04 April 2025 : Daily Current Affairs

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1. Why are undersea cables important?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

What are Undersea Cables?

• Undersea cables connect internet networks across countries and continents.
• These cables are a few inches thick, padded for sea-floor protection, and carry fiber optic strands inside.
• They allow large volumes of data to travel quickly across the globe.
• At landing points, these cables come ashore and connect to stations inland.
• These cables support 90% of data, 80% of world trade, and $10 trillion in financial transactions.

Risks Related to Cable Cuts

• India has fewer cables than some smaller countries like Singapore.
• Damage in areas like the Red Sea can impact up to 25% of India’s internet traffic.
• Though some damage has occurred in the past, built-in excess capacity prevented major disruptions.
• Many cable routes still follow historical trade paths.

Challenges and Solutions

• Laying cables in India requires over 50 permissions from different departments.
• Most delays happen in the 24-mile territorial zone near the coast.
• Cables often get damaged by fishing trawlers.
• India lacks repair ships and cable storage depots, and depends on foreign vessels.
• There is a need for simplified permissions and local repair infrastructure.

2. India holds fire as Trump announces tariffs

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 1)

Global Reactions and Market Impact

• Countries like China, the EU, and Canada strongly reacted, warning of countermeasures.
• Global stock markets dropped sharply; India’s Sensex lost over 300 points and the U.S. indices fell significantly.

India’s Response

• India issued a measured response, stating it is examining the implications and consulting stakeholders.
• India still aims to raise bilateral trade with the U.S. to $500 billion by 2030.

Tariff Details and Exceptions

• A 10% general tariff will start from April 5, and higher individual tariffs on countries with large trade deficits will begin from April 9.
• Some countries, including Russia, were not included in the tariff list.

Impact on Indian Industries

• India’s jewellery exports may face challenges as the U.S. accounts for 30% of the sector’s market.
• Auto and auto parts sectors are unlikely to be affected, while aerospace may face supply chain disruptions.

Comparative Advantage for India

• India received a lower tariff rate than other Asian exporters, possibly giving it some relative trade advantage.

3. India and Thailand Upgrade Ties to Strategic Partnership Ahead of BIMSTEC Summit

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Govt & Politics, Page – 06)

Analysis of the news:                                                                               

Upgrading Bilateral Relations to Strategic Partnership

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok and announced the elevation of India-Thailand relations to a strategic partnership.
• Modi emphasized Thailand’s key role in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, strengthening bilateral cooperation in defense, trade, security, and cultural ties.
• A “strategic dialogue” between security agencies was also established, focusing on combating cybercrime, human trafficking, and illegal migration. Thailand was commended for its assistance in repatriating Indian victims of cyber fraud.

Geopolitical Implications: Indo-Pacific and ASEAN Cooperation

• In an indirect reference to China’s assertive presence in the Indo-Pacific, Modi stressed the need for a free, open, and rules-based order, promoting development (vikaasvaad) over expansionism (vistaarvaad).
• He reiterated India’s commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality, highlighting mutual interests in regional peace and stability.

Key Agreements and Areas of Cooperation

During the visit, six agreements were signed, covering:

• Strategic partnership framework
  
  
• Digital technology collaboration
  
  
• Development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat
  
  
• Cooperation in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
  
  
• Trade and investment promotion
  
  
• Enhancing ties between India’s Northeast and Thailand in tourism, culture, and education
  
  

Cultural and Historical Ties

• Modi emphasized the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual connections between India and Thailand, referencing the influence of Buddhism, the Ramayana (Ramakien in Thailand), and linguistic ties through Sanskrit and Pali.
• His visit included watching a Ramakien performance, symbolizing the historical bond between the two nations.

BIMSTEC Summit and Regional Cooperation

• Modi will attend the 6th BIMSTEC Leaders’ Summit, joining leaders from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, and Bhutan.
• A key focus will be the signing of an Agreement on Maritime Cooperation, enhancing regional connectivity and economic progress.
• The summit marks a step toward strengthening multilateral engagement in the Bay of Bengal region.

Conclusion

• India’s engagement with Thailand and BIMSTEC underscores its commitment to regional security, economic growth, and cultural diplomacy.
• By upgrading ties to a strategic partnership, India is reinforcing its Act East Policy and enhancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, positioning itself as a key player in regional stability.

