- The Prime Minister inaugurated the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025.
- The NER comprises eight States viz. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
- This region is culturally and ethnically diverse having more than 200 ethnic groups which have distinct languages, dialects and socio-cultural identities.
- The Region covers 7.97% of the country’s geographical area and 3.78% of its population.
- It has 5,484 km of international border viz. Bangladesh (1,880 km), Myanmar (1,643 km), China (1,346 km), Bhutan (516 km) and Nepal (99 km). Read More
Home / Daily Current Affairs / 24-05-2025
Daily Current Affairs – 24 May, 2025
PDF - The Board of Directors of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved a record transfer of over 2.68 lakh crore rupees as surplus to the Central government for the financial year 2024-25.
- The surplus was calculated under the revised Economic Capital Framework, which now mandates maintaining the Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB) between 5.50 per cent and 7.50 per cent of the central bank’s balance sheet.
- For 2024-25, the CRB has been increased to 7.50 per cent.
- A higher risk buffer would mean a lower amount of transferable surplus and vice versa.
- This marks the highest-ever dividend transfer by the RBI, aimed at bolstering government finances amid ongoing economic challenges. Read More
Revised Economic Capital Framework of the Reserve Bank of India
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About
- Recently, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) emphasized the creation of Integrated Theatre Commands (ITC) marking a transformational shift in India's military structure.
- These are a modern military strategy adopted by several nations to enhance joint operations and resource optimization across their armed forces.
- The concept involves unifying the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single command structure to improve efficiency, coordination, and rapid response to security threats.
- India’s ITC aims to strengthen India's defense preparedness, particularly in border regions with China and Pakistan, and enhance maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
- In 2016, Shekatkar Committee suggested 3 Theatre Commands (North, West, South). In 2024, Mumbai hosts India’s first tri-service logistics base. Read More
Theatre Commands: A New Era of Military Reforms in India
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About the Integrated Theatre Commands (ITC)
- India and Russia are enhancing strategic cooperation in nuclear energy, cyber defence, and advanced technologies amid shifting global geopolitics and domestic policy changes.
- Energy Security: SMRs offer a safer, more flexible, and scalable nuclear option, crucial for India’s low-carbon energy transition.
- Technological Sovereignty: Joint ventures in AI, semiconductors, and cyber defence will reduce dependency on Western technologies.
- Geopolitical Realignment: Strengthening ties with Russia offers India a hedge amid evolving tensions in Asia and disruptions in the multilateral order.
- Economic Diversification: In November 2024, a Russian Business Center was inaugurated in New Delhi to boost trade and high-tech cooperation between India and Russia. Read More
India & Russia Eye Collaboration on Nuclear Energy and Advanced Technologies
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Strategic Significance
- India hosted a Virtual Capacity Building Session on Digital Transformation in BRICS.
- BRICS has made the integrated implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development a key priority, focusing on its economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
- Digital technologies are seen as essential tools to promote inclusive growth and achieve the SDGs.
- BRICS recognises the role of the internet and ICTs in advancing e-governance, financial inclusion, service delivery, and global partnerships.
- Technologies such as AI and big data are especially valued for their development potential. Read More
Virtual Capacity Building Session on Digital Transformation in BRICS
In News
Importance
- One of Hyderabad’s last remaining urban forests, Kancha Gachibowli, faced the threat of extinction when the Telangana government decided to give away 400 acres of its land for industrial development.
- Climate Change Mitigation: Urban trees absorb CO₂ and sequester carbon, reducing urban greenhouse gas emissions.
- Pollution Control: A hectare of trees can remove nearly one ton of pollutants annually, helping mitigate harmful PM 2.5 and PM 10 levels.
- Temperature Regulation: Urban forests reduce the Urban Heat Island effect, promoting cooler and livable cities.
- Stormwater Management: They help control flooding and erosion, ensuring better water infiltration and urban resilience. Read More
Needs for Stable Urban Forests in India
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Importance of Urban Forests
- The Supreme Court has allowed the Tamil Nadu government to appoint ‘archakas’ (priests) to the state’s temples not governed by Agama tradition.
- Tamil Nadu has witnessed debates over caste-based priesthood, temple autonomy, and ritual conformity.
- Identifying Agamic temples ensures that appointments (archakars/maniyams) follow traditional procedures and constitutional norms. Read More
