National Statistics Office (NSO) released First Advance Estimates of GDP for the Financial Year (FY) 2025-26.

Key Highlights:

• Real GDP: Estimated to grow by 7.4% in FY 2025-26 (6.5% during 2024-25).
  • Real GDP or GDP at Constant Prices is estimated to attain a level of ₹201 lakh crore in FY 2025-26
• Nominal GDP: Estimated to grow at 8.0% in FY 2025-26.
  • Nominal GDP or GDP at Current Prices is estimated to attain a level of ₹357 lakh crore in the FY 2025-26

97% of penalties imposed by TRAI remain unpaid (FY25).

• TRAI can only impose penalties on specific violations like spam and the quality of services. But even these fines go unpaid as operators move to appellate tribunal.

About Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

• Genesis: In 1997 by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
• Nature: Statutory and regulatory body.
• Functions: 
  •  To regulate telecommunication sector
  • To enable licensing of telecommunication technologies like data services, carrier services, access services and unified licensing.
  • Protect the interests of consumers in the telecommunications sector. 

India has become the first country in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen in road construction. 

About Bio-bitumen                             

• It is an alternative form of bitumen manufactured from organic elements. E.g. agricultural waste, lignin, Bio-char, bio-oil, etc. 
  • Bitumen is black substance produced through distillation of crude oil, known for its adhesive properties.
• Benefits: Reduced crude oil imports, address the issue of stubble burning, boosting Bio-economy etc.
  • It can be used as an addition to bitumen or to reduce the quantity of bitumen in the binder mixture.
• Applications: Paving roads, water proofing etc.

ICGS Samudra Pratap, India’s first indigenously designed Pollution Control Vessel (PCV), was commissioned in Goa.

• It is first of two PCVs being built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
• Largest ship in the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) fleet.
• It is equipped with advanced pollution detection systems, dedicated pollution response boats, pollution control laboratory and modern firefighting capabilities.

Central Empowered Committee (CEC) on Bannerghatta National Park (BNP) has recommended withdrawal of 2020 government notification that diluted the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) and restoration of wider ESZ as provided in 2016 draft notification.

• ESZ are areas notified by the MoEFCC around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas.

About Bannerghatta National Park

• Location: Bengaluru (Karnataka).
• Four ranges: Anekal, Bannerghatta, Harohalli and Kodihalli wildlife ranges.
• Flora: Medri bamboo.
• Fauna: Panther, elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer, grey langur, bonnet macaque, wild boar, jackal etc.

Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) celebrated its 125^th Foundation Day.

About DGMS

• Genesis: Established in 1902 as “Bureau of Mines Inspection”.
  • Since 1967, the office has been redesignated as DGMS.
• It is the regulatory Agency under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
• It deals in matters related to occupational safety, health and welfare of persons employed in mines (Coal, Metalliferous and oil-mines).
• Headquarters: Dhanbad (Jharkhand) and is headed by Director-General of Mines Safety.
• Role and Functions:
  • Inspection of mines.
  • Investigation into accidents, dangerous occurrences - emergency response.
  • Grant of statutory permission, exemptions & relaxations.

Biomaterials provide sustainable alternatives to traditional, petroleum based products.

About Biomaterials:

• Biomaterials are materials derived entirely or partially from biological sources or created through biological processes.
• Applications: Bioengineering/Biomedicine, Packaging, Agriculture, Healthcare, Textiles etc.
• Classification of Biomaterials:
  • Drop-in Biomaterials: These are chemically identical to petroleum-based materials, allowing them to be used in existing manufacturing systems, such as bio-PET.
  • Drop-out Biomaterials: These are chemically different from traditional materials and require updated processing or disposal systems; an example is polylactic acid (PLA).
  • Novel Biomaterials: These offer unique properties not found in conventional materials, including self-healing capabilities and bioactive implants.

Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) highlighted that India must enhance silver processing and diversify imports to reduce reliance on finished silver.

• India imported about 21.4% of global silver trade in 2024, making it the world's largest consumer of finished silver.

About Silver

• It is a relatively soft, shiny metal.  
• Applications: Highest electrical and thermal conductivity makes it indispensable for electronics, circuit boards, connectors, batteries, and automotive systems.
  • Silver's antibacterial properties are used in wound dressings, medical-device coatings, catheters, surgical instruments, water purification systems, and pharmaceutical compounds.
• Natural Abundance: Silver occurs in ores such as argentite and chlorargyrite (horn silver).