Current Context : Researchers at IIT Guwahati have developed a sustainable method to convert methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) into biofuels using microbial and biocatalytic processes. Method: The process employs microbes and engineered enzymes to catalyze the conversion of methane and carbon dioxide into cleaner biofuels like ethanol and butanol​ Environmental Impact: Reduces reliance on fossil fuels. Mitigates methane and CO₂ emissions, both significant contributors to global warming. About Biofuels Biofuels are renewable energy sources derived from biological materials like plants, algae, and organic waste. Types: First-generation: Made from food crops (e.g., ethanol from sugarcane). Second-generation: Derived from non-food....Read More

Current Context : Recently, 6th meeting of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee was held in New Delhi. What is AITIGA? A free trade agreement between India and ASEAN, operational since January 1, 2010 (signed in August 2009). It forms one of the largest free trade zones in South and Southeast Asia. Members: Includes India and the ten ASEAN countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Significance: ASEAN is one of India's largest trade partners, contributing approximately 11% to India's global trade. Trade between India and ASEAN reached $122.67 billion in 2023-24, with....Read More

Current Context : India's first modern, self-sufficient gaushala with a state-of-the-art CBG plant was inaugurated in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.  How does it work? The plant converts cattle dung and organic waste like vegetable and fruit leftovers into compressed biogas (Bio-CNG) and organic manure. Capacity and Output: Processes 100 tons of cattle dung daily. Produces 2–3 tons of compressed biogas and 10–15 tons of bio-manure per day. Economic and Environmental Benefits: Reduces carbon emissions by utilizing methane-rich waste. Provides affordable bio-manure to promote organic farming in nearby regions. Offers an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, supporting climate change mitigation. Developed by....Read More

Current Context : Recently, India proposed seven key pillars to strengthen ties between India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Seven pillars listed by the India form the acronym C-A-R-I-C-O-M : C - Capacity Building: Scholarships, training, and establishing forensic centers. A - Agriculture and Food Security: Enhanced collaboration for food resilience. R - Renewable Energy and Climate Change: Promotion of sustainable energy and climate action. I - Innovation, Technology, and Trade: Partnerships to boost trade and tech initiatives. C - Cricket and Culture: Strengthening cultural exchanges and cricket cooperation. O - Ocean Economy and Maritime Security: Focus on sustainable marine....Read More

Current Context : The 2024 G20 Summit, hosted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, concluded with the adoption of the Rio de Janeiro Declaration. Theme : “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet”, reflecting its focus on equity, climate action, and global reforms. Focus Areas of the Summit : Social Inclusion and Poverty Eradication: Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty: Aimed to provide cash transfers to 500 million low-income people and school meals to 150 million children by 2030. Focused on sanitation, drinking water access, and addressing racial inequalities. Climate Action and Energy Transition: Established Task Force for Global Mobilization Against....Read More

Current Context : The 2nd India-Australia Annual Summit was held on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Meeting was held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia. Major Initiatives and Agreements : Extension of the Australia-India Business Exchange (AIBX): Program extended for 4 more years (from July 2024). Aims to provide businesses with market insights and foster partnerships. Originally launched in 2021.​ Launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP): Focuses on practical cooperation in renewable energy sectors such as solar PV, green hydrogen, energy storage, and workforce skills training.....Read More

Current Context : Recently, India-Zambia hold 6th Session of Joint Permanent Commission, highlighting commemoration of 60 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries. Both nation discussed on sectors like trade, defense, agriculture, energy, technology, education, tourism, and water development. About Zambia : It is a landlocked nation in Southern Africa. Bordering Countries: West: Angola, South: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, East: Mozambique, Malawi, Tanzania, North: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Geographical Highlights: Major Rivers: Zambezi River: Border river with Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, draining into the Indian Ocean. Kafue River Lake Tanganyika: Shared with Burundi, DRC, and Tanzania. Victoria Falls: A....Read More

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, from October 10-11, 2024. During the event, leaders exchanged views on regional cooperation, stability, and prosperity, focusing on issues such as maritime security, digital economy, connectivity, and climate change. ABOUT EAST ASIA SUMMIT (EAS) Established in 2005, the EAS is a forum for dialogue on broad strategic, political, and economic issues. Members: It includes 18 countries—10 ASEAN member states and eight other key partners, including India, China, Japan, South Korea, the US, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand. Focus: The summit promotes peace, stability, and....Read More

Current Context : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington (US). Key Announcements in the Summit: Health Security:Launch of the ‘Quad Cancer Moonshot’ initiative to fight cervical cancer, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. Infrastructure Development:Introduction of the ‘Quad Ports of the Future Partnership’ to promote sustainable port infrastructure. Technology Cooperation:A ‘Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network Memorandum of Cooperation’ was signed to strengthen the Quad's semiconductor supply chain resilience. Climate and Clean Energy:Quad's collective effort to improve energy efficiency, including initiatives to deploy affordable high-efficiency cooling systems. Space Collaboration:India announced a space-based web portal....Read More

Current Context : India Participated in G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting in Cuiabá, Brazil The G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting was held from 12-13 September. The discussions focused on multiple critical areas, such as climate-smart agriculture, food processing, trade barriers, and technological collaboration. ABOUT The G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting is a significant event within the G20 framework that focuses on addressing key issues related to agriculture. Purpose: The meeting gathers agriculture ministers from G20 member countries to discuss and coordinate policies on agriculture, food security, and rural development. Members : G20 comprises 19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India,....Read More