Daily Current Affairs — 12 May 2025
7 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
IEA's Global Methane Tracker
In News The International Energy Agency (IEA) released Global Methane Tracker 2025. The IEAs Global Methane Tracker It is a vital tool for reducing methane emissions in the energy sector. It offers updated estimates of emissions using the latest satellite and ground-based data, alongside information on the costs and opportunities for reduction.
National Technological Day
Context May 11 marked the 27th National Technological Day of India. About Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee designated May 11 as National Technology Day in India to commemorate the Pokhran nuclear tests conducted by the Indian Army in 1998. On May 11, 1998, two other special technological advances were showcased by India’s scientists and engineers.
CAQM unveils 19-point plan to stamp out stubble burning in Delhi-NCR
Context The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region and adjoining areas announced a 19-step directive for state governments to eliminate stubble burning. About The comprehensive plan outlined here represents one of the most robust multi-tiered efforts to curb stubble burning and its associated air pollution across Punjab, Haryana, and NCR Uttar Pradesh. The approach integrates administrative accountability, technological innovation, farmer engagement, and lega
Why Farmers Prefer Growing Rice and Wheat
Context Indian farmers continue to choose rice and wheat as their primary crops despite growing discourse around crop diversification, and complex interplay of historical legacy, economic security, policy incentives, and agro-ecological conditions. Rice and Wheat Production in India (2024-25) Wheat Production: It is estimated at 122.724 million tonnes, covering 330.8 lakh hectares. Major wheat-growing states include Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Gujarat, and M
IMF Loan to Pakistan
In News The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) decided to allow for “an immediate disbursement” of $1 billion (around Rs 8,500 crore) to Pakistan. What is the Extended Fund Facility (EFF)? The Extended Fund Facility is a loan-based support mechanism provided by the IMF to countries that suffer from medium-term balance of payments problems, particularly due to structural deficiencies in their economies.
Total Fertility Rate Remains Constant at 2.0 in 2021
Context The Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, released by the Registrar General of India (RGI), highlights that Indias Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has remained constant at 2.0 in 2021, the same as in 2020. Sample Registration System (SRS) The Sample Registration System (SRS) is a large-scale demographic survey in India used to collect data on births and deaths, providing annual estimates of vital rates like birth rate, death rate, and infant mortality rate. Key features of
Magnetic Flip-Flop
Context Recent studies indicate that Earths magnetic field is weakening and shifting, raising concerns over possible magnetic excursions or even a full-scale polarity reversal. Cause of magnetic field reversal Short-term variations (milliseconds to days) are caused by solar activity and interaction with charged particles in space. Long-term changes, such as reversals and excursions, result from turbulent flows in the outer core, driven by heat released from the inner core and modulated by planet