Daily Current Affairs Summary 30th APRIL 2025

 

FSSAI Tightens Rules to Combat Antibiotic Use in Food Sector

1. To curb rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified stricter norms on antibiotic use in food items.
2. Effective from April 1, 2025, specific antibiotics have been banned in the production of meat, milk, and their related products.
3. This decision aims to minimize antibiotic residues in food and safeguard public health from drug-resistant infections.

Global Commitment: India's Role in AMR Fight

1. India reaffirmed its dedication to AMR control by endorsing the Muscat Ministerial Manifesto on AMR in November 2022.
2. This endorsement was part of the Third Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR, hosted to intensify international efforts.
3. The broader objective of the ministerial conference was to accelerate political commitments towards realizing the WHO Global Action Plan on AMR.

Key Global Targets to Combat AMR (as per Muscat Manifesto)

1. Reduce Antimicrobial Use: Aim to lower total antimicrobials used in agri-food systems by 30–50% by 2030.
2. Preserve Critical Antimicrobials: Stop using medically important antimicrobials for animal growth promotion.
3. Ensure Appropriate Access: Ensure that 'Access' group antibiotics comprise at least 60% of total human antibiotic consumption by 2030.

Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

1. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites stop responding to standard antimicrobial treatments.
2. This leads to increased disease transmission, more severe illnesses, long-term disabilities, and higher mortality rates.
3. Although AMR is a natural evolutionary process, it has been greatly accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics.

Why is AMR a Global Threat?

1. Human Health Impact: According to the World Organization for Animal Health, nearly 5 million deaths in 2019 were associated with drug-resistant infections.
2. Economic Consequences: The World Bank projects that AMR could incur an additional US$ 1 trillion in global healthcare costs by 2050.

Way Forward: Addressing AMR Effectively

1. Strengthen biosecurity measures to limit the spread of pathogens across farms and production systems.
2. Promote low-antibiotic farming systems, such as organic and integrated farming practices.
3. Encourage the One Health approach to address AMR across human, animal, and environmental health domains.
4. Boost vaccination coverage to reduce infection rates and dependency on antibiotics.
5. Adopt alternative interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, and immune enhancers to support livestock health and productivity.

Revised Microfinance Guidelines: SANKALP 2.0 to be Enforced from June 1, 2025

1. Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) are set to implement SANKALP 2.0, a revised set of guidelines aimed at ensuring responsible lending practices.
2. The new framework categorizes reforms under three major areas — loan pricing, over-indebtedness, and lending discipline.

Key Provisions of SANKALP 2.0 Guidelines

1. Transparent Loan Pricing: MFIs must adopt clear pricing policies with interest rates that are board-approved and justifiable.
2. Control on Over-Indebtedness: Borrowers can avail microfinance loans from a maximum of three lenders, including all institutional sources.
3. Discipline and Conduct: Clients in default for over 60 days with any lender will not be eligible for new loans.

What is Microfinance or Microcredit?

1. Microfinance refers to the provision of small-sized loans and financial services to low-income individuals or groups lacking access to formal banking.
2. MFIs not only offer microcredit, but also provide savings accounts, fund transfer services, and micro-insurance to underserved populations.
3. The concept gained global attention with the establishment of Grameen Bank in 1983 by Muhammad Yunus, a Bangladeshi social entrepreneur.

Challenges Faced by Microfinance Institutions (MFIs)

1. Lack of Collateral: Loans are offered without any security, increasing repayment risks for MFIs.
2. High Interest Rates: MFIs typically charge between 12% to 30%, compared to 8% to 12% by commercial banks.
3. Operational Burden: Managing a large number of small borrowers results in higher transaction and servicing costs.

Major Regulatory Steps for MFI Sector in India

1. Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs): RBI recognized MFIN and Sa-Dhan as official SROs for MFIs in 2014 to ensure compliance and discipline.
2. RBI’s 2022 Regulatory Framework: Introduced a uniform definition of microfinance loans, specified repayment caps, and enhanced borrower protection norms.

 

RNA-Based Antiviral Agent Offers Breakthrough Protection Against Plant Viruses

1. Researchers from Germany have developed a new RNA-based antiviral agent that offers strong protection to plants against viral infections.
2. This innovation is based on RNA silencing techniques, which naturally enhance plant immunity.
3. The antiviral agent has shown high effectiveness against Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV), a major plant pathogen.
4. In India, CMV is responsible for 25–30% yield losses in banana plantations, severely affecting farmers' incomes.

