In News

The Union government notified key amendments to the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Rules, 2006, to ease the establishment of semiconductor and electronics component manufacturing units.

About Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

Definition: They are designated areas within a country that operate under different economic regulations compared to the rest of the nation. 

Purpose: The primary goal of establishing SEZs is to promote rapid economic growth by attracting domestic and foreign investment, boosting exports, and generating employment opportunities.

Legalisation: India was one of the first countries in Asia to adopt the EPZ model in 1965 with the Kandla EPZ. The Special Economic Zones Act was passed in India in 2005 to provide a legal framework.

Baba Kalyani Committee (2018): Formed to review the SEZ policy and make recommendations for its revitalization, including making it WTO-compatible, maximizing land utilization, and integrating it with other government schemes.

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Context

Recently, India and Norway reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in marine planning, Arctic research, and the Blue Economy at the Monaco Marine Conference (MCC).

Key Points

Marine Spatial Planning (MSP): India aims to scale Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) across its coastline reinforcing its leadership in sustainable ocean management.

MSP is a science-based framework for optimizing ocean resources, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring coastal livelihoods, under the Indo-Norwegian Integrated Ocean and Research Initiative.

It has already yielded visible outcomes, particularly through pilot projects in Puducherry and Lakshadweep.

India-Norway Marine Pact: Both nations emphasized the importance of joint research in polar sciences and ocean sustainability.

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In News

Rajya Sabha may form a panel to probe hate speech charges against HC judge.

What is ‘hate speech’?

Hate speech lacks a specific legal definition but generally refers to speech, writings, or actions that incite violence or spread hatred and disharmony between communities. 

According to the Law Commission of India, hate speech targets groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, etc., intending to cause fear, alarm, or incite violence.

It is viewed as a restriction on free speech to protect individuals or groups from hate, violence, or humiliation.

The Law Commission has proposed adding two new IPC sections—153C and 505A—to specifically criminalize hate speech.

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Context

The first State and Union Territory Engagement Workshop under National One Health Mission (NOHM) was conducted, charting a collaborative path forward for strengthening India's integrated One Health approach.

What is the One Health Approach?

One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.

It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent.

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Context

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) released its first ever ‘Asset Monetization Strategy for the Road Sector’.

What is Asset Monetization?

Asset monetization, also commonly referred to as asset or capital recycling, is a widely used business practice globally. 

It entails a limited period license / lease of a public sector asset to a private sector entity for an upfront or periodic consideration through a well-defined concession/ contractual framework. 

Hence, it is a virtuous cycle where existing assets are converted into sources of funds, which are then invested in creating new assets.

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In News

PM pays tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on the occasion of his Martyr’s Day. 

Munda Rebellion

A tribal movement led by Munda against the British Raj.

Also referred to as 'Ulgulan' or the 'Great Tumult,' to establish Munda raj.

The rebellion aimed at challenging the colonial land revenue system, Zamindari system, and forced labor imposed on the tribals.

The movement's primary grievances were the introduction of the Zamindari system, which displaced tribals from their land, and the exploitation by outsiders or Dikus who took control of tribal lands and resources.

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The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, supporting the essential role of women in global agriculture while raising awareness of their challenges, primarily property rights and market access.

संदर्भ 

 श्रीलंका पोसन पोया पर्व मना रहा है, जो बौद्ध धर्म के ऐतिहासिक आगमन की 2,000 से अधिक वर्षों पुरानी विरासत को चिह्नित करता है।

पर्व के बारे में 

यह पर्व जून माह की पूर्णिमा पर मनाया जाता है और सम्राट अशोक के पुत्र अर्हत महिंदा द्वारा मिहिन्तले में राजा देवनामपियातिस्स को दिए गए प्रथम उपदेश की स्मृति को समर्पित है।

 हजारों श्रद्धालु मिहिन्तले पर्वत और अनुराधापुर जैसे पवित्र स्थलों पर एकत्रित होते हैं, जो इस उत्सव के प्रमुख केंद्र हैं। 

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संदर्भ 

केंद्र सरकार ने अर्धचालक और इलेक्ट्रॉनिक घटक निर्माण इकाइयों की स्थापना को आसान बनाने के लिए विशेष आर्थिक क्षेत्र (SEZ) नियम, 2006 में प्रमुख संशोधन अधिसूचित किए।

SEZ विनियमों में प्रमुख सुधार

न्यूनतम भूमि आवश्यकताओं में कमी: अनुच्छेद 5 को संशोधित कर अर्धचालक और इलेक्ट्रॉनिक्स घटक निर्माण SEZ के लिए न्यूनतम भूमि आवश्यकता को 50 हेक्टेयर से 10 हेक्टेयर कर दिया गया है।

प्रभाव: इस परिवर्तन से इस महत्त्वपूर्ण क्षेत्र में संचालन स्थापित करने के लिए कंपनियों के प्रवेश बाधाएं कम होंगी, जिससे छोटे खिलाड़ी भी बाजार में प्रवेश कर सकेंगे।

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संदर्भ 

हाल ही में, भारत और नॉर्वे ने मोनाको मरीन कॉन्फ्रेंस (MCC) में समुद्री योजना, आर्कटिक अनुसंधान और ब्लू इकोनॉमी में सहयोग को मजबूत करने की अपनी प्रतिबद्धता को दोहराया।

मुख्य बिंदु

समुद्री स्थानिक योजना (MSP): भारत अपने समुद्र तटों पर समुद्री स्थानिक योजना (MSP) को बढ़ाने का लक्ष्य रखता है, जिससे सतत् महासागर प्रबंधन में उसकी नेतृत्वकारी भूमिका सशक्त होगी।

MSP एक वैज्ञानिक आधारित ढाँचा है, जो समुद्री संसाधनों को अनुकूलित करने, जैव विविधता की रक्षा करने और तटीय आजीविका को सुनिश्चित करने में सहायता करता है। 

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