Daily Current Affairs - 1st & 2nd May 2026
- Kaushal
- 7 days ago
- 19 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | Asia-Pacific Geospatial Forum 2026, UN-GGIM Framework, OPEC & OPEC+ UAE Exit, Indus Water Treaty Disputes on Kiru & Kawar Projects, BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance 2026, WTO Peace Clause on Rice Subsidies, SEBI PaRRVA Mechanism, Women and Men in India 2025 Report, Panchayat Advancement Index 2.0, NITI Aayog Million-Plus Cities Governance Report, NCLT Resolution Delays, INS Sunayna at Changi Naval Base, Vikram VT 21 Armoured Platform, NASM-SR Missile Test, WFP AI Hunger Map, ATF Pricing Reform and more.
Table of Content
REPORTS & INDICES
SECURITY / DEFENCE
SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT
Geospatial Systems and Governance
India hosted the Asia-Pacific Forum on Advancing Geospatial Foundations for Sustainable Development, highlighting the growing importance of geospatial systems in future-ready governance (data-driven decision-making using spatial technologies).
The forum emphasised global coordination under the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management, which functions as an apex body for geospatial policymaking under the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
About Geospatial Systems
Geospatial systems are tools used to capture, analyse, and visualise spatial data (data linked to geographic locations), enabling better understanding of real-world phenomena.
These systems integrate multiple technologies such as satellite imagery and remote sensing (data collection from satellites), Geographic Information Systems—GIS (software for spatial analysis), Global Positioning System—GPS (location tracking technology), drones (unmanned aerial vehicles), and LiDAR (laser-based distance measurement technology).
Role of Geospatial Systems in Governance
Geospatial systems support evidence-based urban planning, where tools like 3D city models help in visualising development projects, monitoring water distribution, and managing urban assets in real time.
They contribute to infrastructure development, for example, drone-based geospatial surveys enabled the modernisation of Tiruchirappalli International Airport (Trichy Airport).
These systems also enable monitoring of assets, such as geotagging (assigning geographic coordinates) of assets created under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) using the Bhuvan platform.
In disaster management, geospatial tools help in predicting floods and cyclones, while drone-based flood inundation modelling (mapping flood-affected areas) assists in damage assessment.
They also play a role in internal security, including border mapping through satellite imagery and identifying criminal hideouts using GIS-based mapping.
Key Government Initiatives
The National Geospatial Mission (announced in Union Budget 2025–26) aims to build foundational geospatial infrastructure and data ecosystems.
The National Geospatial Policy 2022 seeks to position India as a global leader in the geospatial sector.
The National Geospatial Data Repository provides a centralised platform for storage, management, and access to geospatial data.
The eLoc (National Digital Address System) assigns a unique 6-character digital address to every location, functioning like an Aadhaar for places (unique identification system).
Other major schemes leveraging geospatial systems include the Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), SVAMITVA (mapping rural land ownership), and NAKSHA (urban property mapping initiative).
OPEC and OPEC+
Recently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced its exit from OPEC and OPEC+ (effective May 1, 2026), marking a major shift in global oil governance and potentially weakening the group’s influence over oil markets.
About OPEC
The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries is a permanent intergovernmental organization of oil-exporting developing countries, formed to collectively influence global oil supply and pricing.
It was established in 1960 at the Baghdad Conference by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela, with the aim of asserting control over natural resources and stabilising oil markets.
Over time, membership expanded to include countries such as Algeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Libya, and Nigeria, among others.
The headquarters of OPEC is located in Vienna, and the organization works to coordinate and unify petroleum policies to ensure fair and stable prices for producers and steady supply to consumers.
About OPEC+
In 2016, OPEC expanded cooperation by forming OPEC+, an alliance with 10 additional oil-producing countries, in response to falling oil prices due to rising U.S. shale oil production.
These non-OPEC partners include Russia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Malaysia, Oman, South Sudan, and Sudan, creating a broader coalition to manage global oil supply.
Significance of UAE’s Exit
The UAE’s withdrawal reflects its desire for greater autonomy over oil production (freedom from OPEC quotas) and long-term strategic energy goals.
This move may reduce OPEC’s collective control over global oil prices, potentially leading to greater market volatility and competition among producers.
