Daily Current Affairs — 30 April 2025
6 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Climate-driven Extreme Weather Events
Context A new study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that climate-driven extreme weather events in India’s summer monsoon could permanently disrupt the Bay of Bengal’s marine productivity. About This study highlights the critical link between monsoon variability and marine ecosystem health in the Bay of Bengal over the past 22,000 years. Foraminifera microfossils were used to reconstruct past ocean conditions, revealing how monsoons and ocean chemistry evolved in response to global climate
India Considers Allowing 49% Foreign Stakes in Nuclear Power Plants
Context India could allow foreign companies to take a stake of up to 49% in its nuclear power plants, to help achieve goals to cut carbon emissions. Background Traditionally, nuclear power plants in India have been owned and operated only by state-owned Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and its fully-owned subsidiary Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (BHAVINI). To allow private sector participation government has proposed amendments to key legislations; Read More
Negotiations for Starlink’s Entry into India
Context Starlink has begun discussions with key Indian players in the satellite communication , telecom, and broadband sectors, to accelerate the rollout of its services across India. What is Starlink? Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband access globally, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
Insufficient Support for Deep Tech Start-ups in India: Study
Context A recent study commissioned by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor and executed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and others has revealed significant gaps in the support provided to deep tech start-ups by public-funded RD organisations in India. About Deep Tech Start-ups Deep Technology refers to innovations founded on advanced scientific and technological breakthroughs such as AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space tech and of its disruptive nature. Deep
USTR Releases 2025 “Special 301 Report” on Protecting Intellectual Property Rights
In News The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released its 2025 Special 301 Report assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of intellectual property (IP) rights protection and enforcement by U.S. trading partners. The “Special 301” Report It is an annual review of the global state of IP protection and enforcement.
Green Municipal Bond (GMB)
In News Under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, Ghaziabad issued India’s first Certified Green Municipal Bond, raising ₹150 crore for a state-of-the-art Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP). About Green Municipal Bonds Municipal Bond is a debt instrument issued by urban local bodies (ULBs) or municipal corporations to finance infrastructure and public service projects. The Green Municipal Bond is a subtype of municipal bonds used exclusively to fund environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient