Daily Current Affairs Quiz12 April, 2025 International Affairs 1. China Ups Tariffs to 125% in Retaliation to U.S. Duties Context: China has intensified its trade retaliation against the Trump administration by raising tariffs on U.S. imports to 125%, following Washington’s hike to 145%. Even amid the economic standoff, Beijing signaled a measured willingness to re-engage in dialogue, though it issued a sharp warning against continued provocation. Key Developments Strategic Implications: This development underscores the deepening rift in U.S.-China trade relations, while hinting at Beijing’s readiness to pivot toward negotiation—but only if met with mutual respect and economic reason. TH 2. Bridging Gender and Climate Gaps Context: Thirty years after the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, India has made significant legal and policy strides in promoting gender equality. However, the dual crises of climate change and migration are now threatening to undo progress—particularly for rural women and girls. A didi from Kanker, Chhattisgarh, poignantly sums it up: “This generation was supposed to do better.” Gender and Climate Women as Climate Leaders Strategic Recommendations India stands at a critical intersection of climate action and gender justice. To secure a sustainable and equitable future, gender must be at the heart of every climate decision—from budgeting and infrastructure to grassroots leadership and international advocacy. 3. India-Italy Relations Context: Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, condemned trade wars, calling them detrimental to global commerce. He welcomed President Trump’s 90-day pause on tariffs, urging for constructive dialogue between the U.S. and the EU. Emphasized the need for transatlantic unity despite disagreements, such as those over Greenland or tariffs. India-EU Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) Growing India-Italy Bilateral Trade IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor) and Peace in West Asia Infrastructure, Investment, and the Global Gateway TH 4. The UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) Context: The UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved the first legally binding international framework to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from global shipping—marking a milestone in the fight against climate change. Overview of the IMO Climate Agreement Voting Breakdown and Global Support Climate and Economic Impact Critical Reactions & Concerns Pacific Island States’ Dissent TET National Affairs 1. India Cautions Against Rushed Trade Deal with US Key Highlights: India Refuses to Negotiate Trade Deal Under Pressure Interim Trade Deal Possible Within 90 Days Emphasis on Fair Trade Practices India-US Trade Talks Gain Momentum BS 2. India’s E-Waste Management Context: India is the third-largest generator of e-waste globally, following China and the US. However, only 43% of the country’s e-waste was recycled in the past year. The government is attempting to tackle the e-waste issue by formalizing the recycling sector and encouraging investment in sustainable waste management practices. New Recycling Pricing Rules Manufacturer Pushback and Legal Challenges The E-Waste Problem in India Mint 3. Development vs. Environment Context: India is one of the most polluted nations and among the most vulnerable to climate change. While global factors contribute, the crisis is also self-inflicted. The ongoing battle over the Kancha Gachibowli forest in Telangana highlights this dual responsibility. The Forest Under Threat Why Kancha Gachibowli Matters Student-Led Environmental Activism The Telangana Green Model TET 4. Air Pollution Turning Rainfall More Acidic in Several Indian Cities Context: Conducted over 34 years (1987–2021) by IMD and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Tracked rainwater chemistry at 10 Global Atmosphere Watch stations across India. Notable locations: Visakhapatnam, Prayagraj, Mohanbari, Srinagar, Jodhpur, Pune, Nagpur, Kodaikanal, Minicoy, Port Blair. Key Findings: TOI 5. Kavach 5.0 Context: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled Kavach 5.0, the upgraded Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, aimed specifically at improving Mumbai’s suburban rail network. Implementation & Timeline The Indian Express 6. Gaurav Long-Range Glide Bomb Context: DRDO Conducts Successful Release Trials of ‘Gaurav’ Long-Range Glide Bomb. About the Gaurav Glide Bomb Key Features & Capabilities Strategic Significance for India 7. Punjab Government Bans Hybrid Paddy Seed Sales Context: The Punjab government has banned the sale of hybrid paddy seeds (non-Basmati varieties), citing: Hybrid Paddy Seeds Hybrid paddy seeds are developed by crossbreeding two different rice varieties to create a new variety with improved traits like higher yield, water efficiency, and early maturity. They are typically non-Basmati varieties and are used for commercial high-yield rice farming. Hybrid seeds are produced through controlled pollination between a male sterile line and a pollen parent.  Why Do Farmers in Punjab Prefer Hybrid Paddy Seeds? Why Did the Punjab Government Impose the Ban? While the Punjab government aims to protect farmer income and milling standards, the blanket ban on hybrid paddy seeds has triggered pushback from farmers and seed industry experts. They emphasize that systemic inefficiencies, not the seeds themselves, are to blame for milling issues. Clearer guidelines and modernization of milling practices may offer a more balanced solution than outright bans. 8. India’s Semiconductor Design Ecosystem Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme Security and Product Innovation Through Indigenous IP Ecosystem Development End-to-End Chip Design Capability in India Vision for 2030 BS 9. AIKosh Context: The Indian government plans to include texts, images, and narratives from religious scriptures across multiple languages such as Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Urdu, and others into the AIKosh database. Inputs will also include local dialects, oral storytelling traditions, and inspirational word-of-mouth narratives, seen as valuable for training AI and large language models (LLMs). Purpose Behind Including Religious and Cultural Texts Integration of Government Data Current Status and Scale Budget and Forward Planning AIKosh Platform’s Data Use and Monetisation Policy Clarified Key Points: Data Protection and Compliance BS 10. PM Modi Inaugurates Projects Worth ₹3,880 Crore in Varanasi Key Highlights: BS Science & Tech 1. Colossal Biosciences and the Ethics of De-Extinction Context: Colossal Biosciences, a U.S.-based biotechnology company, is making headlines for its ambitious attempt to resurrect extinct species using gene-editing technology. Led by Harvard geneticist George Church, the company’s flagship project involves reviving the woolly mammoth with the stated goal of combating climate change through ecosystem restoration in the Arctic tundra. Key Scientific Developments Ethical and Scientific Critique: What Colossal