UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 April 2025

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 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 – 10 April (2025)

1. India-Bangladesh Transshipment Facility

GS Paper 3:

2. Marine Litter

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Cafe Rista Initiative

2. UN report – Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000–2023

 Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management

2. Nilgiri Thar

3. One-Horned Rhinoceros

4. Accommodative Stance

5. Panchayat Advancement Index Report

 Mapping:

1. Taiwan Strait

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 April 2025

GS Paper 2 :

India-Bangladesh Transshipment Facility

Syllabus: International Relations

Source:  NIE

Context: India revoked the 2020 transshipment facility allowing Bangladesh to use its territory for third-country exports, citing logistical and strategic concerns. The move has significant implications for trade and regional diplomacy.

What Was the India-Bangladesh Transshipment Facility?

• Policy Overview (2020): India allowed Bangladesh to use its Land Customs Stations (LCSs) and ports to send export cargo to third countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
• Primary Objective: It aimed to reduce transportation costs and improve logistical efficiency for Bangladesh’s key export sectors, particularly readymade garments (RMG).
• Implementation Scope: Cargo was routed via Indian ports (e.g., Kolkata, Delhi Airport) to enable faster global access, especially for landlocked regions.
• India’s Support: Seen as a goodwill gesture enhancing regional trade integration under India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy.

Why India Withdrew the Facility

• Domestic Industry Concerns: The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) pushed for withdrawal, citing competition with Bangladeshi textile exports.
• Logistics Burden: Rising freight costs and congestion at Indian ports and airports, particularly Delhi, impacted India’s own exporters.
• Strategic Unease: Bangladesh’s growing proximity to China and remarks undermining India’s strategic position in the northeast added to concerns.
• Security Dimensions: Bangladesh inviting Chinese investments near India’s Siliguri Corridor (e.g., Lalmonirhat airbase) raised red flags.
• Political Signals: The move could be interpreted as a diplomatic message to discourage geopolitical drift away from India’s influence.

Implications:

• On Bangladesh:

• • Trade Disruption: Increases export cost and delays delivery to third countries, especially RMG exports which earned $50 billion in 2024.
  • Infrastructure Stress: Bangladesh lacks equivalent logistical infrastructure to compensate quickly for this gap.
  • Market Access Loss: Access to Indian airports like Delhi, a hub for Europe and US-bound goods, is now limited.
  • Strategic Setback: Affects Bangladesh’s positioning as a transit hub and weakens confidence among global investors.

• On India:

• • Reduced Congestion: Eases pressure on Indian airports and ports handling both domestic and Bangladeshi cargo.
  • Domestic Textile Boost: Protects Indian exporters from losing market share in Europe/US to Bangladeshi rivals.
  • Strategic Control: Reinforces India’s hold over regional logistics amid China’s growing regional footprint.
  • Possible Image Setback: May be perceived as reactive rather than cooperative diplomacy, affecting India’s soft power.

Way Ahead:

• Structured Dialogue: India and Bangladesh should open high-level diplomatic channels to clarify trade expectations.
• Policy Balance: India must balance domestic industry interests with strategic regional engagement.
• Joint Infrastructure Projects: Instead of exclusion, invest in shared logistics like dry ports or transshipment corridors.
• Regional Cooperation Frameworks: Use SAARC, BBIN, or BIMSTEC to formulate region-wide transit agreements.
• Revise with Conditions: India could reinstate a conditional version of the facility with better security and economic clauses.

Conclusion:

India’s revocation of the transshipment facility underscores the complex interplay between trade, strategy, and diplomacy. While protecting domestic interests is key, ensuring long-term regional stability and economic integration requires transparent, consultative policymaking.

PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 April 2025 GS Paper 3:

Marine Litter

Syllabus: Ecology

Source:  DTE

Context: The global spotlight on marine litter has intensified, with India yet to implement a direct policy targeting mitigation. Experts now emphasize the need to prioritize local-level implementation to address escalating ecological and economic impacts.

What is Marine Litter?