It also signals emerging divergences within oil-producing countries, especially regarding production strategies and geopolitical alignments, which could reshape the future of global energy governance.
Indus Water Treaty (IWT)
Recently, Pakistan has expanded its objections to include the Kiru and Kawar hydel projects on the Chenab, even though these projects are not currently under formal arbitration under the treaty framework, highlighting ongoing tensions.
About Indus Water Treaty (IWT)
The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) was signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, with mediation by the World Bank, to govern the use of Indus river waters.
Under the treaty, the Eastern Rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—are allocated to India, granting it full control for unrestricted use.
The Western Rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—are primarily allocated to Pakistan, although India retains limited rights (such as non-consumptive uses like hydropower generation).
Dispute Resolution Mechanism under IWT
The treaty provides a three-level graded dispute resolution mechanism, ensuring structured handling of disagreements.
The first level is the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), where India and Pakistan exchange data and attempt to resolve issues related to treaty interpretation or implementation.
If unresolved, disputes move to a Neutral Expert (independent technical authority), appointed either jointly by both countries or through the World Bank, to address technical matters.
At the final level, a Court of Arbitration (7-member tribunal) is constituted to legally adjudicate disputes that remain unresolved after earlier stages.
BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance (BEA)
Bhaskar Jyoti Sonowal from Assam has been appointed to lead the BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance (BEA) for the 2026–27 term, marking India’s growing role in global business collaboration.
This announcement followed the India BRICS Business Summit held in Hyderabad, where the Hyderabad Declaration was adopted to promote MSME growth (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) and enhance global cooperation among BRICS nations.
About BEA Global Forum (BEAGF)
The BRICS Entrepreneurs Alliance Global Forum (BEAGF), launched in 2025, is a platform connecting entrepreneurs, startups, and business leaders across BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and expanded BRICS+ members).
Its vision is to build a trusted network of entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration across BRICS+ (expanded group of partner countries) based on integrity, responsibility, and mutual growth.
Objectives of BEAGF
The forum promotes networking, facilitating interaction among entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to strengthen business ecosystems.
It encourages knowledge sharing, particularly in areas like technology, digital economy, green growth (sustainable economic development), and manufacturing, enabling innovation exchange.
It also supports business facilitation, by enhancing cross-border partnerships and ease of doing business, thereby boosting economic cooperation within BRICS nations.
Peace Clause (WTO)
India has invoked the Peace Clause for the 7th time at the World Trade Organization, in relation to rice subsidies worth $7.6 billion, highlighting ongoing concerns around food security support measures.
About Peace Clause
The Peace Clause was agreed upon at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Bali (2013) as an interim arrangement to address concerns of developing countries regarding food security.
It allows developing countries to provide subsidies under public stockholding programmes (government procurement and storage of food grains for distribution) even if they exceed prescribed subsidy limits.
Importantly, it protects such programmes from legal challenges under the WTO dispute settlement system, offering temporary relief until a permanent solution is negotiated.
Types of Agricultural Subsidies (WTO Classification)
Under WTO rules, Green Box subsidies refer to non-trade distorting support, such as research, infrastructure development, environmental protection, and food security services, and are permitted without any limits.
Amber Box subsidies include trade-distorting measures like Minimum Support Price (MSP—government-guaranteed price for crops), price support, and input subsidies (fertilisers, electricity, etc.), which are capped at 5% of production value for developed countries and 10% for developing countries.
Blue Box subsidies are production-limiting supports provided under schemes that restrict output, and are considered less trade-distorting compared to Amber Box measures.
Integrated Hub-Based Manufacturing Policy
India’s manufacturing policy is transitioning toward an Integrated Hub-based development model, where Integrated Manufacturing Hubs (planned industrial zones with plug-and-play infrastructure, shared utilities, regulatory support, and multimodal connectivity) are created to boost efficiency and competitiveness.
This shift aims to transform the manufacturing sector, which currently contributes 16–17% of GDP and employs around 27 million workers, with a target to raise its share to 25% of GDP, supporting the broader vision of a $30–35 trillion economy by 2047.
How Integrated Manufacturing Hubs Boost Manufacturing
These hubs enhance competitiveness by enabling co-location (proximity of firms), which reduces transaction costs (costs of doing business) and allows firms to achieve economies of scale (cost advantages due to larger production).
