29 May 2025 - Daily Current Affairs Updates

🧭 GS 2 – Governance, Rural Development & Regulation

1. Panchayat Advancement Index 2.0 (PAI 2.0) Subject: Decentralized Governance & SDG Localization

   A data-driven tool covering 2.16 lakh Panchayats using 435 indicators across 9 Localized SDG themes (LSDGs).

   Builds evidence-based rural governance through performance tiers: Achiever → Beginner.

   Integrates with MoSPI’s National Indicator Framework to enable targeted rural planning.

   Value Add: Establishes a national standard for grassroots monitoring, paving the way for bottom-up policy implementation aligned with SDG 2030.
   

2. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana – Cold Chain Guidelines RevampedSubject: Agri-Infra & Food Processing

   Subsidizes integrated cold chain projects (35%–50%) including farm-level storage, processing, and transport hubs.

   Grants prioritized for SHGs, FPOs, SC/ST entrepreneurs in difficult areas.

   Aligns with UNEP’s Food Waste Index 2024 – India ranks 2nd globally in food waste.

   Value Add: Direct intervention for agri-logistics bottlenecks, reducing methane emissions & doubling farmer incomes.
   

3. Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 Subject: Law & National Symbols

   Regulates misuse of national emblems and names of revered leaders (e.g., Gandhi) for commercial purposes.

   SC upheld neutrality by dismissing a petition to include Savarkar’s name in the Schedule.

   Value Add: Reinforces symbolic integrity and prevents politicization of historical identities in business and branding.

🧭 GS 3 – Economy, Trade, Infrastructure & S&T

4. RoDTEP Scheme Extended to SEZs & EOUs Subject: Trade Reforms & Export Competitiveness

   Refunds embedded taxes/duties (not reimbursed elsewhere) via transferable e-scrips.

   Addresses exclusion of Advance Authorization holders and SEZs under earlier implementation. Replaces MEIS (deemed WTO-non-compliant).

   Value Add: Balances trade incentives with global norms; strengthens India’s manufacturing & export ecosystem post-pandemic.
   

5. Stingless Bees and the Sweet Revolution Subject: Agricultural Biodiversity & Livelihoods

   Non-stinging tropical bees with medicinal, citrusy honey and high pollination efficiency.

   Enhance crop productivity, promote biodiversity, and support tribal livelihoods.

   Supported by NBHM & KVIC’s Honey Mission (MSME).

   
   

   Value Add: Sustainable beekeeping model integrating ecology, rural entrepreneurship, and export potential.
   

6. Dugongs in India – Conservation Spotlight on World Dugong Day Subject: Marine Ecosystems & Biodiversity

   Dugong dugon – India’s only marine herbivore, found in Gulf of Mannar, A&N, Palk Bay.

   Legal protection: Schedule I (WPA), Appendix I (CITES), IUCN-Vulnerable.

   Value Add: Dugongs are flagship species for seagrass ecosystem protection; their decline signals severe coastal degradation.
   

7. CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing in Indian Sheep Subject: Biotechnology & Animal Genetics

   SKUAST scientists edited myostatin gene—30% muscle mass gain without foreign DNA.

   India’s second major success after gene-edited rice and buffalo embryo.
   

   Value Add: Sets precedent for precision breeding in livestock without GMO stigma; opens doors for climate-resilient breeds & meat productivity boost.
   

8. Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) – Indigenous 5th-Gen Fighter Subject: Defence Tech & Strategic Autonomy

   Stealth jet with sensor fusion, AI-avionics, supercruise; first prototype by 2028–29.

   Execution model allows HAL + private firms to co-develop.

   Only US, Russia, and China currently operate 5th-gen jets.

   Value Add: Positions India as a strategic aerospace innovator; critical for regional air superiority & Atmanirbhar defence push.