Daily Current Affairs- 19th March 2025

Daily Current Affairs 19th March 2025

Maharashtra Inaugurates first Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj temple

In the News: Maharashtra recently inaugurated its first temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, located in the Maradepada region of Bhiwandi, Thane district.

Key Highlights:

• Architectural Design: The temple spans 2,500 square feet and is inspired by the architectural grandeur of Maratha forts. It features a fort-like boundary wall covering an additional 5,000 square feet, complete with bastions, surveillance pathways, and a grand entrance gate standing 42 feet tall.
• Central Idol: At the heart of the temple is a 6.5-foot blackstone (krishnashila) statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This statue was sculpted by renowned artist Arun Yogiraj, who also crafted the idol of Lord Ram for the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
• Cultural Significance: The temple serves as a place for devotees to honour and reflect upon the valour and legacy of the Maratha king. Chief Minister Fadnavis announced plans to designate the temple as a pilgrimage site, emphasizing its importance in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

 

India’s Trade Deficit Hits Three-and-a-Half-Year Low

In the News: India's merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $14.05 billion in February 2025, the lowest level in over three years, down from $22.9 billion in January 2025.

Export and Import Trends:

• Exports: February's merchandise exports were $36.91 billion, a decrease from $41.41 billion in February 2024, marking a 10.9% year-on-year contraction—the sharpest in 20 months.
• Imports: Imports fell to $50.96 billion in February 2025 from $60.92 billion in February 2024, driven by reduced imports of gold and crude oil.  

Cumulative Trade Data (April 2024 - February 2025):

• Total Exports (Merchandise & Services): Estimated at $750.53 billion, a 6.24% increase compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year.
• Total Imports (Merchandise & Services): Estimated at $839.89 billion, reflecting a 7.28% growth over the corresponding period in the previous year.
• Merchandise Trade Deficit: Stood at $261.06 billion for April-February 2024-25, up from $225.81 billion in the same period the previous year.  

Factors Influencing the Trade Deficit Reduction:

• Global Economic Uncertainties: Concerns over global trade tensions and potential reciprocal tariffs, particularly from the United States, have impacted both exports and imports.
• Commodity Prices: Softening global petroleum prices have contributed to reduced import bills, aiding in narrowing the trade deficit. 

Azerbaijan and Armenia strike deal to end decades-long conflict

In the News: Armenia and Azerbaijan have reached a significant milestone by finalizing the text of a peace agreement, aiming to conclude nearly four decades of conflict cantered around the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

• Nagorno-Karabakh Dispute: The conflict originated in the late 1980s when Nagorno-Karabakh, a predominantly ethnic Armenian region within Azerbaijan, sought independence with Armenia's support, leading to prolonged hostilities and substantial casualties.
• Previous Clashes: The First Karabakh War (1988-1994) resulted in approximately 30,000 deaths and over a million displaced individuals, primarily Azeris. A subsequent war in 2020 saw Azerbaijan reclaim most of the territory, leading to the deployment of Russian peacekeepers.

Key Elements of the Peace Agreement:

• Constitutional Amendments: Azerbaijan has requested Armenia to amend its constitution to eliminate any territorial claims over Nagorno-Karabakh, a move Armenia has agreed to undertake.
• Territorial Integrity: Both nations have consented to recognize each other's territorial boundaries based on Soviet-era maps, renouncing any future territorial claims.
• International Legal Matters: The agreement includes provisions for both countries to withdraw any existing complaints in international courts, aiming to foster a spirit of reconciliation.
• Third-Party Military Presence: Discussions are ongoing regarding the withdrawal of foreign military forces, such as the EU monitoring mission stationed along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.
• Detained Individuals: The status of at least 23 Armenians detained in Azerbaijan remains a contentious issue, with human rights organizations advocating for their release.
• Global Support: The European Union and the United States have lauded the progress, viewing it as a pivotal step toward enduring peace and stability in the South Caucasus region.
• Regional Implications: The peace agreement is anticipated to positively influence Armenia-Turkey relations, with both nations exploring possibilities to reopen borders and ease visa restrictions, signaling a move toward normalization. 

