13 April 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

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Nari Shakti Reforms in India

Context

India’s women empowerment strategy has shifted from a welfare-based approach to structural transformation, placing women at the centre of development policy.

Key Pillars of Nari Shakti Reform

1. Financial Inclusion

• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana : 57+ crore bank accounts; ~55% held by women, Enables access to savings, credit, and DBT benefits

2. SHG Revolution

• 10 crore women linked to 90 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
• Promotes: Grassroots entrepreneurship, Community-based financial systems, Women-led local economies

3. Clean Energy Access

• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Covers 10.5+ crore households
• Reduces: Indoor air pollution, Health risks, Time burden (fuel collection)

4. Credit & Entrepreneurship

• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana: ~70% of loans go to women, boosts Micro-enterprises and Financial independence

5. Workforce Participation

• Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR): ~37% indicates gradual recovery after previous decline

6. Political Empowerment

• Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam: Provides 33% reservation in Parliament and State Assemblies

Challenges in Nari Shakti Reforms

1. Awareness Gap

• Limited knowledge of schemes → underutilisation

2. Low Workforce Participation

• FLFPR still below global averages
• Barriers: Social norms, Safety concerns, Informal employment

3. Uneven Inclusion

• Marginalised women (rural, SC/ST, minorities) face access barriers

4. Output vs Outcome Issue

• Focus on Number of beneficiaries (coverage)
• Less focus on Actual empowerment and Income, autonomy, quality of life

5. Leadership & Representation Gap

• Women hold only ~13.6% seats in Lok Sabha
• Patriarchal norms limit: Decision-making roles and Political participation

Significance of Nari Shakti Reforms

• Drives inclusive growth & social justice
• Enhances economic productivity
• Strengthens democratic representation
• Aligns with SDG 5 (Gender Equality)

Iran to Levy Transit Fees in the Strait of Hormuz

Context

Iran is planning to impose transit fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, raising serious legal and geopolitical concerns.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz Important?

• One of the world’s most critical oil chokepoints
• Handles ~20–30% of global oil trade
• Connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea
• Key for energy security of countries like India, China, Japan

Iran’s Proposal

• Transit Fee: Up to $2 million per vessel, or $1 per barrel of oil transported
• Justification: Claims wartime conditions override international law and Seeks compensation for security provision in the strait

International Legal Framework (UNCLOS)

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea Rules

• No Transit Charges Allowed: Coastal states cannot levy fees for mere passage through international straits
• Exception: Service-Based Charges, Fees allowed only for specific services: Pilotage and Towing
• Non-Discrimination: Charges must apply equally to all ships
• Free Transit Passage: Ships enjoy uninterrupted movement through natural straits

Key Opposition

• ???????? Oman’s Stand: Rejects Iran’s proposal, Emphasises binding international agreements

Special Case: Artificial Canals

• ???? Unlike natural straits: Suez Canal, Panama Canal
• These can charge tolls because they are man-made infrastructure

Implications

1. Global Energy Security

• Increased shipping costs → higher oil prices
• Impacts import-dependent countries like India

2. Legal Dispute

• Challenges UNCLOS principles
• May trigger international arbitration or tensions

3. Geopolitical Tensions

• Linked to ongoing West Asia conflicts
• Could escalate naval or economic confrontation

Karnataka Leads in Namo Drone Didi Yojana

Context

Karnataka has emerged as the top-performing state under the Namo Drone Didi Yojana, with 145 SHG women trained as drone pilots, highlighting progress in women-led agri-tech empowerment.

About Namo Drone Didi Yojana (NDDY)

• Central Sector Scheme
• Objective: Empower rural women through agricultural drone services
• Targets Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under DAY-NRLM

Key Features

1. Drone Distribution

• Target: 15,000 drones for SHGs
• Enables Crop spraying, Fertiliser application, Precision farming

2. Financial Support

• 80% subsidy (up to ₹8 lakh) by Government
• Remaining 20% via loans under Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
• Interest subvention: 3%

3. Skill Development

• 15-day training programme: 5 days → Drone pilot certification, 10 days → Agricultural applications
• Dual Training Model: One Drone Pilot + One Drone Assistant (maintenance & repair)

4. Institutional Framework

• Implementing Agencies: Lead Fertiliser Companies (LFCs)
• Nodal Authority: Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

Significance

1. Women Empowerment

• Converts SHG women into tech-enabled entrepreneurs enhances income & decision-making power

