1st June 2025 – Current Affairs

1. Industrial Production Slowdown in India – April 2025 -Economy

Why In News?

India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by just 2.7% in April 2025, marking the slowest growth in 8 months, raising concerns about the pace of recovery and economic momentum at the start of Financial Year 2025–26 (FY26).

Key Takeaways

1. Weak Core Sector Growth

• Core Industries (which contribute ~40% to the IIP) grew only 0.5%, the lowest in 8 months.
• Sectors like refinery products, steel, and cement showed subdued output.
• This has a domino effect on overall industrial growth due to the central role these industries play in supply chains.

2. Contraction in Mining

• Mining output shrank by 0.2%, the first contraction since August 2024.
• Implications:
  • Reduced availability of raw materials.
  • Impacts electricity generation and steel production.
  • Mining decline signals weakness in basic inputs for industrial processes.

3. Slowdown in Manufacturing & Electricity

• Manufacturing growth declined from 4.2% → 3.4%.
• Electricity generation fell sharply from 10.2% → 1.1%.
• Reflects:
  • Lower industrial activity.
  • Weak demand from both production and consumption ends.

4. External Trade Challenges

• Trade & tariff uncertainties, especially with the US and EU, have affected:
  • Electronics and textile exports.
  • Disrupted global supply chains.
• Geopolitical volatility and protectionism are influencing export-led manufacturing.

5. Low Rural Demand & FMCG Contraction

• Consumer non-durables (like food, hygiene, household items) contracted for the third month in a row.
• Indicates weak rural consumption, despite low inflation.

Causes:

• Falling farmgate prices, many below Minimum Support Price (MSP).
• Lower rural incomes → reduced purchasing power.
• Poor demand in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).

Concept Explanation

What is the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)?

• IIP measures the growth rate of various sectors like mining, manufacturing, and electricity.
• Published monthly by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
• Acts as an important economic indicator to gauge industrial performance.

What are Core Industries?

• 8 sectors forming the backbone of industrial infrastructure:
  1. Coal
  2. Crude Oil
  3. Natural Gas
  4. Refinery Products
  5. Fertilizers
  6. Steel
  7. Cement
  8. Electricity

Policy Discussion

How can MSP implementation boost rural demand?

MSP must be backed by effective procurement and logistics infrastructure to be impactful.

Who Should Drive Capital Expenditure?

Summary

• India’s industrial output has sharply slowed to 2.7% in April 2025 due to weak core sector growth, mining contraction, manufacturing deceleration, and low electricity demand.
• Global trade issues and weak rural demand are major structural concerns.
• MSP reforms, capital expenditure, and targeted rural schemes are vital to reversing the slowdown.
• A multi-pronged approach, involving both private and public sectors, is needed to revive industrial activity and stimulate broad-based economic recovery.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following sectors are included in the Eight Core Industries of India?
   A. Automobiles
   B. Cement
   C. Electricity
   D. Fertilizers
   Choose the correct answer:
   A. A, B, C
   B. B, C, D
   C. A, C, D
   D. All of the above
   Answer: B. B, C, D
   
   
2. Which agency publishes the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)?
   A. RBI
   B. Ministry of Finance
   C. National Statistical Office
   D. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
   Answer: C. National Statistical Office

Mains

1. Discuss the reasons behind the recent slowdown in India’s industrial output. What measures can be taken to revive industrial growth? (150 words)
   
   
2. How can the systematic implementation of Minimum Support Prices (MSP) contribute to rural income enhancement and industrial revival? Illustrate with examples. (250 words)
   
   
3. Examine the role of capital expenditure in reviving demand and boosting industrial output in India. Suggest how public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be leveraged for this purpose. (250 words)
   

2. JNCASR Develops Fast-Charging Sodium-Ion Battery – Science and Technology

Why In News?

Researchers at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru have developed a super-fast charging sodium-ion battery capable of reaching 80% charge in just 6 minutes, with a lifespan of over 3,000 charge-discharge cycles.

Key Takeaways

1. Sodium-Ion Battery Basics

• Operates like lithium-ion batteries but uses sodium ions (Na⁺) for charge transfer.
• Rechargeable and electrochemically similar to Li-ion batteries.
• Advantage: Sodium is far more abundant and cheaper than lithium.

