Why in NEWS The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has amended SEZ Rules, 2006, to promote semiconductor and electronics component manufacturing. These high-tech industries are capital-intensive and import-dependent with long gestation periods. Following the reforms, Micron is establishing a semiconductor SEZ in Sanand, Gujarat, and Aequs Group is setting up an electronics SEZ in Dharwad, […]
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Why in NEWS Raksha Rajya Mantri announced that the National Cadet Corps (NCC) will be expanded by 3 lakh cadets, enhancing youth engagement and defence preparedness. Key Terms & Concepts Term Explanation NCC (National Cadet Corps) Voluntary Tri-Services youth organization under the Ministry of Defence. Tri-Services Comprises Army, Navy, and Air Force wings. HN Kunzru […]
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Why in NEWS The Ministry of Education’s flagship programme Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) completes ten years, showcasing how higher educational institutions can catalyze grassroots development in India. Key Concepts/Terms Term Definition Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA) A national program launched in 2014 to connect higher educational institutions with rural India for sustainable development. UBA 2.0 The […]
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Why in NEWS Scientists are investigating Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) — a bold, volcano-inspired geoengineering technique — as a potentially faster and more affordable way to cool the planet amid intensifying climate change. Key Concepts Simplified Term Definition Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI) A solar geoengineering method that injects reflective particles into the stratosphere to reflect […]
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Why in NEWS? The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released the 10th edition of its World Energy Investment Report, offering vital insights into the current and projected global energy investment patterns for 2025. KEY TERMS & DEFINITIONS Term Explanation IEA (International Energy Agency) Paris-based energy policy advisory body formed in 1974 by OECD nations. Clean […]
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Why in NEWS India’s GDP growth forecast for 2025 has been revised downward from 6.6% to 6.3%, as per the mid-2025 update of the World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report released by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) in collaboration with UNCTAD and regional commissions. Key Concepts Simplified Term/Concept Meaning WESP […]
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Why in News? Why in News? Thermophilic bacteria found in hot springs of Rajgir, Bihar, have shown potential as sources of powerful antibiotics, especially against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. A recent metagenomic study revealed a high presence of Actinobacteria, known for producing antimicrobial agents like streptomycin and tetracycline. Key Concepts Term Description Thermophilic Bacteria Heat-loving microorganisms that […]
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Why in NEWS Flipkart has become the first Indian e-commerce firm to receive a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This allows Flipkart to directly lend to its customers and sellers, marking a major step in integrating fintech with e-commerce. Key Concepts & Terms Term Definition NBFC A company […]
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Why in News? The PM-PRANAM scheme, launched to reduce synthetic fertilizer usage, has recorded an initial reduction of 15.14 lakh tonnes of fertilizers in 2023–24, leading to significant subsidy savings. Karnataka alone contributed 30% of these savings, with Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh together adding 58% more. Key Concepts Term Meaning PM-PRANAM Programme for […]
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Why in NEWS For decades, policymakers believed that irrigation alone drives farmers to switch to water-intensive crops. However, data from 2011–12 to 2022–23 reveals a more nuanced reality: farmers decide on crops and irrigation simultaneously based on real-time conditions like rainfall, seed/fertilizer availability, and market prices. This evolving trend calls for smarter, synchronized irrigation planning […]
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