UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 April 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 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 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 April (2025)
• Evolution of Monsoon Forecasting in India
Evolution of Monsoon Forecasting in India
GS Paper 3:
• India’s Waste Management Crisis
India’s Waste Management Crisis
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• The Torchbearer of Togalu Gombeyaata – Bhimavva Shillekyathara
The Torchbearer of Togalu Gombeyaata – Bhimavva Shillekyathara
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI)
Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI)
• Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles
Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles
• Appointment of Chief Justice of India
Appointment of Chief Justice of India
• Project Kuiper: Satellite-Internet Constellation
Project Kuiper: Satellite-Internet Constellation
• Raghuji Bhosale I
Raghuji Bhosale I
• Special 301 Report
Special 301 Report
Mapping:
• Bandhavgarh National Park
Bandhavgarh National Park
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 April 2025
#### GS Paper 1 :
Evolution of Monsoon Forecasting in India
Syllabus: Geography
Source: IE
Context: The IMD has predicted an ‘above normal’ monsoon for 2025, at 105% of the Long Period Average (LPA).
• This highlights the progress made in monsoon forecasting models, especially dynamic and ensemble-based systems like MMCFS and MME.
About Evolution of Monsoon Forecasting in India:
• What is Weather Forecasting?
• Weather forecasting is the scientific estimation of atmospheric conditions (e.g., rainfall, temperature, humidity) at a specific location and time using observational data and mathematical models.
• Weather forecasting is the scientific estimation of atmospheric conditions (e.g., rainfall, temperature, humidity) at a specific location and time using observational data and mathematical models.
• Types of Forecasts:
• Nowcasting (0–6 hrs): Provides ultra-short-term weather updates using real-time data from radars and satellites. Short-range (1–3 days): Useful for agriculture and planning; relies on numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. Medium-range (4–10 days): Uses dynamic models to simulate atmospheric conditions; forecasts moderate-term patterns. Long-range (10 days–2 years): Focuses on seasonal trends like monsoon; involves ocean-atmosphere interactions. Ensemble Forecasting: Combines multiple models and parameters to offer more reliable and probabilistic forecasts.
• Nowcasting (0–6 hrs): Provides ultra-short-term weather updates using real-time data from radars and satellites.
• Short-range (1–3 days): Useful for agriculture and planning; relies on numerical weather prediction (NWP) models.
• Medium-range (4–10 days): Uses dynamic models to simulate atmospheric conditions; forecasts moderate-term patterns.
• Long-range (10 days–2 years): Focuses on seasonal trends like monsoon; involves ocean-atmosphere interactions.
• Ensemble Forecasting: Combines multiple models and parameters to offer more reliable and probabilistic forecasts.
About Evolution of Monsoon Forecasting in India:
• Pre-Independence Era:
• 1875 – IMD Established: Founded after the 1876 famine to monitor weather and predict monsoons scientifically. Henry Blanford (1882–85): Linked Himalayan snow cover to monsoon strength; laid early forecasting foundation. Sir John Eliot (1889): Added Ocean and Australian conditions; began regional forecasts based on April-May indicators. Sir Gilbert Walker (1904): Introduced 28 global predictors and statistical correlations to forecast monsoon patterns.
• 1875 – IMD Established: Founded after the 1876 famine to monitor weather and predict monsoons scientifically.
• Henry Blanford (1882–85): Linked Himalayan snow cover to monsoon strength; laid early forecasting foundation.
• Sir John Eliot (1889): Added Ocean and Australian conditions; began regional forecasts based on April-May indicators.
• Sir Gilbert Walker (1904): Introduced 28 global predictors and statistical correlations to forecast monsoon patterns.
• Post-Independence Era
• 1947–1987 – Walker Model Continued: IMD retained statistical models with high errors due to outdated predictors. 1988 – Gowariker Model: Used 16 climatic variables in a power regression model for seasonal monsoon prediction. 2003 – Parameter Reduction: Introduced two simpler models and two-stage forecasts to enhance accuracy. 2007 – SEFS Launched: Developed a five-parameter (April) and six-parameter (June) model to prevent overfitting.
• 1947–1987 – Walker Model Continued: IMD retained statistical models with high errors due to outdated predictors.
