13th April 2025-Current Affairs

1. PM-POSHAN Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman) – Governance

Why in News?

• The scheme saw a 9.5% increase in material costs, prompting the Centre to allocate an additional ₹954 crore for FY 2025–26.
• Formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, it is one of the world’s largest school-based feeding programs.
• Aims to:
  • Enhance nutritional status of school children.
  • Improve enrolment, attendance, and retention in schools.
  • Support the holistic growth of children, especially in disadvantaged communities.

Context & Background

• Origin: Started in 1995 as the National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE), renamed to PM-POSHAN in 2021.
• Implemented by the Ministry of Education in coordination with State Governments.
• Integrates with POSHAN Abhiyan and Mission POSHAN 2.0, emphasizing convergence in child nutrition efforts.

Key Features of the PM-POSHAN Scheme

• Target Group:
  • Covers 11.20 crore children in Balvatikas (pre-primary) and Classes 1–8.
  • Implemented in 10.36 lakh government and government-aided schools.
• Nutritional Standards:
  • Specific meal components: pulses, vegetables, oil, cereals, etc., designed to meet daily nutrition needs.
• Funding Model:
  • Centre–State cost sharing:
    • 60:40 for most states.
    • 90:10 for Himalayan and Northeastern states.
    • 100% Central funding for UTs without legislature.
  • Food grains are supplied free of cost by FCI, fully funded by the Centre.
• Additional Components:
  • School Nutrition Gardens – to inculcate healthy food habits and supplement meal ingredients.
  • Social Audit – mandatory in all districts to ensure transparency and community participation.

Exam Relevance & Implications

• GS Paper II – Governance/Social Justice:
  • Demonstrates India’s commitment to child welfare, education, and nutritional security.
  • Reflects the principles of cooperative federalism through shared responsibility between Centre and States.
• GS Paper III – Health/Nutrition:
  • Ties into UN SDG Goals, especially Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and Goal 4 (Quality Education).
• Himachal Pradesh Perspective:
  • Being a Himalayan State, HP receives 90:10 funding.
  • Opportunity for HP to promote nutrition gardens in hill schools, aiding local agriculture and diet diversity.

Summary

The PM-POSHAN scheme, formerly the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, aims to improve nutrition, enrolment, and retention among school children, covering over 11 crore students in government and aided schools. In FY 2025–26, the Centre allocated an additional ₹954 crore due to rising material costs. It operates through a Centre-State funding model and promotes transparency via social audits and school nutrition gardens. The scheme supports key SDGs and exemplifies cooperative federalism in public welfare delivery.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

1.The PM-POSHAN scheme is implemented by which of the following ministries?
a) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
b) Ministry of Women and Child Development
c) Ministry of Education
d) Ministry of Rural Development
Answer: c) Ministry of Education

2.Under the PM-POSHAN scheme, what is the Centre-State funding ratio for Himachal Pradesh?
a) 60:40
b) 100:0
c) 50:50
d) 90:10
Answer: d) 90:10

Mains :

1.“Discuss the significance of the PM-POSHAN scheme in promoting child health and education outcomes in India. How does the scheme reflect cooperative federalism?”
(GS Paper II – Governance, Social Justice)

2.“Evaluate the role of nutrition-based school interventions in addressing hidden hunger and promoting sustainable development. Illustrate with reference to PM-POSHAN.”
(GS Paper III – Health and Nutrition)

2.SAARC Development Fund (SDF) -International Relations

Why in News?

• The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) is in the spotlight due to recent cuts in funding by USAID, drawing attention to the importance of regional self-reliance in development finance.
• With an existing capital base of $672 million and authorized funding up to $1.5 billion, the SDF plays a key role in financing social, economic, and infrastructure projects across SAARC countries.

Establishment & Evolution

• Proposed: As early as 1990 under SAARC Fund for Regional Projects and SAARC Regional Fund.
• Reconstituted: In 2005 as an umbrella financial mechanism.
• Charter signed: In 2008, at the 15th SAARC Summit in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• Operationalized: In 2010 with a permanent Secretariat in Thimphu, Bhutan.

Funding Mechanism

• Collaborative Funding Model:
  • Contributions from SAARC member countries and development partners.
  • Funds are allocated based on project proposals submitted by member states.
• Credit Expansion Plans:
  • The SDF plans to increase its credit portfolio to $300 million to better support regional needs.

Mandate & Objectives

• The SDF funds projects across three main windows:
  1. Social Window – health, education, women empowerment.
  2. Economic Window – trade facilitation, micro-finance, livelihood.
  3. Infrastructure Window – connectivity, energy, ICT.

