UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 April 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 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 – 9 April (2025)
• Supreme Court Governor Assent Judgment
Supreme Court Governor Assent Judgment
GS Paper 3:
• Waves of Environmentalism in India
Waves of Environmentalism in India
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• UN-ESCAP Report – Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific, 2025
UN-ESCAP Report – Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific, 2025
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• India Skills Accelerator Initiative
India Skills Accelerator Initiative
• 3D Printing
3D Printing
• Niveshak Didi Initiative
Niveshak Didi Initiative
• One State, One RRB Policy
One State, One RRB Policy
• Palna Scheme
Palna Scheme
• De-Extinction of Dire Wolf
De-Extinction of Dire Wolf
Mapping:
• Bandipur National Park
Bandipur National Park
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 April 2025
#### GS Paper 2 :
Supreme Court Governor Assent Judgment
Syllabus: Polity
Source: Live Law
Context: The Supreme Court of India slammed Tamil Nadu Governor for unconstitutional delay in granting assent to 10 re-passed Bills, deeming them assented and fixing time-bound procedures for future gubernatorial decisions.
About Supreme Court Governor Assent Judgment:
Judgement name: The State of Tamil Nadu v. The Governor of Tamil Nadu & Anr.
Constitutional Provisions on Governor’s Role in State Bills
• Article 200: When a Bill is presented to the Governor after being passed by the State Legislature, the Governor has four options: Grant assent Withhold assent Return the Bill for reconsideration (except Money Bills) Reserve the Bill for President’s consideration
• Grant assent
• Withhold assent
• Return the Bill for reconsideration (except Money Bills)
• Reserve the Bill for President’s consideration
• Provison to Article 200: If the Bill is returned and passed again by the Legislature, the Governor shall not withhold assent.
• Article 163: Governor must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in matters where discretion is allowed.
• Article 142: Grants the Supreme Court the power to do “complete justice” in any case.
Issues Surrounding Governor’s Role in Bills
• No timeline in Article 200: Governors delay assent indefinitely — termed “pocket veto”.
• Political misuse: Governors in Opposition-ruled states have been accused of delaying legislation due to political differences.
• Lack of transparency: Failure to communicate reasons for withholding assent violates constitutional responsibility.
• Rising legal disputes: States like Kerala, Punjab, and Telangana have moved the SC citing similar delays.
Major outcome of Supreme Court Judgement in “The State of Tamil Nadu v. The Governor of Tamil Nadu & Anr” case:
• Declared Governor’s delay illegal: Withholding and referring Bills to the President after re-enactment by State Assembly is unconstitutional.
• Bills deemed to have received assent: Exercising Article 142, SC treated the 10 re-passed Bills as having been assented.
• No absolute or pocket veto: Governors must act promptly; cannot sit indefinitely on Bills or reserve them after re-passage.
• Time-bound framework laid down: 1 Month to assent or reserve as per State Cabinet’s advice. 3 Months if Governor withholds assent against advice. 1 Month to grant assent to a re-enacted Bill. 3 Months maximum to reserve Bill for President (if justified).
• 1 Month to assent or reserve as per State Cabinet’s advice.
• 3 Months if Governor withholds assent against advice.
• 1 Month to grant assent to a re-enacted Bill.
• 3 Months maximum to reserve Bill for President (if justified).
• Must act on Cabinet advice: Except in cases under the second proviso of Article 200 (e.g., affecting High Court powers), Governor has no discretion.
Significance of the SC Judgment:
• Reinforces federalism: Strengthens legislative autonomy of elected state governments.
• Ends misuse of delay: Prevents Governors from paralysing legislation through silence or indefinite inaction.
• Clarifies constitutional intent: Reiterates that “shall” in Article 200 is mandatory, not discretionary.
• Ensures legislative accountability: Upholds Parliamentary democracy where legislature represents the will of the people.
• Applies across states: Affects pending disputes in Kerala, Telangana, Punjab, enhancing judicial consistency.
Conclusion:
By ensuring time-bound gubernatorial assent and striking down arbitrary delays, it strengthens India’s constitutional federalism and safeguards the democratic will of state legislatures. As B.R. Ambedkar aptly stated, the Constitution is only as good as those who implement it — a reminder now echoed from the highest court.
• Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature. (UPSC-2022)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 April 2025 GS Paper 3:
Waves of Environmentalism in India
Syllabus: Ecology
Source: TH
Context: Ramachandra Guha recently discussed the three waves of Indian environmentalism at NCBS, Bengaluru, tracing its origins from colonial industrialization to modern climate activism.
About Environmentalism:
Environmentalism is a socio-political movement that promotes harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. It arose as a response to unchecked industrialization, focusing on ecological balance, sustainability, and justice.
Features of environmentalism are:
• Conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity: It aims to protect natural habitats and species diversity to maintain ecological balance.
E.g. Movements like Chipko in India promoted forest protection and biodiversity conservation.
• Sustainability in resource use: Environmentalism advocates using resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
E.g. Promoting renewable energy and organic farming as alternatives to fossil fuels and chemical agriculture.
• Social equity (linking ecology with livelihoods): It links environmental protection with the rights and welfare of marginalized communities.
E.g. Tribal rights over forests under FRA 2006 ensure both conservation and livelihood protection.
• Policy interventions to curb pollution/degradation: The movement pushes for legal frameworks and regulations to reduce environmental damage.
E.g. The Environment Protection Act, 1986 in India empowers the government to address industrial pollution.
About Three Waves of Environmentalism in India:
• First Wave (Early 20th Century: Pre-Independence) Intellectual critique of colonial industrialization: Thinkers criticized exploitative British policies that harmed forests and rivers. Alternative models like organic farming (Albert Howard) and Gandhian sustainability: Howard promoted natural farming methods, while Gandhi stressed self-sufficiency and minimalism. Focus on tropical ecology’s fragility (J.C. Kumarappa’s theories): Kumarappa advocated for economic systems respecting India’s sensitive ecosystems. Urban planning (Patrick Geddes’ sustainable city designs): Geddes promoted ecological urban designs integrating nature and human settlements. Examples: Tagore’s Sriniketan experimentsblending education and ecology. Organic farmingadvocacy by the Howards.
• Intellectual critique of colonial industrialization: Thinkers criticized exploitative British policies that harmed forests and rivers.
• Alternative models like organic farming (Albert Howard) and Gandhian sustainability: Howard promoted natural farming methods, while Gandhi stressed self-sufficiency and minimalism.
• Focus on tropical ecology’s fragility (J.C. Kumarappa’s theories): Kumarappa advocated for economic systems respecting India’s sensitive ecosystems.
• Urban planning (Patrick Geddes’ sustainable city designs): Geddes promoted ecological urban designs integrating nature and human settlements.
• Examples: Tagore’s Sriniketan experimentsblending education and ecology. Organic farmingadvocacy by the Howards.
• Tagore’s Sriniketan experimentsblending education and ecology.
• Organic farmingadvocacy by the Howards.
• Second Wave (1970s–1980s: Grassroots Movements) Mass participation (e.g., Chipko’s tree-hugging protests): Common people, especially women, led non-violent actions to protect forests. Gandhian non-violence + ecological justice: Movements merged peaceful protest with demands for environmental equity. Policy impact: Creation of MoEFCC (1980) and environmental laws: These movements led to institutional responses like forest protection laws. Livelihood-centric (e.g., Narmada Bachao Andolan): Focus shifted to how big projects affected poor communities’ lives and ecology. Examples: Chipko Movement (1973): Saved Himalayan forests; inspired global eco-activism. Silent Valley Movement (1978): Halted hydroelectric project in Kerala.
• Mass participation (e.g., Chipko’s tree-hugging protests): Common people, especially women, led non-violent actions to protect forests.
• Gandhian non-violence + ecological justice: Movements merged peaceful protest with demands for environmental equity.
• Policy impact: Creation of MoEFCC (1980) and environmental laws: These movements led to institutional responses like forest protection laws.
• Livelihood-centric (e.g., Narmada Bachao Andolan): Focus shifted to how big projects affected poor communities’ lives and ecology.
• Examples: Chipko Movement (1973): Saved Himalayan forests; inspired global eco-activism. Silent Valley Movement (1978): Halted hydroelectric project in Kerala.
• Chipko Movement (1973): Saved Himalayan forests; inspired global eco-activism.
• Silent Valley Movement (1978): Halted hydroelectric project in Kerala.
