In News:

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), launched to transform railway stations across India into world-class travel hubs, has achieved a key milestone. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the completion of redevelopment work at 104 stations out of the planned 1,300 stations under the scheme.

About the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme

• Launched: 2023
• Objective: Comprehensive redevelopment of railway stations to:
  • Upgrade passenger amenities
  • Enhance multi-modal connectivity
  • Modernize infrastructure with sustainable and accessible design

Key Updates (As of April 2025)

• Total stations under ABSS: 1,300
• Stations with completed redevelopment: 104
• Stations in Maharashtra: 132 (significant progress reported)

Major Highlights

Feature                                                      Details

Notable Station Project                 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Mumbai

CSMT Redevelopment Cost       ?1,800 crore

Modern Facilities Planned           Waiting lounges, food courts, clean restrooms, lifts, escalators,

                                                          digital signage

International Comparison           CSMT post-redevelopment projected to surpass

                                                                           London’s Kings Cross station

Additional Infrastructure Developments in Maharashtra

• Gondia–Ballarshah Railway Line Doubling:
  • Length: 240 km
  • Region: Vidarbha
  • Approved Investment: ?4,819 crore
  • Strategic Importance: Enhances connectivity and freight movement

Centre–State Collaboration

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of India and Government of Maharashtra for railway project implementation and coordination.

In News:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a comprehensive operational framework for the issuance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) debt securities. This includes instruments such as social bonds, sustainability bonds, and sustainability-linked bonds, aiming to boost responsible financing in India.

Understanding ESG Debt Securities

Definition:
ESG debt securities are financial tools designed to raise capital specifically for projects that yield positive environmental, social, or governance (ESG) outcomes. These instruments are a key part of sustainable finance, with categories including:

• Social Bonds: Focused on projects with direct social impact (e.g., affordable housing, education).
• Sustainability Bonds: Target projects with both environmental and social objectives.
• Sustainability-Linked Bonds: Tied to specific ESG performance indicators or targets.

Salient Features:

• Funds raised must be used exclusively for eligible ESG-aligned projects.
• Bonds must be clearly labelled in line with the project's primary focus.
• Compliance with global ESG norms and standards is mandatory.
• Verification or certification by an independent third-party is required.
• The framework applies to both public and private debt offerings.

Highlights of SEBI’s Framework

1. Classification Guidelines: Issuers are required to categorize their bonds—green, social, or sustainability—based on the core objective of the projects being financed. This ensures transparent communication of the bond's intended impact.

2. Disclosure Norms:

• At the Issuance Stage: Offer documents must detail project eligibility, selection methodology, and a tentative allocation between financing new initiatives and refinancing existing ones.
• Post-Issuance: Issuers must provide annual updates on fund deployment and report impact metrics to demonstrate accountability and transparency.

3. Independent Assurance: Issuers must engage accredited third-party entities to validate the alignment of bonds with ESG principles, thereby enhancing investor confidence and market integrity.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation: There is an obligation for ongoing impact assessment. Issuers must ensure the projects funded effectively contribute to reducing environmental degradation or addressing social challenges.

5. Scope and Enforcement: The framework will come into effect from June 5, 2025, and is aligned with international ESG standards to facilitate greater inflow of sustainable and ethical investments.

Significance for India: This move marks a significant step in mainstreaming ESG finance in India. It aims to improve transparency, attract climate-conscious capital, and reinforce India’s commitment to sustainable development.

In News:

The Ministry of Coal recently launched C CARES Version 2.0, a significant upgrade to the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization’s (CMPFO) digital platform. The new system aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in provident fund (PF) and pension disbursement for coal sector workers.

Key Features of C CARES Version 2.0

• Developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in collaboration with the State Bank of India (SBI).
• Provides a unified digital interface for coal workers, coal companies, and CMPFO.
• Enables real-time claim tracking, automated ledger updates, and direct benefit transfers to workers’ bank accounts.
• Includes a mobile application for CMPF members, offering:
  • PF balance checks
  • Profile viewing
  • Grievance redressal
  • Claim status tracking
  • A chatbot assistant for easy navigation

Benefits to Stakeholders

• For Workers: Faster claim settlement, improved access, and reduced delays in PF/pension disbursement.
• For Coal Companies and CMPFO:
  • A prescriptive dashboard to generate custom reports.
  • Analytics to track settlement trends.
  • Support for data-driven decision-making.

About CMPFO

• Full Form: Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization
• Established: 1948
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Coal
• Function: Administration of PF and pension schemes for coal sector employees.
• Coverage:
  • Serves around 3.3 lakh PF subscribers
  • Supports over 6.3 lakh pensioners

Significance

Union Minister for Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy launched the portal on June 4, 2025, stating that it aligns with the Government's vision of “Minimum Government, Maximum Governance” under the Digital India initiative. The platform strengthens social security delivery for coal workers and brings administrative reform to a critical sector of the economy.

