Daily Current Affairs Summary 14th APRIL 2025

 

Mauritius: First African Nation to Sign ISA’s Country Partnership Framework

In April 2025, Mauritius has become the first African country to sign the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) developed by the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

What is the Country Partnership Framework (CPF)?

1. The CPF is a key initiative of ISA designed to foster medium- and long-term partnerships with member countries. Its primary goal is to accelerate the global transition to clean energy through the implementation of joint solar projects tailored to national priorities.
2. By aligning national and ISA objectives, the CPF helps countries scale up their solar capacity and promote climate-resilient development.

About the International Solar Alliance (ISA) The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization that promotes solar energy as a universal, affordable, and sustainable solution to meet global energy demands and tackle climate change. Genesis: Launched in 2015 by India and France during the COP21 summit in Paris. Headquarters: Located in Gurugram, Haryana, India. Membership: As of March 2025, 104 countries have signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement. A 2020 amendment to the Agreement has made all UN member states eligible to join ISA.

 

ISA’s Vision: “Towards 1000” Strategy

ISA is guided by an ambitious strategy known as ‘Towards 1000’, with the following key goals by 2030:

1. Mobilize USD 1,000 billion in investments for solar energy projects.
2. Provide clean energy access to 1,000 million people across member countries.
3. Install 1,000 GW of global solar energy capacity.
4. Mitigate 1,000 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually through solar deployment.

This strategy aligns with global climate targets and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Initiatives of ISA

To realize its vision, ISA has launched several impactful programs:

1. SolarX Startup Challenge: Supports innovative start-ups and entrepreneurs with grants and business acceleration to scale solar solutions.

2. STAR-C Initiative: Focuses on strengthening technical and institutional capacities in member countries to implement solar projects effectively.

3. Global Solar Facility: A payment guarantee fund to reduce investment risk and attract private capital into solar projects.

4. Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre: Explores synergies between solar power and green hydrogen to unlock new avenues for sustainable energy storage and use.

 

India’s Leading Role in ISA

As a co-founder and key driver of the International Solar Alliance, India has played a pivotal role in shaping and supporting the organization’s mission:

1. One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG): A global initiative led by India to connect solar energy grids across nations for a more resilient and integrated power network.
2. Financial and Technical Support:
   1. India contributes ₹100 crore annually to ISA for supporting clean energy transitions in developing countries, especially in Africa and Asia.
   2. Offers funding, training, and technology transfer to partner nations, promoting solar deployment in emerging economies.
       

Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk Launched by Centre

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has operationalised the ‘Global Tariff and Trade Helpdesk’ to assist stakeholders in addressing emerging challenges in global trade, especially amid evolving tariff and counter-tariff measures.

Key Highlights:

1. The Helpdesk will serve as a support mechanism for importers, exporters, and trade stakeholders facing:
   1. Import and export challenges
   2. Import surges or dumping
   3. EXIM clearance issues
   4. Logistics and supply chain disruptions
   5. Financial or banking hurdles
   6. Regulatory and compliance problems
2. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide inputs and suggest possible support measures to the Ministry.
3. The Department of Commerce and DGFT are closely monitoring developments in global trade including:
   1. Tariff changes
   2. Export-related issues
   3. Surge in imports

Global Trade Context:

1. The US President paused reciprocal tariffs on 75 countries, including India, enhancing the scope for a bilateral trade agreement.
2. Simultaneously, the US imposed a 125% tariff on China, prompting retaliatory measures from China.
3. This shift in trade dynamics may encourage business relocation from China to India, due to India’s relatively lower tariff regime.

Toxic Algal Bloom Off California Coast Triggers Aggression in Sea Lions

An unusual toxic algal bloom along the Southern California coast has led to aggressive behavior in sea lions, causing them to attack humans—a rare and alarming phenomenon.

