Current Context: The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch its Biomass Mission on April 29, 2025, aimed at accurately measuring global forest biomass and understanding its role in the carbon cycle — a critical step in tracking climate change.

About

• It is the 7th Earth Explorer mission under ESA’s Earth Observation Programme.
• The satellite will be the first to carry a P-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), capable of penetrating forest canopies to map biomass.

Objective

• To quantify the amount of carbon stored in forests worldwide.
• To fill gaps in biomass and forest height data, essential for climate models and carbon budgeting.
• To support international frameworks like REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation).

Key Technical Details

• Orbit Type: Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO)
• Altitude: 666 km
• Radar Type: P-band SAR – penetrates dense forests for accurate 3D biomass mapping
• Additional Capability: Monitoring ice sheet movement in Antarctica; creating 3D models of heavily forested terrains.

Current Context: On April 4, 2025, Bangladesh officially took over the chairmanship of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) for a two-year term, succeeding Thailand.

About

• Founded: 1997
• Members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand
• Objective: Regional cooperation in areas like trade, transport, energy, technology, and security among Bay of Bengal nations
• Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Chairmanship: Rotates alphabetically among member states every two years

6th BIMSTEC Summit –

• Held in: Bangkok, Thailand
• Theme: Prosperous, Resilient and Open BIMSTEC
• Hosted by: PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand
• Bangkok Declaration & BIMSTEC Bangkok Vision 2025 adopted to provide strategic roadmap for: Sustainable development, Regional connectivity, Economic integration & Disaster resilience

Current Context: On April 5, 2025, Cambodian PM Hun Manet inaugurated the expanded Ream Naval Base, developed with Chinese support, sparking global concern over China’s growing naval footprint.

About

• Located on Cambodia’s Gulf of Thailand coast, near Sihanoukville.
• Close to the Malacca Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint.
• Expansion funded and supported financially & technically by China.

Strategic Significance

• Proximity to Indo-Pacific sea lanes boosts China’s reach in Southeast Asia.
• May serve as a potential Chinese military outpost, despite Cambodian denial.

Satellite imagery shows Chinese warships at the base.

• Observed on April 11 every year to raise awareness about maternal health; marks the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi.
• India was the first country to declare this day; initiated by White Ribbon Alliance India (WRAI) in 2003.
• Aims to reduce maternal mortality and promote safe healthcare practices during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
• Focuses on improving access to medical care for pregnant and lactating women to ensure a healthy motherhood experience.

Current Context: Gujarat Police has launched the GP-DRASTI (Drone Response and Surveillance Through Integration) initiative to enhance crime response and public safety using drone technology.

Key Highlights:

• Objective: Improve response time and situational awareness using drones alongside traditional patrols.
• Deployment: Phase 1 covers 33 police stations in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot.
• Pilot Success: Drones responded in half the time compared to PCR vans in Surat and Ahmedabad.
• Application: Focused on hotspots of violent crimes—rioting, assault, mob violence.
• System Integration: Drones integrated with police control room systems for streamlined response and evidence capture.

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