UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 April 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 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 1&2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 April (2025)
• Feminism in a Polarised World
Feminism in a Polarised World
GS Paper 3:
• Governmentality and Stubble Burning
Governmentality and Stubble Burning
• Space Tourism
Space Tourism
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• India–Norway Marine Pollution Initiative
India–Norway Marine Pollution Initiative
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Q-Shield Platform
Q-Shield Platform
• Sir Sankaran Nair
Sir Sankaran Nair
• GPS Spoofing
GPS Spoofing
• Type 5 Diabetes
Type 5 Diabetes
• Telangana first Indian state to operationalise SC categorisation
Telangana first Indian state to operationalise SC categorisation
Mapping:
• Thangjing Hills
Thangjing Hills
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 April 2025
#### GS Paper 1&2 :
Feminism in a Polarised World
Syllabus: Women
Source: TH
Context: The recent passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, 2023 in India has reignited debates on gender equity in politics. However, feminist discourse today faces challenges in addressing structural and interpersonal inequalities without deepening societal polarisation.
About Feminism and Its Waves:
• First Wave (1848–1920s): Focused on suffrage and legal rights.
• Key figures: Elizabeth Cady Stanton (US), Emmeline Pankhurst (UK).
• Limited inclusivity—white women dominated, sidelining major activists.
• Second Wave (1963–1980s): Expanded to workplace equality, reproductive rights, and gender violence.
• Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique (1963) and Germaine Greer’s The Female Eunuch (1970) were pivotal.
• Critiqued for excluding women of colour—bell hooks’ Ain’t I a Woman? (1981) addressed intersectionality.
• Third Wave (1990s–2010s): Embraced diversity, sex positivity, and digital activism.
• Rebecca Walker coined “Third Wave” in 1992.
• Kimberlé Crenshaw’s intersectionality (1989) gained prominence.
• Movements like Riot Grrrl and #GirlPower emerged.
• Fourth Wave (2013–Present): Digital-driven, global mobilisation (e.g., #MeToo, Women’s March).
• Argentina’s Green Wave (abortion decriminalisation) contrasts with US Roe v. Wade reversal (2022).
Challenges to Feminism in a Polarised World:
• Overgeneralisation of Issues – Blurring structural oppression (e.g., rural women’s safety) with privileged struggles (urban work-life balance).
E.g. A village woman fearing rape while accessing toilets vs. a corporate woman negotiating chores.
• Backlash from Men – Economic pressures on men (job losses, societal expectations) fuel resistance to feminist discourse.
E.g. Male suicide rates (WHO: 13.5 per 100,000 men) highlight unaddressed vulnerabilities.
• Political Instrumentalisation – Feminism is often co-opted by partisan agendas, diluting its core objectives.
E.g. US abortion rights reversal (2022) vs. Argentina’s Green Wave legalising abortion (2020).
• Digital Extremism – Online spaces amplify both feminist advocacy and anti-feminist trolling.
E.g. #GamerGate (2014) targeted women in gaming with harassment.
• Cultural Resistance – Traditional norms in conservative societies hinder gender reforms.
E.g. Saudi Arabia’s male guardianship laws were relaxed only in 2019.
Way Ahead:
• Context-Sensitive Policies – Tailor solutions for rural vs. urban, privileged vs. marginalised women.
E.g. India’s Beti Bachao Beti Padhao focuses on education but needs stronger grassroots implementation.
• Engaging Men as Allies – Address male struggles (mental health, economic stress) to reduce resistance.
E.g. HeForShe (UN Women) encourages male participation in gender equity.
• Strengthening Institutions – Ensure laws (e.g., POSH Act, 2013) translate into real workplace safety.
E.g. Only 30% of Indian firms comply fully with POSH guidelines.
• Intersectional Advocacy – Include caste, class, and race in feminist discourse.
E.g. Dalit women face triple discrimination (gender, caste, class).
• Balanced Digital Activism – Counter misinformation while amplifying marginalized voices.
E.g. #DalitWomenFight highlights intersectional oppression in India.
Conclusion:
Feminism must evolve beyond polarisation, blending structural reforms with empathy. A rights-based yet inclusive approach can bridge divides. The future lies in policy action, societal dialogue, and equitable empowerment for all genders.
