Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) is Slowing Down Rapidly

Scientists have raised concerns over the rapid slowing down of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC), which could reduce by about 20% by 2050 under high carbon emissions scenarios. The ACC is the world’s strongest ocean current, playing a crucial role in regulating global climate by influencing ocean heat absorption and preventing warm waters from reaching Antarctica. The weakening of the ACC could lead to extreme weather patterns, reduced carbon absorption by the ocean, and disruptions in the Antarctic ecosystem, allowing invasive species to thrive. Melting ice shelves contribute to salinity changes, weakening Antarctic Bottom Water formation and further destabilizing global ocean circulation. The ACC forms part of the global thermohaline circulation, often referred to as the ocean conveyor belt, which redistributes heat and nutrients across the world’s oceans. Addressing climate change through emissions reduction remains key to mitigating these impacts.

India’s First Commercial Semiconductor Fab Unit

India has taken a significant step towards self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing with the launch of its first commercial semiconductor fab unit in Dholera, Gujarat. Under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), Tata Electronics and Tata Semiconductor Manufacturing have signed a Fiscal Support Agreement (FSA) with Taiwan’s Powerchip, focusing on the automotive, computing, and AI markets. The $11 billion Tata-PSMC fab is part of a broader effort to establish a robust semiconductor ecosystem in India, reducing dependence on imports and enhancing domestic production capabilities. Other semiconductor projects in the pipeline include those by Micron, CG Power (with Renesas), and Kaynes Semicon. Semiconductors, crucial for modern electronics, function as integrated circuits used in transistors, microchips, and LEDs. Government initiatives such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components & Semiconductors (SPECS) provide financial incentives to encourage domestic production. India’s push into semiconductor manufacturing aligns with global efforts to diversify supply chains and reduce reliance on Taiwan and China.

RBI Announces Over US$21 Billion Liquidity Infusion

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a massive liquidity infusion of over US$21 billion through two Open Market Operations (OMOs) and a USD/INR Buy/Sell Swap auction. This move aims to ease the tight liquidity conditions in the banking system, which have been strained since November 2024 due to tax outflows, foreign portfolio investor (FPI) withdrawals, and forex interventions by the RBI. Open Market Operations involve the buying and selling of government securities to regulate liquidity, while a USD/INR Buy/Sell Swap allows banks to sell US dollars to the RBI with an agreement to buy them back later at a predetermined rate. The liquidity infusion is expected to improve credit flow, stabilize interest rates, and boost economic growth. However, concerns remain about inflationary pressures, currency depreciation, and uneven distribution of liquidity, which may favor large financial institutions over smaller banks. The RBI continues to employ various monetary tools such as the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) to manage financial stability.

Space Debris and Its Growing Threat

The recent crash of a 500-kg metal object, believed to be space debris, in Kenya has reignited concerns over the growing risks posed by uncontrolled space junk. Space debris includes defunct satellites, abandoned rocket stages, and fragments from past missions, creating hazards for active satellites and spacecraft. The United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS) defines space debris as all non-functional human-made objects in Earth’s orbit or re-entering the atmosphere. Notable incidents include the uncontrolled re-entry of China’s Long March 5B rocket into the Indian Ocean in 2022 and debris from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket landing in Australia in 2023. International laws, such as the Outer Space Treaty (1967) and the Liability Convention (1972), hold launching states responsible for damages caused by their space objects. India has been proactive in space debris mitigation through initiatives such as the ISRO System for Safe and Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM) and the Network for Space Object Tracking and Analysis (NETRA). The Debris-Free Space Missions (DFSM) Initiative, launched in 2024, aims to ensure all Indian space missions minimize debris generation by 2030. Greater international cooperation, mandatory end-of-life plans for satellites, and investments in active debris removal technologies are needed to address this growing challenge.

ISRO Successfully Conducts PHTA for Semi-Cryogenic Engines

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted the Power Head Test Article (PHTA) for its semi-cryogenic engine, SE2000. The PHTA validates the integrated performance of critical subsystems such as the gas generator, turbo pumps, and pre-burner, marking a crucial step in the development of the semi-cryogenic engine. Unlike traditional cryogenic engines, which use liquid hydrogen as fuel, semi-cryogenic engines use kerosene, making them safer, less complex, and more cost-effective. The SE2000 engine provides higher thrust (2,000 kN) and increased payload capacity, making it ideal for next-generation launch vehicles. The upcoming Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), designed for human spaceflight missions such as Gaganyaan, will incorporate semi-cryogenic propulsion for enhanced efficiency and reusability. ISRO’s advancements in semi-cryogenic technology place India among the leading space-faring nations working towards reusable and cost-efficient launch systems.

Additional Key Developments

The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM) has completed six years, providing pension security to unorganized workers. The scheme, launched in 2019, ensures a minimum pension of ₹3,000 per month for eligible workers after the age of 60. The Supreme Court reaffirmed the Doctrine of Reasonable Classification, which allows for lawful differentiation in policymaking under Article 14 of the Constitution. Mission 300, launched by the World Bank and African Development Bank, aims to connect 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa to electricity by 2030, drawing lessons from India’s rapid electrification efforts. The Supreme Court has directed the Forest Research Institute to conduct a tree census in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) to monitor environmental degradation near the Taj Mahal. Punjab has fully utilized its allocated funds under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme, promoting infrastructure development in post-harvest processing. Carbon intensity, which measures CO2 emissions per unit of energy or GDP, remains a key metric in assessing environmental sustainability. Lastly, researchers have raised concerns over the invasive plant species Ruellia Elegans, which threatens native biodiversity in Assam.

India’s continued focus on technological advancements, economic reforms, and environmental sustainability reflects its commitment to long-term development. Strengthening domestic capabilities in semiconductors, space exploration, and green finance will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s future on the global stage.