14.08.25 Current Affairs

One Liner Current Affairs

National Affairs

• National Cooperative Policy Revision – The government announced amendments to strengthen multi-state cooperatives, aiming to improve transparency and professional management practices.
• Digital Agriculture Mission Expansion – Satellite and AI-based crop mapping will be extended to 100 districts for better yield prediction and subsidy targeting.
• PM Jan Arogya Yojana upgrades – The scheme now includes coverage for specific costly non-communicable disease treatments like advanced cancer therapies.
• Indigenous Defence Procurement Push – Ministries mandated to prioritise locally developed equipment for all future acquisitions.
• Northeast Border Road Expansion – Strategic roads along the Arunachal–China border to be fast-tracked for both defence and trade facilitation.
• National Medical Devices Export Hub – Gujarat selected as the pilot site to develop world-class infrastructure for med-tech manufacturing.
• Urban Transport Electric Bus Initiative – Funding to states to replace old diesel fleets with electric buses under the PM-eBus Sewa scheme.
• National Skill Development Target for FY26 – Government aims to train 1.5 crore youth in AI, robotics, and green technology domains.
• Smart City Data Integration – All 100 Smart Cities to link real-time traffic, water supply, and crime monitoring systems into a single dashboard.
• National River Interlinking Progress – Ken–Betwa project reaches major milestone with 60% of canal excavation completed.

International Relations

• India–EU Free Trade Negotiations – Key progress made on renewable energy cooperation clauses, likely to be a game-changer for green investments.
• India–Russia Energy Talks – Discussions on increasing LNG imports despite Western sanctions, highlighting India’s balancing in energy diplomacy.
• Maldives Infrastructure Projects – India-funded airport and housing projects progressing, countering Chinese influence.
• BRICS Digital Currency Proposal – India remains cautious but open to feasibility studies for cross-border settlements.
• India–Bangladesh Border Security Meet – Agreement to increase joint patrols against cattle smuggling and illegal migration.
• G20 Global Biofuel Alliance – India promotes its ethanol blending model to member nations.
• India–US Space Cooperation – Plans for joint earth observation satellite to track climate change.
• Indo-Pacific Maritime Exercise – Multi-nation drill to improve anti-piracy coordination.
• Nepal Hydropower Agreement – India to buy 10,000 MW of electricity over 10 years, aiding Nepal’s economy.
• Japan–India Tech Partnership – Focus on semiconductor R&D and supply chain diversification.

Environment and Climate

• National Green Hydrogen Mission Update – First pilot projects blending hydrogen into city gas networks launched.
• Mangrove Restoration Fund – ₹1,200 crore allocated for coastal states to expand mangrove cover by 20% in 5 years.
• Himalayan Landslide Mapping – ISRO releases high-risk zone maps for Uttarakhand and Himachal to guide infrastructure planning.
• Urban Cooling Challenge – Cities invited to design low-cost, passive cooling solutions for heat-prone areas.
• India’s Long-Term Low Emissions Plan – Submitted to UNFCCC, focusing on renewables, electric mobility, and green steel.
• Wetland Protection Rules Update – Expands the definition to include man-made lakes critical for biodiversity.
• Desertification Combat Drive – Rajasthan launches a massive reforestation plan using native drought-resistant species.
• Blue Carbon Credit Mechanism – India begins methodology development to monetise carbon stored in marine ecosystems.
• Ganga River Dolphin Census – Early results show stable population trends in certain stretches.
• Plastic Waste Export Ban – Restricts export of mixed plastic waste to promote domestic recycling.

Science and Technology

• ISRO Reusable Launch Vehicle Test – Successful autonomous landing brings India closer to cost-effective space missions.
• Indigenous Quantum Processor – Developed by IISc in collaboration with CDAC, boosting self-reliance in quantum computing.
• BARC Small Modular Reactor Design – Targets decentralised, low-carbon power generation for industrial hubs.
• AI Model for Predicting Vector-Borne Diseases – Integrates climate and health data to forecast dengue and malaria outbreaks.
• Underwater Robotics for Ship Inspection – Indian startups develop drones to assess hull damage without dry docking.
• National Cybersecurity Simulation – First pan-India exercise tests critical infrastructure against coordinated cyberattacks.
• 3D Printing of Rocket Engines – Reduces manufacturing time by 70%, enabling rapid prototyping for ISRO launches.
• High-Altitude Solar Power Plant – DRDO tests panels optimised for extreme cold and low oxygen levels.
• AI-Powered Disaster Response Drones – Capable of delivering supplies and mapping damage in inaccessible areas.
• Blockchain in Land Records – Karnataka pilot shows improved transparency and reduced disputes.