4. Arctic Ice Melt to Spark Geopolitical Tensions, Impact Indian Monsoon: NCPOR Chief

(Source – Indian Express, Section – The Second page , Page – 02)

Analysis of the news:

Emerging Geopolitical Importance of the Arctic

• With the Arctic Ocean predicted to become ice-free during summers in the coming decades, the region is poised to become a hotspot for international geopolitics.
• Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), highlighted that melting sea ice will expose vast untapped mineral and fishery resources and open new maritime trade routes like the Northern Sea Route, attracting strategic interest from major global powers.

Impact on Global and Indian Climate Systems

• Meloth emphasized that polar regions, especially the Arctic and Antarctica, play a crucial role in global climate regulation.
• Melting Arctic sea ice can alter monsoon patterns in India, increasing the unpredictability and extremity of rainfall.
• Additionally, Antarctica holds about 70% of the world’s freshwater in frozen form, and large-scale melting could raise sea levels by up to 60 metres, with disproportionately higher impacts in tropical coastal regions like India.

India’s Strategic Interest and Scientific Presence

• The remarks come as India reflects on its pioneering polar research legacy. Officials at NCPOR marked 25 years of the institution by recalling India’s first Antarctic expedition in 1981 and the establishment of Dakshin Gangotri station in 1983.
• India’s early scientific presence has now matured into a strategic imperative, as access to polar regions becomes synonymous with geopolitical influence.

Call for Preparedness and Global Cooperation

• Meloth underscored the need for India to gear up to be part of international frameworks that determine access and resource sharing in the Arctic.
• As global competition intensifies over control of polar resources, India’s sustained investment in polar research and policy alignment will be critical to safeguard its climate interests and strategic ambitions.

Conclusion

• Melting polar ice has far-reaching global impacts, especially on climate, sea levels, and geopolitics, making India’s proactive polar engagement crucial for environmental security and strategic preparedness.

5. Lok Sabha Passes the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2118487 )

Key Provisions of the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024

Legal Framework for Coastal Shipping

• Creates a special law for coastal trade, replacing old rules from the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
• Aims to make coastal shipping more organized and efficient.

Licensing Rules for Foreign Ships

• Foreign ships can carry goods along India’s coast only with special permission from the Director General of Shipping.
• Ensures that Indian shipping companies get priority.

National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan

• Requires a detailed plan for improving coastal and inland water transport.
• The plan will be updated every two years to match future needs.

National Database for Coastal Shipping

• Sets up a database to track coastal trade and help in better decision-making.
• Helps in planning and improving efficiency.

Simplified Rules for Indian Ships

• Indian ships no longer need a general trading license, reducing paperwork.
• Makes it easier for companies to operate in coastal trade.

Support for Indian Shipbuilding and Jobs

• Encourages building more ships in India under ‘Make in India.’
• Creates jobs in shipbuilding, ports, and vessel operations.

Cooperation Between Center and States

• Ensures states and union territories are involved in planning and decision-making.

Faster Port Services

• Provides quicker berthing for coastal ships and faster environmental clearances.

Linking with National Logistics Policy

• Aligns with India’s logistics vision to reduce transport costs and improve trade.

6. Unravelling the Mysteries of Pope’s Pit Viper Venom: A deadly snake of North East India

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2118298 )

Pope’s Pit Viper – Key Information

• Native Habitat: Found particularly in dense forests of northern and northeastern India, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Thailand.
• IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
• Physical Features: A striking green-colored pit viper with a slender body, triangular head, and heat-sensing pits near its eyes.
• Behavior: Arboreal (tree-dwelling) and nocturnal, active mostly at night.
• Diet: Feeds on small mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
• Venom Composition: Contains 106 proteins, including toxic enzymes like snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), serine proteases (SVSPs), and phospholipases A2.
• Effects of Venom: Causes bleeding, tissue damage, blood clotting issues, muscle injury, and inflammation.
• Medical Significance: No species-specific antivenom is available, making bites difficult to treat.
• Conservation Status: Not well-documented, but habitat loss poses a threat.

