Daily Current Affairs | March 8 2025 |

1) Convention on Cluster Munitions

• On 6 March 2025, Lithuania’s withdrawal from the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) officially took effect.

• This marks an unprecedented decision in the history of the Convention, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact and the integrity of international norms prohibiting cluster munitions.

About the Convention

• It is an international treaty of more than 100 states(112 ratified + 12 signed. but not ratified)

• It prohibits all use, transfer, production, and stockpiling of cluster munitions.

• India, USA, Russia, Israel, Ukraine, China not members.

• Adopted in 2008, the treaty entered into force on 1 August 2010.

• Cluster Munitions are bombs that release smaller bomblets(submunitions) increasing range of damage.

Threat of Cluster Munitions

• High Civilian Casualties - Cluster munitions are designed to disperse many small bomblets over a wide area, making them particularly dangerous in populated areas or where civilians and military targets are intermixed.

• High Failure Rates - A significant percentage of submunitions fail to detonate as intended, leaving behind unexploded ordnance (UXO) that poses a long-term threat to civilians and hinders post-conflict recovery.

• Socio-economic Impact - The presence of UXO can restrict access to land, resources, and economic opportunities, further hindering post-conflict recovery and development.

2) Strategic Bitcoin Reserve by USA

• United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order, which establishes a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a stockpile of other digital assets.

• The reserve will be capitalised with bitcoin owned by the Department of Treasury that was forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings.

• Other agencies will evaluate their legal authority to transfer any bitcoin owned by them to the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

About this Reserve

• A government backed reserve of Bitcoin and other digital assets, managed by US Dept of Treasury.

• The government will hold Bitcoin as a long-term asset, preventing premature sell-offs that could destabilise markets.

• Apart from Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano will also be part of the reserve.

• It will be equivalent to US Gold Reserve in Fort Knox.

What are Strategic Reserves ?

• A strategic reserve is a stockpile of vital resources kept by governments or large organisations to provide a safety net during hard times.

• Examples -

  • US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which helps ensure a regular supply of oil during crises.

  • FOREX reserves to maintain currency stability & facilitate trade.

  • Critical Minerals Reserves.

• Benefits of Strategic Crypto Reserves :

  • Can manipulate prices of crypt currencies;

  • Diversification of assets in reserves for financial stability;

  • Legitimise crypto markets, stabilising price volatility in them

3) Namami Gange Programme Achievements

• The Namami Gange Programme, launched by the Government of India in 2014, has marked significant progress in its mission to rejuvenate the sacred River Ganga.

• The programme, backed by a financial outlay of Rs. 42,500 crore, is designed as a long-term investment.

• Implemented by Ministry of Jal Shakti under National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).

Achievements

• Among the Top 10 World Restoration Flagship Initiatives under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration in December 2022.

• International Water Association has honored the NMCG as a Climate Smart Utility, underscoring India’s commitment to sustainable water management.

• Significant expansion of sewage treatment capacity.

Key Features of Namami Gange

• Sewage Treatment Plants - Over 200 sewage treatment projects have been launched to prevent wastewater from polluting the Ganga.

• Riverfront Development - Modernisation of ghats and crematoriums along the river to enhance sanitation and tourism.

• Biodiversity - Efforts to restore aquatic life, leading to a rise in Gangetic Dolphin population & improved fish species diversity.

• Afforestation - Over 1.34 lakh hectares of trees planted along the Ganga to prevent soil erosion and maintain water flow.

• Ganga Gram Initiative - Development of 1,674 villages along the river with better sanitation, waste management, and clean drinking water.

4) International Women’s Day

• On International Women’s Day on March 8, National Commission for Women has launched 21 pre-marital communication centres across nine states to provide counselling and guidance on marriage-related issues.

• International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on 8 March, commemorating women's fight for equality and liberation along with the women's rights movement.

About this Day

• In 1917, Russian women held a strike on March 8 for "bread and peace" during World War I.

• Vladimir Lenin declared March 8 as International Women's Day in 1922 to honour the women's role in the 1917 Russian Revolution.

• Purple, green and white are the colors of International Women's Day.

• Purple signifies justice and dignity; Green symbolises hope; and White represents purity.

• The theme for this year is “Accelerate Action”.

National Commission for Women

• The National Commission for Women (NCW) is an autonomous statutory body established to protect and promote women’s rights in India.

• It was formed in January 31, 1992, under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

• Functions :

  • Monitors implementation of gender-sensitive laws like POCSO, Domestic Violence Act, and Dowry Prohibition Act.

  • Investigates complaints related to women’s rights violations.

  • Takes suo moto action in cases of women’s rights violations.

  • Reviews government programs and legal safeguards for effective implementation.

  • Organises awareness programs, legal aid camps, and counselling services.