29 April 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

1. India and France finalise agreement for 26 Rafale-Ms

 (Source – Page 1, The Hindu International Edition (April 29, 2025)

Overview of the Agreement

• India will procure 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Navy under an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA).
• Deal value: ~₹64,000 crore.
• Deliveries to begin from mid-2028 and complete by 2030.
• Includes training, simulators, weapons package, associated equipment, and performance-based logistics.
• Signed remotely by Defence Ministers Rajnath Singh (India) and Sebastien Lecornu (France).

Strategic Importance

• Carrier-Based Capability: Rafale-Ms will be deployed on India’s aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, enhancing maritime strike capability.
• Technological Transfer: Includes transfer of technology for integrating indigenous weapons like the Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles.
• MRO Ecosystem Development: Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for aircraft engines and sensors will be set up in India, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Employment Generation: Expected to create thousands of jobs and benefit Indian MSMEs (Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises).

Defence and Strategic Implications

• Boost to Indo-Pacific Strategy: Strengthens India’s role as a net security provider in the Indo-Pacific amidst rising Chinese assertiveness.
• Deepening India-France Strategic Partnership: Builds on existing defence collaborations like the earlier Rafale IAF deal and submarine projects.
• Enhancement of Air Power: Provides a sophisticated multirole aircraft capable of air superiority, deep strike, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence missions.

Challenges and Concerns

• High Cost: The financial outlay remains very high at a time when defence modernization across services is competing for resources.
• Dependence on Foreign OEMs: Despite some technology transfer, India remains dependent for critical platforms.
• Training and Integration Timeline: Pilot and crew training, integration with Indian carriers, and weapon system compatibility may require extensive lead time.

Conclusion / Way Forward

The Rafale-M deal significantly strengthens India’s naval aviation power and underlines Indo-French strategic convergence. Going forward, India must ensure rapid absorption of technology, timely induction of aircraft, and complementary indigenous development (e.g., the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter project) to achieve greater self-reliance in defence.

2. In 2024, India’s military expenditure was nine times that of Pakistan: SIPRI.

 (Source – Page 4, The Hindu International Edition (April 29, 2025)

Key Findings of the SIPRI Report

• India’s Military Expenditure (2024):
  • $86.1 billion, 5th highest globally.
  • Growth of 1.6% compared to the previous year.
• Pakistan’s Military Expenditure:
  • $10.2 billion.
• Comparison: India’s defence spending is ~9 times that of Pakistan.
• Top Five Military Spenders:
  • United States, China, Russia, Germany, India — accounting for 60% of global defence spending.
• Global Context:
  • Rising geopolitical tensions have led to increased military spending, particularly in Europe and Asia.

Strategic and Security Implications for India

• Regional Deterrence:
  • India’s growing military capability is essential to deter cross-border terrorism, conventional threats from Pakistan, and assertiveness from China.
• Maritime Security:
  • Supports India’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region and enhances its role as a net security provider.
• Defence Modernization:
  • Expenditure is directed toward upgrading air defence, naval capabilities (aircraft carriers, submarines), and indigenization under initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Nuclear Security:
  • Maintains credible minimum deterrence against both China and Pakistan.

Global Military Trends Noted

• China: Military spending grew 7% to $314 billion; focus on cyberwarfare, naval expansion, and nuclear arsenal.
• Russia: Increased spending by 38%, driven by the Ukraine war.
• Ukraine: Military burden highest globally, spending 34% of GDP on defence.

Challenges Ahead

• Fiscal Stress:
  • High defence spending needs to be balanced with social and developmental needs.
• Technological Dependence:
  • Despite increased spending, India’s dependency on imports for critical technology remains a concern.
• Regional Instability:
  • Arms race dynamics with Pakistan and China could lead to instability if not carefully managed.

Conclusion / Way Forward

India’s rise as one of the world’s top defence spenders reflects its strategic aspirations and security needs in an evolving regional and global order. However, sustained focus on indigenous defence production, efficient use of resources, and diplomatic engagement must complement military strength to ensure comprehensive national security.

3. POCSO cases can be quashed based on settlement in certain circumstances: Kerala HC.

 (Source – Page 3, The Hindu International Edition (April 29, 2025)

Key Observations by the High Court

• Merely because a case is registered under POCSO Act, it does not automatically preclude the court from quashing it if there is a genuine settlement.
• In the cited cases, the accused and survivors got married, and the families reached a mutual settlement.
• The High Court quashed two such cases, underscoring that the spirit of justice must prevail over procedural rigidity in exceptional scenarios.

Legal and Ethical Dimensions

• Section 482 of CrPC grants High Courts the power to quash criminal proceedings if continuing them would amount to abuse of process or result in injustice.
• POCSO Act, being a special law, typically does not allow compromise due to the age of the victim and seriousness of offences (e.g., sexual assault).
• However, non-heinous offences or cases involving consensual relationships near the age of consent, especially with post-facto marriage, have been reconsidered by courts on humanitarian grounds.

Mitigating Circumstances Considered

• Age proximity of victim and accused.
• Genuine relationship with consent.
• Subsequent marriage and cohabitation.
• Victim’s and family’s desire to end litigation.
• The trauma of prolonged trial versus the goal of rehabilitation.

