Daily Current Affairs — 12 July 2025
7 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
India Officially Launched Its First-ever E‑truck Incentive Scheme
Context The Centre unveiled a scheme to provide financial incentives for purchase of electric trucks under the PM E-Drive initiative, where a sum of ₹500 crore has been set aside for 5,600 electric trucks. About This is India’s first dedicated scheme for electric trucks, which were not included under the earlier FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) scheme. Eligibility Conditions: Manufacturers must provide a battery warranty of 5 years or 5 lakh kilometres, whichever is
India's Population at Crossroads, not a Crisis: Population Foundation of India
In Context On 2025 World Population Day (July 11), the Population Foundation of India emphasized that India’s real challenge lies not in population size, but in justice, gender equity, and investing in human potential. Key Takeaways Shift the focus to reproductive rights, gender equality, and inclusive growth. Empower youth, especially young women, to make informed choices about their lives and families.
134th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council
Context India has reiterated its commitment to maritime safety and gender equality during the 134th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, held in London. Laws and Conventions International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL): It was rolled out by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 1973 and recognised the need for international coherent efforts for curbing oil spill. India is a signatory to the MARPOL Convention.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Transforming the Manufacturing Landscape
Context The manufacturing sector is undergoing a paradigm shift, powered not by steam or steel, but by smart algorithms and intelligent systems. AI in Manufacturing AI is used to create a virtual replica of processes, production lines, factories and supply chains that are used to simulate, analyze and predict performance in real time. AI is transforming operations from legacy facilities to state-of-the-art plants.
Panch Sankalpa of NEP 2020 to Guide Universities in Building Viksit Bharat
Context The Union Education Minister inaugurated the two-day Vice-Chancellors’ Conference of Central Universities at Kevadia, Gujarat, to assess the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Progress in Higher Education in India Total Enrollment Growth: Total student enrollment has reached 4.46 crore, reflecting a 30% increase since 2014–15. Female Empowerment: Female enrollment has surged by 38%, and the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for women now exceeds that of men.
Maharashtra’s ‘Urban Maoism’ Bill
In News The Maharashtra Special Public Security (MSPS) Bill, 2024—commonly referred to as the ‘Urban Maoism’ Bill—was passed by the Maharashtra Assembly recently. Background and Rationale The Bill was introduced in response to the perceived inadequacy of existing laws (like the UAPA) to deal with the evolving tactics of Maoist organizations, which increasingly use urban fronts—NGOs, intellectual circles, students, and media—to support rural armed struggle and undermine state institutions. Mahara
UNEP Frontiers Report 2025
In News The seventh edition, Frontiers 2025: The Weight of Time – Facing a New Age of Challenges for People and Ecosystems, highlights emerging environmental threats and potential solutions. Recommendations Transform Cities for Age-Friendly Resilience: Develop pollution-free, resilient, and accessible urban spaces with abundant vegetation. Improve urban planning to address the needs of an ageing population, especially during extreme weather events.