Daily Current Affairs- 6th April 2025

Daily Current Affairs 6th April 2025

A Cotton Emergency

In the News: India's cotton industry is currently facing a significant crisis due to the resurgence of the pink bollworm pest, leading to a substantial decline in cotton production over the past decade.

Impact of Pink Bollworm on Cotton Production:

• Production Decline: Cotton output in India has decreased from a peak of 398 lakh bales in 2013-14 to an estimated 294 lakh bales in the 2024-25 marketing year, marking a decline of over 25%.
• Pest Resistance: The pink bollworm has developed resistance to the Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton varieties that were initially effective in controlling this pest. This resistance has led to increased infestations and subsequent yield losses.

Development of Genetically Modified (GM) Hybrids:

• New GM Varieties: In response to the pink bollworm crisis, Indian seed companies have developed new GM cotton hybrids incorporating novel Bt genes aimed at providing resistance to the pest.
• Regulatory Challenges: Despite the development of these new hybrids, their commercial release has been hindered by regulatory barriers. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has approved field trials for some varieties, but concerns from environmentalists about potential ecological impacts have led to delays.

Economic Implications:

• Increased Imports: The decline in domestic cotton production has necessitated higher imports to meet the demand of the textile industry. For instance, cotton imports in January 2025 were valued at $184.64 million, a significant increase from $19.62 million in January 2024.
• Farmer Distress: The combination of pest-induced crop losses and rising production costs has exacerbated financial stress among cotton farmers, leading to concerns about their livelihoods.  

Mitathal and Tighrana Harappan Sites

In the News: In March 2025, the Haryana Heritage and Tourism Department declared two Harappan civilization sites in Bhiwani district—Mitathal and Tighrana—as protected monuments and archaeological sites under the Haryana Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964.

Mitathal Site:

• Discovery and Excavations: First noted in 1913 following the discovery of coins from Samudra Gupta's era, Mitathal underwent excavations between 1965 and 1968, revealing artifacts such as copper tools and beads indicative of a proto-historic culture.
• Cultural Significance: Findings suggest influences of the Harappan tradition in town planning, architecture, and craftsmanship. Notable artifacts include well-burnt red pottery with black designs depicting pipal leaves and fish scales, as well as items made from terracotta, stone, shell, copper, ivory, and bone.

Tighrana Site:

• Historical Context: Believed to have been first settled around 2400 BCE by Chalcolithic agricultural communities known as Sothians, early inhabitants lived in modest mud-brick houses with thatched roofs.
• Archaeological Findings: Excavations have uncovered remains from pre-Siswal, pre-Harappan, and post-Harappan periods. Artifacts such as beads and green carnelian bangles indicate a thriving bead-making and jewelry industry. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Awarded Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana

In the News: On April 5, 2025, during an official visit to Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana, the nation's highest honor for foreign leaders. The award was presented by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo.

Significance of the Award:

• Purpose: The Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana is bestowed upon foreign Heads of State or Government in recognition of their exceptional friendship and solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka.
• Historical Context: Instituted in 2008 by then-President Mahinda Rajapaksa, this prestigious honor has been awarded sparingly, underscoring its significance in diplomatic relations.

Design and Symbolism of the Medal:

• Composition: The award comprises a citation and a silver medal adorned with nine types of Sri Lankan gems (Navaratna), symbolizing the enduring and priceless friendship between Sri Lanka and the recipient's nation.
• Symbolic Elements:
  • Dharma Chakra: Represents the shared Buddhist heritage between Sri Lanka and India.
  • Purna Kalasha (Ceremonial Pot): Adorned with sheaves of rice, symbolizing prosperity and renewal.
  • Sun and Moon: Signify the timeless bond stretching from the ancient past into the infinite future.

Notable Recipients: Prior to Prime Minister Modi, the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana had been conferred upon:

• Maumoon Abdul Gayoom: Former President of the Maldives, in 2008.
• Mahmoud Abbas: President of the Palestinian National Authority, in 2014.
• Yasser Arafat (Posthumously): Former President of the Palestinian National Authority, in 2014.  

Bangladesh Assumes BIMSTEC Chairmanship for 2025-2027

Event Overview:

• Date and Venue: On April 4, 2025, during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit held in Bangkok, Thailand, Bangladesh officially assumed the chairmanship of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) for a two-year term.
• Handover Ceremony: The chairmanship was transferred from Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, marking the commencement of Bangladesh's leadership tenure.

BIMSTEC Overview:

• Member States: BIMSTEC comprises seven countries in the Bay of Bengal region: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
• Organizational Structure: The chairmanship of BIMSTEC rotates alphabetically among member states, with each term lasting two years.

Bangladesh's Vision and Priorities:

• Commitment to Regional Cooperation: In his acceptance speech, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus emphasized Bangladesh's dedication to fostering an inclusive and action-oriented BIMSTEC, aiming to enhance regional development and cooperation.
• Strategic Roadmap Adoption: The summit witnessed the adoption of the BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2030, outlining a comprehensive plan for sustainable development and deeper economic integration among member states.

Significance of the Chairmanship:

• Historical Context: This marks Bangladesh's third tenure as BIMSTEC chair, with previous terms from 1997-1999 and 2005-2006.
• Regional Impact: Bangladesh's leadership is anticipated to invigorate efforts in enhancing trade, connectivity, and collaboration on shared challenges such as climate change and disaster management within the Bay of Bengal region.

Future Prospects:

• Enhanced Collaboration: Under Bangladesh's chairmanship, BIMSTEC aims to implement the agreed-upon frameworks and agreements, focusing on areas like maritime transport cooperation and partnerships with organizations such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
• Regional Stability and Development: Bangladesh's leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing regional issues, including the Rohingya refugee crisis and promoting peace and stability in the Rakhine State. 

NATO Members Announce Intent to Withdraw from Ottawa Convention

In March and April 2025, several NATO member countries—Poland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—declared their intentions to withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention, which prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines.

Reasons for Withdrawal:

• Security Concerns: These nations cite escalating military threats from Russia as the primary motivation for their decision. They argue that withdrawing from the treaty will allow them to enhance their defensive capabilities by reintroducing landmines as deterrents along their borders.
• Parity with Non-Signatories: By exiting the convention, these countries aim to align their military strategies with neighbouring states that are not bound by the treaty, such as Russia, the United States, China, India, and Israel.

Statements from Leaders:

• Finland: Prime Minister Petteri Orpo emphasized the need for versatile defence mechanisms in light of Russia's actions in Ukraine, stating that the changing security environment necessitates a re-evaluation of defence strategies.
• Poland and Baltic States: defence ministers from Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania released a joint statement highlighting the significant increase in military threats to NATO's eastern flank, underscoring the necessity for flexible defence options.

International Reactions:

• Norway: Norwegian officials have criticized these withdrawals, expressing concerns that such actions could weaken international norms against landmine usage and potentially lead to increased civilian casualties.
• Humanitarian Organizations: Groups like Human Rights Watch have condemned the decisions, warning that landmines disproportionately harm civilians and that withdrawing from the treaty undermines decades of humanitarian efforts.