UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 April 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 April 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 April (2025)
• Traditional Seeds in India
Traditional Seeds in India
• Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in India
Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in India
• Indian Genetic Mapping
Indian Genetic Mapping
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Supreme Court Governor Bill Ruling
Supreme Court Governor Bill Ruling
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system
Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system
• BatEchoMon Device
BatEchoMon Device
• UNESCO’s BIOCOM programme
UNESCO’s BIOCOM programme
• STELLAR Model
STELLAR Model
• Saras Mk2 Aircraft
Saras Mk2 Aircraft
Mapping:
• Tanzania
Tanzania
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 April 2025
#### GS Paper 3 :
Traditional Seeds in India
Syllabus: Agriculture
Source: TH
Context: Traditional seed varieties are declining due to market preferences for hybrid crops, threatening biodiversity and climate resilience.
What are Traditional Seeds?
Traditional seeds, also called indigenous, heirloom, or desi seeds, are native crop varieties that have been naturally cultivated, saved, and exchanged by farmers over generations. Unlike hybrid or genetically modified (GM) seeds, they are open-pollinated, meaning they can be replanted without losing their genetic traits.
Key Characteristics of Traditional Seeds:
• Genetic Diversity: Adapted to local soil, climate, and pests over centuries.
• Climate Resilience: Naturally resistant to droughts, floods, and diseases.
• Low Input Dependency: Require minimal chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or irrigation.
Example: Desi cotton uses 70% less water than Bt cotton.
• Nutritional Superiority: Richer in micronutrients, fiber, and antioxidants than hybrid varieties.
Example: Finger millet (Ragi) has 3x more calcium than milk.
• Cultural & Ecological Significance: Linked to tribal diets, festivals, and organic farming.
Importance of Traditional Seeds in India:
• Biodiversity Conservation: Preserve genetic wealth essential for food security.
E.g.: Kerala’s Pokkali rice tolerates saline water.
• Nutritional Value: Contain higher fiber, minerals, and micronutrients than modern crops.
E.g.: Kodo millet has 3x more fiber than wheat.
• Climate Adaptation: Sustain production amid erratic weather, pests, and disease.
E.g.: Bhut Jolokia chili (Assam) thrives in high humidity.
• Farmer Autonomy: Free farmers from annual seed purchases and dependency.
E.g.: 80% of India’s cotton farmers rely on expensive GM seeds.
• Soil Health: Support ecological balance and enrich soil naturally.
E.g.: Red Rice (Manipur) enhances soil fertility naturally.
Challenges Faced by Traditional Seeds in India:
• Market Disincentives: Poor procurement and support prices discourage cultivation.
E.g.: Only 6% of India’s rice procurement is traditional varieties.
• Policy Bias: State subsidies and R&D focus remain skewed towards HYVs.
E.g.: 90% of R&D funds go to wheat, rice, maize.
• Seed Banking Gaps: Lack of infrastructure to store and share native varieties.
E.g.: Just 40 functional seed banks in India (MSSRF report).
• Consumer Shift: Urban preference for uniform, polished crops affects demand.
E.g.: Quinoa imports rose 200% in 5 years (APEDA).
• Climate Pressures: Erratic monsoons and floods threaten seed survival.
E.g.: 30% decline in Navara medicinal rice (Kerala) due to floods.
Way Forward:
• Strengthen Seed Banks: Expand local networks for seed storage and exchange.
E.g.: Odisha’s 1,200+ millet SHGs conserve 500+ varieties.
• Policy Reforms: Provide MSP and include traditional crops in PDS.
E.g.: Odisha Millet Mission boosted ragi procurement by 300%.
• Consumer Awareness: Promote native crops through targeted marketing campaigns.
E.g.: “Siridhanya” millets promoted in Karnataka schools.
• Participatory Research: Empower farmers through joint seed breeding initiatives.
E.g.: Tamil Nadu’s Kudumbam NGO revived 100+ native paddy types.
