Why in the News? ● EFC Approval: The Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) has cleared a proposal of ₹1.25 lakh crore for India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 2.0, marking a special intensive revision of the original semiconductor policy framework. ● Higher Allocation: The proposed outlay is about 64% higher than the ₹76,000 crore allocated under ISM 1.0,…
Why in the News? ● Policy Implemented: Delhi EV Policy 2.0 came into effect from 1 July 2026, replacing the earlier 2020 policy. ● New Subsidy Process: EV owners must now apply online for subsidies within 30 days of vehicle registration through a dedicated government portal. ● Long-term Roadmap: The policy aims to accelerate EV…
Why in the News? ● Unique Discovery: Researchers in Ukraine found bird nests woven with discarded fibre-optic cables from military drones near the Russia–Ukraine front line. ● Environmental Concern: The discovery highlights how prolonged armed conflicts are altering natural ecosystems and wildlife behaviour. ● Scientific Study: The nests will be analysed to understand the ecological…
Why in the News? ● Government Clarification: The Union Law Ministry clarified that the Attorney General never described the E20 Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme as an “ongoing experiment” before the Supreme Court. ● Supreme Court Case: The clarification came during litigation concerning ethanol allocation to Dedicated Ethanol Plants and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). ● Status…
Why in the News? ● Passport Issue: Journalist R. Rajagopal allegedly faced delays in passport renewal after his name was deleted from the electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal, raising concerns about voter disenfranchisement. ● Supreme Court Context: The issue has reignited debate on whether deletion from electoral rolls can…
Why in the News ? The suspension of Brazil’s Butantan-DV dengue vaccine after reports of severe adverse events and two deaths has raised concerns about the safety of India’s upcoming DengiAll vaccine, as both are based on similar vaccine technology. This development highlights the importance of the precautionary principle in vaccine deployment. Concerns Over India’s…
Why in the News ? A recent study published in the journal Science has produced the first global map of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, revealing their enormous underground networks and highlighting their critical role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. This comprehensive environmental impact assessment of fungal ecosystems underscores their importance in…
Why in the News ? The 52nd G7 Summit has commenced in France, with India participating as an Outreach Partner Country for the 13th time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend outreach sessions, highlighting India’s growing role in global governance, environmental democracy, and international diplomacy. India’s Participation and Strategic Significance: ● The 52nd G7 Summit…
Why in the News ? The Union Government has exempted higher ethanol-petrol blends (E22–E30) from central excise duty and proposed rules for E85 and E100 fuels, signaling India’s move beyond E20 fuel to reduce crude oil imports and strengthen energy security while promoting a pollution free environment. India’s Ethanol Roadmap and Strategic Objectives: ● The…
Why in the News ? The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced detailed Codes of Practice for Siddha therapies such as Pugai and Poti Timirtal, mandating patient screening, informed consent, treatment documentation, and adverse-event reporting to improve safety and standardization in traditional healthcare. BIS Introduces New Safety Standards for Siddha: ● BIS has issued…