Key RNA Silencing Techniques Used to Combat CMV

Scientists utilized two major RNA-based crop protection approaches to fight CMV infection.

1. Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS):
   • In this method, plants are genetically engineered to produce virus-fighting double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) internally.
   • This internal production provides long-term immunity throughout the plant’s lifespan.
2. Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS):
   • Here, external RNA sprays are applied to plant leaves to trigger an immune response.
   • The sprayed RNA is absorbed by the leaves, activating the plant’s natural defense without altering its DNA.

How Plants Naturally Defend Themselves Using RNA Silencing

1. When a plant is infected by a virus, the virus introduces double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into plant cells.
2. This dsRNA acts as a danger signal, alerting the plant’s defense systems.
3. The plant activates Dicer-like enzymes (DCLs), which cut dsRNA into small pieces known as small interfering RNAs (siRNAs).
4. These siRNAs guide the plant's immune machinery to identify and destroy the viral RNA.
5. However, not all siRNAs are equally effective, and viruses often mutate rapidly to escape detection.

What is RNA Silencing?

1. RNA silencing is a natural mechanism used by plants and other organisms to regulate genes and defend against viruses.
2. It works by targeting specific RNA sequences for degradation or blocking their translation.
3. RNA silencing involves small RNA molecules such as siRNA and miRNA that bind to messenger RNA (mRNA).
4. When these small RNAs attach to mRNA, they either:

• Destroy the mRNA, preventing protein formation.
• Block the mRNA from being read by the cell’s protein-making machinery.

5. This ability to turn off specific genes allows plants to defend themselves effectively against viral infections.

 

SIPRI Report 2024: Global Military Spending Hits Record High

1. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released its annual assessment on global military expenditure trends for 2024.
2. Worldwide military spending reached $2718 billion in 2024, marking a significant 9.4% increase, the sharpest annual rise since the Cold War era.
3. This surge reflects growing global tensions and persistent geopolitical conflicts across multiple regions.
4. Military expenditure in 2024 accounted for 2.5% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Top Global Military Spenders in 2024

1. The five largest spenders—United States, China, Russia, Germany, and India—together contributed to 60% of total global military spending.
2. These nations continue to lead global defense priorities amidst rising regional threats and international security concerns.

Regional Highlights of Military Spending

1. European military expenditure rose by 17%, driven largely by ongoing security challenges stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
2. Within Europe, Germany increased defense spending by 28%, while Poland registered a 31% rise, reflecting urgent military modernization efforts.
3. In the Middle East, overall defense budgets grew by 15%, signaling increased militarization in response to regional instability.
4. Israel’s defense spending surged by 65%, and Lebanon recorded a 58% increase, pointing to heightened security readiness in volatile zones.

India’s Defense Expenditure in 2024

1. India allocated $86.1 billion to defense spending in 2024, maintaining its position among the world’s top five military spenders.
2. This amount represents 2.3% of India’s GDP, underlining its commitment to national security amid rising border and maritime challenges.

India Post Launches 'Gyan Post' to Promote Educational Access Nationwide

1. India Post has introduced a new initiative called 'Gyan Post' aimed at making education more accessible across the country.
2. This service is designed to facilitate low-cost delivery of books and educational materials through the national postal network.
3. The primary objective is to bridge the educational divide by ensuring that study resources reach learners in remote and rural areas.
4. Gyan Post covers only non-commercial and purely educational content, excluding any material of business or advertisement-related nature.

Key Features of Gyan Post

1. Every parcel is eligible for real-time tracking, ensuring transparency and secure delivery.
2. To maintain authenticity, each book must carry the name of the printer or publisher, in line with prescribed postal regulations.
3. Materials with commercial intent or advertisements are strictly not permitted under this scheme.

Affordable Pricing Structure for Students and Educators

1. A concessional rate of ₹20 is fixed for packages weighing up to 300 grams.
2. For heavier consignments, the price is capped at ₹100 for packages up to 5 kilograms.
3. This pricing model makes educational content affordable and accessible for students across socio-economic backgrounds.

