17.07.25

• Why: To shield domestic industries from unfair pricing and protect specific sectors from injury caused by dumped imports.

• Why: To address the significant volume of dumped imports predominantly originating from China, impacting sectors like chemicals, plastics, and industrial goods.

• Why: To formulate timely trade responses, develop export strategies, and prevent India from becoming a dumping ground for rerouted goods.

• Why: To proactively prevent a situation where global trade imbalances lead to a surge of dumped goods entering the Indian market.

• Why: To ensure that trade remedy measures are effectively implemented based on evidence of dumping, injury, and causation, with a focus on protecting domestic producers.

• Why: These duties serve to protect domestic industries, neutralize unfair subsidies, and temporarily shield local producers from sudden import surges, ensuring a level playing field.

Union Home Minister’s Tribute: The Union Home Minister paid tribute to Hemam Neelmani Singh, a prominent freedom fighter from Manipur.

• Why in News: This highlights the national recognition of his contribution to India’s independence and post-independence era.

Prominent INA Freedom Fighter: Hemam Neelmani Singh was associated with the Indian National Army (INA).

• Why in News: His role in the INA, especially during key events like the Battle of Imphal and the unfurling of the Indian tricolor at Moirang in 1944, is significant for understanding the freedom struggle’s Eastern front.

Posthumous Felicitation by Bharat Vikas Parishad: The Bharat Vikas Parishad organized an event to honor him posthumously.

• Why in News: This emphasizes the ongoing efforts to remember and acknowledge the contributions of freedom fighters, particularly those from lesser-highlighted regions. The Bharat Vikas Parishad, a voluntary organization inspired by Swami Vivekananda, was formed to mobilize public support, initially during the 1962 India-China war.

Key Role in Northeast Freedom Struggle: Singh played a crucial role in India’s independence struggle, especially in the Northeast.

• Why in News: This brings focus to the contributions of individuals from the Northeast, which are often overshadowed in national narratives.

Post-Independence Contributions: He served as Deputy Education Minister of Manipur, focusing on education reform, women’s empowerment, and promoting Hindi for national integration. He also donated his residence for the INA headquarters.

• Why in News: This showcases his dedication to nation-building beyond the independence movement, contributing to educational and social development in Manipur.

US GENIUS Act Enables Banks/Companies to Issue Stablecoins: US banks and large firms like Amazon can now issue stablecoins, digital tokens pegged to stable assets (e.g., US Treasury Bills), offering price stability compared to volatile cryptocurrencies.

• Why in news: This signifies a major regulatory shift, legitimizing and encouraging stablecoin issuance by traditional financial and corporate entities in the US.

Stablecoins: Combination of Government Securities and Blockchain: US stablecoins are backed 1:1 by Treasury Bills, ensuring stability while leveraging blockchain for speed and transparency in transactions.

• Why in news: This highlights a model that merges traditional financial instruments with cutting-edge technology.

Global Usage of Stablecoins: Used for crypto trading, everyday transactions, hedging against local currency volatility (popular in Argentina, Nigeria, Turkey), and cross-border payments/remittances.

• Why in news: Demonstrates their practical utility beyond speculation, particularly in emerging economies facing economic instability.

India’s Regulatory Lag: RBI has concerns about unregulated crypto. India lacks a clear regulatory framework for stablecoins, hindering fintech innovation and potentially driving talent abroad.

• Why in news: Contrasts India’s cautious approach with the US’s proactive stance, highlighting missed opportunities in fostering domestic innovation.

Need for Balanced Policy: India needs a framework under RBI oversight for stablecoins, ensuring consumer protection and monetary stability. Integrating blockchain products and supporting startups is crucial.

• Why in news: Emphasizes the urgency for India to adapt its regulations to harness the potential of stablecoins and blockchain technology for economic growth and financial inclusion.

Stablecoins as a Fintech Future: The stablecoin ecosystem impacts payments, digital wallets, and financial infrastructure, requiring India to embrace this evolution for job creation and economic modernization.

• Why in news: Positions stablecoins as a critical component of future financial systems, underscoring the need for strategic adaptation.

Observation of CP Violation in Baryons: CERN scientists have for the first time observed that the laws of physics differ between matter and antimatter in baryons, such as protons and neutrons. This phenomenon, known as CP violation, was previously only seen in mesons.

Explaining Matter-Antimatter Imbalance: This discovery may help explain why the universe is dominated by matter, despite matter and antimatter being created in equal amounts during the Big Bang.

LHCb Collaboration’s Finding: The LHCb collaboration at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider detected this CP violation in the decay of the Λb0 baryon, observing a decay asymmetry of approximately 2.45% with strong statistical significance.

Significance for Physics: This finding adds a crucial piece to the puzzle of cosmic asymmetry and could point towards “new physics” beyond the current Standard Model.

