Daily Current Affairs Summary - 21st March 2025

Sagarmala Start Up Innovation Initiative (S2I2) launched to Boost Port Led Development
 

S2I2 was launched at the 4th National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC) meeting. 
 

• In meeting, plans to upgrade to Sagarmala 2.0 was also highlighted. 
   

Key Highlights of S2I2
 

1. Objective:
   
   To support and promote startups and entrepreneurs engaged in transformative areas such as:
   1. Green Shipping
   2. Smart Port Infrastructure
   3. Maritime Logistics
   4. Advanced Shipbuilding Technologies
   5. Sustainable Coastal Development
       
2. Strategic Focus – RISE:
   
   The initiative seeks to foster a culture of Research, Innovation, Startups, and Entrepreneurship (RISE) in the maritime sector.
    
3. Support Mechanism: Startups under S2I2 will be provided with:
   1. Financial assistance
   2. Expert mentorship
   3. Industry partnerships
   4. Access to maritime infrastructure and networks
       

Sagarmala 2.0: A Visionary Upgrade
 

1. The upcoming Sagarmala 2.0 programme aims to expand the scope of the existing Sagarmala vision by including:
   1. Shipbuilding and Ship Repair
   2. Ship Breaking and Recycling Ecosystems
2. Target Goals:
   1. Aligning with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, which envisions:
      1. Making India one of the top five global shipbuilding nations
      2. Enhancing port handling capacity to 10 billion metric tons annually

 

About Sagarmala Programme (2015)
 

1. Launch Year: 2015
2. Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
3. Apex Body: National Sagarmala Apex Committee (NSAC)
4. Core Aim:
   To boost economic growth by unlocking the potential of:
   1. India’s 7,500 km long coastline
   2. 14,500 km of navigable waterways
5. Vision:
   Reducing logistics costs for both domestic and EXIM (Export-Import) cargo and improving port efficiency.
6. Five Pillars of Sagarmala Programme:

1. Port-Led Industrialization
2. Port Modernization & New Port Development
3. Port Connectivity Enhancement
4. Coastal Shipping and Inland Waterways Development
5. Coastal Community Development
    

MGNREGA Records 82% Rise in Employment Generation Over a Decade
 

In a remarkable achievement, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has witnessed an 82% increase in employment generation between FY 2014–15 and FY 2024–25, with a total of 3,029 crore person-days of work created during this period.
 

• Additionally, the scheme has achieved a major milestone in digital integration, with 99.49% of active workers now Aadhaar-seeded, reflecting greater transparency and efficiency in wage disbursal.
   

About MGNREGA
 

1. Scheme Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme
2. Launched: In 2005 by the Ministry of Rural Development
3. Primary Objective: To ensure at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to perform unskilled manual labour.
    

Eligibility & Coverage
 

1. Beneficiaries: All adult members (18 years and above) of rural households.
2. Geographic Coverage: Applicable across the country, excluding districts with 100% urban population.
    

Wage Determination
 

1. MGNREGA wage rates vary by state.
2. Wage revisions are linked to Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL), ensuring that wages reflect rural inflation levels.
    

Key Achievements and Impact
 

1. Employment Generation Boost:
   3,029 crore person-days created, marking an 82% rise over the last decade.
2. Digital Inclusion:
   99.49% Aadhaar seeding of active workers completed for smoother wage transfers and reduced leakages.
3. Women’s Participation on the Rise:
   Women's share in total person-days has increased from 48% in FY 2013–14 to over 58% in FY 2024–25, indicating enhanced economic empowerment of rural women.
4. Water-Stressed Block Reduction:
   Number of water-stressed rural blocks has declined from 2,264 to 1,456, showing a 35% reduction due to better water conservation efforts under the scheme.
5. Focus on Asset Creation:
   Creation of individual assets has risen significantly, from 17.6% in FY 2013–14 to 56.99% in FY 2024–25, ensuring more durable livelihoods.
6. Amrit Sarovar Initiative:
   Over 68,000 Amrit Sarovars (water bodies) have been developed across the country under Phase I, strengthening rural water security.

