Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 15 May, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
15 May, 2025

International Affairs

1. India–U.S.–Pakistan Relations

Background:

• U.S. President claimed credit for mediating the May 10 ceasefire between India and Pakistan, claiming to have averted a potential “nuclear conflict”.
• This is the fifth time in five days he has made this assertion.

India’s Official Position

• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has repeatedly rebutted the U.S. claim:
  • Ceasefire was a bilateral decision between Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) through the hotline.
  • Pakistan requested a halt to hostilities 3 days after Operation Sindoor began.
  • India agreed after strikes on Pakistani bases shifted ground reality.
• MEA emphasized no third-party mediation in India–Pakistan issues.

Key Concerns for India

• U.S. President’s claim violates India’s long-standing policy against third-party intervention.
• His comparison of India and Pakistan and offer to mediate on Kashmir undermines India’s stance on it being an internal matter.
• Allegations that the U.S. threatened trade cuts or offered trade incentives to force peace have been categorically denied by MEA.
• U.S. statements ignored India’s core concern: cross-border terrorism.

Geopolitical Implications

• Trump’s remarks risk internationalising bilateral issues and equating India with Pakistan. May reflect a policy shift in U.S. strategy or simply unpredictable diplomacy.
• Growing China-Pakistan cooperation could be influencing U.S. perceptions in the region.

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National Affairs

1. Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021

Source:
Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, released by the Registrar General of India

Context:

The annual crude birth rates (live births per 1,000 people in the population) for Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Kerala are declining at twice the rate of the national average, showed data from the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, released by the Registrar General of India last week.  

National-Level Trends

• All-India Crude Birth Rate (CBR) in 2021: 19.3 per 1,000 population
• Average annual decline (2016–2021): 1.12%

Key Definitions

• MMR (Maternal Mortality Ratio): Maternal deaths per 100,000 live births
• IMR (Infant Mortality Rate): Infant deaths (<1 year) per 1,000 live births
• NMR (Neonatal Mortality Rate): Newborn deaths (<28 days) per 1,000 live births
• U5MR (Under-Five Mortality Rate): Deaths before age 5 per 1,000 live births
• TFR (Total Fertility Rate): Average number of children a woman would have
• Sex Ratio at Birth: Female births per 1,000 male births

Progress Report (2014–2021)

• MMR: Reduced from 130 to 93 per 100,000 live births
• IMR: Dropped from 39 to 27 per 1,000 live births
• NMR: Declined from 26 to 19 per 1,000 live births
• U5MR: Decreased from 45 to 31 per 1,000 live births
• TFR: Declined to 2.0, achieving replacement level fertility
• Sex Ratio at Birth: Improved from 899 to 913 females per 1,000 males

Global Comparison (UN Reports 2023–24)

• MMR: India’s reduction (1990–2023): 86% vs Global: 48%
• U5MR: India: 78% decline vs Global: 61%
• NMR: India: 70% vs Global: 54%
• IMR: India: 71% vs Global: 58%

Government Interventions Behind the Gains

• Ayushman Bharat Scheme: Health coverage for vulnerable populations
• Infrastructure Development: Maternity waiting homes, SNCUs, MCH wings
• Human Resource Strengthening: Skilled birth attendants and midwives
• Evidence-Based Care: Antenatal corticosteroids, CPAP therapy for newborns
• Digital Health Systems: Real-time tracking and monitoring of maternal-child health
• Equity Focus: Free, quality services with zero tolerance for care denial

SDG 2030 Alignment

• India is on track to achieve its Sustainable Development Goals related to maternal and child health, and has outperformed global averages in most mortality indicators.

Fastest Declining Birth Rates (Annual % Decline)

State/UT	Annual Decline Rate (%)
Tamil Nadu	2.35%
Delhi	2.23%
Kerala	2.05%
Telangana	1.67%
Karnataka	1.68%
Andhra Pradesh	1.26%
Maharashtra	1.57%
J&K	1.47%
Himachal Pradesh	1.29%
Odisha	1.34%
Gujarat	1.24%
Haryana	1.21%

• All southern States (TN, Kerala, AP, Telangana, Karnataka) showed faster-than-average decline.
• Punjab recorded a birth rate decline nearly equal to the national average.

