IMD issues heatwave and weather warnings for multiple regions

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for several parts of the country, forecasting extreme temperatures and humid conditions over the next few days. The advisory highlights the likelihood of severe heatwave conditions in Odisha, Saurashtra, and Kutch, along with warm nights and hot, humid weather in other regions.

• Heatwave Forecast
  IMD predicts heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in isolated areas of Odisha on March 15 and 16 and Saurashtra & Kutch on March 15. Heatwave conditions are also expected at isolated locations in Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and north Telangana on March 15 and 16.
• Additionally, Gangetic West Bengal is likely to experience heatwave conditions from March 15 to 17, while Saurashtra & Kutch may continue facing extreme heat on March 16 and 17. Odisha will see a return of heatwave conditions on March 17 and 18, with North Interior Karnataka expected to experience similar conditions on March 18 and 19.
• Warm Night Conditions
  The IMD has also warned of warm nights in isolated pockets of Odisha from March 15 to 18, indicating high night-time temperatures that could add to overall discomfort.
• Hot & Humid Conditions
  In addition to heatwaves, hot and humid weather is likely in isolated pockets of Kerala & Mahe, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam on March 15 and 16. The Saurashtra & Kutch region may continue experiencing these conditions from March 15 to 19.
• Weather Outlook for Delhi-NCR
  The IMD has also provided a weather forecast for Delhi-NCR from March 15 to 18, though specific details on expected temperatures and conditions are yet to be released.
• With rising temperatures, authorities have advised people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.

India’s first exploration licence auction and AI-driven mineral targeting Hackathon launched

• The Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Goa government on Thursday launched India’s first-ever Exploration Licence (EL) auction, marking a significant step toward unlocking the country’s critical and deep-seated mineral reserves.
• Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy and Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant jointly presided over the event, which also featured a “Roadshow” for the fifth tranche of critical mineral block auctions. Additionally, they inaugurated the AI Hackathon 2025, themed “Mineral Targeting using Artificial Intelligence,” aimed at utilizing advanced datasets to identify hidden mineral deposits and promote innovation in sustainable mining practices.
•  Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “For the first time, India is opening up systematic early-stage exploration through a structured and transparent auction process.
• This reform will accelerate the discovery of critical and deep-seated minerals, boost investor confidence, and pave the way for a self-reliant, future-ready mineral ecosystem aligned with India’s clean energy and industrial ambitions.”
• The discussions at the event covered several key topics, including strategies for auctioning untapped mining blocks in Goa, plans to revive dormant mines, and solutions for managing expired and lapsed leases in compliance with Section 10A(2) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
• Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant lauded the Union government’s reform initiatives, stating, “Goa has a rich mining legacy, and we are committed to responsible, technology-driven mineral development. These reforms will not only unlock India’s mineral potential but also create new opportunities for sustainable mining.”
• Updates were provided on the progress of operationalizing auctioned mining blocks and ongoing exploration projects, with special emphasis on the contributions of organizations such as the Geological Survey of India and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd. Chief Minister Sawant also highlighted the economic impact of reviving mining operations in Goa, emphasizing their role in strengthening the state’s economy and contributing to the Gross State Domestic Product.
• He further acknowledged the Union government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their steadfast support in advancing these initiatives.
• The event concluded with the auction of 13 exploration license blocks, covering critical minerals such as Rare Earth Elements (REEs), zinc, diamonds, copper, and Platinum Group Elements. The transparent bidding process aims to accelerate mineral exploration, encourage private sector participation, and enhance India’s technological and energy independence.
• Under the EL regime, licence holders will explore these blocks, and if viable mineral reserves are found, the blocks will be auctioned for a mining licence (ML). The EL auction process follows a reverse bidding mechanism, where the block is awarded to the bidder quoting the lowest percentage share of the auction premium payable by the eventual ML holder.
• To partially offset risks for private explorers, the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) had launched a reimbursement scheme in June 2024, covering up to 50 per cent of eligible expenses – capped at Rs 20 crore – for activities such as geophysical investigations, exploratory drilling, and chemical and petrological analysis.
• The mines ministry took over EL auctions in October last year after only six out of 14 state governments that were handed over blocks for EL initiated the auction process.
• “Any delay in auction of exploration licence blocks containing such critical and strategic minerals have impact on the starting exploration and production of these minerals and resultant availability of these minerals in the country. Timely action is required to support the country’s goal of achieving Atmanirbharta in critical and strategic minerals,” the ministry had noted in an order.
• “Fragmented and uncoordinated auction of exploration licence blocks by different State Governments may have resulted in lack of response in the auction of exploration licence blocks by the State Governments… a centralised auction may address the issues regarding lack of response in the auction of exploration licence blocks,”
• Since 2024, 335 mineral blocks have been auctioned, with 106 successfully allocated, including first-time auctions in Telangana, Bihar, and Arunachal Pradesh. To streamline projects, a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) has been established. A State Mining Index, evaluating states on regulatory and sustainability parameters, will be introduced in 2025. 
• The Geological Survey of India will celebrate its 175th anniversary from March 2025 to March 2026 with a series of international and national seminars, outreach programs, and cultural events.