Key Highlights:

1. Neurotoxin Involved:
   The bloom is caused by the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia, which produces domoic acid, a marine neurotoxin.
2. Impact on Sea Lions:
   1. The toxin enters the marine food chain and accumulates in sea lions that feed on smaller contaminated fish.
   2. Leads to neurological damage, including aggression, stress, spasms, and in some cases, permanent brain injury.
   3. Thousands of sick sea lions have washed up on beaches; numerous human attacks have been reported, though no fatalities so far.
3. Human Health Risk:
   High concentrations of domoic acid in seafood can be lethal to humans.

What Causes Algal Blooms?

1. Upwelling Phenomenon:
   1. Caused by high-speed winds, upwelling brings nutrient-rich waters to the surface, aiding algal growth.
   2. Linked to climate change due to increasing ocean turbulence.
2. Pollution and Runoff:
   1. Effluents and chemical discharges into oceans contribute to nutrient overload.
   2. Wildfire runoff (e.g., from recent Los Angeles wildfires) further disturbs marine ecosystems.

Climate Change Connection:

1. This is the fourth consecutive year such toxic blooms have been recorded off California.
2. Global warming, increased wind turbulence, and wildfire impact are key contributors to the recurring phenomenon.

Study Finds Airborne Microplastics Entering Plant Leaves

1. A study published in Nature has revealed that plant leaves are absorbing airborne microplastics directly from the environment.
2. The research provides new insights into how plastic pollution extends beyond oceans and waterways, now affecting even terrestrial ecosystems and plant health.

How Microplastics Enter Plants

Researchers discovered that microplastic particles can penetrate plant leaves through natural surface openings such as:

1. Stomata – Tiny pores on leaf surfaces formed by guard cells, responsible for gas exchange.
2. Cuticle – A wax-coated protective membrane that covers leaves.

This is a significant revelation, as it shows plants can absorb plastic directly from the air, not just through contaminated soil or water.

Common Plastics Found in Plants

The study identified two major plastic types inside plant tissues:

1. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) – Commonly used in plastic bottles and food containers.
2. Polystyrene (PS) – Found in disposable items like cutlery, cups, and packaging materials.

Their presence highlights the pervasiveness of microplastic pollution in everyday environments.

Understanding Microplastics

What Are Microplastics?

1. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles up to 5 mm in size.
2. Nanoplastics are even smaller, measuring less than 1,000 nanometers.

These particles are often invisible to the naked eye but widespread in the environment.

Key Characteristics of Microplastics

1. Persistent and Hard to Remove:
   Microplastics do not degrade easily, making them long-lasting pollutants.
2. Highly Mobile:
   Their small size allows them to travel through air, water, and soil, spreading contamination widely.
3. Large Surface Area-to-Volume Ratio:
   This increases their ability to attract and bind harmful substances like heavy metals, pathogens, and chemicals.
4. Toxic Chemical Additives:
   Many microplastics contain harmful compounds such as:
   1. Bisphenol A (BPA)
   2. Brominated flame retardants
   3. PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
      These can leach into the environment or living organisms.

Types of Microplastics

1. Primary Microplastics

1. Intentionally manufactured in small size for industrial or cosmetic use:
2. Plastic pellets (raw materials in plastic production)
3. Microbeads (used in toothpaste, face wash, cosmetics)

2. Secondary Microplastics

1. Formed from the breakdown of larger plastic items:
2. Microfibers from synthetic clothing like polyester and nylon
3. Fragments from plastic bags, bottles, and packaging

Impact of Microplastics

1. On Human Health

1. Microplastics have been detected in human blood, lungs, placenta, and even breast milk.
2. Long-term exposure could potentially affect immune, hormonal, and reproductive systems.

2. Food Chain Contamination

1. According to the WWF (2019), the average person ingests around 5 grams of plastic per week—about the weight of a credit card.
2. This happens through contaminated water, food, and air.