• Climate Funding: Direct climate adaptation funds to traditional seed conservation.
E.g.: ₹100 cr. allocated for Uttarakhand’s Bhaat Protsahan Yojana.
Conclusion:
Traditional seeds are vital for nutrition, climate resilience, and farmer sovereignty. Policy shifts, seed banking, and consumer awareness can revive them. India must act now to balance productivity with sustainability.
• How does e-Technology help farmers in production and marketing of agricultural produce? Explain it. (UPSC-2023)
Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in India
Syllabus: Economy
Source: TH
Context: Karnataka passed the Micro Loan and Small Loan (Prevention of Coercive Actions) Bill, 2024, following rising borrower suicides and public backlash against coercive recovery tactics by unregistered microfinance agents.
What is Microfinance?
• Microfinance provides small loans, savings, insurance, and remittance services to low-income, unbanked populations.
• Evolved in the 1980s with SHG-Bank Linkage Programme; institutionalised via NABARD and later regulated by RBI.
E.g. As of FY25 Q3, India’s microfinance loan portfolio touched ₹3.91 lakh crore (CRIF report).
Significance of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in India
• Financial Inclusion Catalyst: MFIs reach rural poor, especially women, outside the scope of formal banking.
E.g. Karnataka alone has 63 lakh unique microfinance borrowers (MFIN data).
• Women Empowerment: Many MFIs lend primarily to women, promoting financial independence and social mobility.
• Livelihood Generation: Microloans support agriculture, dairy, petty trade, and MSMEs.
• SHG-Driven Development: SHG-Bank Linkage Model has mobilized over 1 crore SHGs across India.
E.g. ₹100,000 crore credit disbursed via SHGs in FY24 (NABARD).
• Rural Credit Flow: Reduces informal sector borrowing and exorbitant interest rates.
E.g. MFIs offer loans at 18–26% interest vs 60–120% by moneylenders.
Problems Plaguing Microfinance Institutions:
• Coercive Recovery Practices: Aggressive recovery by unregulated MFIs leads to harassment, suicides.
E.g. Karnataka reported 22–38 deaths in 6 months due to loan stress (The Hindu).
• Unregulated Players: Fly-by-night lenders operating without RBI registration.
• Political Interference & Moratorium Culture: Election promises of waivers disrupt repayment culture.
E.g. Assam’s 2021 MFI crisis due to loan waiver announcements.
• Over-indebtedness & Multiple Loans: Lack of centralized credit tracking causes debt spirals.
• Data Transparency & Credit Risk: Poor credit assessment models and NPA surges.
*E.g.* Karnataka MFI loan book dropped from ₹42,000 crore to ₹34,000 crore in 2024.
Way Forward:
• Legal Framework & Licensing: Implement the RBI’s Fair Practices Code & restrict unregistered lenders.
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism: Set up local ombudsman system for borrower complaints.
• Credit Information Integration: Use credit bureaus to prevent over-lending and borrower overexposure.
• Financial Literacy Campaigns: Educate borrowers on debt limits, repayment norms, and legal protections.
• Ethical Lending Practices: Encourage social performance rating of MFIs and community monitoring.
E.g. Post-2011 reforms in Andhra Pradesh improved transparency and borrower rights.
Conclusion:
While microfinance plays a pivotal role in fostering financial inclusion and women’s empowerment, the Karnataka crisis reveals systemic flaws in regulation and borrower protection. A balanced approach is needed—one that ensures credit access while upholding borrower dignity and institutional accountability.
• What are the main constraints in transport and marketing of agricultural produce in India? (UPSC-2020)
Indian Genetic Mapping
Syllabus: Science and Technology
Source: TH
Context: The GenomeIndia Project published preliminary findings in Nature Genetics (April 2025), mapping the genomes of 9,772 Indians across 83 endogamous population groups.
What is Indian Genetic Mapping?
• Definition: Genetic mapping is the process of analyzing DNA sequences to locate genes and variations (mutations) across a population.