• Third Wave (21st Century: Climate-Centric Youth Activism) Climate change as a unifying theme: Youth movements now focus on global warming and ecological breakdown. Urban-centric issues: Air pollution, e-waste: Cities face new threats like hazardous air and unregulated electronic waste. Digital mobilization (Fridays for Future India): social media enables fast, wide-reaching environmental campaigns. Demand for green jobs and renewable energy: Youth seek sustainable livelihoods through clean energy and eco-tech. Examples: Protests against Aarey Colony deforestation(Mumbai Metro). Chennai water crisis (2019)sparking urban sustainability debates.
• Climate change as a unifying theme: Youth movements now focus on global warming and ecological breakdown.
• Urban-centric issues: Air pollution, e-waste: Cities face new threats like hazardous air and unregulated electronic waste.
• Digital mobilization (Fridays for Future India): social media enables fast, wide-reaching environmental campaigns.
• Demand for green jobs and renewable energy: Youth seek sustainable livelihoods through clean energy and eco-tech.
• Examples: Protests against Aarey Colony deforestation(Mumbai Metro). Chennai water crisis (2019)sparking urban sustainability debates.
• Protests against Aarey Colony deforestation(Mumbai Metro).
• Chennai water crisis (2019)sparking urban sustainability debates.
Significance of Environmentalism in India:
• Policy Reforms: Environmentalism has driven legal and institutional changes to protect nature and regulate industry.
• Global Leadership: India showcases leadership in clean energy and climate diplomacy on global platforms.
• Livelihood Protection: Environmental conservation safeguards the sustenance of forest-dependent communities.
• Climate Resilience: Environmentalism promotes ecosystem-based solutions to reduce disaster vulnerability.
Conclusion:
India’s environmentalism evolved from colonial critiques to mass movements and now youth-led climate action. Despite challenges like lax enforcement and corporate lobbying, grassroots activism and scientific expertise offer hope. Balancing development and sustainability remain the ultimate test.
• ‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC-2017)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 April 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
UN-ESCAP Report – Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific, 2025
Context: The United Nations ESCAP released the Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2025, warning that Asia-Pacific economies face significant macroeconomic risks due to intensifying climate shocks and insufficient readiness for green transitions.
Summary of UN-ESCAP Report – Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2025:
• Climate shocks could cause annual economic losses of at least 6% in a third of Asia-Pacific countries.
• The Asia-Pacific region contributed 60% of global economic growth in 2024.
• Countries Identified as Most Climate-Vulnerable (11 out of 30): Afghanistan, Cambodia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Laos, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
• Climate-induced GDP losses: For 30 countries, Average Annual Loss (AAL) is 4.8% of GDP.
• Main causes of vulnerability: Infrastructure deficits Agriculture-dependent economies Rapid, unregulated urbanisation Inadequate disaster risk management
• Infrastructure deficits
• Agriculture-dependent economies
• Rapid, unregulated urbanisation
• Inadequate disaster risk management
• Climate Vulnerability of Asia-Pacific Region:
• Region faces frequent extreme events: floods, droughts, cyclones, heatwaves. Economic sectors most exposed: agriculture, energy, coastal manufacturing. Poorer nations lack climate finance, resilient infrastructure, and public finance capacity.
• Region faces frequent extreme events: floods, droughts, cyclones, heatwaves.
• Economic sectors most exposed: agriculture, energy, coastal manufacturing.
• Poorer nations lack climate finance, resilient infrastructure, and public finance capacity.
• Proposed Solutions in the Report:
• Proactive Fiscal Interventions: Governments should shift investment towards high-productivity, green sectors. Climate-Smart Industrial Upgradation: Promote green value chains and sustainable production models. Regional Cooperation: Develop inclusive frameworks for shared green transition between developed and developing countries. Better Risk Assessment Tools: Adopt mechanisms like ESCAP’s Risk and Resilience Portal to track economic loss potential.
• Proactive Fiscal Interventions: Governments should shift investment towards high-productivity, green sectors.
• Climate-Smart Industrial Upgradation: Promote green value chains and sustainable production models.
• Regional Cooperation: Develop inclusive frameworks for shared green transition between developed and developing countries.
• Better Risk Assessment Tools: Adopt mechanisms like ESCAP’s Risk and Resilience Portal to track economic loss potential.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 3 – Environment & Economy
• Climate change impacts on economic growth. Sustainable development and green financing.
