In News:

The Bannerghatta Biological Park has imported eight black-capped capuchin monkeys from South Africa under an animal exchange programme.

About Black-Capped Capuchin Monkey

• Scientific Name:Sapajusapella
• Common Name: Tufted capuchin / Black-capped capuchin
• Native Range: Widespread across South America, especially the Amazon Basin
• Habitat: Black-capped capuchins are highly adaptable and inhabit:
  • Tropical and subtropical forests
  • Dry and submontane forests
  • Savannah woodlands
  • Mangroves

• Behaviour and Ecology
  • Lifestyle: Arboreal (tree-dwelling) and diurnal (active during the day)
  • Diet: Omnivorous - feeds on fruits, seeds, nuts, insects, lizards, eggs, and small crustaceans
  • Communication: Uses vocal calls, body postures, touch, and scent cues
  • Ecological Role: Acts as an important seed disperser, supporting forest regeneration
• Conservation Status
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Despite being widespread, habitat loss and illegal pet trade can pose local threats.

Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP)

• Located about 22 km south of Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Was earlier part of Bannerghatta National Park and became an independent establishment in 2002
• Comprises multiple conservation and visitor facilities:
  • Zoo
  • Safari Park
  • Butterfly Park
  • Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre
• Special Feature: Houses India’s first fenced, forested elephant sanctuary within a biological park setting.

In News:

On 14 December 2025 (National Energy Conservation Day), the President of India presented the National Energy Conservation Awards 2025 in New Delhi.

National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA)

• Instituted by: Bureau of Energy Efficiency
• Started: 1991
• Purpose: To recogniseorganisations and institutions that achieve significant energy savings while maintaining or improving productivity.

Sectors Covered

• Industries
• Commercial buildings
• Transport sector
• Institutions
• Energy-efficient appliances

Objectives of the Awards

• Promote adoption of energy-efficient technologies
• Encourage best practices in energy management
• Raise awareness about the role of energy efficiency in sustainable development
• Support India’s commitments toward climate mitigation

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

About

• A statutory body under the Energy Conservation Act
• Established on 1 March 2002
• Functions under the Ministry of Power

Major Functions

BEE promotes energy efficiency through national programmes such as:

• Standards & Labelling (S&L) Programme: Introduces star ratings for appliances to guide consumers toward energy-efficient products.
• Demand Side Management (DSM): Encourages efficient energy use across sectors including agriculture, industry, and households.
• Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023: Replaces the earlier Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme, promoting market-based mechanisms for emission reduction.
• Public Awareness & Capacity Building: Campaigns, training programmes, and competitions (like NECA and painting contests for students)

India’s energy efficiency efforts in 2023–24 reportedly led to savings of 53.60 million tonnes of oil equivalent (MTOE), along with substantial reductions in CO? emissions.

Related National Initiatives

Energy conservation aligns with broader programmes such as:

• Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (rooftop solar adoption)
• National Green Hydrogen Mission
• Renewable Consumption Obligations and Production Linked Incentive schemes

It also supports India’s global message of Lifestyle for Environment, encouraging sustainable consumption patterns.

In News:

The Government of India is considering amendments to the Copyright Act to address legal challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially the use of copyrighted works for AI training.

Background

The Copyright Act, 1957 protects original literary, artistic, musical, dramatic works, films, and sound recordings. It grants creators exclusive rights to reproduce, adapt, publish, translate, and communicate their works to the public. However, the rise of generative AI has exposed gaps in the law regarding training data usage and ownership of AI-generated outputs.

Key Proposed Amendments

1. Mandatory Blanket License for AI Training: AI developers may receive a statutory blanket license allowing them to use lawfully accessed copyrighted works for training AI models.

• Individual permission from each copyright owner would no longer be required.
• Rights holders may lose the ability to opt out of AI training use.

2. Statutory Right to Remuneration: Creators would be entitled to royalties when their works are used in AI training.

• Compensation could be calculated as a fixed share of revenue generated by AI systems.
• Payments would become due once AI products are commercialised, not during data collection.

3. Centralised Royalty Collection Mechanism: A government-designated, non-profit bodycomprising copyright societies and collective management organisationsmay be set up to collect and distribute royalties.

4. Concessions for Startups and MSMEs: Differential royalty structures may be introduced to ensure smaller AI firms are not disproportionately burdened.

Why Reform is Needed

• Absence of AI-Specific Definitions: The Act does not define terms such as AI, machine learning, generative AI, or training data, leading to legal uncertainty.
• Ambiguity Over AI Training: It is unclear whether AI training amounts to reproduction or adaptation under Section 14, or whether it qualifies as “fair dealing” under Section 52.
• Uncompensated Use of Creative Works: Mass data scraping for AI training currently occurs without systematic permission or remuneration for creators.
• Authorship of AI-Generated Content: The Act recognises authors in human terms, leaving uncertainty about ownership and protection of AI-created outputs.
• Cross-Border Issues: Existing provisions do not address AI systems trained abroad using Indian works or cloud-based data processing, complicating enforcement.

Key Features of the Copyright Act, 1957

• Section 2: Defines categories of works (literary, dramatic, artistic, etc.)
• Section 13: Extends protection to literary, musical, dramatic works, films, and sound recordings
• Section 14: Grants exclusive rights to copyright owners
• Section 52: Lists exceptions such as fair dealing
• Copyright exists automatically upon creation; registration is not mandatory

Judicial Highlights

Indian courts have emphasised balancing creator rights and public interest:

• Educational photocopying has been upheld as fair dealing
• Digital piracy has been actively restrained through blocking rogue websites
• Limited use of copyrighted content may not always constitute infringement

Global Approaches to AI & Copyright

India’s proposed model differs by combining mandatory licensing with creator remuneration, aiming to balance innovation and rights protection.

In News:

Members of the Dandami Madia tribe performed the traditional Bison Horn Maria dance during a village festival at Judiya Para in Jagdalpur, highlighting the enduring tribal cultural traditions of the Bastar region.