In News:

Exercise PrachandPrahar was a tri-service integrated multi-domain military exercise conducted by the Indian Armed Forces in the high-altitude terrain of Arunachal Pradesh, along the Northern Borders, specifically under the Eastern Army Command.

Timeline:

• Held: March 25–27, 2025
• Preceded by:Exercise PoorviPrahar (November 2024), which focused on integrated aviation asset application.

Objective:
To validate integrated operational capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and enhance India's preparedness for future warfare scenarios along the 3,488-km long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

Key Highlights:

• Location: High-altitude Himalayan terrain, eastern sector of the LAC in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Forces Involved:
  • Indian Army (including Special Forces)
  • Indian Air Force (IAF)
  • Indian Navy

Major Components:

• Surveillance and Domain Awareness:
  • Long-range surveillance aircraft (IAF)
  • Maritime domain awareness aircraft (Navy)
  • Helicopters and UAVs
  • Space-based assets
• Precision Strike Capabilities:
  • Fighter aircrafts
  • Long-range rocket systems
  • Medium artillery
  • Armed helicopters
  • Swarm drones
  • Loitering munitions
  • Kamikaze drones
• Operational Environment:
  • Simulated electronic warfare and contested conditions.
  • Focus on jointness, precision, and rapid response.

Strategic Importance:

• Demonstrated seamless command, control, and coordination among the three services.
• Validated the ability to conduct multi-domain operations (MDO) in challenging terrain.
• Reinforced India’s technological edge and combat readiness along strategic frontiers.

In News:

The Government of India has officially fixed September 23 as Ayurveda Day, replacing the earlier practice of celebrating it on Dhanteras, which follows a variable lunar calendar. This change, notified through a Gazette notification in March 2025, aims to bring uniformity and global visibility to Ayurveda observance.

About Ayurveda Day:

• Purpose:Ayurveda Day is observed to honour India’s ancient medicinal heritage and promote Ayurveda as a scientific, evidence-based, and holistic healthcare system rooted in preventive and sustainable wellness practices.
• New Fixed Date:Starting 2025, Ayurveda Day will be celebrated every year on 23rd September, coinciding with the autumnal equinox, a day when day and night are nearly equal, symbolizing balance—a core concept in Ayurvedic philosophy.
• Why the Shift?The previous observance on Dhanteras created logistical challenges due to its annual date fluctuation (between mid-October and mid-November). The new fixed date allows for better planning and consistent global celebrations.
• Symbolism of Autumnal Equinox:The equinox represents cosmic balance and harmony, aligning with Ayurveda’s emphasis on equilibrium between mind, body, spirit, and environment.

Ayurveda: Key Facts for UPSC

• Definition:Ayurveda, meaning the “Science of Life” (from Sanskrit Ayu = life, Veda = knowledge), is a traditional Indian medical system dating back over 5,000 years, with roots in the Atharva Veda.
• Core Principles:
  • SwasthasyaSwasthyaRakshanam: Maintaining the health of the healthy
  • AturasyaVikaraPrashamanam: Treating diseases in the sick
  • Emphasis on natural healing, diet, seasonal routines, and mind-body balance
• Key Features:
  • Focus on preventive healthcare
  • Use of herbal medicines, detox therapies, yoga, and meditation
  • Personalised treatment based on individual constitution (Prakriti)

Significance for Global Health:

The Ministry of AYUSH envisions Ayurveda Day as a global platform to promote India’s traditional knowledge system as a part of the international wellness movement. Health professionals, researchers, academic institutions, and global partners are encouraged to participate in its observance to integrate Ayurveda into broader healthcare dialogues.

In News:

In a significant advancement for clean energy in Northeast India, Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh has become the site of the region’s first operational geothermal production well. This marks a pivotal step in utilizing Earth’s internal heat for sustainable energy generation in the eastern Himalayas.

Project Details

• Location:Dirang, West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh
• Terrain: Eastern Himalayan region

Technology Used

• The project employs a closed-loop binary Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system, which captures subsurface geothermal heat for applications such as:
  • Electricity generation
  • Space heating
  • Agricultural processing
• Reservoir Temperature: Approx. 115°C — optimal for direct-use geothermal systems.
• Drilling Approach: Low-impact precision drilling aimed at fault zones between quartzite and schist rock formations.

