Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the first Emerging Science Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC), emphasized the need for India to transition from food security to nutrition security. He called for the creation of biofortified crops to combat malnutrition, development of low-cost fertilizers, and genomic mapping for personalized medicine. The ESTIC replaces the long-standing Indian Science Congress. Modi highlighted that India's R&D expenditure doubled in the last decade, patent registrations grew 17 times, and deep-tech startups reached 6,000. He also mentioned the operationalization of a ₹1 lakh crore fund via the Anusandhan National Research Foundation to support scientific innovation.
The Emerging Science Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) has replaced the Indian Science Congress as the primary congregation for scientists.
PM Modi advocated for biofortified crops as a primary tool to address malnutrition and achieve national nutrition security.
India's R&D landscape has seen significant growth, with patent registrations increasing 17-fold and deep-tech startups reaching 6,000 in the last decade.
Exam Points
The ESTIC replaces the Indian Science Congress, India's oldest congregation of scientists.
India's deep-tech startups have risen to 6,000 according to official statements.
A fund of ₹1 lakh crore has been operationalized via the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0 of electoral rolls across 12 States and Union Territories, including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala. This house-to-house enumeration process aims to clean up voter lists by identifying deaths, duplications, and new electors. A significant update is the inclusion of Aadhaar as the 12th document for proof of identity (not citizenship), as directed by the Supreme Court. The process also allows parents or relatives to sign enumeration forms in the absence of the voter. The final electoral rolls are scheduled for publication on February 7.
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2.0 involves house-to-house enumeration to ensure the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls.
Aadhaar is now accepted as a proof of identity for voter registration, following specific Supreme Court directions.
The enumeration form has been amended to allow signatures from parents or relatives if the voter is not present during the visit.
Exam Points
Aadhaar is the 12th document added for identity proof, as directed by the Supreme Court.
The SIR 2.0 exercise covers 12 States and Union Territories.
The final electoral rolls are scheduled to be published on February 7.
The Indian IT industry, contributing 7% to the GDP, faces a profound metamorphosis driven by AI automation and shifting global demands. The current 'Layoff Wave' is a symptom of structural changes where routine tasks like basic coding are being replaced by AI-driven transformation. Furthermore, restrictive US immigration policies and increased H-1B visa fees are forcing Indian firms to localize their overseas workforces. To remain competitive, there is an urgent need for engineering curriculum reform to focus on AI, data science, and soft skills. The government is also urged to consider mandatory compensation packages for mass layoffs to protect the workforce.
The Indian IT industry contributes approximately 7% to the national GDP and employs nearly 6 million people.
AI-driven automation is replacing routine tasks like basic coding and reporting, necessitating a shift to high-value, specialized services.
Restrictive US immigration policies and increased H-1B visa fees are impacting the cost-arbitrage model of Indian IT firms.
Exam Points
The IT industry contributes about 7% of India's GDP and employs nearly 6 million people.
India's IT services export over $280 billion to the global economy.
H-1B visa fees have seen significant hikes, impacting the deployment of Indian professionals in the US.
Kerala has achieved a milestone by significantly reducing extreme poverty through its meticulously planned Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP). According to NITI Aayog’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index (2023), Kerala is the least impoverished state with only 0.55% of its population being multidimensionally poor. The state's approach involved identifying 64,006 extremely poor families through trained enumerators and Kudumbashree workers. Instead of uniform solutions, custom-made micro-plans were prepared for each family, addressing specific needs like food, health, and housing. The state has now launched EPEP 2.0 to prevent relapse and ensure the sustainability of these gains.
Kerala has the lowest multidimensional poverty rate in India at 0.55%, significantly below the national average of 14.96%.
The Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme (EPEP) utilizes decentralized planning and community participation via the Kudumbashree network.
The program focuses on 'micro-plans' tailored to the specific needs of individual families rather than generic welfare schemes.
Exam Points
NITI Aayog’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index (2023) ranks Kerala as the least impoverished state.
