Daily Current Affairs Summary 12th APRIL 2025

India to Launch 52 Military Satellites, Unveils New Military Space Doctrine

India is significantly boosting its defense capabilities by turning its focus toward space. According to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the country plans to launch 52 dedicated military satellites aimed at Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).

Purpose and Strategic Importance

These satellites will act as force multipliers by enhancing:

1. Real-time surveillance
2. Early warning systems
3. Precision targeting capabilities

Space-based ISR will significantly improve India’s situational awareness and readiness, particularly in sensitive regions and potential conflict zones.

Previous Military Satellites: A Foundation Already in Place

India has already laid the groundwork with several key satellite missions:

1. GSAT-7 “Rukmini”: Provides real-time communication support to the Navy.
2. GSAT-7A “Angry Bird”: Enhances the IAF's network-centric warfare capabilities.
3. RISAT Series: Radar Imaging Satellites with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capabilities for all-weather, day-night surveillance.

These systems have already proven useful, and the upcoming 52 satellites will expand coverage, resilience, and precision across domains.

Why Military Satellites Are Essential

1. Monitoring Borders with Pakistan and China
   High-resolution imaging and radar tech will help monitor difficult, mountainous terrain more effectively.
2. Maritime Surveillance
   Crucial for tracking naval movements and securing the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)—a zone of increasing strategic competition.
3. Defending Against Advanced Threats
   Satellites equipped with cutting-edge sensors can detect and counter threats from:
   1. Hypersonic missiles
   2. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
4. All-Weather, 24/7 Monitoring
   Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) allows surveillance even through clouds, darkness, and foliage—extending operational capacity in all conditions.

Development and Deployment Details

1. The satellites will be developed by ISRO in collaboration with private sector partners, encouraging greater self-reliance and innovation.
2. They will feature:
   1. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
   2. Advanced optical sensors
   3. High-resolution imaging systems
3. Deployment will be spread across various orbits for layered coverage and redundancy:
   1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
   2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
   3. Potentially Geostationary Orbit (GEO)

This multi-orbit strategy ensures that India can observe and respond to threats from multiple vantage points simultaneously.

India’s New Military Space Doctrine

Alongside the satellite expansion, India will introduce a comprehensive Military Space Doctrine. This policy document will:

1. Guide the Armed Forces in using space assets for intelligence and threat monitoring beyond national borders.
2. Address emerging challenges such as:
   1. Anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons
   2. Space debris hazards
   3. Electronic warfare in orbit

This doctrine marks a strategic shift in recognizing space as a contested and vital warfighting domain.

• Notably, in 2019, India demonstrated its ASAT capability by destroying a satellite in Low Earth Orbit, becoming the fourth nation (after the US, Russia, and China) with such a capability—reinforcing its strategic intent to safeguard space assets.

Oceans Were Once Green – And Could Change Colour Again, Study Reveals

A recent study conducted by Japanese scientists uncovers a fascinating chapter of Earth's early history—our oceans may not have always been the deep blue we see today. In fact, during the Archean eon, they might have looked green, and under certain conditions, could even appear purple or red.

Why Ancient Oceans Looked Green

During the Archean eon (about 4.0 to 2.5 billion years ago), Earth's environment was drastically different:

• Lack of Oxygen: At that time, there was virtually no oxygen in the atmosphere or oceans.
• Abundant Iron: Iron from underwater volcanic eruptions and surrounding rocks dissolved into the oxygen-free seawater, creating iron-rich oceans.

As early life began to evolve, it sparked major changes.

 

The Role of Early Life and Iron

1. The first photosynthetic organisms were anaerobic bacteria that didn't need oxygen to survive.
2. These bacteria began producing oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis.
3. This newly released oxygen started reacting with the dissolved iron in the oceans.
4. The reaction formed oxidized iron (Fe(III)), giving the oceans a distinct greenish tint.

Thus, the combination of iron-rich water and the early biological activity led to green-colored oceans.

