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    News in Short – 16 October, 2025

    In News

  • India’s passport ranked 85th, granting visa-free access to 57 countries, a drop from 80th place in 2024.

    • About Henley Passport Index

  • The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking system that evaluates the travel freedom provided by the passports of different countries, based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. 
  • The index is compiled and published by Henley & Partners, using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and enhanced by in-house research.
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    The ‘Critical Factor’ in India’s Clean Energy Ambitions

    Context

  • As India targets 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070, securing access to critical minerals has become a national priority.

    • What are Critical Minerals?

  • Different countries have their own unique lists of critical minerals based on their specific circumstances and priorities.
  • A total of 30 minerals were found to be most critical for India, out of which two are critical as fertilizer minerals: Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, Rare Earth Elements (REEs), Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium and Cadmium.
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    SAIME model (Aquaculture model) of Sundarbans wins FAO recognition

    In News

  • The Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME) model  received Global Technical Recognition from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). 

    • Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME) model

  • It is developed by the Nature Environment and Wildlife Society (NEWS) in West Bengal’s Sundarbans.
  • It  promotes ecosystem-based, climate-adaptive aquaculture by integrating 5%–30% mangrove coverage in shrimp ponds. 
  • It is implemented across 29.84 hectares by 42 farmers and it has doubled net profits through reduced production costs. 
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    RBI Supervision for EPFO, Post Office Bank 

    Context

  • The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and the Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) — may soon come under the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) supervision.

    • About

  • Post Office Savings Bank (POSB): A ₹96 crore scam uncovered in 2024 involving fraudulent operations in POSB schemes over a 24-month period.
  • Following this, it has reached out to the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance seeking a supervisory pact with the RBI for undertaking a review of internal controls.
  • Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO): The Ministry of Labour and Employment sought RBI’s advice on fund management and investment practices.
  • The RBI’s report flagged issues like weak accounting standards, conflict of interest (EPFO acting as both regulator and fund manager).
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    India’s Biotech Surge

    Context

  • India’s biotech sector has surged in the past several years, from a modest count of roughly 500 startups in 2018, the number has soared to over 10,000 in 2025. 

    • What is Bioeconomy?

  • The bioeconomy is the use of renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods, which supports sustainability and economic growth. 
  • Innovations like gene editing and bioprinting are driving progress, while integration across sectors strengthens long-term impact.
  • By aligning biotechnology with digital tools and circular economy principles, the bioeconomy offers sustainable solutions to environmental challenges and promotes overall societal well-being.
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    Fiscal Challenges of Indian Municipalities

    Context

  • Urban India drives nearly two-thirds of the national GDP but remains financially weak, with municipalities controlling less than one per cent of tax revenue.

    • Concerns over Fiscal Architecture of Municipalities

  • The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992) empowered Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to perform 18 functions listed in the 12th Schedule, including water supply, waste management, and public health.
  • However, the corresponding financial devolution has been weak and inconsistent across States, resulting in a situation where responsibility is decentralised but revenue is not.
  • Dependency on Higher-Level Transfers: Cities increasingly rely on tied and scheme-based grants, such as under the Smart Cities Mission or AMRUT, limiting local flexibility and innovation.
  • Weak Own-Revenue Base: Property tax, user fees, and local cesses form the backbone of ULB revenues but together constitute only 20–25% of potential municipal income.
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