UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 April 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 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 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 April (2025)

• India-Saudi Arabia Relations

India-Saudi Arabia Relations

GS Paper 3:

• India’s Trade Triumph and Its Environmental Toll

India’s Trade Triumph and Its Environmental Toll

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

• Traditional Bamboo Bins (Mora)

Traditional Bamboo Bins (Mora)

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

• HEALD initiative

HEALD initiative

• 50 years of Aryabhata Satellite

50 years of Aryabhata Satellite

• Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)

• World Earth Day 2025

World Earth Day 2025

• Kokborok Language

Kokborok Language

• Moonlight Solar Panel Technology

Moonlight Solar Panel Technology

Mapping:

• Botswana

Botswana

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 April 2025

#### GS Paper 2 :

India-Saudi Arabia Relations

Syllabus: International Relations

Source: IE

Context: Prime Minister of India visit to Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen the growing India-Saudi Strategic Partnership, with new agreements expected in trade, defence, and investment under the Strategic Partnership Council framework.

About India-Saudi Arabia Relations:

• Historical Background of India-Saudi Arabia Relations

• Establishment of Diplomatic Ties: Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1947.

• Major Milestones: Delhi Declaration (2006) during King Abdullah’s visit laid the foundation for a strategic partnership. Riyadh Declaration (2010) during PM Manmohan Singh’s visit elevated the relationship to a new strategic level.

• Delhi Declaration (2006) during King Abdullah’s visit laid the foundation for a strategic partnership.

• Riyadh Declaration (2010) during PM Manmohan Singh’s visit elevated the relationship to a new strategic level.

• Recent Developments: PM Modi’s visits in 2016, 2019, and 2025 have expanded the scope to energy, defence, space, and culture. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visits to India in 2019 and 2023 further deepened ties.

• PM Modi’s visits in 2016, 2019, and 2025 have expanded the scope to energy, defence, space, and culture.

• Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visits to India in 2019 and 2023 further deepened ties.

Existing Opportunities for India-Saudi Arabia:

• Economic Partnership: Saudi Arabia is India’s 5th largest trading partner with bilateral trade of USD 42.98 billion (FY 2023-24). Huge investment potential, including PIF’s USD 10 billion investment in sectors like retail, technology, and agriculture.

• Saudi Arabia is India’s 5th largest trading partner with bilateral trade of USD 42.98 billion (FY 2023-24).

• Huge investment potential, including PIF’s USD 10 billion investment in sectors like retail, technology, and agriculture.

• Energy Cooperation: Saudi Arabia remains India’s 3rd largest crude oil supplier, contributing 3% of India’s oil imports in 2023-24. Collaboration in renewables through the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

• Saudi Arabia remains India’s 3rd largest crude oil supplier, contributing 3% of India’s oil imports in 2023-24.

• Collaboration in renewables through the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

• Defence and Security Ties: Increasing defence exchanges, naval exercises like Al Mohed Al Hindi, and joint land forces exercise Ex-Sada Tanseeq-I held in 2024.

• Cultural and People-to-People Linkages: Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia numbers 7 million, acting as a vital socio-economic bridge. Cultural MoUs, yoga cooperation, and growing tourism and sports engagement.

• Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia numbers 7 million, acting as a vital socio-economic bridge.

• Cultural MoUs, yoga cooperation, and growing tourism and sports engagement.

• Strategic Convergence: Alignment between Vision 2030 (Saudi Arabia) and Viksit Bharat 2047 (India) fosters synergies in infrastructure, innovation, and human capital development.

Challenges in India-Saudi Arabia Relations:

• Geopolitical Instability: Regional conflicts like the Yemen War or Iran-Saudi tensions could affect bilateral dynamics.

• Competition with China: Saudi Arabia’s parallel engagement with China, including joining BRICS Plus, could create strategic balancing challenges for India.

• Oil Dependence: India’s high dependency on Saudi oil (14.3%) makes it vulnerable to energy market fluctuations.

• Labour Issues: Issues related to the rights and welfare of Indian workers in Saudi Arabia occasionally surface, needing sustained consular intervention.

• Cultural Sensitivities: While reforms in Saudi Arabia are underway, navigating religious and cultural norms remains delicate for expanding people-to-people relations.

Way Forward:

• Diversify Economic Cooperation: Move beyond oil to sectors like fintech, renewable energy, food security, and digital economy.

• Strengthen Defence and Security Ties: Enhance cooperation in defence production, cyber security, and counter-terrorism training.