 

Enter Cyanobacteria – The Oxygen Revolutionaries

A major evolutionary leap came with the rise of cyanobacteria, a type of photosynthetic microbe:

1. Although often called "blue-green algae," cyanobacteria are not true algae.
2. They adapted to iron-rich green oceans by using two pigments for photosynthesis:
   1. Chlorophyll: Captures normal sunlight.
   2. Phycoerythrobilin (PEB): Especially effective at absorbing green light, which helped them thrive in murky, iron-filled waters.
3. Cyanobacteria not only adapted but also transformed Earth by releasing huge amounts of oxygen, making the atmosphere breathable and paving the way for complex life forms.

 

Could Oceans Change Colour Again?

Yes—under the right environmental conditions, oceans could appear different colours again. Here's how:

Purple Oceans

1. If Earth experiences high volcanic activity and low oxygen levels again, it could lead to the growth of purple sulfur bacteria.
2. These bacteria thrive in sulfur-rich, low-oxygen environments and would give oceans a deep violet hue.

Red Oceans

1. Intense weathering of rocks in warm, tropical climates could release minerals that stain the water red.
2. Today, we sometimes see this phenomenon in the form of "red tides", caused by blooms of red algae.

• These are often triggered by nutrient runoff from agriculture and coastal development.

 

 Why Do Oceans Look Blue Today?

The blue colour of today’s oceans is a result of how sunlight interacts with water:

1. Water absorbs longer wavelengths of light, like red and orange, more easily.
2. Shorter wavelengths, especially blue, are scattered and reflected back to our eyes.
3. This filtering effect makes the ocean appear deep blue, especially when it's clean and clear.

Earth’s oceans have not always looked the same—and they may not always stay blue. Depending on the chemical makeup, light conditions, and life forms present, oceans can take on entirely different hues—from green, to purple, to red. These shifts are not just cosmetic—they reflect profound changes in Earth’s geology, climate, and biosphere.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Current Scenario

A recent report has raised alarms over the rising Vitamin D deficiency across India, revealing that one in every five Indians is affected. Modern urban lifestyles—characterized by limited sunlight exposure, high pollution levels, and predominantly indoor work routines—are significantly reducing the body's natural ability to produce Vitamin D.

 

What is Vitamin D?

Also known as calciferol, Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for various bodily functions. Unlike many nutrients, it is naturally produced in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. It is also found in certain foods and available through dietary supplements.

 

Sources of Vitamin D

1. Natural Source: Sunlight exposure is the most efficient and natural way for the body to synthesize Vitamin D.
2. Dietary Sources:
   1. Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel
   2. Red meat and liver (note: liver should be avoided during pregnancy)
   3. Egg yolks
   4. Fortified foods like milk, cereals, and orange juice (in some countries)

Why is Vitamin D Important?

1. Bone Health:
   Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate, which are critical for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
2. Muscle Function:
   It supports proper muscle function and overall mobility.
3. Immune Support:
   Plays a role in bolstering the immune system, helping the body fight off infections.

Consequences of Deficiency

1. In adults, a lack of Vitamin D can lead to:

• Decreased bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

2. In children, deficiency may result in:
   • Rickets – a condition marked by soft, weakened bones, often leading to skeletal deformities.

Blue Washing

What is Blue Washing?

Blue washing refers to a form of deceptive marketing in which organizations exaggerate or falsely portray their commitment to social responsibility, ethical practices, and sustainability. While appearing to align with international development goals or corporate social responsibility (CSR), such companies often fail to make meaningful or transparent efforts in practice.

Context and Relevance

In response to growing greenwashing accusations, the Waste-to-Energy (WTE) sector appears to be shifting toward blue washing tactics—portraying ethical integrity and sustainability to divert criticism, despite underlying issues such as pollution and poor environmental performance.

Related Terms

1. Greenwashing: The practice of misleading consumers by making false or exaggerated claims about a company’s environmental initiatives, to appear more eco-friendly than they actually are.
2. Pinkwashing: A marketing strategy where companies promote LGBTQ+ support to enhance their public image, while not necessarily providing equitable treatment or benefits to LGBTQ+ individuals within their own organization.

Why It Matters

These forms of "washing" undermine genuine efforts toward sustainability, equality, and transparency. They can mislead consumers, dilute social movements, and allow companies to avoid accountability while continuing harmful practices under a veil of good intentions.

Diatoms

Diatoms are a diverse group of microscopic, photosynthetic algae that thrive in aquatic and moist environments, including oceans, freshwater bodies, and even damp soils. These tiny organisms play a crucial role in the planet’s ecology and climate systems.