• 1988 – Gowariker Model: Used 16 climatic variables in a power regression model for seasonal monsoon prediction.
• 2003 – Parameter Reduction: Introduced two simpler models and two-stage forecasts to enhance accuracy.
• 2007 – SEFS Launched: Developed a five-parameter (April) and six-parameter (June) model to prevent overfitting.
• Recent Developments:
• 2012 – MMCFS Introduced: Dynamic coupled model combining ocean, land, and atmospheric variables for holistic prediction. 2021 – Multi-Model Ensemble (MME): Integrates forecasts from global climate models to improve monsoon accuracy.
• 2012 – MMCFS Introduced: Dynamic coupled model combining ocean, land, and atmospheric variables for holistic prediction.
• 2021 – Multi-Model Ensemble (MME): Integrates forecasts from global climate models to improve monsoon accuracy.
Limitations of Current Forecasting:
• Model Biases: Systematic errors in simulations lead to regional inaccuracies and underperformance in extreme events.
• Weak Teleconnections: Climate signals like ENSO and IOD are not consistently linked to rainfall outcomes in India.
• Regional Discrepancies: Forecast precision drops at the micro-level, making district-wise prediction unreliable.
• Changing Predictors: Long-used predictors have lost statistical relevance, affecting model reliability.
• Extreme Event Forecasting: Current models still struggle with predicting droughts, floods, or sudden monsoon failures.
Way Ahead:
• Refine Dynamic Models: Improve calibration of MMCFS and MME to reduce structural errors in simulations.
• Integrate AI & ML Tools: Adopt machine learning to refine pattern recognition and climate correlations.
• High-Resolution Modelling: Build district-level models to support local disaster management and agriculture.
• Upgrade Observational Systems: Expand coverage of Doppler radars, buoys, and automatic weather stations (AWS).
• Global Collaboration: Share data and align with international agencies for broader and accurate forecasting.
Conclusion:
The journey of monsoon forecasting in India reflects scientific perseverance and technological evolution. While the IMD has made commendable strides, future accuracy hinges on upgrading models, data assimilation, and global partnerships. Reliable monsoon predictions are not just about climate—they are vital for India’s agriculture, water security, and economic stability.
• Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (UPSC-2022)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 April 2025 GS Paper 3:
India’s Waste Management Crisis
Syllabus: Environment
Source: TH
Context: A new global study in Nature names India as the world’s largest plastic polluter, emitting 9.3 million tonnes annually.
• The Supreme Court’s verdict on Vellore tanneries offers a judicial template—via continuing mandamus—to enforce waste remediation and environmental justice.
About India’s Waste Management Crisis:
What is Waste Management?
• Waste management refers to the collection, segregation, treatment, and disposal of solid, liquid, and plastic waste to prevent environmental degradation.
• Despite claims of 95% national waste collection, Nature (2025) estimates India’s per capita plastic waste generation at 0.54 kg/day, far exceeding official estimates of 0.12 kg/day—indicating underreported rural waste and informal sector exclusion.
Initiatives for Waste Management in India:
• Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016–2024): These progressive rules introduced segregation at source, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and bans on specific single-use plastic items to minimize generation and improve accountability.
• Mandatory Jute Packaging Act, 2010: Enforces eco-friendly jute packaging for key commodities to reduce dependency on plastic and combat pollution from artificial packaging.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework: Applies to producers, importers, and brand owners, mandating collection, recycling, and reuse targets with environmental compensation for non-compliance.
• Decentralized Waste Governance: The responsibility for waste management extended to Gram Panchayats, emphasizing local-level accountability and rural waste coverage.
Key Issues in India’s Waste Management System:
• Data Inaccuracy: Official waste statistics exclude rural areas, open burning, and the informal sector. No uniform waste audit methodology or third-party validation exists.
• No uniform waste audit methodology or third-party validation exists.
• Lack of Infrastructure: Most areas rely on dumpsites; sanitary landfills are outnumbered 10:1. No mandatory geotagging or universal linkage to MRFs, recyclers, or EPR kiosks.
• No mandatory geotagging or universal linkage to MRFs, recyclers, or EPR kiosks.
• Urban-Rural Divide: Rural regions, under panchayati raj institutions, remain outside formal collection systems, worsening the problem.
• Weak Implementation of EPR: While PIBOs have obligations, on-ground infrastructure for collection, segregation, and deposit remains patchy.
• Non-Compliance Culture: SC noted that laws exist but remain on paper, with schemes failing due to absence of timely enforcement.
Way Forward
• Adopt ‘Continuing Mandamus’ Judicial Oversight: Like in the Vellore tanneries case (2024), courts must ensure time-bound compliance through regular updates and reporting.
• Strengthen Data Systems: Mandate waste audits, third-party verification, and real-time public data dashboards for transparency.
• Mandatory Infrastructure Mapping: All urban and rural local bodies must be linked to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and sanitary landfills.
• Decentralised EPR Execution: Set up EPR kiosks at the local level, manned by PIBOs, to ensure accessible and scalable plastic recovery.
• Government Pay Principle: As per SC, the State must compensate victims, recover costs from polluters, and initiate ecological restoration promptly.
• Leverage Technology: Use AI, GIS-based tracking, and geotagged waste maps for real-time monitoring and compliance.
Conclusion:
India’s waste crisis reflects not just a failure in policy, but in enforcement, monitoring, and equity. The judiciary’s intervention through continuing mandamus and the polluter pays principle is essential for accountability. For sustainable development, environmental compliance must be people-centric, data-driven, and time-bound.
• What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC-2018)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 April 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
The Torchbearer of Togalu Gombeyaata – Bhimavva Shillekyathara
Anecdote: At 96 years of age, Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara, a humble puppeteer from Moranala village in Koppal, Karnataka, stands as a living legend of India’s folk theatre traditions. For over seven decades, she has devoted her life to the preservation and performance of Togalu Gombeyaata, a traditional form of leather shadow puppetry unique to Karnataka. Born into a family that has safeguarded this art for more than a century, Bhimavva mesmerized rural audiences with epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, not on grand stages but on simple backlit cloth screens, where shadows danced and stories came alive. Her artistic journey was not just performance—it was preservation. Amidst declining interest in folk arts, she remained undeterred, mentoring children and youth, keeping alive the pulse of a vanishing tradition. In 2025, her efforts were nationally recognized when she was conferred the Padma Shri. Her name now stands beside other Indian stalwarts of cultural preservation, reminding the nation of the silent warriors who serve culture without applause but with immense integrity.
Relevance in UPSC Examination:
• GS Paper 1 – Indian Heritage and Culture
• Art Forms: Togalu Gombeyaata is a classic example of folk and tribal theatre relevant under performing arts. Cultural Preservation: Bhimavva’s life exemplifies grassroots custodianship of intangible cultural heritage. Role of Women in Culture: Her legacy supports topics on women in Indian society and their contribution to cultural continuity.
• Art Forms: Togalu Gombeyaata is a classic example of folk and tribal theatre relevant under performing arts.
• Cultural Preservation: Bhimavva’s life exemplifies grassroots custodianship of intangible cultural heritage.
• Role of Women in Culture: Her legacy supports topics on women in Indian society and their contribution to cultural continuity.
• Essay Paper
• Topics like “Preserving Our Cultural Heritage”, “Women and Folk Traditions”, or “Unsung Heroes of India’s Cultural Revival” can be enriched with her anecdote.
• Topics like “Preserving Our Cultural Heritage”, “Women and Folk Traditions”, or “Unsung Heroes of India’s Cultural Revival” can be enriched with her anecdote.
• Ethics Paper (GS-4)
• Her dedication reflects values of perseverance, commitment to public good, and legacy-building, suitable for case study citations or value-based answers.
• Her dedication reflects values of perseverance, commitment to public good, and legacy-building, suitable for case study citations or value-based answers.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 April Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI)
Source: NIE
Context: India signed agreements to supply 4.12 lakh tonnes of green hydrogen derivatives to Japan and Singapore. Simultaneously, it launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) to ensure credible and transparent green hydrogen production.
About Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI):
• What is GHCI? GHCI is India’s first certification framework to verify that hydrogen is produced exclusively using renewable energy, ensuring its recognition as “green”.
• GHCI is India’s first certification framework to verify that hydrogen is produced exclusively using renewable energy, ensuring its recognition as “green”.
