CURRENT AFFAIRS 11 August, 2025

CURRENT AFFAIRS 11 August, 2025

1. WHAT IS BROWN REVOLUTION 2.0 ? –

• Brown Revolution 2.0 proposes a nationwide cooperative model, inspired by Amul, to convert Agro waste into compost, vermicompost, and biochar, boosting soil health, farm productivity, and rural livelihoods.

What is Brown Revolution 2.0 ?

• Definition: A proposed nationwide initiative to restore soil health by converting agricultural waste into compost, vermicompost, and biochar.
• Approach: Decentralised, cooperative recycling of agro-waste into organic soil amendments.
• Goals: Revive degraded soils, promote sustainable agriculture, and improve rural livelihoods.
• Unlike Brown Revolution 1.0, the second version focuses on soil organic carbon (SOC) restoration and climate resilience.
• Significance: Crucial in the context of climate change, declining soil fertility, and sustainable farming needs.
• The initiative aligns with goals of sustainable agriculture, rural development, and environmental protection.

2. UNION PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION (UPSC) TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF SERVICE –

• The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) will mark its 100th year of existence with a year-long series of events and initiatives.

About Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

• Constitutional Body: UPSC is an independent constitutional body created under Part XIV of the Indian Constitution (Article 315–323).
• Role: Responsible for conducting merit-based examinations for the direct recruitment of officers to the All India Services and Central Civil Services (Group A and B).

Historical Background

• Established: On October 1, 1926, as the Public Service Commission under the Government of India Act, 1919.
• It was established on the recommendations of the Lee Commission (1924).
• Reconstitution: Became the Federal Public Service Commission in 1937 under the Government of India Act, 1935.
• Renaming: Renamed to Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) post-independence in 1947.

3. E20 FUEL IN INDIA –

What is E20 Fuel ?

• E20 fuel is a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. Ethanol is an alcohol-based biofuel made mainly from sugarcane, maize, and other crops.

The goal of blending ethanol with petrol is to:

• Reduce dependence on imported crude oil
• Lower greenhouse gas emissions
• Boost income for farmers who grow ethanol-producing crops

          India’s E20 programme is part of its energy transition strategy and supports the target of net zero emissions by 2070.

Why India is Promoting E20 Fuel

• The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas highlights multiple benefits:

1. Environmental Gains

• Studies show ethanol emits far less CO₂ than petrol.
• From 2014–15 to July 2025, ethanol blending: Saved 736 lakh metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions — equal to planting 30 crore trees.

2. Economic Savings

• Saved ₹1.44 lakh crore in foreign exchange
• Replaced 245 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil imports
• At 20% blending, projected ₹43,000 crore annual forex savings

3. Support to Farmers

• Annual payments to farmers expected to touch ₹40,000 crore
• Cleared sugarcane payment arrears
• Improved market viability for maize cultivation

4. PARLIAMENT PASSES TWIN SPORTS REFORM BILLS: GOVERNANCE AND ANTI-DOPING OVERHAUL FOR INDIA’S OLYMPIC AMBITIONS –

• In a landmark move for Indian sports, Parliament has passed two transformative laws—the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025—aimed at reforming sports administration, strengthening athlete protections, and aligning India with global anti-doping norms.
• Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya called the bills “a decisive step towards ethical governance and athlete-centric sports policy,” noting their significance in India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.

Why These Reforms Were Needed

• For years, Indian sports governance has faced criticism for,
• Administrative inefficiency in national sports federations.
• Prolonged legal disputes affecting athletes’ careers.
• Weak enforcement of anti-doping rules.
• Limited representation for women in sports bodies.

5. CABINET APPROVES ₹4,600 CRORE SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING PROJECTS IN ODISHA, PUNJAB, AND ANDHRA PRADESH –

• In a major boost to India’s chip manufacturing ecosystem, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved ₹4,600 crore for four new semiconductor manufacturing projects in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh. These will be set up under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), bringing the total number of approved semiconductor projects to 10 across six states.

India’s Expanding Semiconductor Ecosystem

• Total Projects Approved: 10 (including earlier six projects)
• Total Investment: ~₹1.60 lakh crore
• Direct Jobs Created: Over 2,000 skilled positions
• Indirect Jobs: Several thousand more in supporting industries
• Target Sectors: Telecom, automotive, data centres, consumer electronics, industrial automation, renewable energy, and defense.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.   The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a single-window gateway for trusted foreign investors called SWAGAT-FI. What is the full form of SWAGAT-FI ?

1. a) Single Window Automated Governance for All Transactions – Foreign Investors
2. b) Single Window Advanced Gateway Access for Trusted Foreign Investors
3. c) Single Window Access Gateway for Authorised & Tested Foreign Investors
4. d) Single Window Automatic & Generalised Access for Trusted Foreign Investors

Q2.   Which village has been launched as India’s first digital nomad village ?

1. a) Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
2. b) Yakten, Sikkim
3. c) Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
4. d) Kaza, Himachal Pradesh

Q3.   World Elephant Day is an international annual event on August 12. When was the first World Elephant Day observed ?

1. a) 2010
2. b) 2011
3. c) 2012
4. d) 2013

Q4.   With reference to the Revised Income Tax Bill, 2025, which of the following statements is correct ?

1. a) The Bill introduces a new, higher tax slab for super-rich individuals.
2. b) The Bill disallows refunds for Income Tax Returns (ITR) filed after the due date.
3. c) The Bill replaces the concepts of “Previous Year” and “Assessment Year” with a single “Tax Year”.
4. d) The Bill proposes a new tax on agricultural income.

Explanation-

• The Revised Income Tax Bill, 2025, aims to simplify the direct tax framework. A key feature of this bill is the introduction of a single ‘Tax Year’ concept, which replaces the often confusing dual concepts of “Previous Year” and “Assessment Year.”
• This change is intended to streamline the tax filing process and make it more understandable for the average taxpayer.
• The bill also includes taxpayer-friendly provisions such as allowing refunds even if the ITR is filed after the due date. The focus is on simplification and modernization of the existing structure.

Q5.   Consider the following statements regarding Operation Falcon:

1. It is a joint initiative of the Indian Army and the Border Security Force.
2. The operation focuses on eliminating rhino poaching networks in Assam.

          Which of the above statements are correct ?

1. a) 1 only
2. b) 2 only
3. c) Both 1 and 2
4. d) Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation-

• Operation Falcon is a targeted anti-poaching initiative.
• Statement 2 is correct as the operation’s primary objective is to dismantle rhino poaching gangs and curb the illegal wildlife trade in Assam.
• However, Statement 1 is incorrect. Operation Falcon is a joint effort between the Assam Police and the Assam Forest Department, not the Indian Army and BSF.
• The success of this operation highlights the effectiveness of coordinated actions between state law enforcement and forest officials in wildlife conservation.

Answer Key