CURRENT AFFAIRS
04 August, 2025
1. INDIA’S BLUE ECONOMY –
• The Ministry of Earth Sciences released a white paper titled “Transforming India’s Blue Economy: Investment, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth”.
• Objective: Unlock India’s marine resource potential through sustained investment, research, and ocean innovation to drive economic growth and environmental sustainability by 2035.
About Blue Economy
• The blue economy is defined as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving ocean ecosystems.
• It includes sectors such as fisheries, shipping, coastal tourism, renewable energy, marine biotechnology, and mineral resources.
Key Components of India’s Blue Economy
• Fisheries and Aquaculture: India is the world’s second-largest fish producer with around 8% share in global fish production.
• Contributes ~1% to India’s GDP and ~5% to agricultural GDP.
• Employs over 14 million people, especially in coastal states like Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.
• Maritime Transport and Shipping: India has 13 major ports and 200+ non-major ports handling ~95% of India’s trade by volume.
• Sagarmala Programme: Aims to modernize ports, enhance coastal shipping, and develop port-led industrialization.
• Marine Tourism: Coastal states (e.g., Goa, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar) leverage beaches, coral reefs, and marine biodiversity.
• Potential for cruise tourism, water sports, and eco-tourism.
• Challenges: Environmental degradation, lack of infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles.
2. INDIA’S PER CAPITA INCOME –
• India’s per capita net national income (NNI) rose to ₹1,14,710 in 2024-25, up from ₹72,805 in 2014-15, marking a ₹41,905 gain in a decade as per Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
National Trend in Per Capita Income Steady Growth
• The decade (FY 14 to FY 24 ) reflects 57% growth in real terms, driven by expansion in services, manufacturing, and public investment.
• Divergent State Performances: Differences stem from sectoral composition, infrastructure, governance efficiency, and urbanisation levels.
Key Highlights of State-Level Per Capita NSDP
• Southern Dominance: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana lead due to IT services, manufacturing hubs, and export-driven sectors.
• Western Contribution: Maharashtra benefits from industrial corridors and financial services.
• Emerging Performers: Odisha and Andhra Pradesh show high decade growth due to industrial projects and agricultural reforms.
• Structural Challenges in Laggards: States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam lag due to low industrialisation, high population pressures, and weak infrastructure.
3. INDIA RECEIVES FINAL AIRBUS C-295 AIRCRAFT FROM SPAIN –
• India has received the last of its 16 Airbus C-295MW military transport aircraft from Spain, marking a significant step in strengthening the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet. The delivery, which took place at the Airbus Defence and Space assembly line in Seville, came two months ahead of schedule. This milestone is part of the larger contract signed in September 2021 between India and Airbus Defence & Space, Spain, for a total of 56 C-295MW aircraft.
Replacing Ageing Avro Aircraft
• The C-295MW is a tactical transport aircraft with a carrying capacity of 5–10 tonnes and a flight endurance of up to 11 hours. It is set to replace the ageing Avro fleet of the IAF, which has been in service for decades. This modernization will enhance the Air Force’s ability to conduct a wide range of missions, including troop and cargo transport, disaster relief, and medical evacuation.
The 56-Aircraft Programme
• Under the C-295 programme, 16 aircraft were to be delivered directly from Spain, while the remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). This initiative represents a landmark in India’s defence manufacturing sector, as it brings state-of-the-art technology and assembly processes to Indian soil.
Inauguration of TATA Aircraft Complex in Vadodara
• The manufacturing of the 40 aircraft in India is taking place at the newly established TATA Aircraft Complex in Vadodara, Gujarat, jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in October 2024. This facility is India’s first private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft, marking a shift towards greater private sector involvement in the defence sector.
4. INDIA RANKS SECOND GLOBALLY IN FISH PRODUCTION –
• India has once again affirmed its strong position in the global fisheries sector, securing the second rank in fish production worldwide, according to Union Minister of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry Rajiv Ranjan Singh. The announcement was made during a meeting in Kolkata, where the minister chaired discussions with representatives from West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh to explore ways of further boosting fish production.
