Daily Current Affairs — 15 May 2025
9 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
Plastic Waste in Himalayas
Context According to a report more than 84% of the plastic waste collected in Himalayan region is posing serious environmental and systemic challenges. About According to data gathered from the Himalayan Cleanup (THC) 2024, conducted across nine Himalayan states, over 1.2 lakh pieces of waste were audited—88% of which were plastic. Within plastic waste, 84.2% was attributed to food and beverage packaging, and 71% of this was non-recyclable.
India Launches First Cluster of CCU Testbeds For Cement Industry
In News India launched its first cluster of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds for the cement sector. About Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) Definition: Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) refers to a set of technologies that involve capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sources like power plants and industrial facilities and then converting them into useful products. Process: The first step involves separating CO2 from other gases emitted by industrial processes or even
Cabinet Approves Semiconductor Unit in Uttar Pradesh
Context The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of a Semiconductor Unit in Uttar Pradesh. What is a Semiconductor? Job Creation: Semiconductor manufacturing facilities in India create many direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Breakthrough in Making 2D Metals
Context A team of Chinese scientists reported a new method to create true 2D sheets of metals like bismuth, gallium, indium, tin, and lead. Challenges in Making 2D Metals Unlike carbon, which easily forms 2D sheets (graphene), metal atoms prefer bonding in 3D. Attempts to make atom-thin metal sheets have largely failed or produced sheets only a few nanometers thick — too thick for true quantum confinement.
India & 6G Technology
Context Recently, the Union Minister of State for Communications, at the Bharat 6G International Conference, said that India has emerged as one of the top six nations globally in 6G patent filings. Promise of 6G Technology Sub-millisecond latency for ultra-fast connectivity. Intelligent self-healing networks to enhance reliability.
Colombia Joins Belt and Road Initiative
In News Colombia formally agreed to join Chinas Belt and Road infrastructure initiative. Chinas Economic Influence US Concerns China is now the largest trading partner of several Latin American countries (Brazil, Chile, Peru). China is expanding its footprint through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), while the U.S.
India’s Major Ports Achieve Historic Milestones in FY 2024-25
Context In FY 2024-25, Major Ports registered an impressive annual growth rate of 4.3% in cargo handling, increasing from 819 million tonnes in FY 2023-24 to ~855 million tonnes in FY 2024-25. About Average Turnaround Time (TRT) improved by 48%, reducing from 96 hours in FY 2014-15 to 49.5 hours in FY 2024-25. Major Ports financial performance has been equally impressive, with total income more than doubling over the past decade, registering a 7.5% CAGR over 10 years.
B.R. Gavai Sworn in as Chief Justice of India
Context Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai was sworn in by President Droupadi Murmu as the 52nd Chief Justice of India. What is the Convention? The outgoing CJI recommends his successor a practice, which is strictly based on seniority.
Birth Rates in Delhi, Kerala, and T.N. Declining at Twice the Rate of National Average
Context The annual crude birth rates for Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Kerala are declining at twice the rate of the national average. About The data from the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, was released by the Registrar General of India. The SRS is the largest demographic survey in the country, meant to provide annual estimates on fertility and mortality indicators such as birth rates, death rates, etc.