UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 April 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 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 – 5 April (2025)
• Why India’s education system fails marginalised communities?
Why India’s education system fails marginalised communities?
• Role of Global South in Achieving Ukraine peace
Role of Global South in Achieving Ukraine peace
GS Paper 3:
• RBI’s Remittances Survey 2025
RBI’s Remittances Survey 2025
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• UN Adopts First-Ever Resolution Recognizing the Link Between Plastic Pollution, Ocean Protection and the Right to a Healthy Environment
UN Adopts First-Ever Resolution Recognizing the Link Between Plastic Pollution, Ocean Protection and the Right to a Healthy Environment
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Vibrant Villages Programme-II
Vibrant Villages Programme-II
• Meenakari Craft
Meenakari Craft
• India’s New Initiatives at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit
India’s New Initiatives at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit
• Ottawa Convention
Ottawa Convention
• HANSA-3 (NG) Trainer Aircraft
HANSA-3 (NG) Trainer Aircraft
• Technology and Innovation Report 2025
Technology and Innovation Report 2025
Mapping:
• Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 April 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Why India’s education system fails marginalised communities?
Syllabus: Education
Source: TH
Context: Recent reports highlight systemic failures in India’s education system, disproportionately affecting marginalised communities (SC/ST/OBC).
• The Supreme Court and activists demand reforms to bridge caste and class-based disparitiesin access to quality education.
How Indian Education Fails Marginalised Communities?
• Structural Inequality: Government schools in rural/urban slums lack infrastructure, trained teachers, and digital resources.
E.g. Only 12% of rural schools have functional libraries (ASER 2023).
• Bias in “Merit”: Competitive exams (JEE/NEET) favour English-medium, urban, and coaching-trained students.
E.g. 90% of IIT toppers come from elite coaching hubs like Kota.
• Social Discrimination: Caste-based exclusion persists in campuses (hostel segregation, microaggressions).
E.g. Rohith Vemula’s suicide exposed institutional casteism in Hyderabad University.
• Low Representation: SC/ST students form <10% of PhD enrolments in top institutions (IITs/IISc).
E.g. Zero ST faculty in 7 IITs (2018 govt. data).
• Economic Barriers: Poor families prioritize livelihoods over education; dropout rates spike post-Class 10.
E.g. 32% of Dalit girls drop out by secondary school (NSSO).
Initiative taken by Government:
• SHREYAS Scheme: Supports OBC, EBC, and DNT students with scholarships and coaching for higher education.
• National Fellowship for SC/ST/OBC Students: Gives financial aid for MPhil and PhD studies in Indian universities.
• Mid-Day Meal Scheme: Provides free meals in schools to boost enrollment and attendance. It especially benefits children from SC, ST, and poor families.
• Ambedkar Interest Subsidy Scheme: Offers interest subsidy on education loans for overseas studies to OBC/EBC students.
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Promotes education and empowerment of the girl child, especially in backward areas.
Consequences of Systemic Exclusion:
• Perpetuates Poverty: Limited access to quality education traps marginalised communities in poverty; over 80% of manual scavengers are Dalits.
• Skewed Representation: Upper-caste dominance persists in elite institutions like IITs, where 90% of faculty belong to privileged groups.
• Social Unrest: Student-led protests, such as against JNU fee hikes, expose deep cracks in equitable access to higher education.
• Economic Loss: Education inequality leads to a $56 billion annual GDP loss, as per World Bank estimates.
• Mental Health Crisis: Marginalised students suffer from higher dropout rates due to institutional discrimination and isolation.
Reforms Needed for an Inclusive System:
• Redefine Merit: Evaluate exam performance in the context of socio-economic disadvantages to ensure fairer outcomes.
• Expand Reservations: Implement affirmative action in faculty hiring and extend it to private sector educational institutions.
• Boost Infrastructure: Modernise rural schools with smart classrooms, internet access, and well-trained educators.
• Anti-Discrimination Cells: Establish effective grievance redressal units with strict penalties for caste-based bias and harassment.
• Vocational Integration: Incorporate skill-based learning and career-linked training as outlined in NEP 2020 to improve employability.
Conclusion:
India’s education system must transform into an equalizer, not an exclusionary tool. Policy reforms, social accountability, and inclusive pedagogy are urgent. As Ambedkar asserted, *“Education is the milk of the tigress—drink it, or perish without it.”*
• How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer. (UPSC – 2020)
Role of Global South in Achieving Ukraine peace
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: TH
Context: As Ukraine war nears a fragile ceasefire, debates intensify over who should oversee peace implementation. The Global South (Africa, Asia, Latin America) emerges as a credible alternative to NATO-led forces, given its neutrality and UN peacekeeping expertise.
Understanding the Global South:
• A coalition of developing nationsacross Africa, Asia, Latin America, advocating for equitable global governance.
E.g. BRICS (Brazil, India, South Africa) and G77 represent its collective voice.
• Neutrality in Ukraine War: Maintained non-aligned stances, unlike Western backing for Ukraine or Russian alliances.
E.g. India balanced ties with Russia (energy imports) and Ukraine (humanitarian aid).
• UN Peacekeeping Legacy: Contributed 60% of UN peacekeepers; India alone deployed 290,000 troops in 50+ missions.
• Economic & Diplomatic Clout: Represents 75% of world population and 40% of global GDP (PPP).
• Demand for Multipolar World Order: Challenges Western dominance in institutions like UNSC, IMF.
Why EU/US Peace Efforts Failed in Ukraine?
• NATO’s Perceived Bias: Russia sees NATO as a threat and rejects its involvement in peace efforts, calling troops “Trojan horses.”
• Lack of Trust from Moscow: Western military aid worth over $175 billion fuels Russian fears of encirclement and aggression.
• Domestic Opposition in Europe: Around 70% of French citizens opposed troop deployment in 2024, limiting EU political maneuvering.
• Dependence on US Leadership: EU lacks strategic autonomy; Trump’s ambiguous stance weakens long-term peace engagement.
• Escalation Risks: Stationing NATO forces near Russian borders increases chances of full-scale war.
Why Ukraine Peace Matters Globally?
• Food Security: Ukraine’s grain exports feed over 400 million; war has disrupted key agricultural supply chains.
• Energy Stability: Ongoing conflict disrupts EU gas supplies, causing energy insecurity and price hikes globally.
• Nuclear Threat: Shelling near the Zaporizhzhia plant risks a disaster on the scale of Chernobyl.
• Refugee Crisis: Over 8 million displaced Ukrainians strain host countries and European economic systems.
• Global Economic Spillover: War-driven disruptions contributed to global inflation and economic instability post-2022.
Role of Global South in Securing Ukraine Peace:
• Neutral Mediators: Countries like India, Indonesia, and South Africa can mediate without aligning to Western blocs.
• UN-Led Peacekeeping: The African Union’s peacekeeping in Somalia and Sudan proves readiness for neutral enforcement.
• Demining & Reconstruction: Nations like Chile and India offer experience in mine-clearing and rebuilding war-hit zones.
• Gender-Inclusive Peacebuilding: India’s 2007 all-women UN peace unit in Liberia sets a model for inclusive diplomacy.
• Financial & Logistical Support: BRICS Bank and Global South institutions can finance and facilitate post-war recovery.
Conclusion:
The Global South must lead Ukraine’s peace process to ensure impartiality and sustainability. India, with its UN legacy, should champion this mission. An UN-backed, non-NATO force offers the best hope for lasting stability.
• “If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. (UPSC-2021)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 April 2025 GS Paper 3:
RBI’s Remittances Survey 2025
Syllabus: Economy
Source: IE
Context: The RBI’s 2023-24 Remittances Survey reveals a historic shift: Advanced Economies (AEs) now contribute over 50% of India’s remittances, surpassing the Gulf (37.9%) for the first time. This reflects changing migration patterns and economic priorities.
Key Findings of RBI’s Remittances Survey (2023-24)
• Dominance of Advanced Economies: USA (27.7%), UK (10.8%), Singapore (6.6%), Canada (3.8%), and Australia (3.1%) lead remittance inflows.
E.g. The US alone contributes more than Saudi Arabia (6.7%) and Kuwait (3.9%) combined.
• Decline in Gulf Contributions: GCC’s share dropped from 46.7% (2016-17) to 37.9% (2023-24).
E.g. UAE’s share fell from 26.9% to 19.2% due to job nationalization policies like Saudisation.
• Skilled vs. Unskilled Remittances: 78% of Indian migrants in the US work in high-paying sectors (IT, finance, healthcare), sending larger sums.
E.g. One Silicon Valley engineer remits ≈10x Gulf construction worker’s earnings.