A Sharp Rise in Fish Production
• Highlighting the country’s progress, the Union Minister revealed that India’s fish production has increased by 103% in 2024–25 compared to 2013–14. This remarkable growth reflects the impact of government schemes and the increasing participation of rural communities in fisheries and aquaculture.
• The minister stressed that West Bengal, with its abundant ponds and water resources, especially in rural areas, holds immense potential to further contribute to the nation’s fish output.
Role of Government Schemes
• The meeting also covered the implementation of key initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), designed to enhance productivity, sustainability, and employment in the fisheries sector. Discussions extended to the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme
5. NATIONAL FRIENDSHIP DAY 2025 –
When is National Friendship Day 2025?
• In India, Friendship Day is celebrated every year on the first Sunday of August. This means the date changes annually.
• In 2025, Friendship Day will be celebrated on August 3.
• This day is a perfect excuse to spend quality time with your friends, plan exciting activities, exchange heartfelt messages or simply reconnect with those who matter most. Since it falls on a Sunday, it becomes easier for people to gather without worrying about work or school commitments.
History and Origin of Friendship Day
• While India celebrates the day in its unique way, the concept of Friendship Day originated elsewhere.
• The idea was first introduced by Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards, in the 1950s. His vision was to dedicate a day to honouring frienships.
• It quickly gained popularity in the United States and later spread to other countries.
• In 2011, the United Nations officially recognized July 30 as International Day of Friendship, encouraging nations to promote peace, respect and mutual understanding through friendships.
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. What is the name of the third ship of the Nilgiri Class (Project 17A) recently delivered to the Indian Navy ?
a) Shivalik
b) Himgiri
c) Shivshakti
d) Kaveri
Q2. Which state has become the first in India to launch Sabbatical Leave scheme for its government employees ?
a) Assam
b) Uttarakhand
c) Sikkim
d) Odisha
Q3. Ashtamudi Lake, that was recently seen in news, is located in which state ?
a) Kerala
b) Tamil Nadu
c) Maharashtra
d) Odisha
Q4. Consider the following statements about the National Green Hydrogen Mission:
1. It aims to make India a global hub for grey hydrogen production and export.
2. It targets 5 million metric tonnes of annual production by 2030.
3. It is implemented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
a) 2 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation-
• Statement 1 is incorrect: the mission’s objectives is to make India a global hub for production and export of green hydrogen, not grey hydrogen.
• Statement 2 is correct: The target is 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal agency, not the Ministry of Petroleum.
Q5. Which of the following statements about the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY) is/are correct ?
1. PMKSY aims to develop modern infrastructure in the food processing sector and reduce post-harvest losses.
2. The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in 2017.
3. Under the PMKSY, ₹1,000 crore has been approved for establishing 50 Multi-Product Food Irradiation Units and 100 NABL-accredited Food Testing Laboratories.
4. PMKSY only targets the food processing of major crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane.
Select the correct answer using the code below:
a) 1 and 3 only
b) 1, 3, and 4 only
c) 1 and 4 only
d) 1, 2, and 3 only
Explanation–
• Statement 1is Correct: PMKSY is primarily aimed at developing modern infrastructure for the food processing sector, as well as reducing agricultural wastage and post-harvest losses. The scheme focuses on the entire agri-value chain, from farm to retail, ensuring better supply chain management.
• Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana was launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) in 2017, not by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• Statement 3 is Correct: As part of the Cabinet’s approval for the 15th Finance Commission Cycle, an outlay of ₹1,000 crore was specifically approved for establishing 50 Multi-Product Food Irradiation Units and 100 NABL-accredited Food Testing Laboratories.
• Statement 4 is Incorrect: PMKSY is not limited to major crops like wheat, rice, and sugarcane. The scheme targets the entire agricultural value chain and supports various sectors, including cold chain infrastructure, food processing, and preservation of a wide range of perishable and non-perishable crops.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
B | C | A | A | A |