7. Seaweed: A Nutritional Powerhouse From The Ocean

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2118317 )

Introduction

• India has a 7,500 km-long coastline, offering vast potential for economic growth.
• Seaweed farming is becoming an important livelihood option for coastal communities.

What is Seaweed?

• Seaweed is a marine plant that grows in oceans and does not need land or freshwater.
• It is used in food, cosmetics, fertilizers, and medicine.
• Seaweed is rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, making it a nutritious food.
• It helps fight diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart problems while boosting immunity.

Uses of Seaweed in Industries

• Alginate (US$ 213 million) – Used in food, cosmetics, and medical products.
• Agar (US$ 132 million) – Used in desserts, jams, and laboratory cultures.
• Carrageenan (US$ 240 million) – Used in dairy products, ice cream, and toothpaste.

Global Seaweed Market

• Seaweed has been consumed since ancient times, especially in Japan and China.
• The global seaweed industry is valued at US$ 5.6 billion.
• Emerging seaweed markets could grow by up to US$ 11.8 billion by 2030.

Seaweed Farming in India

• Out of 844 seaweed species in India, 60 are commercially valuable.
• The government supports seaweed farming through policies, funding, and research collaborations.
• Under the PMMSY scheme, ₹640 crore has been allocated for seaweed cultivation from 2020-2025.
• ₹194.09 crore is being used for major projects like a Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu and a Seaweed Brood Bank in Daman and Diu.
• India aims to produce 1.12 million tonnes of seaweed in five years.

Benefits of Seaweed Farming

• Supports Agriculture – Seaweed is used as a biostimulant to improve soil health and crop yield.
• Promotes Organic Farming – Encouraged under government schemes like PKVY and MOVCDNER.
• Environmental Benefits – Absorbs CO₂, cleans ocean water, and provides shelter for marine life.
• Economic Opportunities – Farmers can earn up to ₹13,28,000 per hectare per year.
• High Demand Products – Biofuels, fertilizers, and other seaweed-based products help India earn foreign currency.

Recent Developments

• Women Empowerment in Seaweed Farming – Coastal women have started their own businesses, creating employment and financial stability.
• Tissue Culture Technology – Advanced methods have increased seaweed production and quality.

Conclusion

• Seaweed farming provides jobs and additional income for coastal communities.
• With continued investment, seaweed farming can boost India’s economy and promote sustainability.

Prelims Facts

1. Hungary welcomes Netanyahu, declares it is quitting ICC

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 14)

International Criminal Court:

• The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent international tribunal established to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.
• It was established by the Rome Statute in 1998 and began functioning in 2002.
• The ICC is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands.
• It is independent from the United Nations, but cooperates with it on legal matters.
• The court has jurisdiction only over crimes committed after July 1, 2002, and only in countries that are party to the Rome Statute or if referred by the UN Security Council.
• As of now, over 120 countries are members of the ICC.
• Major countries like the U.S., China, Russia, and India are not members.
• The ICC can issue arrest warrants but depends on member states for enforcement.

2. Kannadippaya gets GI tag, anchoring tribal handicraft on the global map

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 3)

Kannadippaya:

• Kannadippaya is a traditional tribal handicraft from Kerala, made using the inner layers of reed bamboo.
• The name “Kannadippaya” literally means “mirror mat” due to its reflective woven pattern.
• It provides natural warmth during winters and a cooling effect in summers.
• The craft is practiced by tribal communities such as Oorali, Mannan, Muthuva, Malayan, Kadar, Ulladan, Malayarayan, and Hill Pulaya.
• It is mainly produced in Idukki, Thrissur, Ernakulam, and Palakkad districts.
• Kannadippaya recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, offering legal protection and global market access.
• Efforts are ongoing to revive youth interest and develop structured marketing for this eco-friendly product.

3. Lok Sabha Passes Key Bills to Boost Aviation Leasing and Coastal Shipping

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Express Network, Page – 08)

Analysis of the news:

Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill: Strengthening Aviation Finance

• The Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill aims to safeguard international lessors and financiers from prolonged legal disputes, making India a more attractive destination for aircraft leasing.
• This reform is expected to reduce airfares by lowering leasing costs for airlines.
• Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu highlighted that the bill aligns India with global aviation financing norms, ensuring quicker repossession of aircraft by lessors in case of defaults.
• The move comes in response to past legal conflicts, such as those involving SpiceJet (2015), Jet Airways (2019), and Go Air (2023), where lessors struggled to reclaim aircraft.
• The 2023 case notably led to India’s downgrade in the Cape Town Convention compliance index, increasing insurance premiums for Indian airlines.
• The bill aims to restore investor confidence, making aircraft leasing more cost-effective and supporting India’s growing aviation sector, which has 1,700 new planes on order.

