Current Affairs - National

The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has expanded its offerings by introducing 170 seed categories, enabling central and state public sector units to procure seeds efficiently for nationwide distribution. This initiative promotes transparency and streamlines public procurement processes. By leveraging the GeM platform, launched in 2016, the government aims to enhance accessibility and accountability in procurement services. The addition of seed categories demonstrates the platform's growing relevance in supporting India's agricultural sector and ensuring the timely availability of quality seeds.

India's 72nd ranking in the AI Preparedness Index 2023 reflects its progress in embracing artificial intelligence. With a score of 0.49, India demonstrates the potential for growth, driven by factors such as high ChatGPT awareness and a thriving ecosystem of over 338 AI startups. While advanced economies like Singapore, Denmark, and the U.S. lead the index, India's position indicates its increasing focus on AI adoption. This ranking highlights opportunities for India to bridge the gap with leading nations by developing robust AI frameworks and fostering innovation. India's ranking also surpasses its regional peers, such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

India has made significant progress in innovation, jumping to the 39th position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) of 2024, as reported by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This achievement reflects India's growth in various sectors, including institutions, human capital, research, infrastructure, market sophistication, and business sophistication. The GII ranking is calculated based on two sub-indices: the Innovation Input Index and the Innovation Output Index, covering 132 economies worldwide. India's improvement in the rankings demonstrates its potential as a leader in innovation and technology.

The Census of India has a rich history, dating back to 1872 when it was first conducted in various parts of the country. Since then, it has been conducted every 10 years, playing a vital role in shaping public policy and providing essential data for planning and governance. The upcoming Census in 2025 will focus on caste enumeration, electoral delimitation, and the National Population Register (NPR), aiming to enhance understanding of India's social structure and inform policies for social equity. Over the years, the Census has adapted to changing needs, shifting its focus from caste-based categorization to promoting a unified national identity. The first synchronous census, which involved a complete and simultaneous count across the entire Indian subcontinent, took place on February 17, 1881, under the leadership of W.C. Plowden.

The BioE3 Policy, launched as part of India's commitment to innovation in the agriculture sector, focuses on leveraging biotechnology to boost the economy, create employment opportunities, and safeguard the environment. It marks a significant shift towards synthetic production techniques, moving away from traditional manufacturing methods. This policy aims to utilize advanced technologies to foster sustainable solutions that can enhance India's agricultural practices. By promoting biotechnology, the policy aligns with the broader vision of transforming India into a developed nation while improving its global scientific standing in agriculture and food production.