Current Affairs - National

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.

India’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system has been a transformative reform in the field of welfare and subsidy delivery. Launched to curb leakages and increase the effectiveness of government spending, the DBT mechanism has helped ensure that subsidies directly reach the intended beneficiaries. Between 2009 and 2024, it led to cumulative savings of ₹3.48 lakh crore. The number of beneficiaries also increased 16-fold during this period, reflecting its broad impact. The system reduced subsidy expenditure from 16% to 9% of total government spending and introduced the Welfare Efficiency Index (WEI) to track performance, establishing India as a global leader in welfare digitization.

The 38th meeting of the Central Advisory Board of Archaeology (CABA) is being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Organized by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ministry of Culture, this event brings together experts and officials to discuss key issues and initiatives in the field of archaeology. The meeting reflects the ongoing efforts to preserve India’s rich cultural heritage and archaeological legacy. As the capital city and a hub for national institutions, New Delhi serves as a strategic and symbolic location for such high-level government gatherings.

On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack occurred in Baisaran, a picturesque meadow near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in 26 fatalities and several injuries. The attack specifically targeted tourists during a high-travel period, sending shockwaves through the region’s tourism sector. Pahalgam, a vital node in Kashmir’s tourism economy and one of the routes for the Amarnath Yatra experienced a massive economic and emotional setback due to this act of violence. The incident raised serious questions about the effectiveness of security during peak tourist seasons and sparked renewed concerns about the stability and safety of the area.