• “Though women in post-Independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (UPSC – 2021)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 April 2025 GS Paper 3:
Governmentality and Stubble Burning
Syllabus: Ecology
Source: TH
Context: A 2025 study by IIM Amritsar links stubble burning in Punjab to governmentality and market failures. The research highlights how state policies, like MSP, inadvertently promote unsustainable farming practices.
What is Governmentality?
Michel Foucault’s concept of governmentality refers to how states influence citizens’ self-regulation rather than using direct coercion.
Types of Governmentalities in Agriculture:
• Neoliberal Governmentality – Market-driven policies (e.g., MSP) shape farmer behavior without direct enforcement.
E.g. MSP incentivizes rice-wheat monoculture, discouraging crop diversification.
• Disciplinary Governmentality – Penalties (e.g., fines for stubble burning) force compliance without offering alternatives.
E.g. Punjab imposed ₹2.5 lakh fines but failed to provide affordable stubble management solutions.
• Pastoral Governmentality – State positions itself as a protector but prioritizes urban-industrial interests over farmers.
E.g. Crackdowns on farm fires while ignoring industrial pollution in Delhi.
• Security-Oriented Governmentality – Policies focus on food security (e.g., MSP for wheat/rice) but neglect ecological costs.
E.g. Punjab’s 35 million tonnes of paddy residue burnt annually due to lack of alternatives.
• Market-Driven Governmentality – Middlemen (arhatias) control pricing, trapping farmers in debt cycles.
E.g. Farmers sell paddy at ₹1,900/quintal while market rates exceed ₹2,500.
How Governmentality Worsens Pollution?
• MSP Promotes Monocropping – Focus on rice/wheat leaves no incentive for eco-friendly crops.
E.g. Punjab’s 85% paddy area under MSP-linked varieties.
• Lack of Affordable Alternatives – State penalizes burning but doesn’t subsidize happy seeders or bio-decomposers.
E.g. Only 15% of Punjab farmers use crop residue management machines.
• Urban Bias in Policy – Industrial pollution (30% of Delhi’s PM2.5) is overlooked while farm fires are vilified.
E.g. NCR industries emit 280 tonnes/day of PM2.5 vs. 120 tonnes/day from stubble burning.
• Middlemen Exploitation – Arhatias control credit, forcing farmers into debt and cost-cutting measures like burning.
E.g. 60% of Punjab farmers are indebted, per NABARD 2022.
• Weak Enforcement & Incentives – Short-term schemes (e.g., ₹100/quintal for non-burning) fail to address systemic issues.
E.g. Only 20% of Punjab’s 1.5 million farmers availed central aid for residue management.
Remedies to Address Systemic Failure:
• Create Stubble-Based Markets – Promote fodder, biofuel, and packaging industries to monetize crop residue.
E.g. Haryana’s 12 biomass plants utilize 1.2 million tonnes/year of stubble.
• Reform MSP & Crop Diversification – Include millets, pulses, and oilseeds in MSP to reduce paddy dependency.
E.g. Andhra’s ZBNF scheme cut water use by 30% while improving soil health.
• Strengthen Value Chains – State-led price transparency and direct farmer-market linkages to bypass middlemen.
E.g. eNAM platform links farmers to buyers but covers only 18% of Punjab’s mandis.
• Subsidize Sustainable Tech – Expand access to happy seeders, bio-decomposers, and balers via cooperatives.
E.g. Punjab’s 50% subsidy on machinery reached only 25,000 farmers in 2023.
• Behavioral Change Campaigns – Partner with religious/NGO groups to reduce aspirational debt-driven farming.
E.g. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Zero-Budget Farming workshops in Haryana reduced input costs by 40%.
Conclusion:
Stubble burning stems from policy-driven market failures, not farmer negligence. Solutions require systemic reforms—MSP diversification, stubble valorization, and fair pricing. A balanced approach must address rural marginalization while curbing pollution.
• Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg Protocol. (UPSC-2021)
Space Tourism
Syllabus: Science and Technology
Source: IE
Context: Pop star Katy Perry and an all-female crew flew to space via Blue Origin, reigniting debates on space tourism’s costs and environmental impact.
What is Space Tourism?