About the Tribe

• Alternate names:Dandami Maria, Bison Horn Maria, Khalpati Maria
• Region: Predominantly in Chhattisgarh (Bastar region)
• Ethnic affiliation: Identify as part of the larger Gond tradition
• Distinctive feature: Ceremonial bison-horn–shaped headgear, worn during festivals and rituals, from which the name “Bison Horn Maria” is derived

Language

• Primary language:Dandami Maria
• Related speech: Some members speak Gondi dialects, an oral language of Dravidian origin

Society, Economy and Beliefs

• Livelihood: Subsistence agriculture, supplemented by hunting and fishing
• Social institution:Ghotul (youth dormitory) - a key cultural institution for unmarried boys and girls, fostering social learning and community cohesion
• Customs: Permit divorce and widow remarriage
• Belief system: A syncretic mix of Hindu practices and animistic traditions

Cultural Expression

• Bison Horn Maria Dance:
  • Performed by both men and women during village festivals
  • Characterised by rhythmic movements, traditional attire, and the iconic horned headgear
  • Serves as a collective expression of identity, ritual celebration, and community bonding

In News:

A commemorative postage stamp honouringPerumbiduguMutharaiyar II was released by the Vice President of India, recognising his role in early medieval Tamil history.

Who was PerumbiduguMutharaiyar II?

• Period: c. 705–745 CE
• Also known as:Suvaran Maran, Shatrubhayankar
• Lineage: Ruler from the Mutharaiyar dynasty
• Political status: Feudatory of the Pallavas; later exercised near-sovereign authority as Pallava power waned
• Military role: Fought alongside Pallava king Nandivarman
• Reputation: Capable administrator; remembered for stability and governance

Mutharaiyars: Polity & Region

• Territory: Central Tamil Nadu-Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Perambalur, Tiruchirappalli and adjoining Cauvery basin areas
• Historical trajectory: Rose in prominence as Pallava authority declined
• Cultural legacy: Influential temple builders; active in cave-temple enterprises into the early 9th century
• Architectural significance: Their innovations influenced later Chola temple architecture

Religion & Patronage

• Religious climate: Period of Hindu revival alongside Jain and Buddhist presence
• Patronage: Supported Shaivism and scholarly debates; Jain monk Vimalachandra is recorded to have visited his court for theological discussions
• Inions: Credit him with temple endowments, irrigation works, and Tamil literary patronage

Historical Importance

• Demonstrates the transition from Pallava feudatories to regional rulers
• Bridges Pallava and early Chola phases in Tamil polity and architecture
• Highlights plural religious discourse in early medieval South India

In News:

Goa Liberation Day is commemorated on 19 December each year to mark the liberation of Goa from Portuguese colonial rule and its integration into the Indian Union. On this occasion, the Union Home Minister paid tributes to prominent freedom fighters such as Prabhakar Vaidya, Bala Raya Mapari, Nanaji Deshmukh, and Jagannath Rao Joshi, associated with the Goa liberation movement.

Portuguese Rule in Goa (1510–1961)

• Goa came under Portuguese control in 1510, after Afonso de Albuquerque defeated Yusuf Adil Shah of Bijapur.
• This began 451 years of Portuguese colonial rule, making Goa one of the longest-held European colonies in India.
• Until 1961, Indians required official permission to enter Goa, underscoring its separation from British India.

Rise of the Goa Liberation Movement

• Anti-colonial nationalism in Goa gained momentum alongside India’s freedom struggle.
• In 1928, Tristão de Bragança Cunha founded the Goa National Congress at the Calcutta session of the Indian National Congress, laying the ideological foundation for the movement.
• The movement suffered from a strategic split:
  • Non-violent resistance (Satyagraha)
  • Armed struggle, led by groups such as the Azad Gomantak Dal (AGD)

This divergence delayed unified mass mobilisation.

Role of National Leaders

• In 1946, socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia led a historic rally in Goa demanding civil liberties, freedom, and integration with India, galvanising the movement at a critical juncture.

Integration with India: Operation Vijay

• After India’s independence, New Delhi initially avoided military action due to:
  • Commitment to peaceful resolution
  • Portugal’s membership in NATO
• With diplomatic efforts failing, India launched Operation Vijay in December 1961.
• On 19 December 1961, Goa, Daman, and Diu were liberated, ending Portuguese rule.

Post-Liberation Developments

• Goa, Daman, and Diu were initially constituted as Union Territories.
• In 1974, India and Portugal signed a treaty formally recognising India’s sovereignty over Goa, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, restoring diplomatic relations.
• Goa attained full statehood on 30 May 1987, becoming India’s 25th state.

In News:

Scientists are currently analysingdeep ice cores extracted from the Kon-Chukurbashi ice cap in Tajikistan to scientifically explain the Pamir–Karakoram anomaly, a rare glaciological phenomenon where glaciers have remained stable or even gained mass since the late 20th century, contrary to global trends of glacier retreat.

What is the Pamir–Karakoram Anomaly?

The Pamir–Karakoram anomaly describes the near-stability or slight expansion of glaciers in the Karakoram Range and parts of the Pamir Mountains, while glaciers in most other mountain systems, such as the Himalayas, Alps, Andes, and Rockieshave been rapidly shrinking due to rising global temperatures.

Geographical Extent

• Core region: Karakoram Range (notably Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Ladakh)
• Extended region: Western Pamirs (Tajikistan and Afghanistan)
• This region lies at the junction of major mountain systems-Hindu Kush, Pamirs, Kunlun, and Himalayas.

Proposed Explanations

Several interacting factors are believed to contribute to this anomaly:

• Increased winter precipitation: Heavy snowfall during winters replenishes glacier mass and compensates for summer melting.
• Dominance of Western Disturbances: Unlike most of the Himalayas, this region receives moisture mainly from Western Disturbances rather than the Indian monsoon.
• High-altitude, steep topography: Promotes large accumulation zones and reduces exposure to solar radiation.
• Summer cloud cover: Limits incoming solar radiation, reducing melt rates.
• Debris-covered glaciers: Rock and sediment layers insulate underlying ice, slowing melting at lower elevations.

Recent Scientific Findings

• Satellite-based studies using ICESat-2 (altimetry) and GRACE (gravity data) suggest that the anomaly has weakened in recent years.
• However, field-based ice-core analysiswhich provides long-term climate records through trapped air bubbles, isotopes, and impuritiesis still underway and may offer deeper insights into historical snowfall and temperature patterns.