Who are Yemen’s Houthis and why are they under attack by the US?

•  President Donald Trump has launched the biggest military operation in the Middle East since taking office against Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis after they resumed Red Sea shipping attacks.
• The strikes, which have killed at least 24 people so far, could last for weeks according to one U.S. official and come as Trump ramps up sanctions pressure on Tehran.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE HOUTHIS?

• In the late 1990s, the Houthi family in the far north of Yemen set up a religious revival movement for the Zaydi sect of Shi’ite Islam, which had once ruled Yemen, but whose northern heartland had became impoverished and marginalized.
• As friction with the government in the capital Sanaa grew, they fought a series of guerrilla wars with the national army and a brief border conflict with Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia.

WHO IS THE HOUTHI LEADER?

• Abdul Malik al-Houthi created the defiant force challenging world powers from a group of ragtag mountain fighters in sandals. Al-Houthi established a reputation as a fierce battlefield commander before emerging as head of the Houthi movement.
• Under the direction of al-Houthi, who is in his 40s, the group has grown into an army of tens of thousands of fighters and acquired a huge arsenal of armed drones and ballistic missiles. Saudi Arabia and the West say the arms come from Iran, though Tehran denies this.
• Al-Houthi is known for rarely staying long in one place, for never meeting the media and for extreme reluctance to make scheduled public appearances.

HOW DID THE HOUTHIS COME TO CONTROL MUCH OF YEMEN?

• A civil war erupted in Yemen in late 2014 when the Houthis seized Sanaa. Worried by the growing influence of Shi’ite Iran along its border, Saudi Arabia led a Western-backed coalition in March 2015, which intervened in support of the Saudi-backed government.
• The Houthis established control over much of the north and other large population centres, while the internationally recognised government based itself in the port city of Aden.
• Yemen enjoyed a period of relative calm amid a U.N.-led peace push, but a sharp escalation in regional tensions since the start of the Gaza war has increased risks of a new conflict between the militia and Riyadh.

WHY ATTACK SHIPS?

• The Houthis have waded into the Gaza conflict with attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea as a show of support for the Palestinians and Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza.
• They have also claimed attacks on ships they say are linked to Israel in the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
• The Houthi attacks have disrupted global shipping, forcing firms to re-route to longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa.
• While the militia has said it attacked only vessels with links to Israel, the United States and Britain, shipping industry sources say all ships were at risk.
• The U.S. and Britain had retaliated with air strikes against the Houthis as part of international efforts to restore the free flow of trade along a key route between Europe and Asia that accounts for about 15% of the world’s shipping traffic.
• A period of relative calm started in January alongside the Gaza ceasefire but the group then warned in March it would resume its naval operations if Israel did not lift a blockage of aid into Gaza.
• The Houthis then announced on March 12 a resumption of attacks with immediate effect.

WHAT ARE THE HOUTHIS’ LINKS WITH IRAN?

• The Houthis are part of what has been called the “Axis of Resistance” – an anti-Israel and anti-Western alliance of regional militias including Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, backed by Iran.
• The Houthis’ slogan is “Death to America, Death to Israel, curse the Jews and victory to Islam”.
• The Saudi-led coalition accuses Tehran of arming and training the Houthis, a charge both deny. The coalition also says Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah is helping the Houthis, an accusation it rejects.
• While Iran champions the Houthis, the Houthis deny being puppets of Iran, and Yemen experts say they are motivated primarily by a domestic agenda.

