International Energy Agency (IEA) report ‘Delivering Sustainable Fuels: Pathways to 2035’ highlighted role of sustainable fuels in complementing electrification and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

• Sustainable fuels include biofuels, biogases, low-emissions hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels.

Key Findings of the Report

• Global use of sustainable fuels could fourfold increase by 2035.
• Sustainable fuels have reduced global oil demand by around 2.5 million barrels per day in 2024.
• IEA identified 6 Priority Actions for Transition: 
  • Establish region-specific roadmaps and policies 
  • Increase demand predictability to attract private investment; 
  • Develop transparent carbon accounting methods; 
  • Support innovation to drive cost reductions; 
  • Build integrated supply chains and infrastructure 
  • Expand access to finance

A recent study of the indigenous rotavirus vaccine ‘Rotavac’ found its effectiveness similar to its efficacy in clinical trials.

• It is an oral, live attenuated, monovalent liquid vaccine against rotavirus.
• It was developed as a public-private partnership between Department of Biotechnology, Bharat Biotech, U.S. National Institutes of Health etc.

About Rotavirus

• It is a viral disease which commonly causes diarrhoeal illness in children.
• There is no specific medicine to treat rotavirus infection and vaccines provide best protection.

The Bathou religion of Bodo community in Assam gets a separate code in the upcoming census.

About Bathou Religion or Bathouism

• It is the traditional faith of the Bodo people (Indigenous community mainly found in Assam and North Bengal).
• Bathou means ‘Five Principles’: It is based on the belief that the world is composed of 5 elements (similar to Panchabhuta), namely, Ha (Earth), Dwi (water), Or (Fire), Bar (Air), and Okhrang (Sky).
• The religion places emphasis on the need to respect nature and preserve equilibrium.
• Bathouism worships the Almighty in the name of Bathou Bwrai who is also called Sibwrai, Siu Bwrai , Jiu Bwrai and Nuathari.
  • Bathou Bwrai is symbolized by the Sijou plant.

Recently, FSSAI issued an order under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 banning all beverages from using the term ORS in their name which do not adhere to WHO standards. 

About ORS 

• It’s a mixture of salt and sugar that is dissolved in clean water to treat dehydration caused by severe diarrhoea, heat stroke or any other illnesses.
• Fixed formula of ORS: (Adopted by WHO and UNICEF)
  • Sodium chloride (2.6 g/L); Glucose, anhydrous (13.5 g/L); Potassium chloride (1.5 g/L); Trisodium citrate, dihydrate (2.9 g/L)
• It was first developed in 1971 by Dilip Mahalanabis, an Indian public health specialist.

‘We Rise’ (Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises) initiative was launched recently.

About We Rise Initiatives

• Launched by: NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) under its Award to Reward (ATR) initiative along with DP World.

• Objective: To help women entrepreneurs, including women-led MSMEs, to scale their businesses globally through trade facilitation, mentorship, and strategic partnerships.

FAO Celebrated 80 Years of Partnership with India on World Food Day 2025.

About FAO (HQ: Rome, Italy)

• Established in 1945, it is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
• Membership: 195 Members (194 countries and European Union).
• Flagship Publications of FAO:
  • The State of the World's Forests
  • The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World
  • The State of Food and Agriculture