Institutional Collaboration

• Implementing Agency:Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CESHS), Itanagar
• Supported by:
  • Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India
  • Government of Arunachal Pradesh
  • International partners from Norway, Iceland, and Guwahati research institutes

Significance

• First-of-its-kind in the entire Northeast region
• Potential to make Dirang energy self-reliant through clean geothermal power
• Helps replace diesel and firewood in cold climates, reducing emissions
• Can enhance agricultural productivity and living standards in high-altitude areas
• Strengthens India’s geothermal potential (~10,600 MW), offering reliable base-load renewable energy unlike solar or wind

In News:

In 2025, economic analysts are raising alarms over growing signs of stagflation in the United States and its potential to trigger a renewed banking crisis similar to the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in 2023.

Unrealized Losses in U.S. Banks

As of early 2025, U.S. banks are grappling with $482.4 billion in unrealized losses from securities investments, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This marks a 32.5% rise from the previous quarter. The figure is approaching the $515 billion mark observed during the SVB crisis and could rise to $600–700 billion if interest rates hit 5%.

These losses are primarily linked to long-term securities like government bonds, whose prices have fallen due to rising benchmark 10-year Treasury yields, now exceeding 4.5%.

What is Stagflation?

Stagflation is a rare and difficult economic condition marked by:

• High inflation
• Stagnant or negative economic growth
• High unemployment

It complicates policymaking because:

• Tightening monetary policy (raising interest rates) to control inflation can worsen unemployment and slow growth.
• Loosening policy to boost growth can further fuel inflation.

Causes of Stagflation in 2025:

1. Supply Shocks – Rising input costs (e.g., energy or tariffs).
2. Tariff Hikes – New U.S. tariffs on imports have raised production costs.
3. Policy Missteps – Uncoordinated fiscal and monetary measures.

Impacts on the Financial Sector

• Reduced Bond Values: High interest rates lower the market value of banks’ bond holdings.
• Risk of Bank Runs: Diminished asset values can trigger depositor panic.
• Credit Losses: Particularly in sectors like tech and venture capital where firms have weak earnings and poor debt coverage.
• Liquidity Crisis: A sudden negative news cycle could lead to another SVB-like collapse.

Experts warn that continued high interest rates could deepen banking stress and prolonged stagflation could amplify credit defaults.

In News:

International Labour Day, also known as May Day, is observed annually on May 1 to honor the dedication and contributions of workers across the globe.

Key Highlights:

• Observed On: May 1
• Also Known As: International Workers’ Day, May Day
• Purpose: To commemorate the contributions of workers and honor the global labor movement's struggles and achievements.

Historical Background

• Origin: The roots of International Labour Day trace back to Chicago, USA, where on May 1, 1886, workers launched a strike demanding an 8-hour workday.
• The protest culminated in the Haymarket Affair on May 4, 1886, when a bomb explosion led to the deaths of six police officers and several civilians, marking a major milestone in labor rights activism.
• In 1889, the Second International (Paris) declared May 1 as a day of international workers’ solidarity.

Global Observance

• Observed in over 160 countries, including India, China, Cuba, France, Germany, Brazil, South Africa, Russia, Vietnam, among others.
• Celebrated through parades, union meetings, and public demonstrations advocating workers’ rights and social justice.

Country-wise Observance Differences

• India: First observed in 1923 in Chennai by the LabourKisan Party of Hindustan. It is a public holiday, widely recognized across the country.
• United States: Despite its historical origin, the U.S. celebrates Labor Day on the first Monday of September, officially declared in 1894 after the Pullman Strike. The shift was made to distance the holiday from socialist and communist affiliations.
• Canada: Also celebrates Labor Day on the first Monday of September, following U.S. traditions, though May 1 has some informal recognition by trade unions.
• United Kingdom: Celebrates a related holiday called the Early May Bank Holiday on the first Monday of May, which may or may not fall on May 1. It is not explicitly labor-themed like in other countries.

Significance

• Serves as a global reminder of workers’ rights, the historical fight for humane working conditions, and the ongoing struggles of labor communities.
• Symbolizes solidarity among workers across nations, cutting across political ideologies and economic systems.

In News:

The government has announced the upcoming introduction of ‘Sahkar Taxi’, a cooperative-based ride-hailing platform designed to directly benefit drivers by eliminating intermediary commissions.

What is ‘Sahkar Taxi’?

‘Sahkar Taxi’ is a ride-hailing service supported by the government, operated through cooperative societies. Unlike conventional app-based services such as Ola and Uber, this platform allows drivers to retain their full earnings, without deductions by middlemen or aggregators. It draws inspiration from existing app-based models but is fundamentally driven by cooperative principles.

Why is ‘Sahkar Taxi’ Needed?