• Climate change impacts on economic growth.
• Sustainable development and green financing.
• GS Paper 2 – International Relations
• Role of UNESCAP and regional climate diplomacy. Climate justice and global cooperation in addressing transboundary risks.
• Role of UNESCAP and regional climate diplomacy.
• Climate justice and global cooperation in addressing transboundary risks.
• Essay Paper:
• Useful for themes like “Climate Resilience is Economic Resilience” or “Sustainable Development in the Global South.”
• Useful for themes like “Climate Resilience is Economic Resilience” or “Sustainable Development in the Global South.”
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 April Facts for Prelims (FFP)
India Skills Accelerator Initiative
Source: PIB
Context: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has partnered with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to launch the India Skills Accelerator.
About India Skills Accelerator Initiative:
• What is India Skills Accelerator?
• A national-level public-private platform focused on future-ready skilling and inclusive workforce development. Aims to be a systemic change enabler by improving coordination among stakeholders, updating policy frameworks, and creating scalable skilling pathways.
• A national-level public-private platform focused on future-ready skilling and inclusive workforce development.
• Aims to be a systemic change enabler by improving coordination among stakeholders, updating policy frameworks, and creating scalable skilling pathways.
• The Accelerator aims to catalyze change across three critical levels:
• By improving awareness and shifting mindsets around future skills needs,
• Increasing collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, and
• Committing to upgrade institutional structures and policy frameworks to support a more adaptive and responsive skilling ecosystem.
• Organizations Involved: Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and World Economic Forum (WEF).
• Core Objectives:
• Raise awareness of emerging skill demands. Foster public-private synergy and knowledge sharing. Update policies and structures to be agile and responsive. Align training with sectors like AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, energy, and GCCs.
• Raise awareness of emerging skill demands.
• Foster public-private synergy and knowledge sharing.
• Update policies and structures to be agile and responsive.
• Align training with sectors like AI, robotics, advanced manufacturing, energy, and GCCs.
• Key Features:
• Sectoral Priority Mapping: Focus on high-growth sectors and formalizing informal jobs. Lifelong Learning Focus: Mobilize investment in upskilling & reskilling across life stages. Data-led Governance: Use surveys and WEF’s Global Learning Network for peer benchmarking. 10–12 High-impact Priorities: Develop thematic working groups for measurable results. Global Linkages: Align with insights from WEF’s Future of Jobs 2025 report.
• Sectoral Priority Mapping: Focus on high-growth sectors and formalizing informal jobs.
• Lifelong Learning Focus: Mobilize investment in upskilling & reskilling across life stages.
• Data-led Governance: Use surveys and WEF’s Global Learning Network for peer benchmarking.
• 10–12 High-impact Priorities: Develop thematic working groups for measurable results.
• Global Linkages: Align with insights from WEF’s Future of Jobs 2025 report.
3D Printing
Source: IE
Context: Japan’s West Japan Railway Company unveiled the world’s first 3D-printed train station in Arida city. The new Hatsushima station was built in under six hours, showcasing cutting-edge construction innovation.
About 3D Printing:
• What is 3D Printing?
• 3D Printing or Additive Manufacturing is a technique of creating three-dimensional objects by layering materials based on a digital model. Unlike traditional manufacturing (subtractive), it adds material layer by layer, reducing waste and allowing intricate designs.
• 3D Printing or Additive Manufacturing is a technique of creating three-dimensional objects by layering materials based on a digital model.
• Unlike traditional manufacturing (subtractive), it adds material layer by layer, reducing waste and allowing intricate designs.
How 3D Printing Works?
• Design: The process begins with a 3D digital model created using CAD software, saved in formats like. STL or .OBJ.
• Slicing: Slicing software divides the digital model into hundreds or thousands of horizontal layers.
• Printing: The 3D printer deposits material layer by layer, following the sliced instructions. Each layer solidifies quickly, gradually forming the final object.
• Post-Processing: Once printing is complete, the object undergoes finishing like curing, sanding, or painting.
• Types of 3D Printing Technologies: Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM): This method extrudes melted thermoplastic filaments layer by layer to build the object. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): Uses lasers to fuse powdered materials (plastics, metals) into solid structures. Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS): A laser fuses metal powders layer-by-layer to create durable metal parts. DMLS is extensively used in aerospace and medical industries. Material Jetting: Photopolymer droplets are jetted onto a surface and cured using UV light. It allows high accuracy and is useful for colorful and detailed prototypes.
• Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM): This method extrudes melted thermoplastic filaments layer by layer to build the object.
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): Uses lasers to fuse powdered materials (plastics, metals) into solid structures.
• Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS): A laser fuses metal powders layer-by-layer to create durable metal parts. DMLS is extensively used in aerospace and medical industries.
• Material Jetting: Photopolymer droplets are jetted onto a surface and cured using UV light. It allows high accuracy and is useful for colorful and detailed prototypes.
• Limitations of 3D Printing: Material Limitations: Only select plastics, metals, or composites work with specific printers. This restricts its use across many conventional manufacturing areas. Size Constraints: Printers have limited build volumes; large items need to be printed in parts. These parts then require assembly, which increases complexity. Structural Weakness: Layer-by-layer bonding may lead to delamination or weak joints under stress. This limits usage for heavy-duty or high-pressure applications. Intellectual Property Issues: Easily shareable digital designs increase the risk of counterfeit products.
• Material Limitations: Only select plastics, metals, or composites work with specific printers. This restricts its use across many conventional manufacturing areas.
• Size Constraints: Printers have limited build volumes; large items need to be printed in parts. These parts then require assembly, which increases complexity.
• Structural Weakness: Layer-by-layer bonding may lead to delamination or weak joints under stress. This limits usage for heavy-duty or high-pressure applications.
• Intellectual Property Issues: Easily shareable digital designs increase the risk of counterfeit products.
Niveshak Didi Initiative
Source: PIB
Context: The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) and India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to launch Phase 2 of the Niveshak Didi initiative to deepen rural financial literacy for women across India.
About Niveshak Didi initiative:
• What it is?
• Niveshak Didi is a women-led financial literacy initiative focused on empowering rural populations through community-based financial education.
• Niveshak Didi is a women-led financial literacy initiative focused on empowering rural populations through community-based financial education.
• Launched in: Initially launched in 2023, currently entering Phase 2 in April 2025.
• Organisations Involved:
• Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) – under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) – under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications.
• Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) – under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) – under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications.
• Objective:
• To build financial awareness and responsible money management habits among rural women through community-driven models. Promote inclusive banking, digital literacy, and fraud prevention using local women influencers.
• To build financial awareness and responsible money management habits among rural women through community-driven models.
• Promote inclusive banking, digital literacy, and fraud prevention using local women influencers.
• Key Features:
• Grassroots Deployment: Over 40,000 women postal workers to be trained as Niveshak Didis for outreach across underserved regions. Financial Literacy Camps: Phase 2 will include 4,000+ new camps targeting rural, semi-urban, and tribal areas. Focused Curriculum: Covers savings, digital banking, safe investment, and fraud prevention. Women-Centric Model: Over 60% beneficiaries in Phase 1 were women from remote areas; the model capitalizes on their role as community influencers. Digital Inclusion: Emphasizes the use of IPPB’s paperless and cashless banking tools through vernacular mediums in 13 Indian languages.
• Grassroots Deployment: Over 40,000 women postal workers to be trained as Niveshak Didis for outreach across underserved regions.
• Financial Literacy Camps: Phase 2 will include 4,000+ new camps targeting rural, semi-urban, and tribal areas.
• Focused Curriculum: Covers savings, digital banking, safe investment, and fraud prevention.
• Women-Centric Model: Over 60% beneficiaries in Phase 1 were women from remote areas; the model capitalizes on their role as community influencers.
• Digital Inclusion: Emphasizes the use of IPPB’s paperless and cashless banking tools through vernacular mediums in 13 Indian languages.
One State, One RRB Policy
Source: BS
Context: The Ministry of Finance has notified the amalgamation of 26 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across 10 states and 1 union territory under the “One State, One RRB” policy, effective from May 1, 2025, reducing the total number of RRBs to 28.
About One State, One RRB Policy:
• What it is: A reform initiative of the Department of Financial Services aimed at consolidating RRBs within a state into a single entity. The consolidation process thus was initiated in the year 2005 as an off-shoot of Dr Vyas Committee Recommendations.