Significance for India

• Glaciers in the Karakoram are a major source of the Indus River system.
• Their relative stability ensures more reliable river flows into Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir, supporting agriculture, hydropower, and water security.
• Understanding this anomaly is crucial for climate modelling, water-resource planning, and disaster risk assessment in the western Himalayas.

Karakoram Range: Key Facts

• Location: Central Asia; spans Afghanistan, China, India, Pakistan, and Tajikistan.
• Highest Peak:K2 (8,611 m), the world’s second-highest peak after Mount Everest.
• Known for extensive glaciation and some of the largest valley glaciers outside polar regions.

In News:

India is set to launch Bharat Taxi, the country’s first cooperative-run taxi service, in Delhi from 2027. Operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited, the initiative aims to provide a homegrown, driver-first alternative to private cab aggregators such as Uber and Rapido, aligning with India’s broader push for cooperative-led growth and digital public infrastructure.

Key Features of Bharat Taxi

1. Cooperative Ownership & Governance

• Bharat Taxi is structured as a cooperative platform, ensuring drivers are stakeholders rather than gig workers.
• It seeks to curb profit extraction by intermediaries and promote equitable income distribution among drivers.

2. Commission Model

• Zero-commission model initially: 100% of ride payments go directly to drivers.
• A proposed ~20% cooperative fee may be introduced later, which will be redistributed back to drivers as incentives, unlike conventional aggregator commissions.

3. Institutional Collaboration

The platform is being developed through collaboration among:

• National e-Governance Division (NeGD)
• Digital India Corporation
• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited

This ensures integration with India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

4. Digital Integration

Bharat Taxi will be integrated with:

• DigiLocker
• UMANG
• API Setu

These integrations will streamline driver onboarding, document verification, and service delivery.

5. Pricing Policy

• No surge pricing under normal conditions, enhancing affordability and predictability for commuters.
• Dynamic pricing permitted only under specific, clearly defined circumstances, unlike algorithm-driven surge pricing models.

6. Safety and Consumer Protection

• Driver verification and background checks.
• Integration with Delhi Police systems.
• Real-time ride tracking and 24×7 customer care, enhancing passenger safety and trust.

Significance

• Promotes the cooperative movement in the digital platform economy.
• Supports driver welfare, income stability, and transparency.
• Demonstrates the use of government-backed digital infrastructure for service delivery.
• Offers a public-interest alternative to profit-driven ride-hailing platforms.

In News:

The Indian Coast Guard commissioned ICG Ship Amulya in Goa, marking another milestone in India’s efforts to enhance maritime security and indigenous defence capability. Amulya is the third vessel in the series of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) being inducted into the Coast Guard fleet.

Design and Indigenous Content

• Amulya is a 51-metre-long Fast Patrol Vessel.
• Designed and built byGoa Shipyard Limited.
• Incorporates over 60% indigenous components, underscoring India’s push for defence self-reliance.
• Reflects the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.
• Built with a modern design philosophy focused on efficiency, endurance, and rapid response.

Propulsion and Performance

• Propulsion: Powered by two 3000 kW advanced diesel engines.
• Top Speed:27 knots.
• Operational Endurance:1,500 nautical miles, enabling extended patrols across India’s maritime zones.
• Equipped with indigenous state-of-the-art weapons and systems, providing enhanced manoeuvrability, flexibility, and operational performance at sea.

Roles and Functions

ICG Ship Amulya is designed to undertake a wide range of coast guard missions, including:

• Maritime surveillance and interdiction
• Search and Rescue (SAR) operations
• Anti-smuggling and law enforcement
• Marine pollution response

These roles are critical for safeguarding India’s coastline, maritime trade routes, and offshore assets.

Operational Deployment

• Home Port: Paradip, Odisha
• Operates under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard Region (North East).
• Its deployment strengthens surveillance and response capabilities along the eastern seaboard.

In News:

The Government of India has informed Parliament that 47 Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs) are currently operational across the country, covering nearly 87% of India’s geographical area. These radars play a crucial role in monitoring weather systems and improving forecasts of extreme weather events, significantly strengthening India’s disaster preparedness and early warning capabilities.

What is a Doppler Weather Radar?

A Doppler Weather Radar is an advanced meteorological instrument that uses the Doppler effect—identified by Christian Doppler—to determine both the position and velocity of atmospheric targets such as raindrops, snowflakes, or hailstones. The Doppler effect explains how the frequency of a wave changes relative to the motion of the source or observer (similar to the changing pitch of a passing train whistle).

Unlike conventional radars that only detect the location of precipitation, DWRs can also measure movement, enabling more accurate tracking of storms and cloud systems.

How Doppler Weather Radars Work

• The radar emits pulses of radio waves from an antenna.
• When these waves strike atmospheric particles, a portion of the energy is scattered back to the radar.
• The time taken for the signal to return helps calculate the distance of precipitation.
• The change in frequency or phase of the returned signal (Doppler shift) reveals the speed and direction of movement of weather systems.
• Larger particles reflect more energy, allowing estimation of rainfall intensity.

Radar Bands Used in India

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) employs different radar frequency bands based on application:

• S-band: Long-range surveillance and cyclone monitoring
• C-band: Widely used for cyclone tracking and regional weather observation
• X-band: Short-range, high-resolution detection of thunderstorms and lightning

Applications of Doppler Weather Radars

• Detection of precipitation: Rain, snow, hail
• Tracking movement of clouds and storms
• Estimation of rainfall intensity and distribution
• Nowcasting: Short-term forecasts of extreme events like cloudbursts, thunderstorms, squalls, and cyclones
• Coverage: Each radar can monitor weather within a radius of about 500 km

In News:

A first-of-its-kind comprehensive study has detected inhalable microplastics in the ambient air of major Indian cities, uncovering a largely ignored dimension of urban air pollution. The research monitored air samples from densely populated market areas across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, highlighting a regulatory blind spot in current air quality assessment systems.

What are Inhalable Microplastics?