• Purpose: It helps understand genetic diversity, disease susceptibility, and enables precision medicine.
How is Genetic Mapping Done?
• Sample Collection: Blood is collected to extract DNA and phenotype data (e.g. weight, height, BP).
• Sequencing: Whole genome sequencing decodes the complete DNA, including coding and non-coding regions.
• Analysis: Advanced bioinformatics tools identify genetic variants and mutations.
E.g. Genome sequencing carried out by institutes like IISc, CCMB, IGIB, NIBMG, GBRC.
How were Samples Collected?
• Coverage: 83 population groups from 100+ locations; includes 30 tribal and 53 non-tribal groups.
• Demographics: 4,696 males and 5,076 females participated.
• Linguistic Diversity: Covered four major families—Indo-European, Dravidian, Tibeto-Burman, Austro-Asiatic.
• Sample Integrity: Parent-child pairs included to track de novo mutations (random new mutations).
Preliminary Findings:
• Mutation Volume: 180 million mutations identified, of which 130 million are autosomal and 50 million sex-linked.
• Non-Coding DNA: 98% of genome lies in non-coding regions—critical for gene regulation and evolution.
• Unique Genetic Pool: Each group revealed specific mutation patterns due to endogamy.
• Global Underrepresentation: India’s genetic diversity was largely missing in earlier global genome projects.
Significance of Mutations in Endogamous Groups:
• Disease Hotspots: Endogamy leads to repeated transmission of certain genetic diseases in specific communities.
E.g. Population-specific disorders can now be mapped and monitored.
• Preserved Diversity: Genetic signatures provide clues to ancient migrations and ancestry.
E.g. India has ~4,000 endogamous groups with minimal gene flow between them.
• Targeted Health Interventions: Enables cluster-based medical screening for high-risk mutations.
• Global Contribution: Adds to global genomic data by representing India’s ethnolinguistic spectrum.
Medical Implications:
• Precision Healthcare: Enables customized treatments based on individual and community-level genetics.
E.g. Tailored cancer or cardiovascular risk assessment.
• Early Detection Tools: Population-specific mutations help design predictive diagnostics.
E.g. New low-cost screening panels for sickle cell anemia in tribal groups.
• Better Drug Response: Pharmacogenomics will improve efficacy of drugs in Indian populations.
• Genomics for Public Health: Helps formulate national policy on genetic disorders and rare diseases.
Conclusion:
India’s genetic mapping is a landmark step in inclusive, data-driven healthcare. By decoding the rich genetic mosaic of India’s diverse groups, the GenomeIndia project empowers policymaking, precision medicine, and conservation of genetic heritage. It’s time India moves from “one-size-fits-all” to “one-gene-at-a-time” healthcare.
• What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? (UPSC-2022)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 April 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Supreme Court Governor Bill Ruling
Context: The Supreme Court has ruled that the President must decide on assent to State Bills within three months once referred by the Governor, and advised consultation with the Supreme Court to address constitutional concerns and avoid Centre-State conflicts.
Sri Lankan Model:
• In Sri Lanka, if a Governor believes a provincial Bill is unconstitutional, it is referred to the President, who must consult the Supreme Court.
• If the court upholds the Bill’s constitutionality, the Governor is obligated to assent.
• The SC cited this as a preventive model to avoid political misuse and preserve legislative sanctity.
Article 143: President’s Consultation Power
• What it is? Article 143 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to consult the Supreme Court on matters of public importance or legal complexity.
• Article 143 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to consult the Supreme Court on matters of public importance or legal complexity.
• Key Provisions:
• Clause (1): The President may refer questions of law or fact of public importance for SC’s opinion. Clause (2): The President may refer inter-State or Centre-State disputes mentioned in Article 131 for SC’s opinion. SC’s advice is not binding, but carries high moral and legal weight.
• Clause (1): The President may refer questions of law or fact of public importance for SC’s opinion.
