Daily Current Affairs- 25th April 2025

Daily Current Affairs 25th April 2025

Supreme Court Directs NEERI to Assess Impact of Glass Industries on Taj Mahal

In the News: On April 22, 2025, the Supreme Court of India instructed the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to evaluate the environmental impact of glass manufacturing units operating near the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh

• Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ): The TTZ encompasses approximately 10,400 square kilometers, including districts such as Agra, Firozabad, Mathura, Hathras, and Etah in Uttar Pradesh, and Bharatpur in Rajasthan. Established to safeguard the Taj Mahal from environmental threats, the TTZ has been under the Supreme Court's scrutiny, with the court previously criticizing the TTZ Authority for inadequate conservation efforts.
• Government Collaboration: The Supreme Court emphasiaed that all relevant government agencies, including the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB), must assist NEERI in this assessment.
• Historical Context: The Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 has faced environmental challenges over the years, including discoloration of its white marble due to air pollution. Past studies have identified industrial emissions, particularly from glass factories in Firozabad, as significant contributors to the monument's deterioration.
• NEERI's Role: NEERI, established in 1958 under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), specializes in environmental science and engineering. Its assessment will be pivotal in determining the necessary measures to mitigate pollution and preserve the Taj Mahal's structural and aesthetic integrity. 

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2025: Resumption After Five Years

In the News: On April 26, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India announced the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after a five-year suspension. The pilgrimage, which had been halted since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions with China, is scheduled to recommence between June and August 2025. Pilgrims will be able to travel via two routes: Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.

• Pilgrimage Period: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will take place between June and August 2025, marking its revival after the last yatra in 2019.
• Routes Available: Pilgrims will have the option to travel either through the Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) or the Nathu La Pass (Sikkim). The Lipulekh route involves trekking, while the Nathu La route is motorable.
• Batch and Pilgrim Details: A total of 750 Indian citizens will be allowed, divided into batches of 50 pilgrims each for both routes.
• Registration and Selection: Applications are open on the official website. The selection of pilgrims will be done through a computerized, random, and gender-balanced process.
• Organizing Agencies: The Ministry of External Affairs will organize the Yatra in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the respective state governments of Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Delhi.
• Religious Significance: Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar hold sacred significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon religion. Mount Kailash is considered the abode of Lord Shiva by Hindus.
• Diplomatic Context: The resumption is seen as a positive step in India-China relations, especially after troop disengagement agreements in Eastern Ladakh in late 2024. 

India to Allow 49% Foreign Stake Investment in Nuclear Power

In the News: India is considering allowing foreign companies to hold up to a 49% stake in its nuclear power sector, marking a significant shift in its traditionally guarded industry. This move aims to attract foreign capital and technology to boost India's nuclear energy capacity and reduce reliance on coal-based power.

• Policy Proposal: Permit foreign direct investment (FDI) up to 49% in nuclear power projects, subject to prior government approval.
• Legal Amendments: Proposed changes to the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, and the Atomic Energy Act, 1960, to facilitate private and foreign participation in nuclear plant construction, operation, and fuel production.
• Current Nuclear Capacity: India's nuclear power generation stands at approximately 8 GW, accounting for about 2% of the country's total installed electricity capacity.
• Target Capacity: The government aims to expand nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047 as part of its clean energy transition goals.
• Domestic Interest: Indian conglomerates such as Reliance Industries, Tata Power, Adani Power, and Vedanta have expressed interest in investing around $26 billion in the nuclear sector.
• Foreign Interest: International companies like Westinghouse Electric, GE-Hitachi, Electricite de France (EDF), and Rosatom are interested in participating as technology partners, suppliers, and contractors.
• Approval Process: Any foreign investment would require prior government approval and would not be allowed through the automatic route.
• Timeline: The proposed legal amendments are expected to be presented in the Monsoon Session of Parliament in July 2025. 

Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former ISRO Chairman Passes Away

In the News: On April 25, 2025, Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and chief architect of India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, passed away in Bengaluru at the age of 84. Dr. Kasturirangan was widely regarded as one of India's foremost scientists and education reformers, who played a pivotal role in shaping the country's space program and educational landscape.

• Tenure at ISRO: Kasturirangan served as the Chairman of ISRO from 1994 to 2003, during which he oversaw the operationalization of the PSLV, the development of the GSLV, and the expansion of India’s remote sensing satellite program.
  Contributions to Space Science: He was instrumental in conceptualizing and steering major missions like INSAT, IRS, and India's first dedicated astronomy satellite, Astrosat.
• Role in Education Reform: As Chairman of the drafting committee for the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he emphasized multidisciplinary education, flexible curricula, and the integration of Indian knowledge systems with global education standards.
• Academic and Policy Positions: He served as a Member of the Rajya Sabha, Member of the Planning Commission, Director of the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), and Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University and NIIT University.
• Honors and Awards: Kasturirangan received the Padma Shri (1982), Padma Bhushan (1992), and Padma Vibhushan (2000), along with several scientific accolades such as the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award.
  Scientific Contributions: He authored over 200 scientific papers in the fields of space science, high-energy astronomy, and education policy, influencing generations of scientists and academicians.
• Legacy: Kasturirangan is remembered for bridging the worlds of advanced science and national policymaking, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly shaped India's space exploration ambitions and educational reforms. 

Anant Ambani Appointed Executive Director of Reliance Industries Ltd.

In the News: On April 25, 2025, Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) announced the appointment of Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Chairman Mukesh Ambani, as Executive Director for a five-year term commencing May 1, 2025. This strategic move is part of RIL's succession planning, integrating the next generation into leadership roles.

• Board Appointment: Anant Ambani's elevation from Non-Executive Director to Executive Director was approved by RIL's Board of Directors, following recommendations from the Human Resources, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee.
• Term Duration: His five-year tenure as Executive Director will begin on May 1, 2025, pending shareholder approval.
• Previous Roles: Since August 2023, Anant has served as a Non-Executive Director on RIL's board. He also holds directorships in key Reliance subsidiaries: Jio Platforms Ltd. (since March 2020), Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd. (since May 2022), Reliance New Energy Ltd., and Reliance New Solar Energy Ltd. (both since June 2021).
• Education: Anant Ambani earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Brown University, USA.
• Business Focus: He has been instrumental in steering RIL's initiatives in renewable energy and sustainability, aiming for the company to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2035.
• Philanthropy: Anant founded 'Vantara,' a 3,000-acre animal rescue and rehabilitation center in Jamnagar, Gujarat. Inaugurated in 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vantara received the 'Prani Mitra' National Award for excellence in animal welfare.  

Tehran Offers to Mediate Between India and Pakistan Following Pahalgam Terror Attack

In the News: In the aftermath of the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, Iran has stepped forward offering to mediate between India and Pakistan to de-escalate the rising tensions between the two nations.

• The Incident: On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, resulting in the deaths of 26 people, predominantly Indian tourists. The attack was claimed by a previously unknown militant group named Kashmir Resistance.
• Iran's Mediation Offer: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi expressed Tehran's readiness to facilitate dialogue between India and Pakistan, emphasizing the longstanding cultural and civilizational ties Iran shares with both countries.
• Iranian President's Condemnation: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the Pahalgam attack during a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offering condolences to the victims' families and reiterating Iran's stance against terrorism.
• India's Response: In reaction to the attack, India has suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty, revoked visas issued to Pakistani citizens, and closed the only functional land border crossing. Additionally, Indian forces have intensified crackdowns in Kashmir, detaining individuals and demolishing suspected militants' homes. 

Similipal Officially Accorded National Park Status

In the News: On April 24, 2025, the Odisha government officially declared Similipal in Mayurbhanj district as a National Park under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This designation makes Similipal the 107th national park in India and the largest in Odisha, covering an area of 845.70 square kilometers. The declaration aims to bolster conservation efforts, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable development in the region.

