CURRENT AFFAIRS

India's efforts to boost its renewable energy sector have not only helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions from thermal power plants but also spurred economic growth.

7-8 per cent of global biodiversity is found in India. But such diversity is of no use if the country is unable to conserve it, ensure its sustainable use or secure the benefits that accrue from its use for the communities who have conserved the resources for generations.

In Budget 2024-2025, the government has announced customs duty exemption on three targeted cancer drugs trastuzumab deruxtecan, osimertinib and durvalumab.

India's rural sector is undergoing a transformational process. Although the country has achieved significant economic growth, rural India remains a focal point for addressing development challenges and capitalizing on innovation opportunities.

Recently, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court gave a split verdict on the issue of granting environmental clearance to genetically modified (GM) mustard.

Moidams of Assam have received the prestigious 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site tag in the cultural category. The decision to include Moidam was taken unanimously at the World Heritage Committee meeting held in New Delhi.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has launched a national audit of around 800 plastic-waste recyclers across the country. The decision comes after four plastic-recycling companies in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka issued over 6 lakh fake pollution-free trading certificates.

In the Union Budget 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a comprehensive development program for the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, Bihar and the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya. This will include comprehensive development programs for the Vishnupad Temple Corridor and the Mahabodhi Temple Corridor on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor.

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav released the report on the status of snow leopards in India.

India is a member of several multilateral groupings on both sides of the geostrategic ‘divide’, its participation in the Quad and BRICS presents fascinating and sometimes contradictory dilemmas for the country.