• Definition: Tiny airborne plastic particles smaller than 10 micrometres (µm) that can remain suspended in air and be inhaled deep into the lungs.
• Unlike larger microplastics that settle quickly, these particles persist in the atmosphere due to low gravitational settling velocity.
• They are now emerging as airborne contaminants, alongside conventional pollutants such as PM?.? and PM??, sulphur dioxide (SO?), nitrogen dioxide (NO?), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O?), lead (Pb), and ammonia (NH?).

Sources of Inhalable Microplastics

• Tyre and brake wear from road transport
• Synthetic clothing fibres (polyester, nylon)
• Plastic packaging and urban waste mismanagement
• Paints, cosmetics, and open waste burning

Key Findings of the Study

• New Air Pollutant Identified: Inhalable microplastics are not adequately captured by existing Air Quality Index (AQI) frameworks.
• City-wise Variation: Levels were significantly higher in Delhi and Kolkata compared to Mumbai and Chennai, attributed to:
  • Coastal dispersion of pollutants in Mumbai and Chennai
  • Higher population density and poorer waste management in Delhi and Kolkata
• High Human Exposure: Urban residents inhale approximately 132 micrograms (µg) of microplastics daily, indicating chronic exposure at breathing height.
• Carrier of Toxins: These particles act as “Trojan horses,” transporting:
  • Heavy metals (lead, cadmium)
  • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (phthalates)
• Health Risks:
  • Deep lung penetration leading to respiratory disorders
  • Increased risk of hormonal imbalance, cancer, and long-term lung damage
  • Ability to carry microbes such as Aspergillus fumigatus, including antibiotic-resistance genes, raising concerns over drug-resistant respiratory infections

Microplastics: Background

• Definition: Plastic particles <5 mm in size; particles <100 nanometres are termed nanoplastics.
• Formation: Fragmentation of larger plastics due to UV radiation, heat, wind, waves, and mechanical abrasion.
• Types:
  • Primary microplastics: Intentionally manufactured (microbeads in cosmetics, plastic pellets, synthetic fibres).
  • Secondary microplastics: Formed from degradation of larger plastic items (bags, bottles, packaging, fishing nets).

Major Sources

• Synthetic textiles
• Road transport (tyre wear)
• Single-use plastics
• Personal care products
• Ineffective plastic waste management

Regulatory Measures in India

• Ban on single-use plastics
• India Plastics Pact
• Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024

In News:

The Government of India, in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), has unveiled a common logo for all Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) under the “One RRB, One Logo” initiative. This reform follows the recent consolidation of RRBs and aims to present them as a single, modern, and easily recognisable national rural banking system.

What is the “One RRB, One Logo” Initiative?

• A reform measure to introduce a uniform visual identity for all 28 RRBs operating across India after consolidation.
• Implemented jointly by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, and NABARD.
• Applicable across all customer interfaces: branches, digital platforms, passbooks, ATMs, stationery, and official communications.

Objectives

• Unified Identity: Position RRBs as part of a cohesive national banking network rather than fragmented regional entities.
• Customer Trust: Improve recognition, credibility, and public confidence.
• Operational Integration: Support amalgamation under the “One State, One RRB” policy.
• Digital Readiness: Align branding with modern banking and digital financial services.

New Logo: Key Features & Symbolism

• Upward Arrow (Progress): Growth, development, and advancement of rural economies.
• Hands (Nurturing): Care, support, and assistance to rural communities.
• Flame (Enlightenment): Knowledge, empowerment, and financial awareness.
• Colours:
  • Dark Blue: Trust, stability, and finance
  • Green: Life, agriculture, and growth
• Reflects core values of financial inclusion, rural development, and empowerment.

Regional Rural Banks (RRBs):

• Purpose: Provide credit and banking services in rural and semi-urban areas; support small and marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, artisans, SHGs, MSMEs, and rural entrepreneurs.
• Model: Hybrid—local familiarity of cooperatives with professional expertise of commercial banks.
• Establishment: 1975 (Ordinance); enacted as the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976.
• Ownership Pattern:
  • Government of India – 50%
  • Concerned State Government – 15%
  • Sponsor Bank – 35%
• Regulation & Supervision: Regulated by the Reserve Bank of India; supervised by NABARD.

Evolution & Consolidation

• Initially 5 RRBs (1975); expanded to 196, then progressively amalgamated.
• Under “One State, One RRB”, 26 RRBs were merged across 11 States/UTs effective 01.05.2025.
• Presently 28 RRBs operate through 22,000 branches across 700 districts.

In News:

The offshore patrol vessel ICGS Sarthak of the Indian Coast Guard has made its first-ever port call at Chabahar Port, Iran. A port call refers to the period during which a naval or coast guard vessel arrives at, stays in, and departs from a port. This visit marks a notable step in strengthening maritime security cooperation, regional engagement, and strategic outreach in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Strategic Importance of the Visit

• Gateway Role: Chabahar serves as India’s direct maritime gateway to Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
• Connectivity & Supply Lines: The port call reinforces secure supply chains and India’s access to continental markets.
• Policy Alignment: The engagement aligns with India’s maritime visions of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR, underscoring cooperative security and prosperity in the IOR.

Environmental Outreach

Alongside operational engagements, the visit included environmental activities such as a beach walkathon and sports fixtures, supporting Puneet Sagar Abhiyan. Launched in 2021 by the National Cadet Corps, the campaign focuses on cleaning seashores, beaches, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies of plastic and waste—integrating maritime operations with environmental stewardship.

Chabahar Port

• Location:Sistan-Baluchistan province, Iran; on the Gulf of Oman, outside the Strait of Hormuz.
• Uniqueness: Iran’s only deep-sea port with direct ocean access.
• Agreement: Developed under the 2016 Chabahar Agreement between India, Iran, and Afghanistan.
• Connectivity Corridor: Part of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
• Terminals:Shahid Beheshti and Shahid Kalantari.
• Indian Role: India developed and actively operates the Shahid Beheshti terminal.
• Management: Since December 2018, operations are managed by India Ports Global Limited (IPGL) through its subsidiary India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ).

In News:

The indigenously developed Kavach system, India’s flagship Automatic Train Protection (ATP) technology, has been fully commissioned on over 2,000 km of the Indian Rail network, with its rollout progressing rapidly. This information was provided by the Union Railway Minister in a written reply during the Winter Session of Parliament, highlighting a major milestone in railway safety reforms.

