Current Affairs - April 13, 2025 Current Affairs

Bangladesh relied heavily on India’s transhipment facilities, particularly for exporting goods like readymade garments to Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Due to its limited deep-sea port infrastructure, Bangladesh used Indian ports and airports under a facility that began in 2020. This arrangement enhanced regional connectivity and trade under the BBIN framework. However, in April 2025, India withdrew this facility citing severe congestion at its ports and airports. This move has disrupted Bangladesh’s logistics chain, increased export costs, and may drive the country to seek alternative trade corridors, including greater engagement with China for regional access and infrastructure development.

The Supreme Court criticized Governor R.N. Ravi’s inaction on 10 re-passed Bills as unconstitutional, specifically citing a violation of Article 200 of the Indian Constitution. Article 200 lays down the procedures a Governor must follow when presented with a Bill passed by the State Legislature: giving assent, withholding assent, returning it (except money Bills), or reserving it for the President’s consideration. The Court emphasized that the phrase “as soon as possible” implies timely action, not indefinite delays. By prescribing specific time frames and stating that re-passed Bills must be assented to, the SC reinforced constitutional accountability and legislative supremacy, grounding its reasoning in Article 200.

Jyotiba Phule, born on April 11, 1827, was a pioneering social reformer who fought against caste oppression, advocated for women’s rights, and initiated significant educational reforms. His birth anniversary is observed on April 11 each year to honour his contributions to social justice movements in India. He played a key role in the establishment of the first girls' school in India and the fight for the rights of Dalits and women. Phule’s efforts in challenging social norms and promoting equality continue to inspire social reform movements in India today.

Baikonur Cosmodrome is located in Kazakhstan and has been operated by Russia since the Soviet era under a long-term lease agreement. Russia pays $115 million annually to Kazakhstan for its usage, and the lease has been extended until 2050. This location remains central to Russia's space missions due to its established infrastructure and strategic value. Despite the rise of other launch platforms globally, Baikonur continues to host important missions like the Soyuz MS-27. Its role also reflects ongoing scientific diplomacy, as space exploration remains one of the few areas of cooperation between Russia and the U.S., even amidst broader geopolitical tensions.

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act was enacted in 2007 to ensure the welfare and dignity of elderly citizens in India. It mandates that children or legal heirs are responsible for maintaining senior citizens who cannot support themselves financially. The Act provides for the establishment of tribunals to handle such cases and includes provisions like nullifying property transfers if maintenance conditions are breached. This legislation strengthens the social security framework for the elderly and balances their rights with the obligations of family members. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding senior citizens from neglect and abuse.

The United States approved Holtec International to transfer unclassified SMR technology to three Indian private companies under regulation 10CFR810. This move operationalizes the 2008 India-US Civil Nuclear Deal, or 123 Agreement, by allowing private sector involvement in India’s nuclear energy sector. The authorization is valid for ten years and ensures compliance with global non-proliferation norms, as technology use is limited to peaceful civilian purposes under IAEA safeguards. The deal promotes indigenous manufacturing and positions India as a hub for nuclear technology, especially in the Global South. It marks a significant shift from state-controlled to public-private partnerships in nuclear development.

The Reserve Bank of India reduced the repo rate by 0.25%, or 25 basis points, bringing it down from 6.25% to 6%. This marks the second consecutive rate cut of the same magnitude, indicating a clear shift in the RBI's approach towards supporting economic growth amid a global slowdown and domestic demand concerns. The Monetary Policy Committee unanimously agreed to the rate cut and also changed the policy stance from “neutral” to “accommodative,” which implies a greater likelihood of further cuts in the future. This move is aimed at easing borrowing costs to stimulate consumption and investment, especially during uncertain global trade conditions.

The Himalayan High Altitude Atmospheric and Climate Research Centre was inaugurated at Nathatop in Jammu & Kashmir, situated at an elevation of 2,250 meters. This location was strategically chosen due to its clean air and minimal pollution, making it ideal for high-precision climate and atmospheric studies. The centre will support advanced research on cloud formation, aerosol interactions, and weather systems. It also marked the launch of the Indo-Swiss project ICE-CRUNCH, focusing on ice-nucleating particles and cloud condensation nuclei. This facility not only advances India’s role in global climate research but also supports the nation's long-term environmental and sustainability goals.

The Thar Desert has seen a significant 38% annual increase in greening over the past two decades, primarily driven by enhanced monsoon rainfall and the expansion of agriculture. This change indicates a positive shift in the desert’s ecosystem, showing that, despite its arid nature, the region is experiencing notable vegetation growth. The greening trend is particularly significant as it is linked to both natural rainfall patterns and human activities, such as agricultural expansion. This process may help mitigate desertification and improve the region's biodiversity over time.

The Ottawa Convention, formally known as the Mine Ban Treaty, was adopted in 1997 during a Diplomatic Conference held in Oslo. The treaty aims to eliminate anti-personnel landmines worldwide by prohibiting their use, production, stockpiling, and transfer. It obligates member states to destroy existing stockpiles within four years and to clear mined areas. The treaty also emphasizes assistance to landmine victims. Though it came into force in 1999, the foundational adoption took place in 1997. Despite its broad global acceptance by 164 countries, some major powers, including the US, Russia, and India, have not joined the agreement.