UPSC Current Affairs
India's R&D Shift, Floating Solar Push, and Judicial Mandates on War Victims
12 stories · about 4 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana for Floating Solar
The Union Cabinet has approved a new scheme to promote floating solar plants on water bodies across India. The project aims to install 5,000 MW of capacity by 2030-31, helping to preserve land resources while generating clean energy and reducing water evaporation from reservoirs.
Private Sector Overtakes Government in India’s R&D Spending
For the first time since 2010, India’s R&D spending has crossed 0.8% of GDP. Data reveals a structural shift where private industry contributed 51.8% of national research spending in 2023-24, surpassing the collective contribution of central and state governments.
Supreme Court Mandates DNA Testing for Indians Killed in Ukraine
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to facilitate DNA testing to identify the mortal remains of Indian nationals killed during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The court also ordered the Ministry of External Affairs to provide legal aid to families for pursuing compensation claims.
Pygmy Hog Recommended for Critically Endangered List
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended adding the pygmy hog to the list of critically endangered species. This move aims to provide the highest level of legal protection and dedicated conservation funding for the world's smallest wild pig, native to Himalayan foothills.
Extension of PM-Kisan Scheme and New Allocations
The Central Government has extended the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme for another four years with an allocation of 3.15 lakh crore rupees. Since its inception in 2019, the scheme has utilized Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to send 4.47 lakh crore rupees directly to farmers' accounts.
Understanding the Formation of Blue Straggler Stars
Indian astronomers have discovered new insights into the formation of Blue Straggler Stars, which appear younger and hotter than other stars in their clusters. The research indicates these stars are formed through mass transfer in binary systems rather than simple collisions.
Launch of Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool
The Finance Ministry has launched the Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance product under the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool. This indigenous product aims to provide liability cover for Indian ship owners, reducing dependence on international P&I clubs and saving foreign exchange.
Government Questions Meta on Algorithmic Bias
The Ministry of Electronics and IT has summoned Meta executives to discuss concerns regarding algorithmic bias and its impact on public order. The move follows the brief restriction of a post by the Prime Minister regarding paper leaks, raising questions about platform neutrality.
Metabolic Health Crisis Among Indian Adolescents
A 17-year comparative study in Chennai has revealed a sharp rise in prediabetes and obesity among school-going adolescents. The findings show worsening lipid profiles and fasting glucose levels, indicating a high future risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes in urban India.
Supreme Court Warning on Post-Facto Environmental Clearances
In a recent editorial discussion on a Supreme Court ruling, it was clarified that judicial approval for post-facto environmental clearances should not be treated as a general amnesty for violators. The court emphasized that environmental regulations must be strictly followed before projects commence to prevent ecological damage.
Unusual Diplomatic Meeting in Dhaka
In a rare diplomatic move, India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh met with the U.S. Ambassador to India in Dhaka. While the Ministry of External Affairs remained silent on the agenda, experts believe it signifies deep strategic coordination regarding regional security and political stability in South Asia.
Impact of E20 Fuel on Indian Vehicles
As India pushes for 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20), experts have flagged concerns regarding fuel efficiency and engine wear. While newer vehicles are E20 compliant, older models face risks of corrosion in fuel systems and rubber components due to the corrosive nature of ethanol.
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