• Launched by: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
• Nodal Agency: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
• Supported by: National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Certification Body: Accredited Carbon Verification (ACV) Agencies
• Operational Year: Evaluation cycle set for each financial year
• Objectives:
• Certify truly green hydrogen based on emissions intensity. Promote traceability, transparency, and market credibility. Align with India’s commitment of 5 MMT green hydrogen production by 2030. Integrate with India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (2026).
• Certify truly green hydrogen based on emissions intensity.
• Promote traceability, transparency, and market credibility.
• Align with India’s commitment of 5 MMT green hydrogen production by 2030.
• Integrate with India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (2026).
• Key Features:
• Scope: Project-level certification up to hydrogen purification (excludes transport & storage). Eligibility: Electrolysis & biomass conversion but new pathways can be added upon BEE approval. Monitoring: Mandates annual third-party verification and data logged via Green Hydrogen Portal. GHG Metric: Measured in kg CO₂ equivalent per kg H₂. Guarantee of Origin (GO): Ensures legitimacy of green hydrogen claims. Compliance: Mandatory for all domestic producers; exempt for export-only units.
• Scope: Project-level certification up to hydrogen purification (excludes transport & storage).
• Eligibility: Electrolysis & biomass conversion but new pathways can be added upon BEE approval.
• Monitoring: Mandates annual third-party verification and data logged via Green Hydrogen Portal.
• GHG Metric: Measured in kg CO₂ equivalent per kg H₂.
• Guarantee of Origin (GO): Ensures legitimacy of green hydrogen claims.
• Compliance: Mandatory for all domestic producers; exempt for export-only units.
• Significance:
• Boosts India’s global hydrogen exports with credibility. Attracts investments by defining clear market standards. Strengthens India’s leadership in green energy and reduces dependency on fossil fuels. Facilitates carbon trading through verifiable clean hydrogen production.
• Boosts India’s global hydrogen exports with credibility.
• Attracts investments by defining clear market standards.
• Strengthens India’s leadership in green energy and reduces dependency on fossil fuels.
• Facilitates carbon trading through verifiable clean hydrogen production.
Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles
Source: PIB
Context: After 30 years, 20 critically endangered Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles (Batagur kachuga) were successfully reintroduced into the Ganga River under the Namami Gange Mission, marking a key biodiversity milestone.
About Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles (*Batagur kachuga*):
• Scientific Name: Batagur kachuga
• Native Range:
• Countries: India, Nepal, Bangladesh Rivers: Ganga, Brahmaputra (historical); Chambal (current viable habitat)
• Countries: India, Nepal, Bangladesh
• Rivers: Ganga, Brahmaputra (historical); Chambal (current viable habitat)
• Protection Status:
• IUCN (Global): Critically Endangered Indian Wildlife Act: Schedule I (Highest Protection) CITES (International Trade): Appendix I (Banned)
• IUCN (Global): Critically Endangered
• Indian Wildlife Act: Schedule I (Highest Protection)
• CITES (International Trade): Appendix I (Banned)
• Key Features:
• Size: Females grow up to 56 cm (about 2 feet) long and weigh 25 kg (55 lbs), while males are half as small, making them much lighter. Shell: Their hard, ridged shell helps them swim in strong currents, and young turtles have angled undersides (plastron) for protection. Snout: They have a short, slightly pointed snout, which helps them breathe while staying mostly underwater. Colours: During breeding season, males develop bright red, yellow, and blue streaks on their necks to attract females.
• Size: Females grow up to 56 cm (about 2 feet) long and weigh 25 kg (55 lbs), while males are half as small, making them much lighter.
• Shell: Their hard, ridged shell helps them swim in strong currents, and young turtles have angled undersides (plastron) for protection.
• Snout: They have a short, slightly pointed snout, which helps them breathe while staying mostly underwater.
• Colours: During breeding season, males develop bright red, yellow, and blue streaks on their necks to attract females.
• Behaviour & Habitat:
• Home: They live in deep, fast-flowing rivers and need sandy beaches or sandbars to lay their eggs. Food: They are strict herbivores, feeding only on aquatic plants and algae. Breeding Season: They mate and nest between March and April, when temperatures are warm. Eggs: Females dig nests in sand and lay 11 to 30 eggs per clutch, which hatch after about 60–70 days.
