UPSC Prelims Facts - 30 April 2025 - Gokulam Seek IAS Academy

Table of Contents

Cholistan Desert

Pakistan halting the Cholistan Canal project, part of the Green Pakistan Initiative, after protests

Located in southern Punjab, Pakistan, part of the Greater Thar Desert, extending into Sindh and Rajasthan, India.
Historically significant for caravan trade, leading to the construction of forts like Derawar Fort.
Arid and semi-arid tropical desert climate, with natural pools (Toba) and manmade pools (Kund) as water sources.
The Hakra River, believed to be part of the ancient Saraswati-Ghaggar river system, once supported human settlements.

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying awarded the first ever Aqua Insurance

Aquaculture Crop Insurance introduced under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to mitigate risks for aqua farmers.
Covers shrimp and fish farming on a pilot basis in states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.
Aims to protect farmers from losses due to diseases, adverse weather, and water quality issues.
National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) is the nodal agency for implementation.
Supports India’s Blue Revolution, promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

ISRO has shortlisted 7 microgravity research experiments for the Axiom-4 mission

4^th private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), operated by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla selected for the mission, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after four decades.
Focuses on scientific research, international collaboration, and commercial spaceflight.
Crew includes astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary, reflecting global participation in space exploration.
Supports India’s Gaganyaan mission, enhancing ISRO’s expertise in human spaceflight

India is considering restrictions on GM Alfalfa imports, as the US pushes for reduced import duties.

Forage crop, also known as Lucerne, widely used as fodder for livestock due to its high protein and mineral content.
Plays a crucial role in nitrogen fixation, improving soil fertility and reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.
Functions as green manure, promoting sustainable farming and carbon sequestration.
Leguminous plant, forming symbiotic relationships with Rhizobium bacteria, enhancing soil health

Ministry of External Affairs clarified that LTVs for Hindu Pakistani nationals remain valid despite visa suspension.

Special visa category issued for foreign nationals seeking extended stay in India.
Includes e-student visa, allowing international students to pursue higher education in India.
Study in India (SII) portal facilitates admissions for foreign students in Indian universities.
H1B and L1 visas are relevant for Indian professionals working in the US, with specific eligibility criteria.
Long-term visas are issued for up to five years, depending on course duration or employment status