UPSC Current Affairs
Bihar Approves Green Hydrogen Policy 2026 Aligned with National Mission
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Bihar Approves Green Hydrogen Policy 2026 Aligned with National Mission
The Bihar Cabinet has approved the Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy, 2026, aimed at promoting renewable energy production and reducing dependence on imported natural gas. The policy aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission 2023 to lower carbon emissions and attract clean energy investments. It provides financial incentives for setting up production units and developing supporting infrastructure across the state.
IN-SPACe Issues Authorization Guidelines for Hosted Space Payloads
The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) released comprehensive guidelines for Indian and foreign entities operating hosted payloads on satellites. The rules cover authorization procedures, security protocols, International Telecommunication Union (ITU) spectrum filings, and regulatory compliance. This initiative aims to streamline private sector participation in satellite operations while ensuring national security.
Southwest Monsoon Concludes with 12 Percent Rainfall Deficit
India recorded a 12 percent rainfall deficit at the conclusion of the southwest monsoon season, marking the lowest rainfall level since 2015. East and northeast regions experienced their driest monsoon since 1901, while the southern peninsula logged its fourth driest season on record. The India Meteorological Department expects October to remain hotter and drier than normal across most regions of the country.
India Holds Defence Dialogue with Myanmar in Northeast India
The third edition of the India-Myanmar defence dialogue is scheduled to take place in Guwahati, Assam, focusing on cross-border security challenges. Hosting the talks in Northeast India highlights India's strategic priority on securing its eastern borders and checking insurgent activities. The discussions will cover joint border monitoring, intelligence sharing, and maintaining regional stability.
Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre and RBI on Zero-MDR Policy
The Supreme Court issued notices to the Union Government, the Reserve Bank of India, and NPCI regarding a petition challenging the zero Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) policy on UPI transactions. The court questioned whether waiving merchant fees amounts to expropriation without reasonable compensation or an unconstitutional tax levy. While refusing an interim stay, the court agreed to examine the regulatory framework governing digital payment costs.
Cabinet Approves Higher Minimum Support Prices for Rabi Crops
The Union Cabinet approved an increase in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Rabi crops for the 2027-28 marketing season. Safflower saw the highest percentage increase at 10.3 percent, taking its MSP to 7,215 rupees per quintal. The decision aims to ensure remunerative prices for growers and encourage crop diversification toward oilseeds and pulses.
NGO Raises Concerns Over Low Homeless Voter Enrolment in Delhi
A civil society organization wrote to the Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi, pointing out that only 747 enrolment applications were received from homeless citizens during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive. Estimates suggest Delhi has over 10,000 homeless voters, raising concerns about systemic barriers in voter registration for marginalized populations. The NGO urged electoral authorities to simplify address verification protocols to ensure universal adult suffrage.
Japan Creates National Intelligence Agency to Counter Foreign Operations
Japan has formally established its first centralized national intelligence agency aimed at enhancing foreign intelligence gathering and counter-espionage capabilities. The overhaul comes after growing domestic concerns that foreign powers have used Japanese territory for covert operations without adequate oversight. The agency will streamline intelligence coordination among domestic departments and strengthen cooperation with international partners.
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