Space tourism involves recreational, leisure, or business travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere, offered by private companies like Blue Origin, Virgin Galactic, and SpaceX. Unlike government-led space missions, it caters to civilians, albeit at exorbitant costs.
Types of Space Tourism
• Sub-Orbital Tourism – Brief flights crossing the Kármán line (100 km altitude), offering minutes of weightlessness.
E.g. Blue Origin’s New Shepard (Katy Perry’s flight lasted 11 minutes).
• Orbital Tourism – Extended stays in space, often docking with the ISS or private space stations.
E.g. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon missions for multi-day orbital trips.
• Lunar Tourism – Proposed future missions circling or landing on the Moon.
E.g. SpaceX’s DearMoon project (planned for 2025).
Concerns Surrounding Space Tourism
• Exorbitant Costs – Tickets range from $450,000 (Virgin Galactic) to millions (SpaceX), making it a billionaire’s hobby.
E.g. Only 1,000+ people have booked space flights despite global wealth inequality.
• Environmental Damage – Rocket emissions deplete ozone and contribute to climate change.
E.g. A single Blue Origin launch emits 300+ tons of CO₂ (equal to 75 cars/year).
• Lack of Scientific Value – Most missions offer no breakthroughs compared to NASA/ISRO research.
E.g. ISS experiments yield far more data than tourist flights.
• Safety Risks – Private companies face higher accident risks than government agencies.
E.g. 2022 Virgin Galactic crash delayed tourism launches for years.
• Ethical Questions – Resources spent on tourism could fund climate action or poverty alleviation.
E.g. $1.3 billion industry could instead finance renewable energy projects.
Way Ahead:
• Regulate Emissions– Enforce carbon-neutral rocket fuels and ozone-friendly propulsion.
E.g. ESA’s Prometheus engine reduces emissions by 90%.
• Democratize Access – Subsidize research missions or lottery-based affordable seats.
E.g. NASA’s civilian astronaut program selects non-billionaires.
• Boost Scientific Payloads – Mandate experiments on tourist flights for NASA/ISRO collaboration.
E.g. Axiom Space partners with researchers for ISS missions.
• Tax Luxury Flights – Redirect revenue to climate funds or space sustainability initiatives.
E.g. EUs proposed “Space Tax” on private launches.
• Promote Earth-First Policies – Prioritize satellite-based climate monitoring over joyrides.
E.g. ISRO’s EOS-6 monitors oceans, aiding climate studies.
Conclusion:
Space tourism symbolizes human ambition but risks exacerbating inequality and ecological harm. A regulated, science-driven approach can balance innovation with planetary responsibility. The future of space must be inclusive, sustainable, and purposeful.
• What is the main task of India’s third moon mission which could not be achieved in its earlier mission? List the countries that have achieved this task. Introduce the subsystems in the spacecraft launched and explain the role of the “Virtual Launch Control Centre’ at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre which contributed to the successful launch from Sriharikota. (UPSC-2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 April 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
India–Norway Marine Pollution Initiative
Context: The India–Norway Marine Pollution Initiative (INMPI) has helped Agra improve waste circularity and reduce plastic leakage into the Yamuna River, with successful interventions in managing petha and footwear waste.
About India–Norway Marine Pollution Initiative (INMPI):
• What it is? A bilateral collaboration between the Government of India and Government of Norway to address marine litter, especially microplastics (MPs) and macroplastics from land-based sources.
• A bilateral collaboration between the Government of India and Government of Norway to address marine litter, especially microplastics (MPs) and macroplastics from land-based sources.
• Launched In: 2019, under the India–Norway Ocean Dialogue.
• Reduce plastic and microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Support circular economy in waste management. Promote policy reform, local action, and scientific research. Assist municipalities in evidence-based plastic leakage reduction.
• Reduce plastic and microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
• Support circular economy in waste management.
• Promote policy reform, local action, and scientific research.
• Assist municipalities in evidence-based plastic leakage reduction.
• Key Features:
• Technical support to Indian cities by leading environmental organisations (e.g., Centre for Science and Environment – CSE). Pilot projects in riverine cities like Agra. Studies on pre-consumer industrial waste, plastic drainage leakage, and microplastic load. Use of brand audits, polymer categorisation, and scientific sampling for policy impact.