States with Slowest Decline in Birth Rates

State	Annual Decline Rate (%)
Rajasthan	0.48%
Bihar	0.86%
Chhattisgarh	0.98%
Jharkhand	0.98%
Assam	1.05%
Madhya Pradesh	1.05%
West Bengal	1.08%
Uttar Pradesh	1.09%

• Uttarakhand: The only state with a rising birth rate during this period.

Civil Registration System (CRS) 2021 Insights

• States reporting increasing number of registered births:
  • Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal
  • Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep

Fertility Indicators (SRS 2021)

• TFR (Total Fertility Rate): Average children per woman across her reproductive span.
• GRR (Gross Reproduction Rate): Average number of daughters born per woman who survive to reproductive age.
• States with higher-than-national-average TFR and GRR:
  • Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

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2. Sustainable Transport Mission Added to India’s Climate Agenda

Context:

The Government of India has decided to add a new “Sustainable Transport” mission under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) — the first such inclusion in over a decade.

Scope of the Sustainable Transport Mission

• Will include all transport modes:
  • Roads
  • Railways
  • Ports
  • Shipping
  • Civil Aviation
• Aim: Align with international standards (where available) and reduce emissions, especially from road transport.

Sectoral Emission Landscape

• Transport contributes ~10% of India’s GHG emissions.
• Road transport alone accounts for 87–90% of emissions within the transport sector.
• Responsible for ~one-third of urban air pollution.

Key Challenges & Priorities

1. Lack of International Roadmap for Road Sector

• No globally agreed net-zero roadmap for roads.
• Government must frame a domestic strategy including:
  • Bharat VII emission norms (aligned with Euro VII)
  • Alternative fuels and EV promotion

2. Railway Freight Optimization

• 73% of freight traffic moves by road.
• Shifting to railways requires fixing structural inefficiencies in the rail freight system.

3 Charging Infrastructure Deficit

• India has 1 public charging point per 135 EVs vs. global average of 1 per 6–20 EVs.
• Target: 30% EV penetration by 2030.
• Required infrastructure: ~3.9 million public charging stations (from current 12,000).

Power Source Paradox

• Most current charging stations are fossil-fuel powered, undermining EV benefits.
• Solution: Power EV charging with renewable energy.
• Adds complexity and infrastructure demand, but essential for true emissions reduction.

3. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

• Launched: In 2008 by the Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change
• Objective: To raise awareness and initiate coordinated actions among the public, government bodies, scientists, industries, and communities regarding the threat of climate change
• Approach: Long-term, integrated, and multi-pronged strategies aimed at sustainable development and climate resilience

Eight National Missions under NAPCC

• National Solar Mission
  • Promotes the use of solar energy for power generation and other uses
• National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
  • Focuses on market-based mechanisms to improve energy efficiency
• National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
  • Emphasizes energy-efficient buildings, urban waste management, and sustainable transport
• National Water Mission
  • Aims at water conservation, equitable distribution, and sustainable management
• National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem
  • Protects Himalayan glaciers and biodiversity
• National Mission for a Green India
  • Targets afforestation and ecosystem restoration
• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
  • Promotes climate-resilient agricultural practices
• National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change
  • Enhances research and data-sharing on climate science and policy

Salient Features of NAPCC

• Inclusive Development
  • Prioritizes the protection of poor and vulnerable populations through sustainable growth models
• Ecological Sustainability
  • Promotes qualitative changes in development strategies to preserve ecological balance
• Technology Deployment
  • Encourages accelerated use of technologies for climate adaptation and mitigation
• Innovative Regulatory Mechanisms
  • Supports both regulatory and voluntary measures to foster sustainable practices
• Public-Private Partnership
  • Ensures effective implementation by engaging civil society, local governments, and private sector stakeholders
• International Collaboration
  • Welcomes global cooperation under UNFCCC for funding, research, data sharing, and technology transfer, with a focus on equitable Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