What is Kavach?

Kavach is a home-grown digital safety system designed to prevent train accidents by automatically intervening when unsafe train movements are detected. It has been developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) under Indian Railways, in collaboration with Indian industry partnersp-Medha Servo Drives Pvt Ltd, HBL Power Systems Ltd, and Kernex Microsystems.

Key Technical Features

• Kavach is a complex integrated safety ecosystem comprising five major components.
• It relies on:
  • Continuous Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) laid along tracks
  • Telecom towers for uninterrupted data and voice communication
  • RFID tags and electronic equipment installed on locomotives, tracks, and signalling systems
• Communication occurs using ultra-high radio frequencies.
• Based on pre-programmed safety logic, the system can:
  • Warn loco pilots
  • Automatically apply brakes
  • Prevent collisions, signal passing at danger (SPAD), and over-speeding

Testing and Deployment

• Field trials began in 2016 on passenger trains before large-scale rollout.
• As of December 2025, Indian Railways has achieved:
  • 7,129 km of OFC laid
  • 860 telecom towers installed
  • 767 railway stations connected to data centres
  • Trackside equipment deployed along 3,413 km
  • 4,154 locomotives equipped with Kavach
• Around 40,000 railway personnel have been trained to operate and maintain the system.

Impact on Railway Safety

The introduction of Kavach has contributed to a nearly 90% reduction in consequential railway accidents, which declined from 135 incidents in 2014 to about 11 currently. This demonstrates its effectiveness as a preventive safety technology.

In News:

The Indian Army has deployed a contingent to the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) to participate in the second edition of the bilateral joint military exercise Desert Cyclone II, scheduled to be held at Abu Dhabi. The exercise follows the inaugural edition conducted in 2024, underscoring the growing momentum in India–U.A.E. defence cooperation.

Key Features of Exercise Desert Cyclone II

• Nature of Exercise: Second edition of the India–U.A.E. Joint Military Exercise.
• Indian Contingent: 45 personnel, primarily from a Mechanised Infantry Regiment battalion of the Indian Army.
• U.A.E. Representation: A contingent of similar strength from the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion of the U.A.E. Land Forces.
• Core Objective: Enhance interoperability, mutual understanding, and operational synergy between the two armies.
• Operational Focus:
  • Sub-conventional operations in urban environments
  • Conduct of operations under a United Nations mandate
  • Preparation for peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability operations
• Training Components:
  • Fighting in built-up areas (FIBUA)
  • Heliborne operations
  • Detailed joint mission planning
• Technology Dimension: Integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques, reflecting the evolving nature of modern urban warfare.

The conduct of Desert Cyclone II highlights deepening military diplomacy, shared strategic concerns, and expanding operational cooperation between India and the U.A.E.

India–U.A.E. Defence Relations:

• Diplomatic relations established:1972
  • U.A.E. Embassy in New Delhi (1972)
  • Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi (1973)
• First India–U.A.E. Joint Air Forces Exercise:2008, held at Al Dhafra Air Base, Abu Dhabi.
• India is a regular participant in the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi.
• Naval Cooperation: In 2025, Indian Navy ships INS Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand participated in the bilateral naval exercise Zayed Talwar, aimed at enhancing maritime interoperability.

In News:

The Global Value Chain (GVC) Development Report 2025 has been released by the World Trade Organization (WTO). The report analyses recent structural shifts in global production networks and assesses how economies are adapting to changing trade, technology and resilience imperatives.

What is a Global Value Chain (GVC)?

A Global Value Chain refers to the entire sequence of activities involved in producing a good or service, where these stages are geographically dispersed across multiple countries. Each stage adds value, and countries participate according to their comparative advantage.

Key Stages of a GVC

• Research & Design
• Sourcing of raw materials
• Manufacturing and assembly
• Logistics and distribution
• Marketing, sales and after-sales services

Illustration: A smartphone may be designed in the US, components manufactured in East Asia, assembled in India or Vietnam, and sold globally.

Major Findings of the GVC Development Report 2025

1. Continued Centrality of GVCs

• GVCs account for 46.3% of global trade in value-added terms (slightly below the 2022 peak).
• Despite global shocks, value chains remain integral to international trade.

2. Shift from Pure Efficiency to Resilience

• Firms and governments are increasingly prioritisingsupply chain diversification and risk mitigation, alongside cost efficiency.
• This reflects lessons from the pandemic and geopolitical disruptions.

3. Structural Shift Towards Services

• Services now contribute more than one-third of value added in manufacturing exports.
• Business services, ICT, logistics and digital platforms are becoming key GVC enablers.

4. Regional Reconfiguration

• Asia, Europe and North America continue to dominate GVC trade.
• However, production networks are becoming more regionally clustered.

5. Reshoring and Regionalisation

• Major economies such as China, the United States and the European Union are reducing dependence on foreign value-added in domestic consumption.
• This trend is driven by concerns over supply chain security and strategic autonomy.

6. Electric Vehicle (EV) Value Chains

• EV production is reshaping automotive GVCs, with China accounting for a large share of global EV output (2023).
• Critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, etc.) are emerging as strategic inputs, creating opportunities for resource-rich developing countries but also risks due to supply concentration.

7. Role of Technology

• Digitalisation, automation, AI and advanced ICT are enabling finer fragmentation of production and lowering coordination costs.
• Economies with strong infrastructure and absorptive capacity benefit most, while others risk exclusion.

India-Specific Findings

• India, along with the Philippines and several African economies, has strengthened its role in business-process and digital service exports.
• India is now among the top 10 value-adding economies globally, with a 2.8% share of global Domestic Value Added (DVA) in exports (2024).
• This highlights India’s growing integration into digital and services-led GVCs, rather than traditional manufacturing alone.

Challenges for India in GVC Integration

1. Infrastructure and Logistics Bottlenecks: High logistics costs, port inefficiencies and delays reduce export competitiveness.
2. Regulatory and Policy Uncertainty: Frequent policy changes and compliance burdens discourage long-term investment.
3. Limited Trade Agreements: Fewer Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) limit preferential access to major markets.
4. Skill and Technology Gaps: Shortage of skilled manpower in advanced manufacturing and high-tech sectors.
5. Sustainability Constraints: Carbon border taxes and ESG norms may increase compliance costs for exporters.

