Current Affairs - National

NTPC, India's largest power generator, has made a groundbreaking achievement in reducing carbon emissions. Its Vindhyachal unit has successfully produced methanol from carbon dioxide, a significant step towards achieving India's net-zero emission target by 2070. This innovative project captures 10 tons per day of CO₂ from coal combustion and converts it into green methanol using carbon dioxide and green hydrogen. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, contributing to India's climate change mitigation efforts and transition to cleaner energy.

Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have collaborated to establish a joint corridor management committee, focusing on cheetah conservation. This initiative is crucial due to recent instances of cheetahs from Kuno National Park (KNP) venturing into Rajasthan. The cheetah reintroduction project, involving animals from Namibia and South Africa, has shown promising results with the birth of 17 cubs in Kuno. The joint committee aims to ensure the safe movement and habitat protection of these majestic animals, promoting a harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife. Effective conservation efforts require inter-state cooperation.

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.