Exercise Varuna Latest News

Exercise Varuna 2025, the 23rd edition of the India-France bilateral naval exercise, took place in the Arabian Sea from March 19–22, 2025.

About Exercise Varuna

• Bilateral Naval Exercise between India and France, first initiated in 1993.
• Officially named 'Varuna' in 2001, it has become a key pillar of Indo-French strategic cooperation.
• The 2025 edition saw high-intensity drills across sub-surface, surface, and aerial domains.
• Key objectives:
  • Enhancing combat readiness.
  • Strengthening joint tactical coordination.
  • Deepening maritime security cooperation.

Key Highlights of Exercise Varuna 2025

• Aircraft carrier operations:
  • INS Vikrant (India) and Charles de Gaulle (France) participated in joint carrier battle group operations.
  • The Indian Navy closely observed the Rafale-M fighter jets, which India is set to acquire soon.
• Air combat drills: Advanced air defence and mock air-to-air combat scenarios between: French Rafale-M fighter jets and Indian MiG-29K fighter jets.
  • These exercises improved dogfighting capabilities and joint operational tactics.
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Exercises:
  • Indian Scorpene-class submarines played the role of an aggressor.
  • French and Indian frigates protected high-value assets like the French oiler Jacques Chevallier.
  • Underwater domain awareness and tactics were tested.
• Surface warfare operations: Naval fleets executed synchronized engagements and manoeuvres.
  • Maritime patrol aircraft improved situational awareness.
• Logistical cooperation: Replenishment-at-sea exercises strengthened supply chain interoperability.

Other India-France Military Exercises

• FRINJEX: Army Joint Exercise.
• GARUDA: Air Force Exercise.

Exercise Varuna FAQs

Q1: What is Exercise Varuna?

Ans: Exercise Varuna is a bilateral naval exercise conducted between India and France, focusing on maritime security, interoperability, and joint operations.

Q2: When was Exercise Varuna first conducted?

Ans: It was first held in 1993 as part of Indo-French naval cooperation and was officially named "Varuna" in 2001.

Q3: What is the objective of Exercise Varuna?

Ans: The exercise aims to enhance strategic cooperation between the Indian Navy and the French Navy, focusing on anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and naval operations.

Q4: Where is Exercise Varuna conducted?

Ans: The exercise is held in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and occasionally in the Mediterranean Sea, depending on the phase of operations.

Q5: Why is Exercise Varuna important for India?

Ans: It strengthens India's blue-water naval capabilities, improves interoperability with a major European naval power, and enhances maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

Source: TH

United Nations World Water Development Report Latest News

The 2025 UN world water development report says that Retreating glaciers threaten the food and water supply of 2 billion people around the world.

About United Nations World Water Development Report 

• WWDR is UN-Water’s flagship report on water and sanitation issues.
• It offers an authoritative and comprehensive assessment of the overall state, use and management of the world’s freshwater resources .
• Launched on World Water Day (March 22), the report focuses on a different theme each year and gives policy recommendations to decision-makers by offering best practices and in-depth analyses. 
• The WWDR is published by UNESCO on behalf of UN-Water and its production is coordinated by the UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme.

Highlights of the WWDR 2025

• Theme: Mountains and glaciers - Water towers
• The report says that “all mountain ranges” have shown evidence of warming since the early 20th century. 
• It warns that, as global temperatures rise, more mountain precipitation will fall as rain instead of snow, causing snowpacks to thin and melt earlier in the year. 
• It finds that receding snow and ice cover in mountain regions could have “severe” consequences for people and nature.
• This acceleration in snowpack melt often causes river flow to increase in glacier-fed water basins and rivers in the short term. 
• However, once the snow melts beyond a certain threshold, a “peak water” point is passed and river flow declines again. 
• The report says there is “strong evidence” that this “peak water” point has already been passed in the glacial-fed rivers of the tropical Andes, western Canada and the Swiss Alps.
• Meanwhile, many glaciers have disappeared entirely. For example, Colombia has lost 90% of its glacial area since the mid-19th century, according to the report. 
• It warns that, as the climate warms, many glaciers will “inevitably” disappear over the coming decades. It points to projections that suggest that warming of 1.5-4C will cause glaciers to lose 26-41% of their 2015 mass by 2100.
• The report highlights a wide range of impacts, including reduced water for drinking and agriculture, stress on local ecosystems and increased risk of “devastating” glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
• Retreating glaciers threaten the food and water supply of 2 billion people around the world.
• Two-thirds of all irrigated agriculture in the world is likely to be affected in some way by receding glaciers and dwindling snowfall in mountain regions, driven by the climate crisis.