They facilitate integration into Global Value Chains (GVCs—international production networks) by attracting FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) and boosting exports; for instance, Greater Bay Area in China generates about 35% of exports while occupying less than 1% of land.
Such hubs promote innovation, as the co-location of firms with R&D centres (research and development institutions) leads to technology transfer and skill diffusion.
They support MSME integration (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises), which account for 35.4% of manufacturing output, by helping them overcome technology gaps and supply-chain constraints through shared infrastructure and networks.
They improve ease of doing business by offering plug-and-play facilities, decentralised regulatory clearances, and co-located services, reducing bureaucratic delays.
Current Challenges
Many clusters face small size constraints, lacking adequate land for large-scale industrial operations.
There is a lack of robust multimodal connectivity (integration of road, rail, port, and air transport), which hampers effective GVC integration.
Regulatory rigidity, including strict labour, construction, and business norms, discourages global firms seeking speed, flexibility, and predictability.
Key Initiatives Supporting Integrated Manufacturing
The National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) focuses on developing greenfield industrial smart cities, such as Dholera, with advanced infrastructure.
The MSME Cluster Development Scheme provides grants for Common Facility Centres (shared infrastructure hubs) to strengthen MSME clusters.
Sector-specific initiatives include the PM MITRA scheme (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel hubs), which develops large textile manufacturing clusters.
The Biopharma SHAKTI initiative aims to create a globally competitive biopharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem.
Bulk Drug Parks are being developed to reduce production costs of pharmaceuticals through shared infrastructure.
Additionally, Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu aim to boost domestic defence manufacturing and reduce costs.
Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA)
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has operationalised the Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA) to enhance transparency (clear and accurate disclosure) and investor protection (safeguarding investor interests) in financial markets.
PaRRVA is a verification mechanism designed to authenticate past performance claims (returns, risk metrics, etc.) made by regulated market intermediaries (entities like mutual funds, portfolio managers, advisors).
Its objective is to ensure that performance data presented to investors is accurate, standardised, and trustworthy, thereby reducing misleading claims.
Institutional Structure of PaRRVA
The system operates through a two-tier structure, ensuring independent verification and data management.
At the first level, a SEBI-registered Credit Rating Agency (CRA—entity that assesses financial credibility) acts as the PaRRVA, responsible for verifying performance claims.
At the second level, a recognised stock exchange functions as the PaRRVA Data Centre (PDC) (central repository for validated data).
Currently, CARE Ratings Limited has been designated as the PaRRVA, while the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) serves as the PaRRVA Data Centre (PDC).
Women and Men in India 2025 Report
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released the Women and Men in India 2025 Report, providing a comprehensive overview of gender-related trends across population, health, education, employment, and decision-making.
Key Highlights of the Report
Population Trends
The Sex Ratio at Birth (number of females per 1000 males at birth) has improved from 904 (2017–19) to 917 (2021–23), indicating gradual correction in gender imbalance.
Among states, Arunachal Pradesh has the highest sex ratio (1085), while Jharkhand records the lowest (899).
India’s population growth pattern follows an inverted U-shape, peaking during 1971–81 and declining thereafter, indicating demographic transition.
Health Indicators
The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR—deaths per 100,000 live births) has significantly declined from 254 (2004–06) to 88 (2021–23), reflecting improvements in maternal healthcare.
The Total Fertility Rate (TFR—average number of children per woman) has declined in recent years, with urban areas at 1.5 and rural areas at 2.1 (2019–2023), indicating falling fertility levels.
Education
The literacy rate shows a gender gap of 14.4 percentage points, with male literacy at 84.7% and female literacy at 70.3%, highlighting persistent inequality.
However, the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER—enrolment as a percentage of eligible population) shows that female GER exceeds male GER at all levels of school education, indicating improved access to education for girls.
Economic Participation
The Worker Population Ratio (WPR—percentage of working population aged 15+) stands at 76.6% for males and 38.8% for females in 2025, showing a significant gender gap in employment.
The Female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR—percentage of women either working or seeking work) has increased in rural areas from 37.5% to 45.9%, indicating rising participation.