• Concerns Over Commission Charges: Leading ride-hailing apps have faced criticism for imposing high commission fees, reducing the take-home earnings of drivers.
• Pricing Transparency Issues: Allegations of differential pricing based on the type of user device (e.g., iPhone versus Android) have sparked doubts regarding fairness and transparency.
• Driver Challenges: Centralized control by large platforms often leaves drivers with limited negotiation power and inadequate income security.

Importance and Impact of ‘Sahkar Taxi’

• Driver Empowerment: By establishing a cooperative ownership model, drivers gain a stronger stake in the business, leading to improved financial stability.
• Decentralized Economic Participation: The initiative encourages local involvement and collective growth, aligning with the government’s vision of ‘Sahkar Se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation).
• Sustainable Alternative: It presents a viable, inclusive option to the dominant profit-driven ride aggregator market, focusing on equitable benefit sharing.
• Enhanced Consumer Confidence: The cooperative framework promotes transparent pricing and greater accountability in digital service delivery, fostering trust among users.

In News:

AIIMS New Delhi is set to install India’s first indigenously developed MRI scanner for clinical evaluation by October 2025. This marks a major milestone under the government's push for import substitution and promotion of ‘Make in India’ in the medical device sector.

Key Highlights:

• MRI Type: 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system.
• Developed by: SAMEER (Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research), an autonomous R&D institution under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Initiative under: National Mission SCAN-ERA (Swadeshi Chumbakiya Anu-naadChitran – EkRashtriyaAbhiyaan), launched in December 2014.
• Purpose: Clinical evaluation and performance feedback at AIIMS to refine the system for wide-scale clinical use.
• Objective: Reduce dependence on imported diagnostic equipment and lower treatment costs.

Significance:

• Currently, 80–85% of India's medical devices are imported.
• In FY 2023–24, India’s medical device import bill rose by 13% to ?69,000 crore.
• The initiative aligns with the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for medical devices, under which 7 critical devices (including MRI machines, CT scanners, LINACs, heart valves, etc.) are now being domestically manufactured.
• 19 PLI-supported projects have been commissioned to manufacture 46 medical devices.

MRI: How It Works

• Principle: Uses strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency pulses to align protons in tissues. As protons return to their original alignment, they emit signals that are captured to create detailed 3D anatomical images.
• Applications:
  • Imaging soft tissues, brain, spinal cord, joints, and internal organs.
  • Detecting tumors, strokes, neurological disorders, and musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Functional MRI (fMRI) maps brain activity during cognitive tasks.

Safety & Limitations:

• Magnetic interference: Risky for patients with implants (e.g., pacemakers).
• Noise: Loud clicking sounds may cause discomfort.
• Claustrophobia: May cause anxiety in closed spaces; open MRI designs mitigate this.
• Contrast agents: Use of gadolinium-based agents can pose risks to dialysis patients.

In News:

• India will host the FATF Private Sector Collaborative Forum (PSCF) 2025 in Mumbai from March 25-27, 2025. This event will focus on global priorities such as payment transparency, financial inclusion, and the digital transformation of financial systems.
• The forum will be a critical platform for addressing the evolving challenges of money laundering and terrorist financing through the use of digital tools and enhanced transparency.

Key Agenda

The discussions at PSCF 2025 will revolve around tackling contemporary financial crimes, including those linked to cryptocurrency-related laundering. Key topics will include:

• Strengthening Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CFT) compliance mechanisms.
• Promoting financial inclusion through risk-based supervision of regulated entities.
• Enhancing transparency in beneficial ownership and using digital tools to bolster AML/CFT measures.
• Addressing emerging risks, including terrorist financing and proliferation financing.

The forum will also assess how the private sector can enhance information-sharing practices to address these threats more effectively.

About FATF

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), established in 1989 during the G7 Summit in Paris, is an intergovernmental body that sets international standards to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The FATF’s mission is to develop policies, establish guidelines, and promote global cooperation to mitigate the financial risks associated with these crimes.

• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• Membership: FATF has 39 member countries, including major economies such as the United States, India, China, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and theEuropean Union.
• Regional Bodies: In addition to its direct members, FATF affiliates over 180 countries through FATF-Style Regional Bodies (FSRBs) like the Asia Pacific Group (APG) and the Eurasian Group.
• FATF Recommendations are recognized as the global standard for AML/CFT measures.

FATF evaluates countries' efforts to comply with these standards, providing assessments and promoting policy changes to counteract financial crimes. Countries that fail to comply may be placed on the grey list or blacklist.

FATF Grey and Black Lists

Countries that fail to meet FATF standards are placed on one of two lists:

• Black List: Countries known as Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories (NCCTs), which directly support terrorist financing and money laundering. North Korea, Iran, and Myanmar are currently on this list.
• Grey List: Countries considered at risk of supporting financial crimes but not yet fully engaging in those activities. Being on the grey list serves as a warning, with the risk of moving to the blacklist if improvements are not made.

