18 March 2025 Current Affairs

SpaceX crew reaches ISS reaching Astronauts stuck in Space for 9 Months.

A SpaceX capsule successfully delivered four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) early Sunday morning in a mission aimed at swapping crew members and bringing home two astronauts — Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams — who have been stranded aboard for nearly nine months.

Boeing Starliner and Mission Details

1. Starliner is a spacecraft designed to transport astronauts to space, featuring:

• A crew capsule for astronauts
• Reentry capability
• A non-reusable service module providing life support and propulsion

2. Similar Spacecraft Services:

• SpaceX Crew Dragon
• NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2

How Did the Astronauts Get Stuck?

• Williams and Wilmore traveled to the ISS in June 2024 on Starliner’s first crewed mission.
• Pre-Launch Issues: A helium leak was detected but was not deemed critical.
• Post-Launch Issues: Additional helium leaks occurred during flight.
• Starliner arrived at the ISS, but technical issues remain unresolved.
• ISS supplies are regularly replenished via cargo spacecraft, ensuring astronauts have essential resources for their extended stay.

Impact of Prolonged Stay in Space on the Human Body

1. Bone Density Loss-

• Astronauts lose up to 1% of bone mass per month in microgravity.
• Increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

2. Muscle Atrophy-

• Muscle mass and strength decline significantly.
• Requires daily rigorous exercise to mitigate effects.

3. Vision Problems (SANS - Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome)-

• Increased intracranial pressure due to fluid shifts can affect vision.

4. Cardiovascular Changes-

• The heart changes shape and size, potentially causing heart issues.

5. Psychological Effects-

• Extended isolation and confinement can lead to stress, anxiety, and mental health issues.

Objectives of the ISS:

• Advance research in space science and microgravity.
• Conduct scientific experiments across multiple disciplines.
• Foster international collaboration in space exploration.

US strikes on Yemen ,Houthi Hits Back

The United States will keep attacking Yemen's Houthis until they end attacks on shipping, the U.S. defense secretary said on Sunday, as the Iran-aligned group signaled it could escalate in response to deadly U.S. strikes the day before.

The airstrikes, which the Houthi-run health ministry said killed at least 53 people, are the biggest U.S. military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in January. One U.S. official told Reuters the campaign might continue for weeks.

Houthi Rebels: Background, Activities & Global Implications

1. Who Are the Houthi Rebels?

a. Official Name: Ansar Allah ("Supporters of God")

b. Founded: 1990s in Saada, Yemen

c. Leader: Abdul-Malik al-Houthi

d. Base of Operations: Northern Yemen

e. Ideology:

• Zaidi Shia Islamism (a sect of Shia Islam prevalent in northern Yemen)
• Anti-Western & Anti-Saudi stance
• Opposition to Yemeni government and foreign influence

2. Origins and Evolution

a. 1990s: Emerged as a religious movement promoting Zaidi Shia rights in northern Yemen.

b. 2004: Founder Hussein al-Houthi killed by Yemeni forces under President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

c. 2004-2010: Engaged in six wars with the Yemeni government.

e. 2011: Capitalized on the Arab Spring protests, gaining popular support.

f. 2014-2015:

• Seized the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, ousting the internationally recognized government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi.
• Prompted a Saudi-led military intervention in March 2015.

g. 2015-Present: Engaged in a civil war with Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces.

3. Houthi Conflict and International Involvement

a. Role of Iran

• Iran supports the Houthis as part of its regional strategy against Saudi Arabia.
• Weapons Supply:

- Drones ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles allegedly supplied by Iran.

- Smuggled arms via Oman, Somalia, and the Red Sea.

• Political & Financial Aid:

- Houthis receive funding, training, and military advisors from Iran.

• Strategic Importance for Iran:

- Counterbalance Saudi Arabia’s influence in the region.

- Disrupt Red Sea shipping lanes, a vital global trade route.

b. Role of Saudi Arabia

• Leads a military coalition (since 2015) to restore Yemen’s government.
• Uses airstrikes, ground operations, and blockades against the Houthis.
• *Seeks to present Yemen from becoming an Iranian proxy state.

c. Role of the USA

• Supports Saudi Arabia & UAE against the Houthis.
• Provides intelligence, logistical support, and defense systems.
• Launched airstrikes on Houthi targets after Houthi attacks on international shipping (2024).
• Designation of Houthis:

- Previously designated a terrorist organization under Trump (2021), revoked under Biden (2021).

- Reclassified as a "Specially Designated Global Terrorist" group in 2024 due to Red Sea attacks.

4. Houthi Attacks & Global Implications

a.  Attacks on Saudi Arabia & UAE

• Ballistic missile & drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities (e.g., Aramco attack in 2019).
• Strikes on UAE (2022) targeting Abu Dhabi airport.

b. Red Sea & Bab el-Mandeb Attacks

• 2023-2024: Houthis attack commercial & military ships in the Red Sea, disrupting global trade.
• US & UK launched airstrikes against Houthi positions in January 2024.
• Economic Impact:

- Disrupts global oil and goods transportation.

- Increases shipping costs & insurance premiums.