3. Soil and Agriculture: Microplastics reduce soil fertility, disrupt plant growth, and alter soil microbial communities, impacting crop yields.
4. Marine and Aquatic Life

1. Found in organisms ranging from zooplankton and fish to mussels and whales.
2. Leads to bioaccumulation and biomagnification, where plastic particles move up the food chain, affecting predators—including humans.

Supreme Court on Governor's Role and Presidential Assent: Landmark Ruling in Tamil Nadu Case

1. In a significant constitutional ruling in the ‘State of Tamil Nadu vs Governor of Tamil Nadu’ case, the Supreme Court of India has addressed long-standing issues related to delays in Presidential assent to state legislation.
2. The Court has now introduced a clear timeline for the President to act on bills reserved by Governors under Article 201 of the Constitution.
3. This judgment not only strengthens cooperative federalism but also curbs arbitrary delays in the legislative process.

Understanding the Constitutional Framework

1. Article 200 – Governor’s Role in State Bills: When a state legislature passes a bill, the Governor has the power to:
   1. Give assent,
   2. Withhold assent,
   3. Reserve the bill for the President’s consideration under Article 201.
2. Article 201 – President’s Role After Bill is Reserved

1. Once a bill is reserved, the President may either assent to it or withhold assent.
2. However, the Constitution does not prescribe a time limit for the President to make a decision.

This legal vacuum has led to bills being kept pending indefinitely, creating hurdles in state governance.

Past Recommendations for Reform

1. Sarkaria Commission (1983) and Punchhi Commission (2007) both flagged this issue.
2. They recommended a fixed timeline for the President to act on reserved bills to prevent legislative uncertainty and misuse of power.

Key Supreme Court Directives in the Tamil Nadu Case

The Supreme Court's judgment addresses this loophole with specific guidelines:

1. Time-Bound Presidential Action

1. The President must make a decision within 3 months of receiving a bill reserved under Article 201.
2. This ensures the legislative process is not stalled indefinitely.

2. Mandatory Communication of Reasons: If the President withholds assent, the reasons must be clearly stated and communicated to the concerned State Government.

3. No Absolute Veto: The Court made it clear that the President cannot exercise an ‘absolute veto’ by simply not acting on a bill.

• • Absolute veto refers to the outright withholding of assent with no possibility of reconsideration.

4. Mandamus Against Inaction: If the President fails to act within the prescribed time, the State has the right to approach the Court and seek a writ of mandamus to compel action.

5. Cooperative Role for States: States are required to respond promptly to any queries from the Centre and to engage constructively when suggestions are made during the assent process.

6. Pre-Legislative Consultation

1. Before introducing a bill that may require Presidential assent, States should consult the Central Government.
2. In turn, the Centre must handle such consultations with fairness and urgency, respecting federal principles.

7. Seeking Judicial Opinion Under Article 143: If a bill is reserved due to doubts about its constitutionality, the President should consider referring the matter to the Supreme Court under Article 143, which allows the President to seek legal advice.

Conclusion: Strengthening Federal Balance

This ruling sets a constitutional benchmark for timely decision-making and accountability in the legislative process. By imposing time limits and reinforcing transparency, the Supreme Court has taken a vital step toward protecting federal harmony and ensuring smooth coordination between States and the Union.

It also empowers State Governments by allowing them legal recourse in cases of undue delay, thereby reaffirming the spirit of cooperative federalism in India’s democratic structure.

Sunbird: Fusion-Powered Rocket Could Reach Pluto in Just 4 Years

A new nuclear fusion-powered rocket named Sunbird is being developed with the potential to dramatically shorten the time it takes to travel across the solar system.

According to reports, this innovative spacecraft could reach Pluto in just four years, a journey that currently takes nearly a decade with conventional propulsion systems.

 

What is Sunbird?

Sunbird is an advanced space propulsion project jointly developed by two leading organizations:

1. Pulsar Fusion (United Kingdom)
2. Princeton Satellite Systems (United States)

At the heart of Sunbird’s potential lies a next-generation propulsion system based on nuclear fusion, the same process that powers the Sun.

