UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 April 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 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 – 28 April (2025)
• World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Brief 2025
World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Brief 2025
• Political Trilemma and the West
Political Trilemma and the West
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Pandit Chatur Lal
Pandit Chatur Lal
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC)
National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC)
• Similipal National Park
Similipal National Park
• Indian Continental Shelf Claim in Arabian Sea
Indian Continental Shelf Claim in Arabian Sea
• RNA Silencing Technology
RNA Silencing Technology
• 3D Microscope
3D Microscope
• Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme
Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme
Mapping:
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 April 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Brief 2025
Syllabus: Governance and Reports
Source: WB
Context: The World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief acknowledged India’s success in lifting 171 million people out of extreme poverty between 2011-12 and 2022-23.
Summary of World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Brief:
• Purpose: Published twice a year, these briefs track poverty, shared prosperity, and inequality trends in over 100 developing countries.
• India’s Highlights: Extreme poverty (living under $2.15/day) declined from 16.2% (2011-12) to 2.3% (2022-23). Lower-middle-income poverty (living under $3.65/day) fell from 61.8% to 28.1%, lifting 378 million people. Multidimensional poverty declined from 53.8% (2005-06) to 15.5% (2022-23). Inequality reduction: Gini index improved from 28.8 to 25.5. Employment Growth: Urban unemployment dropped to 6.6%, the lowest since 2017-18.
• Extreme poverty (living under $2.15/day) declined from 16.2% (2011-12) to 2.3% (2022-23).
• Lower-middle-income poverty (living under $3.65/day) fell from 61.8% to 28.1%, lifting 378 million people.
• Multidimensional poverty declined from 53.8% (2005-06) to 15.5% (2022-23).
• Inequality reduction: Gini index improved from 28.8 to 25.5.
• Employment Growth: Urban unemployment dropped to 6.6%, the lowest since 2017-18.
Factors Leading to Poverty Decline:
• Welfare Schemes: Programmes like PMAY, MGNREGA, Ujjwala Yojana expanded safety nets (e.g., 11 crore households received LPG under Ujjwala).
• Economic Reforms: GST, Ease of Doing Business reforms accelerated formal sector growth, boosting employment opportunities.
• Access to Essentials: Initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and Jan Dhan Yojana improved healthcare and financial inclusion.
• Rural Development: Increased road connectivity under PMGSY and rural electrification enhanced rural income and access to markets.
• Women Empowerment: Rise in rural female employment and SHG-based entrepreneurship expanded family incomes.
Analysis of Report:
• Positives in Report:
• Broad-Based Gains: Both rural and urban poverty declined significantly, closing the rural-urban gap from 7.7% to 1.7%. Employment Upsurge: Female employment witnessed a notable rise; self-employment surged among rural women. Inclusive Development: States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra contributed heavily to national poverty reduction. Inequality Reduction: Improved Gini index indicates wealth distribution becoming more equitable.
• Broad-Based Gains: Both rural and urban poverty declined significantly, closing the rural-urban gap from 7.7% to 1.7%.
• Employment Upsurge: Female employment witnessed a notable rise; self-employment surged among rural women.
• Inclusive Development: States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra contributed heavily to national poverty reduction.
• Inequality Reduction: Improved Gini index indicates wealth distribution becoming more equitable.
• Negatives in Report:
• Youth Unemployment: Despite overall employment gains, 13.3% youth unemployment remains concerning, reaching 29% among graduates. Informal Employment: Only 23% of non-farm jobs are formal; agriculture still remains largely informal. Gender Disparity: Despite improvements, women’s labour force participation remains at 31%, highlighting persistent inequality. Poverty Pockets: Five populous states still account for 54% of India’s extremely poor in 2022-23.
• Youth Unemployment: Despite overall employment gains, 13.3% youth unemployment remains concerning, reaching 29% among graduates.
• Informal Employment: Only 23% of non-farm jobs are formal; agriculture still remains largely informal.
• Gender Disparity: Despite improvements, women’s labour force participation remains at 31%, highlighting persistent inequality.
• Poverty Pockets: Five populous states still account for 54% of India’s extremely poor in 2022-23.
Way Ahead:
• Skill Development Focus: Massive upskilling and vocational training for youth to address educated unemployment.