• Clause (2): The President may refer inter-State or Centre-State disputes mentioned in Article 131 for SC’s opinion.
• SC’s advice is not binding, but carries high moral and legal weight.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• Polity (Governor’s Role & Centre-State Relations): Highlights judicial checks on Governor’s discretion & President’s assent to State Bills, crucial for federalism debates.
• Constitutional Provisions (Article 143): Illustrates the President’s consultative powers with the Supreme Court, a key feature of Indian constitutional machinery.
• Comparative Governance (Sri Lankan Model): Shows how foreign constitutional mechanisms (like Sri Lanka’s Governor-President-SC dynamic) can inform Indian reforms.
• Essay Paper: In essays related to Federalism, Constitutional Ethics, and Democratic Functioning, this case provides a solid, contemporary example of institutional balance and conflict resolution.
• UPSC Optional – PSIR / Law
• In Political Science, use this to discuss Centre-State dynamics and judicial activism in Indian federalism.
• In Law, illustrate Article 143 usage and constitutional interpretation in executive-legislative conflict.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 April Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system
Source: News on Air
Context: India has successfully tested the indigenously developed Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) system at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, becoming the fourth nation with the capability to disable drones and missiles using laser technology.
About Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) System:
• What it is: A high-powered laser-based weapon system that uses directed energy to neutralize aerial threats such as drones, missiles, and sensors.
• Developed by: Centre for High Energy Systems & Sciences (CHESS), a DRDO lab in Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO entities, industry, and academia.
• Purpose: Designed to offer cost-effective, rapid-response air defense against drones, surveillance systems, and potentially missiles with minimal collateral damage.
• How the Laser-DEW Works?
• Detection: Targets are tracked using radar or an inbuilt Electro-Optic (EO) system.
• Engagement: A focused laser beam travels at the speed of light, slicing through the target’s surface, disabling or destroying it through structural failure.
• Key Features
• Power Output: 30-kilowatt laser — capable of targeting fixed-wing UAVs and swarming drones.
• Speed: Instantaneous engagement — precision hit in seconds.
• Cost-Effective: Firing cost = few litres of petrol, significantly cheaper than conventional missiles.
• Mobility: Vehicle-mounted, adaptable for both land and future air/space platforms.
• Significance:
• Strategic Edge: Places India alongside the US, China, and Russia in possessing advanced laser-DEW capabilities.
• Low Collateral Damage: Ideal for neutralizing threats without large-scale destruction.
• Force Multiplier: Enhances India’s counter-drone and missile defense capacity in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
• Indigenization Boost: Reinforces India’s path towards Atmanirbhar Bharat in defense tech.
BatEchoMon Device
Source: TH
Context: India’s first automated bat monitoring system, BatEchoMon, has been successfully developed to detect and classify bat species using real-time acoustic analysis.
About BatEchoMon Device:
• What is BatEchoMon? Definition: BatEchoMon (Bat Echolocation Monitoring) is an autonomous, AI-powered acoustic monitoring system that detects, analyses, and classifies bat echolocation calls in real-time. Developed by: Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), Bengaluru. Aim: To simplify and accelerate bat data processing, enabling deeper research into bat ecology and biodiversity with minimal manual intervention.
• Definition: BatEchoMon (Bat Echolocation Monitoring) is an autonomous, AI-powered acoustic monitoring system that detects, analyses, and classifies bat echolocation calls in real-time.
• Developed by: Indian Institute for Human Settlements (IIHS), Bengaluru.
• Aim: To simplify and accelerate bat data processing, enabling deeper research into bat ecology and biodiversity with minimal manual intervention.
• Key Features of BatEchoMon: Real-time Acoustic Analysis: Activates at sunset and uses a Raspberry Pi microprocessor to isolate and analyse bat calls. Species Identification: Employs convolutional neural networks (CNN) to match call structures with known bat species. Visual Output: Generates spectrograms and statistical activity data across species and time intervals. Compact & Modular: Housed in a 200×80×80 mm unit, with solar-powered battery backup (8-day runtime) and WiFi for data transfer. Low-Cost Innovation: Costs less than a third of conventional international detectors.