Centre has given go ahead for Chadrayaan-5 mission to moon: ISRO chief Narayanan

• ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said that the central government has given approval for the ambitious Chandrayaan-5 mission as part of the country’s long-term goal of landing an Indian on the Moon by 2040.
•  Speaking at an event marking his appointment as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation, Narayanan outlined the future projects and vision for ISRO, emphasizing the space agency’s crucial role in advancing India’s space exploration efforts.
• Narayanan revealed that several key missions are in the pipeline. He shared that Chandrayaan-4 will focus on landing and collecting samples from the Moon, while Chandrayaan-5, which received approval just days ago, will deploy a 350 kg rover. This mission is part of a collaboration between India and Japan. Narayanan highlighted the growing scope of India’s lunar exploration and the significance of Chandrayaan-5, which will feature a higher-capacity lander, essential for future missions, including potential human landings on the Moon.
• ISRO’s recent success with Chandrayaan-3, which safely and successfully landed on the Moon’s south pole, added another remarkable achievement to India’s space exploration history.
•  Union Minister Jitendra Singh had previously confirmed that the government has also approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which aims to showcase technology for safe landings, sample collection, and return to Earth.
• Looking ahead, Narayanan underscored the goal of establishing the Bharatiya Antriksh Station by 2035. This ambitious project will mark India’s entry into the realm of space stations. Additionally, Narayanan emphasized the government’s vision of sending Indian astronauts to the Moon aboard an Indian-made rocket, reinforcing the commitment to advancing India’s space capabilities.
• Reflecting on his journey, Narayanan expressed deep gratitude for his role in ISRO’s achievements. Narayanan also candidly shared the emotional challenges faced by ISRO, particularly the setbacks experienced with Chandrayaan-2, which, despite its failed soft landing, succeeded in gathering valuable data and images from lunar orbit.
• Over the past decade, ISRO has made significant strides in satellite launches, sending a total of 433 satellites into space, with a remarkable 90% success rate. This includes the successful launch of 393 foreign satellites across 34 countries, highlighting India’s position as a global leader in space technology and satellite services.
• Narayanan also discussed the progress of India’s second spaceport at Kulasekarapattinam, a coastal village in Tamil Nadu. The foundation for this new spaceport was laid in February 2024, with construction beginning in March 2025.
• The Kulasekarapattinam spaceport will primarily support the launch of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), a vehicle that aims to capture the growing market for launching small satellites weighing up to 500kg. This development will further enhance India’s capabilities in space launch services.
• Reflecting on past achievements, Narayanan celebrated the success of ISRO’s Chandrayaan missions. Chandrayaan-1 was pivotal in discovering water on the Moon, while Chandrayaan-2, despite the landing failure, provided invaluable images and data from lunar orbit. Chandrayaan-3 made history as the first mission to achieve a soft landing at the Moon’s south pole.
•  Narayanan also pointed out ISRO’s milestone as the fourth country in the world to launch a satellite dedicated to studying the Sun
• Looking ahead, ISRO plans to launch Chandrayaan-4 in 2027 to collect and return lunar samples. Additionally, ISRO is working on the Gaganyaan mission to send Indian astronauts into space and plans to establish its own space station, the Bharatiya Space Station.

What does the Oilfields Bill 2024 mean for India''s energy sector?

•  The Lok Sabha passed the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, marking a significant step in modernising India’s oil and gas sector.
• The Bill seeks to update the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948, bringing clarity to resource governance, attracting private investment, and addressing environmental concerns.

Key changes introduced in the bill 

• The scope of mineral oils have been broadened by the amendment to include hydrocarbons such as crude oil, natural gas, petroleum, condensate, coal bed methane, shale gas, and oil. However, it explicitly excludes coal, lignite, and helium, likely because these are governed under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.
• The Bill replaces the term ‘mining leases’ with ‘petroleum leases’, which will now govern exploration, production, and disposal activities. This change aims to streamline environmental and land clearances, which have often caused delays in oil and gas projects. The Bill clarifies that existing mining leases issued under the 1948 Act will remain valid and unchanged. 
• The violations of the Oilfields Act, 1948, could previously result in imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of ₹1,000, or both. The new Bill replaces imprisonment with financial penalties, increasing the maximum fine to ₹25 lakh. If violations continue, an extra fine of up to ₹10 lakh per day may be imposed. The move shifts the focus from criminal prosecution to financial deterrents for non-compliance.