 

Cabinet Approves Incentive Scheme to Promote Small-Value BHIM-UPI Transactions (P2M)
 

To boost digital payments and expand the reach of the BHIM-UPI platform, the Union Cabinet has approved an incentive sc
heme focused on small-value Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions.

• The scheme will be implemented with a total outlay of ₹1,500 crore for FY 2024–25.

 

Key Highlights of the Scheme
 

1. Transaction Incentive:
   A 0.15% incentive per transaction will be offered for UPI payments up to ₹2,000, specifically targeting small merchant categories.
2. Incentive Distribution:
   The incentive amount will be distributed among various stakeholders:
   1. Acquiring Bank (Merchant's Bank)
   2. Issuer Bank (Customer's Bank)
   3. Payment Service Providers (PSPs)
   4. App Providers
3.  Primary Objectives:
   1. Promote the adoption of the indigenous BHIM-UPI platform
   2. Achieve the goal of ₹20,000 crore total transaction volume through P2M transactions in FY 2024–25
   3. Deepen UPI penetration in Tier 3 to Tier 6 cities, particularly in rural and remote areas, using innovative solutions like:
      1. UPI 123PAY (Feature-phone based UPI)
      2. UPI Lite & UPI LiteX (Offline UPI payments)
4. Benefit to Merchants:
   1. Enables small merchants to accept UPI payments without additional cost.
   2. Supports digital inclusion of small businesses across rural and semi-urban areas.

 

Background: MDR Waiver on UPI Payments
 

1. In 2020, the government waived Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on BHIM-UPI and RuPay transactions.
2. MDR is the fee paid by merchants for accepting digital payments via debit cards, credit cards, net banking, or wallets.
3. The current scheme continues this effort by incentivizing banks to further absorb costs and encourage adoption at the grassroots level.

 

About BHIM-UPI Platform
 

1. BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money):
   A mobile payment application launched in 2016, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to facilitate seamless UPI-based transactions.
2. Unified Payments Interface (UPI):
   A real-time payment system that integrates multiple bank accounts into a single app for easy money transfers.
    

Key Features of UPI:
 

1. Virtual Payment Address (VPA): Send/receive payments without revealing bank account details.
2. Single Click 2FA: Secure two-factor authentication with one-click ease.
3. India Stack Integration: Forms the Payments Layer of India Stack digital infrastructure.
4. UPI One World: A wallet solution for NRIs and foreign visitors, enabling seamless global transactions.

 

Global Expansion: NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL)
 

1. NIPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of NPCI, was incorporated in 2020 to extend the reach of UPI and RuPay globally.
2. Recently, NIPL partnered with a Singapore-based payments firm to enable cross-border UPI acceptance, boosting India’s digital payment ecosystem on a global scale.
   
    

Cabinet Approves Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission to Strengthen Livestock Sector
 

In a significant move to boost the livestock sector, the Union Cabinet has approved the Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) with enhanced features and a renewed focus on genetic improvement and indigenous breed conservation.
 

About Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM)
 

1. Launch Year: 2014
2. Nodal Ministry: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
    

Primary Objectives:

1. Conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds.
2. Genetic upgradation of the cattle population.
3. Enhancement of milk production and productivity.
    

Key Activities under RGM:
 

1. Strengthening of semen stations and Artificial Insemination networks.
2. Modernization of Central Cattle Breeding Farms.
3. Skill development and awareness programmes for farmers.
4. Establishment of Gokul Grams – integrated Indigenous Cattle Development Centres designed to conserve and develop native breeds using scientific methods. A total of 16 Gokul Grams are proposed under the mission.
    

Revised Rashtriya Gokul Mission: New Features
 

Total Outlay: ₹3,400 crore for the 15th Finance Commission period (2021–22 to 2025–26).
 

New Components Introduced:
 

1. Heifer Rearing Centres (HRCs):
   1. Objective: Promote rearing of high genetic merit heifers.
   2. Support: One-time capital assistance of 35% for setting up HRCs.
   3. Scope: Creation of 30 housing facilities to accommodate 15,000 heifers.
2. Interest Subvention Scheme:
   1. Farmers purchasing high genetic merit (HGM) IVF heifers will be provided 3% interest subvention on loans availed through milk unions, financial institutions, or banks.
   2. Aim: Encourage adoption of advanced breeding technologies at the grassroots level.
       