• Definition: Gases that absorb and emit radiant energy in the thermal infrared range
• Primary GHGs:
  • Water vapor
  • Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
  • Methane (CH₄)
  • Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
  • Ozone (O₃)
• Impact:
  • Maintain Earth’s temperature at an average of 15°C; without them, it would be −18°C
  • Cause the Greenhouse Effect, which warms the planet by trapping heat in the atmosphere

Banking/Finance

1. Section 7 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)

Context:

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), a government-owned financier, has filed an insolvency petition under Section 7 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)  against Gensol Engineering over a ₹510 crore loan default.

• Legal Action: Section 7 petition filed with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)

Section 7 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)

Section 7 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) outlines the process for initiating a Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) by a financial creditor. It allows a financial creditor, either individually or jointly with others, to file an application with the Adjudicating Authority (NCLT) when a corporate debtor defaults on a financial debt. 

Key Provisions of Section 7 IBC

• Right to Initiate CIRP
  • A financial creditor (individually or jointly with others) can file an application before the Adjudicating Authority (NCLT) upon occurrence of a financial debt default by a corporate debtor.
• Application Requirements
  • The application must be complete and include:
    • Proof of default (such as records from an information utility or bank statements)
    • Name of the proposed Insolvency Resolution Professional (IRP)
    • Detailed information about the financial creditor(s)
• Default Threshold
  • As per current provisions and interpretations (e.g., Cleartax, NCLT orders), a minimum default of ₹1 crore is required for the application to be admitted under Section 7.
• Role of the Adjudicating Authority (NCLT)
  • The NCLT is required to:
    • Ascertain the existence of debt and default
    • Admit or reject the application within 14 days (subject to completeness of documents)
• Grounds for Rejection
  • The NCLT may reject the application if:
    • The corporate debtor proves it is a viable going concern
    • Initiating CIRP is not deemed in the best interest of all stakeholders
    • The application lacks required documentation or fails to meet threshold requirements

Significance of Section 7 IBC

• Empowers financial institutions to recover dues through a structured legal framework
• Ensures early resolution of insolvency and protects creditors’ rights
• Prevents prolonged defaults by enabling time-bound resolution

2. Market Capitalization

Context:

Investor sentiment is shifting away from small cap and mid cap (SMID) funds towards largecap-oriented schemes, particularly flexicap funds, amid ongoing market volatility and correction in the SMID space.

Understanding Market Capitalization

• Market Capitalization refers to the total market value of a company’s outstanding shares.
• Formula:
  • Market Capitalization = Total Outstanding Shares × Current Market Price per Share
• It reflects a company’s market worth and is used to categorize companies into Large-cap, Mid-cap, and Small-cap.

SEBI’s Classification of Market Capitalization (2017 Guidelines)

Category	Market Cap Range	Ranking by Market Cap
Large-cap	₹20,000 crores and above	Top 1 to 100 companies
Mid-cap	₹5,000 crores to ₹20,000 crores	101st to 250th companies
Small-cap	Below ₹5,000 crores	251st company onwards

Large-Cap Companies

• Comprise the top 100 companies listed by market capitalization
• Known as blue-chip stocks
• Features:
  • Strong market presence and track record
  • Stable with lower risk
  • Commonly included in major indices like Nifty 50
• Mutual Funds: Large-cap funds

Mid-Cap Companies

• Ranked from 101 to 250 in terms of market capitalization
• Features:
  • Moderate risk and returns
  • Growth-oriented with decent performance history
  • May not be part of major indices
• Mutual Funds: Mid-cap funds