• Home: They live in deep, fast-flowing rivers and need sandy beaches or sandbars to lay their eggs.
• Food: They are strict herbivores, feeding only on aquatic plants and algae.
• Breeding Season: They mate and nest between March and April, when temperatures are warm.
• Eggs: Females dig nests in sand and lay 11 to 30 eggs per clutch, which hatch after about 60–70 days.
• Threats:
• Habitat Damage: Pollution, dam construction, and excessive water use destroy their river habitats. Nesting Problems: Sand mining and farming on riverbanks ruin nesting sites, leaving no safe place for eggs. Hunting & Trade: They are poached for their meat (considered a delicacy) and shells (used in ornaments), despite being protected by law.
• Habitat Damage: Pollution, dam construction, and excessive water use destroy their river habitats.
• Nesting Problems: Sand mining and farming on riverbanks ruin nesting sites, leaving no safe place for eggs.
• Hunting & Trade: They are poached for their meat (considered a delicacy) and shells (used in ornaments), despite being protected by law.
Appointment of Chief Justice of India
Source: News on Air
Context: Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai has been appointed as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI). He will assume charge on May 14, 2025, succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
About Appointment of Chief Justice of India:
• Constitutional Basis:
• Article 124(2): Empowers the President to appoint the CJI. Article 126: Provides for appointment of an Acting Chief Justice when required.
• Article 124(2): Empowers the President to appoint the CJI.
• Article 126: Provides for appointment of an Acting Chief Justice when required.
• Who Appoints the CJI?
• Appointing Authority: President of India Based on the advice of the Prime Minister after consultation with the outgoing CJI.
• Appointing Authority: President of India Based on the advice of the Prime Minister after consultation with the outgoing CJI.
• Based on the advice of the Prime Minister after consultation with the outgoing CJI.
• Tenure: No fixed term but holds office until the age of 65 years (Article 124(2)).
• Eligibility Criteria:
• Must be a citizen of India, and Must have either: Served as a Judge of a High Court for at least 5 years, or Been an advocate in a High Court for at least 10 years, or In the opinion of the President, be a distinguished jurist.
• Must be a citizen of India, and
• Must have either: Served as a Judge of a High Court for at least 5 years, or Been an advocate in a High Court for at least 10 years, or In the opinion of the President, be a distinguished jurist.
• Served as a Judge of a High Court for at least 5 years, or
• Been an advocate in a High Court for at least 10 years, or
• In the opinion of the President, be a distinguished jurist.
• Procedure for Appointment:
• Seniority Rule: Traditionally, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is recommended. Consultation: The outgoing CJI recommends the successor; consultation with senior judges is mandatory if there’s doubt. Law Ministry: Receives recommendation and forwards it to the Prime Minister. President: Appoints the CJI based on PM’s advice. Medical Fitness: Appointee must submit a fitness certificate signed by a designated medical officer. Official Notification: Issued in the Gazette of India post-approval.
• Seniority Rule: Traditionally, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is recommended.
• Consultation: The outgoing CJI recommends the successor; consultation with senior judges is mandatory if there’s doubt.
• Law Ministry: Receives recommendation and forwards it to the Prime Minister.
• President: Appoints the CJI based on PM’s advice.
• Medical Fitness: Appointee must submit a fitness certificate signed by a designated medical officer.
• Official Notification: Issued in the Gazette of India post-approval.
• Acting Chief Justice:
• Appointed under Article 126 when the office falls vacant temporarily. The senior-most available judge performs the duties of the CJI during this time.
• Appointed under Article 126 when the office falls vacant temporarily.
• The senior-most available judge performs the duties of the CJI during this time.
Project Kuiper: Satellite-Internet Constellation
Source: LM
Context: Amazon launched the first 27 satellites of Project Kuiper via the Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, USA.