Exam Relevance & Implications

• GS Paper II – International Relations:
  • Demonstrates India’s leadership in South Asian regional cooperation.
  • Highlights the importance of regional financial institutions as alternatives to Western aid (e.g., USAID).
  • Encourages economic integration, especially amid a less active SAARC bloc.
• Himachal Pradesh Relevance:
  • While HP may not directly access SDF, cross-border projects in environment, climate resilience, or tourism (e.g., Himalayan eco-zones) could indirectly benefit.
  • Offers a case for state-level inputs into India’s foreign policy strategies.

Summary

The SAARC Development Fund (SDF), with a capital base of $672 million, finances social, economic, and infrastructure projects across South Asia to promote regional development. Established formally in 2010 with its Secretariat in Thimphu, Bhutan, it aims to boost self-reliance amid declining Western aid, such as recent USAID cuts. SDF operates through three key windows and reflects the importance of regional integration and India’s leadership in SAARC cooperation. It highlights the potential of regional financial mechanisms in reducing dependency on global donors.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims:

1. The SAARC Development Fund (SDF) Secretariat is located in:
a) Kathmandu
b) New Delhi
c) Thimphu
d) Dhaka
Answer: c) Thimphu

2. Which of the following is not a window under the SDF’s funding mechanism?
a) Economic Window
b) Military Window
c) Social Window
d) Infrastructure Window
Answer: b) Military Window

Mains:

1. “Discuss the role of the SAARC Development Fund in enhancing regional cooperation among South Asian nations. What are the challenges to its effective functioning?”
(GS Paper II – International Relations)

2. “With global funding sources like USAID reducing support, evaluate the significance of regional financial institutions like SDF for South Asia’s development.”
(GS Paper II – International Groupings & Agreements)

3. Mahadayi River Dispute and Bandura Nala Project – Geography

Why in News?

• A broad coalition of farmer leaders, environmentalists, religious figures, and legal advocates have protested against the Bandura Nala water diversion project.
• The project is part of Karnataka’s larger effort to divert water from the Mahadayi River (also known as Mandovi or Mhadei)—a move contested by Goa.

About the Mahadayi River

• Origin: Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, Karnataka.
• Course:
  • Flows briefly through Maharashtra.
  • Enters Goa, flowing for ~76 km out of its total 111 km before emptying into the Arabian Sea at Panaji.
• Major Tributaries: Rogaro, Kushavati, Nanorem, Nanuz, Valvota, Mapusa.
• Ecological Significance:
  • Supports Panaji and Old Goa, located on its banks.
  • Houses the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary on Chorao Island.
  • The river is rain-fed and forms part of the Western Ghats’ ecological system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What is the Kalasa-Banduri Project?

• Objective: To divert Mahadayi River water to Malaprabha River basin in Karnataka for drinking water needs in Belagavi, Dharwad, Bagalkot, and Gadag districts.
• Components: Dams, canals, and associated infrastructure for water diversion.
• Proposed: 1980s by the Karnataka Government.
• Opposition: Goa argues this would cause ecological harm and water scarcity in downstream areas, especially in Goa.

Dispute Overview

• Legal Battle: The issue has been contested in multiple courts, including the Supreme Court and before the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT).
• Core Issues:
  • Equitable distribution of river water.
  • Ecological degradation in Western Ghats and Goa.
  • Drinking water vs ecological sustainability.

Exam Relevance & Implications

• GS Paper I – Geography:
  • Inter-state river conflicts illustrate spatial planning, hydrological systems, and climate sensitivity.
  • Importance of river basins in development and ecology.
• GS Paper II – Governance/Federalism:
  • Demonstrates the tensions between Centre and States, and among states under India’s quasi-federal structure.
  • Shows the need for robust water-sharing mechanisms and environmental governance.
• For Himachal Pradesh (Learning Perspective):
  • HP, being a river-rich hill state, faces similar challenges regarding inter-basin transfers, hydro-project impacts, and ecological concerns—making this case relevant for comparative governance.

Summary

The Mahadayi River dispute centers on Karnataka’s attempt to divert river water through the Kalasa-Banduri project to meet drinking water needs, opposed by Goa due to ecological and water scarcity concerns. The river, originating in Karnataka and flowing into Goa, is vital for regional ecology, including the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. The conflict highlights broader issues of inter-state river sharing, federal tensions, and the trade-off between development and environmental protection. Legal battles have reached the Supreme Court and the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. The Mahadayi River originates from which of the following states?
a) Goa
b) Maharashtra
c) Karnataka
d) Kerala
Answer: c) Karnataka

2. Which of the following bird sanctuaries is located on the Mahadayi River?
a) Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
b) Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
c) Chilika Lake Sanctuary
d) Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
Answer: b) Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Mains :

1. “Examine the Mahadayi river dispute in the context of inter-state river water sharing in India. How can federalism accommodate ecological and developmental concerns simultaneously?”
(GS Paper II – Polity and Governance)

2. “Discuss the geographical significance of the Mahadayi River and analyze the ecological impact of river interlinking and diversion projects in ecologically sensitive zones like the Western Ghats.”
(GS Paper I – Indian Geography)

4. El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) – Geography

Why in News?

• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has officially declared the end of the recent La Niña event, stating a transition to ENSO-neutral conditions in the tropical Pacific.
• The change holds significant implications for global and regional weather patterns, especially the Indian monsoon.

Understanding ENSO and Its Phases

The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a cyclical climatic phenomenon involving interactions between sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and atmospheric circulation patterns in the tropical Pacific Ocean.

Phases of ENSO:

ENSO-Neutral Phase (Current Scenario – 2025)

• Declared by NOAA in March 2025.
• SST anomalies in Niño-3.4 region: ~ -0.01°C, above the La Niña threshold of -0.5°C.
• Signs of transition:
  • Warm waters moving westward across eastern Pacific.
  • Subsurface cold water pool weakening.
  • Atmospheric conditions (e.g. strong trade winds) still showing La Niña-like remnants.
• Result: Not enough to sustain La Niña classification, but not warm enough for El Niño—hence, ENSO-neutral.

Exam Relevance & Implications

• GS Paper I – Geography:
  • ENSO is key to understanding climatic variability, ocean-atmosphere interactions, and natural disaster forecasting.
• GS Paper III – Environment:
  • Links with agricultural planning, disaster preparedness, and climate change models.
• For Himachal Pradesh:
  • ENSO phases indirectly affect HP’s weather—especially through monsoon and winter precipitation patterns.
  • ENSO-linked dry spells can intensify forest fire risk and crop failures in rain-fed agriculture.

Summary

The ENSO cycle, involving periodic changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures and wind patterns, significantly influences global and Indian climate. NOAA has declared a shift from La Niña to ENSO-neutral conditions in 2025, marked by near-average sea surface temperatures and transitional atmospheric signs. ENSO phases affect monsoons, droughts, and agriculture, making them vital for weather forecasting and disaster preparedness. In India, especially states like Himachal Pradesh, these shifts can impact rainfall, forest fire risks, and crop yields.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. Which of the following statements about La Niña is correct?
a) It causes a rise in sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific.
b) It leads to weakened trade winds.
c) It is typically associated with stronger monsoons in India.
d) It causes warming of the Atlantic Ocean.
Answer: c) It is typically associated with stronger monsoons in India.

2. The ENSO-neutral phase is characterized by:
a) Strongest trade winds and coldest SSTs.
b) Weakest trade winds and hottest SSTs.
c) SSTs near long-term averages and transitional atmospheric patterns.
d) Complete absence of ocean-atmosphere interaction.
Answer: c) SSTs near long-term averages and transitional atmospheric patterns.

Mains :

1. “Discuss the influence of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon on global climate and the Indian monsoon. How does the transition to ENSO-neutral affect weather forecasting?”
(GS Paper I – Geography)

2. “ENSO events are increasingly becoming unpredictable due to global warming. Evaluate the implications of this for disaster preparedness and agriculture in India.”
(GS Paper III – Environment & Disaster Management)

5. Asiatic Lions Expanding Beyond Gir Forest – Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

• Asiatic lions are increasingly moving beyond their traditional habitat in Gir National Park, Gujarat.
• Recent observations show their presence in coastal areas like Diu Island and across state borders, indicating a natural range expansion.

About Asiatic Lions (Panthera leo persica)

Current Distribution & Population

• 2020 Census: 674 lions spread across 30,000 sq km, covering 9 districts and 53 talukas in Saurashtra, Gujarat.
• Population increase due to:
  • Strict conservation efforts
  • Habitat protection
  • Community engagement

Protected Areas: Gir & Girnar

Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

• Established: 1965
• Area: 1,412 sq km (Core) + 470 sq km (Buffer) = Total: 1,882 sq km
• Habitat: Dry deciduous forest, teak-dominant

Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary

• Established: 2008, Junagadh District
• Significance: Extended habitat for lions, allowing dispersal and decongestion of Gir core area
• Flora and Fauna:
  • Trees: Teak, Dhak, Acacia
  • Fauna: Asiatic lions, leopards, Chinkara, Chousingha, and 300+ bird species