Factual Details:

• Notification Details: The Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department of Odisha issued the notification exercising powers under Section 35(4) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This follows earlier intentions expressed in notifications dated August 6, 1980, and June 11, 1986.
• Geographical Coverage: The newly designated national park spans 845.70 sq km, encompassing areas from both Similipal South and North Wildlife Divisions, including ranges like Pithabata, Nawana, Jenabil, and Barehipani.
• Ecological Significance: Similipal is home to 40 tigers, including the world's only population of wild melanistic tigers, 25% of Odisha's elephant population, 104 orchid species, and over 360 species of birds. The park's diverse ecosystems include sal forests, grasslands, and riverine habitats.
• Conservation Milestone: The national park status provides enhanced legal protection, ensuring the area is free from human habitation and livestock grazing, thereby preserving its ecological integrity.
• Historical Context: The proposal to designate Similipal as a national park was first initiated in 1980. However, challenges like human settlements within the core area delayed the process. Recent efforts led to the relocation of several villages, with Bakua village remaining outside the park boundaries. 

Kumar Mangalam Birla to Receive Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award 2025

In the News: On April 24, 2025, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group and Padma Bhushan awardee, was honored with the prestigious Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award. The award ceremony took place at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Auditorium in Mumbai, with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat presenting the award. This recognition celebrates Birla's significant contributions to India's economic development and visionary leadership.

• Award Significance: The Lata Deenanath Mangeshkar Award was instituted in 2022 by the Master Deenanath Mangeshkar Smruti Pratishthan, a charitable trust managed by the Mangeshkar family. It honors individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the nation, society, and the arts.
• Past Recipients: Notable previous awardees include Prime Minister Narendra Modi, singer Asha Bhosale, and actor Amitabh Bachchan.
• Other Honorees in 2025: The 2025 ceremony also recognized several other distinguished individuals:
  • Shraddha Kapoor and Sunil Shetty for their impactful contributions to Indian cinema.
  • Sonali Kulkarni for her distinguished work bridging theatre and film.
  • Violinist Dr. N Rajam for her excellence in classical music.
• Birla's Acceptance Speech: Expressing his gratitude, Birla stated, "It is a matter of great pride for me to receive this honour associated with our beloved Bharat Ratna Lata Ji. And when this honour comes from the Mangeshkar family, it becomes even more special."
• Event Occasion: The award ceremony coincided with the 83rd Memorial Day of Pandit Deenanath Mangeshkar, an iconic figure in Indian classical music.
• Birla's Contributions: As Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, Kumar Mangalam Birla has played a pivotal role in shaping India's growth story, leading one of the country's most influential business conglomerates. 

Payal Kapadia Receives Prestigious French Honour

In the News: On April 24, 2025, acclaimed Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia was conferred with the Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government. The ceremony took place at the French Consulate in Mumbai, recognizing her significant contributions to cinema and the strengthening of cultural ties between France and India.

• Award Title: Officier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters), one of France’s highest civilian honors bestowed upon individuals who have made notable contributions to the arts and literature.
• Recipient: Payal Kapadia, a Mumbai-based filmmaker known for her innovative storytelling and commitment to independent cinema.
• Reason for Honour: Kapadia was recognized for her outstanding achievements in cinema, her dedication to showcasing unique Indian narratives on international platforms, and her role in enhancing cultural relations between France and India.
• Notable Works:
  • All We Imagine As Light (2024): Kapadia's debut fiction feature, which won the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, marking the first time in 30 years that an Indian film received a major award in Cannes' main competition.
  • A Night of Knowing Nothing (2021): A documentary that won the Golden Eye award at Cannes.
  • Afternoon Clouds (2017): A short film that was selected for the Cannes Film Festival.
• Collaborations: Kapadia has collaborated with French producers, notably Thomas Hakim and Julien Graff of Petit Chaos, benefiting from France's support for independent cinema.
• Previous Indian Recipients: Kapadia joins a distinguished list of Indian artists who have received this honor, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Lata Mangeshkar.