Daily Current Affairs

April 14, 2025

Current Affairs

Centre approves deal to procure 26 Rafale-M jets from France

Context: India and France formally concluded an Inter-Governmental Agreement valued at nearly ₹64,000 crore to procure 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy in April 2025. Deliveries are set to begin from mid-2028 and likely to be completed by 2030.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Rafale-M fighter jets.

Major Highlights of the deal

  • The deal includes 22 single-seater jets that can operate from aircraft carriers, and 4 twin-seater trainer jets which are not carrier-compatible. 
  • The delivery of the jets will begin three-and-a-half years after the contract is signed and is expected to be completed in about six- and-a-half years. 
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Rafale-M Fighter Jet

  • Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole 4.5th generation fighter aircraft. Designed and built by: Dassault Aviation (France)
  • Omnirole aircraft, i.e., it can conduct both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions simultaneously. 
  • Designed for: Maritime strike, air defence and reconnaissance missions. Capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
  • Combat Range: 780 kms - 1850 kms
  • Armed with: 
    • Exocet AM39 anti-ship missiles (70 km range)
    • MICA air-to-air missiles (70 km range)
    • Meteor air-to-air missiles (120-150 km strike range)
    • Scalp air-to-ground cruise missile (>300 km range) 

Note: Indian Air Force operates 36 Rafale jets, acquired under a ₹60,000-crore deal signed in September 2016. Due to modifications, the Rafale M is slightly heavier than the IAF Rafale.

Significance: 26 Rafale-M fighter jets will operate from INS Vikrant & INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers and bolster Indian Navy’s capabilities. At present, the INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant operate with the Russian Mikoyan MiG-29K fighter aircraft.

India and Italy seek to Deepen Ties

Context: Recently, India’s External Affairs Minister met Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister in New Delhi. They reviewed bilateral cooperation in a range of areas, including defence, trade and investment and energy. A collective resolve was taken to implement the Joint Strategic Action plan 2025-29 launched by the Indian Prime Minister and Italian Prime Minister in 2024.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: India-Italy: Bilateral relations. 

India-Italy Joint Strategic Plan of Action (2025-29)

  • Unveiled during the G20 Summit in Brazil in November 2024. It outlines a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. 
  • The plan reflects the shared vision to deepen strategic partnership and achieve tangible outcomes benefiting both nations.

Highlights of the Joint Strategic Action Plan

  • Political Dialogue: Regular high-level meetings and reciprocal visits between Heads of Government. Annual bilateral consultations between foreign ministries to discuss mutual interests and deepen cooperation.
  • Economic Cooperation: Strengthening trade and investment in sectors- green technologies, pharmaceuticals, food processing, agriculture, advanced manufacturing etc. Promoting industrial partnerships and mutual investments through platforms like the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation.
  • Connectivity: Collaboration on sustainable transport initiatives and maritime infrastructure development. Active participation in India-Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) to enhance connectivity and trade.
  • Science Tech and IT: Expanding cooperation in emerging technologies- Artificial Intelligence (AI), telecommunications, digital services, Industry 4.0, clean energy, and critical minerals. Launching initiatives like Indo-Italian Innovation and Incubation Exchange Program to foster academic and industrial collaboration.
  • Space Sector: Strengthening collaboration between ISRO and Italian Space Agency (ASI) in areas like Earth observation, heliophysics, lunar exploration, and commercial space partnerships.
  • Energy Transition: Joint efforts to promote renewable energy solutions, such as green hydrogen and biofuels. Supporting global initiatives like International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance.
  • Defence Cooperation: Co-production of military equipment and enhanced security collaboration to address regional challenges.
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India-Italy Relations

  • Trade between India and Italy has doubled in FY24 (from 2020) to 15 billion Euros. 
  • There are over 2 Lakh Indians living, working and studying in Italy (The highest in the EU).
  • Italy has joined multilateral initiatives promoted by India like the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Coalition for Disaster Relief Infrastructure (CDRI), International Solar Alliance (ISA) etc.
  • Italy is part of the Coffee Club and can support India’s candidature for the UNSC in future. 

Gaurav - Glide Bomb designed by DRDO

Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the release trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’ from the Sukhoi aircraft. During the trials,  Gaurav demonstrated its capabilities by hitting a target at a range close to 100 kms with pin-point accuracy.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Gaurav - Long Range Glide Bomb.

Gaurav - Glide Bomb designed by DRDO

About Gaurav

  • It is an air-launched one-thousand-kilogram class glide bomb capable of hitting targets at long distances. 
  • After launch, the bomb navigates towards its target using a precise hybrid navigation system that combines Inertial Navigation System (INS) and GPS data.
  • It has been designed and developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad.

About glide bomb

  • It is a stand-off bomb/weapon that uses aerodynamic surfaces to extend its range and accuracy compared to a conventional gravity bomb.
  • It's released from an aircraft at a distance from the target.
  • It has control surfaces, such as wings or fins, that allow them to glide and adjust their path, following a flatter trajectory than a traditional bomb, often guided by GPS, laser, or other targeting systems.
  • It allows aircraft to stay out of the range of enemy defences while still delivering a precision strike.

