Today's Brief 31/03/2025

1 .Operation Brahma

(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

is a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operation launched by the Indian government in response to a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar in March 2025.

 Demonstrating its role as a "First Responder," India swiftly mobilized resources to provide urgent aid to its neighbor.

The operation involved deploying search and rescue teams, establishing medical treatment centers, and delivering essential relief supplies, including tents, blankets, food, and medical necessities.

The Indian Air Force utilized C-130J and C-17 aircraft for rapid transportation, while Naval ships, such as INS Satpura and INS Savitri, transported larger quantities of aid.

2 . The global textile waste problem

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

has reached alarming levels, driven largely by the rise of fast fashion, unsustainable production practices, and consumer habits. Each year, an estimated 92 million tons of textile waste is generated worldwide, with only 12% being recycled, while the rest ends up in landfills or incinerators.

The fast fashion industry accelerates this crisis by producing cheap, low quality clothing designed for short-term use,

leading to excessive consumption and disposal. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, which make up 60% of global clothing,

further worsen the issue as they are non-biodegradable and release microplastics into the environment.

Meanwhile, the textile industry’s massive resource consumption such as 2,700 liters of water for a single cotton shirt highlights the unsustainable nature of current production models.

3 .INIOCHOS-25

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

is a multinational air exercise, hosted by the Hellenic Air Force at Andravida Air Base in Greece, scheduled from March 31, 2025, to April 11, 2025. This biennial exercise serves as a critical platform for air forces from approximately 15 nations to enhance their combat readiness, exchange tactical knowledge, and strengthen military ties.

 The exercise focuses on planning and executing complex air operations in realistic combat scenarios, simulating modern-day air warfare challenges and aiming to improve interoperability and cooperation among participating forces.

 Notably, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating, deploying Su-30 MKI fighter jets, IL-78 mid-air refueling aircraft, and C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft.

 4 .Greenland

(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

(Kalaallit Nunaat in Greenlandic) is the world’s largest non-continental island, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, northeast of Canada. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, meaning it governs its own affairs except for defense and foreign policy.

Covering 2.16 million km², Greenland is over three times the size of France, but its population is just 56,000, making it the least densely populated region globally.

The capital and largest city is Nuuk.

Geographically, Greenland is dominated by the Greenland Ice Sheet, which covers 80% of the land and holds 10% of the world’s freshwater reserves. If fully melted, this ice sheet could raise global sea levels by 7 meters.

Despite its icy reputation, Greenland has a warmer coastline where most settlements are located, with wildlife including polar bears, whales, and reindeer.

Historically, Greenland was first inhabited by Inuit peoples over 4,500 years ago. Norse Vikings, led by Erik the Red, established settlements in the 10th century, but these disappeared by the 15th century.

Denmark colonized Greenland in the 18th century, and it became an official part of Denmark in 1953 before gaining self-rule in 1979 and further autonomy in 2009.

Politically, Greenland has its own parliament (Inatsisartut) and prime minister, though Denmark handles defense and foreign affairs. The economy relies on fishing (especially shrimp and halibut), mining (rare earth minerals, rubies), and tourism.

Climate change is a major concern, as melting ice opens new shipping routes and resource extraction opportunities.

Culturally, Greenland’s population is primarily Inuit, with strong traditions in dog sledding, kayaking, and throat singing.

The official languages are Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) and Danish, though English is also widely understood

5 .Chernobyl's Damaged Shield:The decommissioned Chernobyl nuclear power plant, site of the 1986 disaster, faced a new threat in February 2024. A Russian drone strike damaged the New Safe Confinement (NSC), a massive steel structure designed to contain the radioactive remnants of reactor number four. 

 This strike ignited a fire that burned for three weeks, significantly harming the NSC's protective shell. Ukrainian authorities are now working to assess and repair the damage, raising concerns about potential radioactive risks. 

 The NSC is a vital structure designed to prevent the escape of radioactive materials from the reactor that melted down in the 1986 disaster.     

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