20 & 21 APRIL CURRENT AFFAIRS

1. Textiles Ministry launches ‘Vishwa Sutra’ to promote Indian handlooms globally

Vishwa Sutra’- Weaves of India for the World’. A designer collection based on the initiative was presented at the 61st Femina Miss India held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

The initiative has been developed by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology

2. MSME Ministry Trains Over 2,500 Beneficiaries in AI Tools Under PM Vishwakarma Yojana

The initiative aims to empower traditional artisans and craftspeople by enhancing their livelihoods and business potential through technology.

The Ministry said that integrating AI with traditional craftsmanship will help bridge the digital divide, boost global competitiveness, and open new market opportunities

PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Launched in 2023, it is a Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Government of India.

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MoMSME

Tenure: FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28.

It is designed to uplift traditional artisans and craftspeople engaged in various occupations like blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry, and sculpting.

Financial assistance: Collateral-free ‘Enterprise Development Loans’ of up to Rs. 3 lakh provided at a concessional interest rate of 5%, with the GoI providing an 8% interest subvention.

Scope and Coverage: The scheme encompasses 18 traditional trades across rural and urban areas.

Training: Includes Basic Training (5-7 days) & Advanced Training (15+ days) with a stipend of Rs. 500 per day. e-voucher worth up to Rs. 15,000 is provided at the start of Basic Skill Training.

3IOS SAGAR

Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) Sagar is a maritime security cooperation initiative in the Southwest Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

It is the second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR initiative

IOS SAGAR departs Phuket after successful three-day Operational Turnaround

IOS SAGAR undertook a series of professional, strategic and cultural engagements with the Royal Thai Navy

The visit underscores the strong and enduring maritime partnership between India and Thailand, aligned with the MAHASAGAR vision of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

4.Miyawaki Forests for Urban Resilience

What Is a Miyawaki Forest?

A Miyawaki forest is a dense, multi-layered plantation developed using diverse native tree species planted closely together.

When designed correctly, it accelerates natural succession and allows a functional forest ecosystem to establish in just a few years instead of decades.

Miyawaki forests grow 10 times faster and are 30 times denser than conventional plantations, creating mature-like ecosystems in only 10 years.

Environmental Benefits

Rapid restoration of native biodiversity

Enhanced carbon sequestration & improved air quality

Soil regeneration & better water infiltration

Reduction of urban heat island effect

Long-term, self-sustaining forest system

Alignment with Global & National FrameworksMiyawaki forest projects support:

SDG 11-Sustainable Cities & Communities

SDG 13-Climate Action

SDG 15-Life on Land

5. India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park foundation stone was laid in Ladakh to preserve ancient rock art.

Major step towards preserving India's ancient heritage has been taken as the foundation stone for the country's first rock carvings conservation park was laid in Ladakh

The initiative aims to protect and showcase centuries-old petroglyphs, intricate rock carvings that offer valuable insight into early human civilisation, culture, and trade routes in the region.

The project was Inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor, marking a significant push towards structured conservation of these fragile historical assets.

Experts say Ladakh houses one of the richest collections of rock art in India, with carvings depicting animals, hunting scenes, symbols, and early forms of communication. However, many of these sites have faced threats from weathering, tourism pressure, and lack of formal protection.

The proposed conservation park is expected to include preservation measures, visitor infrastructure, and awareness initiatives to ensure these carvings are safeguarded for future generations while also promoting responsible tourism.

The development highlights India's growing focus on protecting lesser-known archaeological treasures and Integrating heritage conservation with sustainable tourism.

6.Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Oversight Bill, 2026

This convergence took shape as the JAM trinity. Jan Dhan bank accounts, Aadhaar enrolment and widespread mobile phone penetration created the base layer for India’s digital transformation

The Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) is an independent, quasi-judicial body established under Section 18 of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023, to enforce data privacy rights and regulations. It handles data breach complaints, directs corrective actions, and imposes penalties up to ₹250 crore for compliance failures

Digital Economic Infrastructure

Unified Payments Interface (UPI):

DigiLocker

Government eMarketplace

UMANG: Launched in 2017, UMANG, or the Unified Mobile Application for New age Governance, was designed to advance mobile governance in India. It provides a single window mobile and web platform to access services from central, state and local government bodies

7.India’s first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Rajasthan tomorrow

The complex located at Pachpadra in Balotra attracts investment of more than Rs 79,450 crore, representing a significant milestone in India's energy and petrochemical sector.

Represents a significant milestone in India's energy and petrochemical sector,

Petrochemical yields are expected to exceed 26%, “aligning with global benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability,” the statement said