UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 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 – 2 April (2025)
1. India China 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties
GS Paper 3:
2. India’s Agricultural Crossroads: Global Trade Integration vs Domestic Food Security
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
1. Keeranatham Village Panchayat Model to Counter Plastic Waste
2. Left Wing Extremism in India
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
1. Future Circular Collider
2. Mitathal and Tighrana Harappan Sites
3. Saturn and the Discovery of Its New Moons
4. Monetary Policy
5. INSV Tarini & Navika Sagar Parikrama II Expedition
6. Silicon-Carbon Batteries
Mapping:
7. Nigeria
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 April 2025
GS Paper 2 :
India China 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: HT
Context: India and China marked the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties on April 1, 2025. President Xi Jinping and President Droupadi Murmu exchanged messages, emphasizing strategic trust, regional peace, and mutual growth.
Significance of the 75th Anniversary of India-China Bilateral Relations
• Diplomatic Milestone: Highlights the longevity of ties between two ancient civilisations and modern Asian powers.
• Platform for Reset: The anniversary serves as an opportunity to normalise strained relations post the 2020 Galwan clash.
• Leaders’ Messages: PM Modi stressed on multipolar stability, while Xi Jinping advocated for a “dragon-elephant tango” of cooperation.
• People-to-People Ties: 70,000 visas were issued to Indians in Q1 2025, indicating growing mutual interest.
• Strategic Shift: Reaffirmation of shared global responsibilities as leaders in the Global South.
E.g. The revival of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is among the confidence-building measures to improve relations.
History of India-China Bilateral Relations:
- Early Relations (1950s): India was the first non-socialist country to recognize PRC; 1954 Panchsheel Agreement was signed.
E.g. Emphasis on peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
- Conflict Phase (1962): Relations soured post the Sino-Indian War due to unresolved border disputes.
E.g. LAC disagreements continue from this legacy.
- Normalization (1980s–2000s): Rajiv Gandhi’s 1988 visit to China restarted ties. Mechanisms like WMCC (2012) addressed border issues.
E.g. Special Representatives Mechanism was established in 2003.
- Trade and Dialogue (2000s): Economic ties improved, with bilateral trade surpassing $138 billion by 2024.
E.g. Both nations became key BRICS members.
- Recent Tensions: Doklam standoff (2017) and Galwan Valley clash (2020) strained relations significantly.
E.g. Border clashes triggered diplomatic freeze until late 2023.
Areas of cooperation between India and China:
- Multilateral Forums: Active participation in BRICS, SCO, G20, and Global South initiatives.
E.g. Joint advocacy for Global South’s interests.
- Cultural and Academic Exchanges: Increase in student exchange programs, art exhibitions, and tourism.
E.g. Over 70,000 Indian visas issued by China in early 2025.
- Trade and Commerce: Despite border tensions, trade continues to be a strong pillar of cooperation.
E.g. $138.5 billion trade volume in 2024.
- Climate & Global Governance: Common interests in climate change mitigation and equitable global order.
E.g.Shared stance on climate finance and sustainable development.
- Public Diplomacy: High-level visits, media dialogues, and people-to-people contacts continue.
E.g.Recent talks on resumption of air services and river cooperation.
Points of difference between India and China:
- Border Dispute: Unresolved Line of Actual Control (LAC) issues, especially in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.
E.g. Galwan Valley clash of 2020 remains a flashpoint.
- Strategic Rivalry: China’s close ties with Pakistan and its presence in Indian Ocean concerns India.
E.g. China’s Belt and Road Initiative excludes India.
- Trade Imbalance: India faces a persistent trade deficit with China due to heavy reliance on Chinese imports.
E.g. Indian imports far exceed exports.
- Perception Gap: China’s assertive policies conflict with India’s emphasis on strategic autonomy and sovereignty.
E.g. Different views on Indo-Pacific strategies.
- Security Trust Deficit: Border militarisation and lack of transparency continue to undermine mutual trust.
E.g. Increased troop deployment since 2020 clashes.
Way Ahead:
- Strengthen Dialogue: Continue regular meetings under SR Mechanism and border management dialogues.
- Build Trust: Promote confidence-building measures like joint exercises and cultural diplomacy.
- Balanced Trade: Address trade imbalance through strategic investment partnerships and diversification.
- Multilateral Cooperation: Work jointly on global platforms to address climate, health, and peace issues.
- Focus on People: Encourage student, business, tourism, and academic exchanges to rebuild public trust.
Conclusion:
India-China relations, while historically complex, hold transformative potential for both nations and the world. With strategic maturity and mutual respect, the bilateral ties can shift from confrontation to cooperation. The 75th anniversary offers a timely opportunity to recalibrate and build enduring peace and prosperity.
PYQ:
1. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (UPSC-2018)
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 April 2025 GS Paper 3:
India’s Agricultural Crossroads: Global Trade Integration vs Domestic Food Security
Syllabus: Agriculture
Source: DTE
Context: India is under increasing global pressure to liberalise agricultural markets amid growing concerns about protecting domestic food security and farmer livelihoods.
Importance of Global Trade Integration:
- Boosts Export Revenues: Enhanced global access allows Indian produce like spices, rice, and mangoes to earn valuable foreign exchange.
E.g. India’s $8.4 billion agricultural exports to the US highlight this opportunity.
- Encourages Technology Transfer: Trade agreements can attract foreign investment in Agri-tech and rural infrastructure.
E.g.FTAs with developed countries can bring in cold storage tech and logistics.
- Improves Market Efficiency: Integration encourages better price discovery and competition, benefiting high-quality producers.
- Strengthens Diplomatic Ties: Trade partnerships align with India’s broader geopolitical strategy in forums like WTO and BRICS.
- Diversifies Supply Chains: Import of critical inputs like palm oil and fertilisers ensures production continuity.
E.g. Indonesia’s palm oil export ban in 2022 exposed India’s import vulnerability.
Importance of Domestic Food Security:
- Supports Rural Livelihoods: Agriculture employs 42% of India’s workforce, mostly small and marginal farmers.
E.g. 100 million dairy farmers rely on tariff protection for survival.
- Ensures Nutrition Stability: Self-reliant food production protects the poor from price shocks during global crises.
- Reduces Dependence on Imports: Domestic food resilience shields India from global supply disruptions.
E.g. Ukraine war spiked fertiliser prices due to overdependence.
- Preserves Political Stability: Food insecurity can lead to social unrest, especially in rural and agrarian regions.
- Empowers Strategic Sovereignty: Self-sufficiency in food enables policy autonomy without external pressure.
Key Challenges:
- Subsidy Wars: Developed countries offer heavy subsidies, distorting global agri-trade.
E.g. US $10B farm aid makes their exports artificially competitive.
- Pressure from FTAs: Demands from nations like New Zealand for dairy access risk destabilising local producers.
- Illegal Imports: Despite bans, Chinese garlic enters India, collapsing prices for domestic growers.
- WTO Scrutiny: India’s MSP system is challenged by WTO norms, reducing policy flexibility.
- Dual Burden of Tariffs: High tariffs protect farmers but trigger retaliatory duties and limit export access.
E.g. US ‘reciprocal tariff’ policy under Trump.
Balancing Global Integration with Domestic Food Security:
- Calibrated Liberalisation: Gradually lower tariffs only in non-sensitive sectors while safeguarding core crops.
- Negotiate Investment-Focused FTAs: Focus more on Agri-investment and tech sharing than tariff cuts.
- Strengthen Domestic Competitiveness: Invest in storage, logistics, and seed innovation to empower Indian farmers.
- Enhance Import Surveillance: Tighten customs checks to prevent illegal or substandard imports.
- Push WTO Reform: Advocate for transparent, equitable subsidy norms in global platforms to ensure fair play.
Conclusion:
India stands at a defining policy juncture. Balancing global trade integration with domestic food security is not a binary choice but a nuanced journey. Strategic caution, not hasty liberalisation, will secure both farmer welfare and international competitiveness.
PYQ:
1. What are the present challenges before crop diversification? How do emerging technologies provide an opportunity for crop diversification? (UPSC-2021)
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 April 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Keeranatham Village Panchayat Model to Counter Plastic Waste
Context: Keeranatham Village Panchayat in Coimbatore has launched a unique plastic eradication campaign offering ₹10 per kg for collected plastic waste.
About Keeranatham Village Panchayat Model to Counter Plastic Waste:
- What it is: A grassroots-level campaign that rewards citizens for collecting and depositing plastic waste at the panchayat office.
- How it works: Residents are encouraged to bring plastic waste to the office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. and receive ₹10 per kg in return.