Ecological Significance of Habitat Expansion

• Natural lion migration helps:
  • Reduce density pressure in Gir core
  • Promote genetic diversity
  • Reduce risk from epidemics or fires in a single zone
• Raises the need for corridor development, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and transboundary conservation strategies

Relevance & Implications

• GS Paper III – Environment:
  • Case study in wildlife recovery and conservation success
  • Highlights limitations of single-site conservation models
  • Reinforces concepts of ecological corridors and habitat connectivity
• GS Paper I – Geography:
  • Wildlife migration and habitat mapping are key for understanding biogeography
  • Relates to man-animal conflict zones, land use, and conservation zoning
• For Himachal Pradesh:
  • Insightful for HP’s own wildlife management, such as snow leopards or Western Tragopan conservation
  • Lessons for managing human-wildlife interface in forested hill regions

Summary

Asiatic lions, once confined to Gujarat’s Gir Forest, are now expanding their range into areas like Diu Island and nearby districts, reflecting successful conservation efforts. This natural dispersal reduces ecological pressure on Gir, enhances genetic diversity, and highlights the need for wildlife corridors and conflict mitigation. However, it also raises concerns about managing human-wildlife interactions and the risks of a single-habitat strategy. The case serves as a model for wildlife conservation and habitat management across India.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. Asiatic lions are currently found in the wild in which of the following areas?
a) Corbett National Park
b) Gir National Park
c) Ranthambore National Park
d) Nagarhole National Park
Answer: b) Gir National Park

2. Which of the following is not a feature of the Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary?
a) It is located in Gujarat.
b) It houses over 300 bird species.
c) It is home to Bengal tigers.
d) It serves as an extended habitat for Asiatic lions.
Answer: c) It is home to Bengal tigers.

Mains :

1. “The recovery of the Asiatic lion population in Gujarat is often cited as a conservation success. Critically examine the challenges associated with single-region conservation and the importance of expanding lion habitats.”
(GS Paper III – Environment)

2. “Discuss the ecological and administrative challenges in managing transboundary wildlife migration in India, with reference to the recent range expansion of Asiatic lions.”
(GS Paper I – Geography / GS Paper II – Governance)

6.Mount Spurr – Volcanic Activity in Alaska – Geography

Why in News?

• Mount Spurr, an active stratovolcano in Alaska, has recently experienced a swarm of small earthquakes.
• Scientists are monitoring the situation closely due to the possibility of a major eruption.

Overview of Mount Spurr

Scientific Importance

• Part of the Pacific Ring of Fire – zone of high seismic and volcanic activity.
• Earthquakes suggest magma movement beneath the surface.
• Volcanic monitoring is crucial due to proximity to air routes and populated areas.

Exam Relevance & Implications

• GS Paper I – Geography:
  • Stratovolcanoes like Mount Spurr offer insight into plate tectonics, igneous activity, and landform evolution.
  • Illustrates the role of volcanism in shaping landscapes, including caldera formation and lake genesis (e.g., Chakachamna Lake).
• Disaster Management Perspective:
  • Volcanic ash affects aviation, human health, and climate (global cooling via aerosol emissions).
  • Relevant for HP due to earthquake-prone zones in the Himalayas, where geological hazards require similar vigilance.

Geographical Concepts for Revision

• Stratovolcano: Tall, conical volcano composed of multiple layers of hardened lava and volcanic ash (e.g., Mt. Fuji, Mt. Vesuvius).
• Caldera: Large crater formed by collapse of a volcano’s summit after an eruption or magma chamber depletion.
• Andesite: Volcanic rock with intermediate silica content, common in subduction zone volcanoes.

Summary

Mount Spurr, an active stratovolcano in Alaska’s Pacific Ring of Fire, is showing signs of unrest due to a recent swarm of small earthquakes, indicating potential magma movement. Known for its 1992 eruption that disrupted air travel, the volcano poses risks due to its proximity to flight paths and populated areas. Its geological features—caldera, lava dome, and andesitic composition—make it important for understanding plate tectonics and volcanic landforms. The event underscores the importance of volcanic monitoring for disaster preparedness.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1.Mount Spurr is located in which of the following geological zones?
a) Atlantic Ridge Zone
b) Pacific Ring of Fire
c) Mediterranean Volcanic Belt
d) Mid-Indian Ocean Ridge
Answer: b) Pacific Ring of Fire

2.Which of the following features is not typically associated with a stratovolcano?
a) Lava dome
b) Shield-shaped slopes
c) Layers of lava and ash
d) Crater or caldera
Answer: b) Shield-shaped slopes

Mains :

1. “Explain the geomorphological significance of stratovolcanoes like Mount Spurr in shaping landforms. How do calderas and lava domes form in such volcanic systems?”
(GS Paper I – Physical Geography)

2.“Discuss the impact of volcanic eruptions on human activities and climate with reference to recent volcanic activities such as that of Mount Spurr.”
(GS Paper I – Geography / GS Paper III – Disaster Management)

7. De-Extinction and the Dire Wolf Debate – Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

• Colossal Biosciences, a US-based biotech firm, recently announced the birth of genetically engineered dire wolf pups, sparking global debate on the credibility and ethics of de-extinction.
• This comes alongside their project to revive the woolly mammoth to fight climate change by restoring Arctic grasslands.

