29th April 2025-Current Affairs

1. Similipal Declared as the 107th National Park of India – Environment

Why in News?

• The Odisha Government has officially notified Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) as the 107th National Park of India.
• It is the second national park in Eastern Odisha, after Bhitarkanika National Park.
• Located in Mayurbhanj district, the national park now spans 845.70 sq km.

Key Features of Similipal National Park

Flora

• Hosts 1,078 plant species, including:
  • 94 orchid species
  • Dominated by Sal forests (Shorea robusta)

Fauna

• Rich wildlife includes:
  • Tigers, leopards, gaurs, elephants, sloth bears, pangolins
  • Migratory birds: Bar-headed geese, Brahmini ducks

Unique Genetic Feature: Pseudo-melanistic Tigers

• Similipal is home to the only known wild population of pseudo-melanistic tigers in the world.
• This condition is due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene, causing excessive black striping.

Geographical Features

• High plateaus and forested hills with peaks like:
  • Khairiburu and Meghashini (~1,515 m above sea level)

Indigenous Communities

• Home to tribal groups such as:
  • Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, and Khadia
• Their coexistence with forest ecology makes it a model of community-involved conservation.

Historical Background

• Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956
• Included under Project Tiger in 1973
• Designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 2009

Relevance & Himachal Pradesh Link

• Biodiversity-rich protected areas like Similipal serve as comparative models for HP’s conservation zones (e.g., Great Himalayan National Park).
• Highlights the need for community engagement in forest management—relevant to HP’s tribal areas and eco-sensitive zones.

Summary

Similipal’s elevation to a National Park highlights its ecological value and strengthens India’s network of protected areas. It combines rich biodiversity, rare genetic traits (pseudo-melanism), and indigenous conservation models, making it vital for research, tourism, and community-inclusive environmental governance. It offers valuable lessons for regions like Himachal Pradesh, where conservation and tribal welfare must go hand-in-hand.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. Consider the following statements regarding Similipal National Park:

1. It is located in the Eastern Ghats and is rich in Sal forests.
2. It is the only known natural habitat of pseudo-melanistic tigers.
3. It is the first national park in Odisha.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A
Explanation: Bhitarkanika was the first national park in Odisha. Similipal is second.

2. Consider the following protected areas:

1. Bandipur
2. Bhitarkanika
3. Manas
4. Sundarbans
   Which of the above are declared Tiger Reserves?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B
Explanation: Bhitarkanika is not a tiger reserve, while Bandipur, Manas, and Sundarbans are.

Mains :

1. Similipal’s recent designation as a national park strengthens biodiversity conservation in India.
Discuss the ecological and conservation significance of protected areas like Similipal. What lessons can Himachal Pradesh learn from such models?

2. Community participation is critical in managing eco-sensitive areas.
In light of the indigenous presence in Similipal, evaluate how tribal involvement can be balanced with conservation priorities in states like Himachal Pradesh.

2. India Raises Continental Shelf Claim in Arabian Sea – International Relations

Why in News?

• India has expanded its Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) claim in the Central Arabian Sea by nearly 10,000 sq. km.
• This modification updates earlier submissions to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).
• The move has implications for offshore energy resources, regional maritime boundaries, and India-Pakistan relations.

Key Concepts

Extended Continental Shelf (ECS)

• Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), countries can claim the seabed beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline, if supported by geological and geophysical evidence.
• Nations can explore and exploit seabed resources, such as oil, gas, and minerals, in these zones.

Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS)

• Established in 1997 under UNCLOS.
• Reviews ECS claims submitted by states and gives scientifically binding recommendations.
• India’s modified claim includes robust scientific data to support jurisdiction.

Strategic & Diplomatic Dimensions

🇮🇳 India-Pakistan Maritime Dispute

• India’s updated ECS claim aims to avoid direct conflict but responds to Pakistan’s past objections.
• The Sir Creek area—an estuarine strip in the Rann of Kutch—remains disputed, affecting maritime boundary delimitation.

🇴🇲 India-Oman Cooperation

• India’s ECS overlaps with Oman’s continental shelf in parts.
• Both countries have agreed to keep discussions open and peaceful, showcasing diplomatic maturity.