Significance:
- Community Involvement: The initiative promotes behavioural change by involving the public in the mission to make the village plastic-free.
- Environmental Impact: It aims to protect soil health, reduce non-biodegradable waste, and promote sustainable waste disposal.
- Scalability: This low-cost, reward-based model can be replicated in other panchayats and urban local bodies across India.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:
- GS Paper II – Governance:
o Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in local development and environmental governance.
o Community-led initiatives in solid waste management.
- GS Paper III – Environment:
o Solid Waste Management; Plastic Waste Rules, 2016.
o Sustainable Development and Environmental Conservation.
- Essay/Case Studies (Ethics/GS IV):
o As a best practice of proactive leadership and public participation.
Left Wing Extremism in India
Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the number of ‘most-affected’ Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) districts has reduced from 12 to 6, with India targeting complete eradication of Naxalism by March 31, 2026.
About Left Wing Extremism in India:
What is LWE?
- Left-Wing Extremism or Naxalism refers to armed insurgency led by Maoist groups espousing communist ideologies.
- They operate mainly in forested, tribal-dominated areas of Central and Eastern India, demanding land, rights, and justice for marginalized groups through violent means.
Current Status (2025):
- Districts Affected by LWE: Reduced from 38 to 18.
- Most-affected districts: Down from 12 to 6, mainly in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand.
- India’s Target: Eradicate LWE by March 31, 2026.
Government Initiatives:
- Security Response: Deployment of CRPF, Greyhounds, CoBRA units and setting up of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in core Maoist zones.
- Developmental Measures: Special Central Assistance (SCA) Scheme which provide ₹30 crore for most-affected districts and ₹10 crore for districts of concern.
- Administrative Interventions: Civic Action Programmes to win local support along with establishment of Eklavya Model Schools and mobile towers in remote areas.
- Technology-Based Policing: Use of drones, GPS mapping, real-time intelligence sharing, and geospatial surveillance.
- Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy: Financial incentives and vocational training for surrendered Maoists.
Relevance in UPSC Exam:
- GS-3 Syllabus Coverage:
o Linkages between development and extremism
o Role of security forces and agencies in internal security challenges
o Challenges to internal security through communication networks and role of media.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 April Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Future Circular Collider
Source: TH
Context: CERN has unveiled the final blueprint for the Future Circular Collider (FCC) to succeed the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).
About Future Circular Collider (FCC):
- What is it? A proposed next-generation particle collider by CERN to replace the existing 27-km LHC.
o Envisioned as a 91-kilometre underground circular tunnel designed for high-energy proton and heavy ion collisions.
- Proposed by: CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), the world’s leading particle physics research institute.
- Location:
o Will span the French-Swiss border, including areas beneath Lake Geneva.
o Planned at a depth of around 200 metres, with a tunnel diameter of 5 metres.
- Need and Aim:
o Enhance precision in exploring known physics, especially the Higgs boson.
o Unlock deeper insights into dark matter, supersymmetry, and the early universe.
o Achieve 10 times more energy than the LHC, enabling discovery of heavier particles.
- Key Features:
o Phased Development:
- Phase I (2040s): Focus on precision studies of Standard Model particles.
- Phase II (2070): High-energy proton and heavy ion collisions to explore unknown physics.
o Scientific Potential: Aims to unlock breakthroughs in quantum field theory, vacuum dynamics, and subatomic structures.
o Technological Advancements: Expected to spur innovation in cryogenics, superconducting magnets, and vacuum technologies.
o International Collaboration: Backed by 24 member countries (including Israel), with a funding decision due in 2028, estimated at 14 billion Swiss Francs.
o Strategic Vision: Finalized after evaluating 100+ design scenarios, reaffirming CERN’s leadership in global fundamental physics research.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 April Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Mitathal and Tighrana Harappan Sites
Source: IE
Context: The Haryana Government has officially declared Mitathal and Tighrana, two Harappan civilisation sites in Bhiwani district, as protected archaeological sites under the Haryana Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964.
About Mitathal and Tighrana Harappan Sites in News:
- Location:
o Mitathal and Tighrana villages in Bhiwani district, Haryana.
o Now protected under a 10-acre demarcated area at Mitathal as per the March 13, 2025, government notification.
