Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment (BioE3) Policy

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: BioE3 Policy

Why in the News?

After the BioE3 Policy approval in August 2024, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) held consultations with State governments on setting up biomanufacturing facilities across India.

What is the BioE3 Policy?

It is a national initiative by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology to promote biomanufacturing and a circular bioeconomy in India.
- Biomanufacturing involves the industrial production of bio-products such as biopolymers, enzymes, smart proteins, functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, and climate-resilient agricultural products.
It focuses on scaling up biotechnology-based industries, enhancing research and innovation, and creating employment opportunities in sustainable bio-based sectors.
It aligns with India’s Net Zero carbon commitment and aims to make biomanufacturing a key driver of economic growth.

Objectives and Features of the BioE3 Policy

Promoting Biomanufacturing: Establishing biomanufacturing hubs and biofoundries to produce bio-based chemicals, polymers, and enzymes.
Strengthening R&D and Innovation: Encouraging state-driven biotechnology policies, bio-AI hubs, and technology-driven bioindustries.
State-Centric Implementation: States will adopt at least two thematic areas under BioE3, focusing on local bio-based industries and sustainable agriculture.
Workforce Development: Expanding biotechnology training programs in Tier-II and Tier-III cities to build a skilled workforce.
Biosafety and Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to global biosafety standards and responsible biotechnology innovation.
Carbon Capture and Sustainability: Supporting carbon sequestration technologies and climate-resilient agriculture to mitigate climate change impacts.
Encouraging Private Sector Investment: Creating a business-friendly environment for biotech startups, public-private partnerships, and global collaborations.

Programs Implemented Under the BioE3 Policy:

State-Centric BioE3 Cells: Dedicated cells will be established in State departments to coordinate investments, research, and policy execution.
Precision Biotherapeutics and Functional Foods Initiative: Research into next-generation bio-based medicines, smart proteins, and functional foods.
Carbon Capture and Bioeconomy Models: Development of technologies for carbon sequestration and sustainable bio-based industrial processes.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between government, industry, and research institutions to drive biomanufacturing investments and commercialization.

PYQ:

[2015] With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:

1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.

2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

10 New Agricultural Commodities added to the E-NAM platform

Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: electronic-National Agriculture Market (E-NAM)

Why in the News?

The Agriculture Ministry has allowed trading of 10 additional commodities on the electronic-National Agriculture Market (E-NAM), taking the total number of tradable items on the platform to 231.

About the 10 new commodities:

The newly added commodities include dried Tulsi leaves, Besant (Chickpea flour), wheat flour, chana sattu (Roasted Chickpea Flour), water Chestnut flour, asafoetida, dried fenugreek leaves, baby corn, dragon fruit and water Chestnut, the ministry said in a statement.

Current Status of E-NAM (As of December 2024):

1,410 mandis connected across 22 states and Union Territories.
Inter-state trade worth ₹5,022 crore has been recorded.
₹6,831 crore e-payments made across 948 mandis.
Trade in 1.44 lakh metric tonnes of grains and 3.4 crore units of perishable commodities such as bamboo, betel leaves, coconuts, and lemons.

What is E-NAM?

E-NAM is a pan-India electronic trading platform launched by the Government of India on April 14, 2016.
It integrates existing Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
The Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, is the implementing agency for e-NAM.
The platform enables farmers, traders, and buyers to trade agricultural commodities online, across states, ensuring better price discovery and transparency.

Objectives of e-NAM

Improve market efficiency by integrating APMC mandis into a unified online platform.
Enhance price discovery through a competitive bidding process, ensuring fair market prices for farmers.
Promote inter-state trade by removing barriers and unifying agricultural markets across India.
Reduce dependency on middlemen, ensuring direct benefits to farmers.
Facilitate e-payments to ensure quick and transparent financial transactions for farmers.

What is E-NAM 2.0?