Participation in Decision-Making
Female voter turnout has surpassed male turnout in the 2019 and 2024 General Elections, reflecting increased political engagement of women.
However, women’s representation in Parliament remains limited, with 13.65% of Members of Parliament (MPs) and 9.86% of ministerial positions held by women as of 2025, indicating scope for improvement.
NSO Health Survey – Key Trends in India’s Healthcare System
The National Statistical Office has released the 80th round of the Household Social Consumption: Health survey, highlighting improved access, affordability, and utilisation of healthcare services in India.
Key Highlights of the Survey
The survey indicates low Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE—direct payments made by individuals for healthcare), with over half of hospitalisation cases in public hospitals costing around ₹1,100, reflecting improved affordability.
There has been significant improvement in maternal care, with institutional deliveries (childbirth in medical facilities) rising to 95.6% in rural areas and 97.8% in urban areas.
India is undergoing an epidemiological transition (shift in disease pattern), marked by a decline in infectious diseases and a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Access to healthcare has improved, supported by zero median outpatient cost in public facilities and the establishment of over 1.84 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs—primary healthcare centres under Ayushman Bharat).
There is increased utilisation of public healthcare, with outpatient care in rural public facilities rising from 28% (2014) to 35% (2025), driven by expanded primary healthcare services.
Health insurance coverage has expanded significantly, with government schemes covering 45.5% of the rural population and 31.8% of the urban population, improving financial protection.
Key Government Health Initiatives
Under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), eligible families receive cashless health insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh per year, targeting poor and vulnerable groups.
To improve access to affordable medicines, initiatives like Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) and Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) provide low-cost generic drugs and medical supplies.
For maternal healthcare, schemes such as Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) strengthen safe pregnancy and childbirth services.
The National Health Mission (NHM) ensures free drugs and diagnostics through initiatives like the Free Drugs Service Initiative (FDSI) and Free Diagnostics Initiative (FDI), improving healthcare access in remote and underserved regions.
Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has released the Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) 2.0 for 2023–24, which serves as a performance report card for over 2.5 lakh Panchayats (rural local self-government institutions) across India.
Thematic Areas under PAI 2.0
The index evaluates Panchayats across nine themes, including Poverty-Free and Enhanced Livelihoods, Healthy Panchayat, Child-Friendly Panchayat, Water-Sufficient Panchayat, and Clean and Green Panchayat.
It further includes themes like Self-Sufficient Infrastructure, Socially Just and Socially Secured Panchayat, Good Governance, and Women-Friendly Panchayat, covering holistic rural development.
About Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI)
The PAI is a nationwide framework designed to measure the progress of Rural Local Government Institutions, including Gram Panchayats (GPs) and Traditional Local Bodies (TLBs), using objective and verifiable indicators.
It is aligned with the concept of Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs—adapting global SDGs to local governance), which maps the 17 global SDGs into 9 Panchayat-relevant themes.
Based on performance, Panchayats are classified into categories such as Achiever (90+), Front Runner (75–<90), Performer (60–<75), Aspirant (40–<60), and Beginner (<40), enabling comparative assessment.
Significance of PAI
The index helps Panchayats identify local development priorities, design targeted interventions, and track progress over time, improving governance outcomes.
It also promotes healthy competition among Panchayats by showcasing best practices and enables incentivisation of high-performing units, thereby enhancing development efficiency.
Key Highlights of PAI 2.0
At the state level, top-performing states include Tripura, Kerala, and Odisha, reflecting strong grassroots governance.
In overall categorisation, no Gram Panchayat achieved the highest “Achiever” (A+) category, indicating scope for improvement.
The largest number of Panchayats fall under the “Performer” (B grade) category, suggesting moderate but not optimal performance across the country.
Right to Education (RTE) and Supreme Court Judgement
The Supreme Court of India, in the case of Lucknow Public School vs State of Uttar Pradesh & Others, has upheld the mandatory admission of students under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009, directing that neighbourhood schools (schools within defined local distance) must provide immediate admission to eligible children.
About Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009
The RTE Act, 2009 was enacted to give effect to Article 21A of the Constitution (fundamental right to education for children aged 6–14 years), introduced through the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2002.
The Act guarantees free and compulsory education (no fees and mandatory enrolment) to every child aged 6–14 years in a neighbourhood school until completion of elementary education (Classes 1–8).