Countries on the blacklist face severe international sanctions, including restrictions on financial aid and economic interactions from organizations like the IMF, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank.

India's Role in FATF

India became a member of FATF in 2010 and has made significant strides in improving its AML/CFT frameworks. In 2024, FATF acknowledged India’s efforts towards anti-money laundering and countering terrorist financing, placing it in the "regular follow-up" category for continued compliance.

The upcoming PSCF 2025 will be a milestone in India’s ongoing commitment to global financial security, as it seeks to enhance international collaboration and discuss innovative ways to address evolving threats in financial crimes.

In News:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a liquidity injection of ?1.9 lakh crore into the banking system through Open Market Operations (OMOs) and USD/INR forex swaps, in response to tightening liquidity conditions observed since December 2024.

What are Open Market Operations (OMOs)?

• Open Market Operations refer to the buying and selling of government securities in the open market by the central bank to regulate liquidity in the banking system.
• It is a monetary policy tool used to manage inflation and ensure financial stability.

How OMOs Work:

• To inject liquidity: RBI purchases government securities from banks, increasing their cash reserves, which lowers interest rates, encourages lending, and boosts economic activity.
• To absorb liquidity: RBI sells government securities, reducing cash reserves in the system, which raises interest rates, discourages excessive lending, and cools inflation.

RBI’s Recent Measures (March 2025):

• OMO Purchase Auctions:Government securities worth ?1 lakh crore to be bought in two tranches of ?50,000 crore each on March 12 and March 18.
• Forex Swap Auction:
  • A USD/INR Buy/Sell Swap worth $10 billion with a 36-month tenor, scheduled for March 24, to inject long-term dollar liquidity.
  • A similar $10 billion swap was conducted on February 28, which saw strong demand.

In News:

India has signed a $248 million contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport for the procurement of 1,000 horsepower (HP) engines to upgrade its fleet of T-72 main battle tanks (MBTs). This marks a significant step in enhancing the Indian Army's offensive and mobility capabilities.

Key Features of the Deal

• Engines to replace existing 780 HP ones in T-72 tanks.
• Delivered in fully formed, completely knocked down (CKD), and semi-knocked down (SKD) formats.
• Includes Transfer of Technology (ToT) to Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) at the Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi (Chennai).
• Boosts the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the defence sector through local assembly and licensed production.

About T-72 Tanks

• Origin: Developed by the Soviet Union in the 1970s; designed by Uralvagonzavod.
• India’s Usage: Operates over 2,400 units, making it the backbone of India’s armored forces.
• Manufacturing in India: Locally produced and upgraded at the Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi.

Specifications

• Armament:
  • 125 mm smoothbore main gun
  • 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun
  • 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun
• Mobility: With new 1,000 HP engines, improves maneuverability and combat speed.
• Protection: Equipped with composite and reactive armour.
• Night Capability: Advanced thermal imaging systems.
• Operational Range:
  • ~460 km on-road
  • ~300 km off-road (with auxiliary fuel)

Strategic Significance

• Combat Readiness: Enhances battlefield performance in high-altitude and desert environments like Ladakh.
• Cost Efficiency: Upgrading older platforms is more economical than procuring new MBTs.
• India-Russia Defence Ties: Reinforces long-standing military cooperation between the two countries.

In News:

The Gravehawk is a newly developed mobile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, introduced by the United Kingdom in collaboration with Denmark, to bolster Ukraine's defenses against Russian aerial threats. This innovative hybrid system exemplifies the modern trend in NATO of repurposing existing missile technology to build flexible, cost-effective, and rapidly deployable air defense platforms.

Overview and Development

• The Gravehawk system is designed to counter short-range aerial threats such as drones, cruise missiles, and low-flying aircraft.
• It combines Western and Soviet-era missile technologies, providing Ukraine with a unique edge in a contested aerial environment.
• The United Kingdom, in partnership with Denmark, is actively delivering these systems to Ukraine, with 15 additional units expected in the coming months.
• The cost per system is approximately USD 1.25 million, with Denmark covering 50% of the expense.