E-NAM 2.0 is an upgraded version of the Electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), launched to improve inter-state agricultural trade, logistics, and digital accessibility for farmers.
It integrates logistics service providers, allowing farmers to sell produce directly from their farms using a farm-gate module.
Key features include real-time price discovery, Aadhaar-based e-KYC, warehouse-based trading, and direct online payments.
The platform enhances transparency, efficiency, and access to a nationwide market, reducing dependence on middlemen.
It aims to boost farmer incomes, minimize wastage, and create a unified digital agricultural ecosystem across India.

PYQ:

[2017] What is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the ‘National Agriculture Market’ scheme?

It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.
It provides the farmers access to nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

What is Brucellosis?

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Brucellosis
Why in the News?

An 8-year-old girl in Kerala, recently succumbed to brucellosis, a bacterial infection primarily caused by the consumption of unpasteurised milk.

About Brucellosis
- Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Brucella species, primarily affecting cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and dogs.
- Humans contract it through direct contact with infected animals, consuming contaminated animal products, or inhaling airborne agents.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common cause is the ingestion of unpasteurised milk or cheese from infected livestock.
- Symptoms and Risk Factors:
- - Symptoms: Fever, weakness, weight loss, and general discomfort. The incubation period is 1-2 months, but most cases develop within 2-4 weeks.
  - At-Risk Groups: Farmers, butchers, veterinarians, hunters, and laboratory personnel handling infected animal tissues.
- Treatment and Prevention:
- - Treatment: Doxycycline (100 mg, twice daily for 45 days) and Streptomycin (1 g daily for 15 days) as per medical advice.
  - Prevention: Vaccination of livestock, pasteurisation of milk, and public awareness campaigns to discourage the consumption of unpasteurised dairy products.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Indian Army Updates

Joint Military Exercise ‘Ekuverin’

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Exercise Ekuverin

Why in the News?

The 13th edition of Exercise Ekuverin, the bilateral joint military exercise between India and the Maldives, commenced in the Maldives on February 4, 2025.

About Exercise Ekuverin

The word “Ekuverin” means ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language, signifying the close ties between India and the Maldives.
The exercise was first conducted in 2009 as part of an annual bilateral military engagement.
It is held alternatively in India and the Maldives, promoting military cooperation between the two nations.
In 2023, the exercise was conducted at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, from June 11 to 24.
In 2025, the exercise is being conducted in the Maldives, further strengthening defence relations.

Features and Significance:

The exercise aims to enhance military interoperability.
It focuses on joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, improving the preparedness of both nations.
The training includes humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, equipping both forces to respond effectively to crises.
It seeks to strengthen defence cooperation and regional security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

India’s Defence Exercises with Southeast Asian Neighbours

India actively participates in joint military exercises with its Southeast Asian partners to bolster regional security and defence cooperation.

Key Bilateral and Multilateral Exercises:

Garuda Shakti: Special Forces exercise with Indonesia, conducted in November 2022 at the Sangga Buana Training Area, Indonesia.
Mitra Shakti: Annual military exercise between India and Sri Lanka, last conducted in 2022.
VINBAX: Joint military exercise with Vietnam, with the 3rd edition held in 2022.
IMBEX: Bilateral exercise between India-Myanmar, with its last known edition in 2017-18.
Maitree: Annual India-Thailand military exercise, conducted since 2006.
CORPAT: Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) exercises with Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia to ensure maritime security.
AIME 2023: The first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) held in May 2023, involving navies from India and ASEAN nations (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam).

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Global Geological And Climatic Events

Asteroid 2024 YR4

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Asteroid 2024 YR4

Why in the News?

NASA has identified a newly discovered near-Earth asteroid, 2024 YR4, which has a slightly more than 1% chance of impacting Earth in 2032.

Asteroid 2024 YR4

Asteroid 2024 YR4 and its Geographical Features:

The asteroid was discovered in December 2024 by an observatory in Chile.
It measures between 40 to 100 meters across, making it roughly the size of a football field.
- The exact size is uncertain because astronomers estimate an asteroid’s size based on its brightness.
On December 25, 2024, the asteroid passed within 800,000 kilometers of Earth, which is approximately twice the distance of the Moon.
It will fade from sight in April 2025 and will not be visible again until 2028, when it approaches Earth once more.
The asteroid is currently rated 3 on the Torino Scale, which measures the risk of impact on a scale from 0 to 10.

