CURRENT AFFAIRS
02 April, 2025
1. INSURGENCY IN BALOCHISTAN –
• Balochistan province of Pakistan is witnessing a resurgence of insurgency and unrest. The recent train hijacking by Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) militants, demanding the release of their comrades, highlights the deteriorating security situation in the region.
What are the Reasons for Conflict in Balochistan?
• Historical Grievances: Balochistan’s forced annexation by Pakistan in 1948 and the dismissal of its provincial government in 1973 deepened its alienation.
• The region lacks effective grievance redressal mechanisms, with Punjabi elites dominating bureaucracy and sidelining Baloch representation.
• Economic Exploitation: Despite abundant natural resources like gas, gold, and iron, Balochistan remains impoverished, with locals confined to low-skilled jobs due to poor education and infrastructure. It has Pakistan’s lowest literacy rate and worst Gender Parity Index (GPI).
• The Baloch nationalists view Chinese investments such as Gwadar Port and CPEC as benefiting Pakistan’s elite while marginalizing locals, fearing demographic changes and further exploitation.
• Human Rights Violations & Militarization: Enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, and fake encounters are frequently used as counter-insurgency tactics.
• The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances constituted by Pakistan in 2011 recorded 2,752 cases, while civil society groups claim over 7,000 disappearances (2002–2024).
2. 5 YEARS OF NATIONAL TECHNICAL TEXTILES MISSION –
• The National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM), launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Textiles, aims to position India as a global leader in technical textiles by 2025-26 has completed 5 years.
• Technical Textiles: Technical textiles are functional fabrics made from natural and synthetic fibers, used across industries like defense, healthcare, infrastructure, automotive, medicine etc.
• Examples: Mosquito nets, seat belts, helmets, fireproof jackets, and sanitary napkins.
3. INDIA RECORDS HIGHEST CHILD ADOPTIONS IN 12 YEARS –
• India witnessed a record 4,515 child adoptions in FY 2024-25, the highest in 12 years, reflecting strengthened adoption mechanisms, digital transparency, and increased awareness initiatives.
• The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) played a key role in streamlining the adoption process by introducing 8,598 newly identified children into the adoption pool, setting up 245 new adoption agencies, and implementing digital interventions to enhance efficiency.
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development also spearheaded efforts in foster care and alternate family-based care to provide secure homes for children in need.
• The Adoption Awareness Campaigns, training sessions, and enhanced legal frameworks further contributed to increasing adoption numbers.
4. INDIA’S DEFENCE EXPORTS SURGE TO RECORD HIGH IN FY 2024-25 –
• India’s defence exports have reached a record high of Rs 23,622 crore (US$ 2.76 billion) in the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25, marking a 12.04% increase compared to the previous fiscal year.
• This growth highlights the country’s transformation into a global defence exporter, reducing its dependence on imports and strengthening its self-reliance.
• The surge has been driven by significant contributions from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and private industry players, aided by the Indian government’s strong policy measures.
• The rise in export authorizations and the number of defence exporters also demonstrates the increasing demand for Indian-made defence products in the global market.
5. UPI TRANSACTIONS HIT RECORD RS 24.77 TRILLION IN MARCH 2025, MARKING NEW HIGH IN FY25-
• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions surged to a record high in March 2025, reaching Rs 24.77 trillion in value and 19.78 billion in volume.
• This represents a significant 13% increase in value and 14% rise in volume compared to February 2025. The remarkable growth was driven by a surge in year-end transactions, reflecting strong adoption of digital payments across India.
Record-Breaking UPI Growth in March 2025
• March 2025 marked the first time in UPI history that transaction value crossed Rs 24 trillion, while volume surpassed 19 billion transactions. Since its launch in April 2016, UPI has become India’s preferred digital payment mode, and this new milestone reinforces its dominance in the digital economy.
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. The Sarhul Festival is mainly celebrated in which state?
a) Gujarat
b) Jharkhand
c) Karnataka
d) Mizoram
Q2. What is the name of operation recently launched by India in response to the 2025 Myanmar earthquake ?
a) Operation Sadbhav
b) Operation Brahma
c) Operation Karuna
d) Operation Setu
Q3. Which country is the host of 6th BIMSTEC Summit ?
a) Bangladesh
b) India
c) Thailand
d) Myanmar
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the regulation of betting and gambling in India:
1. The regulation of betting and gambling is exclusively under the jurisdiction of the Central Government.
2. The Public Gambling Act, 1867, governs all forms of gambling, including online gaming, across India.
How many of the above statements are correct?
a) Only 1
b) Both
c) None
d) Cannot be determined
Explanation-
• Statement 1 is incorrect because betting and gambling are primarily a state subject under the Constitution.
• Statement 2 is incorrect because the Public Gambling Act, 1867, applies only to physical gambling and does not comprehensively regulate online gaming.
Q5. Consider the following statements about heatwaves in India:
1. IMD defines a heatwave only when the maximum temperature exceeds 45°C, regardless of baseline averages.
2. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is unrelated to humidity and focuses only on solar radiation.
3. Heatwave-related mortality often disproportionately affects urban informal workers and elderly populations.
How many of the above statements is/are correct ?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Explanation-
• Statement 1 is incorrect. IMD classifies a heatwave when the maximum temperature reaches ≥40°C in plains, ≥30°C in hills, and is ≥4.5°C above normal. For severe heatwaves, it may exceed 45°C, but the threshold is not absolute.
• Statement 2 is incorrect. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is a composite index that considers temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed, making it essential for assessing heat stress.
• Statement 3 is correct. Studies show that heatwaves disproportionately affect vulnerable groups — such as urban informal workers, elderly, and people with pre-existing illnesses. These populations lack access to cooling, hydration, and often live in dense, poorly ventilated housing. Mortality patterns during heatwaves (e.g., Ahmedabad 2010, Odisha 1998) validate this vulnerability.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
B | B | C | C | A |