Small-Cap Companies

• Ranked 251 and below by market capitalization
• Features:
  • Higher risk due to limited track record
  • High growth potential, often include startups
  • Low liquidity and typically not part of major indices
• Mutual Funds: Small-cap funds

Comparison: Large-cap vs Mid-cap vs Small-cap Funds

Parameter	Large-cap Funds	Mid-cap Funds	Small-cap Funds
Risk Profile	Low risk, ideal for conservative investors	Moderate risk	High risk
Volatility & Liquidity	Low volatility, high liquidity	Moderate volatility and liquidity	High volatility, low liquidity
Returns & Growth	~7% average returns (last 5 years), steady	~10.28% average returns, moderate growth	~14.74% average returns, high growth

3. Small and Medium Real Estate Investment Trust (SM Reit)

Context:

Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has issued a public warning to investors about Strata, a commercial real estate investment platform, after it voluntarily surrendered its Small and Medium Real Estate Investment Trust (SM Reit) licence.

SEBI’s Guidelines on Small and Medium Real Estate Investment Trusts (SM REITs)

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced new regulations to facilitate the creation of Small and Medium Real Estate Investment Trusts (SM REITs), providing greater access to real estate investments for smaller investors.

What is an SM REIT?

• A Small and Medium REIT (SMREIT) is a type of Real Estate Investment Trust designed to accommodate smaller real estate projects.
• It lowers the entry threshold from ₹500 crore (for regular REITs) to ₹50 crore, thereby democratizing real estate investments.

Key Features of SM REITs

• Minimum Asset Value
  • Must have a minimum real estate asset value of ₹50 crore.
• Fund Pooling Mechanism
  • Can raise a minimum of ₹50 crore through at least 200 investors by issuing investment units.
• Fund Utilization
  • Funds are used to acquire and manage real estate assets and generate income for investors.
• Ownership via SPVs
  • Each SM REIT scheme will operate through dedicated Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for asset ownership.
• Investment Manager Requirements:
  • Must have a net worth of at least ₹20 crore
  • Must appoint a separate trustee to ensure oversight
  • Required to maintain a dedicated website disclosing all SM REIT schemes for transparency

Significance of SM REITs

• Wider Access: Enables participation in smaller, regional real estate projects.
• Diversification: SM REITs can create separate schemes for:
  • Residential real estate
  • Commercial properties
  • Industrial infrastructure
  • Mixed-use developments
• Transparency: Enhanced investor visibility through mandatory online disclosures

Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT)

• Definition: An InvIT is a collective investment vehicle similar to mutual funds that allows both retail and institutional investors to invest in infrastructure projects.
• Regulated by: SEBI

Key Components of an InvIT

1. Trustee
   • Oversees compliance and performance of the trust
2. Sponsor(s)
   • Promoters or entities responsible for establishing the InvIT
3. Investment Manager
   • Manages assets and operations of the InvIT
4. Project Manager
   • Handles the execution and management of infrastructure projects

4. Fund Manager Survey (FMS): BofA Securities

Context:

India is now the most preferred equity market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, according to BofA Securities’ May 2025 Fund Manager Survey (FMS), outperforming Japan, China, and other regional peers.

Key Survey Findings

• India leads with 42% net preference, up from prior months.
• Japan follows closely at 39%.
• China improves its standing to 6% (previously lowest).
• Singapore (3%) and Thailand (least preferred) remain less favoured.
• Taiwan and South Korea both registered -19% net preference, showing continued underweight sentiment.

Focus Themes in India

• Infrastructure and consumption remain the two dominant themes attracting fund manager interest.
• India is seen as a beneficiary of global supply chain realignment, especially post-tariff adjustments.

Market Sentiment and Economic Outlook

• Global optimism rising:
  • Net 59% expect a weaker global economy, down from 82% last month.
  • Net 77% foresee a weaker Asian economy, improving from 89%.
• Earnings slowdown fears ease:
  • Net 58% expect earnings to slow, compared to 78% previously.
• Room for upward earnings revisions as consensus estimates stabilize.