• Promote People-to-People Connect: Expand educational exchanges, cultural festivals, and tourism promotion between both nations.

• Support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030: Invest in Saudi megaprojects like NEOM city and emerging sectors like entertainment and tourism to leverage growth opportunities.

• Build Multilateral Collaboration: Work closely with Saudi Arabia in multilateral platforms like G20, BRICS+, ISA, and in regional forums to push for a multipolar, rule-based global order.

Conclusion:

India-Saudi Arabia ties have matured into a multifaceted strategic partnership driven by strong political will and economic complementarities. The current visit strengthens this trajectory, promising greater cooperation in emerging sectors critical for both nations’ growth stories.

• “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (UPSC-2018)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 April 2025 GS Paper 3:

India’s Trade Triumph and Its Environmental Toll

Syllabus: Environment

Source: DH

Context: India’s trade contribution is projected to reach 6% of global trade growth by 2025 (DHL Trade Atlas report), but rising exports of pollution-intensive products have triggered serious concerns over environmental sustainability.

About India’s Trade Triumph and Its Environmental Toll:

Success of Indian Trade:

• Expanding Global Footprint: India’s merchandise exports reached USD 231.48 billion from pollution-intensive sectors alone by 2023, growing faster than overall exports (12.5% vs. 11%).

• Sectoral Dominance: Petroleum and coal products accounted for 38% of pollution-intensive exports. Alongside chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, these sectors formed 84% of India’s pollution-linked exports.

• Petroleum and coal products accounted for 38% of pollution-intensive exports.

• Alongside chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, these sectors formed 84% of India’s pollution-linked exports.

• FDI Attraction: Between 2000 and 2024, pollution-intensive sectors attracted USD 149.26 billion FDI, contributing nearly 21% of India’s total inflows.

• Between 2000 and 2024, pollution-intensive sectors attracted USD 149.26 billion FDI, contributing nearly 21% of India’s total inflows.

• Economic Gains: Industries like cement, steel, and pharma boosted GDP, employment, and foreign reserves, strengthening India’s global competitiveness.

Environmental Toll of Trade Growth:

• Rising Emissions: India’s industrial and energy sector emissions rose from 699 MtCO₂e (1991) to 2606 MtCO₂e (2021) — a nearly five-fold

• Hazardous Waste Generation: Sectors like pharmaceuticals and chemicals contribute to water, air, and soil contamination, threatening biodiversity.

• Weak Regulatory Enforcement: Environmental laws like the Environmental Protection Act (1986) remain poorly enforced; industry exemptions dilute environmental safeguards.

• Policy Incoherence: Disconnect between trade policies and environmental standards (e.g., dilution controversies of Draft EIA Notification 2020) undermines sustainability goals.

Way Ahead: Balancing Trade and Environment

• Promote Cleaner Technologies: Incentivize industries to adopt low-carbon, energy-efficient production methods with targeted subsidies and green certification norms.

• Strengthen Regulatory Frameworks: Enforce stringent compliance with environmental norms through third-party audits and transparent disclosure mechanisms.

• Integrate Trade and Environmental Policies: Link export incentives with sustainability standards to ensure cleaner industrial growth.

• Develop Green Industry Sectors: Diversify trade by investing in green technology, renewable energy, and sustainable manufacturing sectors.

• International Collaboration: Partner with countries and institutions for technology transfer, capacity building, and climate finance to foster a green transition.

Conclusion:

India’s trade success marks a powerful economic transformation, but the environmental costs are mounting. Balancing growth with sustainable practices is no longer optional but necessary for long-term prosperity.

• Explain the purpose of Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glass glow in November 2021. When was the idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (Answer in 150 words)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 April 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Traditional Bamboo Bins (Mora)

Context: Traditional bamboo bins or moras used for paddy storage in rural Bangladesh are being celebrated for their sustainable, low-cost, and eco-friendly agricultural practices, preserving centuries-old agrarian wisdom.

About Traditional Bamboo Bins (Mora):

• What are Bamboo Bins?

• Moras (also called dole in some regions) are hand-woven cylindrical containers made from bamboo strips. They are traditionally used for long-term paddy storage in rural households.

• Moras (also called dole in some regions) are hand-woven cylindrical containers made from bamboo strips.

• They are traditionally used for long-term paddy storage in rural households.

