Daily Current Affairs — 18 April 2025
6 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Intermediate-Mass Black Hole (IMBH)
In News Indian astronomers used the Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT) to detect and measure an elusive intermediate-mass black hole (IMBH) in the faint galaxy NGC 4395. What Are Intermediate-Mass Black Holes (IMBHs)? They are missing links between stellar-mass and supermassive black holes.
India's Global Pharmaceutical Footprint
Context The Department of Pharmaceuticals, with a vision to make India the world’s largest provider of quality medicines at reasonable prices, transformed the country’s global pharmaceutical footprint. Pharmaceutical Sector of India India’s pharmaceutical market for FY 2023-24 is valued at USD 50 billion with domestic consumption valued at USD 23.5 billion and export valued at USD 26.5 billion. Major segments of industry include generic drugs, OTC medicines, bulk drugs, vaccines, contract resear
India’s Trade Deficit with China Widened
Context India’s trade deficit with China widened to a record $99.2 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year. About The trade deficit is driven by a surge in imports of electronics, batteries and solar components, even as exports fell sharply. China remained India’s second-largest trading partner in 2024-25, with total bilateral trade amounting to $127.7 billion, behind the United States.
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology
In News The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and IIT Bombay have initiated a pilot project to explore the implementation of V2G technology across the State. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology is a transformative solution aimed at enhancing the sustainability and resilience of electric grid infrastructure. It allows Electric Vehicles (EVs) to send power back to the electricity grid when not in use, acting as decentralized energy storage.
Making Primary Health Care Visible, Accessible, and Affordable
Context In India, the government has been working to transform primary health care through innovative policies and programs, addressing challenges such as accessibility, affordability, and visibility. About the Primary Healthcare in India According to WHO, Primary Health Care (PHC) is a whole-of-society approach to effectively organize and strengthen national health systems to bring services for health and wellbeing closer to communities. It aims to provide accessible, affordable, and comprehens
World Heritage Day 2025
Context World Heritage Day, also known as the International Monuments and Sites Day, is observed on 18 April every year. Background In 1982, The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) proposed that April 18 should be observed as the World Heritage Day. Later, the date was approved by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at the 22nd General Conference in 1983.