 

The Technology Behind It: Dual Direct Fusion Drive (DDFD)

Sunbird is powered by a revolutionary engine design known as the Dual Direct Fusion Drive (DDFD). Here's how it works:

1. The engine uses a fusion reaction involving helium-3 and deuterium, two lightweight isotopes that release vast amounts of energy when fused.
2. DDFD technology is unique in that it can generate both thrust and electricity simultaneously—a major advancement over traditional chemical or electric propulsion.
3. This integrated power system supports not just propulsion, but also onboard systems and instruments, making it highly efficient for long-duration missions.

Unprecedented Speed and Efficiency

Thanks to its fusion-based design, the Sunbird rocket is projected to reach astonishing speeds of up to 805,000 kilometers per hour.

1. At this velocity, spacecraft could reach Pluto in just four years, compared to the nearly 9.5 years it took NASA’s New Horizons mission.
2. Such speed would drastically reduce travel times across the solar system, opening the door to more frequent and feasible interplanetary missions.

Why It Matters

The development of Sunbird represents a major milestone in propulsion technology and could be a game-changer for future space exploration:

1. Enables faster missions to distant planets, moons, and possibly even interstellar destinations.
2. Provides a sustainable and long-lasting power source, reducing the need for heavy fuel loads and resupply missions.
3. Offers the potential to transform deep-space exploration by making it faster, more efficient, and more affordable in the long run.

New mAadhaar App Launched to Simplify Digital Identity Verification

1. The Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology has officially launched a revamped version of the mAadhaar mobile application, aimed at transforming how digital identity verification is carried out in India.
2. Developed by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the app is designed to make the Aadhaar authentication process as effortless and secure as UPI payments.

Purpose Behind the New mAadhaar App

The updated app focuses on enhancing user convenience and data privacy. It streamlines the verification process by offering faster, more secure ways to confirm one’s identity using Aadhaar—without the need for physical documents or OTPs in many cases.

Key Features of the New mAadhaar App

1. QR Code-Based Instant Verification

1. The app enables users to verify their identity simply by scanning a QR code at designated verification points.
2. This system is designed to work as smoothly as a UPI transaction, ensuring quick and contactless authentication.

2. Face Authentication for Real-Time Security

1. A major upgrade is the real-time face authentication feature, adding a new layer of security.
2. It matches the user’s live facial scan with their Aadhaar photo, ensuring accurate and tamper-proof verification.

3. Private and Secure Data Sharing

1. The app is built with privacy in mind. Aadhaar details are shared directly from the user’s device, eliminating the need to transmit data through third-party servers.
2. This significantly reduces the risk of data leaks or misuse.

4. User Consent and Controlled Access

1. Users have full control over what data is shared and with whom.
2. The app only shares the minimum necessary information, and only after the user gives consent, making the process both transparent and secure.

A Step Toward Seamless Digital Governance

The new mAadhaar app reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance digital public infrastructure. By combining user-friendly design with robust security features, it is set to become a key tool for identity verification in services ranging from banking and telecom to travel and welfare delivery.

India’s First GaN-Based Semiconductor Plant to Rise in Raipur

In a major step toward boosting India’s electronics manufacturing and technological self-reliance, Chhattisgarh has laid the foundation stone for the country’s first Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based semiconductor facility in Raipur.

What is Gallium Nitride (GaN)?

Gallium Nitride (GaN) is a wide bandgap semiconductor material, made by combining two elements: gallium and nitrogen.

1. A semiconductor is a material that allows electricity to pass through it, but only partially—making it ideal for regulating electrical signals in a wide range of electronic devices.
2. GaN stands out for its high efficiency and resilience, especially when compared to traditional semiconductor materials like silicon.

Why GaN is a Game-Changer

GaN’s physical and electrical properties make it far superior to silicon in many modern applications. Here’s how:

1. Higher Efficiency: GaN can operate at higher voltages and frequencies with minimal energy loss.
2. Superior Thermal Stability: It performs well under high temperatures, making it reliable in tough conditions.
3. Faster Switching Speeds: Ideal for advanced electronics that demand quick and precise signal changes.
4. Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Though initially more expensive, GaN technology helps reduce overall system and operational costs due to its energy-saving potential.

Applications: Powering Tomorrow’s Technologies

GaN-based semiconductors are crucial for the next generation of high-performance tech. Their unique capabilities are enabling breakthroughs in:

1. 5G and upcoming 6G networks
2. High-performance computing systems like modern laptops and servers
3. Defense and aerospace technologies requiring durable and efficient components
4. Power electronics including electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, and smart grids
5. Big data and analytics, where processing power and energy efficiency are critical

 

Strategic Importance for India

Setting up India’s first GaN semiconductor plant is not just a technological milestone—it’s a strategic move:

1. It supports the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiatives.
2. Reduces dependency on imported semiconductor components, especially in sensitive sectors like defense and telecom.
3. Positions India as a potential global player in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing.

Lichens: Resilient Life Forms With Mars Survival Potential

A recent scientific study has made a fcascinating discovery—certain species of lichens have shown the ability to survive and even remain metabolically active under conditions that closely mimic those found on Mars. This remarkable resilience sheds light not only on their adaptability but also on the potential for life in extreme environments beyond Earth.

What Are Lichens?

Lichens are not a single organism but a symbiotic partnership between two very different life forms:

1. A fungus (called the mycobiont) provides structure, stability, and protection.
2. An alga or cyanobacterium (the photobiont) performs photosynthesis, producing food that sustains both partners.

This mutually beneficial relationship allows lichens to thrive in conditions that would be hostile to most other organisms.

Global Presence and Habitat

Lichens are incredibly widespread, covering approximately 8% of Earth's land surface. What’s even more remarkable is where they are found:

1. From the frozen landscapes of Antarctica to the scorching heat of tropical deserts, lichens survive in some of the planet’s most extreme environments.
2. Their presence in such harsh habitats highlights their extreme tolerance to UV radiation, desiccation, and nutrient-poor conditions.

Lichens in India

India is home to a rich diversity of lichens, with over 2,700 recorded species. These are especially abundant in:

1. The Western Ghats
2. The Eastern Himalayas
3. The Northeastern hill regions

In recognition of their ecological importance and diversity, India’s first dedicated Lichen Park was set up in 2020 in Munsiyari, Uttarakhand, marking a step forward in conservation and awareness.

Ecological Significance of Lichens

Lichens play several critical roles in natural ecosystems:

1. Bioindicators of Air Quality: They are highly sensitive to pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and heavy metals, making them effective indicators of air pollution levels.
2. Pioneers of Ecological Succession
   1. Lichens are often the first organisms to colonize barren surfaces like rocks, volcanic lava, or glacial moraines.
   2. Over time, they help break down these surfaces, contributing to the formation of soil.
3. Soil Formation and Ecosystem Recovery: By breaking down rock and accumulating organic matter, lichens help prepare the ground for more complex plant life.

Lichens and the Possibility of Life on Mars

The ability of some lichen species to stay active in Mars-like conditions has huge implications:

1. It opens doors to astrobiology research, hinting that life could potentially survive on other planets under specific conditions.
2. Their resilience to radiation, low pressure, and extreme dryness makes them prime candidates for studying the limits of life beyond Earth.

Shadow Fleet: The Hidden Network Behind Sanctioned Oil Trade

1. The United States has recently imposed sanctions on several UAE-based firms with Indian links, accusing them of being part of a covert network that helps Iran export oil despite international sanctions.
2. At the heart of this controversy lies the “shadow fleet”—a secretive group of ships operating under the radar of global maritime monitoring systems.

What is a Shadow Fleet?