Key Characteristics

• Structure:
  Diatoms possess intricate, silica-based cell walls (called frustules) that display a wide range of beautiful geometric patterns. These glass-like shells are unique to each species.
• Habitat:
  Found almost everywhere water is present—from the deep oceans and coastal waters to rivers, lakes, and wet soils.

Ecological Importance

1. Photosynthesis:
   Diatoms utilize chlorophyll a and c to capture sunlight and convert it into energy through photosynthesis.
2. Oxygen Production:
   They contribute significantly to the global oxygen cycle, generating around 20–25% of Earth’s oxygen—more than all the world’s rainforests combined.
3. Carbon Sequestration:
   Diatoms help in removing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen (O₂), making them important agents in climate regulation.
4. Base of the Food Chain:
   As primary producers, diatoms synthesize long-chain fatty acids that are essential for aquatic life. They serve as a key food source for zooplankton, insects, fish, and even large marine animals like whales.
5. Environmental Indicators:
   Due to their sensitivity to changes in pH, salinity, nutrient levels, sedimentation, and human activity, diatoms are widely used to assess water quality and monitor ecosystem health.

 

Harmful Effects

Some species of diatoms, such as Pseudo-nitzschia, can produce domoic acid, a neurotoxin that enters the marine food web. This toxin can cause neurological disorders in marine animals—most notably aggressive and erratic behavior in sea lions.

PM POSHAN (Poshan Shakti Nirman) Scheme

The central government has increased the material cost for mid-day meals provided under the PM POSHAN scheme by 9.5%, aiming to enhance the nutritional value of meals served to schoolchildren.

About the Scheme

1. Implementing Ministry: The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
2. Primary Objective: PM POSHAN seeks to improve the nutritional status of children and encourage school attendance by offering wholesome, hot-cooked meals. It targets the dual goals of tackling classroom hunger and promoting universal education.
3. Coverage: The scheme provides hot cooked meals to over 11 crore children enrolled in Balvatika (pre-primary classes) and Classes 1 to 8 in government and government-aided schools across the country.
4. Scheme Duration: PM POSHAN is active for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Key Features

1. Balvatika Inclusion:
   The scheme now covers pre-school children, ensuring that even those in Balvatikas (before Class 1) receive nutritious, hot meals.
2. Tithi Bhojan Initiative:
   This unique community participation programme invites individuals and groups to contribute special meals on festive or special occasions, enhancing community engagement in child welfare.
3. Focus on Vulnerable Regions:
   Special nutritional provisions are made for:
   1. Aspirational districts, and
   2. Areas with a high prevalence of anemia,
      where children receive supplementary nutrition items to combat malnutrition and related health issues.

Matter-Antimatter Asymmetry

1. Recent findings from the Large Hadron Collider beauty (LHCb) experiment at CERN have provided crucial evidence of Charge-Parity (CP) violation in baryons—particles that form the building blocks of matter, such as protons and neutrons.
2. This discovery could help explain one of the most profound mysteries in physics: why the universe is made primarily of matter.

What is Matter-Antimatter Asymmetry?

1. Particles vs. Antiparticles: In theory, every particle has a corresponding antiparticle with identical mass but opposite charge. For instance, the electron has an antiparticle called the positron.
2. Symmetry and CP Violation: Normally, particles and their antiparticles should behave like perfect mirror images. However, some particles violate this symmetry in a process known as CP violation—a phenomenon where the laws of physics change slightly if a particle is replaced by its antiparticle and left and right are swapped.
3. Annihilation and Pair Creation: Matter and antimatter are always produced in equal amounts. When they meet, they annihilate each other completely, converting into pure energy—a process that should have left the universe devoid of matter.

The Cosmic Mystery

Following the Big Bang, matter and antimatter should have annihilated in equal measure. Yet, a small imbalance allowed a tiny fraction of matter to remain—this leftover matter formed all the galaxies, stars, planets, and life we see today. Understanding why this imbalance occurred is key to solving the puzzle of the matter-dominated universe.

Significance of the LHCb Experiment

The confirmation of CP violation in baryons is a major step forward.

1. It provides direct evidence that the rules governing particles and antiparticles are not perfectly symmetrical.
2. This asymmetry might be the reason why matter came to dominate over antimatter in the early universe.

