30 April 2025 : Daily Current Affairs
1. U.S. puts India back on IPR watch list.
(Source – Page 12, The Hindu International Edition (April 30, 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations, GS Paper 3 – Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Economy. |
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What is the Priority Watch List?
- Published under the Special 301 Report by the USTR, this list identifies countries that fail to protect IPR adequately or deny fair access to U.S. entities.
- Being on the list may lead to bilateral pressure or even trade sanctions.
Why India was Re-listed:
- Allegations of inadequate enforcement of IPR laws, especially in:
- Pharmaceutical patents (evergreening restrictions)
- Copyrights and piracy, particularly digital
- Counterfeit products in electronics and FMCG
- Patent delays and complex processes also cited.
India’s Stand:
- India maintains a TRIPS-compliant IPR regime, balancing:
- Public health needs (as in Section 3(d) of the Indian Patents Act)
- Affordable access to medicines
- Encouragement of local innovation and MSMEs
- India has consistently opposed unilateral reviews by USTR.
Strategic and Economic Implications:
- Bilateral tension in trade negotiations, especially as India–U.S. discuss trade and technology frameworks.
- Multilateral image impact as India eyes higher stakes in WTO, QUAD, IPEF, etc.
- May impact FDI in innovation sectors like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and IT.
Why it is important?
- Brings out conflict between global IPR regimes vs. national development objectives
- Highlights India’s approach to global norms, emphasizing equity and access over pure commercial interests
Way Forward:
- Streamlining patent processes without compromising public health.
- Boosting IPR enforcement at the grassroots (e.g., local police training).
- Continuing bilateral dialogues while reinforcing India’s TRIPS-compliant stance.
- Promoting awareness about IP creation and protection, especially in MSME and startup sectors.
| Practice Question: The re-inclusion of India in the USTR’s Priority Watch List underlines the ongoing debate between IPR protection and developmental needs. Critically examine India’s approach to IPR in light of global pressures and domestic priorities. (250 words) |
2. Repatriation shadow on wives of former militants in J&K.
Source: Page 5, The Hindu International Edition, April 30th 2025
| Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance, International Relations, GS Paper 3 – Internal Security, Border Management, Rehabilitation. |
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Background:
- In 2010, the J&K Rehabilitation Policy under Omar Abdullah’s government allowed former militants who had crossed into PoK to return via specific routes with their families.
- Many returned via Nepal, though this was not an official route, and included around 350 women and children from PoK who married former militants and settled in the Valley.
Current Issue:
- After the Pahalgam attack, the Union Government began repatriation of Pakistani nationals, including some PoK wives of former militants.
- Around 60 people are reportedly being prepared for return; 150+ women face uncertainty.
- Many such women have Indian husbands and children, but are themselves stateless due to visa and nationality issues.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns:
- High Court precedent (1971): Movement from PoK to J&K not treated as illegal crossing, given PoK is part of India constitutionally.
- Humanitarian risk: Deporting mothers and wives who have built families in India risks emotional, legal, and social crisis.
- Denied visas to attend funerals or visit family back in PoK points to legal limbo and lack of documentation.
Criticism and Political Response:
- Mehbooba Mufti (PDP) and civil society demand compassionate review, citing humanitarian values.
- Highlights failure in long-term integration and documentation strategy for returnees under the rehabilitation scheme.
Why it is important?
- Touches on themes of border management, rehabilitation of militants, citizenship issues, and human rights in conflict zones.
- Offers case study on policy implementation gaps and security-humanitarian trade-offs.
Way Forward:
- Government must differentiate between security risks and genuine settlers.
- Create a legal pathway to citizenship for PoK-origin women married to Indian nationals.
- Strengthen documentation and tracking systems post-rehabilitation.
- Foster inter-agency coordination between security, home ministry, and judiciary.
| Practice Question Q. Examine the challenges and policy implications of repatriating foreign-origin spouses of former militants under India’s rehabilitation policy. Should humanitarian concerns override national security considerations? (250 words) |
3. India Bolsters Naval Power with $7.4 Billion Rafale M Deal to Enhance Carrier-Based Combat Capability
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 13)
| Topic: GS3 – Internal Security |
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Analysis of the news: 
Understanding Naval Aviation
- Naval aviation refers to the deployment of aircraft by naval forces, including those that operate from aircraft carriers, warships, or coastal bases.
- These aircraft support a variety of missions such as fleet air defence, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, reconnaissance, amphibious operations, and mine countermeasures, making them a central element of maritime military strategy.
Aircraft Carriers: Strategic Maritime Assets
- Aircraft carriers are floating airbases that enable a country to project air power across the oceans without relying on land bases.
- Their strategic value lies in deterrence, mobility, and rapid response, making them the centerpiece of Carrier Battle Groups and symbols of maritime dominance and global reach.
