After China, India has become the World's 2^nd largest mobile manufacturing country and is followed by Vietnam.

• Presently, 99.2% of all mobile phones sold in India are made in India.
• Mobile phones constitute 43% of India’s total electronics production.

Electronic manufacturing sector status

• Total valuation: India’s electronics sector has experienced rapid growth, reaching USD 155 billion in FY23.
• Production: Production nearly doubled from USD 48 billion in FY17 to USD 101 billion in FY23.
• Exports: Electronics has become the country's fifth largest export commodity, but India represents less than 1% of global share.

Union Budget 2025-26 announced establishment of dedicated Makhana Board to boost production, streamline processing, and enhance value addition.

About Makhana (Euryale ferox)

• It is a flowering plant classified in the water lily family (Nymphaeaceae) and only extant species in the genus Euryale.
• Climatic condition: Requires a temperature range of 20-35°C, relative humidity of 50-90%, and annual rainfall between 100-250 cm.
• It is a fully organic non-cereal food found principally in India but also in Korea, Japan, as well as parts of eastern Russia.
  • Bihar accounts for ~90% of India’s makhana production.
• GI Tag:  In 2022, ‘Mithila Makhana’ was conferred a GI tag.

Researchers have developed an innovative self-actuating drug delivery system that could revolutionize the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) by targeting inflammation directly within the joints.

• System uses specially designed microspheres loaded with methotrexate, a commonly used anti-rheumatic drug.
• These microspheres are engineered to sense inflammation in joints and release the drug only when needed.

About Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

• RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that mostly affects joints.
• It can affect the joints in the wrists, hands, elbows, shoulders, feet, spine, knees, and jaw.

Uganda, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global partners, has launched the first-ever clinical efficacy trial for a vaccine targeting Sudan species of the Ebola virus.

• Ebolavirus genus has 6 species: Zaire, Bundibugyo, Sudan, Taï Forest, Reston and Bombali.

About Ebola Virus

• Ebola virus disease (EVD) is a rare but severe illness in humans.
• Transmission: It is transmitted to people from wild animals (such as fruit bats, porcupines and non-human primates) and then spreads in the human population.
• Transmission Medium:  Contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of infected person.

Recently, an eight-year-old girl from Kottakkal in Malappuram district of Kerala died of Brucellosis.

About Brucellosis

• Type: Brucellosis is a bacterial disease caused by various Brucella species, which mainly infect cattle, swine, goats, sheep and dogs.
  • Worldwide, Brucella melitensis is the most prevalent species causing human brucellosis.
• Transmission: Humans generally acquire the disease through direct contact with infected animals, by eating or drinking contaminated animal products or by inhaling airborne agents.
  • Human-to-human transmission is very rare.
• Risks: Expansion of animal industries and urbanization, and the lack of hygienic measures in animal husbandry and in food handling, etc.

Tribals in Andhra Pradesh performed Dhimsa dance.

About Dhimsa Dance

• This dance form is believed to have originated in the Koraput area of Odisha. 
• It is exceptional dance performed by the hill tribes of Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam Area, Andhra Pradesh.
• About 15 to 20 women attired in emblematic ethnic dresses and stuff perform the dance.
  • The leading women carry a peacock feather in her hand.
• Instruments used:  Mori, Thudum and Dappu.

Recently, Chaman Arora was awarded Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in Dogri for his book “Ik Hor Ashwthama”

About Sahitya Akademi Awards

• Genesis: Inaugurated in 1954 and given by the Sahitya Akademi (an autonomous body under Union Ministry of Culture).
  • First Awards were given in 1955.
• Awarded to the most outstanding books of literary merit published in any of the major Indian languages recognised by the Akademi.
  • Languages recognized by the Akademi include 22 Languages listed under the Schedule VIII of the Constitution and English and Rajasthani.
• Award is in the form of a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque and a payment of ₹ 1,00,000/-

Union Government has approved 04 Start-Ups in the field of Technical Textiles under Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT) Scheme.

About GREAT Scheme

• Introduced: Under Research, Development, and Innovation Component of the National Technical Textiles Mission.
• Aim: To accelerate development of new technologies, products, and processes, significantly contributing to the growth and sustainability of the technical textiles industry.
• It provides financial support and resources to researchers, startups, and entrepreneurs working on groundbreaking projects in technical textiles.
• Union Ministry of Textiles provides grant-in-aid of upto ₹ 50 lakhs for a period of 18 months.