What are the objectives of the bill? 

• The government aims to use this Bill to strengthen domestic oil and gas production, reducing dependence on imports. Currently, India imports over 85 per cent of its crude oil and about 50 per cent of its natural gas, making energy security a critical issue. Further, the Bill seeks to attract private investment into petroleum production while ensuring that the rights of existing leaseholders are not compromised. 

 Greater central government control 

• The Bill grants the Central government greater rule-making powers to regulate various aspects of petroleum leases, which included the merging of petroleum leases for operational efficiency, the sharing of infrastructure facilities among leaseholders, and the obligations of lessees to protect the environment and reduce emissions. It also introduces alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, allowing conflicts to be settled either within India or internationally.
• A new system for handling penalties has been introduced, with an officer of Joint Secretary rank or higher being appointed to adjudicate financial violations.
•  Appeals against their decisions will be directed to the Appellate Tribunal under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) Act, 2006. If further appeals are needed, cases will be heard by the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity, which operates under the Electricity Act, 2003.

Potential concerns of the oil regulation bill 

• One of the major concerns is whether the shift from mining leases to petroleum leases could affect states’ taxation powers under Entry 50 of the State List in the Indian Constitution.
• The Supreme Court ruling in Mineral Area Development Authority vs Steel Authority of India (2024) reaffirmed that states have exclusive power to tax mining activities. Critics argue that the Bill could lead to disputes over revenue-sharing and jurisdiction between states and the Centre since ‘Entry 53 of the Union List’ gives the central government control over oilfields. 
• With the Bill promoting greater private sector involvement, some critics argue that it may weaken environmental safeguards. The new financial penalties replace imprisonment, which could reduce accountability for environmental violations and safety lapses in oilfields
• Meanwhile, Opposition parties have raised concerns that government-owned enterprises like ONGC should be prioritised over private companies for oil exploration and production. There are fears that increased private participation could prioritise profit-making over community welfare and long-term sustainability

What are the Centre’s plans? 

• Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri defended the Bill, stating that it is a ‘constructive and positive step’ toward boosting India’s oil and gas production. He highlighted the government’s commitment to opening up new exploration areas, including those previously classified as ‘no-go zones’.
• Additionally, the Bill aligns with the government’s energy security strategy, particularly after the launch of the 10th Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) bidding round on February 11, 2025. The primary focus of the policy is primarily offshore exploration blocks.
• Puri also noted that India’s crude oil demand is expected to rise to 6.5-7 million barrels per day (bpd) from the current 5.5 million bpd, emphasising the urgency of strengthening domestic production

Ranya Rao gold smuggling controversy: What India''s customs rules say

• Kannada actor Ranya Rao was caught at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport with 14.8 kg of gold, marking one of the largest gold seizures in recent times. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) uncovered the smuggling operation just before she cleared airport security.  

Indian Customs Act of 1962

• The Indian Customs Act of 1962 is a foundational legislation that governs the import and export of goods in India. It plays a crucial role in regulating international trade, safeguarding the economy, and preventing smuggling.
• The Act is administered by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), which is part of the Ministry of Finance.
• The Customs Act of 1962 is divided into 17 chapters, covering various aspects of customs regulations such as duties on imported goods, prohibitions on imports and exports, warehousing, and penalties. It aims to facilitate legal trade while preventing unauthorised activities like smuggling.