Key Features and Technical Capabilities

• Missiles Used: The system utilizes infrared-guided missiles including the AIM-132 ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile) and the Soviet-origin R-73 (AA-11 Archer).
• Guidance System: Both missiles employ passive infrared (IR) seekers, allowing them to track heat signatures of targets without emitting radar signals, thereby reducing vulnerability to electronic warfare (EW) detection.
• Speed and Range: Missiles can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.5 and engage targets at distances of approximately 12 miles (about 19 km).
• R-73 Specifics: Originally developed for close-range dogfights, the R-73 is highly maneuverable, capable of tracking targets up to 40 km ahead and 300 meters behind, with off-boresight targeting up to 40 degrees.
• Mobility: Mounted on all-terrain Drops vehicles, the system offers rapid ground mobility and deployment flexibility.
• Containerized Launch Platform: Housed in ISO-standard shipping containers, the system’s roof rolls back to expose two missile rails—repurposed from Soviet-era fighters like the Sukhoi Su-27.
• Crew and Operation: Operated by a five-member crew, the system incorporates electro-optical and infrared targeting cameras, enabling remote operation and safe standoff missile launches.

Strategic Relevance for Ukraine

• Ukraine’s acquisition of the Gravehawk system marks a significant advancement in its air defense capabilities, particularly in the face of persistent Russian air and missile attacks.
• It enhances short-range interception capacity, allows for quick reaction deployment, and reduces dependence on continuous NATO resupplies. Additionally, the system’s use of widely available R-73 missiles ensures operational sustainability.
• The Gravehawk is part of a broader effort to field "hybrid systems", where older missile stocks are integrated into modern platforms.
• Other such initiatives include FrankenSAM programs developed by the U.S. and UK, where systems like ASRAAM have been adapted to ground-based launchers.
• Ukraine has also employed R-73 missiles on drone boats and unmanned surface vessels to target Russian air assets, showcasing the multi-domain applicability of these munitions.

In News:

It is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme initiated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The scheme aims at the socio-economic upliftment of the Scheduled Caste (SC) communities, particularly targeting the reduction of poverty through various initiatives that focus on skill development, infrastructure, and income-generating projects.

Key Highlights:

• Launch and Funding: Launched in 2021, the scheme is fully funded by the central government, though states and Union Territories (UTs) have the option to contribute additional funds from their own resources. PM-AJAY is the consolidation of three pre-existing schemes:

• Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY)
• Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP)
• BabuJagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana (BJRCY)

• Objectives of PM-AJAY: The scheme is focused on improving the overall well-being of SC communities by:

• Reducing poverty through income-generating schemes, skill development, and infrastructure projects.
• Promoting social and economic development by improving literacy rates, educational enrolment, and providing better livelihood opportunities.
• Transforming SC-majority villages into model villages with integrated development, enhancing socio-economic indicators like education, healthcare, and financial inclusion.
• Eligibility Criteria
• Scheduled Caste (SC) persons living below the poverty line (BPL) are eligible for benefits.
• For infrastructure development, villages with 50% or more SC population are prioritized for grants.
• Key Components of PM-AJAY: The scheme comprises three core components:

• Adarsh Gram Development (formerly PMAGY): Aims to develop SC-majority villages into model villages with holistic improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and skill development.
• Grants-in-Aid for District/State-Level Projects (formerly SCA to SCSP): Financial assistance is provided for livelihood development projects, including skill development programs and infrastructure projects, to generate sustainable income for SC communities.
• Construction of Hostels in Higher Educational Institutions (formerly BJRCY): Focuses on promoting higher education among SC students by constructing hostels in top-ranked institutions according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). This aims to reduce dropout rates and enhance access to quality education.

Special Provisions under the Grants-in-Aid Component

• 15% of the total grants are exclusively allocated for income-generating schemes for SC women.
• 30% of the grants are allocated for infrastructure development in SC-dominated areas.
• 10% of funds are reserved for skill development programs.
• The scheme encourages the formation of SC women cooperatives for producing and marketing consumer goods and services.

Achievements (2022-23)

• 1,260 villages were declared as Adarsh Gram in the financial year 2023-24 under the Adarsh Gram component.
• Nine new hostels were sanctioned under the Hostel Construction component.
• Perspective plans for seven states were approved under the Grants-in-Aid component.

In News:

The Union Government, under the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, has introduced the Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme to enhance India’s competitiveness in the global diamond trade, promote exports, and protect employment, especially in the MSME sector.

Key Highlights:

Objectives:

• Boost value addition and export growth in the diamond sector.
• Support MSME exporters to compete globally.
• Retain India’s position as a global hub for diamond processing and exports.
• Mitigate recent challenges like export decline, job losses, and global demand shifts.

Key Features of the Scheme:

Feature                                                              Details

Type of Diamonds Allowed                             Natural cut and polished diamonds less than ¼ carat (25 cents)

Eligibility                                                          Exporters with Two Star Export House status and minimum $15 million annual exports

Export Obligation                                            10% value addition on imported diamonds

Duty Exemptions                                             Exempts Basic Customs Duty, Anti-dumping Duty, Countervailing Duty, etc.

