Overview

• The Government of India plans to expand its rare earth magnet manufacturing incentive scheme to Rs7,000 crore ($788 million) — nearly three times the earlier allocation. The move is part of India’s broader strategy to build self-reliance in critical minerals and clean technologies, while reducing dependence on China, which currently dominates global rare earth processing.

Strategic Context

• The decision follows China’s tightening of rare earth export controls in April 2025, which disrupted global supply chains. In response, India aims to position itself as an alternative hub for critical material production used in electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, and defence technologies.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for non-weaponisation of critical minerals, underscoring the need for diversified and resilient supply chains similar to efforts underway in the US, Japan, and Europe.

Overview

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Emerging Science & Technology Innovation Conclave (ESTIC) 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on November 3, 2025. During the event, he launched a ₹1 lakh-crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund aimed at boosting India’s private-sector R&D ecosystem. He also announced the creation of the Anusandhan Research Foundation to strengthen academic and industrial research collaboration.

Purpose of the RDI Fund

• The RDI Fund is designed to support high-risk, high-impact research projects that face funding challenges. It will help de-risk early-stage innovation, attract private investment, and promote commercialisation of indigenous technologies. The initiative focuses on bridging the gap between lab research and market deployment, with special attention to deep-tech, hardware, and frontier science sectors.

Overview

• During Uttarakhand’s silver jubilee celebrations, President Droupadi Murmu addressed a special session of the State Legislative Assembly in Dehradun on November 3, 2025. She commended the state’s progress in human development, women’s empowerment, and transparent governance over the past 25 years.

Overview

“Popcorn brain” is a modern term describing the brain’s overstimulation from constant digital engagement—short videos, notifications, and endless scrolling. This leads to a restless mind, reduced attention span, and impatience with slower activities like reading or conversation.

Meaning of ‘Popcorn Brain’

• The term compares the brain to popcorn kernels—constantly “popping” with new digital stimuli instead of engaging in deep, sustained thought.

• Offline, this causes agitation, distraction, and the compulsive urge to check screens.

• Over time, calm moments feel uncomfortable, and the need for stimulation increases.

Overview

Indonesian tennis player Janice Tjen created history by winning the WTA 250 Chennai Open 2025, securing her maiden WTA Tour title. The 23-year-old became the first Indonesian woman in 23 years to win a WTA event, marking a major milestone for Indonesian tennis.