5th APRIL-DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

5th APRIL-DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

1National Maritime Day-5th April

vTheme “Maritime India – Empowering Progress,” it focuses on sustainability, economic growth, and strengthening India's position in global shipping

vHistory :

National Maritime Day was first celebrated on April 5, 1964, to recognize India’s entry into international shipping with the SS Loyalty, the first Indian-owned ship operated by The Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd.

vOver 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value is conducted via sea routes. With over 7,500 km of coastline and 12 major ports

Government Initiatives for Maritime Development

v1. Maritime India Vision 2030-A comprehensive plan to modernize port infrastructure, shipbuilding, and digitalization in the shipping industry.

v2. Sagarmala Programme(2015) - A project focused on port-led development

vMaritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047

vIndian Ports Act, 2025: Mandates adherence to global green norms, and introduces robust pollution control and disaster readiness measures to promote sustainability and eco- friendly port practices.

vHarit Nauka (Green Vessel) Initiative: Launched to promote adoption of greener technologies in inland waterway vessels

vMARPOL is theinternational convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes

2.Aditya-L1 Mission

Why in news?

(ISRO) has opened a fresh opportunity for scientists to tap into data from its solar mission, inviting proposals from Indian researchers to study observations generated by the Aditya-L1 spacecraft.

vAditya-L1 is India’s first dedicated solar observation mission, launched to study the Sun’s outer layers and space weather.

vIt was launched on September 2, 2023

vLaunch Vehicle: PSLV-C57 (PSLV-XL)

vIt is placed at the Lagrange Point 1 (L1), about 1.5 million km from Earth.

vFrom this position, it gets a continuous and uninterrupted view of the Sun

vThe spacecraft carries seven scientific payloads

Aditya-L1 helps scientists study:

vSolar flares

vCoronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)

vSolar wind and magnetic storms

Parker Solar Probe - NASA

vThe Parker Solar Probe is NASA’s premier mission to study the Sun, launched in 2018 to "touch" the sun by flying directly through its outer atmosphere, the corona

SunRISE mission-NASA

vThe mission will observe low radio frequency emissions so scientists can understand better how the Sun is able to generate intense space weather storms – known as solar particle storms

3. E20 petrol -Ethanol Blending

vIndia has implemented E20 petrol nationwide from April 1, 2026, blending 20% ethanol with petrol to promote clean and sustainable mobility. Introduced under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

vachieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol in 2025 under the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP).

vEthanol has the chemical formula C2H5OH.

vThis move aims to reduce carbon emissions, cut oil imports, and enhance energy security.

vWhile new vehicles are E20-compatible, older vehicles may see a slight drop in mileage and performance. The initiative strengthens India’s ethanol blending programme and environmental goals.

vPM JI-VAN YOJANA- promote blending of ethanol in petrol.

4."Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament" -Book published by Sudha moorthy

vThis was unveiled by C. P. Radhakrishnan, showcasing India’s civilizational journey through 124 Parliament murals.

vThe book blends art, history, and cultural heritage, covering periods from the Indus Valley Civilization to the freedom struggle.

vIt highlif Democracy’ and presents history in an engaging, visual narrative, making it accessible and insightful for readers across generations.

ØThe Sage Who Reimagined Hinduism: Authored by Dr. Shashi Tharoor

ØAge of Enlightenment: Mahatma Gandhi's Vision: Released at the Harijan Sevak Sangh

ØAtal Bihari Vajpayee: The Eternal Statesman: A coffee table book authored by Shri Vijay Goel

5Bhavasagara” Referral Centre as a National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna

v Bhavasagara @ kochi

vunder the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

v It establishes the Centre as a critical national facility for the preservation, study, and documentation of India’s vast deep-sea biological heritage.

v It is a definitive step toward strengthening India’s blue economy and marine biodiversity framework.

vFor achieving the goals of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).

vSDG 14 commits States “to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

6. NCERT institutions has been granted as Deemed University status

v The Ministry of Education, on the advice of the University Grants Commission (UGC),gave the status to NCERT

v The status covers NCERT and its six constituent units, including the Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs) in Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru, and Shillong, as well as the Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education in Bhopal.

v NCERT was established in 1961 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education

v the Ministry has said that the NCERT shall take appropriate steps to begin research programmes, doctoral programmes and innovative academic programmes

7. Namo Drone Didi Yojana

Why in news?

v Karnataka has emerged as the leading state in training women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as drone pilots under the Namo Drone Didi Yojana (NDDY).

v It is a central sector scheme for women SHGs.

v It aims to distribute 15,000 drones between

2024–25 and 2025–26.

v Government provides 80% subsidy up to ₹8 lakh.

v Training includes drone piloting and agricultural spraying techniques.

v It is under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).