About Project Kuiper:
• What is it? A satellite-based broadband initiative by Amazon to provide high-speed internet globally via Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
• A satellite-based broadband initiative by Amazon to provide high-speed internet globally via Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
• Organisation Involved: Amazon
• Key Features: Global Satellite Network: 3,232 satellites in low orbit (630 km) for fast, low-latency internet worldwide Speed Options for All Needs: 100 Mbps (homes), 400 Mbps (schools/hospitals), and 1 Gbps (governments/large orgs) Life-Changing Connectivity: Powers education (e-learning), healthcare (telemedicine), businesses & emergency services in unreachable zones
• Global Satellite Network: 3,232 satellites in low orbit (630 km) for fast, low-latency internet worldwide
• Speed Options for All Needs: 100 Mbps (homes), 400 Mbps (schools/hospitals), and 1 Gbps (governments/large orgs)
• Life-Changing Connectivity: Powers education (e-learning), healthcare (telemedicine), businesses & emergency services in unreachable zones
• Other Global Satellite-Based Internet Networks
• Starlink (SpaceX): Over 6,000 satellites launched; aims for 40,000+. OneWeb: 648 satellites planned (UK/India collaboration). Telesat Lightspeed: 298 satellites by Canada. China’s Guowang: 13,000+ satellites under planning.
• Starlink (SpaceX): Over 6,000 satellites launched; aims for 40,000+.
• OneWeb: 648 satellites planned (UK/India collaboration).
• Telesat Lightspeed: 298 satellites by Canada.
• China’s Guowang: 13,000+ satellites under planning.
About Satellite-Internet Constellation:
• What is a Satellite-Internet Constellation? A satellite constellation is a group of satellites working in coordination to provide seamless internet coverage worldwide.
• A satellite constellation is a group of satellites working in coordination to provide seamless internet coverage worldwide.
• How Satellite Internet Works?
• Satellites in Orbit: Hundreds of small satellites fly in Low Earth Orbit (LEO, 500-2,000 km up), moving in sync to cover the globe. Ground Stations: Earth-based stations send and receive signals between users and satellites. Satellite Links: Satellites talk to each other using lasers or radio waves (inter-satellite links) for seamless data transfer. Smart Data Routing: AI manages traffic, choosing the fastest path to avoid delays.
• Satellites in Orbit: Hundreds of small satellites fly in Low Earth Orbit (LEO, 500-2,000 km up), moving in sync to cover the globe.
• Ground Stations: Earth-based stations send and receive signals between users and satellites.
• Satellite Links: Satellites talk to each other using lasers or radio waves (inter-satellite links) for seamless data transfer.
• Smart Data Routing: AI manages traffic, choosing the fastest path to avoid delays.
• Key Features Low Latency (20-40 ms): Much faster than old geostationary satellites (600+ ms), good for video calls and gaming. Global Coverage: Works in remote areas like deserts, oceans, and mountains. Backup Connections: If one satellite fails, others take over, reducing outages.
• Low Latency (20-40 ms): Much faster than old geostationary satellites (600+ ms), good for video calls and gaming.
• Global Coverage: Works in remote areas like deserts, oceans, and mountains.
• Backup Connections: If one satellite fails, others take over, reducing outages.
• Technical Details: Frequency Bands:
• Frequency Bands:
• Ka-band – Fast speeds but weak in rain. Ku-band – Balanced speed and reliability. C-band – Slower but works in bad weather. V-band (Experimental) – Super-fast but easily blocked. Adaptive Coding & Modulation (ACM) – Adjusts signal strength based on weather conditions.
• Ka-band – Fast speeds but weak in rain. Ku-band – Balanced speed and reliability. C-band – Slower but works in bad weather. V-band (Experimental) – Super-fast but easily blocked.
• Ka-band – Fast speeds but weak in rain.
• Ku-band – Balanced speed and reliability.
• C-band – Slower but works in bad weather.
• V-band (Experimental) – Super-fast but easily blocked.
• Adaptive Coding & Modulation (ACM) – Adjusts signal strength based on weather conditions.
• Limitations: Expensive: Launching satellites is costly, and user dishes are pricier than regular broadband. Weather Problems: Heavy rain or storms can weaken signals (especially Ka/V-band). Space Junk Risk: Thousands of satellites increase collision risks, creating more debris. Hurts Astronomy: Bright satellites interfere with telescopes, making it harder to study space.
• Expensive: Launching satellites is costly, and user dishes are pricier than regular broadband.