United Nations World Water Development Report FAQs

Q1. Who releases the UN World Water Development Report?

Ans. It is published by UNESCO on behalf of UN-Water.

Q2. What is the theme of the UN World Water Development Report 2025?

Ans. Mountains and glaciers - Water towers

Q3. When is World Water Day celebrated?

Ans. March 22

Source: TG

Hemavathi River Latest News

Two youths, who went swimming in the Hemavati river near Henli village in Sakleshpur, drowned recently.

About Hemavathi River

• It is a very important tributary of the Kaveri River. 
• Course: 
  • The river begins its journey in the Western Ghats at an elevation of about 1219 m above sea level, near Ballala Rayana Durga in the Chikmagalur District of Karnataka.
  • It flows through Tumkur, Hassan District, where it is joined by its chief tributary, the Yagachi River, and then into Mysore District before joining the Kaveri Krishnarajasagara. 
  • It is approximately 245 km long and has a drainage area of about 5,410 sq km. 
• The Hemavati Reservoir is a masonry dam with a central spillway and earthen flanks built across the river near Gorur village. 
• It has a storage capacity of 37.1 tmcft. The water from the reservoir is used to irrigate 6.55 acres of land in Mandya, Hassan, and Tumkur.

Hemavathi River FAQs

Q1. Where is Hemavathi river located?

Ans. The Hemavathi River is located in Karnataka.

Q2. Is Hemavathi a tributary of Kaveri?

Ans. Hemavathi is a very important tributary of the Kaveri River.

Q3. What is the approximate length of the Hemavathi River?

Ans. 245 km

Source: TH

Doctrine of Precedent Latest News

The Kerala High Court recently reaffirmed that any tax assessment orders passed on ignorance of binding precedents set by higher courts are violative of the doctrine of precedent and thus unsustainable.

About Doctrine of Precedent

• The doctrine of precedent is the custom of the courts to stand by previous decisions, so that once a point of law is decided upon by a court, then the same law must be applied to future cases with materially similar facts.
• It is often referred to as 'stare decisis'. 
• The lower courts will take account of and follow the decisions made by the higher courts.
• It ensures consistency, predictability, and stability by obligating courts to follow the legal principles established in previous decisions.
• The foundation of the doctrine of precedent lies in Article 141 of the Indian Constitution. 
  • This article states that the law declared by the Supreme Court is binding on all courts within India. 
  • Essentially, lower courts must follow the legal interpretations and judgments laid down by the Supreme Court.
• Key Aspects:
  • Ratio Decidendi: The legal reasoning that forms the binding part of a judgment. Courts must follow this in similar cases.
  • Obiter Dicta: Non-essential remarks made by the court. Although not binding, they can be influential in future cases.
• Landmark Judgment:
  • The State of Orissa v. Mamata Patnaik (1978) case highlighted the significance of following precedent. 
  • The Supreme Court emphasised that adherence to established legal principles ensures consistency in the application of law. 

Doctrine of Precedent FAQs

Q1. Which article of the Indian Constitution establishes the binding nature of Supreme Court judgments?

Ans. Article 141

Q2. What is ‘Obiter Dicta’ in a court judgment?

Ans. Non-essential remarks that are not binding but may be influential.

Q3. What is a "Persuasive Precedent"?

Ans. A precedent that can be considered by a court but is not binding.

Source: TAXS

Sheathia rosemalayensis Latest News

In a recent discovery, researchers recently identified a new species of freshwater algae named ‘Sheathia rosemalayensis’, in Rosemala, located in Kollam district, Kerala.

About Sheathia rosemalayensis

• It is a new species of freshwater algae.
• It was discovered in Rosemala, located in THE western ghats of Kerala, and has been named after the place where it was found.
• This discovery is crucial because Sheathia species are extremely rare in India. Before this, only one other species was reported from the Himalayas.
• Sheathia rosemalayensis has so far been documented only in the southern Western Ghats, a geographically distinct region. 
• In contrast, other species within the Sheathia genus, such as S. assamica, S. indonepalensis, and S. dispersa, have broader distributions spanning Assam, Nepal, Indonesia, Taiwan, and even the Hawaiian Archipelago.

What are Algae?

• Algae are a diverse group of aquatic organisms that have the ability to conduct photosynthesis. 
• They can be unicellular (single-celled) or multicellular, ranging from microscopic phytoplankton to large seaweeds like kelp.
• They have no true Roots, Stems, or Leaves. Unlike plants, algae lack vascular tissues.
• Certain algae are familiar to most people; for instance, seaweeds (such as kelp or phytoplankton), pond scum, or the algal blooms in lakes. 
• However, there exists a vast and varied world of algae that are not only helpful to us, but are critical to our existence.