• The consolidation process thus was initiated in the year 2005 as an off-shoot of Dr Vyas Committee Recommendations.
• Objective: Enhance operational efficiency and governance. Rationalize costs and optimize human and technological resources. Eliminate competition among sponsor banks within a state.
• Enhance operational efficiency and governance.
• Rationalize costs and optimize human and technological resources.
• Eliminate competition among sponsor banks within a state.
• Benefits of Consolidation under One State, One RRB:
• Larger operational areas allow improved scale and outreach.
• Technology integration and standardization of banking services.
• Enhanced credit exposure and risk management.
• Unified governance under one sponsor bank per state.
About Regional Rural Banks (RRBs):
• Established: In 1975 under the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976.
• Recommendation: Based on Narasimham Committee Report (1975).
• Purpose: To bridge rural credit gaps and strengthen institutional lending in rural India.
• Regulated by: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
• Supervised by: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
• Ownership Structure:
• Government of India – 50% State Government – 15% Sponsor Bank – 35%
• Government of India – 50%
• State Government – 15%
• Sponsor Bank – 35%
• Objectives of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs):
• Rural Development: Promote credit access in rural areas for agriculture, trade, and services. Financial Inclusion: Provide banking services to small and marginal farmers, artisans, labourers, and small entrepreneurs. Priority Sector Lending: Focus on priority sectors such as agriculture and MSMEs. Institutional Credit Channel: Act as a supplement to cooperative credit structure in rural India.
• Rural Development: Promote credit access in rural areas for agriculture, trade, and services.
• Financial Inclusion: Provide banking services to small and marginal farmers, artisans, labourers, and small entrepreneurs.
• Priority Sector Lending: Focus on priority sectors such as agriculture and MSMEs.
• Institutional Credit Channel: Act as a supplement to cooperative credit structure in rural India.
Palna Scheme
Source: DD News
Context: The 7th edition of Poshan Pakhwada began on April, with a spotlight on early childhood nutrition, and the government’s Palna Scheme is being promoted as a key childcare intervention under Mission Shakti.
About Palna Scheme:
• What it is?
• Palna is a centrally sponsored scheme that provides quality crèche services for children aged 6 months to 6 years, especially for working mothers in urban and rural India.
• Palna is a centrally sponsored scheme that provides quality crèche services for children aged 6 months to 6 years, especially for working mothers in urban and rural India.
• Ministry: Implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).
• Launched in: 2022, as a restructured version of the earlier National Crèche Scheme.
• Part of Initiative: Operates under the Samarthya sub-scheme of the government’s Mission Shakti umbrella programme.
• Budget & Funding: Follows a Centre–State cost-sharing ratio of 60:40, and 90:10 for Northeast and special category states.
• Objectives:
• Support working mothers by providing safe, accessible, and affordable day-care services. Ensure early childhood care, nutritional support, and early education for children. Promote continued breastfeeding by situating crèches near homes or workplaces.
• Support working mothers by providing safe, accessible, and affordable day-care services.
• Ensure early childhood care, nutritional support, and early education for children.
• Promote continued breastfeeding by situating crèches near homes or workplaces.
• Key Features of the Scheme:
• Two Creche Models: Standalone Crèches: Operate independently near workplaces or residential areas. Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCCs): Integrated into existing Anganwadi centres for added reach. Creche Capacity: Each unit supports up to 25 children, ensuring manageable and personalised care. Comprehensive Childcare: Offers nutritional meals, growth tracking, early stimulation, preschool education, and immunization support.
• Two Creche Models: Standalone Crèches: Operate independently near workplaces or residential areas. Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCCs): Integrated into existing Anganwadi centres for added reach.
• Standalone Crèches: Operate independently near workplaces or residential areas.
• Anganwadi-cum-Crèches (AWCCs): Integrated into existing Anganwadi centres for added reach.
• Creche Capacity: Each unit supports up to 25 children, ensuring manageable and personalised care.
• Comprehensive Childcare: Offers nutritional meals, growth tracking, early stimulation, preschool education, and immunization support.
De-Extinction of Dire Wolf
Source: CNN
Context: A U.S.-based biotech firm, Colossal Biosciences, claimed the birth of three genetically engineered wolf pups, marking the first-ever attempt at “de-extinction” of the extinct dire wolf species after 12,500 years.
