat helicopters (LCHs) — Prachands — at a cost of RS 62,700 crore. Key Highlights Wet leasing (Source: BL)
US approves Holtec to build nuclear reactors in India
On March 26, 2025, the US Department of Energy (DoE) granted regulatory approval to Holtec International, allowing the transfer of small modular reactor (SMR) technology to India. This approval clears a major roadblock that had delayed the commercial implementation of the 2007 India-US civil nuclear agreement (123 Agreement). Technology Transfer Details: Usage and Restrictions: Implications for India: (Source: BS)
ISRO achieves major breakthrough in Semicryogenic Engine development
On March 28, 2025, ISRO achieved a major milestone in its Semicryogenic engine development programme with the first successful hot test of the Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. Technical Advantages: Key Subsystems of the SE2000 Engine: Engine Specifications: The SE2000 engine operates on an oxidizer-rich staged combustion cycle, featuring: (Source: ISRO)
Exercise INIOCHOS-25
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in INIOCHOS-25, a multinational air exercise hosted by Greece’s Hellenic Air Force. The exercise will be held at Andravida Air Base in the historic region of Elis. (Source: Newsonair)
ISRO successfully completes 1000-hr life test of Stationary Plasma Thruster
ISRO has successfully completed a 1,000-hour life test on its 300mN Stationary Plasma Thruster, developed for its Electric Propulsion System (EPS). Propellant & Performance: Future Satellite Applications: Comparing Propulsion Systems: (Sources: BL & NASA)
Countries pledge to reduce air pollution health impacts by 50% at 2nd WHO Global Conference
The Second WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health has concluded with major commitments from over 50 countries, cities and organizations ready to tackle air pollution and safeguard health. Key Highlights (Source: WHO)
Mumps outbreaks
Mumps outbreaks have been reported across several states in India since 2023. In Kerala, cases have skyrocketed from an average of 2,500 cases annually to 74,907 cases in 2024. Expert Concerns: About Mumps Public Health Perspective: (Source: TH)
Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme
The Union cabinet on March 28, 2025 approved a ₹22,919 crore Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) for a period of six years to make India Atmanirbhar in electronics supply chain. Objective: 🔹 Key Features: Passive vs Active Components: (Source: PIB)
India-Europe Resilience Forum (IERF)
The India-Europe Resilience Forum (IERF) was launched on March 28, 2025 as a Track 1.5 Diplomacy initiative. Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) (Source: TH)
Statin medication
A new study in the United States is exploring the most effective method to screen and assess patients at risk of developing coronary heart disease and to determine who would benefit from statin medication to lower cholesterol. Key Highlights (Source: DD News)
Operation Brahma
In a swift response to the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28th March 2025, the Indian Army, under ‘Operation Brahma’, deployed a specialised medical task force to provide urgent humanitarian assistance. (Source: PIB)
INDRA 2025: India-Russia bilateral naval exercise
The 14th edition of the Indian – Russia bilateral naval exercise INDRA is being conducted off Chennai from 28 Mar to 02 Apr 25. (Source: PIB)
Gaia Spacecraft operations come to an end
The European Space Agency (ESA) shut down its space observatory mission, Gaia on March 27, 2025. About Gaia Mission (Image source: ESA, News Source: IE)