Notable Achievements of RGM (2014–2024)
 

1. Milk Production Growth:
   Increased by 63.55% over the past decade.
2. Per Capita Milk Availability:
   Rose from 307 grams/day in 2013–14 to 471 grams/day in 2023–24.
3. Productivity Improvement:
   Dairy productivity improved by 26.34% during the same period.
4. Artificial Insemination Coverage:
   Under the Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme (NAIP), doorstep free AI services are being provided in 605 districts, improving breed quality and productivity.

 

Cabinet Approves Revamped National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
 

In a significant move to accelerate the growth and modernization of the dairy sector, the Union Cabinet has approved the Revised National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD).
 

The updated scheme aims to strengthen dairy infrastructure, enhance milk processing capacities, and boost farmers’ income — particularly focusing on women participation in the dairy value chain.
 

About National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD)
 

1. Type of Scheme: Central Sector Scheme
2. Initial Launch: 2014 | Restructured in 2021
3. Nodal Agency: Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
    

Financial Outlay
 

The scheme’s budget has been enhanced by ₹1,000 crore, bringing the total allocation to ₹2,790 crore for the 15th Finance Commission period (2021–22 to 2025–26).
 

Key Objectives of Revised NPDD
 

1. Establishment of 10,000 new Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCSs).
2. Focused development of milk procurement and processing infrastructure in the North Eastern Region (NER).
3. Formation of 2 Milk Producer Companies (MPCs) with dedicated grant support.
4. Creation of 3.2 lakh additional employment opportunities, with a major thrust on women empowerment (as women form nearly 70% of the dairy workforce).
    

Two Key Components of NPDD
 

1. Component A: Dairy Infrastructure Development

1. Supports creation of infrastructure in remote and underdeveloped regions.
2. Key facilities include:
   • Milk chilling units
   • Milk testing laboratories
   • Quality certification systems
   • Strengthening of DCSs and MPCs

2. Component B: Dairying through Cooperatives (DTC)

1. A JICA-assisted initiative (Japan International Cooperation Agency)
2. Aims at sustainable development of dairy cooperatives across 9 target States.
3. Focus: Enhancing milk production, processing, marketing infrastructure, and improving cooperative efficiency.

 

Achievements under NPDD
 

1. Employment Generation: Over 30,000 direct and indirect jobs already created.
2. Milk Procurement Capacity: Increased by 100.95 lakh litres per day, strengthening procurement networks.
3. Technology Integration:
   1. 51,777 village-level milk testing laboratories modernized.
   2. 123.33 lakh litres milk cooling capacity established.
   3. Adulteration detection systems installed in 232 dairy plants, ensuring milk quality and safety.

 

India’s Remittance Landscape Undergoes Major Shift: RBI Survey 2023-24
 

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released findings from the Sixth Round of India’s Remittances Survey (2023-24), highlighting changing patterns in migration and money transfers from abroad.

The report offers insights into India’s position as a global leader in remittance receipts and the evolving profile of migrant workers and source countries.

 

What Are Remittances?
 

Remittances refer to the portion of income that migrant workers send back home, either in cash or goods, primarily to support their families in their country of origin.
 

Key Highlights from RBI Survey
 

1. India – The Global Leader in Remittances

1. India has retained its position as the top remittance-receiving country globally since 2008 (World Bank).
2. Total remittance inflow increased from US$ 55.6 billion in 2010-11 to a record US$ 118.7 billion in 2023-24.
3. Remittances have consistently contributed around 3% of India’s GDP since the early 2000s.

2. Shift in Migration Trends: India’s international migrant population has tripled — from 6.6 million in 1990 to 18.5 million in 2024, indicating a growing diaspora base.
3. Changing Source Country Composition
    

A significant transition is evident in the source of remittances:
 

3. 1. Advanced economies now contribute a larger share than traditional Gulf countries.
   2. The United States has emerged as the largest contributor, followed by the United Kingdom — together accounting for nearly 40% of total remittances.
   3. This shift reflects a broader trend of skilled migration, especially in technology, healthcare, and finance sectors.
4. State-wise Remittance Distribution

1. Maharashtra leads as the top recipient state, followed closely by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
2. These states are historically known for having large overseas migrant populations.