Padma Awards 2025: Honouring India’s Distinguished Citizens

1. The President of India conferred the Padma Awards 2025 during the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I held recently.
2. These awards are among the highest civilian honours in India, celebrating excellence and service in various fields.
3. They are announced every year on the eve of Republic Day, recognizing individuals for their exceptional contributions.

Three Prestigious Categories of Padma Awards

1. Padma Vibhushan is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service.
2. Padma Bhushan is given for distinguished service of a high order.
3. Padma Shri honours distinguished service in any field with a public service component.

Scope and Significance of the Awards

1. The awards recognize achievements in all areas of public life, including art, literature, education, social work, science, medicine, sports, and civil services.
2. They are meant to highlight individuals whose work involves an element of public service and national impact.

Historical Background and Key Facts

1. The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954 as a means to acknowledge extraordinary service to the nation.
2. They were not conferred during the years 1978–79 and 1993–1997, due to political and administrative reasons.

Transparent and Inclusive Selection Process

1. The Padma Awards Committee, constituted annually by the Prime Minister, is responsible for final recommendations.
2. The process allows for public nominations, enabling even self-nomination for greater democratic participation.
3. However, these awards are not titles, and cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to the name of the awardee.

 

India Plans Curbs on GM Alfalfa Imports from USA

1. India is moving towards restricting the import of genetically modified (GM) varieties of Alfalfa from the United States.
2. The decision stems from growing concerns over biosafety and environmental impact linked to GM crops.

What is Alfalfa (Lucerne)?

1. Alfalfa, also known as Lucerne, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the legume family Fabaceae.
2. It is widely cultivated due to its nutritional richness and value as fodder for livestock.

Nutritional and Agricultural Significance

1. Alfalfa is packed with high levels of protein, calcium, and vitamins A and D, along with essential minerals.
2. It plays a crucial role in improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation carried out by symbiotic bacteria in its root nodules.

Ideal Conditions for Cultivation

1. The crop grows best in temperate climates with abundant sunlight and well-drained soil.
2. It is suited to both arid and semi-arid regions, making it versatile for a range of agro-climatic zones.

Global Production and Origins

1. The United States, Russia, and Argentina together contribute to over half of the world's alfalfa production.
2. Historically, Alfalfa is believed to have originated in the region of present-day Iran and Turkey.

Banarasi Shehnai and Tabla Receive GI Tag

1. Banarasi Shehnai and Banarasi Tabla have been officially awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate.
2. This recognition highlights the cultural and artistic heritage of Varanasi in Indian classical music.

What is the Banarasi Shehnai?

1. The Banarasi Shehnai is a traditional Indian wind instrument known for its soulful and vibrant tone.
2. Structurally, it resembles the Western oboe but features seven holes on its wooden shaft instead of keys.
3. The instrument holds deep cultural significance, especially in Indian temple rituals and spiritual ceremonies.
4. Playing the Shehnai is considered highly auspicious, especially during weddings and other festive occasions.
5. It rose to global fame through the mastery of Ustad Bismillah Khan, who popularized the Shehnai internationally.

What is Special About the Banarasi Tabla?

1. The Banarasi Tabla is rooted in the Benares Gharana, one of the six major tabla gharanas in India.
2. This Gharana was founded over 200 years ago by the eminent tabla maestro Pandit Ram Sahai.
3. The Benares style of tabla is known for its powerful sound, rich tonal quality, and robust rhythmic patterns.
4. It has a distinctive technique and repertoire that sets it apart in Hindustani classical music.
5. Legendary tabla virtuoso Padma Vibhushan Pandit Kishan Maharaj hailed from this prestigious musical lineage.

What Does the GI Tag Mean?

1. The GI tag certifies the origin and unique traditional value of the Banarasi Shehnai and Tabla.
2. It ensures protection against unauthorized use and promotes recognition of regional art forms.
3. This tag is a major boost to the identity and global visibility of Varanasi’s musical craftsmanship.

Axiom-4 Mission

ISRO has finalized 7 microgravity research experiments for participation in the upcoming Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission.

What is Microgravity?

1. Microgravity refers to the condition where objects or individuals experience a sensation of weightlessness.
2. This state is commonly encountered in orbit, making it ideal for conducting unique scientific experiments in space.

What is the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) Mission?