2. Innovative Chemistry: NASICON Structure

• Uses NASICON (Na Super Ionic Conductor)-type chemistry.
• Allows for:
  • Rapid ion mobility
  • Improved structural stability
  • Fast charging performance

3. Material Advancements

• Battery enhanced through:
  • Nanoparticles to increase surface area.
  • Carbon coating to improve conductivity.
  • Aluminium doping to enhance charge transfer and reduce cost.

4. Key Advantages

Concept Clarification

Lithium-Ion vs. Sodium-Ion Batteries

Applications Of Sodium-Ion Batteries

1. Electric Vehicles (EVs) – Fast charging & cost-effective.
2. Solar Energy Storage – High thermal stability is ideal for solar grids in India.
3. Drones and Aerospace – Lightweight and high cycle life.
4. Rural Electrification – Cost-effective energy storage for remote regions.
5. Backup Power for Data Centers/Telecom – Reliable and fire-safe power sources.

Strategic Significance For India

• Reduces import dependency for lithium and rare earth metals.
• Supports Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives in battery manufacturing.
• Positions India as a hub for sustainable energy storage innovation.
• Crucial for India’s energy goals under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan and Renewable Energy Mission.

Summary

• The sodium-ion battery developed by JNCASR offers fast charging, enhanced safety, and lower costs, making it a potential game-changer in the energy storage sector.
• With over 3,000 charge cycles and 80% charge in 6 minutes, it is suited for a wide range of applications including EVs, solar grids, and rural electrification.
• Its development addresses strategic concerns such as supply chain independence, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, aligning with India’s energy security and innovation goals.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following advantages are associated with sodium-ion batteries?
   1. They use copper instead of aluminium, making them cheaper.
   2. They are safer than lithium-ion batteries at high temperatures.
   3. Sodium is more abundantly available than lithium.
   4. They have limited applications due to high toxicity.
   Select the correct answer:
   A. 1 and 4 only
   B. 2 and 3 only
   C. 2, 3, and 4
   D. 1, 2, and 3
   Answer: B. 2 and 3 only
   
   
2. NASICON-type materials, recently in news, are associated with which of the following technologies?
   A. Nuclear reactors
   B. Satellite communication
   C. Energy storage
   D. Genetic engineering
   Answer: C. Energy storage
   
   

Mains

1. Discuss the significance of sodium-ion batteries in India’s transition to clean energy. How do they compare with lithium-ion batteries in terms of performance and sustainability? (250 words)
   
   
2. With India’s increasing focus on renewable energy and electric mobility, evaluate the potential of indigenous battery innovations like the sodium-ion battery developed by JNCASR. (150/250 words)
   
   
3. What role can scientific innovation play in strengthening India’s energy security? Illustrate with recent developments in battery technology. (250 words)
   

3. Rise in Digital Banking among Rural Women & UPI Adoption – Economy

Why In News?

A recent national survey by the Ministry of Statistics shows a significant rise in online banking use among rural women, increasing from 17.1% (2022–23) to 30% (early 2025).
This improvement is most visible among young women (15–24 years), marking a key step toward digital financial inclusion.

Key Takeaways

1. Sharp Growth in Digital Banking Use by Rural Women

• Usage increased from 17.1% → 30% in just 2 years.
• Young women (15–24 years) are the fastest adopters, indicating generational digital fluency.
• Reflects impact of expanding internet penetration, UPI-based apps, and smartphone access in villages.

2. Gender Gap in UPI Usage Still Exists

• Women account for <30% of all UPI users.
• Gap is wider in rural areas than urban ones.
• Indicates that access and adoption remain unequal despite nationwide UPI proliferation.

Factors Behind Gender Gap In Upi Usage

“UPI for Her” Initiative (Launched: August 2024)

UPI As A Tool For Women Empowerment

Benefits for Rural Women

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to women’s bank accounts.
• Ease of savings and microtransactions without needing to visit banks.
• Boosts entrepreneurship (e.g., selling homemade goods via digital payments).
• Increases agency by enabling women to manage finances independently.

Real-World Applications

• Women in SHGs using UPI for internal lending.
• Small vendors accepting digital payments via QR codes.
• Housewives saving and budgeting digitally with minimal fees.

