Current Context: The Government of India is ramping up the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive for girls aged 9–14, aligning with the 2024 Interim Budget.

About

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Over 200 virus types; 40+ are sexually transmitted.
• Types 16 & 18 cause most cervical cancer cases.
• World’s most common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI).
• Often silent but can lead to cancer on persistence.

Vaccines in India

• Gardasil 4 (MSD) & Cervavac (Serum Institute): 4-type protection.
• Gardasil 9: Covers 9 HPV strains for broader immunity.

Government Action

• Recommended by National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI).
• Included in Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
• Focus on single-dose regime, frontline worker training, and awareness.

India’s Cervical Cancer Stats

• 25% of global cases; ~80,000 new cases, ~35,000 deaths annually.
• Lifetime risk for women: 1.6%; death risk: 1%.

Current Context: President Droupadi Murmu was conferred with the Key to the City of Lisbon by the Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Manuel, during her state visit to Portugal.

Significance of the Honour:

• The Key to the City is the highest civic honour awarded by Lisbon.
• It symbolizes recognition and respect for distinguished guests.

Diplomatic Context:

• She is visiting Portugal on the invitation of President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
• This is the first state visit by an Indian President to Portugal in 27 years; the last being by President K R Narayanan in 1998.

Current Context: Renowned Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik became the first Indian to win the Fred Darrington Sand Master Award.

About

• Presented during Sandworld 2025 International Sand Art Festival in Dorset, England.
• Commemorates the 100th birth anniversary of legendary British sculptor Fred Darrington.
• Recognises excellence and global contribution in sand art.

Pattnaik’s Contribution

• Created a 10-ft sculpture of Lord Ganesha with the message “World Peace” during the event.
• His work blends spiritual and social themes with artistic excellence.
• Marked a historic moment for India in the global sand art community.

About Sudarsan Pattnaik

• Padma Shri awardee from Odisha.
• Participated in over 65 international sand art festivals and championships.

Current Context: On April 5, 2025, INS Sunayna was launched at Karwar, Karnataka, under the Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative, marking 10 years of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and National Maritime Day.

Key Highlights:

• Regional Cooperation: Involves naval personnel from 9 friendly nations (e.g., Comoros, Kenya, Maldives) to boost maritime security and diplomacy.
• Project Seabird: ₹2,000+ crore marine infrastructure developed at Karwar; 90% materials sourced domestically under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Training Mission: Includes firefighting, seamanship, and damage control to enhance naval interoperability.
• Historical Significance: Coincides with the anniversary of SS Loyalty’s 1919 voyage, India’s first merchant ship.
• Strategic Aim: Enhances India’s naval capabilities and reinforces leadership in the Indian Ocean Region.

Current Context: The Amalsad Chikoo from Navsari district, Gujarat, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing its distinctive quality and geographical origin.

Important Facts:

• Renowned for its sweetness, fine texture, and long shelf life
• Third fruit from Gujarat to receive GI tag
• After Gir Kesar Mango and Kutchhi Kharek (date)
• Navsari district is the largest chikoo producer in Gujarat
• Gujarat accounts for 98% of India’s chikoo output
• Amalsad alone contributes 30% of state production
• Key export destinations:United Arab Emirates (UAE),United Kingdom (UK)&Bahrain

Current Context: India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has expanded its NAFTA division to facilitate trade negotiations with the United States, aiming to avoid the imposition of 26% reciprocal tariffs and strengthen bilateral trade ties.

About

• NAFTA was a trilateral trade agreement among the United States, Canada, and Mexico, effective from 1994 to 2020.
• It eliminated tariffs, promoted investment, and created one of the largest free trade zones globally.
• In 2020, NAFTA was replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) with updated provisions on:Digital trade,Labour and environmental standards & Intellectual property rights

Current Context: A historic archaeological discovery in Lefkada, Greece, has revealed the first-ever ancient Greek theater in the Ionian Islands.

About

• Group of islands off the western coast of Greece, in the Ionian Sea.
• Known collectively as Heptanese (meaning “Seven Islands”).

Key Features:

• Major islands: Kerkyra (Corfu), Paxi, Lefkada, Ithaki, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Kythira.
• Largest island: Kefalonia/Cephalonia.
• Highest point: Mount Ainos (1,628 m).

Historical Significance

• Venetian control: 15th–16th centuries.
• Captured by Russian-Turkish forces in 1799.
• Under British control via the Treaty of Paris (1815).
• Ceded to Greece in 1864.

• Observed annually on April 10 to mark the birth anniversary of Samuel Hahnemann (born in 1755), the founder of homeopathy.
• Hahnemann, a German physician, developed homeopathy in 1796 as a gentle and effective medical system.
• Based on the principle of “Like Cures Like”, where substances that produce symptoms in a healthy person can treat similar symptoms in the sick.
• A two-day national convention is being held on April 10–11, 2025, at Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, organized by Ministry of AYUSH.
• Theme 2025: Study, Teaching & Research – focusing on the three pillars of strengthening homeopathy in India.

Current Context: In March, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu addressed the International Dam Safety Conference in Shimla, emphasizing Himachal Pradesh’s role in renewable energy and addressing dam-related rehabilitation.

Key Highlights:

• Himachal Pradesh is emerging as a global hub for renewable energy, particularly hydropower.
• CM stressed efforts to ensure compensation and justice for displaced people from Bhakra and Pong Dams.
• Reaffirmed commitment to eco-friendly development, especially in the face of climate change.

Current Context: PM Narendra Modi received Sri Lanka’s highest civilian honour during his 2025 state visit.

About

• Established: 2008 by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
• Awarded to: Foreign leaders for fostering strong ties with Sri Lanka.
• Symbolism: Silver medal with Navarathna, globe, lotus petals, Pun Kalasa, Sun, Moon, and Dharma Chakra—reflecting shared prosperity and Buddhist heritage.
• Significance: Symbol of diplomatic respect, regional friendship, and cultural solidarity.