5. Declining Cost of Remittances
6. India has seen a notable reduction in remittance transaction costs, which are now lower than the global average.

• This is largely attributed to digital payment solutions, fintech adoption, and improved banking infrastructure.

 

Why Are Remittances So Important?

 

1. Bridging the Trade Deficit: Remittance inflows finance approximately 42% of India’s trade deficit, making them crucial for macroeconomic stability.
2. Higher Than FDI: In several years, remittance inflows have exceeded Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), underlining their economic significance.
3. Improved Household Welfare: Remittances support family livelihoods, education, healthcare, and better living standards in recipient households.

 

Squad Alliance: Inclusion of India and South Korea
 

The Philippines has proposed the inclusion of India and South Korea in the 'Squad' alliance, an emerging minilateral grouping aimed at addressing security challenges and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific Ocean Region.
 

What is the Squad Alliance?
 

1. The Squad is an informal multilateral alliance currently comprising: United States, Japan, Australia and Philippines
2. The core objective of this grouping is to counter growing aggression in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in light of increasing geopolitical tensions.
3. The defence forces of these countries have been conducting joint maritime activities, especially within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), to ensure maritime security and regional stability.
    

Squad vs Quad: Understanding the Difference
 

1. While the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) is a well-known alliance that includes India, United States, Japan, and Australia, the Squad is a separate minilateral arrangement without India's current participation.
2. The Philippines, however, is not a part of the Quad but plays a crucial role in the Squad.

 

Ashwini Radar System: A Boost to Indian Air Force's Surveillance Capabilities
 

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a capital acquisition contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of the Low Level Transportable Radar (LLTR) 'Ashwini' for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
 

What is Ashwini Radar?
 

1. Ashwini is an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system, developed using state-of-the-art solid-state technology.
2. It has been indigenously developed by the Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a key laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
    

Key Features and Capabilities
 

1. Designed to detect and track a wide spectrum of aerial threats, ranging from:
   1. High-speed fighter aircraft
   2. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
   3. Low-speed helicopters
2. The radar boasts an instrumented range of 200 kilometers, enabling long-range surveillance and airspace monitoring.
    

Significance
 

1. The deployment of the Ashwini radar system will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force's low-level air defence capabilities.
2. The radar’s mobility and versatility make it well-suited for deployment in diverse terrains and operational scenarios, contributing to better situational awareness and airspace control.

 

 

Miller-Urey Hypothesis vs. New Theory: Could Microlightning Have Sparked Life on Earth?
 

A recent study has brought new insights into the origin of life on Earth, proposing that ‘microlightning’ may have played a crucial role—challenging the widely accepted Miller-Urey Hypothesis.
 

What is Microlightning?
 

Microlightning refers to tiny electric sparks that form when oppositely charged water droplets come close together after splitting—mimicking how lightning is naturally generated in clouds.

• This phenomenon is now being considered a potential source of organic molecule formation on early Earth.
   

About the Miller-Urey Hypothesis
 

1. Proposed in the 1950s, the Miller-Urey Hypothesis suggested that:
   1. Lightning strikes in Earth’s primitive atmosphere triggered chemical reactions.
   2. These reactions could produce organic compounds such as amino acids, essential building blocks of life.
2. The hypothesis was experimentally validated, demonstrating that electricity applied to a mixture of water and inorganic gases could indeed create complex organic molecules.
    

Recent Study Findings
 

The new study has successfully demonstrated that microlightning can also lead to the formation of organic compounds, offering an alternative pathway for the origin of life on Earth.
 

Limitations of Miller-Urey Hypothesis
 

Critics have pointed out key shortcomings in the original theory:

1. 1. Lightning strikes were relatively rare on early Earth.
   2. Most strikes likely occurred over open oceans, where any newly formed organic compounds could quickly disperse and dissolve, reducing the chances of life formation.
       