About De-Extinction of Dire Wolf:
• What is De-Extinction? De-extinction refers to the process of reviving extinct species using advanced biotechnological methods such as:
• De-extinction refers to the process of reviving extinct species using advanced biotechnological methods such as:
• Gene editing (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9). Ancient DNA sequencing and reconstruction. Cloning and synthetic biology.
• Gene editing (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9). Ancient DNA sequencing and reconstruction. Cloning and synthetic biology.
• Gene editing (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9).
• Ancient DNA sequencing and reconstruction.
• Cloning and synthetic biology.
• Applications:
• Biodiversity conservation by restoring ecological balance Scientific research on evolution and extinct ecosystems Climate resilience by reintroducing species adapted to extreme environments Public engagement in conservation science
• Biodiversity conservation by restoring ecological balance
• Scientific research on evolution and extinct ecosystems
• Climate resilience by reintroducing species adapted to extreme environments
• Public engagement in conservation science
About Dire Wolves:
• Scientific Name: Aenocyon dirus
• Habitat: Grasslands and forests of North America during the Pleistocene Epoch Status: Extinct approx. 12,500 years ago
• Key Characteristics:
• Build: Sturdier, more muscular than modern wolves Jaws: Larger skull and stronger bite force for hunting large prey like bison, horses Fur: Likely white or light-coloured. Behaviour: Pack hunters, apex predators.
• Build: Sturdier, more muscular than modern wolves
• Jaws: Larger skull and stronger bite force for hunting large prey like bison, horses
• Fur: Likely white or light-coloured.
• Behaviour: Pack hunters, apex predators.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 April 2025 Mapping:
Bandipur National Park
Source: IT
Context: Environmentalists and citizens launched the ‘Save Bandipur’ protest in Karnataka after reports emerged that the state government may lift the night traffic ban on NH-766, which cuts through the Bandipur National Park.
About Bandipur National Park:
• What it is? Bandipur is a national park and tiger reserve, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and one of India’s oldest and most ecologically significant protected areas.
• Bandipur is a national park and tiger reserve, part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, and one of India’s oldest and most ecologically significant protected areas.
• Location: Situated in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka.
• Establishment & History:
• First created in 1931 as Venugopala Wildlife Park (90 km²) by the Maharaja of Mysore. Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973 under Project Tiger. Became part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in 1986.
• First created in 1931 as Venugopala Wildlife Park (90 km²) by the Maharaja of Mysore.
• Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973 under Project Tiger.
• Became part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in 1986.
• Geographic Features:
• Area: ~868.63 km² Terrain: Dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and moist deciduous woodlands. Flora: Teak, rosewood, sandalwood, Indian kino tree, giant clumping bamboo. Fauna: Flagship species: Bengal tiger. Other mammals: Elephants, leopards, gaurs, sambar, chital, sloth bear Endemic species: Black-naped hare, Malabar squirrel
• Area: ~868.63 km²
• Terrain: Dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and moist deciduous woodlands.
• Flora: Teak, rosewood, sandalwood, Indian kino tree, giant clumping bamboo.
• Fauna: Flagship species: Bengal tiger. Other mammals: Elephants, leopards, gaurs, sambar, chital, sloth bear Endemic species: Black-naped hare, Malabar squirrel
• Flagship species: Bengal tiger.
• Other mammals: Elephants, leopards, gaurs, sambar, chital, sloth bear
• Endemic species: Black-naped hare, Malabar squirrel
About Highway – NH-766:
• Route: NH-766 cuts through the core area of Bandipur. National Highway 766 (NH 766), formerly known as NH 212, is a national highway in Southern India connecting Kozhikode in Kerala to Kollegal in Karnataka.
• National Highway 766 (NH 766), formerly known as NH 212, is a national highway in Southern India connecting Kozhikode in Kerala to Kollegal in Karnataka.
• Traffic Ban: Night traffic between 9 PM to 6 AM was banned in 2009 due to high wildlife mortality.
• Impact: Pre-ban deaths (2004–2009): 286 animals killed Post-ban deaths (2010–2018): Only 34 reported
• Pre-ban deaths (2004–2009): 286 animals killed
• Post-ban deaths (2010–2018): Only 34 reported
• Supreme Court: In 2019, upheld the ban, recognizing it as a conservation success story.
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 9 Apr 2025
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