Survey Methodology

• Conducted by BofA Securities from May 2–8, 2025.
• 208 panellists with $522 billion AUM participated.
• Regional APAC survey had 109 respondents managing $234 billion AUM.

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5. SEBI Eases Internal Audit Team Norms for Credit Rating Agencies

Context:

On May 15, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) relaxed eligibility norms for the composition of internal audit teams of Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) to expand the pool of qualified professionals.

Key Changes Introduced

• New Qualifications Added:
  • Cost Accountants (from ICMAI)
  • Professionals with Diploma in Information System Security Audit (DISSA) from ICMAI
• Earlier Requirement:
  • Mandatory presence of a Chartered Accountant (CA) and either a:
    • Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or
    • Diploma in Information System Audit (DISA) holder

Objective of the Change

• Widen the pool of professionals eligible for CRA internal audits
• Strengthen regulatory compliance through inclusion of information security and cost audit expertise

Impact

• Greater flexibility for CRAs in forming internal audit teams
• Encourages diversification in professional skill sets
• Supports enhanced governance and IT security audits within rating agencies

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6. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

Context:

The number of Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) cancellations in India more than tripled to 162.3 lakh in April 2025 compared to March. Contrary to perceptions of investor panic amid market volatility, this spike was primarily due to a SEBI circular enforcing stricter rules on failed SIP payments.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is a disciplined method of investing in mutual funds, allowing investors to invest a fixed amount at regular intervals instead of a lump sum. SIPs help investors build wealth gradually through consistent and automated investments.

What is SIP in Mutual Funds?

• SIP stands for Systematic Investment Plan
• Enables small, regular investments in mutual funds
• Reduces the need for market timing
• Promotes disciplined and long-term investing

How Does SIP Work?

• A fixed amount is automatically debited from the investor’s bank account at chosen intervals (e.g., monthly).
• The amount is invested in the selected mutual fund scheme based on the Net Asset Value (NAV) on the date of investment.
• With each contribution, new mutual fund units are added to the investor’s portfolio.
• Over time, the investor builds a large corpus through compounding and regular contributions.

Example: SIP vs Lump Sum

Suppose you want to invest ₹1 lakh in a mutual fund:

• Lump sum: Invest entire ₹1 lakh at once
• SIP: Start a monthly SIP of ₹500. The amount will be deducted every month on a fixed date and invested in the mutual fund.

Types of Systematic Investment Plans

1. Regular SIP
   • Fixed amount at fixed intervals
2. Top-Up SIP
   • Increase investment periodically (e.g., annually or semi-annually)
   • Useful for adjusting contributions with rising income
3. Flexible SIP
   • Vary your investment amount based on your cash flow
   • Offers flexibility in amount and investment date
4. Perpetual SIP
   • No fixed end date
   • Continue investing until you choose to stop or redeem

Key Benefits of SIP

1. Disciplined Investment Habit
   • Automates savings and builds consistent investment behavior
   • Ideal for investors with limited market knowledge
2. Rupee Cost Averaging
   • Buys more units when market is low and fewer when high
   • Reduces average cost per unit over time
3. Power of Compounding
   • Small investments grow significantly over time
   • Reinvested returns generate more earnings (compound interest)
   Example:
   • Investing ₹1,000 per month for 20 years
   • At an average 10% return, grows to ₹7,18,259
   • Your total investment = ₹2,40,000; returns = ₹4,78,259
4. Convenient & Hassle-Free
   • Auto-debit or post-dated cheques can be used to set up SIP
   • No need to track the market regularly

SEBI Circular on SIP Invalidations

• Issued on January 3, 2024 by SEBI.
• SIPs with more than three consecutive failed installment payments (daily, weekly, monthly, fortnightly) are deemed invalid.
• SIPs with quarterly and bimonthly contributions become invalid after two consecutive missed payments.
• Asset Management Companies (AMCs) must process cancellations within 10 days of investor request.
• SEBI set a deadline of April 1, 2024, for AMCs and AMFI to provide transparent data on cancelled SIPs.