It places the responsibility on the government and local authorities to establish schools and ensure adequate infrastructure, teachers, and learning facilities.
The Act also mandates 25% reservation in private unaided schools for children from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and disadvantaged groups, promoting inclusive and equitable education.
In such cases, schools are reimbursed by the State based on per-child expenditure, ensuring financial compensation.
Challenges in Implementation
There is resistance at the school level, particularly from private institutions, regarding full inclusion of EWS students.
Despite free education, hidden costs (uniforms, books, materials) often impose a financial burden on poor families.
Additional challenges include weak monitoring, limited accountability, inter-state variations, inadequate grievance redressal mechanisms, and last-mile delivery issues, affecting effective implementation.
Significance of the Judgement
The judgement promotes substantive equality (actual equality in outcomes, not just legal equality) and fosters social integration from early childhood.
It gives practical and enforceable meaning to fraternity (sense of unity and brotherhood) as a core constitutional value.
It also reinforces the Common School System (concept of equitable education for all) envisioned by the Kothari Commission.
Other Constitutional Provisions Related to Education
Under Article 51A(k) (Fundamental Duties), parents or guardians are obligated to provide opportunities for education to children aged 6–14 years.
Under Article 45 (Directive Principles of State Policy), the State is directed to provide early childhood care and education for children below 6 years, strengthening foundational learning.
Urban Governance in Million-Plus Cities
The NITI Aayog has released the report “Moving Towards Effective City Government: A Framework for Million-Plus Cities”, highlighting governance reforms needed for India’s largest urban centres.
India’s 47 million-plus cities (cities with population above 1 million) account for nearly one-third of the urban population and contribute about 60% of India’s GDP, making them critical engines of economic growth.
However, these cities face major challenges such as infrastructure deficits, weak service delivery, housing shortages, mobility issues, environmental concerns, and social inclusion gaps, which affect overall livability and quality of life.
Challenges in Urban Governance
There is limited devolution of functions, as city governments have full control over only 4 out of 18 functions listed under the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, restricting autonomy.
The governance structure is fragmented, with unclear role demarcation between elected representatives and municipal administration, and Mayors often lack real executive authority.
Municipal bodies suffer from a weak revenue base, with low own-source revenues (local taxes, fees), heavy dependence on tied grants (funds with conditions), and ineffective implementation of State Finance Commission recommendations.
There is also weak public service delivery, as city governments often have limited control over key services like public transport, urban planning, water supply, and sanitation.
Additionally, capacity constraints exist due to staff shortages, reliance on deputation, frequent transfers, and limited training, reducing administrative efficiency.
Key Recommendations of the Report
The report recommends strengthening urban leadership by introducing directly elected Mayors with fixed tenure and an empowered Mayor-in-Council (executive body assisting the Mayor).
It calls for integrated service delivery, where key urban services like water, sanitation, and transport are brought under city governments for better coordination.
To improve finances, it suggests enhancing municipal revenues, ensuring timely fiscal transfers via State Finance Commissions, and promoting market-based financing tools like municipal bonds (debt instruments issued by cities).
It advocates institutional restructuring, bringing parastatal agencies (government-owned specialised bodies) under city government oversight with clearly defined roles.
Finally, it recommends legal and policy reforms, including amendments to Municipal Acts by states, and updating the Model Municipal Law by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, to support effective urban governance.
National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)
The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the delays in approving resolution plans at NCLT benches.
About NCLT
Constitution: A quasi-judicial body established under the Companies Act, 2013.
Role: Adjudicates disputes related to companies and corporate governance.
Insolvency authority: Functions as the adjudicating authority under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
Objectives:
To club every matter related to Companies under one roof.
To deal with the matters related to sick and distressed industries.
Appellate body: Appeals lie with the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
Further appeal: Decisions can be challenged in the Supreme Court on questions of law.
Changi Naval Base
Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, INS Sunayna, arrived at Changi Naval Base in Singapore.
About Changi Naval Base
Strategic Position: Offers direct access to the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea.