Significance For Digital India

• Contributes to Digital India Mission and Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity goals.
• Empowers half the rural population to participate in the formal digital economy.
• Can help reduce gendered digital divide, a key goal under SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Challenges Ahead

Summary

The sharp rise in online banking usage among rural women—from 17.1% to 30%—is a promising sign for India’s digital financial inclusion goals. However, a gender gap in UPI usage persists, largely due to access, literacy, and autonomy issues.
The “UPI for Her” initiative aims to close this gap by targeting women users with tailored education and outreach.
True empowerment will require multi-stakeholder support across tech access, social change, and financial training to integrate women into the core of India’s digital economy.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Consider the following with respect to the UPI (Unified Payments Interface):
   1.UPI can be used for peer-to-peer and merchant transactions.
   2.UPI transactions require both sender and receiver to have bank accounts linked to the same app.
   3.UPI works only on Android-based devices.
   Which of the statements is/are correct?
   A. 1 only
   B. 1 and 2 only
   C. 1 and 3 only
   D. 2 and 3 only
   Answer: A. 1 only
   
   
2. Which of the following initiatives aims specifically to boost digital financial inclusion among women in India?
   A. BharatNet
   B. UPI for Her
   C. Digital Saksharta Abhiyan
   D.PM-WANI
   Answer: B. UPI for Her
   

Mains

1. How can digital payment platforms like UPI contribute to women’s empowerment in rural India? Discuss with recent data and initiatives. (150/250 words)
   
   
2. Despite increased digital penetration, a gender divide persists in UPI adoption in rural India. Identify the causes and suggest policy interventions to bridge this divide. (250 words)
   
   
3. Discuss the role of targeted financial literacy programs in promoting inclusive digital banking in India. How can initiatives like ‘UPI for Her’ transform rural financial landscapes? (250 words)
   

4. Quality Council of India (QCI)- Economy

Why In News?

The Minister of State for Commerce and Industry recently inaugurated the new unified headquarters of the Quality Council of India (QCI) at the World Trade Centre, New Delhi, signifying the growing importance of quality assurance and accreditation in India’s developmental ecosystem.

OVERVIEW: Quality Council Of India (QCI)

Objectives And Mission

• To promote and institutionalize quality standards across all sectors of Indian economy.
• To ensure global competitiveness through the development of robust accreditation and quality certification systems.
• To act as India’s national accreditation body, offering independent, third-party assessments.

Core Roles & Functions

Structure & Boards Under Qci

1. National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)

Ensures competence of labs in testing, calibration, and medical diagnostics.

2. National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH)

Sets standards and offers accreditation to hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare institutions.

3. National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET)

Accredits institutions involved in skill training, environmental consulting, and educational institutions.

4. National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB)

Provides accreditation to agencies that offer product, personnel, and system certifications (e.g., ISO).

5. National Board for Quality Promotion (NBQP)

Promotes quality consciousness through seminars, publications, and awareness campaigns.

Flagship Initiatives And Projects

• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA): QCI conducted third-party verification and cleanliness audits.
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Ensured quality standards in skill development training centers.
• ZED (Zero Defect Zero Effect): Promotes quality and environmental responsibility in MSMEs.
• National Quality Campaign: Promotes awareness of the need for quality in public and private service delivery.

Strategic Significance

Summary

The Quality Council of India (QCI) is India’s national accreditation body, playing a crucial role in enhancing quality infrastructure across sectors like healthcare, education, industry, and governance.
Established through a PPP model in 1997, it is a self-sustaining organization operating through five key boards and supporting government initiatives through third-party assessments, quality frameworks, and public awareness campaigns.
QCI’s role is vital for India’s global competitiveness, especially in the context of Make in India, ease of doing business, and the standardization of service delivery.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Consider the following statements about the Quality Council of India (QCI):
   1.It was set up as a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
   2.It is jointly established by the Government of India and industry bodies like CII and FICCI.
   3.It receives regular funding from the central government.
   Which of the above statements is/are correct?
   A. 1 and 2 only
   B. 2 only
   C. 2 and 3 only
   D. 1, 2, and 3
   Answer: B. 2 only
   
2. Which of the following boards is NOT part of the Quality Council of India (QCI)?
   A. NABL
   B.NABH
   C. NITI Aayog Accreditation Board
   D. NABET
   Answer: C. NITI Aayog Accreditation Board

Mains

1. Discuss the role of the Quality Council of India (QCI) in enhancing quality standards across various sectors. How does it contribute to India’s competitiveness in the global economy? (250 words)
   
   
2. QCI operates through a public-private partnership model. Evaluate the advantages of such a model in promoting quality and efficiency in public service delivery. (150/250 words)
   
   
3. How do institutions like QCI help in improving the ease of doing business and industrial standards in India? Illustrate with examples. (150/250 words)
   

5. Battery Aadhaar Initiative – Science and Technology

Why In News?