• Technical support to Indian cities by leading environmental organisations (e.g., Centre for Science and Environment – CSE).
• Pilot projects in riverine cities like Agra.
• Studies on pre-consumer industrial waste, plastic drainage leakage, and microplastic load.
• Use of brand audits, polymer categorisation, and scientific sampling for policy impact.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:
• GS Paper 2:
• International Relations – Bilateral cooperation between India and Norway. Governance and Public Policy – Waste policy reforms and intergovernmental collaboration.
• International Relations – Bilateral cooperation between India and Norway.
• Governance and Public Policy – Waste policy reforms and intergovernmental collaboration.
• GS Paper 3:
• Environmental Conservation – Plastic waste management, microplastics, and river ecosystem protection. Waste Management & Pollution – Sustainable urban solutions and scientific study methods. Science and Tech – Use of sampling techniques, polymer tracking, and data-driven decisions.
• Environmental Conservation – Plastic waste management, microplastics, and river ecosystem protection.
• Waste Management & Pollution – Sustainable urban solutions and scientific study methods.
• Science and Tech – Use of sampling techniques, polymer tracking, and data-driven decisions.
• Essay & Ethics:
• Themes of sustainable development, inter-generational equity, and responsible governance.
• Themes of sustainable development, inter-generational equity, and responsible governance.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 April Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Q-Shield Platform
Source: News on Air
Context: QNu Labs, a quantum-tech startup under India’s National Quantum Mission (NQM), launched Q-Shield, the world’s first unified platform for quantum-safe cryptography management.
About Q-Shield Platform:
• What is Q-Shield? Q-Shield is a comprehensive cryptography management platform designed to secure critical infrastructure against future quantum threats.
• Q-Shield is a comprehensive cryptography management platform designed to secure critical infrastructure against future quantum threats.
• Developed By:
• QNu Labs, incubated at IIT Madras Research Park (2016) Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the National Quantum Mission
• QNu Labs, incubated at IIT Madras Research Park (2016)
• Supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the National Quantum Mission
• Objective: To empower enterprises with tools that ensure data privacy and cybersecurity across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments in a quantum-resilient manner.
• To empower enterprises with tools that ensure data privacy and cybersecurity across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments in a quantum-resilient manner.
• Key Features of Q-Shield: Quantum-Safe Security Tools: These are advanced tools that protect your data from being hacked, even by super-powerful quantum computers in the future.
• Quantum-Safe Security Tools:
• These are advanced tools that protect your data from being hacked, even by super-powerful quantum computers in the future.
• Armos: A system that sends super-secure secret keys, so no one can eavesdrop. Tropos: Creates truly random numbers, which are used to make passwords and encryption much stronger. QHSM: Like a digital safe box that stores your keys and keeps them secure. PQC Standards: Uses special encryption methods that even future computers won’t be able to break.
• Armos: A system that sends super-secure secret keys, so no one can eavesdrop. Tropos: Creates truly random numbers, which are used to make passwords and encryption much stronger. QHSM: Like a digital safe box that stores your keys and keeps them secure. PQC Standards: Uses special encryption methods that even future computers won’t be able to break.
• Armos: A system that sends super-secure secret keys, so no one can eavesdrop.
• Tropos: Creates truly random numbers, which are used to make passwords and encryption much stronger.
• QHSM: Like a digital safe box that stores your keys and keeps them secure.
• PQC Standards: Uses special encryption methods that even future computers won’t be able to break.
• Helpful Services (Like Apps):
• These are like apps or tools built into Q-Shield to keep your files, chats, and systems safe:
• Qosmos: Helps create safe digital keys (like strong passwords). QConnect: Makes sure your messages or data sent online are fully protected. QVerse: Lets teams work together securely, like sharing documents or chatting privately. QSFS: A super-secure storage system to keep files and share them safely. QVault: A locker to keep and manage all your secret digital keys.
• Qosmos: Helps create safe digital keys (like strong passwords). QConnect: Makes sure your messages or data sent online are fully protected. QVerse: Lets teams work together securely, like sharing documents or chatting privately. QSFS: A super-secure storage system to keep files and share them safely. QVault: A locker to keep and manage all your secret digital keys.
• Qosmos: Helps create safe digital keys (like strong passwords).