Policy Recommendations from the Report

For Policymakers

• Invest in digital and logistics infrastructure to deepen GVC participation.
• Align climate and trade policies to balance sustainability and competitiveness.
• Improve access to trade finance, especially for MSMEs.
• Promote transparent and coordinated industrial policies that enhance resilience without fragmenting global trade.

For Firms

• Invest in digital tools, AI and automation to enhance adaptability.
• Diversify supply networks to balance efficiency with resilience.
• Leverage regional value chains where strategic advantages exist.

In News:

On Vijay Diwas 2025, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the ‘Param Vir Dirgha’ at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

The gallery showcases portraits of all 21 recipients of the Param Vir Chakra (PVC), India’s highest military gallantry award.

Notably, this display replaced portraits of 96 British Aide-de-Camps (ADCs) from the colonial era, symbolising India’s continued effort to decolonise public memory and national symbols.

Param Vir Chakra (PVC): India’s Highest Gallantry Award

The Param Vir Chakra is the highest military decoration for valour in India, awarded for the most conspicuous bravery, indomitable courage and supreme sacrifice in the presence of the enemy during wartime.

• Instituted: 26 January 1950, coinciding with the enforcement of the Constitution
• Eligibility: Personnel of all ranks from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Territorial Army and other lawfully constituted armed forces
• Nature: Can be awarded posthumously

Key Features

• Awarded only during wartime
• Recognises acts of extraordinary courage against the enemy
• Includes a monthly honorarium of ?3,000, with an additional ?3,000 for every bar

Recipients

• Total awardees: 21
• Posthumous awards: 14
• Conflicts covered: Four major wars fought by India

The high proportion of posthumous awards underlines the supreme sacrifice associated with the honour.

Param Vir Dirgha: Symbolism and National Memory

The establishment of the Param Vir Dirgha serves multiple purposes:

• Institutionalising remembrance of India’s war heroes
• Educating citizens and visitors about acts of exceptional military valour
• Reinforcing national pride and military ethos

According to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the initiative helps visitors understand the “dauntless resolve and unconquerable spirit” of India’s soldiers and represents a conscious move to replace colonial symbolism with Indian national heroes.

Who are Aide-de-Camps (ADCs)?

An Aide-de-Camp is a personal military officer attached to high constitutional authorities such as the President or Governors.

Key Characteristics

• Typical Rank:
  • Major (Army)
  • Lieutenant Commander (Navy)
  • Squadron Leader (Air Force)

Functions

• Managing official schedules and engagements
• Coordinating ceremonial and protocol duties
• Acting as liaison between the dignitary and civil/military authorities
• Assisting in security and coordination

While ADCs continue to serve an important functional role today, the earlier display of British ADC portraits reflected colonial legacy rather than independent India’s military ethos.

In News:

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)organised an academic programme titled “Natyashastra – Synthesis of Theory and Praxis” during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, held at the Red Fort, New Delhi.
The event highlighted the continued global relevance of India’s classical knowledge systems in the domain of performing arts.

Natyashastra: An Overview

The Natyashastra is an ancient Sanskrit treatise that lays the foundational framework of Indian performing arts.

• Authorship: Composed by sage Bharata Muni
• Period: Dated between 2nd century BCE and 2nd century CE
• Nature: Earliest comprehensive treatise on drama, dance and music in South Asia
• Etymology:
  • Natya – dance and drama
  • Shastra – systematic science or discipline

The text legitimiseddrama as a means of moral, social and spiritual instruction, making performance a medium of religious and philosophical enlightenment.

Core Concepts in the Natyashastra

The Natyashastra consists of nearly 36,000 verses, dealing with both theoretical principles and practical aspects of performance:

• Natya: Dramatic composition
• Abhinaya: Modes of expression (body, speech, emotion and costume)
• Sangita: Music and rhythm
• Bhava: Emotional states expressed by the performer
• Rasa: Aesthetic experience felt by the audience

Doctrine of Rasa – A Key Contribution

One of the most enduring contributions of the Natyashastra is the theory of Rasa, which explains how art evokes emotional responses.

Bharata Muni identified eight primary Rasas:

1. Shringara – Love
2. Hasya – Humour
3. Karuna – Compassion
4. Raudra – Anger
5. Veera – Heroism
6. Bhayanaka – Fear
7. Bibhatsa – Disgust
8. Adbhuta – Wonder

Through skilful use of bhava, the performer evokes these rasas, resulting in aesthetic transcendence for the audience. This framework continues to guide Indian classical dance, theatre and music traditions.

Global Recognition

The Natyashastra has been included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, recognising its universal cultural value and its influence on global theories of aesthetics, dramaturgy and performance studies.

Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)

The IGNCA functions as a premier national institution for cultural research and preservation.

• Status: Autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture
• Mandate:
  • Documentation, preservation and dissemination of Indian arts and cultural heritage
  • Training of professionals in specialised cultural disciplines

Functional Units of IGNCA

1. Kalanidhi – Multi-form reference library
2. Kalakosa – Study and publication of fundamental texts (largely Sanskrit)
3. Janapada Sampada – Lifestyle and folk culture studies
4. Kaladarsana – Exhibitions and visual interpretation of research
5. Cultural Informatics Lab – Digital tools for cultural preservation
6. Sutradhara – Administrative and coordination unit

In News:

The Indian Army has received the final batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, completing its sanctioned fleet of six helicopters. These platforms have been inducted into the 451 Army Aviation Squadron based at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, marking a key step in enhancing India’s offensive rotary-wing capability.

About the AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter

The AH-64E Apache, also known as the Apache Guardian, is regarded as the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter. It is designed for advanced reconnaissance, precision strike and close air support (CAS) missions in high-intensity battlefield environments.

• Country of Origin: United States
• Manufacturer: Boeing
• User Nations: United States, India, Israel, Japan, South Korea, UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Netherlands, among others
• Operational Variant: Latest version currently used by the US Army

Apache in India’s Defence Architecture

India operates the Apache across two services, reflecting a shift towards service-specific combat roles:

• Indian Air Force: Operates 22 AH-64E helicopters, inducted primarily for air force-led strike and support roles
• Indian Army: Inducted 6 AH-64E helicopters (contract signed in 2020) to strengthen Army Aviation Corps’ direct battlefield support

This dual induction enhances jointness, while enabling the Army to independently conduct armoured warfare support and offensive air manoeuvres.