• Real-time Acoustic Analysis: Activates at sunset and uses a Raspberry Pi microprocessor to isolate and analyse bat calls.
• Species Identification: Employs convolutional neural networks (CNN) to match call structures with known bat species.
• Visual Output: Generates spectrograms and statistical activity data across species and time intervals.
• Compact & Modular: Housed in a 200×80×80 mm unit, with solar-powered battery backup (8-day runtime) and WiFi for data transfer.
• Low-Cost Innovation: Costs less than a third of conventional international detectors.
• Applications and Significance: Bat Conservation: Helps monitor bat populations and understand habitat-specific behaviors. Urban Ecology: Useful in cities, forest edges, and peri-urban regions to track insectivorous bats. Research Tool: Reduces data analysis time drastically—11 months of manual processing reduced to a few hours. Data Democratization: Makes bat studies more accessible across India, enhancing participation in global databases. Technological Leap: Possibly the world’s first integrated unit for real-time bat call recording and classification.
• Bat Conservation: Helps monitor bat populations and understand habitat-specific behaviors.
• Urban Ecology: Useful in cities, forest edges, and peri-urban regions to track insectivorous bats.
• Research Tool: Reduces data analysis time drastically—11 months of manual processing reduced to a few hours.
• Data Democratization: Makes bat studies more accessible across India, enhancing participation in global databases.
• Technological Leap: Possibly the world’s first integrated unit for real-time bat call recording and classification.
UNESCO’s BIOCOM programme
Source: UNESCO
Context: UNESCO’s BIOCOM programme in Madagascar is empowering local youth with vocational skills, offering sustainable livelihoods and reducing pressure on forest ecosystems such as the Montagne des Français Reserve.
About UNESCO’s BIOCOM Programme:
• What it is: The Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Natural Resource Management for Integrated Community Development (BIOCOM) is a flagship UNESCO initiative promoting conservation-linked livelihood generation in Madagascar.
• Launched by: UNESCO, in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
• Launched in: 2020, implemented across Madagascar’s Montagne des Français, Marojejy, and Andohahela protected areas.
• Aim: To conserve biodiversity while enhancing socio-economic resilience among local communities vulnerable to climate change and unsustainable forest exploitation.
• Key Features of BIOCOM Programme: Sustainable Livelihood Training: Offers training in masonry, metalwork, eco-tourism, cooking, and basketry to create alternatives to slash-and-burn agriculture and illegal logging. Community Participation: Sets up local forest governance and conflict management systems like “dina” contracts to reduce ecological damage. Ecological Protection: Supports carbon sequestration, watershed preservation, and forest connectivity to counter deforestation and biodiversity loss. Educational Empowerment: Establishes environmental education and sustainable development awareness, especially among women and school dropouts. Resilience Against Climate Change: Targets Forest regeneration and flood prevention in erosion-prone zones by integrating nature-based solutions.
• Sustainable Livelihood Training: Offers training in masonry, metalwork, eco-tourism, cooking, and basketry to create alternatives to slash-and-burn agriculture and illegal logging.
• Community Participation: Sets up local forest governance and conflict management systems like “dina” contracts to reduce ecological damage.
• Ecological Protection: Supports carbon sequestration, watershed preservation, and forest connectivity to counter deforestation and biodiversity loss.
• Educational Empowerment: Establishes environmental education and sustainable development awareness, especially among women and school dropouts.
• Resilience Against Climate Change: Targets Forest regeneration and flood prevention in erosion-prone zones by integrating nature-based solutions.
STELLAR Model
Source: PIB
Context: The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) launched STELLAR, India’s first fully indigenous resource adequacy model, aimed at optimizing electricity generation, transmission, and storage planning across states.