What is De-Extinction?

De-extinction is the process of reviving extinct species using genetic engineering technologies like CRISPR, synthetic biology, and cloning.

Projects by Colossal Biosciences

Woolly Mammoth Revival

• Technique: CRISPR-based editing of Asian elephant DNA to introduce traits like shaggy hair, thick fat, and cold resistance.
• Objective: Release into Arctic tundra to help restore permafrost ecosystems by:
  • Grazing to prevent shrub growth
  • Slowing permafrost melt
  • Reducing methane emissions
  • Enhancing carbon sequestration in grasslands

Dire Wolf Revival

• DNA from fossilized dire wolves edited into modern gray wolf genome.
• Only 20 genes edited, raising questions about genetic authenticity.
• Result: Animals that resemble but are not true replicas of dire wolves.

Criticism of De-Extinction in Conservation

1. Lack of Scientific Rigor
   • No peer-reviewed evidence proving ecological benefits or viability of revived species.
2. Incomplete Replication
   • Partial gene editing leads to imperfect copies (e.g., dire wolf ≠ extinct species).
3. Ethical Concerns
   • Potential suffering of engineered species.
   • Risk of ecological imbalance in modern habitats.
   • De-extinction might divert funds from conserving endangered species already alive.

🇮🇳 India’s Position in Genetic Engineering

Agriculture & Biotech

• India has a regulatory framework under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Ongoing CRISPR/Cas9 trials on rice signal growing capacity in agricultural biotechnology.

Genomic Research

• Genome India Project: Sequencing of 10,000 genomes for precision medicine.
• Institutions like IGIB developed FELUDA (CRISPR-based COVID-19 test).

Way Forward for India

• Strengthen Ethical Oversight:
  • Develop transparent bioethics policies for gene editing in humans, animals, and agriculture.
• Promote Research & Regulation Synergy:
  • Encourage multi-stakeholder collaboration among government, academia, and industry.
• Focus on Endangered Species First:
  • Invest more in in-situ and ex-situ conservation of species like the Asiatic lion and snow leopard.

Exam Relevance & Implications

• GS Paper III – Environment and Ethics in Science:
  • Raises questions about the moral boundaries of scientific innovation.
  • Connects to climate change mitigation, biodiversity loss, and conservation ethics.
• GS Paper III – India’s Scientific Advancements:
  • India’s CRISPR projects (e.g., FELUDA) show indigenous innovation and policy relevance.
• Himachal Pradesh Relevance:
  • HP is home to several endangered species; the de-extinction debate underlines why preventing extinction is better than reversing it.
  • Can inspire public discourse on forest conservation, biotechnology use in agriculture, and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.

Summary

Colossal Biosciences’ announcement of genetically engineered dire wolf pups and ongoing efforts to revive the woolly mammoth have reignited debates over the scientific and ethical implications of de-extinction. While touted as a tool for climate change mitigation and biodiversity restoration, critics argue these projects involve incomplete genetic replication and raise ecological and moral concerns. India, with growing expertise in CRISPR and conservation needs, is urged to focus on preserving existing endangered species while strengthening ethical oversight in biotechnology.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. The FELUDA test, based on CRISPR technology, was developed in India for:
a) Genome sequencing
b) Diagnosing COVID-19
c) Cancer detection
d) Soil analysis
Answer: b) Diagnosing COVID-19

2. Which of the following species is being genetically engineered to help combat climate change through tundra restoration?
a) Gray wolf
b) Bengal tiger
c) Woolly mammoth
d) Polar bear
Answer: c) Woolly mammoth

Mains :

1. “De-extinction projects may fascinate scientists but pose serious ethical and ecological concerns.” Discuss the pros and cons of using genetic engineering for species revival in the context of environmental conservation.
(GS Paper III – Environment, Ethics in Science)

2. “With increasing advancements in gene editing technologies, how should India strike a balance between innovation and bioethics in agriculture and biodiversity conservation?”
(GS Paper III – Science & Technology / Environmental Governance)