Current Context Japanese mathematician Masaki Kashiwara received the 2025 Abel Prize for his pioneering contributions to algebraic analysis, representation theory, the development of D-modules, and the discovery of crystal bases.

About Abel Prize

• Named After: Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel (1802–1829).
• Established: 2002 by the Norwegian Parliament to commemorate Abel’s 200th birth anniversary.
• First Awarded: 2003.
• Significance: Regarded as the “Nobel Prize” equivalent in mathematics.
• Selection Process: Recipients are chosen by a committee appointed by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, in consultation with the International Mathematical Union (IMU) and the European Mathematical Society (EMS).
• Award: Includes a cash prize and a specially designed glass plaque by Norwegian artist Henrik Haugan.

Current Context: The Union Environment Ministry allocated ₹858 crore for the ‘Control of Pollution’ scheme in FY 2024-25. However, less than 1% of funds has been utilised due to pending approvals, raising concerns about the effectiveness of pollution control efforts.

Control of Pollution’ Scheme:

• Launch Year:
• Objective: Monitor air, water, and noise pollution under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
  • NCAP Target: Reduce particulate pollution by 40% in 131 cities by 2026 (compared to 2019-20 levels).
• Funding: Fully centralised.

Key Issues

• Underutilisation of Funds:
  • Only ₹7.22 crore spent from ₹858 crore allocation.
  • Pending approvals have stalled fund disbursement.
  • Plantation Drives:
• Low survival rates of planted trees.
  • Lack of monitoring and management reduces effectiveness.
• Budget Utilisation:
  • Ministry spent only 54% of its budget by January 31, 2025.
  • Discrepancies in official claims and actual fund utilisation highlight transparency issues.
• Recommendations
  • Expedite approval processes for schemes to ensure timely fund utilisation.
  • Conduct audits and improve transparency in fund allocation and management.
  • Enhance monitoring and survival rates for plantation drives.
  • Strengthen accountability measures within the ministry to meet NCAP objectives.

Current Context: On March 26, 2025, the DRDO and the Indian Navy successfully tested the VLSRSAM at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha, marking significant progress in India’s air defence capabilities.

About VLSRSAM:

• Purpose: Indigenously developed short-range air defence missile.

Features:

• Engages various aerial threats at low altitudes.
• Equipped with an indigenous Radio Frequency seeker for advanced target acquisition and engagement.

Flight Test

• Launch: Conducted from a land-based vertical launcher.
• Target: High-speed aerial target at close range.
• Components Tested: Missile, Multi-Function Radar, and Weapon Control System in combat configuration.

Significance

• Strengthens India’s air defence capabilities.
• Enhances the Indian Navy’s operational readiness.
• Showcases India’s advancements in defence research and self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Current Context: Launched by NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam to digitally transform India’s MSME sector.

• Aims to connect MSMEs with technology providers and academic institutions.

Key Objectives

• Technology Access: Provide structured and cost-effective technology solutions to 6 crore MSMEs.
• Digital Transformation: Develop a large pool of technical expertise and use AI for problem-solving.
• Global Competitiveness: Enhance MSME efficiency, revenue, and competitiveness.

Significance

• Public-Private Collaboration: Foster cooperation between government, private sector, and academia.
• Economic Growth: Positions MSMEs as drivers of development.

Current Context: Scientists have developed Bedmap3, the most detailed map of Antarctica’s subglacial landscape beneath its ice sheet.

Key Features of Bedmap3

• Advancement: Extends the earlier Bedmap2 dataset.
• Data Sources Includes:84 new aero-geophysical surveys,15 data sources, 52 million additional data points, and 1.9 million line-km of measurements.
• Gap Coverage: Fills gaps in knowledge about mountain ranges, East Antarctica’s deep interior, and coastlines of West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Importance of Bedmap3

• Enhanced Understanding: Provides a clearer picture of Antarctica’s subglacial landscape and ice distribution.

Scientific Insights:

• Studies the interaction between the ice sheet and bedrock.
• Offers clues about the continent’s geological evolution.

Climate Change Predictions:

• Aids in modeling ice sheet behavior under global warming.
• Improves projections of future ice loss and sea-level rise.

Current Context: India and Singapore recently signed an agreement to collaborate on the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC) to promote maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation.

GDSC Objectives:

• Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• Accelerate adoption of green technologies.
• Enhance maritime digitalisation.

Significance:

• India’s Role: Expertise in information technology and green fuel production.
• Singapore’s Role: Advanced maritime infrastructure and global expertise.

Future Prospects: Plans to replicate Singapore’s cruise tourism model in India (Goa, Mumbai, Chennai as hubs).

Current Context: On April 6, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the New Pamban Bridge in Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu, coinciding with Ram Navami.

• This5 km-long bridge enhances connectivity between mainland India and Rameshwaram Island, significantly reducing train travel time from 25-30 minutes to under five minutes.

Significance:

• First vertical lift bridge in Asia.
• Replaces the 1914-built bridge, closed in December 2022 due to c
• Cost: ₹535 crore, constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL).

Benefits: Accommodates faster trains and higher traffic.

Current Context: Russia and Ukraine recently agreed to halt military strikes in the Black Sea during US-brokered talks.

Geography:

• Inland water body in southeastern Europe.
• Borders: Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Turkey.
• Linked to the Mediterranean via Bosporus, Sea of Marmara, and Dardanelles.

Features:

• Deeper waters lack oxygen, unsuitable for most marine life.
• Upper layers support marine ecosystems.

Significance:

• Key ports: Odessa, Constanta, Varna, Novorossiysk.
• Crucial for fishing, energy resources (oil, gas), and shipping.

Current Context: Himachal Pradesh rank among the top three most debt-ridden states in India, as per data shared in Parliament.

Highlights:

• Debt: ₹1,02,594 crore.
• Debt-to-GSDP Ratio:2% (3rd highest in India).
• Dependent on tourism, hydropower, and agriculture, but revenues are insufficient to meet commitments.

Challenges for Himachal Pradesh:

• Heavy spending on salaries and subsidies.
• High borrowing for infrastructure projects leading to repayment pressures.
• Limited revenue generation from key economic sectors.

Significance:

• Highlights the importance of fiscal prudence and sustainable financial management at state and national levels.
• Emphasizes the need for structural reforms in debt management and revenue generation.

Current context: Kerala became the first Indian state to establish a Senior Citizens Commission by passing the Kerala State Senior Citizens Commission Bill, 2025, to enhance the welfare and rights of the elderly.

Significance:

• Kerala has the highest elderly population in India.
• By 2036, 22.8% of its population will be aged 60 or above (16.5% in 2021).

Objectives:

• Protect rights and welfare of senior citizens.
• Address issues like neglect, exploitation, and loneliness.
• Provide legal assistance and ensure rehabilitation.

Structure:

• Chairperson and three members, including:One woman member,One SC/ST representative.
• Supported by Additional Secretary (secretary) and Joint Secretary (registrar).
• Tenure: Three years.

Functions:

• Coordinate with government departments for welfare schemes.
• Recommend policies for senior citizens.
• Facilitate care for abandoned elderly and address rights violations.