• Student Mobility Driving Flows: 13.4 lakh Indian students abroad (Canada: 32%, US: 25.3%) boost remittances via education loans and post-study earnings.
• Resilience During Crises: Remittances from AEs stayed stable during COVID-19, while Gulf flows dipped sharply.
Reasons Behind the Shift: Gulf to Advanced Economies
• Gulf’s Economic Challenges: Oil price volatility and nationalization policies (e.g., UAE’s Emiratisation) reduced low-skilled jobs for Indians.
• Higher Wages in AEs: Purchasing power parity and stronger currencies (USD, GBP) amplify remittance values.
• Skilled Migration Surge: STEM professionals in the US/UK earn 3-5x Gulf salaries.
E.g. Indian IT workers in the US remit $15–20K/year.
• Education-Driven Migration: UK’s Graduate Visa and Canada’s PGWP attract students who later transition to high-paying jobs.
• Policy Support: Bilateral pacts like India-UK Mobility Partnership (2021) tripled Indian migrants to the UK.
Implications for India:
• Economic Stability: Remittances ($118.7B in 2023-24) fund 42% of India’s trade deficit, reducing forex pressure.
• Reduced Dependence on Gulf: Lower exposure to oil-driven Gulf recessions and migrant worker crises (e.g., 2020 Kuwait firings).
• Brain Drain Concerns: Skilled exodus to AEs may deplete domestic talent in critical sectors like healthcare and tech.
• Regional Disparities: States like Kerala (Gulf-dependent) may face slowdowns, while Telangana/Karnataka (US-focused) benefit.
• Digital Remittance Growth: UPI-PayNow linkage (India-Singapore) cuts transfer costs to 1%, boosting inflows.
Way Forward:
• Skill Harmonization: Align Indian qualifications (e.g., NSQF) with global standards to prevent deskilling of migrants.
• Bilateral Labor Agreements: Expand pacts like India-Japan SSW to secure fair wages and rights for low-skilled workers.
• Cost Reduction: Scale Project Nexus (ASEAN-India FPS linkage) to cut remittance fees below 3% (UN SDG target).
• Diversify Migration Destinations: Promote opportunities in East Asia (Japan, South Korea) to reduce over-reliance on AEs/Gulf.
• Leverage Diaspora Bonds: Issue Resurgent India Bonds 2.0 to channel remittances into infrastructure projects.
Conclusion:
India’s remittance surge from AEs underscores its global talent dominance but demands policy agility to address brain drain and Gulf decline. By lowering transfer costs, securing migrant rights, and diversifying destinations, India can transform remittances into sustainable growth drivers.
• ‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (UPSC-2020)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 April 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
UN Adopts First-Ever Resolution Recognizing the Link Between Plastic Pollution, Ocean Protection and the Right to a Healthy Environment
Context: The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has adopted a historic resolution that, for the first time, recognises the link between plastic pollution, ocean protection, and the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
About Connection between Plastic Pollution, Ocean Protection, and the Right to a Healthy Environment:
• Plastic Pollution Impacts Ocean Health:
• Plastics degrade marine ecosystems, releasing toxins and microplastics that endanger marine biodiversity.
• Plastics degrade marine ecosystems, releasing toxins and microplastics that endanger marine biodiversity.
E.g. Microplastics threaten marine species and food chains, undermining ecosystem balance.
• Ocean Degradation Threatens Human Rights
• Oceans support food security, water purity, and livelihoods of millions, especially coastal and island communities. Pollution and climate impacts compromise these rights, including the right to life, health, and dignity.
• Oceans support food security, water purity, and livelihoods of millions, especially coastal and island communities.
• Pollution and climate impacts compromise these rights, including the right to life, health, and dignity.
• Human Rights Framework Enhances Environmental Action:
• Recognising environmental degradation as a human rights violation shifts the focus from voluntary action to legal obligation. This strengthens accountability in global governance mechanisms.
• Recognising environmental degradation as a human rights violation shifts the focus from voluntary action to legal obligation.
• This strengthens accountability in global governance mechanisms.
• Plastics Life Cycle and Transboundary Harm:
• From production to disposal, plastic use contributes to global warming and long-lasting pollution that crosses national boundaries. This requires coordinated global regulation guided by precautionary principles.
• From production to disposal, plastic use contributes to global warming and long-lasting pollution that crosses national boundaries.