• Weather Problems: Heavy rain or storms can weaken signals (especially Ka/V-band).
• Space Junk Risk: Thousands of satellites increase collision risks, creating more debris.
• Hurts Astronomy: Bright satellites interfere with telescopes, making it harder to study space.
Raghuji Bhosale I
Source: TOI
Context: The Maharashtra government successfully reclaimed the 18th-century ceremonial sword of Raghuji Bhosale I at auction in London for ₹47.15 lakh, including all costs.
• It is believed to be war loot post-Battle of Sitabuldi (1817) or gifted to the British.
About Raghuji Bhosale I:
• Founder of the Nagpur-based Bhosale dynasty, active during the early 18th century.
• Loyal Maratha general under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.
• Controlled eastern regions like Chhattisgarh, Sambalpur, Chanda, and parts of Odisha and Bengal.
• His dynasty ruled over the mineral-rich Vidarbha region known for iron and copper.
• Led successful military expeditions in Bengal (1745, 1755) and South India, defeating the Nawabs of Kurnool and Cuddapah.
• Honoured with the title ‘Senasaheb Subha’ by Shahu Maharaj for his military excellence.
• Promoted weapon craftsmanship; the Bhosales were known for artisanal weapons using imported blades and local hilts.
About Khanda and Firangi Swords:
• Khanda Swords:
• Indigenous Indian weapon, originating in the 9th–10th century CE. Used by Rajputs, Sikhs, and Marathas for war. Features: Straight, double-edged blade designed for heavy chops. Equipped with Hindu basket hilts and knuckle guards. Made purely from locally sourced iron or steel.
• Indigenous Indian weapon, originating in the 9th–10th century CE.
• Used by Rajputs, Sikhs, and Marathas for war.
• Features: Straight, double-edged blade designed for heavy chops. Equipped with Hindu basket hilts and knuckle guards. Made purely from locally sourced iron or steel.
• Straight, double-edged blade designed for heavy chops.
• Equipped with Hindu basket hilts and knuckle guards.
• Made purely from locally sourced iron or steel.
• Firangi Swords:
• Fusion weapons blending European blades with Indian hilts. The reclaimed Raghuji sword features: Straight, single-edged European blade (likely from Solingen, Germany). Local Mulheri hilt with gold inlay and Devanagari script. Decorative grip wrapped in green cloth, indicating ceremonial usage. Inscription: Shrimant Raghoji Bhosale Senasaheb Subha Firang.
• Fusion weapons blending European blades with Indian hilts.
• The reclaimed Raghuji sword features: Straight, single-edged European blade (likely from Solingen, Germany). Local Mulheri hilt with gold inlay and Devanagari script. Decorative grip wrapped in green cloth, indicating ceremonial usage. Inscription: Shrimant Raghoji Bhosale Senasaheb Subha Firang.
• Straight, single-edged European blade (likely from Solingen, Germany).
• Local Mulheri hilt with gold inlay and Devanagari script.
• Decorative grip wrapped in green cloth, indicating ceremonial usage.
• Inscription: Shrimant Raghoji Bhosale Senasaheb Subha Firang.
Special 301 Report
Source: TH
Context: India has been re-added to the U.S. ‘Priority Watch List’ under the 2025 Special 301 Report for inconsistent progress on intellectual property rights (IPR) protection.
About Special 301 Report:
• What is it?
• An annual report issued by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) assessing global IP protection and enforcement. Mandated by Section 182 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974.
• An annual report issued by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) assessing global IP protection and enforcement.
• Mandated by Section 182 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974.
• Launched in: First published in 1989.
• Objective:
• To identify countries whose IPR regimes negatively affect U.S. businesses and encourage improvements in global IP environments. Influences bilateral trade negotiations, including tariffs and investment flows.
• To identify countries whose IPR regimes negatively affect U.S. businesses and encourage improvements in global IP environments.
• Influences bilateral trade negotiations, including tariffs and investment flows.
• Key Highlights from 2025 Report: India, along with China, Indonesia, Russia, and Argentina, placed on Priority Watch List. Major concerns: Vague interpretation of the Indian Patents Act. Weak enforcement against piracy, counterfeiting, and digital theft. Lack of a robust framework for protecting trade secrets. High customs duties on IPR-sensitive goods like ICT, solar, and pharmaceuticals. Other issues raised include: Signal theft, unauthorized reprints of academic material, and technological protection circumvention.