• QConnect: Makes sure your messages or data sent online are fully protected.
• QVerse: Lets teams work together securely, like sharing documents or chatting privately.
• QSFS: A super-secure storage system to keep files and share them safely.
• QVault: A locker to keep and manage all your secret digital keys.
• Easy to Use Anywhere:
• You can use Q-Shield in the cloud, your office systems, or a mix of both. It also works well with other apps or platforms you’re already using
• You can use Q-Shield in the cloud, your office systems, or a mix of both. It also works well with other apps or platforms you’re already using
• You can use Q-Shield in the cloud, your office systems, or a mix of both.
• It also works well with other apps or platforms you’re already using
• Significance:
• First-of-its-kind globally: No other platform offers a unified quantum-safe cryptography suite.
• Strengthens India’s digital sovereignty and national cybersecurity.
• Puts India at the forefront of the global quantum security race, alongside nations like the US and China.
Sir Sankaran Nair
Source: IE
Context: Prime Minister of India paid tribute to Sir Sankaran Nair on the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, recalling his legal battle against British atrocities.
About Sir Sankaran Nair:
• Who was Sir Sankaran Nair? Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair was a distinguished jurist, statesman, and fearless nationalist known for speaking truth to colonial power.
• Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair was a distinguished jurist, statesman, and fearless nationalist known for speaking truth to colonial power.
• Early Life and Education: Born in 1857, Mankara village, Palakkad, Malabar region (present-day Kerala). Graduated from Presidency College, Madras, with a law degree. Began legal career under Sir Horatio Shepherd, later Chief Justice of Madras High Court.
• Born in 1857, Mankara village, Palakkad, Malabar region (present-day Kerala).
• Graduated from Presidency College, Madras, with a law degree.
• Began legal career under Sir Horatio Shepherd, later Chief Justice of Madras High Court.
• Career and Achievements: Sankaran Nair was appointed public prosecutor (1899) and went on to become a judge of the Madras High Court (1908). 1912: Knighted by the British Crown. 1915: Member of Viceroy’s Executive Council for education reforms. 1919: Resigned in protest after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
• Sankaran Nair was appointed public prosecutor (1899) and went on to become a judge of the Madras High Court (1908).
• 1912: Knighted by the British Crown.
• 1915: Member of Viceroy’s Executive Council for education reforms.
• 1919: Resigned in protest after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
• Contribution to Indian Freedom Movement: Advocated for constitutional reforms and India’s self-governance. Presided over Indian National Congress Session at Amraoti (1897). He was a chairman of the All-India Committee, which in 1928–29 rather ineffectually met with the Simon Commission Served as councillor to the Secretary of State for India (1920–21). He simultaneously opposed the Indian nationalist movement led by Mohandas K. Gandhiand its forcible suppression by the British Indian government.
• Advocated for constitutional reforms and India’s self-governance.
• Presided over Indian National Congress Session at Amraoti (1897).
• He was a chairman of the All-India Committee, which in 1928–29 rather ineffectually met with the Simon Commission
• Served as councillor to the Secretary of State for India (1920–21).
• He simultaneously opposed the Indian nationalist movement led by Mohandas K. Gandhiand its forcible suppression by the British Indian government.
• Jallianwala Bagh Case (1922–24): Authored “Gandhi and Anarchy”, critiquing both British excesses and Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement. Fiercely held O’Dwyer accountable for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, faced a defamation suit in a British court, and despite losing the case, displayed moral courage by refusing to apologise. The case revealed British judicial bias and stirred Indian nationalist sentiments.
• Authored “Gandhi and Anarchy”, critiquing both British excesses and Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement.
• Fiercely held O’Dwyer accountable for the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre, faced a defamation suit in a British court, and despite losing the case, displayed moral courage by refusing to apologise.
• The case revealed British judicial bias and stirred Indian nationalist sentiments.
• Reformist and Social Justice Advocate Judgements supported inter-caste and inter-faith marriages. In Budasna v Fatima (1914), upheld conversion to Hinduism without loss of caste status. Founded and edited Madras Law Journal and Madras Review.
• Judgements supported inter-caste and inter-faith marriages.
• In Budasna v Fatima (1914), upheld conversion to Hinduism without loss of caste status.
