PRELIMS
CSIR Capacity Building Scheme
Why in News: Govt. approved CSIR Capacity Building Scheme (2021-26) with ₹2277.4 crore to boost research, innovation, and human resource development in STEMM fields.
Implementing Agencies: Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) & Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Duration & Budget: 2021-22 to 2025-26 (15th Finance Commission cycle); ₹2277.397 crore.
Aim: Strengthen scientific research, innovation ecosystem, and human resource development in STEMM fields.
Coverage: National Laboratories, Institutes of National Importance, Institutes of Eminence, Universities.
Key Components (Sub-Schemes):
1. Doctoral & Postdoctoral Fellowships – Support advanced research scholars.
2. Extramural Research, Emeritus Scientist, Bhatnagar Fellowship – Promote independent research.
3. Awards – Recognising and promoting scientific excellence.
4. Travel & Symposia Grants – Facilitate national & international collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Impact:
- Enhances number of researchers per million population.
- Supports India’s progress towards SDGs in science & technology.
- Boosts India’s global ranking – 39th in Global Innovation Index (2024).
- India is among top 3 globally in scientific paper publications (NSF, USA).
Role of CSIR:
- Key implementing body with 84 years of service.
- Encourages academia–industry–research collaboration.
- Focus on nurturing young researchers with mentorship.
China’s New K Visa
Why in News: China revised Regulations on Entry & Exit of Foreigners; introduced K visa (effective Oct 1, 2025) as counter to US H-1B fee hike.
- Aim: Attract foreign science & technology talent; boost China’s innovation ecosystem.
- Eligibility:
- Foreign youth with bachelor’s degree or higher in STEM fields from reputed global/domestic institutions.
- Foreign professionals in education & research in STEM fields.
Features:
- Greater flexibility than ordinary visas (entry frequency, validity).
- No local employer sponsorship required.
- Activities allowed – education, S&T, culture, entrepreneurship, business.
- Considered extension of R visa (2013) for high-level talent.
- Significance: Positions China as a global S&T hub; enhances talent inflow and international collaborations.
- Pending Clarifications: Age criteria for “youth,” eligible industries, validity & stay duration, follow-up residency policies.
Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT)
Why in News: Recently launched in New Delhi by Union Finance Minister; marks milestone in GST reforms.
About:
- Statutory appellate body under GST laws.
- Independent forum for resolving indirect tax disputes.
- Constituted to hear appeals against orders passed by GST Authorities.
Structure:
- Principal Bench: New Delhi.
- 31 State Benches across 45 locations.
- Composition per Bench: 2 Judicial Members, 1 Technical Member (Centre), 1 Technical Member (State) → ensures balance & cooperative federalism.
Technology:
- GSTAT e-Courts Portal by GSTN + NIC.
- Enables online appeals, case tracking, and virtual hearings.
Objectives:
- Specialised forum for indirect tax disputes.
- Ensure consistency, predictability, and credibility in appellate process.
- Deliver swift, jargon-free, transparent justice using digital tools.
Significance:
- Strengthens indirect tax dispute resolution.
- Reduces litigation delays; boosts ease of doing business.
- Builds trust between taxpayers & administration.
- Embodies principle: “One Nation, One Forum for Fairness and Certainty.”
Dugong Conservation Reserve
Why in News: IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 (Abu Dhabi) formally recognized India’s first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, Tamil Nadu.
About the Reserve:
- Location: Palk Bay (Thanjavur & Pudukottai districts, Tamil Nadu).
- Established: 2022, under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- Ecosystem: Seagrass meadows – vital feeding grounds for Dugongs.
- Recognition: IUCN highlighted use of bamboo & coconut rope frames for seagrass restoration; praised for community participation + scientific methods.
About Dugong (Sea Cow):
- Scientific name: Dugong dugon.
- Family: Dugongidae.
- Size: 3–3.5 m long; ~300 kg.
- Habitat: Shallow, calm, nutrient-rich coastal waters (≤10 m depth).
- Diet: Seagrass (30–40 kg/day).
- Social groups: Usually 5–7 individuals.
- Distribution: Indo-Pacific (37 countries); in India – Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Population in India: ~250 individuals left.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN: Vulnerable.
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I.
- CITES: Appendix I.
Threats:
- Habitat loss & degradation.
- Destructive fishing practices.
- Climate change impacts.