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7. RBI Proposal to Add Nominee Email and Phone Numbers in Bank Nomination Forms

• Objective:
  • To enhance protection for depositors by reducing unclaimed deposits in banks.
  • Adding nominee contact details (email and phone number) helps track and communicate with nominees in case of address or contact changes.
• Context:
  • The RBI sought suggestions from banks in April 2025 on updating nomination forms to include nominee email and mobile numbers.
  • This requires amending the nomination form format under the Banking Companies (Nomination) Rules, 1985.
  • The government’s view is being sought to finalize the changes.
• Legal Backdrop:
  • The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 allows up to four nominees per bank account.
  • It amends sections 45ZA, 45ZC, and 45ZE of the Banking Regulation Act, enabling simultaneous and successive nominations, improving flexibility and ease for depositors and heirs.
• Current Practice:
  • Existing nomination forms for deposits, lockers, and safe custody articles lack fields for nominee contact info.
  • Under existing rules, banks can pay dues to nominees without requiring succession certificates or legal heir verification.
• Additional Info:
  • Deposits dormant for 10+ years are transferred to RBI’s Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund.

TET

8. Co-Lending Rules for NBFCs and Banks

Context:

FICCI Urges RBI to Retain Existing Co-Lending Rules for NBFCs and Banks: NBFCs originate loans and then sell up to 80% of the loan to partner banks via direct assignment. This model provides NBFCs operational flexibility and benefits from a waiver on minimum holding period for the loans sold to banks. As per ICRA (April 2025), co-lending assets under management (AUM) reached ₹80,000 crore by March 2024, showing strong growth.

Key Highlights:

• RBI’s Proposed Change:
  • Shift from the current model to a joint lending model, where banks and NBFCs would simultaneously underwrite and disburse loans.
  • This new approach requires both lenders to share the loan underwriting process and disbursal, changing the operational dynamics.
• FICCI’s Concerns and Arguments:
  • Repealing the current ‘track 2’ rules would be highly disruptive and could significantly reduce credit availability to vital customer segments and sectors.
  • The proposed joint lending model could force NBFCs to scale back operations, risking job losses in the sector.
  • It may strain liquidity, increase risk exposure, and introduce operational inefficiencies.
  • The change may undermine the effectiveness of co-lending partnerships and harm financial inclusion efforts.
• FICCI’s Appeal:
  • Urges RBI to preserve the existing ‘track 2’ co-lending framework.
  • Emphasizes the importance of a regulatory environment that supports NBFCs’ role in credit access and financial inclusion.

TET

Economy

1. eCommerce Business Models

B2B E-commerce Market Growth in India

• The B2B e-commerce sector in India has expanded significantly due to:
  • Increased adoption of digital tools by enterprises, including MSMEs
  • Streamlined procurement processes
  • Enhanced logistics and distribution solutions
• Digitization of traditional supply chains leads to:
  • Cost savings for businesses
  • Greater transparency in operations
  • Improved operational efficiency

Business-to-Business (B2B)

• Involves selling products/services between companies (e.g., manufacturers to wholesalers, wholesalers to retailers)
• High-value orders, often with recurring purchases
• Ideal for selling bulk goods like handicrafts, industrial items, mobile accessories, etc.

Business-to-Consumer (B2C)

• Most common eCommerce model: businesses selling directly to end-consumers
• Focuses on customer experience, product discovery, and user-friendly interfaces

Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)

• Allows individuals to sell products/services to other individuals
• Typically includes second-hand marketplaces like OLX

Consumer-to-Business (C2B)

• Individuals (freelancers, influencers, photographers, etc.) offer services or products to businesses
• Reverses the traditional B2C model

Business-to-Administration (B2A)

• Focuses on transactions between companies and government agencies
• Useful for businesses providing goods or services like software, equipment, or consulting to public sector organizations

Consumer-to-Administration (C2A)

• Interaction between individual consumers and government bodies
• Common in public services like tax filing, bill payments, document services, etc.