Effective Date                                                  April 1, 2025

Exclusion                                                         Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs) not covered

Monitoring Agency                                         Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)

Why the Scheme Was Introduced:

Challenges in the Diamond Sector:

• Global: Falling demand in US, Europe, China; rise in lab-grown diamonds.
• Domestic: High unsold inventory, rising operational costs, reduced credit flow, and high corporate tax.
• Employment Impact: Job losses in the diamond cutting and polishing segment.

International Context:

• Inspired by beneficiation policies in diamond-producing countries like Botswana and Namibia, which mandate local value addition.

Significance:

• Enhances India’s role in the global diamond value chain.
• Provides ease of doing business through duty relief.
• Promotes employment generation, especially for diamond assorters and processors.
• Facilitates inclusive growth by supporting MSMEs in a traditionally export-driven industry.

Way Forward:

• Regulate Lab-Grown Diamonds to prevent market distortion.
• Extend export credit period and consider tax exemptions for foreign diamond sellers.
• Ensure technology upgradation and skill training to sustain global leadership.

In News:

UJALA scheme completes 10 years, saves ?19,153 crore annually

UJALA Scheme (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All)

• Launch Date: 5th January 2015 by PM Narendra Modi
• Objective:
  • To promote energy-efficient LED lighting across India
  • To reduce energy consumption, lower electricity bills, and decrease carbon emissions
• Implementing Body: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), Ministry of Power
• Scheme Relevance: Aims to provide affordable LED bulbs, tube lights, and fans to every household
• Global Recognition: World’s largest zero-subsidy domestic lighting scheme

Key Features:

• Affordability: Subsidized LED bulbs (?70-80), reducing the cost of electricity for households
• Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs, 50% less than CFLs
• Environmental Impact: Significant reduction in CO? emissions by avoiding millions of tonnes annually
• Market Transformation: Over 36.87 crore LED bulbs distributed, saving approximately ?19,153 crore on electricity bills each year
• Consumer Benefit:
  • On-Bill Financing: LED bulbs available for purchase through deferred payment via electricity bills
  • Targeted low-income communities through Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

Achievements:

• Energy Savings: 47.9 billion kWh annually
• Cost Savings: ?19,153 crore saved on electricity bills
• Carbon Emission Reduction: 38.7 million tonnes of CO? avoided per year
• Peak Demand Reduction: 9,586 MW reduction in peak electricity demand
• Street Lighting: Over 1.34 crore LED streetlights installed, saving 9,001 million units annually

Key Initiatives:

• GRAM UJALA Scheme (March 2021): Aimed at rural households, providing LED bulbs at ?10 each
• Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP): Aimed at reducing public lighting costs with energy-efficient streetlights
• Encouraging Domestic Manufacturing: Stimulated local LED production, aligning with the "Make in India" mission
• E-Procurement Transparency: Real-time procurement ensuring price reductions and maintaining quality

Impact on Environment:

• Energy Savings & Carbon Footprint: The scheme significantly reduced the carbon footprint by promoting energy-efficient appliances
• Reduction in Household Consumption: Consumers benefit from reduced energy consumption and lower utility bills

In News:

• NTPC has achieved the first-ever synthesis of CO? (captured from flue gas) and hydrogen (produced via a PEM electrolyzer) into methanol at its Vindhyachal plant.
• This marks a significant step in carbon management technology, aimed at advancing sustainable fuel production.

About CO?-to-Methanol Conversion:

• Carbon Dioxide Capture:
  • CO? is captured from industrial sources, such as power plants, or directly from the atmosphere.
• Hydrogen Production:
  • Renewable energy sources like solar or wind power are used to produce hydrogen through water electrolysis.
• Methanol Synthesis:
  • The captured CO? is combined with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to produce methanol, typically under high pressure and temperature conditions.

Benefits of CO?-to-Methanol Conversion:

• Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU):
  • This technology reduces the impact of CO? on the atmosphere by converting it into useful products.
• Renewable Fuel Source:
  • Methanol produced through this process can be used as a fuel for transportation, power generation, or as a feedstock for chemicals.
• Energy Storage:
  • Methanol offers a more practical storage and transportation option than hydrogen, making it a potential energy storage solution and aiding the transition to hydrogen-based energy systems.
• Versatile Feedstock:
  • Methanol is widely used in producing chemicals, solvents, and plastics, supporting various industrial applications.

What is Methanol?

• Brief: Methanol, also known as methyl alcohol or wood alcohol, is the simplest form of alcohol. It is a clear, colorless, and flammable liquid with a distinctive odor.
• Key Properties:
  • Colorless, miscible with water, toxic if ingested, flammable.

In News:

• India is in talks with Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, and Singapore to establish cross-border electricity transmission lines.
• This is part of the ambitious OSOWOG initiative to create a global renewable energy grid.

