Current Affairs 04 September 2025

Cabinet Approves ₹1,500 Cr Scheme for Critical Mineral Recycling.

• Govt clears ₹1,500 cr incentive scheme under National Critical Mineral Mission.
• Targets recycling of e-waste, LIB scrap & other sources from FY 2025-26.
• Offers Capex & Opex subsidies to boost new units, expansion, modernization.
• Aims to build 270 KT recycling capacity, 40 KT mineral output, 70k jobs.
• Expected investment: ₹8,000 crore over six years till 2030-31.

Supreme Court issues notice to Centre regarding Samagra Shiksha funds.

• The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre after Tamil Nadu alleged that Samagra Shiksha funds were delinked from reimbursements under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.
• Tamil Nadu submitted that the Centre and State had concurrent responsibility to fund the education of poor and disadvantaged children under Section 7 of the RTE Act, 2009.

Kerala Leads First Eradication of Invasive Senna Spectabilis.

• Kerala cleared 383 acres in Wayanad of Senna spectabilis.
• Species introduced in 1980s, now invasive in Western Ghats.
• Dense thickets harm soil, choke native plants, and limit wildlife food.
• Native to South America, once planted for yellow flowers.
• Spread seen in Andhra, Goa, Maharashtra; experts urge early action.

Tata, Merck Join Hands to Boost India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem.

• Tata Electronics & Merck sign MoU to support India Semiconductor Mission.
• Merck to supply high-purity materials, AI tools, and safety standards.
• Focus on local supply chain, warehousing, and talent development.
• ₹91,000 crore Dholera Fab to make advanced chips for global markets.
• Partnership strengthens India’s push to be a semiconductor hub.

WHO Reports Highlight Global Mental Health Crisis Ahead of UN Meet.

• WHO released World Mental Health Today and Mental Health Atlas 2024.
• Over 1 billion live with mental disorders; suicide causes 1 in 100 deaths.
• Anxiety and depression form two-thirds of cases; youth most affected.
• Reports show resource gaps, rising costs, and urgent policy needs globally.