NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. MHA Launches e-Zero FIR System to Fast-Track Action on High-Value Cyber Frauds: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched the e-Zero FIR system as a pilot project in Delhi to speed up action in cyber financial fraud cases involving ₹10 lakh or more.Complaints made via the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) or helpline 1930 will be automatically converted into Zero FIRs by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C).The Zero FIR will be initially registered with Delhi’s e-Crime Police Station and later transferred to the appropriate jurisdictional police station.Victims are required to visit the designated cyber-crime police station within three days to get the Zero FIR converted into a regular FIR.The system aims to improve fund recovery chances by enabling faster FIR registration and removing delays caused by jurisdiction issues.
2. Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurates “Sagar Bhavan” and “Polar Bhavan”: Union Earth Sciences Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated “Sagar Bhavan” and “Polar Bhavan“, India’s first-of-their-kind facilities dedicated to ocean and polar research, respectively.Polar Bhavan, now the largest building at the NCPOR (National Centre of Polar and Ocean Research) campus, spans 11,378 square metres and was constructed at a cost of ₹55 crore. It includes laboratories for polar and ocean research, 55 rooms for scientific personnel, a conference room, seminar hall, library, and canteen.Sagar Bhavan, covering 1,772 square metres, was built at a cost of ₹13 crore. It includes two -30°C ice core laboratories and +4°C storage units for archiving sediment and biological samples. The building also features 29 rooms, including a metal-free Class 1000 clean room for trace metal and isotope studies.“Sagar Bhavan” will serve as the headquarters of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), supporting advanced marine research and services.
3. Payments Regulatory Board: The PRB will comprise the RBI Governor as Chairperson, the Deputy Governor responsible for payment systems, and three members nominated by the central government. The board may also invite experts in relevant fields to participate in discussions as ad hoc invitees. This composition ensures a blend of regulatory oversight and industry expertise. The Department of Payment and Settlement Systems (DPSS) will assist the PRB. It will be responsible for implementing policies and ensuring compliance with regulations. This partnership aims to streamline operations and enhance the efficiency of the payments ecosystem. The PRB can delegate its powers to the Chairperson, board members, or sub-committees. This flexibility allows for efficient administration and quick responses to emerging challenges in the payment landscape. Regular meetings, at least twice a year, will facilitate ongoing oversight.
4. India’s Renewable Energy Growth and Challenges: Several factors contribute to the gap between installed capacity and actual generation. Rising electricity demand, particularly during extreme heat events, has driven up power consumption. In May 2024, electricity demand surged by 14% compared to the previous year. Limited storage capacity further exacerbates the issue, as night-time demand is largely met by fossil fuels. Additionally, variable weather patterns have led to lower-than-expected solar and wind generation. India’s total electricity generation reached 2,058 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2024, increase from 937 TWh in 2010. While coal generation grew, the share of renewables rose only slightly from 15% in 2010 to 20% in 2024. The report indicates that both coal and renewables have increased in absolute terms, but their shares in the overall energy mix have remained relatively stable.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. UAE elected to executive board of IAACA: The UAE Accountability Authority has been elected to the Executive Board of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) during the body’s first council meeting of 2025.In September 2024, it was elected to the Steering Committee of the GlobE Network, under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, affirming international trust in the UAE’s cross-border cooperation in anti-corruption efforts.The International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) comprises more than 180 countries and is an independent, non-political organisation dedicated to supporting the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. It focuses on empowering anti-corruption bodies and facilitating cooperation among them.
2. UK Transfers Chagos Islands Sovereignty to Mauritius: The recent agreement between the United Kingdom and Mauritius marks shift in the governance of the Chaogs Islands. Following a High Court ruling, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has formalised the transfer of sovereignty, ending decades of British control. This decision comes after a long history of legal disputes regarding the islands, which were detached from Mauritius in 1965. The move has sparked mixed reactions, with some celebrating the return of sovereignty and others expressing concerns over national security. The Chagos Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, have been under British control since 1814. They were separated from Mauritius just before the latter gained independence in 1968. The British Indian Ocean Territory was established, with Diego Garcia becoming a critical US military base. This base has played a key role in various military operations, raising issues of human rights and colonial legacy.