Historical Context and Future Research: The observation fulfills a condition proposed by physicists in 1967 for matter dominance and requires further precise measurements to confirm if the violation matches predictions or indicates unknown forces.

CERN’s Role: CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is a leading global center for particle physics research, operating the Large Hadron Collider and fostering technological innovation.

• Green Methanol: 90-95% carbon reduction, drop-in fuel. High cost due to renewables and electrolysers.
• Green Ammonia: Carbon-neutral, long-term solution. Volatile nature requires specialized infrastructure.
• Biofuels: Lower carbon but limited scalability and feedstock constraints.

• Cost: Green fuels are significantly more expensive than conventional fuels due to high renewable electricity and electrolyser costs. Demand is projected to outstrip supply, increasing prices.
• Technology & Infrastructure: Requires substantial ship retrofitting and port bunkering infrastructure. Ammonia engines are experimental, and global standards are lacking.
• Regulation & Certification: Evolving IMO regulations and lack of certification frameworks create market uncertainty.
• Storage & Safety: Hydrogen is difficult to store and transport; methanol and ammonia are more viable.
• Geopolitics: Oil-exporting nations resist changes, while smaller nations advocate for carbon levies. India piloted a compromise solution.

• Policy Leadership: India shaped the IMO’s Market-Based Measure framework and hosted the Green Shipping Conclave.
• Clean Fuel Production: India aims to be a green hydrogen hub, essential for shipping fuels, leveraging its vast solar potential.
• Maritime Infrastructure: Investing in green bunkering facilities and ports.
• Financial Commitment: Maritime Development Fund to catalyze green infrastructure investment.

• Develop green hydrogen hubs powered by solar energy.
• Scale up Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) for green methanol.
• Provide policy and financial incentives like Sovereign Guarantees and PLI schemes.
• Boost shipbuilding and retrofitting with incentives for green fuel-compatible ships.
• Export green fuels, meeting stringent GHG intensity standards.
• Engage in international partnerships for technology transfer and green fuel exports.

97th Foundation Day Celebration: ICAR celebrated its 97th Foundation Day on July 16, 2025, highlighting its crucial role in Indian agriculture and food/nutritional security.

Agricultural Growth & Food Security: ICAR’s contributions were pivotal in the Green Revolution. India achieved record foodgrain production (353.95 MT) in 2024-25, leading globally in rice and milk, and second in wheat and horticulture.

Research Excellence & Innovation: Released 679 crop varieties (27 bio-fortified), world’s first 2 genome-edited rice varieties, and contributed significantly to Basmati rice exports (90% from ICAR varieties). Wheat production saw 85% under ICAR varieties.

Advancements Across Sectors: Developed 83 horticulture varieties, 7 fish breeding protocols, registered 10 livestock breeds, released 2 chicken varieties, and deployed 45 new agri-machines, enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

Climate-Smart & Resource Management: Developed National Soil Spectral Library, 35 Good Agricultural Practices, organic farming models, and a microbial consortium reducing methane emissions in rice by 18%.

Capacity Building & Extension: Conducted 18.57 lakh farmer trainings, issued 4.19 crore mobile advisories, and reduced stubble burning by 80%. Launched PM-One Nation One Subscription (PM-ONOS) scheme.

Global Collaboration & Strategic Initiatives: Strengthened international ties and launched key programs like Global Centre on Millets, Clean Plant Programme, and National Gene Bank.

Key Initiatives for Promotion: Schemes like Kisan Credit Card (KCC), PMFBY, SMAM, and AIF support farmers financially, insure crops, promote mechanization, and develop infrastructure.

Technology & Sustainability Focus: Project VISTAAR integrates digital agriculture, Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa disseminates weather advisories, and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana promotes organic farming.

• Plate Tectonics: India’s northward drift and collision with the Eurasian plate create the Himalayas, a region prone to major earthquakes.
• Rapid Urbanisation: Poorly designed high-rises and construction on liquefaction-prone soils in urban areas exacerbate risks.
• Non-compliance with Codes: Widespread failure to enforce seismic codes (e.g., IS 1893:2016) in construction makes buildings vulnerable.

• Poor Enforcement: Lack of rigorous implementation of seismic building codes.
• Public Awareness: Insufficient public education on safety measures and drills.
• Retrofitting Neglect: Older buildings often lack necessary structural retrofitting.

• Rigorous Code Enforcement: Strict adherence to seismic codes for all new and existing structures.
• Retrofitting: Upgrading older buildings with techniques like steel jacketing and base isolation.
• Planning: Avoiding construction on floodplains and liquefaction-prone zones.
• Early Warning Systems: Expanding and improving early warning systems, especially for rural high-risk areas.
• Public Education: Conducting widespread campaigns on earthquake safety, emergency kits, and evacuation plans.
• National Dialogue: Engaging stakeholders (planners, engineers, governments) to integrate seismic resilience into policy.

