1. Karnataka Issues Ordinance for Gig Workers Welfare
GS II/III – Governance, Social Justice, Labour Reforms
The Karnataka government has taken a pioneering step by issuing the Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Ordinance, 2025. The ordinance aims to provide comprehensive welfare measures for gig and platform-based workers, who have so far remained largely outside formal labor protections.
Key Features:
- Establishes a Welfare Board at the state level to oversee policy implementation.
- Mandates a welfare fee of 1–5% per transaction from platforms such as Zomato, Ola, and Swiggy.
- Introduces a Welfare Fund, which will collect contributions from workers, platforms, and the state government.
- Ensures unique ID numbers for workers, allowing them portability across platforms.
- Provides for safeguards against arbitrary dismissals and calls for transparency in AI-driven monitoring systems used by platforms.
Contextual Significance:
As per NITI Aayog, India had around 7.7 million gig workers in 2020–21, projected to rise to 23.5 million by 2030. The lack of social security, income stability, and workplace protections has led to increased advocacy for their rights.
Relevance for UPSC:
This initiative aligns with similar efforts like Rajasthan’s 2023 Act and Jharkhand’s draft bill. It touches on themes of inclusive governance, labour law reforms, and technology-driven employment models.
2. RBI Releases Annual Report 2024–25
GS III – Indian Economy, Monetary Policy, Financial Stability
The Reserve Bank of India released its annual report summarizing fiscal and monetary developments during FY 2024–25.
Key Highlights:
- Net household savings increased to 5.1% of gross national disposable income, showing improved domestic saving behavior.
- CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) usage has surged, with e-rupee circulation at ₹1,016 crore by March 2025.
- India’s external debt-to-GDP ratio dropped to 19.1%, the lowest among major emerging markets.
- GDP growth projection for FY 2025–26 is estimated at 6.5%, driven by recovery in consumption and investment.
- Inflation trajectory is expected to align with RBI’s target, due to easing food and fuel prices.
- Currency-deposit ratio declined to 15.4%, indicating greater preference for digital payments.
Strategic Implications:
The rise in CBDC and digital transactions signals a transformation in India’s payment ecosystem. Lower external debt reflects macroeconomic prudence.
UPSC Angle:
These developments are important for understanding fiscal policy, monetary management, and financial inclusion, often asked in GS III and essay papers.
3. India’s First Indigenous 5th Generation Stealth Fighter – AMCA
GS III – Indigenisation of Technology, Defence Capabilities
India is advancing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, a 5th generation stealth multirole fighter being developed indigenously by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Project Overview:
- Prototype timeline: 2028–29; expected induction by 2034.
- Features: Stealth design, supercruise capability (supersonic flight without afterburners), AI-enabled avionics, and twin-engine configuration.
- Variants: Mk1 with GE-F414 engines; Mk2 planned with an indigenous engine.
Strategic Significance:
The AMCA will fill the gap left by retiring aircraft like the MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 and offer a counterweight to China’s J-20 and Pakistan’s J-10C.
UPSC Relevance:
This project illustrates India’s focus on strategic autonomy, self-reliance in defence, and technological innovation, making it crucial for GS III and interview discussions.
4. India Operationalises First Commercial BESS in Delhi
GS III – Infrastructure, Energy, Environmental Sustainability
India inaugurated its first commercially approved Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the BRPL substation in Delhi. It uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, known for thermal stability and safety.
What is BESS?
Battery Energy Storage Systems store electricity from renewable sources for later use, especially to meet peak demand or grid stabilization needs.
National Context:
India’s National Electricity Plan (2023) estimates a demand of 236 GWh BESS capacity by 2031–32 to support its renewable energy goals.
Supporting Measures:
- Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for BESS.
- Inter-state transmission charge waivers until 2025.
- National Framework for Energy Storage Systems (2023).
Why It Matters:
BESS addresses renewable intermittency issues, enabling smoother integration of solar and wind energy into the grid and contributing to a carbon-neutral future.
UPSC Linkages:
This topic connects with clean energy transitions, technology in energy, and infrastructure development.
5. FCRA Amendment Regulates Foreign-Funded NGO Publications
GS II – Governance, Internal Security, Media Ethics
The Ministry of Home Affairs amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) to restrict NGOs receiving foreign funds from publishing news content unless registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI).
Rationale:
- Prevents misuse of foreign donations for political or journalistic influence.
- Ensures greater transparency and accountability.
- Aims to safeguard national security and media integrity.
Legal Framework:
The FCRA, 2010, governs the receipt and utilization of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, and companies.
Implications:
The amendment seeks to strike a balance between the freedom of expression and the sovereign right of India to regulate external influence, particularly in sensitive areas like media and policy advocacy.
UPSC Context:
Highly relevant for questions under media regulation, NGO accountability, and security laws.
6. France Legalizes Assisted Dying
GS II – Governance, Ethics, Health Policy, Fundamental Rights
In a landmark move, the French National Assembly passed a law legalizing assisted dying, joining a growing list of European countries grappling with the ethical and legal dimensions of euthanasia.
Key Concepts:
- Euthanasia: Intentional act of ending life to relieve pain and suffering.