• Definition: Marine litter refers to human-generated waste that ends up in oceans and seas, primarily through rivers, drains, and coastal activities.
• Plastic Dominance: Over 80% of marine debris is plastic, including bags, bottles, microplastics, and fishing gear.

Example: Sea turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, leading to fatal blockages.

• Ghost Gear Hazard: Discarded fishing nets (ghost gear) trap and kill marine life long after their utility ends.

Example: Over 650,000 marine mammals die yearly due to entanglement (UNEP).

• Bioaccumulation Risk: Microplastics enter the food chain, impacting marine biodiversity and human health.
• Navigation Threat: Litter impedes shipping, fishing, and tourism sectors—posing safety and economic risks.

Global Data Insights on Marine Litter:

• Plastic Surge: Global plastic production in the last decade surpassed the entire 20th-century output (UNESCO Ocean Literacy).
• 2050 Warning: Oceans may contain more plastic than fish by weight if trends continue (UNESCO).
• COVID Impact: Disruption of waste systems during the pandemic intensified litter flows.
• Microplastics: Detected from Arctic ice to deep-sea trenches—showing global scale and irreversibility.
• Global Mortality: Over 1 million marine animals die annually due to plastic ingestion or entanglement (WWF).

Global Initiatives Against Marine Litter:

1. MARPOL Annex V (1983): It is a global agreement that bans ships from dumping plastics and other garbage into the ocean.
2. UNCLOS (1994): The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea requires countries to protect the ocean environment. It covers all types of pollution, including waste from land, ships, and offshore sources.
3. Honolulu Commitment (2011): Signed by many countries and groups, it aims to reduce waste entering the ocean from land and sea. It promotes cooperation among governments, NGOs, and industries to clean up the oceans.
4. UNEP’s Clean Seas Campaign (2017): Launched by the UN, this campaign encourages countries to reduce plastic use, especially single-use plastics.
5. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.1: This global goal asks all countries to reduce marine pollution by 2025, especially plastic waste. It pushes for cleaner seas through better waste management and reduced dumping.

India is Lagging Behind in Controlling Marine Litter:

• Lack of Standalone Policy: India lacks a direct national policy for marine litter mitigation.
• Over-reliance on Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016): These rules focus on general waste but lack marine-specific enforcement.

E.g. EPR implementation remains inconsistent across states.

• Delayed Action Plan: While a National Action Plan is being developed, its implementation remains pending.
• Land-based Litter Ignored: Rivers and drains funnel untreated solid waste into oceans.
• Sectoral Focus: Existing maritime pollution control focuses primarily on shipping, not comprehensive waste streams.

Way Forward:

• Adopt a National Marine Litter Policy: India must formalize a comprehensive marine litter law incorporating land-sea continuum.

E.g. Modelled on Japan’s Marine Litter Act or EU’s Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

• Community-Based Monitoring: Engage coastal communities in local-level waste surveillance and clean-up.

E.g. Kerala’s ‘Suchitwa Sagaram’ project mobilized fisherfolk to collect marine plastic.

• Leverage Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Enforce plastic recovery targets and traceability at coastal and riverine levels.
• Circular Economy Approach: Promote biodegradable alternatives, waste segregation, and recycling near coasts.

E.g. Link with Swachh Bharat 2.0 and National Green Hydrogen Mission for sustainability.

• Scientific Collaboration and Innovation: Partner with GESAMP, GPML, and UNEP for R&D on bio-remediation and microplastic removal.

Conclusion:

Marine litter is a growing ecological and economic crisis. While global frameworks offer guidance, India must act decisively at the local level with a dedicated policy, robust community participation, and innovation-driven solutions. Only then can our blue economy be truly sustainable.

PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 April 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Cafe Rista Initiative

Context: The Uttar Pradesh Police has launched Cafe Rista, a public-friendly café inside the Noida Police Commissionerate. The initiative aims to foster stronger bonds between police personnel and civilians.