The Battery Aadhaar Initiative was recently showcased by Tata Elxsi at the Battery Summit 2025, organized by WRI India, in collaboration with NITI Aayog, DST, and under the UNEP-led program ‘Electrifying Mobility in Cities’.
The initiative aims to digitally tag batteries to improve traceability, safety, and sustainability in the growing battery industry.

Key Takeaways

What is Battery Aadhaar?

• A secure digital identity assigned to each battery pack.
• Tracks critical details such as:
  • Manufacturing source
  • Battery chemistry
  • Safety certifications
  • Lifecycle and performance data
• Ensures end-to-end traceability for quality assurance, reuse, and recycling.

Built on Blockchain Platform: MOBIUS+

• Enables:
  • Tamper-proof audit trails
  • Secure data sharing
  • Transparency in supply chain management

Core Features Of Battery Aadhaar

Significance Of The Initiative

For the Battery Industry

• Prevents unsafe reuse or resale of degraded batteries.
• Helps meet Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) norms.
• Aids in compliance with safety regulations (e.g., BIS standards for EV batteries).

For the Environment

• Reduces battery-related e-waste and promotes responsible recycling.
• Enables circular economy practices: reuse, repurpose, recycle.
• Tracks carbon intensity and environmental impact across the battery lifecycle.

For Sustainable Mobility

• Supports India’s EV ecosystem by ensuring battery safety and reliability.
• Builds consumer confidence in pre-owned EVs and second-life batteries.
• Facilitates urban electrification strategies under the UNEP–NITI Aayog mobility program.

Institutional Support

Alignment With National & Global Goals

Summary

The Battery Aadhaar Initiative is a digital ecosystem for assigning a unique identity to each battery, built on blockchain for traceability, transparency, and trust.
It enhances battery safety, supports sustainability, and aligns with India’s vision for clean mobility, circular economy, and climate goals.
With real-time analytics, role-based dashboards, and a digital product passport, Battery Aadhaar is poised to become a foundational framework for India’s EV and energy storage future.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following technologies is central to the implementation of the Battery Aadhaar Initiative?
   A.Artificial Intelligence
   B.Internet of Things
   C. Blockchain
   D. Quantum Computing
   Answer: C. Blockchain
   
   
2. The Battery Aadhaar Initiative was launched to promote which of the following?
   1. Real-time tracking of electric vehicles
   2. Unique digital identity for battery packs
   3. Safer and more sustainable battery usage
   4. Digital health ID for humans
   Select the correct answer:
   A. 1 and 2 only
   B. 2 and 3 only
   C. 3 and 4 only
   D. 1 and 4 only
   Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Mains

1. Discuss the significance of the Battery Aadhaar Initiative in promoting sustainable energy and mobility in India. How does it align with the goals of a circular economy? (250 words)
   
   
2. Trace the role of digital technologies like blockchain in environmental governance with reference to recent initiatives such as Battery Aadhaar. (250 words)
   
   
3. Battery traceability is key to sustainable EV adoption. Examine the technological and regulatory challenges in implementing such systems in India. (150/250 words)
   

6. Calotes zolaiking – A Newly Recorded Lizard Species in Meghalaya – Environment

Why In News?

The rare tree-dwelling lizard species, Calotes zolaiking, has been documented for the first time in Meghalaya, marking an extension of its known geographic distribution from Mizoram to another part of Northeast India.

SPECIES PROFILE: Calotes zolaiking

Habitat And Behavior

What Are “Keeled” Scales?

• A keeled scale has a raised ridge (keel) running longitudinally down its center.
• This gives the lizard a rougher, spiny appearance and may offer protection or camouflage.