Governance and Public Policy

• Labour Code Implementation Roadmap – States given timeline to adopt uniform wage and social security rules.
• Digital Health Mission Data Privacy Rules – Stronger safeguards introduced for patient records under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
• National Electric Bus Policy – Central funding tied to operational performance and emission reduction metrics.
• E-Court Services Expansion – Lower courts to adopt virtual hearings to clear backlog.
• PM-KUSUM Scheme Extension – Supports solarisation of agricultural pumps till 2027.
• Public Procurement Reforms – New guidelines to give 25% preference to MSMEs.
• Anti-Corruption Lokpal Drive – Special monitoring cells set up for faster investigation of public grievances.
• Water Governance Framework – Push for integrated river basin management across states.
• Urban Slum Upgradation Policy – Incentives for private builders to redevelop informal settlements with affordable housing.
• National Electric Freight Corridor Plan – Freight rail lines to be fully electrified by 2035.

Economy and Finance

• GST Revenue Growth – July collections at record high due to compliance improvements.
• RBI Digital Rupee Trials – Expanded to interbank settlements, paving the way for full-scale rollout.
• FDI Inflows into Manufacturing – Electronics and chemicals see highest growth due to PLI schemes.
• New Agri-Export Policy Draft – Focus on high-value crops and global branding.
• Stock Market Record High – Driven by foreign institutional investor inflows.
• National Logistics Policy Gains – Reduction in average freight cost from 14% to 12% of GDP.
• Gold Import Duty Cut – Aims to curb smuggling and stabilise prices.
• Green Bond Issuance Surge – Financing renewable energy projects nationwide.
• Affordable Housing Credit Push – Lower interest rates on loans under PMAY.
• India–UAE Rupee-Dirham Settlement – Reduces forex risk for traders.

Social and Cultural Issues

• Women in Maritime Jobs – Training programme launched to increase female workforce in shipping.
• Cultural Mapping of Villages – Ministry of Culture to digitally document folk traditions.
• Affordable Menstrual Hygiene Initiative – Government to distribute biodegradable sanitary pads in rural schools.
• Community Libraries in Aspirational Districts – Boost literacy and digital access.
• Heritage Skill Training for Youth – Linking artisanship to tourism opportunities.
• Sports Talent ID in Tribal Areas – Expands scouting for athletics and archery.
• Nutrition Drive in Urban Slums – Combines fortified foods with health check-ups.
• Inclusive Education Policy – Schools to adopt accessibility guidelines for disabled students.
• Traditional Medicine Awareness – Campaign to integrate AYUSH practices into public health.
• Oral Literature Preservation – Recording indigenous storytelling traditions.

Defence and Strategic Affairs

• Indigenous Missile Test – New surface-to-air missile variant boosts medium-range air defence.
• Joint Indo–France Naval Exercise – Focused on anti-submarine warfare drills.
• DRDO Lightweight Armour – Developed for quicker troop mobility in mountainous terrain.
• Defence Export Target for FY26 – Set at ₹25,000 crore, with Africa and SE Asia as main markets.
• Cyber Defence Command Upgrade – Adds AI tools to detect and neutralise threats.
• Maritime Surveillance Drones – Deployed along western coast for 24/7 monitoring.
• Tri-Services Logistics Hub in Andamans – Supports operations across Indo-Pacific.
• Special Forces Arctic Training – In preparation for potential polar deployments.
• Indigenous Submarine Component Production – Reduces dependence on imports.
• Joint Defence Startup Challenge – Encourages AI and robotics solutions for battlefield needs.

Art and Culture

• Ajanta Caves Digital Archive – High-resolution scans for global researchers.
• Temple Conservation in Odisha – Public-private partnership to restore 12th-century sites.
• GI Tag for Banaras Metal Crafts – Protects artisanal heritage and boosts exports.
• Sanskrit Manuscript Digitisation – Preserves rare philosophical texts.
• UNESCO Nomination for Sikkim Monastery – Recognises cultural and architectural significance.
• Heritage Week Celebrations – Promote public participation in conservation.
• Revival of Classical Dance in Schools – Integrates Kathak and Bharatanatyam into curriculum.
• Indo–Japan Heritage Exchange – Joint exhibitions on maritime cultural links.
• Ancient Coin Collection Exhibition – Displays trade and economic history.
• Folk Music Festival in Northeast – Showcases indigenous traditions.

Infrastructure

• National Highway Upgradation – 1,200 km completed under Bharatmala Phase-II.
• Mumbai Coastal Road Phase-I – Opens to ease urban congestion.
• Rural Drinking Water Projects – 15,000 villages connected to piped supply.
• New Freight Rail Corridors – Enhance goods movement between ports and industrial zones.
• Expansion of Metro Rail in Tier-2 Cities – Approved for Surat, Patna, and Coimbatore.
• Renewable Energy Parks in Rajasthan – Largest solar-wind hybrid park under development.
• Airport Terminal in Ayodhya – Designed to handle religious tourism surge.
• Ganga Inland Waterway Facilities – Boost cargo transport efficiency.
• Housing for Border Villages – Strengthens settlement in strategic areas.
• BharatNet Last-Mile Connectivity – Wi-Fi hotspots in remote hamlets.

