13 August 2025
(Current Affairs Notes - Prelims)

Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

• ISM was approved in 2021 with an outlay of Rs. 76,000 crore.

• Its aim is to strengthen India's integration into global electronics value chains.

• It is being overseen by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

• Mission focus of ISM

  • • Set up Chip Manufacturing Plants(fabs).

    • Create packaging and testing units

    • Supporting startups in chip design

    • Training young engineers

    • Bring global companies to invest in India

• SEMICON India is a flagship event, under ISM, that brings together global industry leaders, policymakers, academia, startups and other stakeholders to drive innovation and collaboration.

• Recently, the Union Cabinet approved four semiconductor projects under India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).

The Elders Group

• It was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007 as an independent group of global leaders.

• It envisions a world where people live in peace, enjoy justice, human rights and a sustainable planet.

• Recently, the Elders Group of international stateswomen and statesmen, for the first time, called the situation in Gaza an "unfolding genocide".

Ideonella Sakaiensis

• It is a bacterium.

• This type of bacteria produces specialised enzymes that break PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) into its environmentally benign building blocks, which it then utilizes as a food source.

• It can be used for developing efficient and scalable plastic biodegradation systems, can help promote circular economy, etc.

Bhagirathi Eco Sensitive Zone (BESZ)

• It covers an area of nearly 4180 sq. kilometre from Gaumukh to Uttarakashi (in Uttarakhand).

• Recently, a panel warned against the Char Dham all-weather road widening project in the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ).

• Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

• ESZ act as “shock absorber” for the specialized ecosystem like natural sites, protected areas, etc.

APAAR ID

• It was introduced with an objective of ‘One Nation, One Student ID’.

• It was launched by the Union Ministry of Education for schools from the 2024-25 session.

• It is a unique and permanent 12-digit ID assigned to every student.

• It seeks to provide a unified and accessible academic experience for students across India by consolidating their academic achievements in one place.

• Recently, CBSE mandated schools to use 12-digit Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) ID for Classes 9 & 11 registration.

Tato-II Hydroelectric Project

• Recently, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved its construction.

• Located in Shi Yomi District of Arunachal Pradesh.

• Other Hydroelectric Projects of Arunachal Pradesh: Subansiri, Kameng, Heo, etc.