Current Affairs - National

The Doha Round of WTO negotiations began in 2001 with the goal of reforming international trade rules by reducing tariffs and addressing issues like agricultural subsidies and industrial barriers. Despite ambitious objectives, the negotiations ultimately collapsed due to deep divisions between developed and developing countries. Only a partial agreement on fisheries has been achieved. The failure of the Doha Round revealed the difficulties within the WTO’s consensus-based system and highlighted the broader shift toward bilateral and regional trade agreements, weakening the influence of multilateral trade mechanisms.

Judicial review in India is primarily inferred from Article 13 of the Constitution, even though the term itself is not explicitly mentioned. Article 13 states that any law inconsistent with or in derogation of fundamental rights shall be void, laying the foundation for the judiciary to invalidate unconstitutional laws. This power is crucial to maintaining constitutional supremacy, protecting citizens' rights, and ensuring the separation of powers among the legislature, executive, and judiciary. Judicial review is considered part of the basic structure of the Constitution, meaning it cannot be abrogated even by constitutional amendments. It acts as a guardian of democracy and constitutional integrity.

Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister, inaugurated the National Centre for Sports Science and Research (NCSSR) at the Indira Gandhi Stadium located in New Delhi. The NCSSR aims to advance research, education, and innovation in the field of sports science. Alongside this initiative, the government also began issuing sports certificates digitally via DigiLocker to streamline recognition of athletic achievements. The announcement of the 'One Sport–One Corporate' policy further supports efforts to encourage federations and corporations to invest in sports, boosting India's athletic ecosystem. New Delhi served as the host city for these significant developments in sports administration.

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has put forward a groundbreaking proposal to develop the world’s smallest angstrom-scale chip using advanced 2D materials. This innovation aims to surpass traditional silicon-based technology, potentially transforming fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and automation by enabling higher transistor density and energy efficiency. With a proposed budget of Rs 500 crore over five years, the project could position India at the forefront of global semiconductor research. The initiative highlights a strategic move to reduce dependency on existing semiconductor technologies and pave the way for cutting-edge computational advancements.

The international conference SEFCO-2025 was inaugurated at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum in Dehradun. This major event focuses on sustainable energy and chemicals under the theme "Catalysing a Sustainable Future with Affordable Energy and Chemicals." It brings together experts and stakeholders to discuss innovative approaches for addressing energy challenges and shaping a sustainable future. Dehradun, as the host city, reinforces its role in promoting scientific research and environmental progress. The event continues the legacy of the first SEFCO conference held in 2017, highlighting its growing significance in global energy discourse.