Concerns Raised by MPs

• While the bill received bipartisan support, members expressed concerns over its overriding effect on existing laws, fearing legal challenges.
• Some MPs urged the government to set a clear timeline for implementing the rules.
• Additionally, the issue of high airfares was raised, with calls for new airports, new flight routes, and operationalizing dormant ones.

Coastal Shipping Bill: Boosting Maritime Trade

• The Coastal Shipping Bill seeks to regulate trade within Indian coastal waters, aiming to increase freight movement via shipping.
• Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the need to expand coastal shipping, which currently accounts for just 5% of total freight movement, compared to 40% in the EU.

This bill is expected to:

• Reduce logistics costs, making trade more competitive.
  
  
• Lower pollution and road congestion, as roadways (66%) and railways (31%) dominate freight transport.
  
  
• Generate employment and income, boosting India’s maritime economy.
  
  

With 11,098 km of coastline, India has significant untapped potential in coastal shipping. The legislation aims to create a trade-friendly regulatory framework, making shipping a viable alternative to road and rail transport.

4. The Smoot-Hawley Act

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 12)

Analysis of the news:

The Smoot-Hawley Act and Its Impact

• The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 aimed to protect American farmers and businesses by imposing high tariffs on 20,000 imported goods.
• However, instead of aiding economic recovery, it triggered a global trade war, leading to retaliatory tariffs from major partners like Canada and Europe.
• This caused a sharp decline in U.S. exports (by 28-32%), worsening the Great Depression rather than alleviating it.

The Scale of Trump’s Tariffs

• President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, which apply indiscriminately across industries, are drawing comparisons to Smoot-Hawley.
• Trade experts argue that these tariffs could have a more significant impact than those of the 1930s, given the scale of modern global trade, where U.S. imports constitute 14% of GDP, three times the share in 1930.

Potential for a Global Trade War

• The broad application of tariffs increases the risk of retaliation from major economies, potentially shrinking global trade and causing economic instability.
• Historical lessons from the Great Depression highlight the dangers of protectionist policies, yet the current scenario suggests a possible repeat of those economic setbacks.

Policy Shifts and Economic Ramifications

• In the past, the Reciprocal Trade Agreements Act of 1934 reversed Smoot-Hawley’s damage by allowing the U.S. President to pursue bilateral trade deals.
• Today, experts warn that Trump’s tariff policies, if not adjusted, could destabilize global markets and hinder economic growth, much like the trade wars of the early 20th century.

5. Trump’s Tariffs on Remote Islands Leave Experts Baffled

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 12)

Analysis of the news:

Uninhabited Heard and McDonald Islands Targeted

• The Heard and McDonald Islands, one of Australia’s most remote external territories, have been subjected to a 10% tariff by the Trump administration.
• These volcanic islands, located in the Southern Ocean, are largely uninhabited and have seen no human presence in nearly a decade.
• With no known exports to the United States, the rationale behind this tariff remains unclear.

Other Australian External Territories Affected

• Three other Australian external territories—Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island, and Norfolk Island—have also been included in the tariff list.
• Norfolk Island, home to about 2,000 residents, faces an even steeper tariff of 29%, significantly higher than mainland Australia.
• Local authorities expressed confusion, as the island has no apparent trade relationship with the US and does not impose tariffs of its own.

British Indian Ocean Territory Also Impacted

• The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), including the strategically important Chagos archipelago, has also been hit with a 10% tariff.
• Notably, the largest island, Diego Garcia, houses a joint US-UK military base but has no civilian trade activity.

Unexplained Trade Policy Decisions

• The tariffs on these remote and largely uninhabited territories raise questions about the reasoning behind the US administration’s trade policies.
• Given that these regions have minimal or no exports to the US, the move appears symbolic or miscalculated rather than economically significant.

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