Current Affairs - National

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.

The ‘Namo Drone Didi’ scheme is designed to empower Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) by equipping them with drones for agricultural use. Part of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), this initiative provides 80% financial assistance and training for SHGs, enabling women to offer drone-based services for spraying fertilizers and pesticides, which improves crop yield and efficiency. Targeting 14,500 SHGs, the scheme not only supports agricultural productivity but also creates sustainable income opportunities for women, aligning with the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment in rural areas.

New Delhi, the capital city of India, has taken a significant step in raising awareness about dyslexia through the 'Act4Dyslexia' campaign. Iconic landmarks such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, North and South Blocks, and India Gate have been illuminated in red, symbolizing support for individuals with dyslexia. This initiative aims to dispel common misconceptions about dyslexia, emphasizing that it is not related to intelligence, hearing, or vision impairments. By shedding light on this learning disorder, the campaign seeks to promote inclusivity and understanding for those affected by dyslexia.