2017 Logistics Agreement between India and Singapore grants Indian Navy access to the base for logistical support.
Other Overseas ports with India’s strategic presence
Port of Duqm: In South-east Oman overlooking Arabian sea
Sabang Port: On the northern tip of Sumatra, Indonesia at the entrance of the Strait of Malacca
Others: Chabahar Port, Iran; Haifa Port, Israel; Sitwee Port, Myanmar; Chattogram and Mongla Ports, Bangladesh.
INS Kalpeni and Addu Atoll
The INS Kalpeni, a Fast Attack Craft (FAC—small, high-speed naval vessel used for patrol and quick response) of the Indian Navy, has arrived at Addu Atoll, marking a significant step in maritime engagement between India and Maldives.
INS Kalpeni belongs to the Car Nicobar class Waterjet FAC (naval vessels powered by waterjet propulsion for high speed and manoeuvrability) and was commissioned in 2010, enhancing coastal security capabilities.
The vessel is named after Kalpeni Island, part of the Lakshadweep group of islands, reflecting India’s maritime heritage.
About Addu Atoll
Addu Atoll is the southernmost atoll of the Maldives, located just north of the Chagos Archipelago in the central Indian Ocean, giving it strategic maritime importance.
An atoll is a ring-shaped coral island (formed from coral reefs) surrounding a central lagoon (shallow water body), typically found in tropical ocean regions.
Addu Atoll comprises around 30 islands arranged around a semi-enclosed lagoon, forming a unique ecological and geographical system.
It is also part of UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme, which promotes sustainable interaction between humans and ecosystems, recognising its ecological significance.
Vikram VT 21
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched the Vikram VT 21 project, featuring two Advanced Armoured Platforms (heavily protected military vehicles) in wheeled and tracked configurations (vehicles with tyres vs continuous tracks for mobility).
The Vikram VT 21 is designed with enhanced armour protection, capable of withstanding projectiles (bullets/shells), blasts, and shrapnel (fragments from explosions), along with improved mobility and integrated weapon and surveillance systems (combined combat and monitoring technologies).
It offers STANAG Level 4 and Level 5 protection (NATO standards defining battlefield protection levels), which indicate resistance against heavy gunfire, explosions, and artillery fragments, supported by modular blast and ballistic protection (customisable layered defence systems).
The platform is also amphibious (capable of operating both on land and water), enhancing its versatility in diverse terrains such as rivers, marshlands, and coastal areas.
Overall, Vikram VT 21 is being developed as a potential solution for the Indian Army’s Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) requirement, aimed at modernising mechanised infantry capabilities.
Naval Anti-ship Missile-Short Range (NASM-SR)
DRDO & Indian Navy successfully conduct maiden salvo launch of Naval Anti-ship Missile-Short Range
About Naval Anti-ship Missile-Short Range
Developed by: DRDO for Indian Navy.
Propulsion System: Uses a solid propulsion booster and long-burn sustainer.
Key Features: Imaging Infra-Red Seeker for terminal guidance, a Fibre Optic Gyroscope-based Inertial Navigation System (INS), and a Radio Altimeter for mid-course guidance.
Disappearing Lakes in Jammu & Kashmir
A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India highlights that lakes in Jammu and Kashmir are disappearing at an alarming rate, with 518 lakes (74%) shrinking or vanishing since 1967, including 315 that have disappeared completely.
Major affected lakes include Wular Lake (India’s largest freshwater lake), Dal Lake, Hokersar Lake, Manasbal Lake, Surinsar Lake, and Mansar Lake, all of which are ecologically significant.
Causes of Lake Degradation
A major cause is pollution and eutrophication (nutrient enrichment leading to excessive algal growth) due to untreated sewage, waste discharge, and fertilizer runoff, which results in oxygen depletion in water bodies.
Encroachment and land use change, driven by urban expansion and conversion of lake areas into built-up land, have significantly reduced lake size and water spread.
Catchment degradation and siltation (accumulation of sediments) caused by deforestation and soil erosion have reduced lake depth and storage capacity.
There are also institutional and governance gaps, including fragmented responsibilities, absence of a central authority, and weak monitoring mechanisms, leading to poor management.
Additionally, anthropogenic pressures (human-induced impacts) such as illegal mining, unregulated tourism, and cultural practices further intensify ecological stress.
Socio-Ecological Implications
Ecologically, lake degradation has led to loss of biodiversity, including disappearance of native fish species like Schizothorax richardsonii and Bangana diplostoma from Wular Lake.
