Current Affairs - National

Coking coal is crucial for steel production, accounting for 42% of steel production costs, and infrastructure development. India's reliance on imports (85% of its coking coal needs) highlights the need to enhance domestic production. The NITI Aayog's recommendation aligns with global trends, such as the European Union's declaration of coking coal as a critical raw material. Including coking coal in the critical minerals, list will enable policy changes to leverage India's 16.5 billion tonnes of medium coking coal reserves and achieve self-reliance while adhering to Net Zero commitments by 2070.

Biofloc Technology (BFT) is a sustainable aquaculture technique that uses beneficial bacteria to recycle organic waste in a closed tank system. These bacteria, like Bacillus and Pseudomonas, convert waste into microbial biomass that fish can consume, providing both water quality management and nutrition. This method reduces the need for frequent water changes and external chemicals, making it cost-effective, especially for small-scale farms. It also helps prevent diseases by maintaining a clean environment and reducing the need for antibiotics.

The Marine Fisheries Census, announced on World Fisheries Day, is set to be conducted in 2025. This digital initiative aims to survey 1.2 million households along India’s coastline within 45 days. Utilizing mobile apps and virtual servers, the census process is 80% faster and gathers data on socio-economic conditions, household size, and fisherfolk engagement. This effort supports the blue economy initiative under Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, enhancing data-driven policy-making for sustainable marine development.

Kerala's Kanhirapoil region in Kasaragod has yielded significant archaeological discoveries, including 24 pairs of prehistoric footprints and a human figure carved into rock, dating back to the Megalithic period. These rock-cut footprints, likely representing souls of the dead, demonstrate ancient civilizations' sophisticated craftsmanship using iron tools. Similar finds in Udupi, Wayanad's Edakkal Caves, and other north Kerala sites highlight the region's shared cultural heritage, underscoring Kerala's importance in India's archaeological landscape and providing valuable insights into the lives of prehistoric communities.

The World Bank's 'Jobs at Your Doorstep' report concentrates on six states, proposing a comprehensive framework for the entire country. Unveiled by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the report prioritizes skilling, redefining jobs and addresses technology-driven shifts in employment. Key recommendations include integrating informal and region-specific education into curricula, and ensuring students acquire relevant skills for emerging job markets. This initiative aims to enhance India's employment landscape, making education more aligned with industry requirements and regional needs.