 Key provisions under the Act

• Customs duty:The Act imposes customs duty on goods imported into or exported from India. The rates of duty are specified under the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, or other applicable laws. Customs duty serves multiple purposes, including protecting domestic industries and conserving foreign exchange.
• -Prohibitions and restrictions:The Act empowers the government to prohibit or restrict the import and export of certain goods. This is crucial for safeguarding national security, public health, and environmental concerns.
• -Clearance procedures: Importers and exporters must comply with customs clearance procedures, which involve documenting goods, paying applicable duties, and obtaining necessary permissions. This ensures that goods comply with regulatory requirements
• Warehousing: Goods can be stored in warehouses without immediate payment of duty, allowing importers to defer duty payment until goods are cleared for consumption or re-export 

Mandatory requirements

• -Customs declaration:All passengers entering India must pass through customs checks and may need to complete a customs declaration form if they are carrying dutiable goods. Passengers can declare dutiable goods and currency in advance using the ATITHI mobile app before boarding. If carrying foreign currency notes worth more than $5,000 or a total foreign exchange amount exceeding $10,000, a declaration is mandatory.
• -Documentation: Importers and exporters must provide detailed documentation of goods, including their value, origin, and classification under the Harmonised System (HS) code.
• Payment of duty:Duty must be paid on all imported goods unless exempted by law. The duty rates vary based on the type of goods and their country of origin.

Allowances for passengers

• Domestic flights
• For domestic flights within India, there are generally no customs restrictions or allowances since passengers are not crossing international borders. However, passengers must comply with airline regulations regarding baggage limits and prohibited items.

International flights

• Duty-free allowances: Passengers arriving in India are entitled to certain duty-free allowances:
• Used personal items and travel souvenirs: These are allowed duty-free.
• Articles up to Rs 15,000: For passengers arriving from Nepal, Bhutan, or Myanmar.
• General allowance: International passengers can bring goods worth up to Rs. 50,000 duty-free, provided they are not carrying prohibited items.

 Specific items

• Laptop, computers: One laptop per passenger aged 18 and above is allowed duty-free
• Alcoholic liquor: Up to 2 litres of liquor is allowed duty-free
• Tobacco products: Up to 100 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 125 gm of tobacco are allowed duty-free.

Gold and silver

• NRIs are allowed to bring up to 10,000 gm of gold to India once every six months, provided they have resided abroad for a minimum of six months. However, only a part of this allowance is exempt from duty, while the rest is subject to customs charges.
• A male passenger can bring 20 gm of gold with a value limit of Rs 50,000
• A female passenger can bring 40 gm of gold with a value limit of Rs 1,00,000
• Children can bring 20/40 gm of gold with a value limit of Rs 50,000/Rs 1,00,000 based on gender

Cash carrying limit

• Passengers can bring Indian currency up to Rs 25,000 without declaration. However, foreign currency must be declared if exceeding $5,000 or its equivalent.

Punishment for smuggling

• Smuggling is a serious offense under the Customs Act of 1962. Penalties for smuggling include:
• Imprisonment: Smugglers can face imprisonment ranging from three to seven years, depending on the severity of the offense.
• Fines: In addition to imprisonment, smugglers may be fined, with the amount often being three times the value of the goods involved.
• Confiscation of goods: Smuggled goods are liable to be confiscated by customs authorities.

