Prelims Current Affairs includes Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Chief Election Commissioner, Perodic Labour Force Survey, United Nations High Commissioner for refugees, Sakura Science Programme, Rubella amd Himachal News.

ENVIRONMENT

1. SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL (SAF)

Current Context: Indian Oil’s Panipat Refinery received ICAO certification for production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel from used cooking oil.

ABOUT SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL

• Definition: Jet biofuel/aviation bio-kerosene resembling conventional jet fuel but produced from renewable biomass sources.

• Feedstock Sources:

  • Oil seed plants, energy grasses

  • Municipal solid waste

  • Industrial carbon monoxide waste gas

  • Agricultural and forestry residue

  • Fats, oils, greases from cooking and meat production

• Benefits: Compatible with existing aircraft engines and infrastructure (when blended), reduces greenhouse gas emissions, offers energy flexibility.

POLITY

2. CHIEF ELECTION COMMISSIONER (CEC)

Current Context: Opposition parties are considering moving a motion for the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

ABOUT REMOVAL OF CEC

• Constitutional Provision: Article 324(5) of the Indian Constitution.

• Grounds & Manner: CEC can be removed in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court (Article 124(4)).

Process of Removal:

1. A motion alleging misbehaviour or incapacity is introduced in either House of Parliament.

2. Once admitted, a committee of inquiry examines the validity of charges.

3. Motion must be passed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in both Houses of Parliament.

4. After this, the President of India issues an order removing the CEC.

ECONOMY

3. PERIODIC LABOUR FORCE SURVEY (PLFS)

Current Context: The Quarterly PLFS (April–June 2025) and Monthly PLFS (July 2025) have been released.

ABOUT PLFS

• Conducted by: National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

• Objective: To provide data on:

  • Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

  • Worker Population Ratio (WPR)

  • Unemployment Rate (UR)

  • Distribution of workers by employment status and industry of work.

Coverage & Frequency

• Monthly Estimates: For rural and urban areas under Current Weekly Status (CWS).

• Annual Estimates: For both rural and urban areas under Usual Status (US) and CWS.

Reference Periods:

• CWS: 7 days

• US: 365 days

ORGANISATION

4. UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR)

Current Context: The UNHCR has temporarily suspended the process of facilitating the repatriation of Sri Lankan Tamil refugees.

ABOUT UNHCR

• Establishment: 1950 by the UN General Assembly, after the Second World War.

• Nature: United Nations agency dedicated to refugees, stateless persons, and internally displaced populations.

• Mandate: To protect rights, provide assistance, and support voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement of displaced populations.

• Legal Framework: Guardian of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol.

• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

• Recognition: Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize (1954 & 1981).

SPACE

5. SAKURA SCIENCE PROGRAMME 2025

Current Context: A group of 34 students from Indian government schools will visit Japan under the Sakura Science Programme 2025.

ABOUT SAKURA SCIENCE PROGRAMME

• Launched by: Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) in 2014.

• India joined: 2016.

• Objective: To expand scientific curiosity, foster innovation, and strengthen international collaboration.

• Nature: Japan–Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science.

• 2025 Participation: Students from India, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia will join.

HEALTH

6. RUBELLA

Current Context: WHO has declared Nepal rubella-free, eliminating it as a public health problem.

ABOUT RUBELLA

• Also called German Measles or Three-Day Measles.

• Cause: Rubella virus (single-stranded RNA virus).

• Nature: Highly contagious but less severe than measles.

• Transmission: Spread via coughing, sneezing, or contaminated surfaces; can pass from a pregnant woman to her fetus.

HIMACHAL NEWS

7. HIMACHAL’S FIRST ZERO-WASTE TRIBAL FAIR

Current Context: The first ever zero-waste tribal fair of Himachal Pradesh was celebrated at Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti district.

ABOUT THE ZERO-WASTE TRIBAL FAIR

• Location: Keylong, Lahaul & Spiti district.

• Duration: 14–16 August 2025 (three days).

• Inauguration: By Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (virtually).

• Development Initiatives: Foundation laid for projects worth ₹36 crore to boost local agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and connectivity.

Zero-Waste Features

• Complete ban on single-use plastic.

• Use of biodegradable utensils (leaf plates, eco-cups).

• Refillable water stations provided.

• Waste segregation through support from NGOs like Healing Himalayas and Saahas.

Download Pdf | Study Material | Downloads | Daily Quiz  | FREE Youtube Videos