Why Is This Important for India?

• Strengthens maritime sovereignty and resource access.
• Enhances India’s legal and diplomatic position in the Arabian Sea.
• Critical for India’s Blue Economy goals and energy security.

Relevance & Link to Himachal Pradesh

• While HP is landlocked, candidates should understand:
  • Maritime boundary claims are part of India’s strategic security.
  • The ECS issue is connected to international law, diplomacy, and energy resources—key areas in GS Paper II and essay writing.
  • Himachal Pradesh also engages in inter-state resource and boundary issues (e.g., water sharing), which can be analogously understood.

Summary

India’s ECS claim in the Arabian Sea is a blend of scientific assertion and strategic diplomacy. Rooted in UNCLOS, it boosts India’s ability to explore critical seabed resources while carefully navigating regional sensitivities with Pakistan and Oman. It exemplifies how modern geopolitics increasingly extends into subsea resource domains, reinforcing the importance of international law, technical expertise, and peaceful negotiation in global affairs.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. What is the significance of an Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) under the UNCLOS framework?

A. It allows nations to claim airspace beyond 200 nautical miles.
B. It enables nations to extract resources from the seabed beyond 200 nautical miles.
C. It defines naval exercise zones for coastal countries.
D. It extends the Exclusive Economic Zone indefinitely.

Answer: B
Explanation: ECS provides rights over seabed resources (not water column) beyond 200 nautical miles.

2. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The CLCS provides legal rulings on maritime boundaries between states.
2. India’s ECS claim in the Arabian Sea overlaps with both Pakistan and Oman.
3. Sir Creek is a disputed area that affects maritime delimitation between India and Pakistan.

Select the correct option:
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B
Explanation: CLCS gives scientific—not legal—recommendations; maritime boundaries are negotiated bilaterally.

Mains :

1. India’s expansion of its Extended Continental Shelf claim in the Arabian Sea reflects both scientific strategy and geopolitical diplomacy.
Critically examine the implications of this move on India’s energy security and regional maritime relations.

2. Peaceful resolution of maritime boundary disputes is vital for regional stability.
In light of the Sir Creek issue and India’s ECS claim, evaluate the role of international law and diplomacy in addressing maritime conflicts.

3. Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) Scheme – Governance

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment highlighted a major discrepancy in the number of beggars identified under the SMILE scheme:
  • Only 9,958 beggars identified across 81 cities
  • Contrasts with 3.72 lakh beggars recorded in the 2011 Census
• This raises concerns about implementation gaps and underreporting.

About the SMILE Scheme

Launched: 2022

Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Type: Central Sector Scheme (100% funded by the Union Government)

Objectives

• Rehabilitation of people engaged in begging
• Empowerment of transgender persons
• Promote livelihood, education, skill development, and social inclusion
• Streamlines older schemes into one unified framework

Key Components

1. Shelter & Rehabilitation

• Leverages existing shelter homes
• Plans to create new infrastructure where needed

2. Livelihood Support

• Includes education, ID/documentation support, and economic linkages
• Helps beneficiaries become self-sufficient

3. Coverage & Implementation

• Target: ~60,000 individuals nationwide
• Pilot Phase: 30 cities (Phase I); expanding to 50 more cities (Phase II)
• Surveys aim to rehabilitate 25 individuals per locality

4. Funding

• Budget: ₹100 crore (2023–2026)
• Utilized till Dec 2024: ₹14.71 crore

Challenges in Implementation

• Low identification vs. official figures suggests inadequate surveys
• Resistance from individuals due to socio-economic dependency on alms
• Lack of shelter infrastructure and trained personnel
• Limited funding hinders sustainable rehabilitation
• Need for community involvement and better inter-agency coordination

Relevance & Link to Himachal Pradesh

• Himachal Pradesh’s urbanizing areas, such as Shimla, Dharamshala, and Mandi, face similar issues with urban poverty and homelessness.
• Lessons from the SMILE scheme can inform HP’s urban social welfare planning.
• This case is also useful in GS-II (Governance) and Essay Paper for writing on inclusive policies and urban social justice.

