29 March 2025 Current Affairs

Kunal Kamra Granted Interim Anticipatory Bail by Madras High Court

On March 28, 2025, the Madras High Court granted interim protection from arrest to comedian Kunal Kamra in a case filed by Khar police, Mumbai, for alleged slanderous comments against Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde during his comedy show ‘Naya Bharat.’ Kamra, who shifted to Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, in 2021, claimed he had not named anyone in his show.

Key Points:

1. Court’s Decision:

• Justice Sunder Mohan issued a notice to Khar police, returnable by April 7, 2025.
• Granted interim anticipatory bail to prevent arrest before Kamra could approach the Bombay High Court for regular bail.
• Directed Kamra to execute a bond with two sureties to the satisfaction of the judicial magistrate at Vanur, Villupuram district.

2. Background of the Case:

• Show Details: ‘Naya Bharat’ was performed in Mumbai in February 2025 and uploaded to YouTube on February 23, 2025.
• Complaint Filed: A group of political activists vandalized the venue on March 23, 2025, and an MLA filed an FIR on the same day, alleging defamation.
• Kamra’s parents in Mumbai were served summons on March 23, 2025.

3. Kamra’s Defense:

• His counsel argued that the content did not name Mr. Shinde.
• Kamra requested to appear for inquiry via video conferencing but received no clear response from the police.

4. Safety Concerns:

• Kamra reported receiving death threats from politicians and anonymous callers.
• Expressed fear for his and his family’s safety, and concerns about possible physical harm or police torture if arrested.

Anticipatory Bail:

1. Definition:

• Anticipatory bail is granted under Section 438 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), allowing a person to seek bail in anticipation of arrest if they believe they may be arrested for a non-bailable offense.

2. Purpose:

• Protects individuals from harassment or unjustified arrest.
• Prevents unnecessary detention during investigation.

3. Conditions:

• May include surrendering passport, regular police reporting, or cooperating with the investigation.
• Bail is granted at the discretion of the court after considering the nature and gravity of the accusation.

4. Duration:

• Valid until regular bail is granted or the case is dismissed.

Massive Earthquake Strikes Myanmar and Causes Widespread Devastation

On March 28, 2025, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar near Mandalay at 12:50 pm local time (0620 GMT), followed by a strong 6.4 magnitude aftershock just 11 minutes later. The tremors were felt in neighboring Thailand, China, and India, causing panic and widespread destruction.

Key Points:

1. Casualties and Damage:

• Death toll: 144 confirmed dead, over 730 injured (expected to rise).
• Myanmar military government confirmed casualties and warned of higher tolls.
• A 30-storey government building under construction collapsed in Thailand, trapping 81 people.
• Collapse of a high-rise building in Bangkok left 5 dead and 117 missing.
• A mosque collapse in Myanmar killed 3 people, and a hotel in Aung Ban killed 2, injuring 20 others.

2. International Aid and Response:

• Myanmar’s military government invited India and ASEAN nations to provide aid.
• PM Narendra Modi expressed concern and assured India’s readiness to assist.
• International aid routes have been opened to facilitate assistance.

3. Tremors in Neighboring Countries:

• India: Mild tremors felt in Kolkata and Imphal. No casualties or property damage reported.
• China: Tremors reported in Yunnan province.
• Panic in Bangkok as buildings shook, and people ran into the streets.

4. Rescue and Relief Efforts:

• Rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors under the rubble.
• Structural instability and aftershocks complicate operations.
• Thai authorities continue rescue operations at collapsed sites with urgency.

5. Infrastructure and Seismic Vulnerability:

• Myanmar's rapid development, combined with weak infrastructure and poor urban planning, increases vulnerability.
• Mandalay, with over a million residents, lies in a high-risk seismic zone and has experienced destructive quakes in the past.

Earthquake Zones in India:

India is divided into four seismic zones based on the risk of earthquakes:

1. Zone V (High Risk):

• Covers regions with the highest seismic risk.
• Includes parts of Northeast India, Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rann of Kutch, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

2. Zone IV (Severe Risk):

• Includes Delhi, parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Sikkim, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal.

2. Zone III (Moderate Risk):

• Covers regions like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and parts of Kerala.

4. Zone II (Low Risk):

• Includes regions with the least seismic risk, such as parts of central and southern India.