Key Points:

• Proposed by the Prime Minister of India at the 2018 International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly.
• Aims to create a transnational electricity grid that delivers power worldwide.
• Led by India and the UK, in collaboration with ISA and the World Bank Group.

Vision of OSOWOG:

• Connect regional grids through a common infrastructure for the transfer of renewable energy, focusing on solar power.
• Harness solar and other renewable energy from regions where the sun is shining and efficiently transmit it to areas of need.
• Aim to provide power to 140 countries using clean and efficient solar energy.

Phases of OSOWOG:

• Phase 1:
  • Connect the Indian grid with grids in the Middle East, South Asia, and South-East Asia.
  • Share solar and other renewable energy resources.
• Phase 2:
  • Expand the interconnected grid to include renewable resources from Africa.
• Phase 3:
  • Achieve a global interconnection aiming for 2,600 GW by 2050.
  • Integrate as many countries as possible into a single renewable energy grid.

Global Collaboration:

• Involves national governments, international organizations, legislators, power operators, and experts.
• Focus on accelerating infrastructure development for a clean energy-powered world.

Why in the News?

During a recent event held in Rajasthan's Sikar, the Prime Minister unveiled "Urea Gold," a novel type of Urea fertilizer.

About Urea Gold:

• Urea Gold is an advanced variety of Urea that features a Sulphur coating.
• Its primary purpose is to address soil Sulphur deficiency while also offering cost-saving benefits to farmers.
• In comparison to the existing Neem-coated urea, Urea Gold stands out due to its superior economic viability and efficiency.
• The gradual release of nitrogen facilitated by its Sulphur coating enhances crop uptake, and the inclusion of humic acid extends its fertilizing lifespan.
• Notably, Urea Gold not only acts as a substitute for traditional urea but also contributes to a reduction in overall fertilizer usage.
• According to a report, using 15 kg of Urea Gold can provide comparable benefits to 20 kg of conventional urea, making it a more efficient and effective choice for farmers.

Why in the News?

In a recent development, INDIAai and Meta India entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to create a collaborative framework for cooperation and partnership in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.

About INDIAai:

• INDIAai, the National artificial intelligence Portal of India, was launched on 28th May 2020 as a comprehensive platform.
• It serves as a knowledge portal, research organization, and ecosystem-building initiative.
• Its primary aim is to foster unity and encourage collaborations within India's AI ecosystem by bringing together various entities.
• This joint initiative is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), and NASSCOM.
• NeGD, established in 2009 under the Digital India Corporation (a not-for-profit company set up by MeitY), plays a crucial role in this venture.
• NASSCOM, a prominent not-for-profit industry association, serves as the apex body for India's IT and IT-enabled products and services sector.
• INDIAai functions as the central knowledge hub for artificial intelligence and related fields, catering to aspiring entrepreneurs, students, professionals, academics, and all other stakeholders in the domain.

What is Artificial intelligence (AI)?

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science: It involves the development of intelligent machines that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence.
• Machine Learning and Algorithms: AI systems utilize machine learning algorithms to process vast amounts of data, learn from it, and improve their performance over time without explicit programming.
• Applications in various fields: AI finds applications in diverse domains, including natural language processing, image recognition, robotics, healthcare, finance, and autonomous vehicles, among others. Its goal is to mimic human cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, reasoning, and decision-making.

Why in the News?

The synchronization of the 660-MW unit-2 of the 1,320-MW Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (STPP) with the electricity grid in Bangladesh was recently announced by the state-owned engineering firm Bharat Heavy Electricals.

• Location:
• It is situated in Rampal, in the Bagerhat district of Bangladesh's Khulna division.
• It will be one of the biggest coal-fired power plants in Bangladesh, along with the Payra Power Plant in Pataukhali, which commenced test production in January 2020.
• Capacity and Cost:
• The power station has a capacity of 1320 MW (2x660 MW) and is estimated to cost around $2 billion.
• Financing Plan:
• The project is being developed under India's tax concessions finance plan, aiming to enhance Bangladesh's national grid by an additional 1320 MW.
• Financed through a £1.3bn ($1.6bn) loan from the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of India.
• Implementing Entity:
• India’s Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is responsible for constructing the power plant on behalf of Bangladesh-India Friendship Electricity Company Private Limited (BIFPCL).
• Commercial Operation:
• The first unit of the super thermal power plant is expected to commence commercial operation in early October, representing a significant milestone in the growing cooperation between India and Bangladesh in the power industry.
• Future Expansion:
• In the subsequent year, the power plant's Unit-II, also known as the Rampal coal-fired power project, is scheduled for implementation.