- Key Features & Importance:
- Mitathal Site:
o Yields Copper-Bronze Age material dating back to 3rd–2nd millennium BCE.
o Evidence of Harappan town planning, sturdy red pottery with black painted motifs (e.g. pipal leaf, fish scale).
o Artefacts: beads, copper tools, bangles, terracotta, and bone items.
o Excavations from 1965–68 and four more since 2016 by Central University of Haryana.
- Tighrana Site:
o Rich in post-Harappan and pre-Harappan layers, showing cultural continuity.
o Associated with Sothian culture (Chalcolithic farmers).
o Houses made of mud bricks, possibly fortified; early use of bichrome wheel-made pottery.
o Artefacts: green carnelian bangles, indicating active bead and jewellery industry.
- Uniqueness:
o Shows uninterrupted human settlement from Pre-Siswal to Post-Harappan periods.
o Offers rich insights into early agricultural practices, craftsmanship, and community structure in Indo-Gangetic divide.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 April Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Saturn and the Discovery of Its New Moons
Source: TOI
Context: Astronomers have discovered 128 new moons orbiting Saturn, taking the planet’s total confirmed moon count to 274 — the highest for any planet in the solar system.
About Saturn and the Discovery of Its New Moons:
- What is the Discovery?
o A team of astronomers identified 128 new moons around Saturn using the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope with the “shift and stack” technique.
o These moons are officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
- Saturn’s Moon Count:
o With this latest discovery, Saturn now has 274 confirmed moons, surpassing Jupiter’s 95 moons as of 2024.
o These include both regular and irregular moons, with most new ones classified as irregular, small, and potato-shaped.
- How Are These Moons Formed?
o Irregular orbits suggest they were captured asteroids or debris.
o Clustering implies collisions and fragmentation of larger ancient moons.
o Many may have formed due to violent impacts or gravitational capture during early solar system turbulence.
- Significance of the Discovery:
o Reinforces Saturn’s role as the “Moon King” of the solar system.
o Sheds light on the chaotic early evolution of the solar system.
o Aids research on planetary formation, orbital dynamics, and ring systems.
o Could refine the definition of what qualifies as a moon.
o Offers potential leads into the origin of irregular satellite systems.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 April Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Monetary Policy
Source: FE
Context: RBI has completed 90 years since it announced its first monetary policy in 1935. This milestone is being celebrated during the time of the new RBI Governor, Sanjay Malhotra.
About Monetary Policy:
- What is Monetary Policy?
o Monetary policy refers to the central bank’s strategy to control money supply and interest rates in the economy to ensure stability and growth.
- Objective: Its aim is to regulate inflation, maintain currency stability, and boost economic growth through effective liquidity and credit control.
- Authority in India: Managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the RBI Act, 1934.
Evolution of Monetary Policy in India:
- 1935: RBI’s first monetary policy fixed the Bank Rate at 3.5% and introduced Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR).
- Origins:
o Bank Rate – Inspired by the Bank of England.
o CRR – Based on the Federal Reserve Act (USA).
- Open Market Operations (OMO), Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR), and exchange rate management became part of the policy framework later.
- Modern policies now use the Repo Rate as the key benchmark.
Types of Monetary Policy Tools:
- Quantitative Instruments:
o Bank Rate: Interest rate at which RBI lends to banks. Influences long-term lending rates.
o CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio): Mandates banks to keep a % of deposits with RBI. Controls money supply.
o SLR (Statutory Liquidity Ratio): Requires banks to hold liquid assets. Ensures solvency and liquidity.
o Repo Rate: RBI’s short-term lending rate to banks. Affects borrowing costs and inflation.
o Reverse Repo Rate: Rate at which RBI borrows from banks. Absorbs excess liquidity.
o OMO (Open Market Operations): RBI buys/sells securities to adjust liquidity. Impacts money supply.
o MSF (Marginal Standing Facility): Emergency funds for banks at higher rates. Manages liquidity crises.
o LTRO & MSS: Tools for long-term liquidity and stabilizing capital flows. Addresses specific market needs.