Ecological And Conservation Significance

Why this discovery matters:

1. Biodiversity Significance: Highlights the rich and underexplored herpetofauna (amphibians & reptiles) of Northeast India.
2. Range Expansion: Confirms that the species’ distribution is wider than previously known, indicating possible habitat connectivity.
3. Conservation Indicator: Tree-dwelling reptiles are sensitive to habitat degradation—they can serve as indicators of forest health.
4. Need for Habitat Protection: Underlines the importance of preserving tropical forests and garden ecosystems in the region.

Conservation Implications:

• Meghalaya is part of the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot – one of the world’s most threatened yet diverse ecosystems.
• Habitat loss due to deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization can threaten such niche species.
• Discovery supports calls for ecological surveys, baseline biodiversity mapping, and in-situ conservation efforts.

Additional Notes On Genus Calotes

Summary

The documentation of Calotes zolaiking in Meghalaya adds to the ecological richness of the region and emphasizes the need to conserve the fragile forest ecosystems of the Northeast.
Belonging to the Agamidae family, this small, color-shifting, tree-dwelling lizard not only serves as a marker of biodiversity health but also draws attention to the untapped ecological wealth still hidden in India’s tropical forests.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. With reference to the species Calotes zolaiking, consider the following statements:
   1.It belongs to the family Agamidae.
   2.It is an aquatic lizard endemic to the Western Ghats.
   3.It can change its color and is active during the day.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   A. 1 and 2 only
   B. 1 and 3 only
   C. 2 and 3 only
   D. 1, 2 and 3
   Answer: B. 1 and 3 only
   
   
2. Which of the following best describes a “keeled scale” in reptiles?
   A. A flat scale used for respiration
   B. A scale with a central raised ridge
   C. A transparent scale used for vision
   D. A smooth scale lacking any ridges
   Answer: B. A scale with a central raised ridge

Mains

1. Discuss the ecological importance of documenting new species in biodiversity-rich regions such as Northeast India. Highlight how such discoveries support conservation planning. (250 words)
   
   
2. With reference to species like Calotes zolaiking, examine the role of reptiles in forest ecosystems. What conservation challenges do these species face in India? (250 words)
   

7. 17th Edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant (India–Mongolia Joint Military Exercise) – Defence & Security

Why In News?

The 17th edition of Exercise Nomadic Elephant, a bilateral military exercise between India and Mongolia, is being held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from May 31 to June 13, 2025. The exercise focuses on enhancing counter-terrorism skills, interoperability, and regional cooperation.

Background

Objectives Of The Exercise

Importance For India

Strategic Defence Diplomacy

• Strengthens India’s military ties with Mongolia, a like-minded democracy in East and Central Asia.
• Supports India’s Act East Policy and extended neighbourhood engagement.

Mountain Warfare Training

• India and Mongolia both operate in high-altitude terrains.
• Provides Indian Army personnel with experience in foreign, yet similar, geographical conditions.

Regional Security & UN Peacekeeping

• Joint training builds readiness for multi-national UN peacekeeping missions, where both nations actively contribute.
• Reinforces India’s role as a responsible global power.

 India–Mongolia Defence Ties

How Nomadic Elephant Complements Other Exercises

Summary

Exercise Nomadic Elephant is a critical component of India’s growing defence diplomacy with Mongolia. Now in its 17th edition, it improves interoperability, terrain adaptability, and counter-terrorism readiness between the two nations.
By enabling joint training under UN peacekeeping frameworks, the exercise reflects a broader vision of strategic cooperation, regional stability, and India’s Act East outreach.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following countries is India’s partner in the military exercise Nomadic Elephant?
   A. Vietnam
   B. Indonesia
   C. Mongolia
   D. Thailand
   Answer: C. Mongolia
   
   
2. Exercise Nomadic Elephant primarily focuses on which of the following?
   1.Naval warfare in the Pacific Ocean
   2.Counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain
   3.Amphibious warfare operations
   4.Anti-submarine warfare
   Select the correct answer:
   A. 1 and 3 only
   B.2 only
   C. 2 and 4 only
   D. 1, 2 and 4 only
   Answer: B. 2 only
   

Mains

1. Discuss the strategic importance of military exercises like Nomadic Elephant in strengthening India’s bilateral ties and defence preparedness. (150/250 words)
   
   
2. How do joint military exercises under UN peacekeeping mandates contribute to India’s soft power and global image? Illustrate with recent examples. (250 words)