India’s vulnerability is highest in the Himalayan region due to the active Indian-Eurasian plate collision, making the northern states prone to high-magnitude earthquakes.

India Signs ₹62,700 Crore Deal with HAL for 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH)

On March 28, 2025, the Defence Ministry signed two contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure 156 indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) and associated equipment, worth ₹62,700 crore (excluding taxes). The Indian Army will receive 90 helicopters, while 66 will be supplied to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Key Points:

1. Contract and Delivery Details:

• The supply of helicopters will commence from the third year and will be spread over five years.
• The deal aims to enhance the combat capabilities of the Armed Forces, especially in high-altitude regions.

2. Indigenous Content and Impact:

• LCH is India’s first indigenously designed combat helicopter, capable of operating at altitudes over 5,000 metres.
• Over 65% indigenous content is expected during order execution.
• Involves over 250 domestic companies, mostly MSMEs, creating more than 8,500 direct and indirect jobs.

3. LCH Specifications and Capabilities:

• Weight Class: 5 to 8 tonnes.
• Combat Radius: 500 km, with a service ceiling of 21,000 feet, ideal for high-altitude operations.
• Armaments:

- 20 mm nose gun.

- 70 mm rockets.

- Anti-tank guided missile ‘Dhruvastra’.

- MBDA’s air-to-air missile ‘Mistral-2’ (6.5 km range).

4. Operational History:

• The Army and IAF inducted 15 limited series production models at ₹4,264 crore (10 for IAF, 5 for Army).
• IAF inducted the LCH into the 143 Helicopter Unit ‘Dhanush’ at Jodhpur in October 2022.
• The Army’s first LCH squadron was raised on June 1, 2022, in Bengaluru and later moved to Misamari, Assam.

5. Origins and Development:

• LCH was conceptualized after the 1999 Kargil conflict to meet the need for a high-altitude combat platform.
• It is the only attack helicopter capable of take-off and landing at 5,000 m (16,400 ft) with a significant load of weapons and fuel.

Other Key Deals:

1. Flight Refueller Aircraft (FRA):

• Contract signed with Metrea Management for wet leasing of one KC135 flight refueller aircraft.
• Delivery within six months to train IAF and Navy pilots in air-to-air refuelling.

2. Upcoming Deal:

• Procurement of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A expected to be finalized soon.

Background of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):

1. Established:

• December 23, 1940, as Hindustan Aircraft Limited in Bangalore (now Bengaluru).

2.Ownership:

• Government-owned defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence, India.

3. Core Operations:

• Design, development, and production of fighter aircraft, helicopters, avionics, and aero-engines.
• Major projects include Tejas (LCA), Dhruv (ALH), Rudra (armed variant of ALH), and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).

4. Key Milestones:

• Merged with Aeronautics India Limited (AIL) in 1964 to form HAL.
• Indigenous development of various defence platforms, including the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv.

5. Global Standing:

• HAL is one of the largest aerospace and defence manufacturers in Asia.
• Exports military aircraft and components to several countries.

Putin Proposes Placing Ukraine Under UN Control to Hold Fresh Elections

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed placing Ukraine under temporary UN control to elect what he called a more "competent" government, challenging the legitimacy of the current Kyiv administration. Ukraine dismissed the proposal as a "crazy" idea aimed at delaying peace talks, while the US and its allies reaffirmed that Ukraine’s governance is determined by its constitution and people.

Key Points:

1. Context of Putin's Proposal:

• Putin’s remarks came amid US efforts to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing full-scale war between Russia and Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
• His suggestion was presented while speaking to the crew of a nuclear-powered submarine in Murmansk.

2. Reason for Proposal:

• Russia claims Ukraine’s government is illegitimate because President Volodymyr Zelensky has remained in power beyond his term.
• Elections have been postponed due to martial law and logistical difficulties caused by war and displacement.
• Putin hopes that calling for elections would undermine Zelensky’s authority and divide Ukraine internally.

3. International Response:

• Ukraine: Dismissed the proposal, accusing Russia of trying to stall peace talks and continue the war.
• US & Allies: Reiterated that Ukraine’s governance is a matter for its people, following its constitution.

4. Ceasefire Talks and Conditions:

• A limited truce in the Black Sea was announced after talks with the US.
• Russia demanded the lifting of Western sanctions, raising concerns that Moscow aims to derail peace efforts.