5. Humanitarian Impact of the Yemen War

• One of the world’s worst humanitarian crises (as per UN).
• Casualties: Over 377,000 deaths (direct & indirect) since 2015.
• Famine & Starvation: 16 million+ Yemenis face food insecurity.
• Cholera & Disease: Recurrent cholera outbreaks due to lack of clean water.
• Child Soldiers: Houthis accused of recruiting children into their forces.

LeT Terrorist killed in Pakistan.

1. Key Details of the Incident

• Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025, around 7 PM
• Location: Jhelum, Pakistan
• Victims: Abu Qatal (Zia-ur-Rehman) and his security guard
• Attack Method: Unknown assailants fired 15-20 rounds, killing both instantly

2. Who Was Abu Qatal?

• Senior operative of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)
• Close aide of Hafiz Saeed, mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks
• Involved in multiple terror attacks in India, including Jammu & Kashmir
• Played a key role in the 2024 Reasi bus attack

3. His Role in Terrorism

a. Managed LeT operations in Pakistan & India Instrumental in creating proxy terror outfits:

• People’s Anti-Fascist Force (PAFF)
• The Resistance Front (TRF)

b. Purpose of Proxy Groups:

• To hide the activities of LeT & Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)
• Operate under new identities to avoid international scrutiny

4th Conference On Security Intelligence In Delhi.

Global challenges and intelligence-sharing mechanisms, as well as immigration and extradition, were among a host of issues discussed at the fourth conference of global intelligence and security chiefs hosted by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Sunday (March 16, 2025). The meeting had over 28 attendees, according to official sources.

Fourth Global Intelligence and Security Chiefs Conference (March 16, 2025)

Overview

• Host: National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval
• Organized by: R&AW and NSCS
• Date: March 16, 2025
• Attendees: Over 28 intelligence and security chiefs from 20+ countries
• Held Before: Raisina Dialogue (March 17-19, 2025)
• Modelled on: Munich Security Conference & Shangri-La Dialogue

Key Discussion Points

• Counterterrorism & transnational crimes
• Global security & intelligence-sharing mechanisms
• Indo-Pacific cooperation
• Narcotics and terror funding
• Immigration and extradition

International Participation

1. Major Attendees:

• Five Eyes countries (U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand)
• Russia, U.S., Canada, Australia, others

2. Notable Figures:

• U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard
• Canadian spy chief, Daniel Rogers (visit linked to India-Canada ties post-Nijjar case)

3. Bilateral Meetings:

• Gabbard met NSA Doval; also scheduled to speak at the Raisina Dialogue on March 18

U.S. Involvement

1. Tulsi Gabbard's Indo-Pacific Tour:

• Visiting Japan, Thailand, India, and France
• Emphasizing U.S. strategic objectives in the region

2. Trump Administration’s Global Impact:

• Uncertainties in international policies influencing global security discussions

Chandrayaan 5 Receives Centers Approval.

Chairman of Indian Space Research Organization's (Isro) V Narayana announced that the Centre has approved Chandrayaan-5 mission to the Moon.

Chandrayaan 5

Chandrayaan-5, also known as the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX), is a collaborative lunar mission between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The mission aims to explore the Moon's south polar region, focusing on the permanently shadowed areas to assess the quantity and quality of water present.

1. Mission Objectives:

• Water Exploration: Investigate the presence of water ice in the Moon's permanently shadowed regions.
• Technological Demonstration: Showcase advanced landing and rover mobility capabilities, essential for future lunar missions, including potential human landings.

2. Mission Components:

• Lander: Developed by ISRO, responsible for delivering the rover to the lunar surface.
• Rover: A 350 kg rover developed by JAXA, significantly larger than Chandrayaan-3's 25 kg rover, designed to traverse and analyze the lunar terrain.

3. Launch Details:

• Launch Vehicle: JAXA's H3 rocket.
• Launch Site: Tanegashima Space Center, Japan.
• Scheduled Launch: Planned for 2028–2029

India New Zealand Starts Negotiations On Trade Deal.

India and New Zealand on Sunday announced the launch of the negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) even as both nations of late found themselves on the firing line of the trade war unleashed by United States.

India-New Zealand Relations: A Systematic Overview

1. Diplomatic Relations

• First Indian Presidential Visit: Pranab Mukherjee became the first Indian President to visit New Zealand in August 2016.
• India-New Zealand Cyber Dialogue: The first dialogue was held on November 27, 2017, in New Delhi, led by Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs.

2. Economic Cooperation

a. Trade Statistics (2015):

• Total trade in goods and services: USD 1.45 billion.
• Decline in New Zealand's exports to India due to reduced coal imports.

b. Major Indian Imports from New Zealand:

• Wood, wood charcoal, wool, animal hair, edible fruits & nuts, raw hides, and skins.

c. Major Indian Exports to New Zealand:

• Pharmaceuticals, pearls, precious & semi-precious stones, vehicles and vehicle parts, textiles, apparel, machinery, plastics.

d. Free Trade Agreement (FTA):

• Joint study on FTA implications: Completed in February 2009.
• FTA negotiations began in April 2010.
• 10th round of FTA negotiations: Held in New Delhi (February 16-18, 2015).
• Discussions continued during RCEP negotiations in Auckland (June 2016).

Cultural and Scientific Cooperation

1. Science & Technology Collaborations:

• First Joint Science & Technology Committee Meeting: Wellington (August 26-29, 2013).
• Third Meeting: New Delhi (May 23, 2016).

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