1. A shadow fleet refers to a collection of vessels used to illegally transport oil—often on behalf of countries facing international sanctions.
2. These ships operate in the gray zones of maritime law, using deceptive methods to disguise the origin, ownership, and destination of their cargo. Their main goal: evade international scrutiny and continue illicit trade without detection.

How Does the Shadow Fleet Operate?

The operations of these ships rely on a mix of advanced tactics, legal loopholes, and digital deception. Here's how they manage to stay under the radar:

1. Anonymous Ownership

1. These vessels are often registered under shell companies in countries known for lax maritime regulations, such as Liberia, Panama, or the Marshall Islands.
2. This makes it nearly impossible to trace the real owners or hold them accountable for illegal activity.

2. AIS Spoofing and Signal Blackouts

1. Ships are equipped with Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), a technology used for real-time tracking and safety.
2. Shadow fleet vessels frequently disable or manipulate these systems, effectively "vanishing" from global monitoring networks.
3. Some even spoof locations, falsely appearing in one region while operating in another.

3. Ship-to-Ship Transfers (STS)

1. A common method used is mid-sea cargo transfers, where oil is moved from a sanctioned vessel to a seemingly unrelated or "clean" ship.
2. This process takes place far from coastlines, often in international waters, making it harder to observe or intervene.

4. Forged Documentation: To maintain the illusion of legitimacy, these ships often carry falsified documents—including:

1. 1. Fake flags of convenience
   2. Forged cargo manifests
   3. Counterfeit insurance papers

This manipulation allows them to pass inspections, enter ports, and sell sanctioned oil on global markets without raising suspicion.

Why It Matters?

The use of shadow fleets undermines the effectiveness of international sanctions and creates a parallel global oil market that is unregulated and opaque. It also raises serious concerns about:

1. Maritime safety, due to untracked vessels operating without oversight.
2. Environmental risks, especially from unregulated ship-to-ship transfers and poorly maintained vessels.
3. Global security, as the profits from such trades can fund destabilizing activities.

US House Passes SAVE Act Requiring Proof of Citizenship for Voter Registration

The US House of Representatives has passed the SAVE Act—a Republican-led bill requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections, despite noncitizen voting already being illegal under U.S. law.

Key Highlights:

1. Bill Name: SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act)
2. Vote Tally: Passed with 220–208 votes; supported by 4 Democrats.
3. Objective: To mandate documentary proof of citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, passport) for voter registration in federal elections.
4. Additional Provision: Allows for removal of noncitizens from federal voter rolls.

Concerns Raised:

1. Critics argue the bill creates unnecessary barriers to voting, potentially disenfranchising millions of eligible U.S. citizens.
2. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, over 21 million Americans eligible to vote lack easy access to citizenship documents.
3. Voting rights advocates view the bill as a "solution in search of a problem", given that noncitizen voting is already rare and illegal.

Legislative Status:

1. The bill now moves to the Senate, where Republicans have a majority, but support from some Democrats is required for passage.
2. A similar bill passed the House earlier but failed in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

Associated Developments:

1. In March 2025, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order reinforcing citizenship verification for voter registration.
2. The order has triggered legal challenges from civil rights and democratic advocacy groups, citing concerns of federal overreach and voter suppression.

 

ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA)

India hosts 8th Meeting of Joint Committee on ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). 

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), established in August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, is a group of 10 countries.

About AITIGA                       

1. Genesis: Signed in 2009 and entered into force in 2010.
2. Mandates: Each party shall accord National Treatment to goods of other parties in line with GATT, 1994. 
3. Trade: Bilateral trade between India and ASEAN reached USD 121 billion (2023-24).
   •   ASEAN constitutes for about 11% share in India's global trade.
      

Long-Range Glide Bomb 'Gaurav'

In April 2025, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducts release trials of Long-Range Glide Bomb 'Gaurav'.

Weapon Specifications

1. Type: Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB). 
2. Weight: 1,000 kg class
3. Range: ‘Gaurav’ achieved 100 km range with pinpoint accuracy.
4. Development: Designed and developed indigenously

 

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