• Strengthen Formal Sector: Labour reforms and MSME strengthening can shift employment towards formal, secure jobs.
• Targeted State Interventions: Special poverty eradication missions in high-burden states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
• Promote Rural Non-Farm Economy: Diversifying income sources through rural industries, agri-tech, and services to ensure sustainable rural incomes.
• Address Gender Gap: Policies encouraging women’s workforce participation through safer workplaces and flexible working models.
• Enhance Safety Nets: Strengthening schemes like PM-Kisan and Ayushman Bharat for last-mile delivery and impact.
Conclusion:
India’s achievement in lifting 171 million people out of extreme poverty over a decade is historic and globally significant. The World Bank’s recognition reflects India’s policy-driven approach to inclusive growth. Continued reforms, targeted interventions, and empowering the informal sectors will be key to sustaining this momentum toward a poverty-free India.
• Critically examine whether growing population is the cause of poverty OR poverty is the main cause of population increase in India. (UPSC-2015)
Political Trilemma and the West
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: TH
Context: Recent global trends highlight the growing relevance of Dani Rodrik’s Political Trilemma as Western democracies face a crisis of polarisation, mistrust, and populism.
About the Political Trilemma:
• What it is: Proposed by economist Dani Rodrik in 2000, the Political Trilemma suggests that nations cannot simultaneously maintain national sovereignty, democracy, and deep economic integration (globalisation).
• Components: National Sovereignty: Independent decision-making. Popular Democracy: Mass political participation and accountability. Globalisation: Deep international economic integration.
• National Sovereignty: Independent decision-making.
• Popular Democracy: Mass political participation and accountability.
• Globalisation: Deep international economic integration.
• Features of the Theory:
• Countries can at best achieve only two out of the three goals. Trying to achieve all three leads to systemic tensions and instability. Examples:
• Countries can at best achieve only two out of the three goals.
• Trying to achieve all three leads to systemic tensions and instability.
• Examples:
• EU model sacrifices sovereignty for democracy and globalisation.
• Technocratic regimes sacrifice democracy for sovereignty and globalisation.
• Protectionist economies like China prioritize sovereignty and democracy, limiting globalisation.
Issues Plaguing the West:
• Rising Populism: Leaders like Donald Trump and Viktor Orbán gain support by opposing free trade and immigration.
• Erosion of Trust: Traditional democratic institutions face scepticism, reflected in declining voter turnouts and protests.
E.g., France’s Yellow Vest movement.
• Economic Dislocation: Job losses in traditional industries have widened inequality
E.g., Midwest US deindustrialisation.
• Insular Policies: Withdrawal from global cooperation frameworks like Paris Climate Accord and WHO indicates growing inward focus.
• Polarisation: Societies are increasingly divided along ideological, racial, and economic lines, weakening collective national identity.
Challenges to Political Trilemma and the West:
• Sovereignty vs Globalisation: Nationalist movements seek to reclaim sovereignty at the cost of international cooperation (e.g., Brexit).
• Democracy vs Globalisation: Independent central banks and global financial institutions, like the IMF, sometimes sideline popular will in favour of investor interests
E.g., fiscal reforms in Kenya.
• Democracy vs Sovereignty: Democratic demands often push for welfare spending, but sovereign fiscal constraints block such initiatives, causing public dissatisfaction.
• Technocratic Drift: Excessive reliance on unelected experts in economic policymaking alienates the common populace.
• Social Unrest: Economic dislocation combined with restricted democratic expression risks fuelling further populism and extremism.
Way Ahead:
• Inclusive Globalisation: Policies must ensure that benefits of globalisation are equitably distributed
E.g., retraining programmes for displaced workers.
• Strengthen Democratic Institutions: Restoring trust requires transparent governance, citizen engagement, and institutional accountability.
• Balanced Sovereignty: Strategic participation in international bodies while safeguarding core national interests.
• Innovative Social Contracts: Redesign welfare and labour systems to adapt to technological disruptions and global competition.
• Counter Populism Constructively: Address legitimate grievances without resorting to isolationism or xenophobia.
Conclusion:
Rodrik’s Political Trilemma remains more relevant today than ever before, illustrating the structural tensions in the global order. Navigating between democracy, sovereignty, and globalisation requires delicate balancing and visionary leadership. Without course correction, Western democracies risk deeper division and long-term decline.