3. Lake Manzala: Lake Manzala is coastal lake in Egypt. It has been under scrutiny due to environmental changes driven by dredging. Recent studies reveal that dredging has altered the lake’s salinity and nutrient levels. This has had a deep effect on the local ecosystem, particularly zooplankton communities. Lake Manzala is located in northern Egypt, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. It plays important role in protecting coastal cities from flooding. The lake also supports biodiversity and contributes to Egypt’s fish production. In 2021, it accounted for 16% of the nation’s natural fish output. However, the lake has faced reductions in size and water quality over the years. From 2016 to 2022, dredging was implemented to enhance the lake’s capacity. This involved removing pollutant-rich sediments and aquatic vegetation. The capacity of Lake Manzala increased by 138% during this period. However, this process also raised concerns about long-term ecological stability.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Integrated Theatre Commands: Integrated Theatre Commands are designed to streamline military operations by combining resources from different branches of the armed forces. The theatre commanders will focus on operational execution. In contrast, Service Chiefs will manage the functions of ‘Raise, Train and Sustain’ (RTS). This dual approach aims to optimise resource utilisation and improve overall effectiveness. The theatre commanders are tasked with force application. They will oversee real-time military operations and strategic deployments. Meanwhile, Service Chiefs will ensure that forces are adequately raised, trained, and sustained. This separation of responsibilities allows for a clearer focus on both operational readiness and logistical support. A critical aspect of the ITC is the emphasis on jointness among the three services – Army, Navy, and Air Force. General Chauhan stresses that successful implementation will require a high degree of collaboration. This includes joint training exercises, shared logistics, and integrated communication systems. Enhanced jointness is expected to lead to more effective responses to threats.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Tropical Rainforest Loss Hits Record Levels in 2024: In 2024, the world witnessed unprecedented loss of tropical rainforests. Approximately 6.7 million hectares of primary rainforest vanished, primarily due to massive wildfires. This loss represents increase compared to previous years, with tropical forests disappearing at an alarming rate of 18 football fields per minute. The data, sourced from the University of Maryland and Global Forest Watch, marks the dire state of tropical ecosystems. The primary drivers of rainforest loss have shifted dramatically. In 2024, wildfires accounted for nearly half of the total loss. Previously, agriculture was the largest contributor to deforestation. The combination of prolonged drought and high temperatures exacerbated fire conditions, particularly in Brazil, which experienced the worst drought in seventy years.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RBI pay Rs 2,68,590.07 crore to the Government as dividend for FY 25: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved a record ₹2,68,590.07 crore surplus transfer to the Central Government for the accounting year 2024-25, as decided in the 616th meeting of the Central Board of Directors chaired by Governor Sanjay Malhotra.The Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) has been increased from 6.50% to 7.50% under the revised Economic Capital Framework (ECF), considering the macroeconomic conditions and risk assessment.From 2018-19 to 2021-22, the CRB was maintained at 5.50% due to Covid-19-related economic uncertainty. It was raised to 6.00% in FY 2022-23 and 6.50% in FY 2023-24 before reaching 7.50% in FY 2024-The Board also reviewed the domestic and global economic outlook, discussed the RBI’s working for April 2024 – March 2025, and approved the Annual Report and Financial Statements for FY 2024-25.
2. India Imposes Import Restrictions on Bangladeshi Goods: India’s restrictions are a response to Bangladesh’s curbs on Indian imports. The Government of India scrapped a trans-shipment pact with Bangladesh, which allowed goods to move more freely. Trade experts suggest that this decision may increase costs for consumers and businesses alike. The restrictions affect over $770 million worth of imports from Bangladesh, with ready-made garments alone accounting for $660 million last year. The blocking of land routes adds pressure on exporters and consumers. Transporting goods via sea ports is more expensive and time-consuming. Higher transport costs may lead to increased prices for consumers. Businesses in border areas may experience immediate slowdowns. This situation poses challenges for India’s Northeast region, which relies heavily on border trade.
3. India’s Tariffs on Steel and Aluminium Imports: India has recently announced its intention to impose tariffs on $7.6 billion worth of imports from the United States. This decision comes as a direct response to the U.S. reinstating 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium. The Government of India aims to mirror the impact of these tariffs on its own exports. The new tariffs will take effect thirty days after notification, on May 9, 2025. Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump reinstated tariffs on steel and aluminium, eliminating previous exemptions. This protectionist policy aims to support domestic industries against unfair trade practices. Trump had first introduced these tariffs in March 2018. India’s response began in June 2019 when it faced the removal from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) by the U.S.
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