Daily Current Affairs — 16 October 2025
5 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
The ‘Critical Factor’ in India’s Clean Energy Ambitions
Context As India targets 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070, securing access to critical minerals has become a national priority. What are Critical Minerals? Different countries have their own unique lists of critical minerals based on their specific circumstances and priorities.
SAIME model (Aquaculture model) of Sundarbans wins FAO recognition
In News The Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME) model received Global Technical Recognition from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME) model It is developed by the Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS) in West Bengal’s Sundarbans. It promotes ecosystem-based, climate-adaptive aquaculture by integrating 5%–30% mangrove coverage in shrimp ponds.
RBI Supervision for EPFO, Post Office Bank
Context The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and the Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) — may soon come under the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) supervision. About Post Office Savings Bank (POSB): A ₹96 crore scam uncovered in 2024 involving fraudulent operations in POSB schemes over a 24-month period. Following this, it has reached out to the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance seeking a supervisory pact with the RBI for undertaking a review of internal controls.
India’s Biotech Surge
Context India’s biotech sector has surged in the past several years, from a modest count of roughly 500 startups in 2018, the number has soared to over 10,000 in 2025. What is Bioeconomy? The bioeconomy is the use of renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods, which supports sustainability and economic growth.
Fiscal Challenges of Indian Municipalities
Context Urban India drives nearly two-thirds of the national GDP but remains financially weak, with municipalities controlling less than one per cent of tax revenue. Concerns over Fiscal Architecture of Municipalities The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) empowered Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to perform 18 functions listed in the 12th Schedule, including water supply, waste management, and public health. However, the corresponding financial devolution has been weak and inconsistent across S