India has taken the lead in financing renewable energy projects

• India has taken the lead in financing renewable energy projects by including them under priority sector lending to accelerate the country’s transition to a low-carbon economy in its fight against climate change.
• Addressing a policy seminar on Climate Change Risks and Finance, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said, “Central banks in advanced economies have traditionally followed an asset-neutral approach. However, central banks in emerging markets and developing economies have adopted directed lending policies to channel credit to certain sectors, considering their specific national circumstances and developmental objectives.”
• He highlighted that India’s priority sector lending guidelines facilitate credit flow to renewable energy projects. “We have included financing for small renewable energy projects—such as solar, biomass-based, windmills, micro-hydel plants, and non-conventional energy-based public utilities like street lighting systems and remote village electrification—under priority sector lending.
• The RBI Governor pointed out that while the role of central banks in managing financial risks posed by climate change is increasingly recognized, their involvement in facilitating the financing of green and sustainable transitions remains a subject of debate, with multiple perspectives on its scope.
• Reserve Bank is committed to addressing and mitigating climate change risks to the financial system. In this regard, its focus has been on acting as a facilitator by supporting capacity building and fostering a conducive regulatory framework for promoting green and sustainable finance.
• “One important aspect of green lending for sustainable finance is the higher credit risk associated with borrowers using new and emerging green technologies, which have a relatively limited track record in terms of reliability, efficiency, and effectiveness. Therefore, regulated entities need to develop the necessary expertise and technical know-how to better assess risks associated with financing such projects,”.
• Climate-related financial risk modeling is highly data-intensive, yet there is limited available data to measure the financial impact of climate change. To address these constraints, the RBI announced the creation of the Reserve Bank – Climate Risk Information System (RB-CRIS) in October last year.
• “This repository aims to bridge data gaps by providing standardized datasets, including hazard data, vulnerability data, and exposure data for physical risk assessment, as well as sectoral transition pathways and carbon emission intensity data for transition risk assessment. Work on this repository is currently underway, and we expect to launch it later this year,” .
• The RBI Governor also emphasized the critical role of technology and finance in the transition toward a low-carbon economy, underscoring the need for innovative solutions in these areas. He noted that the Reserve Bank has been actively promoting innovation through its Regulatory Sandbox and Hackathon initiatives in the fintech sector.
• “We plan to establish a dedicated ‘on-tap’ cohort on climate change risks and sustainable finance under the RBI’s Regulatory Sandbox initiative. Additionally, we are preparing to conduct a special ‘Greenathon’ focused on climate change and related challenges,” .
• Malhotra also highlighted that several jurisdictions have started assessing and disclosing climate-related risks. International organizations, such as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) under the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation, have introduced climate-related disclosure standards.
• Additionally, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) has released a consultative document on climate-related financial risk disclosures, aiming to integrate climate risk considerations into the Pillar III disclosure requirements of the Basel framework.
• “The Reserve Bank has already issued draft guidelines on the Disclosure Framework for Climate-Related Financial Risks in February 2024 for public consultation. We have received valuable feedback and are in the process of finalizing the guidelines. Additionally, a guidance note on Climate Scenario Analysis and Stress Testing is being developed for regulated entities,”.

Ancient Desert Crossroads: Faya Site Reveals Humanity’s 210,000-Year Desert Adaptation

• Sharjah’s Faya Palaeolandscape, recently nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status, presents compelling evidence of human resilience and adaptation spanning over 210,000 years, while also serving as a crucial link in ancient trade networks connecting Arabia with India.
• The 29,085-hectare site, located approximately 55 kilometers from both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, features the distinctive Faya Range, a 20-kilometer stretch of limestone formations.
• This natural ridge acts as a barrier between the vast Rub’ al-Khali sand desert and the Dhaid-Madam Plain, forming what UNESCO describes as “an outstanding example of a Stone Age desert landscape.”
• “The Faya excavations are significant because we have early evidence for the Out of Africa movement along the southern route,” explains, Head of the German Archaeological Mission in Sharjah. “People reached here about 120,000 years ago, maybe earlier, and they adapted to the desert environment.”
• What makes Faya truly exceptional is its evidence of human habitation even during hyper-arid climate phases. “We have both archaeology saying people were here, and environmental data indicating it was really dry at some points,”. “This demonstrates early settlement of the desert, which is unparalleled elsewhere.”
• The site’s geological formations featuring three distinct rock layers approximately 93 to 66 million years old—emerged through tectonic collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates.
•  These formations are rich in flint, a crucial raw material for tool-making. During periods of increased rainfall, the hills acted as barriers for water flowing from the Hajar Mountains, creating life-sustaining springs.
• “People first came here in a period when it was more rainy, more wet,”. “Sometimes we even talk about the ‘Green Arabia’ phase because it was so wet that probably the entire Arabian Peninsula was turned green, with flowing rivers.”
• The climate fluctuated dramatically over time, with changes occurring approximately every 20,000 years. “The climate changed about 70,000 years ago when the last glacial period started in the northern hemisphere,”. “When it was really arid, people weren’t here, but they came back after developing strategies including increased mobility.”
• The archaeological record at Faya is uniquely continuous, with excavations revealing 18 phases of human occupation from the Early Middle Palaeolithic to the Neolithic period. Seven excavated sites have yielded stone tools, animal and human bones, jewelry, hearths, and burial practices that document humanity’s evolution from hunter-gatherers to pastoral nomads.
• Beyond its significance for understanding early human adaptation, Faya also represents a crucial link in ancient trade networks. “During the Bronze Age, Sharjah shared similarities in material culture with Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley, indicating strong trade links.”
• Archaeological discoveries include Indian cooking pots, ivory artifacts, and coins bearing the image of Shiva. “The presence of coin moulds similar to those found in India underscores the economic and political interactions between the two regions,” Yousif notes.
• A comparative analysis by UNESCO found that while other sites worldwide share some characteristics with Faya, none combine its unique features: continuous archaeological record, desert landscape setting, exceptional geo-hydrological features, and evidence of human adaptation to extreme climatic conditions.
• As UNESCO considers Faya’s nomination, the site continues to yield invaluable insights into human evolution and the ancient cultural connections that linked civilizations across continents, highlighting humanity’s remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in even the most challenging environments.