Geography

• Arunachal Border Roads – Located in high-altitude terrain with landslide risks.
• Rajasthan Desert Reforestation Sites – Combat soil erosion.
• Sundarbans Mangrove Expansion – Coastal protection and biodiversity gains.
• Himalayan Landslide Zones – New ISRO maps identify vulnerability clusters.
• Lakshadweep Coral Health Study – Monitors bleaching due to warming seas.
• Ken–Betwa Canal Route – Passes through drought-prone Bundelkhand.
• Ayodhya Airport Location – Strategic in linking eastern UP.
• Mumbai Coastal Road Alignment – Runs parallel to Arabian Sea coast.
• Nepal Hydropower Projects – Located in high-flow Himalayan rivers.
• Andaman Logistics Hub – Supports Indo-Pacific maritime positioning.

Places in the News

• Gujarat – Medical devices export hub.
• Arunachal Pradesh – Border road expansion.
• Ayodhya – New airport terminal.
• Bundelkhand – Ken–Betwa project progress.
• Mumbai – Coastal road opening.
• Lakshadweep – Coral monitoring project.
• Nepal – Hydropower export agreement.
• Rajasthan – Desert reforestation drive.
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands – Logistics hub creation.
• Odisha – Temple conservation projects.

History and Heritage

• Ajanta Cave Digitalisation – Ensures preservation against physical deterioration.
• Banaras Metal Craft GI Tag – Safeguards centuries-old artisanal techniques.
• Odisha Temple Restoration – Protects medieval Kalinga architecture.
• Sikkim Monastery UNESCO Nomination – Elevates global recognition.
• Ancient Coin Exhibitions – Educate public on early trade networks.
• Sanskrit Manuscript Preservation – Saves rare philosophical treatises.
• Heritage Week Events – Encourage citizen conservation initiatives.
• Classical Dance School Integration – Keeps traditions alive for younger generations.
• Indo–Japan Maritime Heritage Exhibitions – Highlights trade and cultural links.
• Folk Music Festival – Sustains oral traditions of Northeast communities.

U.S. tariff hikes on Indian goods

Context: In response to the recent U.S. tariff hikes on Indian goods, the government is revising its Export Promotion Mission to provide targeted relief to the most affected sectors, including textiles, shrimp, organic chemicals, and machinery. The plan focuses on MSME exporters, offering credit guarantees, faster clearances, and export incentives to mitigate losses.

Key Highlights

• Reason for Revision: U.S. tariffs on Indian exports necessitate sector-specific support under the Export Promotion Mission.
• Affected Sectors: Apparel & textiles, shrimp, organic chemicals, machinery, and mechanical appliances.
• Target Group: MSME exporters in worst-hit sectors.
• Planned Measures:
  • Reduced cost of credit for MSMEs.
  • Credit guarantees for loans up to ₹100 crore (revamped scheme).
  • Speedier export-related clearances.
  • Possible export incentives.
• Budget Allocation: ₹2,250 crore for 2025–26 Mission.
• Broader Mission Goals: Facilitate export credit, cross-border

Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) report

Context: A UN investigative report has documented widespread and “systematic” torture in Myanmar’s military-run detention facilities, citing severe physical and sexual abuses, including against children, amid the ongoing civil war since the 2021 coup. The findings add to existing international calls for accountability against junta leaders.

Key Highlights

• Source: UN’s Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) report, based on testimonies from nearly 600 eyewitnesses.
• Nature of Abuses: Systematic torture during interrogations and detention — beatings, electric shocks, gang rape, sexual slavery, burning of sexual body parts, and fingernail removal with pliers.
• Children as Victims: Evidence of children (aged 2–17) detained, sometimes as proxies for parents.
• Scale of Crackdown: Nearly 30,000 people arrested since 2021 coup.
• Conflict Background: Military deposed civilian government in 2021, sparking civil war against guerrilla and ethnic armed groups.
• Perpetrator Tracking: IIMM claims progress in identifying individuals responsible for atrocities.
• International Action: ICC prosecutor has sought arrest warrant for junta chief Min Aung Hlaing over Rohingya atrocities in 2017.
• Other Violations: Report also documents opposition forces committing summary executions.
• Worsening Trends: Increased frequency and brutality of abuses since the coup.
• Junta Response: No official comment from Myanmar military spokesperson

Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea

Context: Two U.S. warships were briefly deployed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea after a Chinese navy ship and coast guard vessel collided while attempting to block a Philippine ship, intensifying regional maritime tensions. The incident drew condemnation from the U.S. and concern from regional allies.

Key Highlights

• Incident Trigger: Collision on Monday between a Chinese navy destroyer and a Chinese coast guard ship while blocking Philippine coast guard vessel BRP Suluan near Scarborough Shoal.
• U.S. Response: Deployment of USS Higgins (guided missile destroyer) and USS Cincinnati (littoral combat ship) about 55 km from the shoal; monitored by Chinese navy ship.
• No Further Escalation: Philippine coast guard confirmed no untoward incidents during U.S. patrol.
• Freedom of Navigation Operations: U.S. regularly conducts such missions to challenge China’s sweeping maritime claims; these have led to close encounters with Chinese forces.
• Diplomatic Reaction: U.S. Ambassador to Manila condemned China’s “reckless” actions; Japan, Australia, and New Zealand voiced concern over rising tensions.
• Regional Disputes: Scarborough Shoal claimed by China and the Philippines