25^th September 2025

1. ECINET: Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) introduced a new e-sign feature on its digital platform, ECINET, to streamline voter registration and verification.

• Key Highlights: The feature requires applicants (for addition, deletion, and correction of voter names) to verify identity using Aadhaar-linked phone numbers.

• After filling the form, applicants are redirected to a CDAC-hosted portal to enter Aadhaar and generate an OTP for verification.
• Only after Aadhaar-based authentication can the form be submitted on ECINET.
• This measure was introduced in response to allegations of fraudulent voter name additions and deletions in some constituencies.
• ECINET was first used during June 19 bye-elections in Kerala, Gujarat, Punjab, and West Bengal.
• ECINET integrates 40+ existing EC mobile and web applications into a single platform.
• Benefits of ECINET: Faster uploading of voter turnout trends.
  - Index cards published within 72 hours of results.
  - Presiding officers upload turnout data directly, eliminating manual delays.
  - Ensures final turnout figures are submitted before officers leave polling stations.

2. Lenacapavir: Recently, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories and Hetero Labs signed agreements to supply generic versions of Gilead Sciences’ HIV drug Lenacapavir. From 2027, it will be available at $40 per patient annually in 120 low- and middle-income countries.

• About Lenacapavir: An antiretroviral drug used for HIV prevention as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

• PrEP reduces the risk of HIV infection in HIV-negative individuals who are at risk.
• Studies show 9% effectiveness in preventing HIV transmission.
• It is a long-acting injectable, given twice a year.
• Developed by Gilead Sciences, marketed as Yeztugo.
• Mechanism: Acts as a capsid inhibitor, blocking the virus’s protein shell (capsid) needed for replication.
  - Offers a convenient, discreet, and highly effective alternative to daily oral PrEP pills.

3. Maitri 2.0: Recently, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched the second edition of the Brazil–India Cross-Incubation Programme in Agritech, called Maitri 2.0, in New Delhi.

• About Maitri 2.0: This programme serves as a two-way collaborative platform for innovators from India and Brazil to co-create solutions, aiming to build a stronger, inclusive, and innovative agri-food ecosystem that supports global food security.

• Objectives: Strengthen incubator partnerships between India and Brazil.
  - Promote co-incubation models and facilitate exchange of best practices.
  - Create new opportunities in sustainable agriculture, digital technologies, and agri-value chains.
  - Develop inclusive innovation ecosystems with direct benefits for farmers.
  - The initiative highlights the broader Brazil–India strategic partnership, aligned with the leaders’ vision for deeper cooperation in agriculture, emerging technologies, and food and nutritional security.
  - It also enhances bilateral collaboration in agri-tech, positioning both nations as key voices in global discussions on sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.

4. World Food India (WFI) 2025: Recently, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) announced it will host the 4th edition of World Food India (WFI) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

• About WFI 2025: Showcase India as Global Food Hub.

• Bring together government, investors, global & domestic food companies, startups, innovators, logistics and technology players.
• Provide B2B, B2G, G2G networking opportunities for partnerships and collaborations.
• Key Features & Events: Knowledge sessions & panel discussions with policymakers and industry leaders.
  - Sectoral exhibitions on food processing, packaging, machinery, cold chain.
  - Culinary experiences & chef competitions celebrating Indian and global food.
  - 3rd Global Food Regulators Summit (FSSAI) – harmonization of food safety standards.
  - 24th India International Seafood Show (IISS) – seafood exports and market linkages.
  - Special events: Startup Grand Challenge, CEO Round Table, State & Country Pavilions, Digital Showcase, Great Indian Food Street.

5. Apterichtus Kanniyakumari: Recently, researchers from the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) identified a new species of finless snake eel, naming it Apterichtus kanniyakumari in honour of Kanniyakumari. The species was discovered off the Colachel coast.

• About Apterichtus kanniyakumari: Distinct golden-yellow body colouration.

• Ventral side of the head is pale white, with yellow lines along the lower jaw.
• Presence of three black blotches – one behind the eyes, one at the rictus, and another just behind the rictus origin.
• Molecular analysis using mitochondrial CO1 gene shows it forms a separate clade alongside its related species, Apterichtus nanjilnaduensis.

