Key Developments Impact on Maritime Borders Official Process & International Alignment TET
India to Expand Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) is drafting EPR guidelines for: This follows previous EPR rules for plastic & e-waste management. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that holds producers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including the management of waste generated after consumers use them, encouraging sustainable design and recycling. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) & Its Objectives EPR Regulations for Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste EPR Guidelines for Used Cooking Oil (UCO) EPR Framework for Toxic & Hazardous Waste Implementation & Industry Implications Strengthening India’s Circular Economy BS
6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok
Event Overview Key Agendas & Agreements Possible High-Profile Meetings Geopolitical Context Why This Summit Matters?
Myanmar Earthquake
Overview of the Earthquake Impact of the Earthquake Seismic Activity in South Asia Geodynamic Context of the Sagaing Fault What Does the Mandalay Earthquake Signal? The 2025 Mandalay earthquake underscores the urgent need for better seismic monitoring and infrastructure resilience in South Asia. With growing urbanization, the risks posed by major earthquakes could be catastrophic. Countries like India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar must strengthen earthquake mitigation strategies to minimize future disasters.
Trump’s Fair and Reciprocal Plan
Context: The Trump administration’s ‘Fair and Reciprocal Plan’ aims to counter non-reciprocal trade arrangements by imposing tariffs equivalent to those levied by U.S. trading partners. The plan assesses tariffs, discriminatory taxes, non-tariff barriers, exchange rate manipulation, and other restrictions that limit U.S. market access. Global Trade Dynamics Tariff Disparities & Challenges of Reciprocal Tariffs Policy Recommendations: Alternative to Tariff Wars While Trump’s reciprocal tariff strategy may serve as a bargaining tool, it risks self-inflicted economic harm by encouraging trade diversion. A more sustainable approach is to enhance global trade partnerships, eliminate regulatory barriers, and invest in digital trade expansion. TOI
West Asia Conflict
Context: On March 7, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced sending a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, seeking negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear program. On March 15, the U.S. launched pre-emptive airstrikes against Ansar Allah (Houthis) in Yemen. Background: The U.S.-Iran Conflict Over Nuclear Policy Changing Regional Dynamics Iran’s Shrinking Strategic Space & Risk of War A Dangerous Crossroads With Iran’s regional allies weakened and Israel pressing for direct confrontation, the risk of war has never been higher. The final question remains: Will Trump commit to a full-scale war against Iran, or will diplomacy prevail? TH
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 2 April, 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz2 April, 2025 International Affairs 1. U.S. Push for Greenland Context: The Prime Minister of Greenland pushed back against assertions by U.S. President Donald Trump that America will take control of the island territory. Greenland, a huge, resource-rich island in the Atlantic, is a self-governing territory of Denmark, a NATO ally of the United States. Mr. Trump wants to annex the territory, claiming it’s needed for national security purposes. A History of U.S. Interest in Greenland Greenland’s Political Landscape Today Strategic Importance of Greenland Expansionism vs. Sovereignty What’s Next? 2. India-China Relations Context: The 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations was commemorated with messages from leaders of both nations, underlining the need for cooperation, stability, and strategic engagement. Key Messages from Leaders Chinese President Xi Jinping Indian President Droupadi Murmu Rebuilding India-China Relations Strategic and Diplomatic Cooperation Border Peace and Stability Economic and Developmental Parallels Challenges Opportunities As India and China mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, their future ties hinge on trust-building, conflict resolution, and economic collaboration. While challenges persist, the commitment to dialogue and strategic engagement offers a path toward a more constructive and stable relationship. TH 3. India-Chile Relations Context: As India and Chile agreed to start negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement after a bilateral meeting with the visiting President of Chile Gabriel Boric Font, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Chile as the “gateway to Antarctica”. Key Developments Economic & Trade Cooperation Defence & Security Collaboration Global & Strategic Impact The agreement marks a new era of economic and strategic partnership, reinforcing India’s global outreach and Chile’s role as a key Latin American ally. The Indian Express National Affairs 1. India’s Education System Breaking Free from a Stagnant Past The NEP 2020 Key Achievements Women’s Leadership in Education Increased Investment in Education Innovation & Future-Ready Education Higher Education & Research Boom Indian Languages & Knowledge Systems Revitalized Social Justice Reforms in Education Intellectual Decolonization & A Viksit Bharat This is not just education reform; it is India’s intellectual renaissance, paving the way for a developed and self-reliant nation. TH 2. WEF’s Global Risks Report 2025 Context: The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report 2025 underscores misinformation and disinformation as the highest ranked short-term global threat. The WEF defines “global risk” as an event that can adversely affect a sizeable portion of the population, the global GDP, and natural resources. The Rising Challenge of Misinformation India’s Growing Vulnerability Global & National Policy Responses Recommended Strategies for India Regulatory & Policy Measures Technological & Institutional Interventions Public Awareness & Fact-Checking Balancing Regulation with Democratic Safeguards Beyond Combating Falsehoods Disinformation isn’t just a technological issue; it is a test of democratic values, social cohesion, and national security. India must lead the way in building a fact-driven, resilient digital society, where unity in diversity remains unshaken amidst a polarized global information landscape. TH 3. Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025 Context: The Rajya Sabha has approved the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, aligning India’s legal framework with the Cape Town Convention and Protocol. This legislation aims to streamline aircraft leasing regulations, protect the rights of lessors, and reduce disputes arising from unpaid dues by airlines. Key Provisions of the Bill Expected Benefits For the Aviation Industry For Airlines For Passengers Background and Need for the Bill The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025 is a critical step in strengthening India’s aviation sector. By ensuring legal certainty for lessors, reducing leasing costs, and encouraging investment, the bill is expected to make aircraft leasing more viable while potentially lowering airfares for consumers. 4. Employment-Linked Schemes to Prevent Fund Misuse Context: The government is revising its proposed employment-linked incentive schemes to prevent misuse and fund diversion, ensuring that only genuine employees and employers benefit, sources said. Key Developments Proposed Safeguards Details of the Employment-Linked Incentive Schemes Future Outlook The revised framework seeks to strike a balance between employment promotion and financial prudence, ensuring that incentives reach genuine beneficiaries without fund leakages. TET Science & Tech 1. Breakthrough in Butterfly Migration Research Context: A recent study published in PNAS Nexus has revealed surprising insights into the migration of painted lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui). Unlike birds, whose migratory patterns are often influenced by genetics, these butterflies appear to migrate based on environmental conditions rather than genetic differences. Key Findings Migration Patterns Research Methods Implications & Future Research This study reshapes our understanding of insect migration, highlighting environmental influences over genetics in the migration of painted lady butterflies. As research expands, scientists aim to uncover how climate change could alter these migration patterns and what this means for the broader ecosystem. TH Economy 1. USTR Report Context: Indian equity markets saw their steepest single-day drop in a month on April 1, as investors reacted to foreign institutional outflows and US-India trade concerns ahead of President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” reciprocal tariff announcement. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) sold ₹5,902 crore worth of equities, the highest single-day outflow since February 28. US-India Trade Disputes & Tariff Concerns Ahead of reciprocal tariffs on April 2, the US raised concerns over India’s: Key Stats from the USTR Report Despite India’s recent tariff reductions (average now 10.66%, per CBIC), the US continues to flag concerns. Impact on Foreign Investment & Business Confidence Outlook & Future Concerns The US-India trade tensions have rattled investor sentiment, leading to a sharp market correction and concerns over economic policy shifts. As the world watches Trump’s reciprocal tariff rollout, Indian policymakers may face pressure to adjust trade policies to maintain global investor confidence. BS 2. US Trade Representative (USTR) Report Context: The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) has highlighted several concerns regarding India’s financial regulations, FDI policies in insurance, and restrictions in banking and digital payments. Insurance Sector Reforms Reinsurance Market Banking Sector Restrictions Digital Payment Regulations Key Takeaways & Outlook The USTR report highlights significant structural and regulatory challenges that could slow down foreign investments in India’s financial sector. While India is making progress, global
Facts To Remember
1. RBI says 98.21% of ₹ 2,000 notes returned to banks The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that 98.21 per cent of ₹ 2000 banknotes have been returned to the banking system, leaving only ₹ 6,366 crore worth of such notes still with the public. 2. Gennova Bio Joins CEPI to Develop Vax Against Nipah Virus Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, on Tuesday announced a partnership with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) for advancing the development of self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) vaccine against the Nipah virus. 3. EPFO enhances payment options by adding 15 more banks to Direct Payment System Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has expanded its Multi-Banking Centralised Collection System by empanelling 15 more banks, bringing the total number of banks in the panel to 32. 4. India achieve record high of renewable energy capacity addition of 25 gigawatts in the last financial year India’s renewable energy sector has achieved the highest-ever capacity addition in the last financial year by installing 25 gigawatts. 5. 98.21% of ₹2000 notes returned to banking system, legal tender status remains: RBI The Reserve Bank of India, RBI, has said 98.21 per cent of the 2000 rupee bank notes have been returned to the banking system. On May 19, 2023, the RBI announced the withdrawal of bank notes of the 2000 Rupee denomination from circulation. 6. Over 1 million manpower resources hired through govt e-Marketplace in Financial year 2045-25 Over 1 million manpower resources were hired through the digital procurement platform Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in the Financial Year 2024-25. Speaking on this achievement, the EO of GeM, Ajay Bhadoo, stated that the platform has harnessed digital capabilities and has emerged as a one-stop shop for all possible services required by government buyers at various levels of administration.
Government Deploys AI and IoT for Agricultural Advancement
Key Initiatives Impact on Agriculture By integrating AI and IoT, the government is modernizing agriculture, ensuring higher efficiency, sustainability, and farmer welfare across India. PIB
Maharashtra Government Scraps ₹1 Crop Insurance Scheme Amid Fiscal Strain
Key Developments Maharashtra’s decision to scrap the ₹1 crop insurance scheme reflects deepening fiscal challenges. The government is now shifting towards sustainable agricultural investments while cutting populist spending to balance its finances.