• The expansion and strengthening of NATO and a stronger US-Europe strategic partnership works well for India. What is your opinion about this statement? Give reasons and examples to support your answer. (UPSC-2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 April 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Pandit Chatur Lal
Context: The Department of Posts, will release a commemorative stamp to celebrate the centenary year of Pandit Chatur Lal, the first Indian tabla player to popularize Indian percussion music in the West.
About Pandit Chatur Lal:
• Who He Was?
• Pandit Chatur Lal (1925–1965) was a pioneering tabla maestro, born in Udaipur, from a family of musicians.
• Pandit Chatur Lal (1925–1965) was a pioneering tabla maestro, born in Udaipur, from a family of musicians.
• Legacy and Contributions:
• First Tabla Ambassador Abroad: Introduced tabla to Western audiences during the 1950s, years before it became globally popular. Pioneer in Fusion: Helped bridge Indian classical rhythms with Western music, inspiring later Indo-jazz bands like Shakti. Awards and Recognition: Nominated for the Oscars (1957) for his work in the Canadian short film A Chairy Tale. Honoured with a Special BAFTA Award. Key Associations: Worked closely with legends like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Yehudi Menuhin, earning acclaim for his distinctive, expressive tabla style. Short yet Impactful Life: Passed away at the young age of 40, leaving an enduring legacy in global music history.
• First Tabla Ambassador Abroad: Introduced tabla to Western audiences during the 1950s, years before it became globally popular.
• Pioneer in Fusion: Helped bridge Indian classical rhythms with Western music, inspiring later Indo-jazz bands like Shakti.
• Awards and Recognition: Nominated for the Oscars (1957) for his work in the Canadian short film A Chairy Tale. Honoured with a Special BAFTA Award.
• Nominated for the Oscars (1957) for his work in the Canadian short film A Chairy Tale.
• Honoured with a Special BAFTA Award.
• Key Associations: Worked closely with legends like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Yehudi Menuhin, earning acclaim for his distinctive, expressive tabla style.
• Short yet Impactful Life: Passed away at the young age of 40, leaving an enduring legacy in global music history.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 1 (Indian Heritage and Culture): Contribution of Indian artists in the global spread of Indian classical music. Evolution of Indian music traditions and cultural diplomacy.
• Contribution of Indian artists in the global spread of Indian classical music.
• Evolution of Indian music traditions and cultural diplomacy.
• GS Paper 2 (International Relations): Role of Indian soft power through cultural ambassadors like Pandit Chatur Lal.
• Role of Indian soft power through cultural ambassadors like Pandit Chatur Lal.
• Essay Paper: Topics on “Culture as a pillar of India’s global identity” or “Music as a bridge between civilizations”.
• Topics on “Culture as a pillar of India’s global identity” or “Music as a bridge between civilizations”.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 April Facts for Prelims (FFP)
National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC)
Source: PIB
Context: The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) was honoured with the Udyog Vikas Award for its outstanding contribution to developing Greenfield Industrial Smart Cities.
About National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC):
• What it is: NICDC is India’s premier government body for planning, developing, and implementing industrial corridors and smart cities to boost manufacturing and logistics.
• Established in: 2007, initially under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (DMICDC) and later expanded as NICDC.
• Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
• Objectives: Develop futuristic industrial cities integrated with smart technologies. Create globally competitive manufacturing hubs. Foster industrial investments, innovation, and regional economic growth. Support India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse.
• Develop futuristic industrial cities integrated with smart technologies.
• Create globally competitive manufacturing hubs.
• Foster industrial investments, innovation, and regional economic growth.
• Support India’s vision of becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse.
• Functions: Develop and manage industrial corridors like Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor and Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. Coordinate infrastructure planning—transport, logistics, utilities, and IT—across sectors. Implement multimodal connectivity to enhance access and reduce logistics costs. Facilitate public-private partnerships (PPP) for faster project execution. Act as a catalyst for employment generation and socio-economic development
• Develop and manage industrial corridors like Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor and Bengaluru-Mumbai Industrial Corridor.
• Coordinate infrastructure planning—transport, logistics, utilities, and IT—across sectors.
• Implement multimodal connectivity to enhance access and reduce logistics costs.