Only 0.55% of Kerala's population is multidimensionally poor compared to the national average of 14.96%.
The EPEP identified 64,006 extremely poor families comprising 1,03,099 individuals.
Despite rapid renewable growth, India's grid emission factor (GEF) has increased, indicating a dirtier grid due to the capacity-generation mismatch of renewables. Solar and wind have low capacity utilization (15-25%) compared to coal. The article argues that energy efficiency is the 'first fuel' and must be prioritized to actually decarbonize the grid. India saved about 200 million tonnes of oil equivalent between FY2017-18 and FY2022-23 through efficiency measures, saving ₹7,60,000 crore. Recommendations include enabling virtual power plants, accelerating appliance standards, and introducing scrapage incentives for old, inefficient equipment to manage peak demand effectively.
India's grid emission factor (GEF) has risen from 0.703 to 0.727 tCO2/MWh, showing the grid is becoming more carbon-intensive despite renewable growth.
Renewables like solar and wind have low capacity utilization (15-25%), requiring fossil fuel plants to act as 'shock absorbers' during peak demand.
Energy efficiency measures saved India approximately 200 million tonnes of oil equivalent and ₹7.6 lakh crore over a five-year period.
Exam Points
India's grid emission factor (GEF) increased to 0.727 tCO2/MWh in 2023-24.
Energy efficiency saved ₹7,60,000 crore in India from FY2017-18 to FY2022-23.
Non-fossil fuel sources account for about 50% of India's total installed capacity as of June 2025.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration has prepared maps for the denotification and re-notification of tribal reserve land to facilitate the ₹92,000-crore Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project. The project includes a transshipment port, an airport, a power plant, and a township. While a 'Comprehensive Tribal Welfare Plan' is being finalized, the denotification requires the settlement of forest rights under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The project faces significant legal challenges in courts and tribunals regarding environmental clearances and the potential impact on the Shompen and Nicobarese indigenous communities.
The Great Nicobar project is a ₹92,000-crore mega-infrastructure initiative involving a transshipment port and an international airport.
Denotification of tribal reserve land is a critical legal step, requiring compliance with the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
The administration is developing a 'Comprehensive Tribal Welfare Plan' to protect the interests of the Shompen and Nicobarese people.
Exam Points
The project cost is estimated at ₹92,000 crore.
The Forest Rights Act, 2006, governs the settlement of rights before land denotification.
The project is being developed by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).
The Supreme Court of India has taken a serious view of government employees feeding stray dogs within office premises, stating it violates previous orders regarding designated feeding zones. A Bench led by Justice Vikram Nath emphasized the need for effective implementation of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The court noted that unregulated feeding leads to public inconvenience and 'untoward incidents.' It has directed the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to be a party to the proceedings and will issue specific directions on November 7.
The Supreme Court ruled that feeding stray dogs must be restricted to designated zones to prevent public safety issues and office disruption.
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, are the primary framework for managing stray dog populations and rabies control in India.
The court highlighted the failure of several States and UTs to submit compliance reports on the implementation of ABC Rules.
Exam Points
The Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, were framed under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.
The Supreme Court Bench includes Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and N.V. Anjaria.
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
During a meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, India and Bahrain agreed to enhance collaboration in defense, security, and trade. A key outcome was the agreement to develop a common understanding to commence negotiations for a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). This agreement aims to eliminate double taxation, provide tax certainty, and promote bilateral investment. Both nations also reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism and discussed regional stability, including the Gaza peace plan. India remains one of Bahrain's top five trading partners.
India and Bahrain are initiating negotiations for a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to boost bilateral economic ties.
The DTAA is expected to provide tax certainty and promote cross-border investments between the two nations.
India is currently among the top five trading partners of the Kingdom of Bahrain, highlighting strong economic interdependence.
Exam Points
India is one of the top five trading partners of Bahrain.
The meeting was part of the High Joint Commission headed by the respective Foreign Ministers.