• Founded and edited Madras Law Journal and Madras Review.
GPS Spoofing
Source: TH
Context: Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft delivering aid to earthquake-hit Myanmar under Operation Brahma reportedly faced GPS spoofing attacks, raising concerns about airspace cybersecurity.
About GPS Spoofing:
• What is GPS Spoofing? GPS spoofing is a type of cyberattack where false GPS signals are sent to mislead a receiver about its actual location.
• GPS spoofing is a type of cyberattack where false GPS signals are sent to mislead a receiver about its actual location.
• GPS spoofing working: GPS receivers calculate location based on signals from satellites. Spoofers broadcast fake GPS signals that are stronger than the real ones. The receiver locks onto these fake signals, producing incorrect location data. Attackers may mislead planes, ships, vehicles, or even apps relying on GPS.
• GPS receivers calculate location based on signals from satellites.
• Spoofers broadcast fake GPS signals that are stronger than the real ones.
• The receiver locks onto these fake signals, producing incorrect location data.
• Attackers may mislead planes, ships, vehicles, or even apps relying on GPS.
• Implications of GPS Spoofing: Aviation Risks: Aircraft can be misdirected, threatening flight safety. Logistics Disruptions: Misguides delivery vehicles, causing delays and financial losses. Defense & Surveillance Threats: May mislead military or reconnaissance missions. Consumer Impact: Rideshare apps, food delivery, or maps may provide wrong info. Cybersecurity Breach: Potential for data theft and identity manipulation.
• Aviation Risks: Aircraft can be misdirected, threatening flight safety.
• Logistics Disruptions: Misguides delivery vehicles, causing delays and financial losses.
• Defense & Surveillance Threats: May mislead military or reconnaissance missions.
• Consumer Impact: Rideshare apps, food delivery, or maps may provide wrong info.
• Cybersecurity Breach: Potential for data theft and identity manipulation.
• Protection Against GPS Spoofing: Signal Authentication: Verifies whether the signal truly comes from a satellite. Anomaly Detection: Watch for abnormal jumps in location or impossible speeds. Multi-Signal Systems: Use a combination of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc., for comparison. Advanced Software Filters: Reject signals with suspicious characteristics. Pilot & Crew Training: IAF’s preparedness shows that trained operators can safely navigate such threats.
• Signal Authentication: Verifies whether the signal truly comes from a satellite.
• Anomaly Detection: Watch for abnormal jumps in location or impossible speeds.
• Multi-Signal Systems: Use a combination of GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, etc., for comparison.
• Advanced Software Filters: Reject signals with suspicious characteristics.
• Pilot & Crew Training: IAF’s preparedness shows that trained operators can safely navigate such threats.
Type 5 Diabetes
Source: TOI
Context: The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) formally recognised Type 5 Diabetes — a malnutrition-related form of diabetes at the World Diabetes Congress 2024 held in Bangkok.
About Type 5 Diabetes:
• What is Type 5 Diabetes?
• A form of diabetes primarily linked to severe malnutrition. Common in young, thin individuals from low- and middle-income countries. Affects an estimated 20–25 million people, especially in Asia and Africa.
• A form of diabetes primarily linked to severe malnutrition.
• Common in young, thin individuals from low- and middle-income countries.
• Affects an estimated 20–25 million people, especially in Asia and Africa.
• Causes:
• Protein-energy malnutrition during critical growth years. Long-term dietary deficiencies, particularly in protein and micronutrients. Possibly linked to early-life undernutrition and poor metabolic adaptation.
• Protein-energy malnutrition during critical growth years.
• Long-term dietary deficiencies, particularly in protein and micronutrients.
• Possibly linked to early-life undernutrition and poor metabolic adaptation.
• Symptoms:
• Sudden weight loss or consistently low weight. Frequent urination and excessive thirst (common to all types). Symptoms mimic Type 1 diabetes but respond differently to insulin therapy.
• Sudden weight loss or consistently low weight.
• Frequent urination and excessive thirst (common to all types).
• Symptoms mimic Type 1 diabetes but respond differently to insulin therapy.
• How It Differs from Other Types of Diabetes?
