Context: IPLN (Indo-Pacific Logistics Network) is a multilateral initiative aimed at developing a shared logistics framework to enable efficient and coordinated civilian disaster response across the Indo-Pacific region. It facilitates faster deployment of humanitarian aid through enhanced logistical infrastructure and interoperability between participating countries. Key Features Participating Countries Launch and Initiatives
INS Kiltan Arrives in Singapore for IMDEX Asia 2025
Context: INS Kiltan, part of the Indian Navy, has arrived in Singapore to participate in IMDEX Asia 2025 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. The visit is a key element of India’s ongoing operational deployment, reinforcing the growing maritime cooperation between India and Singapore. INS Kiltan (P30) IMDEX Asia IMDEX Asia is recognized as Asia’s leading naval and maritime defence exhibition, showcasing the world’s naval elite and cutting-edge maritime innovations. Since its launch in 1997, the event has become a key platform for debuting new vessels, systems, and technologies across the global maritime industry. PIB
The Lancet Report on Sexual Violence Against Children
Context: A global meta-analysis published in The Lancet (1990–2023) led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington, provides the first age-standardized estimates of child sexual abuse globally using consistent metrics. Key Findings POCSO Act The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act came into effect on 14th November 2012. It was enacted in response to India’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992. The aim of the Act is to address sexual exploitation and abuse of children, which were either not specifically defined or inadequately penalized in existing laws. Key Features of the POCSO Act
IMO’s Draft Net-Zero Framework
Context: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved a draft Net-Zero Framework aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the shipping sector, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Key Features of the Framework Significance of the Framework
SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme
Context: India is poised to play a crucial role at the 2025 World Bank Land Conference, set to take place from May 5th to 8th at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C. A high-level Indian delegation, led by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), will present India’s transformative SVAMITVA Scheme, alongside the Gram Manchitra platform. SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Panchayati Raj Departments, State Revenue Departments and Survey of India. Status
Revised SHAKTI Policy for Coal Linkages
Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has accorded its approval for the Revised SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) Policy for Coal Allocation to Power Sector. Key Features of the Revised SHAKTI Policy Implications SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) Policy The Government of India replaced the old Letter of Assurance (LoA) – Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) regime with the SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) policy, notified by the Ministry of Coal on 22 May 2017. This aims to ensure transparent allocation of domestic coal to the power sector. Key Features Transition from LoA-FSA Linkage Mechanisms PIB
State Performance Ranking Report by Care Edge Ratings
Context: The 2025 State Performance Ranking Report by Care Edge Ratings (a Care Ratings subsidiary) has received wide media attention. Although prepared by a private entity, it gained semi-official stature through a foreword by the CEO of NITI Aayog. Methodology 2025 Rankings Limitations of Utility Policy Recommendations BS
Cabinet Approves ₹60,000 Cr. Scheme for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Upgradation Scheme
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved a new ₹60,000 crore Industrial Training Institute (ITI) upgradation scheme aimed at improving skilling infrastructure across the country. The initiative will focus on 1,000 government ITIs, using a hub-and-spoke model in partnership with industry players. Scheme Duration and Budget Allocation Objectives National Centres of Excellence for Skilling BS
India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
Context: Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer jointly announced the successful conclusion of a landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The deal includes a Double Contribution Convention, aimed at boosting bilateral investment and economic cooperation. Key Trade Benefits for Both Nations Landmark Social Security Pact (Double Contribution Convention) Key Beneficiary Sectors Projected Economic Impact TH
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 7 May, 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz7 May, 2025 International Affairs 1. India-UK Sign Historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Context: Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Keir Starmer jointly announced the successful conclusion of a landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The deal includes a Double Contribution Convention, aimed at boosting bilateral investment and economic cooperation. Key Trade Benefits for Both Nations Landmark Social Security Pact (Double Contribution Convention) Key Beneficiary Sectors Projected Economic Impact TH National Affairs 1. Operation Sindoor Context: The Indian government confirmed that ‘Operation Sindoor’ was carried out in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, J&K, where 26 civilians were killed. The operation, aimed to hold accountable those responsible for the attack. Operation Highlights TOI 2. India’s HDI Ranking 2025 Context: India ranks 130th out of 193 countries and territories in the 2025 Human Development Index (HDI) released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Long-Term Gains and Recovery Criteria The Human Development Index (HDI) uses three main criteria to assess a country’s progress in human development: life expectancy, education, and standard of living. These criteria are then quantified into a single index value between 0 and 1, with higher values indicating greater development. Elaboration: Challenges and Inequality Concerns Regional Comparison: India vs. Neighbours Country HDI Rank (2025) HDI Value China 75 Not specified Sri Lanka 78 Not specified Bhutan 127 Not specified India 130 0.685 Bangladesh 130 (tied) Not specified Nepal 145 Not specified Myanmar 149 Not specified Pakistan 168 Not specified Global HDI Leaders (2023) Rank Country HDI Value 1 Iceland 0.972 2 Norway 0.970 2 Switzerland 0.970 4 Denmark 0.962 5 Germany 0.959 5 Sweden 0.959 7 Australia 0.958 8 Hong Kong (China SAR) 0.955 8 Netherlands 0.955 17 United States 0.938 3. Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal Dispute Context: The Supreme Court criticized Punjab’s decision to denotify land acquired for the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal project, calling it an act of “high-handedness”. The project stems from the 1981 water-sharing agreement among Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, aiming to reallocate Ravi-Beas river waters in the national interest. Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal Dispute: Historical Overview and Current Status Overview of the SYL Canal Project Historical Context Legal and Tribunal Proceedings Supreme Court Clarification and Warning TH 4. India Tightens Satellite Internet Rules Context: Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is still awaiting operational clearances in India. These include a unified licence (UL) and a GMPCS (Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite) authorisation, both necessary for providing satellite-based internet services. New DoT Amendments Key New Requirements for Satellite Internet Providers Implications 5. India to Launch ‘Sustainable Transport Mission’ Under National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC) Context: The Government of India will soon introduce a new mission for “sustainable transport” under the National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC). This marks the first new mission addition in over a decade and aims to tackle emissions from one of India’s most polluting sectors. Key Focus Area Objective Scope and Structure Current Status and Planning TH & BS 6. ISRO Targets Early 2027 for Crewed Gaganyaan Launch Why in News? Vyommitra and Uncrewed Mission Axiom-4 Axiom Mission 4 (Ax‑4): Launch Details: Spacecraft Information: India & Axiom-4 Strategic Importance TH 7. Sacred Buddhist Relics from Piprahwa Context: The Indian Ministry of Culture has issued a legal notice to Sotheby’s Hong Kong demanding the immediate halt of the planned auction of sacred Buddhist relics scheduled. Ivy Wong, Associate General Counsel at Sotheby’s, responded stating that the matter is receiving full attention from the auction house. Piprahwa Piprahwa is a village near Siddharthnagar city in Siddharthnagar district of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Kalanamak rice, a scented and spicy variety of rice is grown in this area. It lies in the heart of the historical Buddha’s homeland and is 9 miles from the world heritage site of Lumbini that is believed to be the place of Gautama Buddha’s birth. Historical and Spiritual Significance Legal and Cultural Claims TOI 8. Russian-Made SA-24 Igla-S Air Defense Systems Overview of SA-24 Igla-S Strategic Deployment in Northern India Strengthening India-Russia Defense Ties 9. India’s First AI-Based Data Centre Park to Rise in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh Project Overview Infrastructure and Investment Technological and Sectoral Impact Digital Inclusion and Social Impact Broader Vision and Complementary Initiatives The Indian Express Banking/Finance 1. RBI May Extend Call Money Market Hours to 7 PM Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposes to extend call money market trading hours from 5 PM to 7 PM. The goal is to enhance interbank liquidity to meet the demands of 24×7 real-time payment systems. What is the Call Money Market? Purpose and Participants Call Rate Relationship with Other Money Market Instruments Importance in Financial Markets Problem Statement: Liquidity Mismatch Broader Implications BS 3. India’s Digital Public Infrastructure Digital Foundations: Aadhaar and UPI PMWANI (Public WiFi Access) eRUPI: Targeted Digital Vouchers Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) Key Issues Behind Delays BS 4. RBI’s OMO Bond Purchase Draws Strong Demand Context: Key Highlights What Are OMOs? How OMOs Work? Why Are OMOs Important? Overall, OMOs are crucial for the RBI to manage the economy’s liquidity effectively, ensuring stability in the financial system and helping achieve broader economic goals. BS 5. Fino Payments Bank Prepares to Transition into a Small Finance Bank (SFB) Context: Fino Payments Bank is actively preparing to upgrade to a Small Finance Bank (SFB), having already applied for the licence with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in November 2024. Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in India: Role, Features, and Impact on Financial Inclusion What Are Small Finance Banks? Background and Evolution Objectives of SFBs Key Features Operations and Offerings BS 6. Small Finance Banks vs Payments Banks Both Small Finance Banks and Payments Banks are licensed and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). They operate under specific RBI guidelines and are monitored for compliance with financial regulations. Purpose Feature/Aspect Small Finance Banks (SFBs) Payments Banks (PBs) Definition Niche banks that serve underserved, unbanked populations with full banking services. A new banking model offering limited banking services without credit risk. Objective Provide credit and deposit services to small