India’s Carrier Aviation Legacy
- India has a six-decade history of carrier aviation, beginning with INS Vikrant in 1961. It currently operates INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously built INS Vikrant.
- Over time, India has gained expertise in diverse launch and recovery systems and is moving towards a robust indigenous carrier development program.
Strategic Importance of Aircraft Carriers for India
- Aircraft carriers are essential for India’s blue water naval ambitions.
- They enable strategic deterrence, ensure the security of sea lines of communication (SLOCs), support humanitarian operations, and help protect island territories.
- Their presence is crucial for India’s influence in the Indian Ocean and its ability to respond to regional crises.
Why Rafale M Matters for the Navy
- The Rafale M is a battle-proven, advanced fourth-and-a-half-generation fighter jet tailored for carrier operations.
- It will bolster the Indian Navy’s existing fleet of MiG-29Ks and bridge the gap until the indigenous TEDBF is ready.
- The aircraft’s proven combat capabilities significantly enhance India’s maritime strike power.
Interoperability and Operational Synergy
- With both the Indian Navy and Air Force operating variants of the Rafale, there will be significant logistical, training, and maintenance advantages.
- Shared infrastructure, pilot familiarity, and joint mission planning improve efficiency and foster stronger integration between the two services.
Conclusion:
- The Rafale M induction is a force multiplier that not only upgrades India’s naval strike capabilities but also enhances joint-service readiness and operational flexibility.
- It reflects India’s strategic focus on strengthening its maritime domain and preparing for future multi-domain conflicts.
| Practice Question: Discuss the strategic significance of inducting Rafale M fighter jets into the Indian Navy. How will this enhance India’s maritime security and power projection capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region? (250 Words /15 marks) |
4. Prime Minister attends the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I.
(Source – PIB (Press Information Bureau), April 30, 2025)
| Topic: GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure | Economic Development | Logistics Sector | Public-Private Partnerships. |
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What is PM Gati Shakti?
- Launched in October 2021 by the Hon’ble Prime Minister.
- It is a digital platform to integrate 16 ministries for infrastructure planning and execution.
- Objective: Holistic, integrated infrastructure development to reduce logistics costs, improve efficiency, and boost economic competitiveness.
About MMLP Nagpur:
- Developed by National Highway Logistics Management Ltd. (NHLML), a 100% subsidiary of NHAI.
- Built under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with a 45-year concession period.
- Total estimated cost: ₹673 crore.
- Phase-I investment: ₹137 crore over 150 acres.
- First commercial rake: 123 Maruti cars from Farukhnagar (Gurgaon) on 28 April 2025.
Key Features of the MMLP:
- Integrated logistics infrastructure, including:
- Warehousing and cold storage
- Bulk/break-bulk cargo terminals
- Container handling terminals
- Bonded warehouse and customs clearance facilities
- Truck terminals and offices for freight operators
- Value-added services like sorting, grading, aggregation
Implementation & Stakeholders:
- Authority SPV: Maharashtra MMLP Pvt. Ltd.
- Partnership: NHLML + Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA)
- SPV provides land, external rail and road links, water and power supply
Significance:
- Reduces logistics costs (currently ~13-14% of GDP in India)
- Enables faster, traceable and efficient freight movement
- Boosts Make in India, trade competitiveness, and exports
- Promotes multimodal transport (road-rail integration)
- Will generate local employment and catalyze regional economic development
| Practice Question: PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan aims to revolutionize infrastructure development and reduce logistics costs in India. Discuss its key features and evaluate the role of Multi Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs) in achieving these goals. (250 words). |
Prelims Facts
1. The Golconda Blue Diamond
(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained , Page – 13)
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Analysis of the news:
What Makes the Golconda Blue Unique?
- The Golconda Blue traces its lineage to Indian royalty, having been owned by Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Holkar of Indore.
- Originally set into a bracelet in 1923 and later remounted into a necklace, it passed through the hands of famed jeweller Harry Winston and others, adding to its mystique and historical value.
Understanding Golconda and Naval Diamonds
- Golconda, in present-day Telangana, was once the epicentre of the global diamond trade.
- Legendary diamonds like the Koh-i-Noor and Darya-i-Nur were mined here. Until the 18th century, India remained the world’s primary source of diamonds, attracting traders from Europe, Arabia, and Asia.
- The diamonds of Golconda were famed for their purity and large size.
Rise and Fall of India’s Diamond Dominance
- India’s supremacy in diamond mining waned after the discovery of richer deposits in Brazil in the 18th century.
- Brazilian mines began yielding massive quantities — dwarfing India’s annual production — shifting the global focus away from Indian stones.
The Modern Diamond Landscape
- Today, countries like Russia, Australia, and African nations dominate the diamond industry.
- Factors such as ethical concerns over “blood diamonds,” environmental impacts, and the rise of lab-grown alternatives have challenged the traditional diamond market.
- Meanwhile, gold has emerged as a more stable and ethical investment for many.