Ethical Dilemma

• While justice to the victim is paramount, the court must weigh whether continuing a case serves corrective purpose or merely creates further trauma.
• Critics argue such leniency might dilute deterrence under POCSO and potentially be misused.
• The ruling shows a case-specific approach, not a blanket relaxation.

Way Forward

• Courts must uphold the best interest of the child and protection of dignity while exercising discretion.
• The government should issue clearer guidelines on quashing POCSO cases in limited circumstances.
• Emphasis should be placed on legal awareness, gender-sensitive education, and expeditious trials.

4. Draft GEI Target Rules 2025

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 16)

Analysis of the news:         

Understanding Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity (GEI)

• GEI refers to the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted per unit of product output, measured in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e).
• It accounts for all major GHGs like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, standardizing their warming impact.
• Lowering GEI means producing goods more efficiently with reduced environmental harm.

Key Provisions of the Draft GEI Target Rules

• The draft Rules set baseline emissions for 2023-24 and define phased reduction targets for 2025-26 and 2026-27.
• Targets are assigned to 282 industrial units across aluminium, cement, chlor-alkali, and pulp and paper industries.
• Big corporations like Vedanta, Ultratech, and JSW Cement fall under its ambit. Compliance mechanisms and penalties for non-compliance are also clearly outlined.

Importance of Setting Sector-Specific Targets

• Setting emission intensity targets is critical for pushing industries onto a low-carbon growth path.
• Industries can achieve reductions by adopting cleaner technologies, such as using biomass instead of coal or installing energy-efficient systems.
• The Rules directly support India’s goal of reducing the emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.

Linkage with the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

• The GEI targets are tightly integrated with the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme.
• Industries that successfully reduce their emissions intensity can earn carbon credits, tradable on the Indian Carbon Market.
• Non-compliant industries must buy credits to cover their shortfall, ensuring a market-driven incentive for decarbonization.

Global Context and Future Outlook

• India’s initiative aligns with global practices where carbon markets, such as those in Europe and China, have driven emission reductions.
• The GEI target Rules aim not just at immediate compliance but at promoting long-term sustainable industrial practices, strengthening India’s leadership role in global climate governance.

5. Prime Minister attends the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I.

(Source – PIB (Press Information Bureau), April 29, 2025)

What is the Civil Investiture Ceremony?

• An official function organized by Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President of India bestows the Padma Awards on recipients selected for that year.
• The awards are typically announced on Republic Day (January 26) and conferred in two investiture ceremonies at Durbar Hall, Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• Attended by the Prime Minister, Vice President, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers, and families of the awardees.
• It is a solemn national recognition of the values of selfless service, innovation, and excellence across India.

Overview of Awards

1. Bharat Ratna

• Highest civilian award of the Republic of India.
• Awarded for exceptional service towards the advancement of art, literature and science, and in recognition of public service of the highest order.
• Not necessarily annual; maximum of 3 recipients per year.
• Not awarded during the ceremony covered in this news.

2. Padma Vibhushan

• Second-highest civilian award.
• Given for exceptional and distinguished service in any field including service rendered by government servants.
• The award is “distinguished and exceptional”, often conferred on individuals of national or international stature.

3. Padma Bhushan

• Third in order of civilian awards.
• For distinguished service of a high order in any field.
• Recipients include scientists, educators, judges, and those in civil service and corporate leadership.

4. Padma Shri

• Fourth-highest civilian award.
• Awarded for distinguished service in any field.
• Recognizes grassroots achievers, social workers, tribal artists, farmers, innovators, and teachers.

Significance of the Awards

• Reflect India’s inclusive democratic spirit—honours are often conferred on unsung heroes, not just celebrities.
• Merit-based, not influenced by political or bureaucratic recommendation.
• Citizens from all backgrounds, religions, castes, and professions are eligible.
• The awards serve as moral incentives, upholding public ethics, dedication, and patriotism.

Key Highlights from the 2025 Ceremony-I

• 71 personalities were conferred awards across the three Padma categories.
• Notable awardees included:
  • Social workers from tribal and remote areas.
  • Medical professionals for their contribution to public health and rural service.
  • Artists and musicians who preserved and promoted regional art forms.
  • Environmentalists and scientists for innovation and conservation.

Institutional Mechanism of Selection

• Nominations are solicited from the general public, state governments, Union ministries, institutions, and via online platforms.
• A Padma Awards Committee, constituted by the Prime Minister and headed by the Cabinet Secretary, shortlists candidates.
• Final names are approved by the President of India.

Prelims Facts

1. Bonobo Matriarchy Challenges the Myth of Natural Male Dominance

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained , Page – 16)

Analysis of the news:   

Challenging the Myth of Natural Male Domination

• While some argue that male domination is the “natural order,” bonobos — primates sharing 99% of human DNA — present a striking counterexample by living in female-led societies, despite males being physically larger.

New Research Findings: Coalition Power

• A 30-year study across six bonobo communities in the Congo revealed that females form coalitions to counter male aggression.
• In about 61% of 1,786 observed conflicts, females banded together and successfully asserted dominance over males.

Impact on Social Hierarchy

• Through coalition victories, female bonobos increased their social rank, with an average female outranking nearly 70% of males.
• This hierarchy allowed females better access to resources like food and improved mating opportunities for their offspring.

Implications for Understanding Evolution

• According to researchers, the study highlights that patriarchy is not an evolutionary inevitability.
• The findings challenge assumptions that male dominance is biologically preordained, suggesting social structures can evolve differently.

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