Nationwide Digital Outreach: The Sanchar Mitra Scheme, launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), is a nationwide initiative to boost digital literacy, cyber hygiene, and telecom awareness.

Youth as Digital Ambassadors: The scheme recruits university students as “Sanchar Mitras” to act as digital ambassadors, bridging the gap between citizens and the telecom ecosystem.

Focus Areas: Sanchar Mitras will raise awareness on critical issues like telecom safety, cyber fraud prevention, responsible mobile usage, and EMF radiation.

Skill Development & Exposure: Students receive training in emerging technologies (5G, 6G, AI, cybersecurity) and gain opportunities for internships, national telecom projects, and international forums (India Mobile Congress, ITU).

Grassroots Impact: The program aims to conduct grassroots-level awareness drives, engage communities, and promote informed digital behavior.

Incentive-Driven: Outstanding volunteers are recognized and may receive exclusive opportunities, making it an incentive-driven national movement.

Collaboration: The scheme involves collaboration with universities and DoT’s field units to nominate students from relevant technical backgrounds.

Strategic Vision: The initiative aligns with India’s vision of leadership in “Democracy, Demography, Digitization, and Delivery,” and aims to position India as a telecom research and development hub.

Expansion from Pilot: The scheme has been scaled up nationwide after a successful pilot phase, demonstrating promising impact.

Ministerial Launch: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North East Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, launched the revamped scheme.

Why in News: Rapid growth of generative AI (ChatGPT, Gemini) fuels copyright concerns over training data and AI-generated content, sparking debates on IP rights, authorship, and ethical AI governance.

Key Copyright Challenges:

• AI Mimics Copyrighted Material: AI models train on vast datasets often containing copyrighted works, leading to potential infringement if outputs closely resemble protected content.
• Fair Use & Transformative Use: Tech firms argue AI training is “transformative use” (adding new meaning/utility), a defense tested in cases like Bartz vs. Anthropic, where fair use was upheld for training but liability for storage acknowledged. The Silverman vs. Meta case highlighted the need for creator compensation despite no found market harm.
• AI, Creativity & Legal Liability: Unclear authorship and ownership for purely AI-generated works. Liability for infringement (developer, user, platform) is also undecided.

Legal Status in India:

• Legal Gaps: Indian law (Copyright Act, 1957) attributes authorship only to natural persons, excluding AI-generated works without significant human input. Use of copyrighted material for AI training is a legal grey area.
• AI-Assisted Works: Content created with human input using AI as a tool is protectable, with authorship belonging to the human.
• Fair Dealing (Section 52): Indian law allows exceptions like private use, criticism, review, and research, similar to US fair use. Courts increasingly interpret Section 52 using US fair use factors, but a clear definition of “substantial portion” is missing.

Policy Developments: A Commerce Ministry panel is reviewing the Indian Copyright Act for AI-related gaps.

Way Forward:

• Update Indian Copyright Act with AI-specific provisions and structured fair use assessment.
• Implement clear data governance policies for AI training with oversight.
• Develop multi-stakeholder frameworks balancing innovation and creator rights, potentially including collective licensing.
• Engage in international cooperation to harmonize AI copyright rules.

• Why: To allow wildlife to cross safely, as part of the Bharatmala Pariyojana.

• Why: To reduce traffic noise and prevent disorientation, anxiety, and interference with essential animal activities like feeding and mating.

• Why: Provides context for the location and significance of the wildlife corridor.

• Why: Highlights the importance of protecting this significant tiger habitat.

• Why: Shows the evolution of the project to prioritize wildlife safety.

• Why: Demonstrates the complexities and commitment involved in building through protected areas.

• Why: To assess the effectiveness of the overpasses and ensure ongoing safety.

• Why: Provides the broader context for why the expressway is being built through this region.

• Interest Subvention: 5% for Micro/Small enterprises, 3% for Medium enterprises on loans for energy efficiency projects.
• Technical Support: Investment Grade Energy Audits (IGEA), Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), technology identification, and monitoring.

• Why in news: Official recognition and remembrance from the current Prime Minister underscores Kamaraj’s national significance.

• Why in news: His contributions to nation-building and social justice are consistently highlighted, making his birth anniversary a recurring news event.

• Why in news: His early activism in the freedom struggle showcases his dedication from a young age.

• Why in news: These welfare policies are considered transformative and are still celebrated, with his birth anniversary observed as Education Development Day in Tamil Nadu.

• Why in news: This political strategy had a significant impact on the Congress party’s functioning and is a key aspect of his legacy.

• Why in news: The highest civilian honor recognizes the lasting impact of his contributions.

• Why in news: This shows continued respect and remembrance for Kamaraj within his own political party.