US classifies Coal as a Critical Mineral

Context: The United States has classified coal, especially coking coal, as a critical mineral. This marks a stark departure from previous energy policies and could have far-reaching implications for climate targets and global coal markets.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Critical Minerals. 

US classifies Coal as a Critical Mineral: 

  • The US has classified coal as a critical mineral. This classification aims to:
    • Revive the declining US coal industry, which peaked in 2008.
    • Support domestic manufacturing, especially the steel industry.
    • Power AI data centres that require consistent electricity supply, unlike variable renewables.
  • The US became among the first countries in the world to do so.
    • The European Union also includes coal in its list of “critical raw materials,” alongside high-demand minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. 
    • Recently, a NITI Aayog report titled ‘Enhanced Domestic Coking Coal Availability to Reduce the import of Coking Coal’ also advocated coking coal to be included in the list of critical minerals.  
  • Concerns: Doubling down on coal without parallel investments in carbon capture or emissions abatement could derail national and global net zero targets.

What are Critical Minerals?

Critical minerals are metallic or non-metallic elements that are: 

  • Essential for modern technologies, economy and national security, such as electronics, renewable energy, and defense.
  • Subject to disruption of supply chain, often due to limited reserves, geopolitical issues, or complex processing.

Utility of Critical Minerals:

  • Renewable Energy sector: Graphite, Lithium, Cobalt, and Nickel are key components of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).
  • Defence and Aerospace: Tungsten, molybdenum, and REEs are used in advanced weaponry, fighter jets, satellites, and aircraft. E.g., India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission (2023) and the upcoming Gaganyaan mission underscore the strategic significance of beryllium, tungsten, and rare earth elements.
  • High-Tech Manufacturing: REEs, Indium, and Gallium are used in electronics, semiconductors, and renewable technologies.
  • Agriculture: Fertiliser minerals like potash and phosphate. 

Global Distribution of Critical Minerals: 

  • According to the 2019 USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries report, China is the world’s largest producer of 16 critical minerals. China is responsible for 60% of global production of rare earth elements.

Critical Minerals in India: 

  • Different countries create their own lists of critical minerals based on their individual needs and strategic considerations. In 2023, the Ministry of Mines, India classified 30 minerals as critical minerals. 
  • These are: Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, REE,Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium,Zirconium, Selenium and Cadmium. 
  • India is heavily dependent on imports for critical minerals, making its key strategic sectors vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. 

Also Read: China tops list of Critical Mineral suppliers to India
 

SC sets timeline for President on Referred Bills

Context: The Supreme Court has set a three-month deadline for the President to decide on Bills referred to him by the Governor. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Article 200; Article 201; Deadline for the President to decide on Bills.

Key Provisions and Observations

  • Article 201 of Indian Constitution: It outlines the powers of the President concerning Bills reserved by the Governor for consideration.
    • The President has two options: (i) grant assent to the Bill; (ii) withhold assent
    • A significant issue is the absence of a specified time limit within which the President must act on such Bills, leading to potential delays and complications in Centre-State relations.
  • Sarkaria Commission: It was established in 1983, headed by Justice R.S. Sarkaria, to review the arrangements between the Union and the States. The commission recommended that definite timelines should be adopted to facilitate the efficient disposal of references under Article 201. 
  • Punchhi Commission: Set up in 2007 under the leadership of former Chief Justice of India Justice M.M. Punchhi. Similar to the Sarkaria Commission, it suggested incorporating timelines into Article 201 to ensure timely decisions on Bills reserved for Presidential consideration.

Supreme Court's interpretation in the recent case

  • Interpretation of Article 201: SC has noted that absence of timeline in Article 201 does not imply that the President can delay decisions indefinitely. Timely decisions are crucial, considering the role of these Bills in the legislative machinery and governance of the State.
  • Concerns regarding delays: SC expressed concerns that prolonged and undue delays in the disposal of Bills reserved by the President could lead to an uncertain state of abeyance, undermining the legislative process. Such delays could affect the expression of the popular will embodied by the State legislature.
  • President's Responsibility: While the President is expected to consider the Bills which is expected to take time, however, the time needed for consideration does not justify inaction or prolonged delays. Delaying decisions without justification would contravene the basic constitutional principle that the exercise of power must not be arbitrary or capricious.
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Supreme Court's Three-month deadline

  • SC directed that the President must take a decision on Bills reserved by the Governor within a period of three months from the date of receipt of the reference. This timeline aligns with the guidelines already prescribed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

SC's imposition of a three-month deadline for the President to decide on Bills reserved by Governors under Article 201 aims to prevent delays and ensure the efficient functioning of the legislative process. It aims to uphold constitutional principles, promote cooperative federalism, and ensure that governance is both timely and effective. 

Eden – Edible alternative to Plastic Wrappers

Context: Innovators from Kerala have developed edible food wrappers named ‘Eden Wrap’. The eco-friendly wrapper is a sustainable innovation and can offer promising alternatives to plastic packaging. 