- Qualitative Instruments:
o Credit Rationing: Caps credit to certain sectors. Prevents overexposure to risky loans.
o Margin Requirements: Adjusts collateral needed for loans. Influences speculative borrowing.
o Consumer Credit Regulation: Controls installment loans. Curbs excessive consumer debt.
o Moral Suasion: RBI advises banks informally. Guides lending behavior without mandates.
o Direct Action: Penalties like PCA on non-compliant banks. Ensures adherence to RBI norms.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 April Facts for Prelims (FFP)
INSV Tarini & Navika Sagar Parikrama II Expedition
Source: TH
Context: INSV Tarini has reached Cape Town, South Africa, marking the fourth and final stopover of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II global circumnavigation expedition by two Indian Navy women officers.
About INSV Tarini:
- What it is: INSV Tarini is a 56-foot indigenously-built sailing vessel, part of the Indian Navy since 2017.
- Captains: Commanded by Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A, both women naval officers.
- Features:
o Designed for deep-sea navigation and long-duration expeditions.
o Equipped with wind and solar-powered navigation and onboard tech.
o Promotes Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defense.
About Navika Sagar Parikrama II Expedition:
- What it is: A women-led global circumnavigation mission by Indian Navy using INSV Tarini.
- Launch Date: October 2, 2024, flagged off by Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi from Goa.
- Aim:
o To promote women empowerment in maritime forces.
o Showcasing India’s commitment to gender-inclusive exploration.
o Testing endurance, seamanship, and navigation across the globe.
- Key Features:
o Covers 23,400 nautical miles (~43,300 km) over 8 months.
o Route: Goa to Fremantle, then to Lyttelton, followed by Port Stanley, onward to Cape Town, and finally back to Goa.
- Significance:
o Strengthens India’s naval diplomacy through port calls and engagements.
o Boosts global recognition of Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and inclusivity.
o Supports climate-resilient sailing and renewable-powered navigation.
Silicon-Carbon Batteries
Source: AT
Context: In recent developments, several Android smartphone manufacturers have transitioned from traditional lithium-ion batteries to silicon-carbon batteries to enhance device efficiency and performance.
About Silicon-Carbon Batteries:
- What is Silicon-Carbon Batteries?
o Silicon-carbon batteries are next-gen lithium-based batteries that use silicon-carbon composite as the anode instead of graphite.
Cathode remains lithium-based, similar to lithium-ion batteries.
Anode is upgraded to silicon-carbon, improving energy storage per gram.
- Key Features of Silicon-Carbon Batteries:
o Higher Energy Density: Stores up to 470 mAh/g vs 372 mAh/g of graphite and delivers more power in smaller volume.
o Slimmer Device Design: Enables compact, thinner smartphones without sacrificing battery life.
o Faster Charging Capability: Silicon allows faster lithium-ion flow, reducing charging time.
o Lighter Battery Weight: Better power-to-weight ratio, improving overall device ergonomics.
- Why It’s Replacing Lithium-Ion Batteries?
o Space Optimization: More energy in same or smaller size battery pack.
o Enhanced User Experience: Thinner phones with longer screen-on time and better thermal control.
o Future-Ready for EVs & IoT: Potential for electric vehicles, wearables, and AI devices due to scalability.
- Limitations of Silicon-Carbon Batteries:
o Silicon Swelling: Silicon expands on charging, causing mechanical stress and early degradation.
o Reduced Battery Lifespan: Higher wear-and-tear over multiple charge cycles.
o Manufacturing Cost: Complex processing makes it costlier than standard lithium-ion cells.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 April 2025 Mapping:
Nigeria
Source: TH
Context: Nigeria has seized and destroyed counterfeit medicines worth $645 million amid a worsening fake drug crisis linked to rising living costs, weak regulation, and pharmaceutical firm exits.
About Nigeria:
- Location: Nigeria is located in West Africa.
- Capital: Abuja (since 1991).
- Neighbouring Nations: Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Benin, and Atlantic Ocean (Gulf of Guinea)
- Geographical Features:
o Mountains: Chappal Waddi (2,419 m, highest peak), Mount Dimlang (2,042 m), located in southeastern Nigeria near the Cameroon Highlands.
o Plateaus & Hills: Jos Plateau (volcanic origin), Udi-Nsukka Escarpment.
o Plains: Important plains such as Sokoto Plains and Borno Plains are located here.
o Rivers:
Niger River – major river, gives Nigeria its name.
Benue River – largest tributary of the Niger.
Coastal rivers draining into the Gulf of Guinea.
- Unique Features:
o Niger Delta: One of the world’s largest deltas with freshwater swamps and mangroves.
o Rich in petroleum and natural gas, contributing to economic potential but also conflict.