2. Agricultural Modernisation

• Promotes precision farming, Reduces input costs & improves efficiency

3. Rural Employment

• Creates new roles in Drone services, Maintenance ecosystem, Agri-tech startups

4. Digital & Tech Inclusion

• Integrates rural India with Drone technology and Smart agriculture

Challenges

• High maintenance costs
• Limited rural digital infrastructure
• Need for continuous skill upgradation
• Farmer awareness & adoption barriers

India to Halt New HFC Production Clearances

Context

India has decided to stop granting environmental clearances for new or expanded Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) production after December 31, 2027, aligning with global climate commitments.

What are Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?

• Synthetic greenhouse gases used in: Air conditioners, Refrigerators, Cooling & foam industries
• Introduced as replacements for ozone-depleting substances like CFCs

Key Characteristics

• Ozone-friendly (do not harm ozone layer)
• High Global Warming Potential (GWP) → major climate concern

Global Regulatory Framework

1. Kigali Amendment

• Adopted under the Montreal Protocol (2016, Rwanda)
• Objective: Phase-down HFCs to reduce global warming
• Legally binding with differentiated responsibilities

2. India’s Commitments

• ???????? Ratified in 2021
• Freeze HFC consumption: 2028
• Reduce by 85%: By 2047
• Implementation via amendments to Ozone Depleting Substances Rules, 2000

3. Policy Decision: Key Highlights

• No new HFC production approvals after 2027
• Aligns domestic policy with global phase-down targets
• Affects cooling, refrigeration, and manufacturing industries

Why Phase Down HFCs?

• Extremely high global warming potential (hundreds to thousands of times CO₂)
• Rapid growth due to rising demand for cooling (especially in developing countries)
• Significant contributor to future climate change if unchecked

Alternatives to HFCs

• Low-GWP refrigerants: Hydrocarbons (propane, isobutane), Ammonia, CO₂-based systems
• These are more climate-friendly and sustainable

Significance of the Move

1. Climate Action

• Supports India’s climate commitments (NDCs), Reduces long-term warming impact

2. Policy Alignment

• Synchronises domestic law with global frameworks

3. Industrial Transition

• Encourages shift to green cooling technologies, Promotes innovation in sustainable refrigerants

Challenges

• High transition costs for industries
• Need for new infrastructure & technology
• Skill gaps in handling alternative refrigerants
• Managing demand for cooling in a warming climate

Qeshm Island

Context

Airstrikes Hit Qeshm Island, Damaging Key Desalination Infrastructure Amid US–Iran–Israel Conflict, Raising Concerns Over Regional Water Security.

Location & Geography

• Qeshm Island is largest island in Persian Gulf.
• Located near entrance of Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.
• Separated from mainland Iran by Clarence Strait (Khuran Strait).

Strategic Importance

• Hosts Underground “missile cities”, Naval bases of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
• Its proximity to Strait of Hormuz makes it crucial for Maritime control, Energy security, Regional military operations

Geological Significance

• Recognised as an “open-air geological museum”
• Features: Namakdan Salt Cave (one of the world’s longest salt caves), Hara forests (mangrove ecosystem)
• Contains a UNESCO Global Geopark

Cultural Importance

• Inhabited by Bandari people (coastal communities of southern Iran).
• Known for Traditional Lenj wooden boat-building, Recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage

Project Glasswing: AI for Cybersecurity

Context

• Launched by Anthropic to enhance cybersecurity using advanced AI systems.

Key Features

• Global Collaboration: Involves major tech firms: Amazon Web Services, Apple, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA
• Core Technology: Uses Claude Mythos Preview (advanced AI model), Capabilities: Detect hidden software vulnerabilities, Identify long-standing security flaws, Suggest or implement fixes in real time
• Target Sectors: Banking, Healthcare, Telecom
• Restricted Access: Available only to selected partners,Controlled deployment due to Risk of misuse in offensive cyber operations

Why It Matters

• Shift in Cybersecurity Paradigm: Moves from Reactive (signature-based detection) to Proactive (continuous AI-driven monitoring)
• Discovery of Hidden Risks: Identified Decade-old vulnerabilities in OS & browsers, Highlights limits of traditional security systems
• Strategic Significance: Strengthens global cyber resilience, Positions AI as a defensive tool, but also a dual-use technology (risk + opportunity)

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