• Facilitate public-private partnerships (PPP) for faster project execution.
• Act as a catalyst for employment generation and socio-economic development
Similipal National Park
Source: NIE
Context: The Odisha government has officially notified Similipal Tiger Reserve as a National Park, making it the 107th national park in India and the second national park of Odisha after Bhitarkanika.
About Similipal National Park:
• What it is:
• Similipal National Park is a newly notified protected area carved out of the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha. It spans an area of 845.70 sq. km, making it the largest national park in the state.
• Similipal National Park is a newly notified protected area carved out of the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha.
• It spans an area of 845.70 sq. km, making it the largest national park in the state.
• Located in: Situated in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, in the southeastern part of the Deccan Peninsula.
• Features of the National Park:
• Unique Wildlife: Home to melanistic tigers, over 55 species of mammals, 361 bird species, 62 reptile species, and 21 amphibian species. Rich Flora: Supports more than 1,352 plant species, including 94 species of orchids, some of which are endemic. Diverse Landscapes: Hosts tropical moist deciduous forests, semi-evergreen patches, dry deciduous forests, and extensive grasslands. River Systems: Drained by rivers like Burhabalanga, Palpala, Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi, and Deo.
• Unique Wildlife: Home to melanistic tigers, over 55 species of mammals, 361 bird species, 62 reptile species, and 21 amphibian species.
• Rich Flora: Supports more than 1,352 plant species, including 94 species of orchids, some of which are endemic.
• Diverse Landscapes: Hosts tropical moist deciduous forests, semi-evergreen patches, dry deciduous forests, and extensive grasslands.
• River Systems: Drained by rivers like Burhabalanga, Palpala, Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi, and Deo.
• History of Similipal Tiger Reserve:
• Originally a hunting ground for royalty. Declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973. Recognized as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1979 and proposed as a National Park in 1980. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009. Part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, including Hadgarh and Kuldiha sanctuaries.
• Originally a hunting ground for royalty.
• Declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973.
• Recognized as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1979 and proposed as a National Park in 1980.
• Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009.
• Part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, including Hadgarh and Kuldiha sanctuaries.
• Importance and Significance: Ecological Significance: Vital for preserving the genetic lineage of the world’s only wild melanistic tigers. Conservation Legacy: Strengthens India’s biodiversity conservation and tiger protection efforts. Socio-Economic Upliftment: Promotes tribal welfare and eco-tourism, supporting communities like the Kolha, Santhala, and Mankadia tribes. Strategic Biodiversity Hotspot: Acts as a crucial corridor connecting Eastern Ghats and Sub-Himalayan ecosystems.
• Ecological Significance: Vital for preserving the genetic lineage of the world’s only wild melanistic tigers.
• Conservation Legacy: Strengthens India’s biodiversity conservation and tiger protection efforts.
• Socio-Economic Upliftment: Promotes tribal welfare and eco-tourism, supporting communities like the Kolha, Santhala, and Mankadia tribes.
• Strategic Biodiversity Hotspot: Acts as a crucial corridor connecting Eastern Ghats and Sub-Himalayan ecosystems.
Indian Continental Shelf Claim in Arabian Sea
Source: TH
Context: India has expanded its continental shelf claim in the Arabian Sea by nearly 10,000 square km, modifying earlier submissions to the UN to sidestep maritime disputes with Pakistan.
About Indian Continental Shelf Claim in Arabian Sea:
• What is Continental Shelf?
• The continental shelf is the extended submerged border of a continent, offering rights over seabed resources beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Coastal nations can claim beyond 200 nautical miles, based on scientific proof of natural prolongation.
• The continental shelf is the extended submerged border of a continent, offering rights over seabed resources beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• Coastal nations can claim beyond 200 nautical miles, based on scientific proof of natural prolongation.
• What India is Claiming?
• India has sought recognition for an additional 10,000 sq. km in the central Arabian Sea. It supplements India’s original 2009 submission with partial claims to avoid the Sir Creek dispute with Pakistan.
• India has sought recognition for an additional 10,000 sq. km in the central Arabian Sea.
• It supplements India’s original 2009 submission with partial claims to avoid the Sir Creek dispute with Pakistan.