• Key Features:

• Materials Used: Bamboo, sometimes plastered with mud and cow dung for added insulation. Design: Cylindrical or spherical structures that naturally regulate temperature and humidity. Pest Protection: Often treated with natural repellents like neem leaves or ash. Eco-Friendly: Fully biodegradable, using locally sourced materials.

• Materials Used: Bamboo, sometimes plastered with mud and cow dung for added insulation.

• Design: Cylindrical or spherical structures that naturally regulate temperature and humidity.

• Pest Protection: Often treated with natural repellents like neem leaves or ash.

• Eco-Friendly: Fully biodegradable, using locally sourced materials.

• Significance:

• Sustainability: Encourages use of renewable, low-impact resources. Cost-effectiveness: Affordable for small and marginal farmers. Cultural Heritage: Preserves traditional knowledge systems and community-based agriculture. Climate Resilience: Provides natural insulation, reducing post-harvest losses without reliance on external energy.

• Sustainability: Encourages use of renewable, low-impact resources.

• Cost-effectiveness: Affordable for small and marginal farmers.

• Cultural Heritage: Preserves traditional knowledge systems and community-based agriculture.

• Climate Resilience: Provides natural insulation, reducing post-harvest losses without reliance on external energy.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper 1 (Indian Heritage and Culture): Illustrates traditional knowledge systems and agrarian culture.

• Illustrates traditional knowledge systems and agrarian culture.

• GS Paper 3 (Agriculture and Environment): Example of sustainable agriculture practices and eco-friendly rural technologies. Relevant under post-harvest management and indigenous resource use.

• Example of sustainable agriculture practices and eco-friendly rural technologies.

• Relevant under post-harvest management and indigenous resource use.

• Ethics Paper (GS Paper 4): Reflects principles of simplicity, community-centric living, and respect for nature.

• Reflects principles of simplicity, community-centric living, and respect for nature.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 April Facts for Prelims (FFP)

HEALD initiative

Source: BS

Context: Union Home Minister launched the HEALD initiative to tackle liver diseases nationwide and inaugurated India’s first Integrated Liver Habilitation Centre at ILBS, Delhi.

About HEALD initiative:

• What is HEALD?

• HEALD stands for Healthy Liver Education and Alcohol-associated Liver Disease Prevention. It is India’s first multi-sectoral national movement targeting liver health, alcohol use disorder, and early disease intervention.

• HEALD stands for Healthy Liver Education and Alcohol-associated Liver Disease Prevention.

• It is India’s first multi-sectoral national movement targeting liver health, alcohol use disorder, and early disease intervention.

• Ministry Involved: Spearheaded under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

• Implemented by: Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi, a premier institution under GNCT Delhi.

• Objective:

• To prevent liver failure by integrating awareness, early screening, rehabilitation, and policy reforms. To reduce stigma around alcohol-related liver diseases by providing mental health and community support.

• To prevent liver failure by integrating awareness, early screening, rehabilitation, and policy reforms.

• To reduce stigma around alcohol-related liver diseases by providing mental health and community support.

• Key Features:

• Public Education: Mass campaigns to improve awareness about liver health and alcohol harm. Early Screening: Free and accessible liver check-ups across India. Psychological Treatment: De-addiction programs and mental health support for alcohol users. Medical Management: Strengthened infrastructure for liver disease treatment and rehabilitation. Policy Advocacy: Integration of liver health strategies into national health policies. Community Outreach: Special focus on underprivileged populations and promoting organ donation culture.

• Public Education: Mass campaigns to improve awareness about liver health and alcohol harm.

• Early Screening: Free and accessible liver check-ups across India.

• Psychological Treatment: De-addiction programs and mental health support for alcohol users.

• Medical Management: Strengthened infrastructure for liver disease treatment and rehabilitation.

• Policy Advocacy: Integration of liver health strategies into national health policies.

• Community Outreach: Special focus on underprivileged populations and promoting organ donation culture.

50 years of Aryabhata Satellite

Source: FP

Context: India is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the launch of Aryabhata, its first indigenous satellite, marking a pivotal moment in India’s space journey.

About 50 years of Aryabhata Satellite:

• What is Aryabhata?

• Aryabhata was India’s first experimental satellite, named after the renowned 5th-century Indian mathematician and astronomer. It was built entirely by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

• Aryabhata was India’s first experimental satellite, named after the renowned 5th-century Indian mathematician and astronomer.

• It was built entirely by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

• Launched By: Aryabhata was launched on April 19, 1975, aboard a Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar launch site in Russia.