- Active Euthanasia: A third party directly administers life-ending treatment (e.g., lethal injection).
- Passive Euthanasia: Withholding or withdrawing medical treatment (e.g., turning off life support).
- Active Euthanasia: A third party directly administers life-ending treatment (e.g., lethal injection).
- Assisted Suicide: The person self-administers a lethal substance provided legally.
Indian Legal Context:
- Passive euthanasia is legal in India following the Aruna Shanbaug (2011) and Common Cause (2018) Supreme Court rulings.
- These judgments recognize the Right to Die with Dignity as part of Article 21 (Right to Life).
Ethical Debates:
- Balancing personal liberty with sanctity of life.
- Risk of coercion or abuse among vulnerable populations (elderly, disabled, terminally ill).
- Challenges for the medical profession: “Do no harm” vs. reducing suffering.
UPSC Relevance:
This issue combines constitutional ethics, medical jurisprudence, and comparative governance, often reflected in GS II, GS IV (Ethics), and Essay Paper topics.
7. India’s First Gene-Edited Sheep Using CRISPR-Cas9
GS III – Science & Technology, Biotechnology, Ethics in Science
India has achieved a breakthrough in animal biotechnology by developing its first gene-edited sheep using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. This was a joint project by Kashmir University and ICAR.
Technical Details:
- Gene Targeted: Myostatin gene, which restricts muscle growth.
- Result: Edited sheep showed up to 30% increase in muscle mass, similar to Texel breed in Europe.
Distinction from GMOs:
- No foreign gene inserted.
- This is gene-editing, not genetically modified organism (GMO) technology.
Applications & Benefits:
- Enhances livestock productivity and protein supply.
- Supports farmer income and agricultural resilience.
Ethical and Environmental Concerns:
- Risk of unintended genetic mutations.
- Possible off-target effects and animal welfare concerns.
- Future fear of “designer traits” leading to bioethical dilemmas.
UPSC Significance:
This blends cutting-edge science, bioethics, and food security issues, with relevance in GS III (Science & Technology, Agriculture) and GS IV (Ethics).
8. Potash and Halite Mining: India’s First Auction
GS I & III – Economic Geography, Agriculture, Self-Reliance
In a move towards fertilizer self-reliance, India conducted its first auction of potash and halite mineral blocks in Rajasthan.
Key Details:
- Potash: Potassium-rich mineral used in fertilizer; enhances yield, crop resilience, and quality.
- Halite: Commonly known as rock salt (NaCl); used in chemical industries, de-icing, and water treatment.
Locations:
- Jhandawali-Satipura and Jorkian-Satipura-Khunja blocks, Rajasthan.
Strategic Importance:
- India currently imports 100% of its potash requirements.
- This auction supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, reduces import dependency, and secures raw materials for the agricultural sector.
Environmental Concerns:
- Proper regulation needed to prevent over-extraction and groundwater contamination.
UPSC Linkages:
Touches on natural resources, agricultural sustainability, geographical mapping, and mineral policy reforms.
9. Dugong Conservation Gains Momentum
GS III – Environment, Biodiversity, Conservation
India is intensifying efforts to conserve the critically low population of dugongs—marine herbivores found in Indian waters—whose numbers have fallen to around 200 individuals.
Species Profile:
- Dugongs are gentle sea mammals that feed on seagrass meadows.
- Found in the Palk Bay, Gulf of Mannar, Gulf of Kutch, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Threats:
- Coastal development, seagrass habitat loss, pollution, trawler operations, and accidental fishing gear entanglements.
- Slow reproduction rate makes recovery difficult.
Conservation Measures:
- Listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (maximum protection).
- Protected under CMS Appendix II (Convention on Migratory Species).
- India is a signatory to the UNEP Dugong MoU.
- Dugong Conservation Reserve established in Tamil Nadu.
Why It Matters:
Dugongs are keystone species and their decline signals broader marine ecosystem stress. Their conservation is linked to marine biodiversity, climate resilience, and coastal livelihoods.
UPSC Relevance:
This topic intersects with GS III (Environment), GS II (Policy Implementation), and even Essay writing.
10. Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure Scheme
GS III – Agriculture, Food Processing, Infrastructure
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is ramping up implementation of the Integrated Cold Chain Scheme under PMKSY, aimed at minimizing post-harvest losses and boosting food processing.
Key Objectives:
- Develop a seamless cold chain from farm to retail.
- Support perishables beyond horticulture — dairy, fish, meat, etc.
- Promote value addition, farmer remuneration, and nutritional security.
Infrastructure Components:
- Farm-level infrastructure (pre-cooling, chilling).
- Processing centers (for preservation).
- Distribution hubs (storage + dispatch).
- Refrigerated transport (insulated vans).
Financial Assistance:
- 35% subsidy in general areas.
- 50% in difficult areas and for SC/ST/FPOs (up to ₹10 crore per project).
Why It’s Important:
India ranks 2nd globally in food waste (UNEP 2024 report). This scheme helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from waste, enhance export readiness, and boost agro-industrial growth.
UPSC Integration:
Connects directly to themes in agriculture infrastructure, public-private partnership, and inclusive economic development.