Author: karthik
Current Affairs 4 September 2025 – Tone Academy
India Sets Eyes on $1-Trillion Semiconductor Market Syllabus: GS3/Economy Context PM unveiled roadmap at SEMICON India 2025 (4th Edition) Goal: Position India as a global semiconductor hub Why Semiconductors Matter? Backbone of modern electronics (mobiles, EVs, defense, space) Linked to economic security & strategic independence India’s Semiconductor Mission (ISM) Nodal Agency: MeitY Key Schemes: Fabs & Display Fabs – 50% project cost support Compound Semiconductors & ATMP – 50% capital expenditure Design Linked Incentive (DLI) – 23 chip design startups supported Recent Milestones (2025) Investment: ₹76,000 Cr under ISM Theme: “Building the Next Semiconductor Powerhouse” First ‘Made in India Chip’ by ISRO–VSSC & SCL Chandigarh First OSAT pilot line in Sanand, Gujarat 4 new projects approved: SiCSem, CDIL, 3D Glass Solutions Inc., ASIP Fast-Tracking Progress 10 projects approved in 2025 → $18 Bn (₹1.5 Lakh Cr) Single Window Clearances to cut ‘file-to-factory’ delays Focus on long-term investments India’s Potential in Global Market (USD 1 Tn by 2030) Equipment: MSMEs for component manufacturing Materials: Rich in minerals, gases, chemicals Services: R&D, AI, big data, IoT, logistics Vision: India@2047 – A Global Semiconductor Powerhouse With reference to India’s semiconductor sector, consider the following statements: The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) functions as an independent division under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, only foreign firms with domestic subsidiaries are eligible for fiscal support. India’s first Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) pilot line was launched in Sanand, Gujarat in 2025. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? Options:A) 1 and 3 onlyB) 2 and 3 onlyC) 1 onlyD) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: A) 1 and 3 only Explanation: ISM is indeed an independent business division under Digital India Corporation (linked to MeitY). DLI scheme supports domestic startups (not only foreign firms). India’s first OSAT pilot line was launched in Sanand, Gujarat (2025). WHO Released New Reports on Mental Health Syllabus: GS2/Health Context The World Health Organisation (WHO) has released two major reports — World Mental Health Today and Mental Health Atlas 2024. These serve as critical inputs to shape global dialogue ahead of the 2025 UN High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, scheduled for September 2025. Major Global Highlights Burden of Mental Disorders Over 1 billion people globally live with mental health disorders. Suicide: 727,000 deaths (2021), with 1 suicide in 20 attempts. Suicide accounts for 1 in every 100 deaths worldwide. Common Disorders Anxiety and depression form two-thirds of all mental health conditions. Increase in cases (2011–2021) outpaced global population growth. Vulnerable Groups Young adults (20–29 yrs): Highest increase in prevalence (+1.8%). Gendered pattern: Men: ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities. Women: Anxiety, depression, eating disorders. Suicide and SDG Targets Suicide = leading cause of youth deaths across socio-economic contexts. UN SDG 3.4 target: 33% reduction in suicide rates by 2030. Current trajectory: only 12% reduction possible. Economic Cost Depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion annually (lost productivity). Indirect costs outweigh healthcare spending. Gaps in Mental Health Care Less than 9% of people with major depressive disorder receive minimally adequate treatment. Shortages in resources, workforce, and quality of care — particularly acute in LMICs. Mental Health in India Prevalence NMHS 2015–16: 10.6% of adults suffered from mental disorders. Treatment gap: 70–92%. Urban metro prevalence: 13.5% vs rural: 6.9%. Drivers of Rising Mental Health Issues (Economic Survey 2024–25) Excessive internet/social media → anxiety, sleep disorders. Weak family engagement → poor emotional support. Workplace stress → burnout, reduced productivity. Unhealthy lifestyles → processed food, sedentary living. Challenges Psychiatric hospitals: Poor conditions, neglect, abuse. Funding: Mental health = ~1% of health budget, largely institution-focused. Workforce shortage: Severe scarcity of psychiatrists, counsellors, nurses. Unequal distribution: Few at district HQs, almost none in small towns/villages. Access barriers: Medicine shortages, travel costs, loss of wages. Economic burden: Patients often non-earning, worsening family strain. Key Government Initiatives Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 Decriminalised suicide. Introduced advance directives (patients choose treatment). Restricted electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), banned for minors. Addressed stigma. Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017 Recognised mental illness as a disability. Kiran Helpline – Suicide prevention & crisis support. District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) – Running in 767 districts, provides suicide prevention, stress management, counselling. National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) (2022) 53 Tele-MANAS cells across 36 States/UTs. Capacity Expansion Strengthening mental health services in medical colleges & hospitals. Way Forward Policy Push: Raise budgetary allocation for mental health (currently ~1%). Decentralised Care: Shift focus from institutions to community-based mental health services. Workforce Expansion: Train more psychiatrists, counsellors, social workers. Integration: Embed mental health into primary healthcare. Awareness & Stigma Removal: National campaigns in schools, workplaces, and rural areas. Digital Support: Strengthen tele-counselling, AI-based early detection, app-based therapies. Exam Utility Prelims: Reports (World Mental Health Today, Mental Health Atlas 2024), Mental Healthcare Act 2017, Tele-MANAS. Mains (GS2/GS3): Challenges in India’s mental health sector, Economic Survey findings, policy gaps, link between mental health and development. Essay: “Mental health is not only a medical challenge but a socio-economic imperative.” Consider the following statements regarding the WHO Mental Health Atlas 2024: Less than 10% of people with major depressive disorder worldwide receive minimally adequate treatment. Anxiety and depressive disorders together account for over two-thirds of global mental health conditions. The UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) aims for a 50% reduction in suicide rates by 2030. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (a)Explanation: Statement 1 Correct (WHO reports say <10%). Statement 2 Statement 3 SDG target = 33% reduction by 2030, not 50% APEDA Launches BHARATI Initiative to Boost Agri-food Exports Syllabus: GS3/ Economy Context The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched BHARATI (Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement). The programme seeks to make India a global hub for agri-food startups
Current Affairs 3 September 2025 – Tone Academy
Rajit Punhani Appointed CEO of FSSAI Syllabus:Governance In News Rajit Punhani, a 1991-batch IAS officer (Bihar cadre), assumed charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on 1st September 2025. His appointment comes at a critical time when India is intensifying reforms in food safety, public health, and regulatory modernization. Profile & Experience Civil Service Tenure: 30+ years across Centre, State, and International platforms. Key Positions Held: Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship – aligned skilling with industry & global needs. Secretary, Rajya Sabha & CEO, Sansad TV – strengthened legislative communication. Principal Secretary (Bihar Govt.), Special Secretary (MHA), District Magistrate (Bihar). Diplomatic role with European Union. Major Policy Contributions Designed pension & insurance scheme for 450+ million unorganised workers. Spearheaded the world’s largest maternal messaging programme to improve maternal health. Member of Indirect Taxes Committee, instrumental in laying the foundation of GST framework. Significance of Appointment Brings grassroots experience + global exposure to FSSAI leadership. Expected to accelerate food safety reforms, digital monitoring, and consumer protection. Aligns with India’s focus on health security & regulatory transformation. FSSAI – Quick Facts Full Form: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Established under: Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Type: Autonomous body. Works under: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. HQ: New Delhi. Which of the following correctly describes the administrative positioning of FSSAI? It is an autonomous statutory body. It functions under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Its Chairperson is appointed by a selection committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary. Select the correct code:A) 1 and 2 onlyB) 2 and 3 onlyC) 1 and 3 onlyD) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer: A) 1 and 2 only Explanation: Statement 1 Correct (Autonomous body under FSSA, 2006). Statement 2 Correct (MoHFW). Statement 3 Incorrect: Chairperson is appointed by the Central Govt, not through Cabinet Secretary–headed committee. Morgan Stanley Ups India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 6.7% for FY26 Syllabus:Economy Context Morgan Stanley has upgraded India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2025–26 to 6.7% (from 6.2%), citing robust Q1 growth, upcoming GST cuts, resilient rural demand, and festive season consumption. Key Drivers of Upgrade Strong Q1 FY26 Performance (7.8% GDP Growth) Government consumption: +7.5% YoY Private consumption: +7% YoY Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF): +7.8% (healthy investment momentum) Boosted by front-loaded government expenditure supporting demand and capital formation. Domestic Demand Outlook GST rate cuts → expected to enhance consumer affordability. Festive season spending → consumption boost in Q3. Rural resilience → backed by a good monsoon and strong kharif sowing. External Headwinds vs Domestic Cushion Risks: weak exports, US tariff hikes reducing competitiveness. Net drag from external demand (~50 bps) → likely offset by stronger domestic consumption. Export Trends Q1 exports buoyed by front-loading to the US ahead of tariff changes. But imports > exports → net exports turned into a drag. Sectoral & Rural Stability