About Cafe Rista Initiative:

• What is it?
  • Cafe Rista is a pastel-themed café set up within the Police Commissionerate of Noida (Sector 108), designed to serve as a community-friendly space.
• Launched by: The initiative was conceptualised by IPS Laxmi Singh and IPS Babloo Kumar, supported by officer Preeti Yadav through public outreach.
• Aim of the Initiative:

• • Break public stereotypes about the police force.
  • Build informal and positive interactions between civilians and police.
  • Offer relaxation and morale support to both police staff and civilians.

• How It Works:

• • The cafe serves affordable, hygienic meals and beverages in a stress-free setting.
  • Open to both civilians and officers, including police families.
  • Promotes welfare policing by catering to the mental well-being of officers.
  • Uses social media outreach to highlight the human side of policing.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus

• GS Paper II – Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice:

• • Police Reforms: Initiative aligns with welfare and people-centric policing.
  • Community Engagement Models: Highlights soft-power tools in law enforcement.
  • Public Institutions and Services: Demonstrates innovation in internal policing mechanisms.

• GS Paper IV – Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude:

• • Emotional Intelligence: Humanising law enforcement officers to reduce public fear.
  • Citizen-Centric Governance: Strengthens mutual trust between state and society.
  • Moral Leadership: Promotes ethical behaviour through empathy and outreach.

UN report – Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000–2023

Context: A new UN report titled ‘Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000–2023’ ranks India second globally in maternal deaths, reporting 19,000 fatalities in 2023 — 52 maternal deaths per day, only behind Nigeria.

Key Findings of the UN Report – ‘Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000–2023’:

• India, with 19,000 maternal deaths, shares the second spot with the Democratic Republic of Congo, contributing 7.2% of global deaths.
• Nigeria (75,000 deaths) alone accounted for 28.7% of global maternal mortality.
• India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) fell from 362 (2000) to 80 (2023) – a 78% decline.
• Global maternal deaths fell by 40% between 2000–2023, but progress has slowed since 2016.
• An estimated 260,000 women died globally in 2023 due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth.

Reasons Behind High Maternal Mortality in India:

• Post-partum haemorrhage is the leading cause, followed by hypertensive disorders and pregnancy-related infections.
• Poor emergency obstetric care, especially at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs).
• Lack of infrastructure, trained personnel, and referral services in rural and underserved areas.
• Non-communicable diseases (diabetes, hypertension, anaemia) also worsen maternal health outcomes.
• In northern India, socio-economic backwardness and low access to private healthcare increase maternal risk.

Relevance in UPSC Exam:

• GS Paper II – Governance and Health:

• • Role of public health systems, maternal care initiatives, and UN multilateral reports.

• GS Paper III – Inclusive Growth & Human Development:

• • Healthcare inequalities, especially in maternal services between states.

• Essay/Ethics:

• • Women’s dignity and healthcare equity as moral imperatives in public policy.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS –  10 April Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management

Source:  PIB

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the “Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM)” as a sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for FY 2025–26, with a total outlay of ₹1,600 crore.

About Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY):

• What it is?
  • A comprehensive national irrigation scheme aimed at expanding irrigation coverage and improving efficiency of water use at the farm level.
• Launched in: 2015
• Ministries Involved: Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Ministry of Rural Development
• Implementing Agencies:

• • Ministry of Jal Shakti for irrigation infrastructure creation
  • Ministry of Rural Development for watershed development
  • Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare for promoting precision irrigation

• Objectives:

• • Ensure convergence of investments in irrigation at the grassroots level
  • Achieve the target of “Har Khet Ko Pani” (Water for Every Field)
  • Promote water-saving irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems under the slogan “Per Drop More Crop”
  • Conserve water and encourage the reuse of treated wastewater in peri-urban agriculture

• Key Features:

• • Merges ongoing schemes: Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, Integrated Watershed Management Programme, and On-Farm Water Management.
  • Emphasises decentralised planning via District Irrigation Plans and State Irrigation Plans
  • Establishes State-Level Sanctioning Committees for state oversight and a National Steering Committee for inter-ministerial coordination

About Modernisation of Command Area Development and Water Management (M-CADWM):