It adversely affects livelihoods, particularly of fishing communities and those dependent on aquatic resources like lotus stems and water chestnuts, along with tourism stakeholders such as houseboat operators.
There are also public health risks, as accumulation of toxic heavy metals (manganese, copper, lead) in fish can lead to serious health issues such as brain, liver, and kidney damage in consumers.
Initiatives for Lake Conservation
The National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP), launched in 1985–86, provides financial assistance to states to prevent wetland degradation.
The National Lake Conservation Programme (NLCP), 2001 focuses on restoration of water quality and ecology of urban and semi-urban lakes.
These programmes were merged into the National Programme for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), 2013, ensuring integrated conservation efforts.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 establish a regulatory framework based on the “wise use” principle (sustainable utilization) and mandate State Wetland Authorities for management.
Other legal frameworks include the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 for regulating pollution and the Environment Protection Act, 1986 as an umbrella environmental law.
At the international level, the Ramsar Convention supports recognition and conservation of wetlands of global importance.
Ethanol Blending in India
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 to allow higher ethanol-blended fuels such as E85, E100, and B100 biodiesel, enabling their certification and use in vehicles.
About Ethanol Blending
Ethanol blending refers to mixing ethanol (a biofuel derived from crops like sugarcane, maize, etc.) with petrol to create a cleaner and more sustainable fuel.
Different types of blends include E10 (10% ethanol), E20 (20% ethanol), and E85 (85% ethanol), depending on the proportion of ethanol mixed with petrol.
Compared to E10, E20 fuel provides better acceleration and ride quality, while also reducing carbon emissions by approximately 30%, improving environmental performance.
Significance of Ethanol Blending
Ethanol blending helps reduce carbon emissions, with studies by NITI Aayog showing that sugarcane-based ethanol can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 65% and maize-based ethanol by 50% compared to petrol.
It contributes to reducing fuel imports, saving about ₹1.08 trillion in foreign exchange between 2014 and 2024, thereby strengthening the economy.
It enhances energy security, as India’s dependence on imported crude oil is reduced through increased domestic biofuel production.
Additional benefits include economic growth, crop diversification (shifting to alternative crops), improved rural incomes, and support for the agricultural sector.
Challenges of Ethanol Blending
A major concern is food security and inflation, as expansion of biofuel production may divert food crops, leading to higher prices and impact on vulnerable populations.
There are environmental sustainability issues, since ethanol production is water-intensive, for example, producing 1 litre of ethanol from rice requires about 10,790 litres of water.
The transition to higher blends like E20 and above requires technological changes, including engine and fuel system modifications, increasing vehicle costs.
Additionally, ethanol has lower energy density, which can lead to reduced fuel efficiency (mileage) and may impact long-term vehicle performance.
Key Government Initiatives
The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, launched in 2003, promotes gradual blending of ethanol with petrol.
The National Policy on Biofuels (Amended 2022) advanced the target of achieving 20% ethanol blending from 2030 to 2025–26, accelerating adoption.
The Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana (Jaiv Indhan–Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) provides financial support for second-generation (2G) ethanol projects, which use agricultural residues instead of food crops.
UN World Food Programme(WFP)
A new food alert platform, the World Food Programme’s AI-assisted Hunger Map, enhances real-time monitoring to support humanitarian efforts in combating global hunger.
About WFP (HQ: Rome)
The WFP is the largest humanitarian agency saving lives in emergencies & using assistance to help communities become self-sufficient and resilient to shocks.
WFP was established in 1961 by United Nations General Assembly & Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
It has a presence in over 120 countries.
Funding: Voluntary donations from governments, corporates and private donors.
WFP was awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 2020.
Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF)
Airline body representing Indian carriers IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet has sent an SOS to the government, urging changes in the pricing formula for Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF).
About ATF/Jet Fuel
Primarily derived from crude oil, it is a specialized, colourless, kerosene-based petroleum distillate designed for gas-turbine engines in aircraft.
Types: Jet A and Jet A-1, with Jet A-1 being the global standard due to its exceptional cold-weather performance.
Significance: Prevents static discharge, corrosion and microbial growth, ensuring safety and reliability even in the most demanding conditions at 35,000 feet.
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