CURRENT AFFAIRS
03 May, 2025
1. NATURAL HYDROGEN –
• Natural hydrogen, a potentially clean, abundant, and low-cost energy source, is gaining global attention as a game-changer in the transition to green energy.
What are Key Facts About Natural Hydrogen-
• About: Natural hydrogen, also called geologic hydrogen or white hydrogen, refers to hydrogen gas (H₂) that is naturally produced and stored in the Earth’s crust.
• Unlike manufactured hydrogen (from fossil fuels or renewables), natural hydrogen is produced geologically—raising hopes for a sustainable energy revolution.
• Formation: Natural hydrogen exists freely underground, and formed through natural geological processes like-
• Serpentinisation: Reaction of water with iron-rich rocks.
• Radiolysis: Splitting of water by radioactive rocks.
• Organic Decomposition: From deep burial of organic matter.
2. PM INAUGURATES VIZHINJAM INTERNATIONAL SEAPORT –
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vizhinjam International Seaport (VIS) in Kerala, marking a significant milestone in India’s maritime infrastructure.
• Vizhinjam International Seaport: It is India’s first deep-water transshipment port, designed for container and multi-purpose cargo.
• The port is developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis.
• Strategic Location: VIS, positioned just 10 nautical miles from major international shipping routes connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East, enhances accessibility for large vessels (depth of 18 to 20 meters).
• Technological Advancement: Vizhinjam seaport, India’s first semi-automated port, is equipped with an AI-driven control room and the country’s first Indigenous Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS).
• It reduces vessel turnaround times, optimizes traffic flow, and enhances capacity for large ships with real-time updates.
• Economic Impact: The port aims to reduce India’s reliance on international facilities, as 75% of transshipment cargo is currently handled abroad.
• By handling transshipment domestically, the port is expected to save India USD 200-220 million in potential revenue loss annually.
3. INDIA’S EXPORTS HIT RECORD $824.9 BILLION IN FY 2024–25: RBI DATA –
• India’s total exports for FY 2024–25 have reached a record high, as per RBI data released on May 2, 2025, making it a landmark year for the Indian economy.
• This development is crucial as India aims to position itself as a global trade powerhouse, especially through non-oil merchandise and services sectors in alignment with policy initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Foreign Trade Policy 2023.
Export Performance in FY 2024–25
• Total Exports: $824.9 billion (up 6.01% from $778.1 billion in FY 2023–24)
• Services Exports: $387.5 billion (up 13.6% from $341.1 billion)
• Merchandise Exports (excluding petroleum): $374.1 billion (up 6.0% from $352.9 billion)
March 2025 Snapshot
• Services Exports in March 2025: $35.6 billion
• Growth over March 2024: 18.6%
• March 2024 Services Exports: $30.0 billion
4. ELECTION COMMISSION UNVEILED THREE NEW VOTER-CENTRIC REFORMS –
• On May 1, 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced three new initiatives to improve electoral roll accuracy, streamline voter information, and enhance the credibility of Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
• These measures align with the vision laid out by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during the Conference of Chief Electoral Officers earlier this year.
Electronic Death Registration Data Integration
• The ECI will now electronically obtain death data from the Registrar General of India.
Legal basis,
• Rule 9 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960
• Section 3(5)(b) of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (amended 2023)
• This allows timely deletion of deceased voters from electoral rolls, reducing errors.
• BLOs will re-verify this information on the ground—no need to wait for Form 7 submissions.
More Voter-Friendly Voter Information Slips (VIS)
• VIS design updated to highlight serial and part numbers in larger fonts.
• This helps voters easily find their polling stations and locate their names in the voter list.
• Also aids polling officials in quick identification, saving time on election day.
Photo Identity Cards for BLOs
• BLOs will now be issued standard photo ID cards under Section 13B(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
• This ensures BLOs are recognizable, improving citizen trust and engagement during voter verification and house-to-house drives.
Significance of the Reforms
• Accuracy: Reduces chances of duplication and presence of deceased voters in electoral rolls.
• Transparency: Citizens will be more confident in the system due to visible and identifiable BLOs.
• Efficiency: Faster voter identification and better coordination on polling days.
5. NEW MILITARY LEADERSHIP TAKES CHARGE: KEY APPOINTMENTS IN INDIAN DEFENCE FORCES –
• On 01 May 2025, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh assumed charge as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Training Command of the Indian Air Force. On the same day, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit took over as the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC), and Lt Gen Pratik Sharma assumed command as the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Northern Command of the Indian Army.
• Air Marshal Tejinder Singh – AOC-in-C, Training Command, IAF
• Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit – Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC)
• Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar – Relinquished Command, Northern Command
• Lt Gen Pratik Sharma – New GOC-in-C, Northern Command
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. Which is the nodal ministry for the National Medical Register (NMR), a centralized digital database?
a) Ministry of Education
b) Ministry of Science and Technology
c) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
d) Ministry of Social Justice
Q2. Which ministry has launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI) ?
a) Ministry of Power
b) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
c) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
d) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Q3. Ayushman Bharat Diwas is observed annually on which day ?
a) April 29
b) April 30
c) May 1
d) May 2
Q4. Long-term exposure to PM10 pollution is primarily associated with which of the following health issues ?
1. Exacerbation of asthma and bronchitis.
2. Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Impaired lung growth in children.
4. Development of skin allergies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
a) 1 and 4 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1, 2, and 3 only
d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Explanation-
• Long-term exposure to PM10 pollution is linked to exacerbation of respiratory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis (1), increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (2), and impaired lung growth in children (3). While short-term exposure can trigger allergies, (4) development of skin allergies is not a primary long-term health impact directly associated with PM10 pollution.
About PM10 Pollution in India:
• What is PM10?
• PM10 refers to particulate matter with a diameter of 10 microns or less, capable of entering the respiratory tract.
• It includes dust, pollen, mold, and emissions from vehicles, industries, and construction activities.
Characteristics of PM10:
• Contains inorganic compounds, heavy metals, and biological material.
• Includes both primary particles (directly emitted) and secondary particles (formed through chemical reactions in the air).
• Sources include vehicular emissions, construction, industrial activities, stubble burning, and waste combustion.
Permissible Limits in India:
• As per National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) by CPCB:
• Annual Average: 60 µg/m³
• 24-Hour Average: 100 µg/m³
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
1. Inclusion in the Eighth Schedule ensures use of the language in the UPSC Civil Services Exam.
2. Sanskrit is one of the 22 languages listed in the Schedule.
3. Inclusion in the Schedule mandates its use in primary education across India.
4. English was added to the Eighth Schedule after liberalization in 1991.
How many of the above statements is/are correct ?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) Only three
d) All four
Explanation-
• Statement 1 is correct—languages included in the Eighth Schedule are permitted as mediums of examination in UPSC and other public service recruitment.
• Statement 2 is correct – Sanskrit is indeed one of the 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule.
• Statement 3 is incorrect—inclusion does not automatically mandate educational use. Language policy in education is determined by the states and NEP guidelines, not directly by Schedule inclusion.
• Statement 4 is incorrect—English is not part of the Eighth Schedule; it is an official language under Article 343, but not a scheduled language.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
C | C | B | C | B |