Key Technical and Combat Features

The AH-64E is a twin-engine, heavily armed attack helicopteroptimised for survivability and lethality:

• Length: 17.8 metres
• Maximum Speed: ~300 km/h
• Maximum Operating Weight: 10,432 kg
• Rate of Climb: Over 2,800 feet per minute

Weapons Suite:

• AGM-114 Hellfire missiles (anti-tank and precision strike)
• 70 mm rockets
• 30 mm chain gun (nose-mounted)
• Stinger air-to-air missiles (short-range aerial threats)

Advanced Avionics & Sensors:

• Integrated infrared laser designator
• Enhanced night-fighting capability combining infrared and night vision imagery
• Ability to track up to 128 targets per minute and prioritise threats in real time

These features enable operations in all-weather, day-night and high-threat environments.

Strategic Significance for India

The induction of AH-64E Apaches into the Indian Army has multiple strategic implications:

• Enhanced anti-armour capability, especially in desert and plains sectors
• Improved close air support for mechanised and infantry formations
• Greater operational autonomy for the Army Aviation Corps
• Boost to network-centric warfare, surveillance and precision strike capacity

The deployment at Jodhpur is particularly relevant for western theatre preparedness, including rapid response in desert warfare scenarios.

In News:

India has achieved a significant milestone in its semiconductor journey with the development of DHRUV64, the country’s first 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core indigenous microprocessor. Developed by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Microprocessor Development Programme (MDP) of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), DHRUV64 represents a major step towards technological self-reliance in advanced chip design, a core requirement for India’s digital and strategic autonomy.

Why Indigenous Microprocessors Matter

Microprocessors form the backbone of modern digital infrastructure, powering devices ranging from smartphones and automobiles to defence systems, satellites and medical equipment. For India, dependence on imported processors poses risks related to supply chain disruptions, strategic vulnerabilities and high foreign exchange outflows. Given that India consumes nearly 20% of globally manufactured microprocessors, indigenous capability is critical for sustaining the country’s expanding digital economy.

Key Features of DHRUV64

DHRUV64 incorporates modern architectural features that enhance efficiency, multitasking capability and system reliability. Its design enables seamless integration with diverse external hardware platforms, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

• 5G and telecom infrastructure
• Automotive electronics
• Industrial automation
• Consumer electronics
• Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems

The processor thus bridges the gap between strategic requirements and commercial scalability, a long-standing challenge in India’s chip ecosystem.

Strategic Significance for India

DHRUV64 strengthens India’s indigenous processor pipeline and reduces long-term reliance on foreign technologies. It contributes to:

• Secure digital infrastructure, especially for strategic sectors
• Technological sovereignty in critical electronics
• Capacity building for India’s large pool of chip design engineers

The development of DHRUV64 builds upon earlier indigenous processors such as SHAKTI (IIT Madras), AJIT (IIT Bombay), VIKRAM (ISRO–SCL) and THEJAS64 (C-DAC), collectively fostering a national processor ecosystem rather than isolated projects.

Role of RISC-V and Digital India RISC-V (DIR-V) Programme

DHRUV64 has been developed under the Digital India RISC-V Programme (DIR-V) initiative, which aims to establish India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM).

RISC-V, being an open-source instruction set architecture, eliminates licence fees and enables shared innovation among academia, startups and industry. Its adoption:

• Lowers entry barriers for indigenous chip development
• Encourages collaborative research and standardisation
• Supports long-term scalability of Indian processors

Under DIR-V, DHRUV64 is the third fabricated chip, following THEJAS32 and THEJAS64, while next-generation DHANUSH and DHANUSH System-on-Chip (SoC) variants are currently under development.

Impact on R&D, Innovation and Human Capital

DHRUV64 provides a homegrown, affordable platform for startups, academia and industry to prototype and scale computing products without foreign dependence. It strengthens India’s R&D ecosystem by:

• Enabling low-cost system architecture experimentation
• Supporting indigenous product development
• Enhancing skill formation for semiconductor professionals

Given that India already accounts for nearly 20% of the world’s chip design workforce, such platforms are crucial for converting talent into domestic intellectual property.

Institutional and Policy Support Framework

India’s indigenous processor development is supported by a coordinated institutional ecosystem:

• MeitY: Provides policy direction, funding and long-term planning through programmes such as MDP, DIR-V, Chips to Startup (C2S) and the India Semiconductor Mission.
• C-DAC: Leads processor IP design, SoCs, development boards and toolchains, and is spearheading future RISC-V processors like Dhanush and Dhanush .

Key national programmes strengthening this ecosystem include:

• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) – facilitating large-scale semiconductor investments
• Chips to Startup (C2S) – building manpower and fabless design capacity
• Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme – incentivising semiconductor design
• INUP-i2i Programme – providing access to national nanofabrication facilities

In News:

The Government has introduced the National Blood Transfusion Bill, 2025 in Parliament to create a dedicated legal and institutional framework for blood transfusion services in India. At present, blood and blood components are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, a law primarily designed for pharmaceuticalsseen as inadequate for managing blood as a life-saving public health resource. The new Bill seeks to move the sector into a clear, safety-first national system with uniform standards and stronger oversight.

Why a New Law?

• Public health sensitivity: Blood transfusion carries risks of transfusion-transmitted infections and adverse reactions, requiring rigorous quality control.
• Regulatory gaps: The existing drug-law framework does not fully address donor management, component therapy, traceability, and haemovigilance.
• Standardisation need: Wide variation in practices across States and facilities necessitates uniform national standards.

Institutional Architecture

The Bill provides for a statutory National Blood Transfusion Authority (NBTA). As the apex technical and regulatory body, NBTA will frame national norms and coordinate with State authorities to ensure consistent implementation.