• Historical Background:

• At the height of the Cold War, India lacked its own launch capabilities and relied on strategic partnerships. Aryabhata’s construction involved a small team of about 25 ISRO engineers working with limited resources under the leadership of visionaries like Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Prof. U.R. Rao.

• At the height of the Cold War, India lacked its own launch capabilities and relied on strategic partnerships.

• Aryabhata’s construction involved a small team of about 25 ISRO engineers working with limited resources under the leadership of visionaries like Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and Prof. U.R. Rao.

• Key Features:

• Shape: Quasi-spherical structure with 26 flat faces. Dimensions: 1.59 meters across and 1.19 meters in height. Solar Panels: Covered 36,800 sq cm, generating 46 watts of power. Scientific Objectives: Conducted experiments in X-ray astronomy, solar physics, and ionospheric studies. Operational Timeline: Lost communication after 5 days due to a power failure but remained in orbit for several years.

• Shape: Quasi-spherical structure with 26 flat faces.

• Dimensions: 1.59 meters across and 1.19 meters in height.

• Solar Panels: Covered 36,800 sq cm, generating 46 watts of power.

• Scientific Objectives: Conducted experiments in X-ray astronomy, solar physics, and ionospheric studies.

• Operational Timeline: Lost communication after 5 days due to a power failure but remained in orbit for several years.

• Significance:

• Pioneering Achievement: Marked India’s entry into the elite spacefaring nations. Learning Platform: Provided crucial experience in satellite technology, mission planning, and systems integration. Symbol of National Pride: Aryabhata’s image was later featured on India’s two-rupee note, celebrating its historic importance. Foundation for Future Missions: Paved the way for landmark missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya-L1. Inspirational Legacy: Remains a testament to India’s resilience, innovation, and aspirations in space exploration.

• Pioneering Achievement: Marked India’s entry into the elite spacefaring nations.

• Learning Platform: Provided crucial experience in satellite technology, mission planning, and systems integration.

• Symbol of National Pride: Aryabhata’s image was later featured on India’s two-rupee note, celebrating its historic importance.

• Foundation for Future Missions: Paved the way for landmark missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Aditya-L1.

• Inspirational Legacy: Remains a testament to India’s resilience, innovation, and aspirations in space exploration.

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)

Source: PIB

Context: The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) achieved a historic turnover of ₹1.7 lakh crore for the first time in India’s history.

About Recent Achievements by KVIC:

• Record Turnover: Khadi and Village Industries crossed ₹1.70 lakh crore turnover in FY 2024–25.

• Massive Growth in 11 Years: Sales Growth: Jumped by 447% compared to FY 2013–14. Production Growth: Increased by 347% during the same period.

• Sales Growth: Jumped by 447% compared to FY 2013–14.

• Production Growth: Increased by 347% during the same period.

• Employment Generation: 1.94 crore employment opportunities created, registering a 49.23% rise.

• Skill Development: 7.43 lakh artisans trained, of which 57.45% were women.

• PMEGP Success: 10.18 lakh units established under the Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).

About Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC):

• What is KVIC? KVIC is a statutory body established for promoting and developing Khadi and village industries in rural India.

• KVIC is a statutory body established for promoting and developing Khadi and village industries in rural India.

• Established in: Constituted in April 1957 by merging the functions of the All-India Khadi and Village Industries Board under the KVIC Act of 1956.

• Headquarters: Located at Mumbai, Maharashtra.

• Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).

• Objectives: Employment Generation: Create maximum rural employment opportunities. Production and Sales: Boost production of saleable Khadi and village industry goods. Self-reliance: Foster a strong, self-sufficient rural economy.

• Employment Generation: Create maximum rural employment opportunities.

• Production and Sales: Boost production of saleable Khadi and village industry goods.

• Self-reliance: Foster a strong, self-sufficient rural economy.

• Major Functions: Raw Material Supply: Build reserves and supply raw materials to artisans. Artisan Training: Train and skill artisans through departmental and non-departmental centres. Market Linkages: Promote sale of Khadi products through tie-ups with marketing agencies. Research and Innovation: Encourage R&D in production technologies. Use of renewable and non-conventional energy to enhance productivity. Financial Assistance: Provide grants, subsidies, and technical support to entrepreneurs. Quality Assurance: Set and monitor quality standards for Khadi and village industry products. Pilot Projects and Studies: Launch experimental projects to solve sector-specific challenges.