Summary

The SMILE Scheme is a commendable policy aimed at uplifting India’s most marginalised communities—beggars and transgender persons. However, its implementation suffers from gaps in identification, infrastructure, funding, and coordination. True success depends on integrating rehabilitation with empowerment, backed by robust surveys, skilled social workers, and multi-level collaboration. As India progresses toward inclusive development, SMILE can serve as a litmus test for ground-level governance reforms in urban welfare delivery

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. Consider the following statements about the SMILE Scheme:

1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
2. It targets rehabilitation of both transgender persons and persons engaged in begging.
3. The scheme provides for shelter homes, documentation support, and economic linkages.

Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B
Explanation: SMILE is a Central Sector scheme, not sponsored or run by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

2. The SMILE Scheme was launched primarily to:

A. Promote entrepreneurship among rural women
B. Provide job reservation for transgender persons
C. Rehabilitate persons engaged in begging and empower transgender communities
D. Support urban youth through start-up funding

Answer: C

Mains :

1. “Welfare schemes like SMILE reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive development, but effective implementation remains a concern.”
Discuss the design and implementation challenges of the SMILE Scheme in the context of social rehabilitation and reintegration of marginalised communities.

2. “Rehabilitation without empowerment leads to incomplete inclusion.”
In light of the SMILE Scheme, evaluate the importance of skill development and community integration in achieving long-term social justice for transgender persons and beggars

4. Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) – Strengthening India’s Cyber Defenses – Governance

Why in News?

• The Indian government has authorized I4C to share information with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
• This move is intended to help trace money trails in cyber fraud cases, especially those involving financial scams, cryptocurrency frauds, and cross-border money laundering.

About I4C

Established by: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

Headquarters: New Delhi

Year of Inception: 2020 (as part of India’s broader cybercrime prevention strategy)

Objectives of I4C

• Act as a nodal national coordination center for cybercrime prevention and investigation.
• Strengthen law enforcement capacity in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting cybercrime.
• Encourage public participation and inter-agency coordination.
• Support research and innovation in cyber forensics and security technologies.

Key Components of I4C

Recent Strategic Move

• Sharing data with ED under PMLA:
  • Enables coordinated investigation of cyber-enabled financial crimes.
  • Bridges cybercrime enforcement with financial regulation and anti-money laundering efforts.

Relevance to Himachal Pradesh (HPAS Context)

• With growing internet access even in remote areas of Himachal Pradesh, cybercrime—especially online scams and financial frauds—is on the rise.
• I4C’s tools like the 1930 helpline and NCRP portal are vital for public cybercrime awareness in HP.
• HP Police can leverage I4C training and analytics to build local cyber forensic capacity.

Summary

The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) is India’s strategic backbone for cybercrime detection, response, and prevention. By integrating citizen reporting, real-time analytics, law enforcement training, and now coordination with the Enforcement Directorate, I4C is transforming India’s cyber governance landscape. As threats evolve—from phishing to crypto laundering—I4C’s proactive and collaborative approach is key to building national cyber resilience, especially across vulnerable and newly digitalised communities.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. With reference to the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), consider the following statements:

1. It functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
2. The I4C runs the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal and a 24×7 financial fraud helpline.
3. It includes a unit that offers training to judicial and police personnel.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B
Explanation: I4C functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs, not MeitY. Statements 2 and 3 are correct.

2. The helpline number 1930 is associated with:

A. Reporting tax frauds
B. National health emergencies
C. Reporting online financial frauds
D. Registering complaints against police misconduct

Answer: C

Mains :

1. “India’s cyberspace is rapidly expanding, but its governance mechanisms must evolve in step.”
Discuss the role of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) in enhancing national cyber resilience and preventing digital financial crimes.

2. Cybercrime is as much a governance challenge as a technical one.
Evaluate the institutional and public outreach efforts under the I4C in tackling cybercrime in India, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

5. Supreme Court Suggests Vote Threshold for Unopposed Election Wins – Polity

Why in News?

• The Supreme Court of India has suggested that uncontested candidates in elections should be required to secure a minimum percentage of votes (10–15%) to be declared elected.
• This suggestion arose while hearing a petition filed by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy, challenging Section 53(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which currently allows automatic election of a sole candidate.

Legal and Constitutional Background

Section 53(2), Representation of the People Act, 1951

• States that if only one valid nomination is received, that candidate shall be declared elected without a vote.
• The provision does not allow electors to vote or express dissent (e.g., through NOTA) in uncontested elections.

Core Arguments in the Petition

• NOTA (None of the Above) should be available even when one candidate contests, to protect voter choice and expression.
• From 1951 to 2024, there have been 26 uncontested Lok Sabha elections, affecting 82 lakh+ voters.
• Unopposed victories may undermine democratic legitimacy, especially where voter engagement is bypassed.

Breakup of Uncontested Lok Sabha Elections

Supreme Court’s View

• Suggested introducing a minimum vote threshold (10–15%) for unopposed candidates to be validly elected.
• Emphasized that popular endorsement is essential in a democracy, even where competition is absent.

Election Commission’s Stand

• ECI considers uncontested elections rare today.
• Recognizing NOTA in such cases would require statutory amendments, implying Parliament’s role in reform.

Relevance & Himachal Pradesh Context

• Though rare in Himachal Pradesh, the issue underscores broader electoral reform needs, including:
  • Voter autonomy
  • Electoral credibility
  • Public faith in democratic processes
• Useful for GS-II, Ethics case studies, and Essay writing on democratic rights and electoral accountability.

Summary

The Supreme Court’s suggestion to mandate a minimum vote threshold for unopposed candidates challenges the notion of automatic electoral legitimacy. In the absence of competition, voters must still be empowered to accept or reject candidates—reinforcing democracy as not just procedural, but participatory. This case highlights a need for legal reform, parliamentary action, and re-examination of electoral norms in India to ensure that voter rights are upheld, even in uncontested scenarios.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. Section 53(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 deals with:

A. Disqualification of candidates on criminal charges
B. Automatic election of candidates in reserved constituencies
C. Declaration of sole candidate as elected unopposed
D. Voting rights of NRIs

Answer: C

2. Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. The NOTA option is currently unavailable in uncontested elections in India.
2. The Supreme Court has the power to amend electoral laws under Article 142.
3. Electoral reforms like vote thresholds for unopposed elections require statutory amendments.

Select the correct option:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C
Explanation: The SC cannot amend laws—it can only interpret them. Reforms like these require legislative action.

Mains :

1. “Unopposed elections without voter participation challenge the legitimacy of democratic processes.”
Critically analyze the Supreme Court’s proposal for a vote threshold in uncontested elections in light of voter rights and electoral reforms.

2. “Democracy is not merely the rule of the majority but the expression of every voice.”
Discuss the significance of ensuring voter choice through mechanisms like NOTA in the context of uncontested elections in India.

6. RBI Launches ‘bank.in’ Domain to Combat Digital Payment Frauds – Economy

Why in News?

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched the ‘bank.in’ domain in February 2025 to curb digital payment frauds.
• The move addresses the rising threat of phishing attacks, where fake bank websites deceive users and steal personal data.
• In 2024, internet and card frauds accounted for:
  • 84% of total fraud cases
  • 20% of the total fraud amount

What is the ‘bank.in’ Domain?

Purpose:

• To provide Indian banks with a secure and exclusive online identity
• To protect users from phishing and fraudulent look-alike bank websites

Nature of Domain:

• It is part of India’s country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) system, like “.in”, reserved exclusively for verified banks

Key Stakeholders & Institutional Framework

Implementation Timeline

• Transition deadline for banks: October 31, 2025
• Dual operation phase: Banks may operate both old and new domains during the migration period

Why This Matters?

Key Benefits:

• Improves consumer trust and brand authenticity
• Reduces cybercrime and online fraud risk
• Empowers digital banking infrastructure in line with Digital India and FinTech security goals

Key Challenge:

• Ensuring awareness among rural and semi-urban users, who are more vulnerable to phishing attacks
• Relevance & Himachal Pradesh Context
• With increasing adoption of digital payments in rural Himachal Pradesh, awareness of secure domains like ‘bank.in’ is crucial to prevent digital frauds.
• Useful for GS Paper III topics on banking security, financial inclusion, and cyber fraud prevention.