About STELLAR Model:
• What it is? STELLAR (State of the art Totally indigenously developed Resource adequacy model) is a next-gen software tool for integrated planning of power generation, transmission, storage, and demand response.
• STELLAR (State of the art Totally indigenously developed Resource adequacy model) is a next-gen software tool for integrated planning of power generation, transmission, storage, and demand response.
• Developed by: Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in collaboration with The Lantau Group (TLG) and supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
• Aim: To help states and power distribution companies (Discoms) prepare annual dynamic resource adequacy plans, ensuring uninterrupted power supply and system-wide efficiency.
• Key Features of STELLAR:
• Chronological Power System Modelling: Simulates real-time power system operations with load flow, ramp rates, and unit constraints. Integrated Planning: Simultaneously models generation, transmission, storage expansion, and demand-side response till FY 2034-35. Endogenous Demand Response: Considers consumer flexibility in electricity use, optimizing overall load and cost. Ancillary Services Optimization: Ensures grid stability by factoring in services like frequency control and reserves. Transparent, Customizable, and Open Access: Shared with all states free of cost; designed for regular updates and user feedback.
• Chronological Power System Modelling: Simulates real-time power system operations with load flow, ramp rates, and unit constraints.
• Integrated Planning: Simultaneously models generation, transmission, storage expansion, and demand-side response till FY 2034-35.
• Endogenous Demand Response: Considers consumer flexibility in electricity use, optimizing overall load and cost.
• Ancillary Services Optimization: Ensures grid stability by factoring in services like frequency control and reserves.
• Transparent, Customizable, and Open Access: Shared with all states free of cost; designed for regular updates and user feedback.
• Significance:
• Zero Load Shedding: Assures uninterrupted electricity supply with right-sized capacity. Cost-Efficient Power System: Enables least-cost planning while incorporating storage and renewable integration. Strategic Storage Planning: Helps determine ideal storage size and placement, vital for renewable energy growth. Policy-Technology Synergy: Supports the 2023 Resource Adequacy Guidelines, aligning state planning with national goals. Atmanirbhar Bharat in Energy Tech: Represents India’s capability in developing high-end energy simulation tools indigenously.
• Zero Load Shedding: Assures uninterrupted electricity supply with right-sized capacity.
• Cost-Efficient Power System: Enables least-cost planning while incorporating storage and renewable integration.
• Strategic Storage Planning: Helps determine ideal storage size and placement, vital for renewable energy growth.
• Policy-Technology Synergy: Supports the 2023 Resource Adequacy Guidelines, aligning state planning with national goals.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat in Energy Tech: Represents India’s capability in developing high-end energy simulation tools indigenously.
Saras Mk2 Aircraft
Source: TH
Context: The first test flight of India’s indigenously designed Saras Mk2 aircraft is expected in December 2027, marking a significant step in regional air connectivity and civilian aviation capabilities.
About Saras Mk2 Aircraft:
• What it is: Saras Mk2 is a 19-seater, multipurpose civilian aircraft designed to improve regional air travel across India, especially to tier-2 and tier-3 towns with minimal airport infrastructure.
• Developed by: CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR–NAL), under the Ministry of Science and Technology, with manufacturing support from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Aim: To promote indigenous civilian aircraft manufacturing, reduce import dependence, and support UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme for regional air connectivity.
• Key Features of Saras Mk2:
• Upgraded Variant: An advancement over the original 14-seater Saras, first flown in 2004; redesigned with improved aerodynamics and engine placement. Multi-utility Role: Can serve as a commuter aircraft, air ambulance, or for charter operations in remote locations. Made in India Components: Avionics by Genesis, brake and environmental systems developed in-house by CSIR–NAL; composite wings produced in-house. Twin Prototype Plan: Two aircraft will be built to fast-track certification and minimize developmental delays. Digital & Modular Design: Incorporates a CSIR-NAL-developed aircraft computer, enabling future integration of automation and AI-based upgrades.