• Raw Material Supply: Build reserves and supply raw materials to artisans.

• Artisan Training: Train and skill artisans through departmental and non-departmental centres.

• Market Linkages: Promote sale of Khadi products through tie-ups with marketing agencies.

• Research and Innovation: Encourage R&D in production technologies. Use of renewable and non-conventional energy to enhance productivity.

• Encourage R&D in production technologies.

• Use of renewable and non-conventional energy to enhance productivity.

• Financial Assistance: Provide grants, subsidies, and technical support to entrepreneurs.

• Quality Assurance: Set and monitor quality standards for Khadi and village industry products.

• Pilot Projects and Studies: Launch experimental projects to solve sector-specific challenges.

World Earth Day 2025

Source: News on Air

Context: World Earth Day 2025 is being celebrated globally on April 22 with the theme “Our Power, Our Planet”.

About World Earth Day 2025:

• What is World Earth Day?

• Earth Day is an annual event dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability awareness. It unites individuals, governments, and organizations to take action for a greener future.

• Earth Day is an annual event dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability awareness.

• It unites individuals, governments, and organizations to take action for a greener future.

• Started In: First celebrated on April 22, 1970, after being proposed at the UNESCO Conference in 1969.

• Theme for 2025:

• “Our Power, Our Planet” Focuses on the urgency to triple renewable energy generation by 2030. Emphasizes global collaboration to move away from fossil fuels and invest in solar, wind, hydro, tidal, and geothermal energy.

• “Our Power, Our Planet”

• Focuses on the urgency to triple renewable energy generation by 2030.

• Emphasizes global collaboration to move away from fossil fuels and invest in solar, wind, hydro, tidal, and geothermal energy.

• Significance:

• Global Participation: Over 1 billion people in 192 countries actively take part each year. Awareness and Action: Inspires tree planting, water conservation, cleanups, sustainable business promotion, and eco-friendly living. Policy Impact: Drives conversations around climate policy reforms and green energy initiatives. Environmental Stewardship: Strengthens community spirit towards preserving natural biodiversity and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

• Global Participation: Over 1 billion people in 192 countries actively take part each year.

• Awareness and Action: Inspires tree planting, water conservation, cleanups, sustainable business promotion, and eco-friendly living.

• Policy Impact: Drives conversations around climate policy reforms and green energy initiatives.

• Environmental Stewardship: Strengthens community spirit towards preserving natural biodiversity and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.

Kokborok Language

Source: NDTV

Context: An indigenous literary body from Tripura has urged the state government to seek constitutional recognition of Kokborok language by including it in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

About Kokborok Language:

• What is Kokborok? Kokborok is the native language of the Borok (Tripuri) people, belonging to the Tibeto-Burmese linguistic family. It holds cultural and historical significance among Tripura’s indigenous communities.

• Kokborok is the native language of the Borok (Tripuri) people, belonging to the Tibeto-Burmese linguistic family.

• It holds cultural and historical significance among Tripura’s indigenous communities.

• State Found: Predominantly spoken in Tripura, it is also used in parts of Assam, Mizoram.

• History of Language: Officially recognized as a state language of Tripura on January 19, 1979. Declared an official language of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) on April 20, 1999. Historically used Bengali script, but recent movements advocate for the Roman script for better accessibility.

• Officially recognized as a state language of Tripura on January 19, 1979.

• Declared an official language of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) on April 20, 1999.

• Historically used Bengali script, but recent movements advocate for the Roman script for better accessibility.

About the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution:

• What is the Eighth Schedule? The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India lists the languages recognized by the Constitution for official purposes. Constitutional references: Article 344(1) and Article 351.

• The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India lists the languages recognized by the Constitution for official purposes.

• Constitutional references: Article 344(1) and Article 351.

• Languages Included: Currently contains 22 languages, including Hindi, Bengali, Assamese, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, and Bodo​.

• History: Originally, 14 languages were included at the time of adoption in 1950. Later additions: Sindhi (1967) Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali (1992) Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali (2004). Benefits of Inclusion: Constitutional recognition at the national level. Enhanced government support for language promotion and preservation. Eligibility for official use in exams like UPSC and public administration. Boosts cultural pride, literary development, and language education.

• Originally, 14 languages were included at the time of adoption in 1950.

• Later additions: Sindhi (1967) Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali (1992) Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali (2004).

• Sindhi (1967)

• Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali (1992)

• Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, Santhali (2004).