Serbia’s govt accused of using a sonic weapon against protestors

In the News: Recent reports have emerged alleging that Serbian security forces deployed a sonic weapon to disperse peaceful protesters during a mass rally in Belgrade on March 15, 2025. The protest, one of the largest in Serbia's recent history, was organized to demand government accountability following a deadly train station collapse in Novi Sad last year.

Incident Details:

• Sudden Disturbance: During a 15-minute silence held in memory of the 15 victims of the Novi Sad tragedy, a sudden and piercing noise disrupted the crowd, causing panic and a brief stampede. Eyewitnesses described the sound as "unnatural," likening it to a jet plane, which led to confusion and fear among the attendees.
• Health Complaints: Many protesters reported symptoms such as ear pain, headaches, nausea, and disorientation following the incident. These symptoms are consistent with exposure to high-decibel acoustic devices.

Government Response:

• Denial of Allegations: Serbian officials, including President Aleksandar Vučić, have categorically denied the use of any sonic devices during the protest. The Interior and Defence Ministries dismissed the claims as unfounded, asserting that security forces acted responsibly and did not employ such measures.
• Call for Investigation: President Vučić has invited international agencies, including the FBI and Russia's FSB, to investigate the allegations, aiming to address the concerns raised by opposition leaders and rights groups.

Understanding Sonic Weapons:

• Long-Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD): These devices emit highly directional beams of sound, capable of producing noise levels up to 160 decibels. Originally developed for military use, LRADs have been employed for crowd control and can cause significant discomfort or harm, including hearing damage and disorientation.  

CAR T-Cell therapy trial in India

In the News: India's inaugural clinical trial of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has demonstrated a 73% response rate among patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, including leukaemia and lymphoma.

Study Overview:

• Participants: The trial enrolled 64 patients aged between 15 and 57 years who had not responded to conventional treatments.
• Procedure: Patients underwent leukapheresis to collect T-cells, which were genetically modified to express CARs targeting CD19 antigens on B-cells. These engineered cells were then expanded and infused back into the patients.
• Efficacy: Among 51 evaluable patients, 73% exhibited a positive response, with their cancer either regressing or entering remission.

Safety Profile:

• Common Adverse Events: The most frequent severe side effects included neutropenia (96%), thrombocytopenia (65%), and anaemia (61%).
• Serious Complications: Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) occurred in 68% of patients, though severe cases were less common. Notably, no instances of Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS) were reported.
• Mortality: There were two treatment-related deaths due to complications such as febrile neutropenia and pulmonary haemorrhage.

Cost Implications:

• Affordability: The indigenous therapy, talicabtagene autoleucel (NexCAR19), is priced at approximately ₹25 lakh (USD 30,000), significantly lower than similar treatments abroad, which can exceed ₹8 crore (USD 1 million). 

Internation Olympic Committee Election

In the News: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to elect its new president, a decision that will significantly influence the future of global sports. The election process is characterized by its exclusivity and the diverse backgrounds of its electors, including royals, politicians, and even Oscar winners.

• Electoral Body: The IOC's presidential election is determined by its members, a group comprising 109 individuals from various professional backgrounds. This includes royalty, political figures, former athletes, and distinguished personalities from the arts, such as Oscar-winning artists.
• Voting Procedure: The election is conducted through a secret ballot. Candidates are eliminated in successive rounds until one secures a majority. This method ensures confidentiality and allows members to vote without external pressures.
• Leadership Transition: The incoming president will succeed Thomas Bach, who has led the IOC since 2013. This transition marks a pivotal moment, as the new leader will shape the organization's direction for the next eight years, with the possibility of a four-year extension.

Leading Candidates:

• Sebastian Coe: A former Olympic gold medalist and current President of World Athletics, Coe has been instrumental in modernizing track and field sports. His leadership of the London 2012 Olympics showcased his organizational acumen.
• Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr.: Son of the former IOC president, Samaranch Jr. brings extensive experience within the IOC, having served as a vice-president. His deep-rooted connections and understanding of the organization's intricacies position him as a strong contender.
• Kirsty Coventry: An Olympic champion swimmer from Zimbabwe, Coventry has transitioned into sports administration and politics. Her potential election would mark a historic moment as the first female president of the IOC.