5. Historical Precedents Mentioned by Putin:

• Suggested UN control as an option, citing precedents like East Timor and regions in the former Yugoslavia.

6. Recent Diplomatic Moves:

• Following a meeting between Zelensky and European allies in Paris, France and the UK proposed a "reassurance force" for Ukraine.

Background on Russia-Ukraine War:

1. Invasion Start:

• Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, following months of military buildup along Ukraine’s borders.

2. Key Objectives of Russia:

• Regime change in Ukraine by removing President Zelensky.
• Control over Donetsk and Luhansk regions in eastern Ukraine.
• Securing Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.

3. Ukraine’s Resistance:

• Ukraine mounted fierce resistance, preventing Russia from taking Kyiv and major cities early in the war.
• Western nations provided military aid, intelligence, and humanitarian support.

4. International Response:

• Severe economic sanctions imposed by the West on Russia.
• NATO strengthened its eastern flank and extended membership to Finland and Sweden.

Bangladesh Welcomes Chinese Participation in Teesta River Project and Strengthens Bilateral Ties

On March 28, 2025, Bangladesh welcomed China’s participation in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project during Chief Advisor Prof. Mohammed Yunus' visit to China. The visit concluded with a Joint Statement reaffirming Bangladesh’s commitment to the One-China Policy and announcing enhanced cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, and maritime cooperation.

Key Points:

1. Teesta River Project:

• Bangladesh invited Chinese participation in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.
• Discussions on optimizing the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement were initiated.

2. Bilateral Agreements and Free Trade:

• Bangladesh and China agreed to start discussions on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at an early date.
• Bangladesh welcomed Chinese companies to participate in the Mongla Port Facilities Modernisation and Expansion Project.
• Both sides will cooperate to further develop the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chittagong.

3. Belt and Road Cooperation:

• The countries agreed to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen industrial and supply chain collaboration.
• They resolved to advocate an “equal and orderly multi-polar world”.

4. Cultural and Diplomatic Exchanges:

• 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and China, with plans to deepen exchanges in culture, tourism, media, education, health care, and youth.
• A Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation will be held at an appropriate time.

5. Humanitarian Cooperation and Rohingya Issue:

• Bangladesh appreciated China’s role in building peace in Myanmar and providing support for the Rohingya repatriation process.
• China assured support for the repatriation of displaced people from Rakhine State.

Background on Teesta River and Its Importance:

1. Geography and Flow:

• Originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake in Sikkim, India.
• Flows through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it joins the Brahmaputra (Jamuna) River.

2. Teesta Water Dispute:

• India and Bangladesh have been negotiating a water-sharing treaty over the Teesta for decades.
• Bangladesh seeks a larger share of the Teesta’s water to support agriculture and livelihood in its northern regions, but India’s West Bengal government has resisted, citing local water needs.

Trump Imposes 25% Tariffs on Auto Imports to Boost U.S. Manufacturing

On March 26, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on automobile imports, claiming it would spur domestic manufacturing. However, the move could raise costs for automakers that rely on global supply chains and potentially impact auto sales. The tariffs are part of Trump’s broader strategy to reshape global trade relations by imposing reciprocal taxes.

Key Points:

1. Impact on Automakers:

• U.S. automakers, including General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, rely on components from Canada, Mexico, and other countries.
• GM’s shares fell by 3%, Stellantis’ dropped by 4%, while Ford’s stock showed a slight increase.
• Higher costs from imported parts could lead to higher vehicle prices and reduced sales.

2. Broader Tariff Strategy:

• Trump’s tariffs aim to relocate production to the U.S. and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
• Reciprocal taxes will be imposed on April 2, 2025, matching tariffs and sales taxes imposed by other nations.

3. Tariffs on Other Goods:

• 25% tariffs imposed on:

- Steel and aluminum imports (previously exempted in 2018).

- Autos and parts from Mexico and Canada (30-day reprieve expires in April 2025).

- Computer chips, pharmaceuticals, lumber, and copper.

• 20% import tax on Chinese goods due to fentanyl production.
• Planned 25% tariff on countries importing oil from Venezuela.

India-U.S. Trade Relations Overview:

1. Bilateral Trade Growth:

• India and the U.S. are key trading partners with bilateral trade exceeding $190 billion in 2024.
• India is the 9th largest trading partner for the U.S., while the U.S. is India’s largest trading partner.

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