Samarth: A Cutting-Edge Incubation Program for Telecom & IT Innovation
 

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), an autonomous Telecom R&D center under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, has launched ‘Samarth’, a forward-looking Incubation Program aimed at fostering innovation and technological advancement in India’s telecommunications and IT sectors.
 

Key Highlights of Samarth Program
 

1. Objective:
   1. To promote the development of sustainable and scalable business models.
   2. Facilitate startups in bridging the gap from ideation to commercialization.
   3. Offer access to cutting-edge resources, expert mentorship, and industry support to foster entrepreneurship.
       
2. Focus Areas:
   1. Telecom Software Applications
   2. Cyber Security
   3. 5G/6G Technologies
   4. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
   5. Internet of Things (IoT) Applications
   6. Quantum Technologies

 

Implementation Partner
 

1. Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) is the official implementation partner for the Samarth program.
2. STPI, a premier S&T organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), plays a key role in promoting:
   1. IT/ITES Industry
   2. Innovation and R&D
   3. Product/IP creation in emerging technologies like AI, ML, IoT, Blockchain, Robotics, and Computer Vision.

 

Program Structure and Support
 

1. Cohort Size: Maximum of 18 startups per cohort, with two cohorts of six months each, accommodating a total of 36 startups.
2. Mode: Delivered in hybrid mode (physical + virtual support).
3. Support Offered:
   1. Grant of up to ₹5 lakh per selected startup.
   2. Well-furnished office space at C-DOT Campus for 6 months.
   3. Access to C-DOT’s Lab facilities.
   4. Mentorship by C-DOT technical leaders and industry experts.
   5. Opportunity for future collaboration under C-DOT Collaborative Research Program based on progress.
       

Eligibility and Outreach
 

1. Open to startups recognized by DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade).
2. ‘Samarth’ aims to:
   1. Connect people, promote collaboration, attract investors, and
   2. Strengthen the startup ecosystem by creating a robust pipeline of future job-creating businesses.

 

Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs): India-U.S. Collaboration for Defence Innovation
 

What are Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs)?
 

1. Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) are robotic vehicles that operate on the sea surface, primarily used for recording oceanographic data and enhancing maritime surveillance.
2. These vessels use wave power or propeller-driven propulsion systems.
    

Advantages of Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs)
 

1. Larger payload capacity and higher battery endurance compared to Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs).
2. Sustain prolonged operations using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
3. Enable enhanced capabilities in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and undersea domain awareness (UDA).
    

Challenges
 

Navigational risks in congested waters remain a key concern for autonomous operation.

India-U.S. Partnership for Wave Glider ASV

Under the U.S.-India Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between:

1. 1. Liquid Robotics (a Boeing subsidiary), and
   2. Sagar Defence Engineering Pvt. Ltd., an Indian startup specializing in unmanned systems.
       

Wave Glider ASV: A Strategic Platform
 

1. The Wave Glider is a critical ASV platform aimed at:
   1. Enhancing undersea domain awareness (UDA),
   2. Enabling system-of-systems interoperability,
   3. Facilitating ocean testing,
   4. Establishing a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India.
2. This is the first such co-development project between a U.S. company and an Indian startup, marking a milestone in bilateral defence cooperation.
    

Broader Context: Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA)
 

1. The partnership is part of the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) initiative launched during PM Modi’s visit to the U.S.

• ASIA aims to expand industry partnerships and production capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region.
   

Other Key Underwater Domain Awareness (UDA) Technologies Identified for Co-Production
 

Apart from the Wave Glider, several UDA-related systems are being explored under India-U.S. collaboration:

1. Sea Picket: Autonomous surveillance system with sonar acoustic array (Thayer Mahan).
2. Low Frequency Active Towed Sonar.
3. Multi-Static Active (MSA) Sonobuoys:
   1. First-of-its-kind India-U.S. co-production announced in January.
   2. Ultra Maritime (UM) partnering with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for manufacturing in India.
4. Large Diameter Autonomous Undersea Vehicles (produced by Anduril).
5. Triton Autonomous Underwater and Surface Vehicle (produced by Ocean Aero)

 

Sonic Weapons: A New-Age Acoustic Threat
 

Serbia recently denied allegations of using a banned sonic weapon to disperse protesters in Belgrade, bringing global attention back to the use and impacts of such acoustic technologies.
 