• India, along with China, Indonesia, Russia, and Argentina, placed on Priority Watch List.
• Major concerns: Vague interpretation of the Indian Patents Act. Weak enforcement against piracy, counterfeiting, and digital theft. Lack of a robust framework for protecting trade secrets. High customs duties on IPR-sensitive goods like ICT, solar, and pharmaceuticals.
• Vague interpretation of the Indian Patents Act.
• Weak enforcement against piracy, counterfeiting, and digital theft.
• Lack of a robust framework for protecting trade secrets.
• High customs duties on IPR-sensitive goods like ICT, solar, and pharmaceuticals.
• Other issues raised include: Signal theft, unauthorized reprints of academic material, and technological protection circumvention.
• Signal theft, unauthorized reprints of academic material, and technological protection circumvention.
About the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
• What is USTR?
• A federal agency responsible for formulating and executing U.S. trade policy, especially in international negotiations.
• A federal agency responsible for formulating and executing U.S. trade policy, especially in international negotiations.
• Established in:
• Headquarters: Washington D.C.
• Structure and Membership: Comprises over 200 professionals specializing in regional and trade issue-specific expertise.
• Key Functions:
• Negotiates bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. Oversees IPR enforcement, trade disputes, and tariff regulations. Engages with Foreign governments, U.S. Congress, Industry groups and civil society. Publishes trade-related reports including the Special 301 Report, National Trade Estimate Report, and Notorious Markets List.
• Negotiates bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.
• Oversees IPR enforcement, trade disputes, and tariff regulations.
• Engages with Foreign governments, U.S. Congress, Industry groups and civil society.
• Publishes trade-related reports including the Special 301 Report, National Trade Estimate Report, and Notorious Markets List.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –30 April 2025 Mapping:
Bandhavgarh National Park
Source: HT
Context: The Supreme Court dismissed a plea alleging illegal mining in Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, calling it a frivolous abuse of law and imposed a ₹1 lakh penalty on the petitioner.
About Bandhavgarh National Park:
• Located in: Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh, nestled within the Vindhya ranges.
• Declared a national park in 1968, and designated a Tiger Reserve in 1993 under Project Tiger.
• Historical Significance: The Bandhavgarh Fort, believed to date back to Treta Yuga, contains ancient inscriptions, rock art, and references to Vakataka, Sengar, Kalchuri, and Baghel dynasties. Once the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Rewa, the region is rich in archaeological remains and legends from the Ramayana.
• The Bandhavgarh Fort, believed to date back to Treta Yuga, contains ancient inscriptions, rock art, and references to Vakataka, Sengar, Kalchuri, and Baghel dynasties.
• Once the hunting grounds of the Maharaja of Rewa, the region is rich in archaeological remains and legends from the Ramayana.
• Flora: Dominated by dry deciduous forests, especially Sal (Shorea robusta) in valleys. Other species include: Bamboo, Tendu, Saj (Terminalia tomentosa), Dhaora, Arjun, Amla, Palas (Butea monosperma).
• Dominated by dry deciduous forests, especially Sal (Shorea robusta) in valleys.
• Other species include: Bamboo, Tendu, Saj (Terminalia tomentosa), Dhaora, Arjun, Amla, Palas (Butea monosperma).
• Fauna: Known for the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in the world. Key prey species: Chital, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Chinkara, Wild Pig, Chowsingha. Major predators: Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Wolf, Jackal. It is also home to Langurs and Rhesus Macaques.
• Known for the highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in the world.
• Key prey species: Chital, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Chinkara, Wild Pig, Chowsingha.
• Major predators: Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Wolf, Jackal. It is also home to Langurs and Rhesus Macaques.
• Topography: No major rivers flow through the park, but seasonal streams and rivulets support local biodiversity. It forms part of the central Indian highland ecosystem and plays a key role in tiger conservation corridors.
• No major rivers flow through the park, but seasonal streams and rivulets support local biodiversity.
• It forms part of the central Indian highland ecosystem and plays a key role in tiger conservation corridors.
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary (30 Apr 2025)
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