Agriculture

1. India’s First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

Context:

India becomes the first country globally to develop rice varieties using genome editing technology. New seeds to be available to farmers within 6 months post-clearance, large-scale production expected in next 3 crop seasons.

New Rice Varieties Developed

Variety Name	Parent Variety	Key Traits & Benefits
DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala)	Samba Mahsuri (high-yield green rice)	– Yield: 5.37 tonnes/ha (vs 4.5 parent) – Drought tolerant – High nitrogen use efficiency – 20 days earlier maturity (saves water, fertilizer, lowers methane)
Pusa DST Rice 1	Maruteru 1010 (MTU1010)	– 9.66% higher yield under inland salinity stress – 14.66% higher under alkalinity – 30.4% higher under coastal salinity stress

Technology Used

• Genome Editing Techniques: Site-Directed Nuclease 1 and 2 (SDN-1, SDN-2).
• Not Genetically Modified (GM): No foreign genes introduced (unlike SDN-3).
• Mutations mimic natural mutation processes.
• Recognized and approved internationally.
• Research tested during 2023-24 under All India Coordinated Research Project on Rice.
• Peer-reviewed paper on Pusa DST Rice 1 published in 2020; Kamala’s paper under publication.

SDN Technology

SDN Type	Description	Genetic Modification Status
SDN-1	Cuts DNA, repair done naturally	Not GM
SDN-2	Cuts DNA, guided repair without foreign gene	Not GM
SDN-3	Inserts foreign gene into genome	Considered GM

Controversies & Concerns

• Farmers’ Representative Criticism: Venugopal Badaravada called the claims premature; was expelled from ICAR governing body.
• Activist Opposition: Coalition for a Genetically Modified-Free India opposes deregulation, citing safety concerns and legal issues.
• Seed Sovereignty Issues: Fears about Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) on gene editing technology affecting farmers’ control over seeds.
• Demand for Transparency: Calls for government disclosure on IPR status and regulatory clarity.

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Science & Tech

1. Quantum Dots

Context:

A quantum dot is a type of semiconductor that’s only a few nanometres wide. It has a wide range of applications, including in LED lighting, medical diagnostics, printing, semiconductor fabrication, and solar panels. They’re very small but they’ve had a big impact on our world as we know it. This is why the people who found a quick, reliable way to make quantum dots were awarded the Nobel Prize for chemistry in 2023.

What Are Quantum Dots and Why Are They Special?

• Quantum dots are tiny semiconductor particles, only a few nanometres wide.
• They exhibit unique properties due to quantum confinement, meaning electrons inside them are tightly packed and restricted in movement.
• Unlike electrons in normal conductors (like copper wires), electrons in quantum dots can only have specific, discrete energy levels—similar to how electrons behave inside atoms. This makes the quantum dot behave like a “giant atom.”
• This quantum confinement effect gives quantum dots special electronic and optical properties, useful in LED lighting, medical diagnostics, solar panels, printing, and semiconductors.
• The discovery of efficient ways to produce quantum dots earned the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2023.

Applications of Quantum dots (QDs)

Quantum dots (QDs) have numerous applications across various fields, including display technology, medical imaging, and renewable energy. 

1. Display Technology:

• Quantum Dot Light-Emitting Diodes (QD-LEDs):QDs can be engineered to emit light at specific wavelengths, enabling precise color control and higher efficiency in displays. 
• QD-White LEDs:QDs are used in white LEDs to convert blue light from an LED into other colors, resulting in brighter and more efficient displays. 

2. Biomedical Applications: 

• Bioimaging:QDs can be used as fluorescent markers to visualize cells and tissues, aiding in research and diagnosis. 
• Drug Delivery:QDs can be modified to carry drugs directly to targeted cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes. 
• Biosensors:QDs can be incorporated into biosensors for early detection of diseases like cancer. 
• Medical Imaging:QDs can be used as contrast agents in imaging techniques like MRI, optical imaging, and nuclear imaging. 

