News in Shorts: 08 February 2025

TROPEX Exercise 2025

Context: The Indian Navy is conducting its biennial Theatre Level Operational Exercise (TROPEX-25) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from January to March 2025.

About TROPEX exercise

• This is a large-scale naval exercise.
• It takes place every two years and involves participation from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Coast Guard to enhance joint operations and maritime security.
• Key Objectives of TROPEX-25
  • Test and improve the Navy’s warfighting skills.
  • Ensure a coordinated and integrated response to maritime security threats.
  • Prepare for conventional, asymmetric, and hybrid threats in a contested maritime environment.
• participation of platforms 
  • indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant, 
  • state-of-the-art Visakhapatnam and Kolkata Class destroyers, 
  • Kalvari Class submarines and 
  • aircraft fleet comprising MiG 29K, 
  • P8I, 
  • HALE Sea Guardian and MH-60R helicopters.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Sarandi Stream

Context: Recently, a stream near Buenos Aires, Argentina has turned blood-red, sparking fears of industrial chemical dumping.

About Sarandi Stream

• It is a small tributary
• It flows into the Río de la Plata, 
  • Río de la Plata is a major estuary shared by Argentina and Uruguay.
• Issues
  • The stream has changed colors before, appearing gray, green, violet, blue, and brown with an oily surface.
  • In addition, it gives off strong odors.
  • Cause of Blood-Red Water
    • Aniline, a toxic chemical used in dyes and medicines, is suspected to be responsible.

World Gold Council Report

Context: India’s gold imports rose 5% at 802.8 tonnes on a year-on-year basis in 2024 due to high investment demand and big purchases by the Reserve Bank of India, according to the latest data by the World Gold Council.

Key Findings of the Report

India’s Gold Imports and Demand (2024)

• Gold Imports: Increased by 5% to 802.8 tonnes in 2024 due to strong investment demand and RBI purchases (World Gold Council data).
• Jewellery Demand: Declined by 2% to 563.4 tonnes due to high gold prices.
• Investment Demand: Increased by 29% to 239.4 tonnes in 2024, with a 14% rise in Q4 (76 tonnes).
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Gold Purchases
• • RBI’s Gold Reserves: Increased by 73 tonnes in 2024 (compared to 16 tonnes in 2023).
  • Share in Forex Reserves: Gold’s share in India’s foreign exchange reserves reached 11% (highest ever).

About World Gold Council (WGC)

• Founded: 1987 by major gold mining companies.
• Type: Non-profit association of leading gold producers.
• Headquarters: London, UK.
• Members: 33 gold mining companies and other industry stakeholders.
• Objectives & Functions
  • Market Development: Promotes gold demand through marketing, research, and lobbying.
  • Gold Standard & Policy Advocacy: Shapes policies and standards for a fair and sustainable gold market.
  • Sustainability & Responsible Mining: Ensures ethical and sustainable gold mining practices.

Shatavari – For Better Health Campaign

Context: The Ministry of Ayush has launched a new species-specific campaign, “Shatavari – For Better Health”, to raise awareness about the health benefits of medicinal plants. 

• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine.
• It has been recognized for its numerous health benefits, especially for women. 

Check Out UPSC Modules From PW Store

Health Benefits of Shatavari

• Shatavari is widely used in Ayurveda for its numerous health benefits, including:
  • Supporting women’s reproductive health
  • Boosting immunity
  • Aiding digestion and gut health
  • Reducing stress and anxiety

Significance of the Campaign

• Educate the public on the medicinal properties of Shatavari.
• Promote its cultivation and sustainable management.
• Align with the Panch Pran Goal of making India a developed nation by 2047.

Ready to boost your UPSC 2025 preparation? Join PW’s UPSC online courses today!