Arctic Tundra Biome

The Arctic Tundra is a unique and fragile biome located primarily north of the Arctic Circle (66° 33’N), encompassing parts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Russia. Known for its extreme environment, it plays a crucial role in the global climate system—particularly in carbon storage.

Key Characteristics

1. Climate:
   The Arctic Tundra experiences extremely cold conditions, with average temperatures remaining below 0°C for the majority of the year—typically six to ten months. Precipitation levels are very low, making the tundra climate comparable to that of a desert in terms of dryness.
2. Permafrost:
   One of the most defining features of this biome is permafrost—permanently frozen ground that affects soil composition and plant growth. This frozen layer restricts root development and influences surface water dynamics.
3. Vegetation:
   Due to the harsh climate and shallow soil layer above permafrost, plant life consists mainly of species with shallow root systems. Common vegetation includes mosses, lichens, sedges, grasses, and low-growing shrubs.
4. Wildlife:
   Despite its harsh conditions, the tundra supports a variety of resilient animal species. Notable wildlife includes Arctic wolves, lemmings, polar bears, Arctic foxes, and migratory birds like falcons.

Current Environmental Concerns

Recent studies indicate that the Arctic Tundra is gradually losing its capacity to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. A key contributing factor is the rising frequency and intensity of wildfires globally. These fires, though often occurring outside the Arctic, can influence the region's climate and thaw permafrost, releasing stored carbon and further amplifying global warming.

Tsunami Zones in India

Insights from the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)

India's extensive coastline, stretching across multiple states and Union Territories, is vulnerable to tsunamis due to its proximity to two significant tectonic subduction zones.

These zones are geologically active and capable of generating powerful undersea earthquakes, which in turn can trigger tsunamis affecting the Indian coastline.

1. Andaman-Nicobar–Sumatra Island Arc

1. This zone forms a 5,000-kilometre-long tectonic boundary extending from Myanmar in the north to the Indonesian archipelago in the south.
2. It is one of the most prominent subduction zones in the region, where the Indian Plate is being pushed beneath the Eurasian Plate.
3. The tectonic activity in this region has historically triggered devastating tsunamis, including the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, making it a critical area for seismic monitoring.

2. Makran Subduction Zone

1. Located in the northwestern Indian Ocean, this zone lies off the coasts of southeastern Iran and southwestern Pakistan.
2. Here, the Arabian Sea Plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate, forming another high-risk seismic area.
3. Though less active than the Andaman-Nicobar arc, the Makran Subduction Zone remains a potential source of tsunamis, particularly for India's western coastal regions.

Understanding Carbon Rights

A Snapshot from the Rights and Resources Initiative Report

1. The concept of carbon rights is gaining increasing attention in global climate discussions, especially in the context of carbon markets and climate mitigation strategies.
2. However, despite its growing relevance, there is currently no universally accepted international definition of what constitutes carbon rights.

What Are Carbon Rights?

Broadly, carbon rights refer to legal entitlements linked to carbon sequestration— the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. These rights are often associated with the benefits generated from activities that help remove or reduce carbon emissions, such as:

1. Afforestation and reforestation
2. Soil carbon management
3. Conservation and forest preservation efforts

According to various interpretations, carbon rights typically encompass two key components:

1. Property Rights Over Carbon Sequestration Assets
   This includes ownership or control over natural elements such as land, forests, and soil that have the capacity to sequester carbon. These resources act as carbon sinks and are central to carbon storage strategies.
2. Rights to the Benefits Arising from Carbon Transactions
   This refers to the entitlement to receive financial or non-financial benefits derived from the transfer, sale, or trade of carbon credits or emissions allowances. Such transfers often occur through carbon markets or emissions trading schemes.

Navkar Mahamantra Divas: Celebrating Mahavir Jayanti

Prime Minister’s Address on Navkar Mahamantra Divas

On the sacred occasion of Navkar Mahamantra Divas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the profound spiritual and philosophical heritage of Jainism, emphasizing its invaluable role in shaping India’s moral compass, cultural identity, and environmental consciousness.