Sheathia rosemalayensis FAQs

Q1. Where was Sheathia rosemalayensis discovered?

Ans. Rosemala, Western Ghats of Kerala

Q2. In which type of ecosystem is Sheathia rosemalayensis found?

Ans. Freshwater

Q3. Why is the discovery of Sheathia rosemalayensis significant?

Ans. Sheathia species are extremely rare in India.

Source: NIE

Tavasya Latest News

Stealth Frigate ‘Tavasya’ Launched at Goa Shipyard

Why in the News?

• ‘Tavasya’, the last of the four Krivak-class stealth frigates, was launched at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) on March 22, 2025.
• It is the second ship under construction at GSL under a technology transfer agreement with Russia.
• The launch marks a milestone in India’s naval self-reliance and defence production capabilities.

About ‘Tavasya’ Krivak-Class Stealth Frigates

• India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) in October 2016 for four additional Krivak-class stealth frigates.
• Under the agreement:
  • Two ships were imported directly from Russia.
  • Two ships were manufactured at Goa Shipyard under technology transfer.
• Frigate specifications:
  • Length: 124.8 m | Width: 15.2 m | Draught: 4.5 m.
  • Displacement: 3,600 tonnes.
  • Maximum speed: 28 knots.
• Engines: Powered by Zorya-Mashproekt (Ukraine) engines.
• First ship manufactured in India: Triput, launched in July 2024, set for delivery in 2026.
• First ship commissioned from Russia: Tushil, commissioned on December 9, 2024, now based in Karwar.
• Second Russian-manufactured frigate: Tamal, in advanced trials, expected to be commissioned in June 2025.
• Tavasya is expected to be the last warship built under foreign license, as India transitions to indigenous warship construction.

Tavasya FAQs

Q1: What is Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)?

Ans: ASW refers to military strategies and tactics used to detect, track, and neutralize enemy submarines using ships, aircraft, submarines, and underwater sensors.

Q2: What are the key components of ASW?

Ans: ASW operations involve Sonar systems (Active & Passive) for detection, Maritime patrol aircraft & helicopters (P-8I, MH-60R), ASW ships & submarines (Corvettes, destroyers) and Weapons like torpedoes, depth charges, and anti-submarine missiles.

Q3: Which countries have advanced ASW capabilities?

Ans: The U.S., Russia, China, India, the U.K., and France have advanced ASW capabilities, with specialized submarines, aircraft, and warships.

Q4: What is an ASROC missile?

Ans: ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) is a missile system that delivers torpedoes or depth charges to enemy submarines from surface ships.

Source: TH

Nano Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) Latest News

Parliamentary Committee Warns Against Underfunding of Fertilizer Subsidy Schemes

What is Nano DAP?

• Nano DAP is a liquid nano-fertilizer developed to improve nutrient absorption and enhance plant growth.
• It was launched by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) in 2023.
• It contains 8% Nitrogen and 16% Phosphorus by volume.
• Unlike conventional DAP, which is granular, Nano DAP is in liquid form, improving its efficiency and absorption by crops.
• Due to its nano-size (less than 100 nm), it has a higher surface area-to-volume ratio, making it more effective than traditional fertilizers.

How is Nano DAP Different from Conventional DAP?

Nano Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) FAQs

Q1: What is Nano DAP?

Ans: Nano DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) is a liquid nano-fertilizer designed to provide essential phosphorus and nitrogen to crops more efficiently than conventional granular DAP.

Q2: Who developed Nano DAP in India?

Ans: Nano DAP has been developed by IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited) in collaboration with agricultural research institutions.

Q3: Has the Indian government approved Nano DAP?

Ans: Yes, the Government of India has approved the use of Nano DAP as a fertilizer to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Source: TH

Dog-Faced Water Snake Latest News

A dog-faced water snake (Cerberus rynchops) has been recorded for the first time in Northeast India, far from its known coastal habitat.

About Dog-Faced Water Snake

• It is a rear-fanged, mildly venomous, semi-aquatic snake. 
• It belongs to the family Homalopsidae, which refers to Indo-Australian rear-fanged water snakes.
• Scientific Name: Cerberus rynchops
• Distribution: 
  • It typically resides in mangroves, coastal mudflats, and , and estuarine habitats throughout Southeast Asia and northern Australia.
  • In India, it has been recorded in coastal regions such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• They spend the majority of their life in some type of water. Salt glands are what allow them to live in marine environments because they can expel salt through them in order to survive.
• The species hunts fish and crustaceans in shallow waters employing a ‘sit-and-wait’ strategy to ambush prey. 