Potential Destruction from 2024 YR4 Impact:

If 2024 YR4 collides with Earth, it is expected to release between 8 to 10 megatons of energy, equivalent to multiple nuclear explosions.
It injured 1,500 people and damaged thousands of buildings across several cities.
In comparison, the Apophis asteroid, discovered in 2004, was initially rated 4 but was later downgraded after further observations ruled out an impact threat.

How often do Asteroids crash Into Earth?

Thousands of small asteroids burn up in Earth’s atmosphere daily due to friction.
The Chelyabinsk meteor (2013) exploded over Russia with 30 times the power of the Hiroshima bomb.
Asteroids around 40 meters can cause regional destruction if they hit Earth.
Large asteroids (1 km+ in size) can trigger global disasters, occurring about once every 260 million years.
The Chicxulub asteroid (66 million years ago) led to the extinction of dinosaurs.

How Space Agencies prevent Asteroid Collisions?

NASA and global space agencies work on planetary defense to prevent impacts.
In 2022, NASA’s DART mission successfully changed asteroid Dimorphos’s trajectory using kinetic impact.
Scientists explore 3 key methods for asteroid deflection:
- Kinetic Impact: Using spacecraft to hit an asteroid and alter its path.
- Gravity Tractors: Using a spacecraft’s gravity to pull an asteroid off course.
- Nuclear Explosions: As a last resort, detonating a nuclear device near an asteroid to deflect or destroy it.

PYQ:

[2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?

Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

New Makhana Board and Food Institute to be opened in Bihar

Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Makhana Board

Why in the News?

The Union Budget 2025 has announced the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar to improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana (fox nut).

What is Makhana?

makhana

Makhana, also known as fox nut, is the edible seed of the prickly water lily (Euryale ferox), grown in freshwater ponds across India and South Asia.
Bihar produces 90% of India’s makhana, with major hubs in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, and Katihar.
It is nutrient-rich, low-fat, and considered a superfood, gaining popularity in domestic and international markets.
Traditionally used in religious rituals, makhana is now promoted for its health benefits and commercial potential.

About the Makhana Board

The Makhana Board will train farmers, ensure market access, regulate pricing, and promote exports.
The Food Processing Institute will focus on value addition, quality control, research, and global trade facilitation.
Aims & Objectives:
- Increase production by promoting high-yield varieties like Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1.
- Improve processing infrastructure to reduce wastage and enhance product quality.
- Support exports through cargo infrastructure, trade partnerships, and branding initiatives.
Structural Mandate:
- Governing body led by government officials, farmer representatives, and industry experts.
- Regional centers in key makhana-producing districts to assist farmers.
- Partnerships with ICAR, NABARD, and agricultural universities for research and financial support.
- ₹100 crore initial funding for infrastructure, training, and market expansion.

Powers & Functions: Regulate production, enforce quality standards, provide subsidies, promote research, develop export infrastructure, and launch branding campaigns.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM)

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM)

Why in the News?

The Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) was recently announced by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO on January 14, 2025.

What is Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM)?

The OCM, launched by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, aims to enhance marine conservation and resource management.
It focuses on the Caribbean and North Brazil Shelf, regions with rich biodiversity, coral reefs, and fisheries generating $610 million annually.
The OCM promotes Blue Carbon Projects, using coastal ecosystems for carbon storage, benefiting both climate resilience and local communities.
It has secured $15 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) under the UNDP/GEF PROCARIBE+ Project, with an additional $126.02 million in co-financing.

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO

Established in 1961, the IOC/UNESCO promotes marine science cooperation for sustainable ocean governance.
It operates in key areas:
- Ocean science research: Supports studies on climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability.
- Tsunami warning systems: Maintains early warning mechanisms to mitigate risks.
- Ocean observations: Collects and analyzes oceanographic data for policy-making.
The IOC leads the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), known as the “Ocean Decade”, advancing global marine conservation efforts.

Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM)

About the Caribbean Sea

The Caribbean Sea is part of the North Atlantic Ocean, located south of the Gulf of Mexico and southwest of the Sargasso Sea.
Bordering Nations:
- Greater Antilles – Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti & Dominican Republic), Puerto Rico.
- Lesser Antilles – Includes islands from Virgin Islands to Trinidad & Tobago.
- South America – Borders Venezuela & Colombia.
- Central America – Includes Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize.
Key Features:
- Deepest Point – The Cayman Trough, at 7,686 meters below sea level.
- Mesoamerican Barrier Reef – Second-largest barrier reef globally, stretching 1,000 km.
- Major Gulfs and Bays – Includes Gulf of Venezuela, Gulf of Honduras, and Gulf of Darién.
The Caribbean Sea supports rich biodiversity but faces threats from climate change, pollution, and overfishing, making conservation efforts like OCM essential for sustainability.

PYQ:

[2021] Consider the following statements :

1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.

2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.

3. ‘Rare earth minerals’ are present on seafloor in international waters.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

[pib] Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme

Prelims Only Schemes | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:
Prelims level: Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme
Why in the News?

The Ministry of Culture implements a Central Sector scheme by the name of ‘Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant)’.

What is the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme?
- The Ministry of Culture launched this scheme in 2003-04.
- It aims to preserve and promote India’s traditional performing arts.
- It provides financial assistance to Gurus (mentors) and Shishyas (students) in music, dance, theatre, and folk arts, ensuring structured training under the age-old mentorship system.
- Aims and Objectives:
  - Preserve and revive rare art forms through direct knowledge transfer.
  - Support traditional artists by providing financial aid for sustainable livelihoods.
  - Encourage young talent by facilitating training under experienced Gurus.
  - Promote classical, folk, and tribal art forms through structured mentorship.
Features and Significance:
- Financial Assistance
  - Guru – ₹7,500/month | Accompanist – ₹3,750/month
  - Shishyas – ₹1,500/month (up to four per Guru)
  - Repertory Grant – Guru: ₹15,000/month | Shishya: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000/month
- Eligibility
  - Indian citizens engaged in traditional performing arts.
  - Gurus aged 45-70 years with national-level recognition.
- Implementation & Monitoring
  - Each Guru trains 5-8 Shishyas, focusing on rural and tribal artists.
  - Periodic reviews and expert evaluations ensure proper fund utilization.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Nuclear Energy

What is the ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’?

Prelims Only Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Nuclear Energy Mission

Why in the News?

The Union Budget 2025-26 introduced the Nuclear Energy Mission, aiming to develop at least 5 indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) by 2033.

About Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM):

Details

A flagship initiative announced in Union Budget 2025-26 to accelerate India’s nuclear power capacity towards the target of 100 GW by 2047.
It focuses on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), expansion of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), and policy reforms to attract private and foreign investment in nuclear energy.

Key Highlights of the NEM

100 GW Nuclear Target by 2047 as part of India’s clean energy transition.
₹20,000 crore allocated for R&D and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Public-Private Collaboration for setting up Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) and advanced nuclear technologies.
Amendments to Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to allow private sector participation.
Changes to Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 to attract foreign investment.
Deployment of BSRs (220 MWe) and SMRs (30-300 MWe) to replace coal plants and power remote regions.

Other Initiatives for Enhancing India’s Nuclear Capacity

Expansion of Nuclear Power Capacity:

Current capacity: 8,180 MW → Target by 2031-32: 22,480 MW.
10 reactors under construction (8,000 MW) across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh.
Approval for 6 x 1208 MW AP1000 reactors (USA collaboration) at Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh.

Deployment of Advanced Nuclear Reactors:

- Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs): 220 MWe PHWRs for industrial decarbonization.
- Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (500 MWe) at Kalpakkam achieved milestones in 2024.
High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGRs) & Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) under development using India’s thorium reserves.

Recent Developments:

New uranium deposit discovered at Jaduguda Mines (extends mine life by 50+ years).
Operationalization of first two 700 MWe PHWR units at Kakrapar, Gujarat (KAPS-3 & 4).
NPCIL-NTPC Joint Venture (ASHVINI) launched to build nuclear plants.
Rajasthan Atomic Power Project-7 (RAPP-7) reached criticality in 2024.