The day, celebrated across India, is not merely a spiritual observance but a symbol of ethical harmony, collective mindfulness, and national unity. People from all walks of life come together in reverence to chant the Navkar Mahamantra, a sacred prayer that transcends sectarian boundaries and promotes universal peace.

Navkar Mahamantra: The Heart of Jain Devotion

At the core of Jain spiritual practice lies the Navkar Mahamantra, a timeless and universal chant that pays tribute to five categories of enlightened beings:

1. Arihants – Those who have attained Keval Gyan (perfect knowledge)
2. Siddhas – Liberated souls who have completely eradicated all karmic bonds
3. Acharyas – Spiritual leaders who uphold and practice the Mahavratas (great vows)
4. Upadhyayas – Teachers who impart the knowledge and path of liberation
5. Sadhus – Monks and ascetics striving for self-purification through penance

Chanting the mantra in auspicious multiples like 9, 27, 54, or 108 symbolizes spiritual completeness and intellectual clarity. Inspired by this ancient wisdom, the Prime Minister presented a visionary roadmap for a “New India” through Nine Transformative Resolutions rooted deeply in the core values of Jainism.

Nine Resolutions for a New India

A Poetic Tribute to the Power of Nine

In harmony with the sacred symbolism of the number nine in Indian and Jain traditions, the Prime Minister introduced nine resolutions—each representing a commitment to sustainability, compassion, and national pride. These resolutions align closely with the Navkar Mantra's spiritual essence.

1. Water Conservation
2. Plant a Tree in Mother’s Name
3. Cleanliness Mission.
4. Vocal for Local
5. Explore India First
6. Adopt Natural Farming
7. Healthy Lifestyle Choices
8. Incorporate Yoga and Sports Daily
9. Support the Underprivileged

Jain Principles: Timeless Wisdom for Modern Challenges

Prime Minister Modi emphasized how Jain values hold critical answers to some of the world's most urgent contemporary issues. These eternal teachings are not only spiritually enriching but also environmentally, socially, and ethically relevant today:

1. Parasparopagraho Jivanam (Interdependence of All Life)
   Promotes the interconnectedness of all beings and the need for biodiversity preservation, nature restoration, and global cooperation.
2. Ahimsa (Non-violence)
   A powerful path to peace, inspiring global leaders from Mahatma Gandhi to Martin Luther King Jr. to choose non-violence over conflict.
3. Anekantavada (Doctrine of Many Viewpoints)
   Encourages empathy, tolerance, and open-mindedness — essential in resolving ideological conflicts and fostering harmony.
4. Aparigraha (Non-possession)
   A direct challenge to modern consumerism and materialism, promoting minimalism and sustainability, aligning with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
5. Satya (Truthfulness) and Asteya (Non-stealing)
   Uphold honesty, integrity, and fairness in personal and professional spheres, serving as tools against corruption and unethical practices.

Navkar Mahamantra Divas and Mahavir Jayanti: A Spiritual Confluence

The celebration of Navkar Mahamantra Divas on April 9, 2025, beautifully coincided with Mahavir Jayanti, marking the birth of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The Prime Minister referred to this convergence as a moment of spiritual alignment — a time to reflect on Lord Mahavir’s timeless values of Ahimsa, Satya, and self-restraint.

Quoting him:

“The Navkar Mantra is not just a mantra, but the core of our faith and the essence of life.”

He also recalled how Jain Acharyas influenced his early life in Gujarat, highlighting Jainism’s continuing relevance in India's journey of growth rooted in spiritual tradition.

Preserving Jain Wisdom: Government Initiatives

Recognizing the depth and intellectual richness of Jain literature, much of it composed in Prakrit and Pali, the government has taken active steps to preserve and promote this ancient wisdom:

1. Under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, efforts are underway to digitize Jain manuscripts and seek classical status for Prakrit and Pali.
2. In March 2024, the Ministry of Minority Affairs approved ₹25 crore for establishing a Centre for Jain Studies at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV), Indore under the PMJVK scheme.
   This center aims to:
   1. Digitize ancient Jain texts
   2. Promote interdisciplinary research
   3. Raise awareness about Jain traditions globally
   4. Serve as a hub for students, scholars, and the Jain community

Commemorative stamp: 2550^th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav

3. In April 2024, a commemorative stamp and coin were released on the occasion of the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav.

 

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