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key facts related to Eden. 

Mains: Can be used as an example in a step towards sustainable development.

Key Facts related to Eden

image 10
  • The base material of the wrapper is derived from cellulose synthesised by specialised bacteria. 
  • Emulsifiers derived from bacteria along with essential oils extracted from specific plants are incorporated into the base material to form the wrapper. The essential oils give it an antimicrobial property, thus extending the shelf life. 
  • Despite its plastic-like appearance, Eden Wrap is fully-edible. If discarded, it naturally decomposes within a month.
  • Significance: The packaging material will extend the shelf life of food. The edible wrappers will help in reducing plastic waste and promote sustainable living.
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Plastic packaging accounts for approximately 40% of global plastic production, with food packaging emerging as the leading end-use sector. This underscores the urgent need for sustainable alternatives to conventional packaging materials.  

Democracy Report 2025

Context: As per the latest Democracy Report 2025 released by V Dem institute, democracies are in decline and closed autocracies are on rise, across the world.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key facts about the Democracy Report 2025.

Mains: Some examples can be used to support answers in GS-2, and Essays. 

Major Highlights of the Democracy Report 2025

  • The number of closed autocracies have increased in the 2020s reversing the steady decline seen since the 1980s. The most significant rise in closed autocracies has occurred in West Asia and North Africa, as well as in South Asia.
  • Liberal democracies have become the least common regime type in the world. In Europe and Central Asia: liberal democracies are rapidly shrinking, while electoral democracies are gaining ground.
  • In Sub-Saharan Africa: both trends, democratic erosion and autocratic consolidation, are evident.

Classification of Countries based on LDI

  • The report categorises countries into four regime types based on their score in the Liberal Democratic Index (LDI): Liberal Democracy, Electoral Democracy, Electoral Autocracy, and Closed Autocracy.
    • Closed autocracies are defined by the absence of multiparty elections and a lack of fundamental democratic principles such as freedom of speech and expression. 
    • Electoral autocracies, while allowing multiparty elections, fall short in upholding these core freedoms.
    • Electoral democracies offer both elections and some civil liberties, but only to a moderate degree. 
    • Liberal democracies ensure a robust balance of power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, along with strong protections for civil liberties. 
  • India has been classified as an electoral autocracy since 2017, and has remained the same since then. India, with 18% of the world's population, accounts for about half of the population living in autocratising countries.
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Observations made by the Report:  

Almost all the components of democracy are deteriorating in most of the countries.

  • Three worst-affected components in autocratising countries: freedom of expression, clean elections, and freedom of association/civil society.
  • Freedom of Expression has seen the most significant decline owing to government censorship of the media, restrictions on academic and cultural expression, and the harassment of journalists. Additionally, India ranked 159/180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index 2024. 
  • Growing use of disinformation by governments and surge in political polarisation worldwide, including in India. 
  • Sharp rise in government intimidation of opposition parties during election periods, including in India.
  • Support for representative democracy has declined in many countries, including India.

About V-Dem Report

  • The V-Dem Democracy Report is a collaborative project involving scholars from 180 countries and is based on 31 million datasets covering 202 countries from 1789 to 2023.

According to the V-Dem classification, a liberal democracy requires robust mechanisms for judicial independence, constraints on executive overreach, rigorous protection of civil liberties, equality before the law, and regular free and fair elections.   

Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project

Context: GAIL (India) Limited has completed the laying of over 97% of the integrated Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline (JHBDPL), under the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project, which will carry Natural Gas to the eastern and Northern parts of India.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project. 

Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project

  • Total length of pipeline under the Project is approx. 3384 km, and its components include:
    • Jagdishpur-Haldia-Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline 
    • Barauni-Guwahati Pipeline 
  • Aim: To expand India’s natural gas grid, promote cleaner energy solutions and ensure efficient natural gas distribution, including LNG. 
  • States covered: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Assam. 
  • Implemented by: Gas Agency of India Limited (GAIL).  
  • Utility: The pipeline is currently transporting 12.26 Million Standard Cubic Meters Per Day (MMSCMD) of natural gas including supplies to fertilizer plants, refineries, industrial consumers, and City Gas Distribution networks, along the pipeline route.
Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga Project

Significance of Urja Ganga Project

  • Spur economic growth in eastern India by providing access to cheapest gas transportation and gas pricing reforms, and regional integration through natural gas grid. 
  • Enhances India’s energy security by diversifying energy mix. 
  • Reduces carbon emissions by providing a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuels.

India’s transition to a Gas-based Economy

  • Natural gas is a fossil fuel energy source. The largest component of natural gas is methane. It also contains smaller amounts of natural gas liquids (hydrocarbon gas liquids), and non hydrocarbon gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapour. It is processed and converted into cleaner fuel for consumption.
  • The Indian Government has set a target to increase the share of gas in the energy mix up to 15% in 2030 to make India a gas-based economy, around 7% at present. Presently, India is importing around 50% of its requirement of natural gas. 

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