1. Axiom-4 is a private human spaceflight mission aimed at the International Space Station (ISS).
2. It is organized by Axiom Space, a US-based private company focused on building commercial space infrastructure.
3. The mission is scheduled to launch in 2025 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
4. The crew will travel to ISS aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, operated by Elon Musk’s space company.
5. Once docked, the mission will allow private astronauts to live and work on ISS for up to 14 days.
6. The mission will focus on scientific research, educational outreach, and commercial engagements aboard the orbiting laboratory.

India’s Participation and Historic Milestone

1. The Ax-4 mission will send Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station.
2. He will become the first Indian to reach the ISS and the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984.
3. This milestone marks a significant moment in India's presence in human spaceflight and international space collaboration.

Significance of ISRO’s Microgravity Experiments

1. The 7 selected experiments aim to utilize the microgravity environment aboard ISS for advanced scientific discoveries.
2. These studies will contribute to India’s growing capabilities in space-based research and innovation.
3. The partnership showcases India's collaboration with private international players in cutting-edge space missions.

Aqua Insurance

1. The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying awarded the first-ever Aqua Insurance to beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).
2. Alongside, the VyAS-NAV mobile app was launched for digital data collection in the 5th Marine Fisheries Census.

What is PM-MKSSY?

1. PM-MKSSY is a sub-scheme under the broader Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
2. It offers a comprehensive insurance package focused on supporting India's aquaculture sector.
3. The scheme aims to strengthen financial security and resilience among aquaculture stakeholders.

What Does Aqua Insurance Cover?

1. Objective: To provide financial protection to small, marginal, and vulnerable aquaculture farmers.
2. Eligibility: Registered aquafarmers, cooperatives, firms, companies, societies, and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) are covered.
3. Insurance Premium Limit: Coverage is capped at ₹1 lakh per farmer for up to 1800 cubic meters (m³) of aquaculture area.
4. Incentives for Inclusivity: SC, ST, and women beneficiaries receive an additional 10% premium incentive.
5. Duration: Insurance remains valid for one crop cycle.

What is VyAS-NAV?

1. VyAS-NAV is a mobile-based application launched for digital data collection.
2. It will be used in the ongoing 5th Marine Fisheries Census to streamline and modernize fisheries statistics.
3. The app supports real-time, accurate, and efficient data gathering for policy-making.

Why is Aqua Insurance Important?

1. It protects farmers from financial loss due to disease outbreaks, natural disasters, or other uncertainties.
2. Promotes risk management, encouraging more investments in the aquaculture sector.
3. Contributes to achieving the Blue Economy goals under the PMMSY vision.

Long Term Visas (LTVs)

The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that Long Term Visas (LTVs) for Hindu Pakistani nationals will remain valid despite the visa suspension.

What are Long Term Visas (LTVs)?

1. LTVs allow the holder to stay in India for more than 180 days.
2. They are a special category of visas issued to certain foreign nationals, often for humanitarian or settlement purposes.

Who Can Apply for LTVs?

1. Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Afghan nationals with valid travel documents seeking permanent settlement in India, including citizenship.
2. Extension for Pakistani nationals who are unable to renew their Pakistani passports.
3. Individuals from minority communities in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India on or before 31st December 2014, with or without travel documents.
4. Foreign nationals claiming refugee status.

Why are LTVs Important?

1. LTVs facilitate the settlement process for foreign nationals wishing to make India their permanent home.
2. They provide legal stay for individuals unable to renew passports or travel documents from their home country.
3. The scheme ensures protection and security for minority communities in countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Cholistan Desert

Pakistan recently suspended its canals project, including the Cholistan Canal, meant to irrigate the Cholistan Desert following protests in Sindh.

What is the Cholistan Desert?

1. The Cholistan Desert, also known as Rohi, is located in the western part of the Thar Desert in Pakistan.
2. This vast desert spans over 10,000 square kilometers and is part of a larger arid region that includes parts of India.

Historical Background of Cholistan

1. Historically, the desert was once nourished by the Hakra River, which flowed through the region and sustained life.
2. The river's course shifted around 600 B.C., leaving the area inhospitable and transforming it into a dry, barren landscape.

Historical Significance of Cholistan

1. Cholistan has a rich history and was home to an Indus Valley culture that was largely based on agriculture.
2. The region also housed several medieval forts built to protect and support the desert caravan routes.
3. Derawar Fort, located in Cholistan, stands as the most notable and well-preserved example of these historic forts.

 

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