PYQ:

[2018] With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (250 Words, 15 Marks)

[2011] The function of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is to:

(a) Slow down the speed of neutrons

(b) Increase the speed of neutrons

(d) None of the above

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Tax Reforms

[pib] Budget 2025-26 removes 7 Custom Duties for Industrial Goods

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

Prelims level: Customs Duty

Why in the News?

The Budget proposes to remove 7 customs tariff rates for industrial goods, following a similar step in Budget 2023-24. This will leave only 8 tariff rates, including a zero rate, making customs duty structure more transparent and predictable.

What is Customs Duty?

Customs Duty is a tax imposed on goods that cross international borders to regulate their movement.
It helps protect a country’s economy, jobs, environment, and residents by controlling imports and exports.
It prevents illegal trade, ensures fair competition, and generates government revenue.
The Customs Act, 1962, which defines and regulates customs duty in India.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) under the Ministry of Finance manages customs duties.
Types of Customs Duties in India:

Basic Customs Duty (BCD): Levied on imported goods (0-100%).
Countervailing Duty (CVD): Imposed to balance foreign subsidies (0-12%).
Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS): 10% surcharge to support welfare projects.
Anti-Dumping Duty: Imposed on goods sold below market price to prevent unfair trade.
Compensation Cess: Levied on items like tobacco and pollution-causing goods.
Integrated GST (IGST): Imposed on imports at 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28% rates.
Safeguard Duty: Applied when excessive imports harm domestic industries.
Customs Handling Fee: 1% charge for customs processing.

Customs Duty Calculation: Based on product value, origin, composition, and international trade agreements.

Key Changes Announced to Customs Tariffs:

Tariff rates reduced from 15 to 8, Social Welfare Surcharge was removed on 82 items.
36 new life-saving medicines exempted, 5% duty on six more drugs.
Full BCD exemption on 35 EV battery capital goods, 28 mobile battery items, and key minerals like cobalt & lithium.
10-year duty exemption for shipbuilding materials; Ethernet Switch duty cut from 20% to 10%.
20% export duty on crust leather removed, handicraft export timeline extended to 1 year.
Frozen fish paste duty cut from 30% to 5% to boost seafood exports.
Customs assessments limited to 2 years, quarterly importer reporting instead of monthly.

How India is Protecting Its Economy from Trade War Impact?

Rupee-based trade settlements with Russia, UAE & Sri Lanka to reduce dollar dependence.
Stockpiling essential imports like semiconductors, rare earth metals, and crude oil.
Attracting companies shifting from China with PLI incentives for manufacturing.
Paperless customs clearance, AI-driven trade monitoring, and blockchain documentation for smoother trade.
Strengthening global trade alliances like IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) and Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) (Japan-Australia) for supply chain stability.

PYQ:

[2018] Consider the following statements

1. The quantity of imported edible oils is more than the domestic production of edible oils in the last five years.

2. The Government does not impose any customs duty on all the imported edible oils a special case.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Type: Prelims Only

Why in the News?

What is the BioE3 Policy?

Objectives and Features of the BioE3 Policy

Programs Implemented Under the BioE3 Policy:

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the 10 new commodities:

Current Status of E-NAM (As of December 2024):

What is E-NAM?

Objectives of e-NAM

What is E-NAM 2.0?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Brucellosis

Why in the News?

About Exercise Ekuverin

Features and Significance:

India’s Defence Exercises with Southeast Asian Neighbours

Key Bilateral and Multilateral Exercises:

Why in the News?

Asteroid 2024 YR4 and its Geographical Features:

Potential Destruction from 2024 YR4 Impact:

How often do Asteroids crash Into Earth?

How Space Agencies prevent Asteroid Collisions?

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Makhana?

About the Makhana Board

Why in the News?

What is Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM)?

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO

About the Caribbean Sea

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is the Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme?

Features and Significance:

Why in the News?

About Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What is Customs Duty?

Key Changes Announced to Customs Tariffs:

How India is Protecting Its Economy from Trade War Impact?

PYQ: