Daily Current Affairs Quiz24 April, 2025 International Affairs 1. India-Saudi Arabia Collaboration on Oil Refining and Energy Market Stability Context: India and Saudi Arabia have made significant strides in their collaboration to enhance energy security and market stability. Both countries have agreed to set up two new refineries in India and jointly work toward enhancing global oil market stability. This announcement comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s brief visit to Saudi Arabia, which was cut short due to the Pahalgam terror attack. Refinery Establishments and Investments Enhancing Energy Supply and Security Bilateral High-Level Task Force and Investments Labor, Human Resources, and Specialized Industries Long-Term Impact of the $100 Billion Investment BS National Affairs 1. Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) Context: A brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, left 26 people dead, prompting a swift and strong response from India. Following a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a five-point diplomatic and strategic action plan was rolled out. Indus Waters Treaty Suspended Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) About the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT): Key Provisions of the Treaty: 1. Water Sharing Arrangement: 2. Permanent Indus Commission: 3. Dispute Resolution Mechanism: Important Projects Inspected Under the IWT: • Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project: • Lower Kalnai Project: • Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project: • Ratle Hydroelectric Project: Other Key Decisions Attari Integrated Check Post Shut Down End of SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Pakistan Diplomatic Expulsions and Downsizing UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims: Q. With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such a river that joins the Indus direct? (2021) (a) Chenab (b) Jhelum (c) Ravi (d) Sutle Ans: (d) Q. Consider the following pairs (2019) Glacier River 1. Bandarpunch Yamuna 2. Bara Shigri Chenab 3. Milam Mandakini 4. Siachen Nubra 5. Zemu Manas Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) 1, 2 and 4 (b) 1, 3 and 4 (c) 2 and 5 (d) 3 and 5 Ans: (a) TH 2. Major Sources of Air Pollution in India Air pollution leads to millions of premature deaths globally each year, with India being one of the worst-affected countries. Understanding where this pollution originates is key to designing effective mitigation strategies. Below is a breakdown of key pollutants and their primary sources based on recent data from 2022. Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) – Major Cause of Acid Rain Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ) – Toxic to Lungs Black Carbon – The Deadly Soot Methane (CH₄) – Potent Greenhouse Gas Ammonia (NH₃) – A Hidden Killer Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs) – Silent Threats Sectoral Action Needed Air pollution in India stems from energy, transport, agriculture, waste, and household sources. Each pollutant has distinct sources and health effects, underlining the need for sector-specific policies such as: TH 3. Judicial Review and Article 142 Context: India’s democracy thrives on the delicate balance between the three pillars of governance — Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. Amidst evolving challenges, the Supreme Court’s role under judicial review and Article 142 has stirred nationwide debate. Here’s an analytical breakdown. Judicial Review: Constitutional Mandate Judicial Activism vs Judicial Review Public Interest Litigation (PIL) Article 142: Power for Complete Justice Judicial Accountability and Political Perceptions The Role of Judges Amid Political and Religious Sensitivities Democracy vs Judiciary Landmark Judicial Observations Separation of Powers and Respectful Criticism Balancing Justice with Restraint The Indian judiciary, though unelected, acts as the guardian of the Constitution. Judicial review, far from being undemocratic, is the bulwark against executive overreach. Article 142, while potent, must be exercised with wisdom and restraint to maintain the court’s credibility and constitutional balance. TH & The Indian Express 4. National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Context: India is set to present its first comprehensive framework for combating climate change, termed the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by September. This marks a significant step in aligning India’s efforts with global climate commitments, particularly the Paris Agreement. Key Features of India’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Context The NAP represents India’s commitment to addressing both the causes and impacts of climate change, with a special focus on adaptation and resilience at the local level, ultimately contributing to the country’s broader goals under the Paris Agreement. BS Science & Tech 1. Mystery Behind Dark Matter Deficiency in Galaxy NGC 1052-DF2 Context: Astronomers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have found the reason for the strange deficiency of dark matter in the distant galaxy NGC 1052-DF2.  Dark matter is a critical component of galaxy formation. Background: The Cosmic Dark Matter Puzzle The Indian Breakthrough Key Findings from the Study Implications for Galaxy Formation Theories Innovative Methodology Published Research TH 2. Lipids and Evolution Context: Traditional understanding of evolution emphasizes DNA and proteins, often sidelining lipids as mere structural components. However, a new study from CSIR-CCMB, Hyderabad, challenges this narrow view, suggesting that lipids play a co-evolutionary role with proteins, especially in mitochondrial membranes. Lipids Lipids are fatty compounds that perform a variety of functions in your body. They’re part of your cell membranes and help control what goes in and out of your cells. They help with moving and storing energy, absorbing vitamins and making hormones. Having too much of some lipids is harmful. Key Takeaways Proteins and Lipids: Partners in Evolution Study Focus: The Respiratory Complex 1 (RC1) Lipid-Protein Compatibility Lipid Diversity and Structural Implications Co-Evolution of Membrane Systems Implications for Human Health and Drug Development A Call for Better Tools and Broader Focus This study marks a paradigm shift, urging a broader view of evolution that includes lipids as dynamic players. From improving our understanding of diseases to inspiring new biomedical innovations, the co-evolution of lipids and proteins could reshape both biology education and healthcare. TH 3. Global Coral Bleaching Crisis Overview of the Bleaching Event Cause and Consequences of Coral Bleaching Biodiversity Threat Challenges in Ending the Crisis Efforts to Combat the Crisis