Quick Overview:
This compilation of current affairs and policy insights covers key developments in India and globally relevant for UPSC and CLAT preparation. Topics include strengthening labour rights, carbon capture and storage, biomedical research initiatives, Antarctic research expansion, defence exercises, digital sovereignty through Zoho, and digitisation in traditional medicine. Each article highlights background, current status, challenges, and policy measures
1. Strengthening Labour Rights in India
Industrial accidents like the Sigachi reactor blast highlight systemic weaknesses in labour protections. Causes include outdated machinery, poor safety systems, overwork, informal employment, and weak law enforcement. Key legislations include the Factories Act 1948, Workmen’s Compensation Act 1923, ESI Act 1948, Payment of Wages Act 1936, Minimum Wages Act 1948, Industrial Disputes Act 1947, and OSHWC Code 2020. Challenges include erosion of legal safeguards, informality, gendered exclusion, corporate accountability deficits, and economic impacts. Recommendations involve enforcing OSHWC Code, formalising informal workers, skill development, gender inclusion, CSR compliance, collective safety culture, and data-driven monitoring.
2. Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS)
CCUS captures CO₂ from industrial sources or the atmosphere for storage or commercial use. Asia’s CCUS overreliance may generate 24.9 Gt extra CO₂ by 2050, locking economies into fossil fuels. India’s current deployment is minimal, focusing on cement sector testbeds and national centres at IIT Bombay and JNCASR. Key concerns include low capture efficiency, fossil fuel dependence, high costs, and environmental risks. Strategic priorities include emphasizing renewables, selective pilot projects, safe storage mapping, and R&D in DAC and BECCS.
3. Shaping India’s Future through Biomedical Research Programme (BRCP)
Phase-III of BRCP (2025–26 to 2030–31) aims to build a world-class biomedical research ecosystem, supporting 2,000 researchers and advancing translational research. Focus areas include genomics, infectious diseases, vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, biomedical engineering, and maternal and child health. Measures for sustainability include policy reforms, innovation funds, regional research clusters, skill development, AI-driven monitoring, and gender inclusivity. India’s pharmaceutical and biotech growth supports its global “Pharmacy of the World” status.
4. Nobel Peace Prize 2025
Awarded to Maria Corina Machado for promoting democracy and peaceful civic participation in Venezuela. India has two laureates: Mother Teresa (1979) and Kailash Satyarthi (2014). The prize highlights efforts in democracy, human rights, and global peace.
5. Maitri II Research Station in Antarctica
India’s fourth Antarctic station, Maitri II, to be operational by 2029, replaces the aging Maitri station. Focused on renewable energy, advanced research instruments, and sustainable infrastructure, it strengthens India’s scientific presence under the Antarctic Treaty System.
6. AUSTRAHIND 2025
India-Australia joint military exercise fostering collaboration, interoperability, and multi-domain operations under UN peacekeeping frameworks.
7. Zoho Platform Migration
Government migration of official email accounts to Zoho reinforces digital sovereignty, Swadeshi technology adoption, privacy, and cost-effectiveness.
8. DRAVYA Portal
Ministry of Ayush launched a digital repository of Ayurvedic ingredients and formulations, bridging traditional knowledge with AI-enabled research and policy tools.
CLAT/Exam Relevance Summary:
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Labour Rights: Direct relevance to GS Paper 2 and CLAT Constitutional Law (Labour Laws, Industrial Safety, Informal Sector Rights). Useful for essay, prelims MCQs, and mains questions.
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CCUS & Climate Policy: Relevant to GS Paper 3 (Environment, Climate Change, Energy), current affairs essays, and mains analytical questions on sustainable development.
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Biomedical Research: Links to GS Paper 2 and 3 (Science & Technology, Health Policy), emphasizing innovation, SDGs, and national development plans.
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Nobel Peace Prize: Useful for Current Affairs and ethics, highlighting global governance, democracy, and human rights.
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Antarctic Research: GS Paper 1 (Geography, Polar Science), strategic studies, and environmental policy questions.
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Defence & Military Exercises: GS Paper 3 (Defence, Security), UPSC/CLAT current affairs, bilateral relations, and regional security analysis.
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Digital Sovereignty & DRAVYA Portal: GS Paper 3 (Technology, Digital India, Health Policy), reflecting governance, data security, and AI-enabled research.