• This requires coordinated global regulation guided by precautionary principles.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus
• GS Paper 2 – Governance & International Relations
• Role of international organizations (UNHRC, UNOC, INC) in global governance Human rights and environmental justice frameworks
• Role of international organizations (UNHRC, UNOC, INC) in global governance
• Human rights and environmental justice frameworks
• GS Paper 3 – Environment & Ecology
• Environmental pollution and degradation: plastics, ocean health, microplastics Conservation, climate change, and sustainable development initiatives Environmental treaties and global summits (Plastic Treaty, UNOC)
• Environmental pollution and degradation: plastics, ocean health, microplastics
• Conservation, climate change, and sustainable development initiatives
• Environmental treaties and global summits (Plastic Treaty, UNOC)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 April Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Vibrant Villages Programme-II
Source: PIB
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) with a financial outlay of ₹6,839 crore for the period 2024-25 to 2028-29, covering border villages beyond Northern borders to ensure security, development, and national integration.
About Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II):
• What is VVP-II? VVP-II is a Central Sector Scheme (100% Centre-funded) focused on comprehensive development of strategic villages near international land borders (ILBs), other than Northern borders already covered under VVP-I.
• VVP-II is a Central Sector Scheme (100% Centre-funded) focused on comprehensive development of strategic villages near international land borders (ILBs), other than Northern borders already covered under VVP-I.
• About Vibrant Villages Programme
• VVP-I launched: February 2023 Ministry in Charge: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Vision Aligned with: Viksit Bharat@2047 and ‘Safe, Secure & Vibrant Borders’
• VVP-I launched: February 2023
• Ministry in Charge: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
• Vision Aligned with: Viksit Bharat@2047 and ‘Safe, Secure & Vibrant Borders’
• Objectives of VVP-II:
• Enhance quality of life in border villages. Create livelihood opportunities for border residents. Ensure national security by involving locals as eyes and ears of border forces. Curb trans-border crimes and promote border integrity. Strengthen connectivity and governance in strategic regions
• Enhance quality of life in border villages.
• Create livelihood opportunities for border residents.
• Ensure national security by involving locals as eyes and ears of border forces.
• Curb trans-border crimes and promote border integrity.
• Strengthen connectivity and governance in strategic regions
• Key Features of VVP-II:
• Coverage: 17 States/UTs including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Punjab, Gujarat, J&K, Ladakh, etc. Village Action Plans (VAPs): Developed with community participation.
• Coverage: 17 States/UTs including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Punjab, Gujarat, J&K, Ladakh, etc.
• Village Action Plans (VAPs): Developed with community participation.
• Basic Services Saturation: Focus on 4 key areas – all-weather roads (via PMGSY-IV), telecom, TV access, and electrification.
• Livelihood Opportunities: Boost rural income through cooperatives, SHGs, tourism, and handicraft promotion.
• Infrastructure Development: Includes SMART classrooms, village facilities, and cluster-based projects.
• Governance Support: A Cabinet Secretary-led committee to ease rules for effective implementation.
• Cultural and National Integration: Organizing fairs, festivals, and official visits to promote national unity and cultural vibrancy.
Meenakari Craft
Source: DD News
Context: During his visit to Bangkok for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, Prime Minister of India gifted exquisite Indian handicrafts to the Thai Prime Minister and her spouse, including artifacts showcasing the traditional Meenakari craft.
About Meenakari Craft:
• What is Meenakari?
• Meenakari is the art of enamelling metal or ceramic surfaces with vivid colors and detailed patterns. It involves fusing coloured powdered glass onto surfaces at high temperatures to create intricate and durable designs.
• Meenakari is the art of enamelling metal or ceramic surfaces with vivid colors and detailed patterns.
• It involves fusing coloured powdered glass onto surfaces at high temperatures to create intricate and durable designs.
• Historical Origins
• Originated in Safavid Iran, perfected by Mughals in India. The word Meenakari is derived from Meena (heaven) and Kari (to do), meaning “placing paradise onto an object.” Introduced in India during the Mughal era, further refined in the 20th century with the help of Iranian artisans.
• Originated in Safavid Iran, perfected by Mughals in India.
• The word Meenakari is derived from Meena (heaven) and Kari (to do), meaning “placing paradise onto an object.”
• Introduced in India during the Mughal era, further refined in the 20th century with the help of Iranian artisans.
• Indian Regions Practicing Meenakari:
• Jaipur (Rajasthan): Renowned hub; known for red, green, and white Mughal-style motifs. Gujarat & Lucknow: Each region reflects its distinct local style.
• Jaipur (Rajasthan): Renowned hub; known for red, green, and white Mughal-style motifs.
• Gujarat & Lucknow: Each region reflects its distinct local style.
• Core Characteristics:
• Uses precious metals like gold and silver, sometimes copper or brass. Features geometric, floral, and animal patterns. Applied to jewelry, vases, figurines, crockery, decor, and even furniture. Finished products often exhibit a glassy, polished look with vibrant contrast. Combines traditional motifs with modern utility.
• Uses precious metals like gold and silver, sometimes copper or brass.
• Features geometric, floral, and animal patterns.
• Applied to jewelry, vases, figurines, crockery, decor, and even furniture.
• Finished products often exhibit a glassy, polished look with vibrant contrast.
• Combines traditional motifs with modern utility.
India’s New Initiatives at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit
Source: News on Air
Context: At the 6th BIMSTEC Summit held in Bangkok, Prime Minister of India announced a series of India-led initiatives for regional institution building, capacity development and youth skilling across BIMSTEC member countries.
About India’s New Initiatives at the 6th BIMSTEC Summit:
• BODHI Initiative (Human Resource Development):
• Full form: BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure Trains 300 youth annually from BIMSTEC countries in India. Scholarships for students at Nalanda University and Forest Research Institute. Annual training for young diplomats from the region.
• Full form: BIMSTEC for Organised Development of Human Resource Infrastructure
• Trains 300 youth annually from BIMSTEC countries in India.
• Scholarships for students at Nalanda University and Forest Research Institute.
• Annual training for young diplomats from the region.
Note: This is very important from exam perspective. Remember the name, full form and details of BODHI initiative.
• BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence:
• New centres in India for: Disaster Management Sustainable Maritime Transport Traditional Medicine Agriculture Research & Farmer Training
• New centres in India for: Disaster Management Sustainable Maritime Transport Traditional Medicine Agriculture Research & Farmer Training
• Disaster Management
• Sustainable Maritime Transport
• Traditional Medicine
• Agriculture Research & Farmer Training
• Digital Public Infrastructure & Fintech Integration:
• Pilot study to assess digital needs of BIMSTEC countries. Proposal to link India’s UPI with regional payment systems for financial inclusion.
• Pilot study to assess digital needs of BIMSTEC countries.
• Proposal to link India’s UPI with regional payment systems for financial inclusion.
• Economic Integration & Trade Facilitation:
• Establishment of BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce. Annual BIMSTEC Business Summit to be held in India. Feasibility study on local currency trade among member nations.
• Establishment of BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce.
• Annual BIMSTEC Business Summit to be held in India.
• Feasibility study on local currency trade among member nations.
• Regional Security & Space Cooperation:
• First-ever Home Ministers’ Meeting to be hosted by India. Nano-satellite programme, ground stations, and remote sensing data sharing.
• First-ever Home Ministers’ Meeting to be hosted by India.
• Nano-satellite programme, ground stations, and remote sensing data sharing.
• Energy & Connectivity:
• Operationalisation of BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru. Push for electric grid interconnections to ensure energy security.
• Operationalisation of BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru.
• Push for electric grid interconnections to ensure energy security.
• Youth, Culture & Sports Diplomacy:
• BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit, Hackathon, and Visitors Programme. Hosting BIMSTEC Athletics Meet (2025) and BIMSTEC Games (2027). BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival to promote cultural ties.
• BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit, Hackathon, and Visitors Programme.
• Hosting BIMSTEC Athletics Meet (2025) and BIMSTEC Games (2027).
• BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival to promote cultural ties.
Ottawa Convention
Source: IE
Context: Several European nations including Poland, Finland, and the Baltic States have announced plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, citing rising security threats from Russia.
About Ottawa Convention:
• What is the Ottawa Convention?
• Officially called the Mine Ban Treaty, it is a legally binding international agreement to eliminate anti-personnel landmines. It prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of such mines. Includes provisions for victim assistance, mine clearance, and international cooperation.
• Officially called the Mine Ban Treaty, it is a legally binding international agreement to eliminate anti-personnel landmines.
• It prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of such mines.
• Includes provisions for victim assistance, mine clearance, and international cooperation.
• Adopted: December 1997, Effective from: March 1999
• Signatories: 164 countries (as of 2024)
• Not Members: India, US, Russia, China, Israel India cites security concerns due to porous borders and ongoing insurgencies.
• India cites security concerns due to porous borders and ongoing insurgencies.
• Objective of the Treaty:
• To end the human suffering caused by anti-personnel mines. To prevent civilian casualties, especially after conflicts end. To assist in rehabilitating victims and restoring mined land for civilian use.
• To end the human suffering caused by anti-personnel mines.
• To prevent civilian casualties, especially after conflicts end.
• To assist in rehabilitating victims and restoring mined land for civilian use.
• Countries Now Quitting the Treaty:
• Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia have initiated withdrawal in 2025. Norway remains committed to the treaty despite regional tensions. These countries argue they need landmines as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression.
• Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia have initiated withdrawal in 2025.
• Norway remains committed to the treaty despite regional tensions.
• These countries argue they need landmines as a deterrent against potential Russian aggression.
HANSA-3 (NG) Trainer Aircraft
Source: NDTV
Context: CSIR-NAL has signed its first-ever technology transfer agreement with a private company (Pioneer Clean Amps Pvt. Ltd.) to manufacture HANSA-3 (NG) trainer aircraft.
About HANSA-3 (NG) Trainer Aircraft:
• What is HANSA-3 (NG)?
• It is a next-generation, two-seater, ab-initio trainer aircraft developed for pilot training. Designed and developed indigenously by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru.
• It is a next-generation, two-seater, ab-initio trainer aircraft developed for pilot training.
• Designed and developed indigenously by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru.
• Aim & Purpose:
• To provide a cost-effective alternative to foreign trainer aircraft. To train pilots for Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL). To boost India’s aviation ecosystem in line with the growing demand for trained pilots.
• To provide a cost-effective alternative to foreign trainer aircraft.
• To train pilots for Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
• To boost India’s aviation ecosystem in line with the growing demand for trained pilots.
• Key Features:
• Advanced Glass Cockpit for digital display and enhanced situational awareness. Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport Engine – fuel-efficient and digitally controlled. Bubble Canopy for panoramic visibility and improved pilot comfort. Electrically operated flaps, lightweight composite airframe. Costs ₹2 crore, nearly 50% cheaper than imported equivalents. Electric variant (E-HANSA) under development to support sustainable aviation.
• Advanced Glass Cockpit for digital display and enhanced situational awareness.
• Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport Engine – fuel-efficient and digitally controlled.
• Bubble Canopy for panoramic visibility and improved pilot comfort.
• Electrically operated flaps, lightweight composite airframe.
• Costs ₹2 crore, nearly 50% cheaper than imported equivalents.
• Electric variant (E-HANSA) under development to support sustainable aviation.
About CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL):
• What is NAL?
• India’s only civilian aerospace R&D lab, focused on advanced aerospace science and engineering.
• India’s only civilian aerospace R&D lab, focused on advanced aerospace science and engineering.
• Establishment:
• Founded: 1 June 1959 (as National Aeronautical Research Laboratory, renamed NAL in 1993). Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka. Governing Body: Operates under CSIR (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
• Founded: 1 June 1959 (as National Aeronautical Research Laboratory, renamed NAL in 1993).
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• Governing Body: Operates under CSIR (Council of Scientific & Industrial Research), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
• Key Objectives:
• To design and develop indigenous aircraft and aerospace technologies. To support national aerospace missions and collaborate with industry for commercialisation. To create aeronautical components, testing, simulation, and manufacturing systems.
• To design and develop indigenous aircraft and aerospace technologies.
• To support national aerospace missions and collaborate with industry for commercialisation.
• To create aeronautical components, testing, simulation, and manufacturing systems.
Technology and Innovation Report 2025
Source: TH
Context: India has been ranked 10th globally in private AI investments and 36th in readiness for frontier technologies, as per the UNCTAD Technology and Innovation Report 2025.
About Technology and Innovation Report 2025:
• What is It? The Technology and Innovation Report 2025 is a global analytical report that evaluates how countries are prepared for and investing in frontier technologies, including AI, robotics, IoT, and biotechnology.
• The Technology and Innovation Report 2025 is a global analytical report that evaluates how countries are prepared for and investing in frontier technologies, including AI, robotics, IoT, and biotechnology.
• Published by: UNCTAD – United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
• Aim of the Report:
• To assess national readiness for adopting frontier and emerging technologies. To provide policy insights for inclusive tech-driven development. To track private investments, R&D, and innovation capabilities across countries.
• To assess national readiness for adopting frontier and emerging technologies.
• To provide policy insights for inclusive tech-driven development.
• To track private investments, R&D, and innovation capabilities across countries.
About India’s Performance in the Report:
• Global Ranking in AI Investment (2023):
• India ranks 10th worldwide in private Artificial Intelligence investments. Received $1.4 billion in AI funding in 2023. Only developing countries with significant AI investments: India and China.
• India ranks 10th worldwide in private Artificial Intelligence investments.
• Received $1.4 billion in AI funding in 2023.
• Only developing countries with significant AI investments: India and China.
· Frontier Technologies Readiness Index (2024):
• India ranks 36th out of 170 countries, improving from 48th in 2022. Reflects progress in policy support, human capital, and industrial capacity.
• India ranks 36th out of 170 countries, improving from 48th in 2022.
• Reflects progress in policy support, human capital, and industrial capacity.
• Component-wise Rankings:
• ICT Access: Rank 99 Skills Development: Rank 113 R&D Activity: Rank 3 (Global top performer) Industrial Capacity: Rank 10 Access to Finance: Rank 70
• ICT Access: Rank 99
• Skills Development: Rank 113
• R&D Activity: Rank 3 (Global top performer)
• Industrial Capacity: Rank 10
• Access to Finance: Rank 70
• AI Research & Innovation Strength: India listed among countries with strong AI scientific output alongside China, Germany, UK, and the US.
• India’s Technological Strength Areas:
• India shows specialisation in nanotechnology, per patent share analysis. Listed among outperforming developing economies like Brazil and Philippines in digital readiness.
• India shows specialisation in nanotechnology, per patent share analysis.
• Listed among outperforming developing economies like Brazil and Philippines in digital readiness.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 April 2025 Mapping:
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
Source: TH
Context: The Supreme Court has ordered the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to conduct a comprehensive survey of the Agasthyamalai biosphere reserve to identify encroachments and non-forestry activities.
About Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve:
• What is Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve?
• It is a UNESCO-designated tropical forest biosphere known for its exceptional ecological, cultural, and medicinal value. Recognized under UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in March 2016.
• It is a UNESCO-designated tropical forest biosphere known for its exceptional ecological, cultural, and medicinal value.
• Recognized under UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves in March 2016.
• Location:
• Located at the southernmost end of the Western Ghats. Spreads across Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram & Kollam) and Tamil Nadu (Tirunelveli & Kanniyakumari). Covers an area of approximately 3,500 km².
• Located at the southernmost end of the Western Ghats.
• Spreads across Kerala (Thiruvananthapuram & Kollam) and Tamil Nadu (Tirunelveli & Kanniyakumari).
• Covers an area of approximately 3,500 km².
• Biodiversity & Ecology:
• Flora: Over 2,254 plant species, including 405 endemics and rare medicinal herbs. Fauna: Mammals: 79 species (20 endemic), including tigers, elephants, and the grizzled giant squirrel. Birds: 337 species (20 endemic). Reptiles & Amphibians: 88 and 45 species respectively, with high endemism.
• Flora: Over 2,254 plant species, including 405 endemics and rare medicinal herbs.
• Fauna: Mammals: 79 species (20 endemic), including tigers, elephants, and the grizzled giant squirrel. Birds: 337 species (20 endemic). Reptiles & Amphibians: 88 and 45 species respectively, with high endemism.
• Mammals: 79 species (20 endemic), including tigers, elephants, and the grizzled giant squirrel.
• Birds: 337 species (20 endemic).
• Reptiles & Amphibians: 88 and 45 species respectively, with high endemism.
• Protected Areas: Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala). Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary (TN). Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (TN). Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala).
• Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary (TN).
• Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (TN).
• Neyyar, Peppara, and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Indigenous Tribes & Cultural Significance:
• Inhabited by the Kani tribe (~30,000 people), who practice sustainable resource use. Linked to Hindu mythology (Ramayana) and Ayurveda (Sage Agastya’s contributions).
• Inhabited by the Kani tribe (~30,000 people), who practice sustainable resource use.
• Linked to Hindu mythology (Ramayana) and Ayurveda (Sage Agastya’s contributions).
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 5 Apr 2025
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