Category: Current Affairs

Context: India’s semiconductor mission, launched in 2021 with a significant investment of INR 76,000 crore, aims to build a robust semiconductor and display ecosystem. This initiative addresses the global semiconductor shortage and aims to reduce supply chain disruptions.  India’s Chemical Industry and Semiconductor Ecosystem:  Current State of India’s Chemical Industry:  India’s chemical industry is the…

Context: Assam, a key gateway to India’s North-East, experiences recurrent floods with significant socio-economic and nutritional impacts, especially on vulnerable groups. Over 39.58% of Assam’s land area is flood-prone, nearly four times higher than the national average. Impact on Food Production and Livelihoods Annual floods disrupt food production, supply chains, and livelihoods, leading to food…

Context: A review paper published in Nature outlines the significant health risks posed to children by climate change and biodiversity loss, emphasising their interconnected impact. Declining Biodiversity and its Climate Implications: Biodiversity has declined by 69% globally since 1970, affecting climate dynamics and disproportionately impacting children’s health. Impact on Microbial Diversity and Immune Systems: Loss…

Context: Fisheries extension services play a vital role in bridging the gap between scientific advancements and practical fish farming practices. India’s Fisheries Sector: India has diverse fisheries resources, providing livelihoods to around three crore fishers and fish farmers. National fish production has increased by 83% since 2013-14, reaching a record 175 lakh tons in 2022-23.…

Context: The emergence of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) terrorism as a global threat has intensified since the late 20th century, driven by non-state actors.  Notable incidents, such as the 1995 Tokyo sarin gas attack and the 2001 anthrax attacks, highlight civilian vulnerabilities and the devastating potential of CBRN terrorism. Historical Incidents of CBRN…

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constituted an eight-member expert committee to develop a framework for the responsible and ethical enablement of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector.  More on News Dubbed the Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of AI (FREE-AI), the initiative underscores RBI’s commitment to balancing innovation with ethical…

Context: In 1987, when India had only 10.5 judges per million people, the 120th Law Commission recommended increasing this figure to 50 judges per million. Four decades later, the country still lags behind, with just 21 judges per million.  The Unfulfilled Mandate In 2002, the Supreme Court, in All India Judges Association vs. Union of…

Context: India’s vast and densely populated coastal regions are facing an escalating threat from rising sea levels, driven by climate change. This phenomenon is not just an environmental issue but a socio-economic and humanitarian crisis that demands urgent attention. Causes of SLR:                                                      Thermal Expansion: Oceans absorb heat from a warming atmosphere, causing seawater to expand.…

Context: The Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan is a newly launched initiative by Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at combating malnutrition and promoting health in rural areas of India.  More on News: It was officially inaugurated on Veer Bal Diwas, celebrated on December 26, 2024, which commemorates the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh…

Context: India’s IT sector, contributing over 7% to the country’s GDP, is one of the fastest-growing industries and a global leader in software exports. More on News Its high-paying, performance-driven jobs make it a preferred career destination for millions of Indian youth.  Often celebrated as a symbol of skill-based meritocracy and inclusivity, the sector claims…

Context: The Centre on December 20 amended the Conduct of Election Rules to restrict access for the public to a section of poll documents. This was done by the Union Law Ministry following a recommendation from the Election Commission (EC). Amendment to Rule 93(2)(a): Key Changes:  Before the Amendment: Rule 93(2)(a) stated: “All other papers…

Context: In 2024, the world effectively abandoned efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C, a key goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement. Ironically, this year also saw the annual global temperature exceed the 1.5°C threshold for the first time.  Key Indicators of Climate Change and Its Impact: Temperature Breaches and Historical Records 2024: The Warmest…

Context: The current fiscal is set to witness robust growth in the “agriculture and allied activities” sector, thanks to a strong southwest monsoon and expanded kharif crop acreage.  More on News The government’s second-quarter estimate of 3.5% growth — the highest in five quarters — signals this upswing. Beyond immediate gains, adequate rainfall replenishes reservoirs…