3. Renewable Energy: 

• Solar Cells:QDs can be used as electron acceptors or in hybrid solar cells to enhance energy conversion efficiency.
• Photodetection:QDs can be used as photodetectors to convert light into electrical signals. 

4. Other Applications: 

• Electronics: QDs can be used in transistors, memory devices, and other electronic components due to their unique electronic properties. 
• Quantum Computing: QDs can be used as qubits for building quantum computers. 
• Sensors: QDs can be used in various sensors, including those for environmental monitoring. 
• Environmental Monitoring: QDs can be used as components in nanoparticle-based environmental sensors to monitor carcinogen exposure. 
• Wearable Technology: QDs can be incorporated into wearable sensors for monitoring health and lifestyle. 
• Vaccination Strategies: QDs can be used in vaccines to target cancer antigens. 
• Early-Stage Treatment: QDs can be used in early-stage treatment strategies for cancer. 

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Facts To Remember

1. Justice B.R. Gavai takes over as CJI for a six-month tenure

Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in by President Droupadi Murmu as the 52^nd Chief Justice of India at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

2. Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar is UPSC Chairman

Former Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar has been appointed Chairman of the UPSC, says a Union Personnel Ministry order. 

3. Wholesale inflation hits 13 month low in Apr

Inflation based on the wholesale price index ( WPI) declined toa 13month low of 0.85 per cent in April from 2.05 per cent in March, on the back ofa dip in the prices of food and fuel and power. Price rise also decelerated in the manufactured products category, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

4. IMF set to release $ 1.3 bn to B´desh

The International Monetary Fund ( IMF) is set to release $1.3 billion to Bangladesh in June, after completinga fourth review of its $ 4.7billion loan programme anda key breakthrough in talks on exchange rate reforms, the finance ministry said.

5. Union Cabinet Approves Display Driver Chip Manufacturing Unit in Jewar, UP

The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a display driver chip manufacturing unit in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, announced by Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

• Investment and Partnership Details
  • Sixth semiconductor unit supported under the ₹76,000 crore first phase of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
• Total investment: ₹3,700 crore.
• Joint venture between Indian firm HCL and Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn.

6. India’s Progress in 6G Technology

India ranks among the top six countries worldwide in 6G patent filings. Expected data rates: up to 1 terabit per second, which is 100 times faster than 5G. 6G will operate on TeraHertz frequency bands.

Research Funding and Projects:

• Over 111 research projects on 6G have been funded in India.
• Total sanctioned amount for these projects: ₹300 crore.

7. Cambodia and China begin their largest-ever military exercises

Cambodia and China on Wednesday began their largest-ever joint military exercises, involving advanced Chinese military hardware including artillery, warships and robot battle dogs. 

8. Odisha clears 11% SEBC quota for admissions in higher edu

Odisha cabinet, led by CM Mohan Charan Majhi, on Wednesday approved 11.25% reservation for socially and economically backward classes (SEBC) in higher educational institutions, extending the existing quota benefits beyond govt jobs. 

9. China, Colombia sign BRI cooperation pact

China and Colombia have signed a joint cooperation plan on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), state media said after their leaders met in Beijing.

10. India’s First Beggar-Free City

Indore has become the country’s first beggar-free city after authorities rehabilitated beggars by providing them with employment opportunities and enrolled children involved in begging into schools. 

11. Technologies Used by India

System / Tech	Description & Role
Akash SAM	Short-range surface-to-air missile; proved superior to Chinese HQ-9 systems
Akashteer System	Air defence control & automation system developed by BEL; fielded in 2024
IACCS	Integrated Air Command & Control System of the IAF
Drones & Guided Munitions	Indigenous, long-range; used in precision offensive strikes