ASEAN-India Officials Meet in Manila to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

• The 27th Asean-India Senior Officials'' Meeting (AISOM), co-chaired by Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar and Undersecretary Ma Theresa P Lazaro of the Philippines, took place in Manila 
• a The officials discussed various key issues, including tourism cooperation, trade agreements, digital and maritime connectivity, health partnerships, and innovation and development. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
• One of the significant outcomes of the meeting was the appreciation of the progress made in implementing the 10-point proposal announced by the Prime Minister of India at the 21st Asean-India Summit in 2024. This proposal aims to strengthen the Asean-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including designating 2025 as the Asean-India Year of Tourism.
• "The 27th AISOM reviewed the status of implementation of decisions of Asean-India Summit/Asean-India Foreign Ministers'' Meeting (PMC+1) across the three pillars of engagement, namely, political-security, economic and socio-cultural.
•  The Senior Officials appreciated progress in the implementation of the 10-Point Proposal of the Prime Minister of India announced at the 21st Asean-India Summit in Lao PDR in 2024 to further strengthen the Asean-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including to designate the year 2025 as the Asean-India Year of Tourism
•  Asean is a crucial pillar of India''s Act East Policy and its vision for the wider Indo-Pacific. Key issues of discussion included tourism cooperation, early completion of the review of the Asean-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), digital, maritime, connectivity, health, innovation, and development partnerships. Views on regional and global issues of mutual interest were also exchanged.
• The meeting also discussed preparations for the upcoming Asean-India Summit and Asean-India Foreign Ministers'' Meeting to be held in Malaysia later this year. The Asean side expressed gratitude for India''s continued support to Asean and the Asean-led architecture in the region.
• "Preparations for the Asean-India Summit and Asean-India Foreign Ministers'' Meeting to be held later this year in Malaysia were also discussed. The Asean side appreciated India''s continued support to Asean and to the Asean-led architecture in the region," .
• Notably, the Philippines is the Country Coordinator for Asean-India Dialogue Relations, and Timor-Leste holds Observer Status in Asean.

What is ASEAN?

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on August 8, 1967 in Bangkok by five countries —  Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
• There are currently 10 member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam.
• In November 2022, ASEAN announced that it has agreed in principle to admit East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, as the group’s 11th member. The half-island nation was granted observer status at high-level ASEAN meetings.
• The ASEAN Summit is the highest policy-making body in ASEAN comprising the heads of State or government of ASEAN member states. As per regular practice, the ASEAN Summit Meetings shall be held twice annually. 
• The first ASEAN Summit was held in Bali, Indonesia on February 23-24, 1976.
• ASEAN is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region. India and several other countries, including the US, China, Japan and Australia, are its dialogue partners.

India-ASEAN relations

• ASEAN centrality has been, and will remain, an important aspect of India’s ‘Act East’ policy which is a central element in the country’s foreign policy.
• ASEAN-India dialogue relations have grown rapidly from a sectoral dialogue partnership in 1992 to a full dialogue partnership in December 1995. The relationship was further elevated with the convening of the ASEAN-India Summit in 2002 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Since then the ASEAN-India Summit has been held annually.
• At the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit held in December 2012 in New Delhi, the leaders adopted the ASEAN-India Vision Statement and declared that the ASEAN-India Partnership stands elevated to a ‘Strategic Partnership’. 
• In 2022, ASEAN-India relations were elevated to ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’, that is meaningful, substantive and mutually beneficial.
•  India’s bilateral trade with ASEAN economies is expected to reach $300 billion by 2025, and it is the fifth largest trading partner for India following North America, EU, North-East Asia and GCC-West Asia