• Upgraded Variant: An advancement over the original 14-seater Saras, first flown in 2004; redesigned with improved aerodynamics and engine placement.
• Multi-utility Role: Can serve as a commuter aircraft, air ambulance, or for charter operations in remote locations.
• Made in India Components: Avionics by Genesis, brake and environmental systems developed in-house by CSIR–NAL; composite wings produced in-house.
• Twin Prototype Plan: Two aircraft will be built to fast-track certification and minimize developmental delays.
• Digital & Modular Design: Incorporates a CSIR-NAL-developed aircraft computer, enabling future integration of automation and AI-based upgrades.
• Significance of Saras Mk2:
• Boosts Regional Aviation: Enables air connectivity to underserved regions, aligning with government’s UDAN goals. Revives Civil Aviation R&D: Reinforces India’s position as a technology developer in civilian aviation. Reduces Foreign Dependence: Offers an indigenous alternative to imported aircraft like the Dornier or ATR. Cost-effective Aviation: Ideal for short-haul routes, enhancing passenger volumes on low-demand sectors. Defence-Civil Synergy: Indian Air Force has shown interest in procuring 15 aircraft—strengthening civil-military production integration.
• Boosts Regional Aviation: Enables air connectivity to underserved regions, aligning with government’s UDAN goals.
• Revives Civil Aviation R&D: Reinforces India’s position as a technology developer in civilian aviation.
• Reduces Foreign Dependence: Offers an indigenous alternative to imported aircraft like the Dornier or ATR.
• Cost-effective Aviation: Ideal for short-haul routes, enhancing passenger volumes on low-demand sectors.
• Defence-Civil Synergy: Indian Air Force has shown interest in procuring 15 aircraft—strengthening civil-military production integration.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 14 April 2025 Mapping:
Tanzania
Source: ANI
Context: India launched its first Africa-India maritime exercise (AIKEYME-2025) in Tanzania to strengthen naval cooperation.
• The exercise involves 9 African nations focusing on anti-piracy and maritime security operations.
About Tanzania:
• Located in: East Africa, south of the Equator.
• Capital: Dodoma (official).
• Neighbouring Nations: Borders: Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo. Maritime Borders: Comoros, Seychelles.
• Borders: Kenya, Uganda, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo.
• Maritime Borders: Comoros, Seychelles.
• Key Geological Features: Mountains: Mount Kilimanjaro(Africa’s highest peak, 5,895 m), Mount Meru & Ngorongoro Crater (world’s largest volcanic caldera). Rivers: Rufiji(largest river, drains into Indian Ocean) and Kagera (feeds Lake Victoria, Nile’s source). Lakes: Lake Tanganyika(world’s 2nd deepest, 1,436 m) and Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake, shared with Kenya/Uganda). UNESCO Sites: Serengeti National Park(wildlife migration). Kilimanjaro NP& Selous Game Reserve.
• Mountains: Mount Kilimanjaro(Africa’s highest peak, 5,895 m), Mount Meru & Ngorongoro Crater (world’s largest volcanic caldera).
• Mount Kilimanjaro(Africa’s highest peak, 5,895 m), Mount Meru & Ngorongoro Crater (world’s largest volcanic caldera).
• Rivers: Rufiji(largest river, drains into Indian Ocean) and Kagera (feeds Lake Victoria, Nile’s source).
• Rufiji(largest river, drains into Indian Ocean) and Kagera (feeds Lake Victoria, Nile’s source).
• Lakes: Lake Tanganyika(world’s 2nd deepest, 1,436 m) and Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake, shared with Kenya/Uganda).
• Lake Tanganyika(world’s 2nd deepest, 1,436 m) and Lake Victoria (Africa’s largest lake, shared with Kenya/Uganda).
• UNESCO Sites: Serengeti National Park(wildlife migration). Kilimanjaro NP& Selous Game Reserve.
• Serengeti National Park(wildlife migration).
• Kilimanjaro NP& Selous Game Reserve.
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 14 Apr 2025
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