The DTAA negotiations aim to eliminate double taxation and promote investment.
The Supreme Court of India has characterized 'digital arrests' as a major challenge, noting that fraudsters have scammed victims, primarily the elderly, of over ₹3,000 crore. These scams involve criminals posing as law enforcement or judicial officers using forged documents and morphed videos to extort money. The court highlighted that these cybercrimes often originate from 'scam compounds' across borders. The Solicitor-General informed the court about the use of AI to morph faces of judges during video calls. The SC is considering tasking the CBI with probing these organized syndicates to strengthen the hands of agencies.
'Digital arrests' involve fraudsters impersonating officials to extort money through fear and forged legal documents.
The elderly population is the primary target of these scams, with total losses estimated at ₹3,000 crore in India alone.
Criminals are increasingly using advanced technology, including AI, to morph faces and create realistic fake courtrooms for extortion.
Exam Points
Estimated loss to digital arrest scams in India is ₹3,000 crore.
The Supreme Court Bench was headed by Justice Surya Kant.
Cloud seeding involves spraying salt mixtures (like silver iodide or calcium chloride) into clouds via aircraft to induce precipitation. Recently, IIT Kanpur conducted trials over Delhi to combat smog, but results were disappointing due to unsuitable cloud conditions. Historically, India's experience with cloud seeding dates back to 1952. A major study, the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX) (2017-2019), found that seeding could increase rainfall by 18-46% in specific drought-prone regions like Solapur. However, the post-monsoon clouds over Delhi often lack the necessary moisture and quality for successful seeding.
Cloud seeding requires specific cloud types with sufficient moisture and 'supercooled' water droplets to be effective.
The CAIPEEX experiment (2017-2019) provided scientific evidence that seeding can enhance rainfall in drought-prone areas like Solapur, Maharashtra.
Recent attempts in Delhi failed because the atmospheric conditions and cloud quality were not conducive to inducing rain.
Exam Points
CAIPEEX stands for Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment.
The CAIPEEX study (2017-2019) found a 46% average increase in rain at seeded locations in Solapur.
India's first cloud seeding experiments were conducted in 1952 by S.K. Banerji.
The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, aims to protect marine life in international waters. It establishes a framework for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), and the sharing of benefits from Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs). However, challenges remain, including the ambiguity of the 'common heritage of humankind' principle versus 'freedom of the high seas.' There is also concern over the non-participation of major powers like the U.S., China, and Russia, and the potential for 'biopiracy' by developed nations who have the technology to exploit these resources.
The BBNJ agreement covers the 'High Seas,' which are areas of the ocean beyond any country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
A core pillar of the treaty is the fair and equitable sharing of monetary and non-monetary benefits derived from Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs).
The treaty faces hurdles due to the lack of ratification by major maritime powers and potential conflicts with existing bodies like the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
Exam Points
The High Seas Treaty is formally the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement.
It was adopted in June 2023 and requires 60 ratifications to enter into force (expected January 2026).
The treaty is based on the framework of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982.
The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories challenging the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) decision to ban the word ‘ORS’ (Oral Rehydration Solution) for non-medical beverages. The FSSAI directive restricts the use of the label ‘ORS’ to products that meet specific medical standards, preventing fruit-based or ready-to-drink beverages from using the term. The court ruled that using ‘ORS’ for products that do not follow the WHO-recommended formula could mislead consumers and pose health risks, particularly during medical emergencies.
The FSSAI has banned the use of the term 'ORS' for any beverage that does not meet established medical standards for Oral Rehydration Solution.
The ruling aims to prevent consumer confusion between commercial fruit drinks and medically necessary rehydration salts.
The Delhi High Court emphasized that labeling must be accurate to ensure public health and safety, especially for products used to treat dehydration.
Exam Points
FSSAI stands for Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
The directive was challenged by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories regarding its brand 'Rebalanz VITORS'.
The FSSAI withdrew prior permissions for using 'ORS' in branding unless medical standards are met on October 14.
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