• About Snake Eels (Family: Ophichthidae): Named for their snake-like body shape.

• Found in tropical and temperate oceans worldwide.
• Prefer sandy habitats in shallow seas, but some species live at depths of up to 800 metres.
• Use their tail to burrow backward into the seabed, creating a safe hiding place.

6. Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT): Recently, the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs formally launched the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) in New Delhi.

• About GSTAT: A statutory appellate body established under the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 (CGST Act).

• Deals with appeals under the CGST Act and respective State/UT GST Acts.

• Functions through a Principal Bench in New Delhi and 31 State Benches across 45 locations in India.
• Has powers equivalent to a Civil Court, including hearing cases, passing orders, imposing penalties, and revoking or cancelling registrations.
• Composition: Principal Bench: President (Head), one Judicial Member, and two Technical Members (one from Centre, one from State).
  - State Benches: Two Judicial Members, one Technical Member (Centre), and one Technical Member (State).
• Eligibility Criteria: President: Must be a Supreme Court Judge or former Chief Justice of a High Court.
  - Judicial Member: Must be a High Court Judge or have served as an Additional District/District Judge for at least 10 years.
  - Technical Member (Centre): Group A IRS or All India Service officer with: At least 25 years in Group A service and Minimum 3 years administering GST in the Central Government.
• Age & Tenure: President: Holds office for 4 years or until age 70 (whichever earlier).
  - Judicial & Technical Members: Hold office for 4 years or until age 67 (whichever earlier).

7. Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme: Recently, the Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme was held in New Delhi, organised by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS).

• About the CORE Programme: Acts as a civil-military engagement platform to deliberate on national security issues.

• Involves participation of senior officers from the Indian Armed Forces and officers from the Ministries of Defence, External Affairs, and Home Affairs.
• Organised by: Integrated Defence Staff (IDS).
• Focuses on evolving regional and global security challenges, including:
  - Impact of technological transformation on modern warfare.
  - Importance of strategic communication.
  - Need for greater civil-military synergy in addressing complex, multidimensional threats.

• Features: Provides participants with in-depth exposure to contemporary national and regional security challenges.
  - Includes interactions with subject matter experts for deeper insights.
  - Aims to enhance strategic awareness and equip officers with new perspectives.
  - Designed to prepare officers for well-informed, balanced, and pragmatic decision-making in future leadership roles.

8. Scheme on Capacity Building and Human Resource Development: Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) / Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Scheme on “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development” for the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26).

• ·About the Scheme: Covers R&D institutions, national laboratories, Institutes of National Importance, Institutes of Eminence, and Universities across India.

• Provides a platform for young researchers aiming to build careers in universities, industry, national R&D labs, and academic institutions.
• Guided by eminent scientists and professors, with a focus on fostering growth in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medical, and Mathematical (STEMM) sciences.
• Significance: Enhances India’s scientific and technological capacity by nurturing skilled human resources.
  - Contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the S&T sector.
  - Helps increase the number of researchers per million population, strengthening India’s global research standing.

9. Cold Start Exercise: Recently, India announced it will conduct a large-scale tri-service exercise ‘Cold Start’ in Madhya Pradesh. It will be the biggest joint drill on drones and counter-drone systems since Operation Sindoor.

• ·About Exercise Cold Start: A tri-service military drill focused on testing drones and counter-drone systems.

• Objective: Simulate aerial threats and assess defence responses in modern warfare.
• Host: Conducted in Madhya Pradesh.
• Participants: Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force (jointly).
  Supported by industry partners, R&D agencies, and academic institutions.
• Aims: Assess operational readiness against drones, UAVs, and other aerial threats.
  - Detect gaps and enhance air defence capabilities.
  - Strengthen India’s technological edge in counter-drone and jamming systems, particularly against Pakistan.
• Key Features: Live demonstrations of drones and counter-drone technologies.
  - Use of GPS jamming, electronic warfare tools, and surveillance systems.
  - Inspired by the Sudarshan Chakra concept for integrated defence against drones, UAVs, hypersonic missiles, and similar threats.
  - Testing and showcasing of indigenous technologies developed with industry and academia.