The UPSC Current Affairs April 2025 analysis covers key topics from The Hindu & Indian Express. Basics of Monsoon Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has "ruled out" the possibility of an El Nino in the coming southwest monsoon season this year. About: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the primary agency responsible for meteorological observations and weather forecasting in India. The Indian monsoon is a critical weather phenomenon that significantly influences the country's agriculture, economy, and environment. The southwest monsoon season occurs over a four-month period, specifically from June to September. The retreating monsoon season is characterized by clear skies and a rise in temperature, and it occurs during the months of October and November. Key Points: The southwest monsoon season is seasonal in character, occurring between June and September. The monsoon involves a seasonal reversal of winds. This wind reversal is accompanied by the shifting of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Several factors influence the monsoon: Differential heating and cooling of land and water. High pressure near Madagascar. Intense heating of the Tibetan Plateau. Movement of the westerly jet stream. El Nino and La Nina: El Nino and La Nina are complex climate patterns that can significantly affect monsoon patterns. El Nino is associated with increased convection and a typical circulation pattern. La Nina involves strong convection and cold upwelling. Impacts of Monsoon: Positive Impacts: Supports agriculture by providing essential irrigation for crops. Influences crop yield and crop diversity, which in turn affects different cuisines across the country. Affects India's GDP growth; a 1% rainfall deficit can reduce GDP growth by 0.35%, according to the RBI. Impacts inflation, particularly headline inflation during the July-September period. Influences exports and overall economic growth. Contributes to hydroelectric power generation through the recharge of dams and reservoirs. Supports biodiversity, especially in wetland ecosystems. Influences culture, including festivals like Teej, attire, and cuisines. Negative Impacts: Causes floods and landslides, leading to loss of life and property. Recent Developments: India is currently experiencing rising food prices, with significant inflation in tomatoes and other vegetables. Regions like Kerala's Wayanad have faced severe impacts due to landslides and floods.https://mausam.imd.gov.in/imd_latest/contents/monsoon.php https://mausam.imd.gov.in/imd_latest/contents/monsoon.php Why are tensions high in the Arctic? Context: Global powers are vying for Arctic resources amidst the growing climate crisis. About: Rising tensions in the Arctic have raised global concerns about the potential for conflict in the region. These tensions are primarily driven by: Competition for valuable resources. Geopolitical rivalries among nations. Military interests and posturing. The key actors involved in the Arctic region include: Arctic nations with territorial claims. The Arctic Council, which focuses on environmental protection, research, and the rights of indigenous peoples. Key Points: Arctic Nations: Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the USA. Latest IAS exam news and daily current affairs analysis. Arctic Council: A high-level intergovernmental forum that addresses issues faced by the Arctic governments and the indigenous peoples of the Arctic. Melting Ice: Climate change is causing significant melting of Arctic ice, which is opening up new trade routes and providing access to previously inaccessible resources. Untapped Resources: The Arctic region is rich in untapped natural resources, including: Oil and gas reserves. Rare earth elements, which are critical for various modern technologies. Phosphates. Copper. Fishing grounds. Legal Framework: The Arctic is governed by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), unlike the demilitarized Antarctic. Growing Tensions: There are increasing tensions due to overlapping maritime claims and military posturing by various nations in the region. Where do the tensions arise? U.S. Interest in Greenland: Trump's proposal to buy Greenland highlighted U.S. interest in the region but raised sovereignty issues with Denmark. U.S.-Canada Dispute: There is an ongoing dispute between the U.S. and Canada over the Northwest Passage, with Canada viewing it as internal waters and the U.S. considering it international waters. Russia-NATO Strains: Russia's assertive stance, particularly following the invasion of Ukraine, has increased tensions with NATO, which is also increasing its military presence in the region. Global Watchers: The U.K. has repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of the Greenland-Iceland-U.K. (GIUK) gap for NATO's naval defenses. China's interest in the Arctic is also growing, as the region's resources and trade routes become more accessible. http://everythingias.com/upsc-current-affairs-april-2025 Why does the Arctic matter? Resource Wealth: The Arctic holds a significant share of the world's undiscovered resources: 13% of undiscovered oil reserves. 30% of untapped natural gas reserves. Rare Earth Elements: Greenland's deposits of rare earth elements are attracting global investment due to their importance in various technologies, including: Superconductors. Refining catalysts. Cellphones. Windmills. Hybrid car components. Electronic polishers. High-flux rare-earth magnets. Trade Routes: The Northeast Passage in the Arctic could potentially reduce shipping distances between Asia and Europe by up to 8,000 km, offering significant trade advantages. 🚀 “31 March 2025 Current Affairs: The Hindu & Indian Express”https://everythingias-in.preview-domain.com/%e2%9c%85-31-march-2025-current-affairs-hindu-indian-express/ NITI NCAER States Economic Forum Portal About: This section provides information about the NITI NCAER States Economic Forum portal and its objectives. Key Points: It also lists important indices from NITI Aayog, which are key indicators of development and performance in various sectors: SDG India Index. State Energy and Climate Index (SECI). School Education Quality Index (SEQI). India Innovation Index. National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Health Index. Composite Water Management Index (CWMI). Export Preparedness Index (EPI). Exercise Tiger Triumph About: This section discusses the Exercise Tiger Triumph, a military exercise involving India and the United States. Key Points: It also mentions other exercises with the United States: Exercise Yudh Abhyas: An annual army exercise held alternately in India and the US. Exercise Vajra Prahar: Special Forces joint training. Exercise Cope India: Air Force exercise with a focus on aerial combat. Exercise Malabar: Naval warfare drills that also include Japan and Australia. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Key Highlights & Challenges Introduction: NEP 2020 aims to transform India’s education system by focusing on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), structural reforms, and flexibility in learning. Key Features: School Education Reforms: New Structure (5+3+3+4): Focus on early childhood education and multi-stream flexibility. FLN Mission: Every child to achieve basic literacy and numeracy by 2026–27. Exam Reforms: Board exams to assess core competencies, offered twice a year. Multilingual Policy: Emphasis on regional languages till Class 8. Bag-less Days: 10 days annually for vocational exposure. Higher Education Reforms: Common Entrance Test: A SAT-like exam for college admissions. 4-Year Bachelor's Degree: With exit options for flexibility. College Autonomy: Universities to get graded autonomy over 15 years. Globalization: Encouraging foreign universities to set up in India. Challenges: Teacher Training Deficit and syllabus-based teaching culture. Limited Infrastructure and Teaching-Learning Materials (TLM). Monitoring and Implementation Gaps at the state level. Way Forward: Teacher capacity building and digital learning tools. Public-Private Partnerships for FLN implementation. Technology-driven monitoring for better execution. Conclusion: NEP 2020 is a progressive reform aligning with SDG-4 (Quality Education), but its success depends on effective execution, teacher training, and infrastructure support. 1st April 2025 Current Affairs- Download PDF
