NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. What is Paste Fill Technology?: Paste filling is a modern underground mining method that eliminates the need to acquire surface land. After coal extraction, the mined-out voids are filled with a specially prepared paste made from fly ash, crushed overburden from opencast mines, cement, water, and binding chemicals. This process prevents land subsidence and ensures the structural stability of the mine.Importantly, the paste utilizes industrial waste materials, making the process environmentally sustainable and promoting waste recycling.
2. Background of Singhali Mine: The Singhali underground mine was approved in 1989 for a production capacity of 0.24 million tonnes per year and commenced operations in 1993.Presently, the mine has 8.45 million tonnes of extractable reserves of G-7 grade non-coking coal.It was developed using the Bord and Pillar method, employing Load Haul Dumpers (LHDs) and Universal Drilling Machines (UDMs) for underground operations.However, the surface area above the mine is densely occupied—with villages, high-tension electricity lines, and a Public Works Department (PWD) road—rendering traditional caving methods unfeasible due to safety Concerns.
3. Bhagavad Gita and Natyashastra added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register: The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita (a noted Hindu scripture) and Natyashastra (Indian treatise on performing arts) have been officially included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, recognising their exceptional universal value and global significance.The UNESCO Memory of the World Register honours documentary heritage that is deemed to hold exceptional universal value. It includes texts, manuscripts, and documents that have significantly shaped human history and continue to influence generations.The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, part of the Mahabharata, is a profound spiritual text composed of 700 verses that address crucial philosophical questions on life, duty, and devotion.The Natyashastra, attributed to Bharat Muni, serves as the foundational text for Indian performing arts, including theatre, dance, and music, influencing classical art forms for centuries. These works have become the basis for not only India’s cultural practices but also its modes of thought, expression, and living.
4. Compilation of PM Modi’s Speeches on Culture ‘Sanskriti Ka Paanchva Adhyay’ Launched: A book titled Sanskriti Ka Paanchva Adhyay, which is a compilation of speeches delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on various occasions, was launched in New Delhi.The head of the Juna Akhara, Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri, launched the book.Presiding over the event, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, lauded Prime Minister Modi’s efforts in preserving the country’s culture, traditions, spiritual values, and cultural heritage.
5. Fisheries Development Initiatives Under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana: (PMMSY) is initiative aimed at transforming India’s fisheries sector. Launched in 2020, this scheme addresses critical gaps in fish production, productivity, and welfare of fishermen. Recently, Union Minister George Kurian announced various projects, including infrastructure development and financial assistance for fishermen under this scheme in Karaikal.The PMMSY is a comprehensive scheme designed to boost the fisheries sector. It focuses on sustainable practices and enhancing the livelihoods of fishers. The programme is set to run from 2020 to 2025, with an investment of ₹20,050 crore. It aims to integrate inland fisheries and aquaculture into the broader economy.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Wet-Bulb Temperature Survival Threshold: Recent studies have raised questions about the widely accepted wet-bulb temperature survival threshold of 35°C. Harvard researchers, in collaboration with the Indian Union environment ministry, discussed heat stress and adaptation strategies in India. Their findings suggest that the critical limit may be closer to 31°C. This revelation has implications for understanding human thermal limits in heat conditions.Wet-bulb temperature combines heat and humidity to measure the human body’s cooling ability. It reflects how effectively sweat evaporates. When the wet-bulb temperature equals skin temperature, sweat evaporation ceases. This prevents the body from cooling down, leading to heat stress.
2. International Big Cat Alliance: This happened more than two months after IBCA became a full international organisation based on a treaty between countries. The agreement allows India to host the IBCA’s main office and gives it the support needed for its efficient functioning. The agreement also includes details about visas, special rights and protections for IBCA staff and offices, how the agreement will begin, and other related matters.The IBCA was proposed by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi in 2019. It was officially launched in April 2023 during the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. The alliance became a legal entity after five countries ratified its framework agreement in September 2023. These countries include India, Liberia, Eswatini, Somalia, and Nicaragua.