Summary

The ‘bank.in’ domain is a proactive step by RBI to curb the growing menace of digital payment fraud. By standardizing bank website domains, it enhances online security and public trust. However, its success hinges on institutional coordination, technological readiness, and massive public awareness, especially in rural India. As digital banking expands, initiatives like this will play a key role in safeguarding India’s financial future.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. Consider the following statements regarding the new ‘bank.in’ domain launched by RBI:

1. It is a top-level domain managed globally by the World Bank.
2. It is designed to combat digital fraud and improve trust in bank websites.
3. Its registration and management are overseen by Indian authorities.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B
Explanation: The domain is managed nationally under India’s ccTLD system, not by the World Bank.

2. Which of the following institutions is responsible for operating and managing the ‘bank.in’ domain?

A. RBI
B. SEBI
C. IDRBT
D. CERT-In

Answer: C

Mains :

1. “The launch of the ‘bank.in’ domain marks a new phase in securing India’s digital financial infrastructure.”
Discuss the need for such an initiative in light of increasing cyber frauds in the banking sector. Also, evaluate its potential impact on consumer trust and digital banking adoption.

2. “Cybersecurity in the financial sector requires both technological upgrades and public awareness.”
In the context of RBI’s ‘bank.in’ initiative, critically analyze the role of institutional coordination and public outreach in ensuring safe digital banking practices.

7. CSR Spending in India Sees 16% Growth in FY24 – Economy

Why in News?

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending by listed companies in India rose by 16% in FY24, reaching ₹17,967 crore, compared to ₹15,524 crore in FY23.
• Education and healthcare remained top sectors of CSR allocation.
• Compliance with CSR regulations remained high, with 98% of eligible companies meeting their obligations.

What is CSR?

Legal Basis:

• CSR is mandated under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
• Companies are required to spend at least 2% of their average net profit (over the previous 3 years) on socially beneficial activities.

Eligibility Criteria:

CSR norms apply to companies with:

• Net worth ≥ ₹500 crore, or
• Turnover ≥ ₹1,000 crore, or
• Net profit ≥ ₹5 crore

FY24 CSR Spending Snapshot

Sectoral Allocation Highlights

Key Trends & Insights

• Growing alignment of CSR spending with SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
• Corporates are integrating CSR into branding, community engagement, and ESG strategies
• Discussions are ongoing about revising CSR thresholds to reflect increasing corporate profitability and focus on larger players

Relevance & Himachal Pradesh Context

• CSR funding can support rural development, education, and infrastructure projects in Himachal Pradesh.
• CSR activities by companies operating in hydropower, pharma, and tourism sectors can be significant for HP’s sustainable growth.
• HPAS aspirants can link CSR to inclusive growth, PPP models, and grassroots capacity building in GS-II and Essay topics.

Summary

India’s CSR framework has matured into a strategic developmental tool. With rising compliance and a growing focus on education and health, CSR spending in FY24 reflects how businesses are increasingly integrating profit with purpose. However, challenges like impact evaluation, local engagement, and regional equity persist. For states like Himachal Pradesh, CSR offers a viable channel to fund grassroots development, provided implementation is transparent, participatory, and aligned with local needs.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims :

1. As per Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, which of the following companies are mandated to undertake CSR activities?

1. Companies with a net profit of ₹3 crore
2. Companies with a net worth of ₹500 crore or more
3. Companies with turnover above ₹1,000 crore

Select the correct option:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 only

Answer: B
Explanation: CSR is applicable to companies with net profit of ₹5 crore or more, not ₹3 crore.

2. Which of the following sectors received the highest CSR allocation in FY24?

A. Rural Development
B. Healthcare
C. Education
D. Sanitation

Answer: C

Mains :

1.“Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is evolving from a legal obligation to a strategic tool for sustainable development.”
Discuss this statement in the context of recent CSR spending trends in India. How can states like Himachal Pradesh benefit from CSR-linked initiatives?

2. Despite high compliance rates, CSR implementation in India faces challenges related to impact measurement and local engagement.
Critically examine these challenges and suggest ways to make CSR more effective and accountable.