Agriculture: supported by monsoon stability and kharif sowing. GST reforms: expected to support small businesses and boost demand. Key Takeaways for Exam New GDP forecast (FY26): 6.7% (vs earlier 6.2%) Q1 FY26 GDP growth: 7.8% Main drivers: GST cuts, festive demand, rural resilience, investment momentum Consumption growth: Private (+7% YoY), Government (+7.5% YoY) Risk factor: Global trade slowdown & higher US tariffs With reference to India’s economic outlook, consider the following statements: Morgan Stanley has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 7%, up from its earlier estimate of 6.2%. In Q1 FY26, India’s GDP growth of 7.8% was primarily driven by a surge in net exports due to strong global demand. The resilience of rural demand has been attributed to monsoon stability and kharif sowing. Which of the above is/are correct?A) 1 and 2 onlyB) 2 and 3 onlyC) 1 and 3 onlyD) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: C) 1 and 3 onlyExplanation: Statement 1 Forecast raised to 6.7%. Statement 2 Net exports were a drag; imports > exports. Statement 3 Rural demand resilience due to monsoon and kharif sowing. Gangtok Ranked 5th Safest City for Women in India Syllabus:Geography Context The National Commission for Women (NCW) released the National Annual Report and Index on Women’s Safety (NARI) 2025. Gangtok (Sikkim) has been ranked 5th safest city for women in India, securing a 70.4% safety score, above the national benchmark of 65%. About the NARI 2025 Report Authority: NCW Survey Base: 12,770 women respondents across 31 cities. Assessment Parameters: Public infrastructure & mobility Workplace safety Trust in law enforcement Incidence & reporting of harassment Perception of day vs. night safety Gangtok’s Performance Safety Score: 70.4% (vs national benchmark of 65%). Strengths: Strong community vigilance. Proactive local policing. High levels of gender inclusivity in Northeast societies. Northeast India’s Strong Presence Top Cities from the Region: 1st – Kohima (Nagaland) 4th – Aizawl (Mizoram) 5th – Gangtok (Sikkim) Reasons: Tight-knit community culture. Low urban crime rates. Cultural respect and inclusivity toward women. Other Pan-India Leaders 2nd – Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) 3rd – Bhubaneswar (Odisha) Factors: Strong grievance redressal, safe public transport, workplace protection. Key Facts for Prelims Report Name: NARI 2025 (National Annual Report & Index on Women’s Safety) Authority: NCW Gangtok Ranking: 5th (70.4%) Survey Size: 12,770 women, 31 cities Top Cities: Kohima (1st), Visakhapatnam (2nd), Bhubaneswar (3rd), Aizawl (4th), Gangtok (5th) Way Forward Scaling best practices from Northeast (community policing, cultural inclusivity). Strengthening grievance redressal & night-time mobility in Tier-1 metros. Expanding the index to semi-urban & rural areas for holistic safety assessment. Consider the following statements about the NARI 2025 Report by NCW: It surveyed over 30,000 women respondents across 50 cities. It includes parameters like night-time safety perception and workplace protection. Gangtok’s safety score was higher than the national benchmark of 65%. Which of the above statements is/are correct? Options:A) 2 onlyB) 2 and 3 onlyC) 1 and 3 onlyD) 1, 2 and 3 Correct Answer: B) 2 and 3
Current Affairs 2 September 2025 – Tone Academy
Maintenance Rights of Live-In Partners Syllabus:Polity Case Reference: KP Raveendran Nair v. Vasantha KV (2025) – SC issued notice on maintainability of live-in partner’s claim for maintenance under Section 125 CrPC (now Section 144 BNSS, 2023). Background: Respondent sought maintenance before Family Court (M.C. 107/2021). Petitioner argued live-in partners not entitled under CrPC. Kerala HC (2025) dismissed challenge → held long cohabitation presumes marriage → maintenance claim valid. Legal Position: Section 125 CrPC = Beneficial provision; strict proof of marriage not required. Replaced by Section 144 BNSS (2023) → mentions “dependent spouse,” not live-in partners explicitly. Ambiguity: Can live-in partners be read into “dependent spouse”? Judicial Precedents: Lalita Toppo v. State of Jharkhand (2015) – reference to larger bench (unanswered). Kamala v. M.R. Mohan Kumar – presumption of marriage valid in long cohabitation. 2018 SC observation: DVC Act, 2005 gives wider relief (shared household + maintenance). Legal Uncertainty: BNSS transition leaves interpretive gap. Finality depends on SC pronouncement in current matter. Consider the following statements regarding maintenance rights under Indian law: Section 125 of the CrPC was always interpreted strictly, requiring conclusive proof of marriage before granting maintenance. The newly enacted Section 144 of the BNSS (2023) uses the phrase “dependent spouse,” which has not yet been judicially extended to live-in partners. The Supreme Court in Kamala v. M.R. Mohan Kumar recognized that long cohabitation may give rise to a presumption of marriage. The Domestic Violence Act, 2005 provides relief including maintenance even to women in live-in relationships under the concept of “relationship in the nature of marriage.” Which of the above statements are correct?A) 2 and 3 onlyB) 1, 2 and 3 onlyC) 2, 3 and 4 onlyD) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Answer: C) 2, 3 and 4 only Explanation: Statement 1 False – Section 125 CrPC is a beneficial provision; strict proof of marriage was not always required. The SC recognized that it is meant to prevent destitution, not adjudicate marital validity. Statement 2 True – Section 144 BNSS substitutes 125 CrPC and mentions only “dependent spouse.” Its scope for live-in partners remains legally ambiguous; no judicial extension yet. Statement 3 True – Kamala v. M.R. Mohan Kumar and earlier rulings like Badri Prasad confirmed presumption of marriage in long cohabitation. Statement 4 True – The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, explicitly protects women in “relationships in the nature of marriage,” extending maintenance and residence rights. Thus, the correct answer is 2, 3 and 4 only. Semicon India 2025 Syllabus:Economy India’s semiconductor ambitions took center stage at Semicon India 2025, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 2nd at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. This three-day event, hosting over 20,750 participants and 2,500 delegates from 48 countries, underscored India’s burgeoning role in global semiconductor design and manufacturing. Catalyzing a Semiconductor Ecosystem Semicon India 2025 was designed to foster a robust and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem. Discussions spanned critical areas such as semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs), advanced packaging, smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, research and development, and investment opportunities. The conference also emphasized state-level policy implementation and international cooperation to bolster India’s semiconductor industry. PM Modi’s Vision for India Prime Minister Modi not only inaugurated the event but also participated in a CEOs roundtable, articulating his vision for India as a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and technology development. The conference marked the “Perform” phase of a national initiative, building on earlier “Reform” and “Transform” phases, focusing on the practical implementation and scaling of semiconductor projects nationwide. Key Projects and Infrastructure Significant progress was highlighted with the recent sanctioning of four new semiconductor facilities, specializing in packaging, silicon carbide, discrete semiconductors, and 3D glass technology. The Micron facility, approved in 2023, is nearing completion, and major fab projects are underway in Gujarat (Dholera and Sanand) and Assam (Jagi Road). These developments are complemented by comprehensive workforce training and logistics infrastructure. Policies and Incentives Driving Growth The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is instrumental in expanding the MSME base by creating upstream and downstream value chains, while the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme champions innovation and design capabilities. The government is actively encouraging private sector participation and supporting homegrown semiconductor companies through various incentives and collaborations, with a strong focus on product development and intellectual property rights. Global Collaboration and Future Outlook Semicon India 2025 facilitated six country roundtable discussions and showcased country pavilions. Over 50 global technology leaders shared their insights, reinforcing India’s growing prominence in the global semiconductor landscape. The event also dedicated spaces to startups and workforce development, recognizing the crucial role of innovation and skill enhancement. Since its inception in 2022, Semicon India has evolved into a premier platform for semiconductor advancement, with previous editions held in Bengaluru (2022), Gandhinagar (2023), and Greater Noida (2024). These conferences consistently aim to showcase technological progress and policy frameworks, thereby stimulating the semiconductor industry both in India and globally. With reference to Semicon India 2025, consider the following statements: The event focused solely on large semiconductor manufacturers, excluding MSMEs and startups. Discussions at the conference included fabs, advanced packaging, AI, smart manufacturing, R&D, and investment opportunities. Prime Minister Modi described India’s vision as becoming a global hub for semiconductor design, manufacturing, and technology development. Select the correct answer using the code given below:(a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 3 only(c) 1 and 3 only(d) 1, 2, and 3 Answer Key Explanation:(b) 2 and 3 only. Statement 1 incorrect; the event encouraged participation from MSMEs and startups, not just large manufacturers. Statement 2 correct; these were explicitly discussed to foster a robust semiconductor ecosystem. Statement 3 correct; PM Modi emphasized India’s shift from consumption to design, manufacturing, and tech development. Ineligible Beneficiaries Under PMGKAY Syllabus:Government Policies The Indian government is actively engaged in a comprehensive re-verification process for the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) beneficiary list. This initiative aims to ensure free ration benefits are accurately targeted to the genuinely deserving,