Core Regulatory Provisions

• Uniform standards across the chain: NBTA will prescribe norms for collection, testing, processing, storage, distribution, issue, and transfusion of whole blood and components (e.g., packed red cells, platelets, plasma).
• Mandatory registration: All blood centres will require registration/authorization, improving traceability and accountability.
• Quality and safety protocols: Emphasis on validated testing, component separation, cold-chain maintenance, and documentation.
• Haemovigilance system: A national haemovigilanceprogramme will monitor and analyse transfusion-related adverse events to improve safety practices.
• Ethics and compliance: The Bill proposes stringent penalties for unsafe collection, improper storage, unlicensed operations, or other unethical practices.
• Promotion of voluntary donation: Strengthened, coordinated efforts to increase voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation, reducing reliance on replacement donations.

Expected Impact

• Patient safety:Standardised screening and monitoring reduce risks of infections and transfusion reactions.
• System efficiency: Better inventory management and component use can improve availability, especially during emergencies.
• Transparency and trust: Clear legal backing and oversight enhance public confidence in blood services.
• Data-driven regulation:Haemovigilance enables continuous quality improvement based on evidence.

In News:

• India has signed an agreement with France’s Safran to jointly manufacture, customise, supply, and maintain the HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) precision-guided air-to-ground weapon system in India.
• The production will take place through a 50:50 joint venture between Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Safran.

What is HAMMER (AASM)?

• HAMMER, also known as Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM), is a modular precision-guided munition that converts unguided “dumb” bombs into smart stand-off weapons using guidance and propulsion kits.
• It provides missile-like accuracy at significantly lower cost than cruise missiles.

Developer & Indian Manufacturing

Key Technical Features

• Modular Design
  • Nose-mounted guidance kit
  • Tail-mounted range-extension/propulsion kit
  • Compatible with standard bomb bodies (125 kg to 1,000 kg, including Mk-80 series)
• Multiple Guidance Options
  • INS-GPS → All-weather precision
  • INS-GPS + Infrared (IR) → High-precision fixed targets
  • Laser guidance → Moving targets
• Stand-off Capability
  • Equipped with rocket booster and winglets
  • Allows aircraft to strike from outside enemy air-defence range
  • Can be launched at off-axis angles
• High Accuracy
  • CEP (Circular Error Probability):
    • ~10 m (INS-GPS)
    • ~1 m (IR guidance)
• Platform Integration
  • Already integrated with Dassault Rafale
  • Planned integration with HAL Tejas

In News:

India recently reaffirmed its civilisational philosophy of VasudhaivaKutumbakam (“the world is one family”) and commitment to religious harmony at the 11th UNAOC Global Forum held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Indian delegation highlighted India’s long-standing belief in pluralism, intercultural dialogue, and Sarva Dharma Samabhav (equal respect for all religions).

About the UNAOC

Core Objectives of UNAOC

UNAOC aims to:

• Promote intercultural and interreligious dialogue
• Reduce polarisation, extremism, xenophobia and hate speech
• Encourage mutual respect, inclusion and peaceful coexistence
• Serve as a platform for conflict prevention and resolution through dialogue

Global Forum of UNAOC

The Global Forum is the flagship event of UNAOC:

• Brings together political leaders, religious figures, youth, media and civil society
• Focuses on bridging cultural divides
• Acts as a high-level platform for policy dialogue and partnership-building

The 11th Forum marked two decades of UNAOC’s work in strengthening intercultural cooperation.

Funding Mechanism

• Operates through a Voluntary Trust Fund
• Contributions from:
  • UN Member States
  • International organizations
  • Foundations
  • Private sector
• Fund supports projects, outreach, and administrative functions

In News:

India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed five loan agreements worth over $2.2 billion to finance multi-sector development projects. The package supports human capital formation, clean energy transition, urban mobility, healthcare strengthening, and sustainable rural livelihoods.

About the Asian Development Bank (ADB)

• Established: 1966
• Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
• Type: Multilateral development bank
• Members: 69 countries (India is a founding member)
• Voting system: Weighted voting based on capital subscription
• Top shareholders: Japan & USA (~15.6% each), China (~6.4%), India (~6.3%), Australia (~5.8%)
• Mandate: Promote inclusive, environmentally sustainable, and regionally integrated growth in Asia-Pacific

Key Highlights of the $2.2 Billion Loan Package

1. Skilling & Employability – $846 Million

• Supports modernisation of 650 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across 12 states and upgradation of 5 National Skill Training Institutes.

Focus Areas:

• Renewable energy
• Electric mobility
• Advanced manufacturing

Target: Improve employability of 1.3 million youth

2. Rooftop Solar Expansion – $650 Million

Supports Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

Objectives:

• Rooftop solar for 10 million households by 2027
• Uniform technical standards
• Affordable collateral-free loans for households
• Expands access to clean and affordable energy

3. Assam Tertiary Healthcare Strengthening – $398.8 Million

Project to modernise medical education and tertiary healthcare in Assam.

Institutions to be upgraded:

• Medical colleges in Guwahati
• Dibrugarh
• Silchar

These will serve as centres of excellence under the state health university system.

4. Urban Mobility – Chennai Metro – $240 Million

Supports Tranche 2 of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited project.

Features:

• ~20 km of new corridors (elevated + underground)
• 18 new metro stations
• Universal accessibility features
• Climate-resilient infrastructure for extreme weather

5. Meghalaya Sustainable Livelihoods & Ecotourism – $77 Million

Supports ecotourism + climate-smart agriculture.

Key Outcomes:

• Improve incomes of 8,000+ local beneficiaries
• Focus on women & indigenous communities
• Promote forest conservation and nature-based tourism

In News:

The Union Government has introduced the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 (VB-G RaM G) in the Lok Sabha to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005.

It marks a structural shift in India’s rural wage employment framework in line with the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.

What is VB-G RaM G?

It is a proposed statutory rural wage employment guarantee law that:

• Assures 125 days of wage employment per rural household per financial year (earlier 100 days under MGNREGA)
• Focuses on durable, productivity-enhancing rural assets
• Integrates employment generation with infrastructure creation, livelihoods, and climate resilience

Core Objectives

1. Move from distress-relief employment to development-linked employment
2. Ensure convergence of rural schemes
3. Create durable and climate-resilient assets
4. Improve transparency, digital monitoring, and accountability