Dog-Faced Water Snake Features

• They can grow to about 1m long.
• They are characterized by a wide head and snout, which is where the epithet "dog-faced water snake" comes from.
• They are striped and dark brown with a white underbelly.
• The snake is adapted for slow-moving, shallow, and murky waters. 
• It can swim well. On soft mud, it moves quickly by sidewinding. 

Dog-Faced Water Snake Conservation Status

It is classified as Least Concern under the IUCN Red List. 

Dog-Faced Water Snake FAQs

Q1. What is the scientific name of the Dog-Faced Water Snake?

Ans. Cerberus rynchops

Q2. Where is the Dog-Faced Water Snake commonly found?

Ans. Mangroves, coastal mudflats, and estuaries

Q3. What is the conservation status of the Dog-Faced Water Snake according to the IUCN Red List?

Ans. Least Concern

Source: TH

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Latest News

CJI Forms Three-Member Committee to Probe Allegations Against Delhi High Court Judge

About the Chief Justice of India (CJI)

• Qualifications of CJI: A person is eligible to be appointed as Chief Justice of India if they:
  • Are a citizen of India.
  • Have served as a Judge of a High Court for at least five years.
  • Have been an advocate in a High Court for at least ten years.
  • Are considered a distinguished jurist by the President of India.

Appointment of CJI

• The President appoints the CJI under Article 124(2) of the Constitution.
• The outgoing CJI recommends their successor based on seniority.
• The Union Law Minister forwards the recommendation to the Prime Minister, who then advises the President.
• As per the Second Judges Case (1993), the senior-most Supreme Court judge is appointed as the CJI.

Role and Powers of the CJI

• Master of the Roster: The CJI allocates cases to Supreme Court benches and decides the composition of benches.
• Head of the Collegium System: The CJI leads the Supreme Court Collegium, responsible for appointing and transferring judges.
• Administrative Authority: The CJI supervises court administration, staff appointments, and judicial proceedings management.
• Judicial Leadership: The CJI is first among equals and does not hold superior judicial power over other judges.

Removal of CJI or Judges

• A Supreme Court judge, including the CJI, can be removed by the President after an address by Parliament supported by a special majority.
• Grounds for removal (Article 124(4)):
  • Proven misbehavior
  • Incapacity

What is the Collegium System?

• A mechanism for appointing and transferring judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts.
• Not established by an Act of Parliament, but evolved through Supreme Court judgments (Judges Cases).
• For SC Appointments: CJI + four senior-most judges.
• For HC Appointments:
  • HC-level Collegium: Chief Justice of HC + two senior judges.
  • SC-level Collegium: CJI + two senior-most SC judges.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) FAQs

Q1: Who appoints the Chief Justice of India?

Ans: The President of India appoints the Chief Justice of India (CJI) under Article 124(2) of the Constitution.

Q2: What is the tenure of the Chief Justice of India?

Ans: There is no fixed tenure for the CJI, but they retire at the age of 65 years as per Article 124(2).

Q3: How is the CJI selected?

Ans: The senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is usually appointed as the CJI based on the collegium system.

Source: TH

Anthurium Latest News

India successfully exported Anthurium flowers from Mizoram to Singapore for the first time, marking a milestone in the country’s floriculture sector.

What is Anthurium?

• Anthurium is a tropical flowering plant known for its ornamental value and air-purifying properties.
• It is grown mostly indoors and helps remove toxins like formaldehyde, ammonia, toluene, xylene, and allergens from the air.
• Anthurium was included in NASA’s list of air-purifying plants due to its ability to improve indoor air quality.

About APEDA 

• Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
• It is responsible for:
  • Developing and promoting exports of agricultural and processed food products.
  • Facilitating market linkages for Indian agricultural products worldwide.

Anthurium FAQs

Q1: What is Anthurium?
Ans: Anthurium is a genus of flowering plants known for its ornamental value. It belongs to the Araceae family and is commonly used as an indoor decorative plant.

Q2: Where is Anthurium cultivated in India?
Ans: Anthurium is mainly cultivated in the northeastern states of India, such as Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh, due to their humid and tropical climate.

Q3: What are the economic benefits of Anthurium cultivation?
Ans: Anthurium farming provides income to floriculturists and is an important export product in India's floriculture market. It has high demand in both domestic and international markets.

Source: PIB