• Benefits of Inclusion: Constitutional recognition at the national level. Enhanced government support for language promotion and preservation. Eligibility for official use in exams like UPSC and public administration. Boosts cultural pride, literary development, and language education.

• Constitutional recognition at the national level.

• Enhanced government support for language promotion and preservation.

• Eligibility for official use in exams like UPSC and public administration.

• Boosts cultural pride, literary development, and language education.

Moonlight Solar Panel Technology

Source: TT

Context: Stanford University researchers have developed an innovative moonlight solar panel technology that allows electricity generation even at night, during rain, and under overcast skies.

About Moonlight Solar Panels Technology:

• What it is? A new technology that enables solar panels to generate electricity during nighttime and under low-light conditions.

• A new technology that enables solar panels to generate electricity during nighttime and under low-light conditions.

• How It Works? Utilizes radiative cooling, a natural process where heat radiates from the Earth’s surface into space, especially on clear nights. Thermoelectric generators are attached to modified solar panels to capture the heat dissipating from the panels and convert it into electricity. This method taps the temperature difference between the panel and the surrounding air to produce energy.

• Utilizes radiative cooling, a natural process where heat radiates from the Earth’s surface into space, especially on clear nights.

• Thermoelectric generators are attached to modified solar panels to capture the heat dissipating from the panels and convert it into electricity.

• This method taps the temperature difference between the panel and the surrounding air to produce energy.

• Key Features: Generates about 50 milliwatts per square meter at night (compared to 200 watts per square meter during the day by traditional panels). Can power small devices like LEDs, environmental sensors, and IoT gadgets. Retrofit-friendly: Can be integrated into existing solar panel installations without the need for complete replacement.

• Generates about 50 milliwatts per square meter at night (compared to 200 watts per square meter during the day by traditional panels).

• Can power small devices like LEDs, environmental sensors, and IoT gadgets.

• Retrofit-friendly: Can be integrated into existing solar panel installations without the need for complete replacement.

• Significance: Bridges nighttime energy gaps, reducing reliance on batteries for storage. Eco-friendly alternative to battery usage, minimizing pollution from battery production and disposal. Enhances renewable energy reliability, especially in off-grid or low-sunlight Opens avenues for low-cost, sustainable energy solutions in remote and disaster-prone areas. Represents a significant step towards continuous, clean energy generation and addresses one of solar technology’s biggest limitations.

• Bridges nighttime energy gaps, reducing reliance on batteries for storage.

• Eco-friendly alternative to battery usage, minimizing pollution from battery production and disposal.

• Enhances renewable energy reliability, especially in off-grid or low-sunlight

• Opens avenues for low-cost, sustainable energy solutions in remote and disaster-prone areas.

• Represents a significant step towards continuous, clean energy generation and addresses one of solar technology’s biggest limitations.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –22 April 2025 Mapping:

Botswana

Source: ToI

Context: Jwaneng Diamond Mine in Botswana, known as the “Prince of Mines,” recorded a historic production of 13.3 million carats in 2023, reinforcing Botswana’s status as a leading diamond producer globally.

Recent Developments in Botswana’s Mining Sector:

• Jwaneng Diamond Mine Expansion: The Cut-9 Project aims to extend the mine’s operational life to 2035, with an expected output of 53 million additional carats.

• Technological Advancements: Jwaneng uses cutting-edge techniques like X-ray fluorescence and laser sorting in its Completely Automated Recovery Plant (CARP) and Fully Integrated Sort House (FISH).

About Botswana:

• Landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

• Capital: Gaborone.

• Neighbouring Nations: Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

• Geological Features:

• Major Rivers: Okavango River (north), Chobe River (north), Limpopo River (east).

• Key Terrain: Sandveld (deep Kalahari sand cover) dominates most of Botswana. Hardveld (rocky hill areas) in the east.

• Sandveld (deep Kalahari sand cover) dominates most of Botswana.

• Hardveld (rocky hill areas) in the east.

• Mountains and Highlands: Hills north of Lobatse at 1,490 meters are the highest point.

• Natural Resources: Diamonds (world’s top producer by value), copper, nickel, soda ash, and coal.

• Unique Features: Okavango Delta—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland deltas. Makgadikgadi Pans—vast salt flats and ancient lake beds.

• Okavango Delta—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland deltas.

• Makgadikgadi Pans—vast salt flats and ancient lake beds.

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary (22 Apr 2025)

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