3. PEN-Plus Strategy Enhances NCD Care in Africa: WHO African Region. A report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) Africa assessed the PEN-Plus approach that aims to decentralise critical health services for severe NCDs. Since its adoption, twenty African countries have improved access to essential care, addressing public health threat.The PEN-Plus model complements the WHO’s Package of Essential Non-communicable Disease interventions. It focuses on managing severe NCDs at the primary healthcare level. Originally developed in Rwanda, PEN-Plus aims to provide care to individuals living in extreme poverty. It trains healthcare professionals to deliver essential medical services, including diagnosis and psychosocial support.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Military Exercise Balikatan 2025: The Philippines is set to host the Balikatan joint military exercise involving the United States, Australia and Japan. It will start April 21 and end May 9, 2025. Japan is set to formally participate for the first time in this exercise. The drills will mainly focus on defending the islands of Palawan and Luzon, which are close to tense areas in the south china sea and the Luzon Strait. In a previous exercise, Balikatan 2023, American and Philippine forces practiced working together by testing their ability to give and follow commands during a ship-sinking drill.Balikatan, meaning “shoulder-to-shoulder” in Tagalog, began in 2002. It focuses on humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and military readiness. The drills involve various military branches from the US and the Philippines. Over the years, participation has expanded to include other nations, enhancing multilateral cooperation.
2. Exercise Dustlik 2025: The sixth edition of the India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise, Dustlik, commenced on April 16, 2025, at the Foreign Training Node in Pune. This annual event alternates between India and Uzbekistan The exercise aims to enhance military cooperation and improve capabilities for joint operations in various terrains. It involves personnel from both the Indian Army and the Uzbekistan Army.The Indian contingent consists of 60 personnel from the Jat Regiment and the Indian Air Force. The Uzbekistan contingent includes their army personnel. This year’s exercise features a battalion-level joint operations centre for continuous collaboration.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Intermediate-Mass Black Holes: Recent astronomical advancements have led to the discovery of an Intermediate-Mass Black Hole (IMBH) located in the faint galaxy NGC 4395, approximately 4.3 million light-years from Earth. This finding, made using India’s largest optical telescope, the 3.6m Devasthal Optical Telescope, provides critical vital information about the formation and behaviour of black holes that range from 100 to 100,000 solar masses. The study enhances our understanding of the cosmic black hole family and their evolution.Intermediate-Mass Black Holes are cosmic entities that bridge the gap between stellar black holes and supermassive black holes. Stellar black holes have masses a few dozen times that of the Sun, while supermassive black holes can have masses in the millions or billions of solar masses. IMBHs are believed to be the seeds that evolve into supermassive black holes.
2. India Achieves First QKD Transmission: This breakthrough marks a very important step in the nation’s pursuit of secure digital communication networks. The successful test marks India’s commitment to developing robust quantum encryption technologies that are essential for safeguarding critical data.Quantum Key Distribution is a method that uses quantum mechanics to securely share encryption keys. It allows two parties to generate a shared, random secret key that can be used for secure communication. QKD is unique because it ensures that any eavesdropping attempt can be detected. This technology is crucial for sectors like banking and government, where data security is paramount.
3. Venom Maps Predict Russell’s Viper Characteristics: Recent research has revealed innovative “venom maps” that predict the venom characteristics of Russell’s viper, a highly dangerous snake prevalent in India. Conducted by the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, this study sheds light on how local climate conditions influence the composition and potency of the snake’s venom. The findings aim to improve treatment for snakebite victims by facilitating targeted therapies.Russell’s viper, scientifically known as *Daboia russelii*, is a venomous snake belonging to the Viperidae family. It is commonly found across various regions in Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. This snake is recognised for its stocky body and distinctive reddish-brown spots outlined in black. It typically measures between 4 to 6 feet in length.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. ADB sanctions $85.4 million loan for Tripura Industrial Infra Development: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $85.4 million loan to finance critical industrial infrastructure in the nine industrial estates of Tripura.The nine Industrial estates of the Tripura government to be funded are Bodhjungnagar Industrial Estate, Kumarghat Industrial Estate, R.K. Nagar Industrial Estate, Dharmanagar Industrial Estate, Dhajanagar Industrial Estate, Dukli Industrial Estate, Deewanpasma Industrial Estate, Nagicherra Industrial Estate and Sarasima Industrial Estate.
2. RBI imposes penalty on Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC First Bank, PNB: RBI has imposed monetary penalties on Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC First Bank, and Punjab National Bank for deficiencies in regulatory compliance.Kotak Mahindra Bank was fined ₹4 lakh for non-compliance with RBI guidelines related to loan system delivery and statutory restrictions on loans and advances.IDFC First Bank received a penalty of ₹6 lakh for violating RBI’s Know Your Customer (KYC) norms.Punjab National Bank was penalized ₹6 lakh for lapses in following RBI directions on customer service in banks.
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