• Organization Involved: Submission is made to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• Significance:
• If accepted, India’s extended continental shelf would add 1.2 million sq. km, almost matching India’s landmass (3.274 million sq. km). Unlocks potential mining rights for minerals, oil, and polymetallic nodules. Strengthens India’s maritime security, energy security, and blue economy ambitions. Avoids geopolitical complications with Pakistan while maintaining negotiation options for overlapping claims.
• If accepted, India’s extended continental shelf would add 1.2 million sq. km, almost matching India’s landmass (3.274 million sq. km).
• Unlocks potential mining rights for minerals, oil, and polymetallic nodules.
• Strengthens India’s maritime security, energy security, and blue economy ambitions.
• Avoids geopolitical complications with Pakistan while maintaining negotiation options for overlapping claims.
About Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS):
• What it is? A specialized body under UNCLOS facilitating legal establishment of a country’s outer continental shelf limits beyond 200 nautical miles.
• Headquarters: Based at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA.
• Established in: 1997, following UNCLOS guidelines. In 1964, the Convention on the Continental Shelf came into force.
• In 1964, the Convention on the Continental Shelf came into force.
• Aim: To assist coastal States in defining the outer boundaries of their continental shelf based on scientific and technical data.
• Functions: Examine Data: Review submissions by coastal states regarding seabed extension. Make Recommendations: Advise whether submitted areas qualify under Support Technical Preparation: Provide scientific consultation during claim development if requested. Non-Prejudicial to Boundary Disputes: CLCS recommendations do not settle maritime boundary conflicts between neighbouring states.
• Examine Data: Review submissions by coastal states regarding seabed extension.
• Make Recommendations: Advise whether submitted areas qualify under
• Support Technical Preparation: Provide scientific consultation during claim development if requested.
• Non-Prejudicial to Boundary Disputes: CLCS recommendations do not settle maritime boundary conflicts between neighbouring states.
RNA Silencing Technology
Source: TH
Context: Researchers at Martin Luther University, have developed a highly effective RNA-based antiviral agent against cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), offering strong defence for crops.
About Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV):
• What It Is: CMV is a widespread and devastating plant virus affecting over 1,200 plant species including food and medicinal crops.
• Caused By: Transmitted primarily by sap-sucking aphids; nearly 90 species of aphids can spread CMV.
• Impact on Plants: Causes mosaic discoloration, stunted growth, malformed fruits, and severe yield loss (up to 70% in cucurbits).
• India and CMV: In India, CMV causes 25–30% banana crop loss and up to 70% infection in pumpkins, melons, and cucumbers.
About RNA Silencing Technology:
• What It Is?
• RNA silencing is a natural immune mechanism in plants where double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) triggers the production of small interfering RNAs (siRNA) to degrade viral RNA and stop infection.
• RNA silencing is a natural immune mechanism in plants where double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) triggers the production of small interfering RNAs (siRNA) to degrade viral RNA and stop infection.
• How It Works? When a virus infects a plant, it releases double-stranded RNA. The plant detects this as a danger signal. Special enzymes called Dicer-like enzymes then cut the dsRNA into small pieces called siRNA. These siRNAs help the plant identify and destroy the virus’s RNA.
• When a virus infects a plant, it releases double-stranded RNA. The plant detects this as a danger signal.
• Special enzymes called Dicer-like enzymes then cut the dsRNA into small pieces called siRNA.
• These siRNAs help the plant identify and destroy the virus’s RNA.
• Types of RNA-Based Protection:
• Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS): Plants are genetically modified to produce virus-specific dsRNA internally. Offers continuous, lifelong protection but faces regulatory hurdles and higher costs. Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS): External application of dsRNA sprays without genetic modification. More flexible, environment-friendly, and cost-effective.
• Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS): Plants are genetically modified to produce virus-specific dsRNA internally. Offers continuous, lifelong protection but faces regulatory hurdles and higher costs.
• Plants are genetically modified to produce virus-specific dsRNA internally.
• Offers continuous, lifelong protection but faces regulatory hurdles and higher costs.
• Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS): External application of dsRNA sprays without genetic modification. More flexible, environment-friendly, and cost-effective.
• External application of dsRNA sprays without genetic modification.
• More flexible, environment-friendly, and cost-effective.
• RNA Silencing Counters CMV:
• Scientists designed “effective dsRNA” enriched with potent siRNA targeting CMV’s genetic weak points. Enhanced immunity led to 80% lower viral loads and near-complete protection in lab experiments.