• What it is?
  • A newly reformulated sub-scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana focusing on the modernisation of irrigation networks using digital and pressure irrigation technologies.
• Launched in: April 2025 (originally initiated as Command Area Development Programme in 1974–75)
• Aim: To increase the utilisation of created irrigation potential, enhance water use efficiency on farms, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
• Key Features:

• • Develops underground pressurised piped irrigation systems for water delivery up to 1-hectare farms
  • Employs Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems and Internet of Things technologies for real-time water accounting and monitoring
  • Transfers irrigation asset management to Water User Societies to ensure sustainability
  • Facilitates partnerships of Water User Societies with Farmer Producer Organisations and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
  • Aims to attract rural youth to agriculture through modern water management practices

Nilgiri Thar

Source:  TH

Context: Kerala and Tamil Nadu will jointly conduct a Nilgiri Tahr census in April, across 265 census blocks to mark 50 years of Eravikulam National Park.

About Nilgiri Tahr:

• What it is?
  • The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is the only mountain ungulate endemic to southern India and the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
• Conservation Status:

• • IUCN Red List: Endangered
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I

• Key Biological Features:

• • A sure-footed herbivore found at elevations of 1,200–2,600 metres.
  • Displays sexual dimorphism; males are larger and darker.
  • Adapted to wet, tropical montane climates and active during the day (diurnal).

• Habitat and Distribution:

• • Endemic to the Southern Western Ghats, across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
    • Eravikulam National Park (Kerala), Mukurthi National Park and Grass Hills National Park (Tamil Nadu), Silent Valley and Agasthyamalai ranges (Kerala–TN border areas).
  • Prefers montane grasslands, shola forests, and rocky highlands.
  • Historical range extended across 400 km; now reduced to fragmented patches.

• Project Nilgiri Tahr (2022–2027) aims to conserve Tamil Nadu’s state animal through scientific surveys, radio telemetry, and reintroduction into historical habitats.
  • According to the recent survey, there are about 1,229 Nilgiri Tahrs in Tamil Nadu and around 827 in Kerala.

One-Horned Rhinoceros

 Source:  DH

Context: The Wildlife Institute of India has proposed a national action plan for translocation of one-horned rhinoceroses to reduce habitat pressure in Assam’s Kaziranga and Pobitora, through reintroduction in new protected areas across five states.

About One-Horned Rhinoceros:

• Scientific Name: Rhinoceros unicornis
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable
• Habitat: Terai grasslands, alluvial floodplains, swamps, and subtropical savannahs.
• Key Features:

• Largest of all Asian rhino species with a height of 5.75–6.5 ft and weight up to 6,000 pounds.
• Recognisable by its single black horn (8–25 inches) and armour-plated skin folds.
• Solitary grazers that feed on grasses, aquatic plants, shrubs, and fruits.
• Key Protected Areas for One-Horned Rhinos as of now in India:
• Kaziranga National Park (Assam) – Largest population (~2,613 as of 2022).
• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary (Assam) – Highest rhino density (107 rhinos in 16 sq. km).
• Jaldapara National Park (West Bengal)
• Gorumara National Park (West Bengal)
• Dudhwa National Park (Uttar Pradesh)

Proposed Translocation Sites under New Action Plan:

• Assam: Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (Reintroduction of 5 rhinos within 13 years.)
• West Bengal: Gorumara & Jaldapara National Parks (Exchange and introduction of 5 rhinos every 3 years from Kaziranga and Pobitora.)
• Arunachal Pradesh: D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary (Suitable for long-term reintroduction of 5 rhinos.)
• Bihar: Valmiki Tiger Reserve
• Uttar Pradesh: Dudhwa National Park, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
• Uttarakhand: Surai Range

Accommodative Stance

Source:  DH

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, retained its accommodative stance to support economic recovery amidst moderating inflation and sluggish growth signals.

About Accommodative Stance:

• What is an Accommodative Stance?
  • An accommodative stance is a monetary policy approach adopted by central banks like the RBI to stimulate economic activity. It generally involves keeping interest rates low and ensuring ample liquidity in the system.
• When is it Adopted?

• • When economic growth slows or is below potential.
  • When inflation is low or within target range.
  • During periods needing boosts in consumption, investment, and employment.
  • In response to financial shocks or global economic uncertainties.

• Objectives of the Accommodative Stance:

• • Promote credit flow and private investment.
  • Encourage borrowing and spending by lowering the cost of capital.
  • Revive demand in the economy.
  • Ensure liquidity support to stressed sectors.

• Tools Used by RBI under Accommodative Stance:

• • Reducing Repo Rate: Lowers borrowing cost for commercial banks.
  • Open Market Operations (OMOs): RBI purchases government securities to inject liquidity.
  • Long-Term Repo Operations (LTROs): Provide longer-term liquidity at low rates.
  • Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) adjustments: Temporarily reduce CRR to enhance bank liquidity.
  • Moral Suasion & Regulatory Forbearance: RBI nudges banks to increase lending.

• Implications on the Indian Economy:

• • Boosts consumption and investment, driving GDP growth.
  • Reduces interest burden on borrowers.
  • May lead to asset price inflation if excess liquidity persists.
  • If prolonged, it may fuel inflationary pressures and weaken the rupee.
  • Supports employment generation in the short term.

Panchayat Advancement Index Report

Source:  DD News

Context: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the first Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) report for 2022–23, with Gujarat and Telangana topping the rankings.

 About Panchayat Advancement Index Report (PAI):

• What is it?

• • A multi-sectoral, composite index that assesses the holistic progress and performance of over 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats across India.
  • Designed to evaluate localised achievements on nine Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the grassroots level.

• Launched by: Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India.
• Objective:

• • To enable data-driven governance at the panchayat level.
  • To help stakeholders identify development gaps and promote evidence-based policy interventions in rural India.

• Criteria and Indicators Used

• • Based on 435 unique indicators (331 mandatory + 104 optional).
  • Drawn from 566 unique data points aligned with the National Indicator Framework (NIF).
  • Data collected and validated from 2,16,285 panchayats; validation pending for 11,712 GPs from 5 states/UTs.

• Nine Key Thematic Areas:

Highlights of 2022–23 Panchayat Advancement Index Report:

• Front Runners (699 Panchayats): Gujarat (346) and Telangana (270) had the highest number of panchayats scoring between 75 and 90, showing strong performance in SDG-aligned rural governance.
• Performers (77,298 Panchayats): Panchayats in Gujarat (13,781), Maharashtra (12,242), and Telangana (10,099) fell in the 60–75 range, reflecting above-average progress with scope for further improvement.
• Aspirants (1,32,392 Panchayats): A large number of panchayats in Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh scored between 40–60, indicating the need for targeted developmental efforts.
• Achiever Category (90+ Score): No panchayat was able to attain the top-tier “Achiever” status, underscoring the need for comprehensive rural transformation across India.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 April 2025 Mapping:

Taiwan Strait

Source:  WION

Context: China has launched its largest military drills in the Taiwan Strait, with the PLA’s Shandong aircraft carrier conducting operations east of Taiwan, escalating regional tensions.

About Taiwan Strait:

• What is the Taiwan Strait?

• • A narrow sea passage separating Taiwan Island from mainland China’s Fujian Province.
  • Considered a geopolitical hotspot due to cross-strait tensions and international naval presence.

• Location: Connects the South China Sea (south) with the East China Sea (north).
• Bordering Nations: People’s Republic of China (PRC) and
• Major Geographic Features:

• • Part of the continental shelf of Asia.
  • Rivers like the Min and Jiulong drain into the Strait from China’s Fujian Province.
  • Major underwater bank lies north of Penghu Islands.

• Strategic and Geopolitical Importance:

• • A key flashpoint in US-China-Taiwan relations
  • Vital sea route for global trade and naval operations
  • Frequent site of military exercises, surveillance, and naval deterrence activities

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 10 Apr 2025

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