What Are Sonic Weapons?
 

1. Sonic or Acoustic Weapons are devices designed to emit extremely loud sounds over long distances.
2. They are used for:
   1. Dispersing crowds or incapacitating individuals using high-decibel sound.
   2. Broadcasting voice messages as long-range communication tools.
       

Working Mechanism
 

1. Typically consist of modern transducers—electronic devices that convert energy into focused sound waves.
2. The sound is narrowly beamed and amplified, targeting specific areas with intense acoustic energy.

 

Types of Sonic Weapons
 

1. Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD)
   1. Developed by Genasys Inc (formerly LRAD Corporation).
   2. Emits a highly directional sound beam with intelligible speech range up to 8,900 meters.
   3. Can produce sound levels of up to 160 decibels (dB).
      1. For comparison:
         • Jet engine (130–140 dB),
         • Gunshot (approx. 150 dB).
      2. Sounds above 120 dB can cause permanent hearing damage with even short exposure.
2. Mosquito Device
   1. Emits high-pitched frequencies painful only to younger individuals (typically under 30).
   2. Older adults are usually unaffected due to age-related hearing decline.
   3. Used in public spaces to deter loitering by teenagers.
3. Infrasonic Weapons
   1. Emit very low-frequency sound waves that are often inaudible, but may cause pain, disorientation, and internal discomfort.
   2. Still under research; not widely weaponised yet.
   3. Experts suggest these are harder to deploy as effective weapons.

 

Health Effects of Sonic Weapons
 

1. Exposure to high-intensity acoustic waves can cause:
   1. Tinnitus (ringing in ears),
   2. Temporary or permanent hearing loss,
   3. Headaches, nausea, sweating, vertigo, loss of balance,
   4. Severe symptoms like vomiting and bleeding from ears in extreme cases.
2. Earplugs may reduce sound impact by 20–30 dB, but may still not prevent injury during high-decibel exposure.
3. Impact severity depends on:
   1. Distance from source,
   2. Duration of exposure, and
   3. Pre-existing health conditions.

 

Concerns & Criticism
 

Human rights organizations, such as Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), highlight:

1. 1. Lack of adequate research on long-term health impacts.
   2. Indiscriminate harm, affecting protesters, bystanders, and even law enforcement personnel, despite directional targeting.
   3. Ethical concerns regarding misuse and disproportionate impact on civilians.

 

Sansad Bhashini initiative: Enabling Multilingual AI-Powered Parliamentary Operations
 

1. Lok Sabha and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) agreed to develop the Sansad Bhashini initiative for AI-powered multilingual Parliamentary operations.
2. It is being developed in alignment with ‘Bhashini’, a flagship AI-powered language translation platform developed by MeitY.
3. Aim: To leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance multilingual support (through Bhashini) and streamline parliamentary operations.
4. The key AI initiatives under Sansad Bhashini include AI-based translation, AI-Powered Chatbot for the Parliament website etc.

 

State of Climate 2024 Report

 

The State of Climate 2024 report published by World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
 

Key Highlights
 

• Global Warming causes greenhouse gas levels highest in the past 8, 00,000 years as per WMO.
• The report states that each of the last 10 years is among the 10 warmest years on record since 1850.
• Frozen parts of Earth’s surface, known as the cryosphere, are melting at an alarming rate.
• Extreme weather events caused the greatest number of displacements in 2024 since 2008.

Source: WMO

UpLink Initiative
 

UpLink initiative under World Economic Forum’s (WEF) cut carbon emissions by 142,400 tonnes in 2023-2024.
 

About UpLink Initiative
 

1. It is an initiative focused on impactful early-stage innovation.
2. It was founded in 2020 by WEF in collaboration with Deloitte and Salesforce. 
3. It builds ecosystems that enable purpose-driven, early-stage entrepreneurs to scale their businesses for the markets that are essential to a net-zero, nature-positive and equitable future.
4. Objectives: Accelerate impact of early-stage innovators, Enable Innovation Ecosystems and Influence perception.

 

 

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