1. Economy, Trade & Regulatory Framework

China’s Ban on Dual-Use Goods to Japan

China has imposed restrictions on the export of dual-use goods to the Japanese military amid rising trade tensions.

What are Dual-Use Goods?

Dual-use items include goods, software, and technologies that have both civilian and military applications, such as:

• Rare earth elements

• Semiconductors

• Advanced sensors

• Drone components

  
  

👉 These materials are widely used in commercial electronics as well as defence systems, making them strategically sensitive.

2. CCI Investigation into Indian Steel Companies

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) found Tata Steel, JSW Steel, and SAIL guilty of violating anti-trust laws by allegedly reducing supply to manipulate prices.

About Competition Commission of India (CCI):

• Established under the Competition Act, 2002

• Became operational in 2009

• Functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs

• Replaced the MRTP Act

• Comprises 1 Chairperson + 6 Members

• NCLAT acts as the appellate authority

📌 Keywords: Cartelisation, Anti-competitive practices, Market manipulation

3. Skill Development Paradox in India

Despite the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) training nearly 1.5 crore candidates since 2015, skill development is still not the first career choice for Indian youth.

Key Issues Identified:

• Low employability after training

• Poor credibility of certifications

• Weak industry linkage

Insight: Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) are increasingly losing relevance to global certification providers like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, whose credentials are considered more industry-aligned.

Important Economic Concepts

• Finance Commission: Constituted under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution, it recommends the distribution of tax revenues between the Union and States.

• Stagflation:An economic condition marked by:

  • High inflation

  • Low or stagnant growth

  • Rising unemployment

    
    

2. International Relations & Geopolitics

NATO and the Greenland Controversy

Denmark has warned that a potential US takeover of Greenland would threaten the very

existence of NATO.

About NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation):

• Established on 4 April 1949

• Founded through the Washington Treaty

• A collective defence military alliance

• 32 member states

  • Finland (31st)

  • Sweden (32nd)

Article 5 of NATO:The collective security clause stating that an attack on one member is an attack on all.

Political Transition in Venezuela

Following the exit of Nicolás Maduro, Delcy Rodríguez, former Vice President, has been sworn in as Interim President.

Key Developments:

• Signals willingness to engage with Washington

• Continues to portray Maduro as a national hero

• Indicates a potential foreign policy recalibration

3. Public Health, Work Culture & Social Justice

Structural Gaps in India’s Health System

Major concerns highlighted include:

• Circulation of fake medicines

• Unethical clinical trials

• Surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) due to:

  • Ultra-processed food

  • Air and water pollution

Challenges in Medical Education

• Cost of private medical education: ₹40–50 lakh

• Leads to:

  • Commercialisation of healthcare

  • Reduced rural service motivation

  • Focus on financial recovery over public service

Doctors as Social Reformers

Doctors often become first responders to social injustice such as:

• Malnutrition

• Pollution-related diseases

• Occupational health hazards

Historical Examples:

• Rudolf Virchow (Germany):Coined the idea that “Physicians are the natural advocates of the poor”.

• Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy (India):Used medical training to fight:

  • Child marriage

  • Devadasi system

Lead Editorial - by Shashi Tharoor - Right to Disconnect & Digital Burnout

India is facing a digital work-life crisis, with 78% employees reporting burnout due to constant work connectivity.

Right to Disconnect Bill (Proposed):

• No penalty for ignoring work calls/emails after office hours

• Aims to protect mental health and work-life balance

Countries with Similar Laws:

• France

• Italy

• Australia

4. Science, Technology & Environment

Biomaterials and Sustainable Innovation

Biomaterials are biologically derived materials designed to replace conventional petroleum-based products.

Types of Biomaterials:

1. Drop-in Biomaterials:Chemically identical to fossil-based materials (e.g., Bio-PET)

2. Drop-out Biomaterials:Chemically different; require new manufacturing processes (e.g., PLA)

3. Novel Biomaterials:Advanced materials with properties like self-healing

Environment, Climate & Air Quality

• COP30 (Brazil):Focused on grassland conservation, highlighting that grasslands are as degraded as forests.

• Air Quality Index (AQI) Pollutants:

  • PM2.5, PM10

  • NO₂, SO₂

  • CO, O₃

  • NH₃, Lead (Pb)

Additional Pollutants under National Ambient AQI:

• Arsenic

• Nickel

• Benzene

• Benzo(a)pyrene

Aditya-L1 Solar Mission

• Launched by ISRO on 2 September 2023

• India’s first solar observatory mission

• Positioned at Lagrange Point 1 (L1)

• Enables continuous observation of the Sun

• Studies solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and space weather

Understanding Dual-Use Goods – Simple Analogy

A kitchen knife can:

• Prepare food (civilian use)

• Cause harm (military misuse)

Similarly, dual-use technologies are regulated to ensure that tools meant for development and innovation are not diverted toward conflict or warfare.

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