Type | Key Characteristic | Main Cause | Common Profile
Type 1 | Insulin deficiency | Autoimmune | Children, young adults
Type 2 | Insulin resistance | Obesity, lifestyle | Middle-aged, obese adults
Type 5 | Insulin deficiency (due to malnutrition) | Severe malnutrition | Lean youth, low BMI (<18.5)
• Not autoimmune like Type 1, and not obesity-driven like Type 2.
• Standard insulin therapy may cause dangerously low sugar levels.
• Treatment: No global standard yet, but promising strategies include: Small doses of insulin combined with oral hypoglycemic drugs. Nutritional support: High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets. Correction of micronutrient deficiencies through supplements.
• No global standard yet, but promising strategies include: Small doses of insulin combined with oral hypoglycemic drugs. Nutritional support: High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets. Correction of micronutrient deficiencies through supplements.
• Small doses of insulin combined with oral hypoglycemic drugs.
• Nutritional support: High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets.
• Correction of micronutrient deficiencies through supplements.
Telangana first Indian state to operationalise SC categorisation
Source: TOI
Context: The Telangana government notified the Telangana Scheduled Castes (Rationalisation of Reservations) Act, 2025 on April 14, becoming the first Indian state to operationalise SC categorisation post the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict (2024).
About the Supreme Court Judgment on SC Sub-Classification:
• V. Chinnaiah v State of Andhra Pradesh (2004) – Overruled by 7-judge Constitution Bench in 2024 (6:1 majority).
What the Judgment Clarified?
• Sub-classification Permitted:
• The SC held that sub-classification within Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for equitable reservation is constitutionally valid.
• The SC held that sub-classification within Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) for equitable reservation is constitutionally valid.
• Articles Involved:
• Article 14: Allows reasonable classification among unequal groups to ensure substantive equality. Articles 15(4) & 16(4): Permit affirmative action based on social and educational backwardness and inadequate representation. Article 341: Lists castes as SCs via Presidential Notification, which cannot be altered by states.
• Article 14: Allows reasonable classification among unequal groups to ensure substantive equality.
• Articles 15(4) & 16(4): Permit affirmative action based on social and educational backwardness and inadequate representation.
• Article 341: Lists castes as SCs via Presidential Notification, which cannot be altered by states.
• States’ Power:
• States can sub-classify SCs for reservation without modifying the Presidential List. Sub-classification must be based on empirical data showing inter-se backwardness and under-representation.
• States can sub-classify SCs for reservation without modifying the Presidential List.
• Sub-classification must be based on empirical data showing inter-se backwardness and under-representation.
• Rejection of Homogeneity Argument:
• The Court held that SCs are not homogeneous; hence, sub-classification does not violate Article 341. The Presidential List merely identifies SCs—it does not prevent internal categorisation.
• The Court held that SCs are not homogeneous; hence, sub-classification does not violate Article 341.
• The Presidential List merely identifies SCs—it does not prevent internal categorisation.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 April 2025 Mapping:
Thangjing Hills
Source: DH
Context: Meitei pilgrims were forced to abandon their annual pilgrimage to Thangjing Hills in Manipur due to opposition from the Kuki-Zo community.
About Thangjing Hills:
• Situated in: Churachandpur district, western Manipur.
• Elevation: Around 2,100 meters (6,900 ft) above sea level.
• Lies along the Thangjing Hill Range, forming the western boundary of the Imphal Valley.
• Encompasses thick forests, high ridges, and steep terrains.
• Watered by rivers like Leimatak, Tuila, Lanva, and Khuga, with tributaries nourishing both hill and valley villages.
• Lies in a sensitive buffer zone between Meitei-dominated valley and Kuki-Zo-dominated hills.
• Religious Significance: Considered sacred by Meiteis as the abode of deity Eputhou Thangjing, protector of southern Manipur. Pilgrimage occurs annually during the Meitei lunar month Sajibu (April), especially on and after the full moon day. The site is integrally linked to Meitei cosmology and cultural legends like the love tale of Khamba Thoibi.
• Considered sacred by Meiteis as the abode of deity Eputhou Thangjing, protector of southern Manipur.
• Pilgrimage occurs annually during the Meitei lunar month Sajibu (April), especially on and after the full moon day.
• The site is integrally linked to Meitei cosmology and cultural legends like the love tale of Khamba Thoibi.
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 15 Apr 2025
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