Daily Current Affairs — 13 May 2025
5 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Centre Approves Additional FCI Rice for Ethanol Production
In Context The Union Government approved an additional 2.8 million tonnes of rice from the Food Corporation of India (FCI) stock for ethanol production, raising the total allocation for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024–25 to 5.2 million tonnes. What is Ethanol and the EBP Programme? Ethanol is an alcohol-based biofuel made through the fermentation of sugar, starch, or cellulose derived from crops like sugarcane, maize, and rice.
Geotubing: A Breakthrough in Coastal Erosion Control
Context A recent study has found that geotubing technology deployed at Poonthura, Kerala, has been highly effective in controlling coastal erosion. Geo-Tubing Technology for Coastal Erosion Geotubes are large fabric containers filled with sand or slurry, placed strategically along the coast. They act as wave barriers, diminishing the force of incoming waves and preventing shoreline erosion.
India’s Rising E-Waste and the Need to Recast Its Management
Context India, now among the top global generators of electronic waste (e-waste), faces a critical challenge in managing the growing volume of obsolete electronic devices. E-Waste in India E-waste refers to the discarded electronic and electrical devices that have reached the end of their lifespan or become obsolete due to rapid technological changes, including computers, phones, TVs, and other equipment. India ranks as the third-largest producer of electronic waste globally, following China and
Psychological Warfare
Context Pakistan is indulging in psychological warfare with the spread of misinformation across social media platforms aimed at misrepresenting India’s military actions and preparedness. Psychological Warfare Psychological warfare involves the planned use of propaganda and other psychological operations to influence the opinions, emotions, attitudes, and behavior of opposition groups. Propaganda: Spreading biased or misleading information to shape public opinion or sow confusion.
US & China have Agreed to Temporarily Slash Tariffs
Context The U.S. and China agreed to suspend most tariffs on each other’s goods. Why were Tariffs Levied?