• Scientists designed “effective dsRNA” enriched with potent siRNA targeting CMV’s genetic weak points.
• Enhanced immunity led to 80% lower viral loads and near-complete protection in lab experiments.
• Significance:
• Precision targeting of virus genomes prevents viral mutation and resistance. Broader application potential for other viral, fungal, and bacterial plant pathogens. Paves way for eco-friendly, GMO-free crop protection technologies.
• Precision targeting of virus genomes prevents viral mutation and resistance.
• Broader application potential for other viral, fungal, and bacterial plant pathogens.
• Paves way for eco-friendly, GMO-free crop protection technologies.
3D Microscope
Source: TP
Context: The Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi, used a 3D microscope for the first time in India for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.
About Microscope:
• What It Is?
• A microscope is an instrument used to magnify small objects, enabling visualization beyond the naked eye’s limit.
• A microscope is an instrument used to magnify small objects, enabling visualization beyond the naked eye’s limit.
• Science Working Principle:
• Operates by refraction, diffraction, or digital imaging of light or electrons to magnify samples. Lenses or sensors focus light or electrons to create an enlarged image of tiny structures.
• Operates by refraction, diffraction, or digital imaging of light or electrons to magnify samples.
• Lenses or sensors focus light or electrons to create an enlarged image of tiny structures.
• Types:
• Optical Microscope: Uses visible light and glass lenses. Electron Microscope: Uses beams of electrons (e.g., TEM, SEM). Digital Microscope: Captures and displays digital images. 3D Microscope: Provides three-dimensional visualization across different depths.
• Optical Microscope: Uses visible light and glass lenses.
• Electron Microscope: Uses beams of electrons (e.g., TEM, SEM).
• Digital Microscope: Captures and displays digital images.
• 3D Microscope: Provides three-dimensional visualization across different depths.
About 3D Microscope:
• What It Is?
• A 3D digital microscope captures multiple focal planes, creating a three-dimensional, high-resolution image of the sample.
• A 3D digital microscope captures multiple focal planes, creating a three-dimensional, high-resolution image of the sample.
• How It Works:
• Utilizes special 3D polarisation glasses and a 55-inch 4K Ultra-HD display. Scans several focal layers to reconstruct a detailed, spatial 3D model. Reduces light exposure needs, thus minimizing photo-toxicity during surgeries.
• Utilizes special 3D polarisation glasses and a 55-inch 4K Ultra-HD display.
• Scans several focal layers to reconstruct a detailed, spatial 3D model.
• Reduces light exposure needs, thus minimizing photo-toxicity during surgeries.
• Features:
• Enhanced precision: Improved visibility across tissue layers. Lower complication rates: Reduces surgical errors and operating time. Surgeon satisfaction: High comfort during complex or uncommon procedures. Eco-friendly: Less power usage and lower patient photo-exposure risks.
• Enhanced precision: Improved visibility across tissue layers.
• Lower complication rates: Reduces surgical errors and operating time.
• Surgeon satisfaction: High comfort during complex or uncommon procedures.
• Eco-friendly: Less power usage and lower patient photo-exposure risks.
Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme
Source: ET
Context: Union Minister for Electronics & IT launched the guidelines and online portal for the Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS).
• Bengaluru-based Sarvam AI was selected to build India’s first indigenous AI foundational model under the IndiaAI Mission.
About Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS):
• What It Is?
• ECMS is India’s first dedicated Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme focused specifically on boosting electronics components manufacturing. It aims to strengthen India’s role in the global electronics supply chain by enhancing domestic capabilities.
• ECMS is India’s first dedicated Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme focused specifically on boosting electronics components manufacturing.
• It aims to strengthen India’s role in the global electronics supply chain by enhancing domestic capabilities.
• Ministry Involved: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Budget: ₹22,919 crore outlay.
• Tenure: 6 years (FY 2025-26 to FY 2031-32) with 1-year gestation period.
• Objective
• To attract global and domestic investments in electronics component manufacturing. To increase Domestic Value Addition (DVA) and integrate Indian industries into Global Value Chains (GVCs). To create 91,600+ direct jobs and contribute to India’s $500 billion electronics production target by 2030.
• To attract global and domestic investments in electronics component manufacturing.
• To increase Domestic Value Addition (DVA) and integrate Indian industries into Global Value Chains (GVCs).
• To create 91,600+ direct jobs and contribute to India’s $500 billion electronics production target by 2030.
• Key Features: Incentive Structures: Turnover-linked incentives based on revenue generated. Capex-linked incentives for investment in plants and machinery. Hybrid model combining both turnover and capex incentives. Employment Linkage: Incentives directly tied to job creation. Target Segments: Sub-assemblies (e.g., display and camera modules). Bare components (e.g., multilayer PCBs, Li-ion cells). Capital equipment and supply chain ecosystems. Ease of Doing Business: Simple, transparent guidelines and a first-come, first-served application approach. Focus on Quality: Companies must meet Six Sigma quality standards and establish domestic design teams.
• Incentive Structures: Turnover-linked incentives based on revenue generated. Capex-linked incentives for investment in plants and machinery. Hybrid model combining both turnover and capex incentives.
• Turnover-linked incentives based on revenue generated.
• Capex-linked incentives for investment in plants and machinery.
• Hybrid model combining both turnover and capex incentives.
• Employment Linkage: Incentives directly tied to job creation.
• Target Segments: Sub-assemblies (e.g., display and camera modules). Bare components (e.g., multilayer PCBs, Li-ion cells). Capital equipment and supply chain ecosystems.
• Sub-assemblies (e.g., display and camera modules).
• Bare components (e.g., multilayer PCBs, Li-ion cells).
• Capital equipment and supply chain ecosystems.
• Ease of Doing Business: Simple, transparent guidelines and a first-come, first-served application approach.
• Focus on Quality: Companies must meet Six Sigma quality standards and establish domestic design teams.
About Sarvam AI:
• What It Is?
• Sarvam AI is a Bengaluru-based startup focused on developing indigenous artificial intelligence models for India.
• Sarvam AI is a Bengaluru-based startup focused on developing indigenous artificial intelligence models for India.
• Aim: To build India’s first indigenous AI foundational model, strengthening national capabilities in AI innovation under the IndiaAI Mission.
• Features:
• Specializes in large language models and transformative AI technologies tailored to Indian languages and societal needs. Will enable sovereign AI capacity, reducing dependency on global tech giants.
• Specializes in large language models and transformative AI technologies tailored to Indian languages and societal needs.
• Will enable sovereign AI capacity, reducing dependency on global tech giants.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –28 April 2025 Mapping:
Source: DD News
Context: A suspected chemical blast at Iran’s Bandar Abbas Port killed at least 18 people and injured over 700, triggering concerns about industrial safety in Iran.
About Bandar Abbas Port:
• What it is: Bandar Abbas is Iran’s largest and most significant port, located near the vital Strait of Hormuz.
• Key Features:
• Home to Shahid Rajaee Port, the biggest container terminal of Iran.
• Connected to Iran’s national rail and road networks, offering logistical access across the region.
About Iran:
• Located in: Southwestern Asia, bordered by multiple land and maritime neighbors.
• Capital: Tehran.
• Neighbouring Nations: Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Caspian Sea, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Iraq, Turkey.
• Geological Features:
• Deserts: Dasht-e Kavir (Great Salt Desert) and Dasht-e Lut, among the hottest and driest deserts globally.
• Mountain Ranges: Zagros Mountains: Barrier between Mesopotamia and Iran’s plateau. Elburz Mountains: Home to Mount Damavand (highest peak, 5,671 meters).
• Zagros Mountains: Barrier between Mesopotamia and Iran’s plateau.
• Elburz Mountains: Home to Mount Damavand (highest peak, 5,671 meters).
• Major Rivers: Karun River (navigable, south to Persian Gulf). Sefid River (north, into Caspian Sea). Zayandeh River (central Iran, seasonal flow).
• Karun River (navigable, south to Persian Gulf).
• Sefid River (north, into Caspian Sea).
• Zayandeh River (central Iran, seasonal flow).
• Strategic Location: Controls key access to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which 20% of global oil trade passes. Central to energy, trade, and geopolitical equations in West Asia.
• Controls key access to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which 20% of global oil trade passes.
• Central to energy, trade, and geopolitical equations in West Asia.
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary (28 Apr 2025)
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