9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 31 March 2025

Mains Oriented Articles

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Solar Eclipse

News- As per NASA, the partial solar eclipse that was set to happen on March 29 this year was visible in Europe, Northwestern Africa, Greenland, and Iceland.

About Solar Eclipse

• A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon comes between the Sun and Earth. It blocks sunlight either fully or partially and casts a shadow on some parts of the Earth.
• A solar eclipse occurs exclusively during a new moon, when the Moon and Sun align on the same side of Earth.
• Types of Solar Eclipses:
  • Total Solar Eclipse: The Moon completely blocks the Sun, revealing the solar corona (outer atmosphere).
  • Partial Solar Eclipse: The Moon covers only a portion of the Sun, giving it a crescent shape.
  • Annular Solar Eclipse: It occurs when the Moon passes in front of the Sun but is at or near the farthest point from Earth, an annular solar eclipse occurs
  • Hybrid Solar Eclipse: A rare type (occurs once in a decade) where an eclipse transitions between annular and total, with the shadow of the moon moving across the globe.
• Frequency of Solar Eclipses:
  • Solar eclipses happen 2 to 5 times a year.
  • A total solar eclipse occurs approximately once every 18 months.
  • Eclipses usually occur in pairs (Solar and Lunar) due to the Moon’s orbit.

National Gene Bank

News- The Government of India has announced the creation of a Second National Gene Bank to conserve 10 lakh crop germplasm. This initiative aligns with the “Investing in Innovations” theme of the Union Budget 2025-26.

Gene Bank A Gene Bank is a specialized storage facility designed to preserve seeds, pollen, and plant tissues to safeguard plant species from extinction and ensure their availability for future needs. These preserved samples play a vital role in crop breeding, scientific research, and biodiversity conservation.

India’s First National Gene Bank

• It was established in 1996 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in New Delhi.
• Current status:
  • It is the second-largest Gene Bank globally, following the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway.
  • It houses 4,71,561 accessions spanning 2,157 species.
  • It supplies plant genetic resources to both public and private entities engaged in crop improvement and genetic conservation.

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)

• It is the apex institution under ICAR responsible for plant genetic resource management.
• Objective: Conservation, evaluation, and utilization of plant genetic resources to support sustainable agriculture and food security.
• Headquarters: New Delhi

Operation Brahma- Myanmar

News- After a devastating earthquake ravaged Myanmar recently, India initiated its relief and rescue efforts in the country under the banner ‘Operation Brahma.

About Operation Brahma

• India launched this humanitarian mission after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on March 28, 2025.
• The mission includes rescue teams, medical aid, and essential supplies.
• An 80-member NDRF team with specialized rescue equipment has been sent.
• Two Indian naval ships, INS Satpura and INS Savitri, have delivered 40 tonnes of aid to Yangon.

Why Myanmar Experiences Frequent Earthquakes?

The Myanmar earthquake was caused by “strike-slip faulting”( Sagaing Fault), between the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Sagaing Fault:

• A major active fault extending north to south through central Myanmar.
• Ir functions as a boundary between the northward-moving Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate.

Key Facts about Myanmar Location– It is situated in Southeast Asia, between latitudes 10°N to 28.5°N. Capital: Nay Pyi Taw Borders: It shares borders with India, China, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Laos. It is bounded by the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal to the south. Mountain Ranges: Northern Mountains (Mount Hkakabo, 5,881 m – highest peak). Western Ranges (Patkai, Naga, Chin, Rakhine Hills). Shan Plateau (Eastern highlands with rugged terrain, deep valleys). Major Rivers: Irrawaddy River (primary navigable river), Chindwin, Sittang, and Salween Rivers

Sarhul Festival

News- Adivasis in Jharkhand and the broader Chhotanagpur region will celebrate the arrival of the new year and spring season with the Sarhul festival soon.

About Sarhul Festival

• Sarhul, literally “worship of the Sal tree”, is among the most revered Adivasi festivals. It signifies nature worship and marks the arrival of spring.
• Sarhul also symbolizes the marriage between the Earth and the Sun.
• Region & Tribes: It is celebrated in Jharkhand and the Chhotanagpur region by the Oraon, Munda, Santal, Khadia, and Ho tribes.
• Time of celebration: It is observed on the third day of the moon in Chaitra (Hindu calendar), marking the arrival of spring (Phaagun) and continuing till Jeth (June).
• Religious & Cultural Significance: The festival honors Sarna Maa, the deity residing in Sal trees, at Sarna Sthals (sacred groves).