CURRENT AFFAIRS

GST Council Endorses 2-Tier Framework

During its 56th meeting, the GST Council sanctioned a two-tier GST framework of 5% and 18%, along with a specific 40% rate for luxury and sin items

Researchers are investigating Majorana particles as foundational components for reliable quantum computers, as their distinct characteristics

Recent experiments in condensed matter involving superconducting nanowires have displayed signals that align with Majorana modes

Self-Respect Movement: initiated in Tamil Nadu in 1925 by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy

The year 2025 signifies the centenary of the Self-Respect Movement initiated in Tamil Nadu in 1925 by Periyar E.V. Ramasamy

Cabinet approves ₹1,500 cr initiative for advancing critical mineral recycling

The Union Cabinet has sanctioned a ₹1,500 crore initiative within the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to encourage the recycling of e-waste, lithium-ion batteries, and catalytic converters for the retrieval of essential minerals

Corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)

India's ordnance factories have achieved unprecedented export orders of ₹3,500 crore in FY25, marking the highest amount since corporatisation

The Global Peace Index (GPI) for 2025

The Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025 listed Iceland as the most peaceful country, whereas India was placed 115th out of 163 countries, indicating a slight enhancement in its peace score

India’s Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Response (HADR) & Soft Power Diplomacy

A 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan close to Jalalabad, resulting in more than 1,400 fatalities. India has delivered 21 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, which comprises medicines, tents, blankets, and water purification systems

India's Green Energy Dilemma

India encounters a "green energy paradox" — even though it possesses 44 GW of renewable energy capacity available for use, deficiencies in demand and the absence of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have rendered it idle

In 2025, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conducted its yearly Heads of State Summit in Tianjin, China

The summit discussed urgent regional and global issues—terrorism, conflicts, UN reforms, AI governance, sustainable development, and strengthening institutions