Daily Current Affairs - 3rd & 4th April 2026
- Kaushal
- 1 day ago
- 17 min read
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | India–Australia ECTA 4 Years, Arab League Emergency Session, US 100% Ad Valorem Duty on Patented Drugs, RBI Bars Non-Deliverable Derivatives, FAO Food Price Index Surge, Gujarat Uniform Civil Code 2026, INS Aridaman Induction, Defence Exports All-Time High, Plastic Waste Management Rules 2026, Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme, Western Disturbances Impact, NCERT Deemed University Status, Namo Drone Didi Yojana and more.
Table of Content
REPORTS & INDICES
SECURITY / DEFENCE
SCHEMES
India–Australia ECTA
The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) (a bilateral trade agreement to reduce tariffs and enhance economic ties), signed in 2022, has completed four years, playing a key role in enhancing trade flows, fostering industry linkages, and creating opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and employment.
Key Benefits Accrued from ECTA
One of the most significant outcomes is that India’s exports to Australia doubled, rising from USD 4 billion in FY 2020–21 to USD 8.5 billion in FY 2024–25, reflecting strong trade expansion.
Further, in FY 2025–26 (up to February), the total bilateral trade reached USD 19.3 billion, indicating sustained growth in economic engagement.
The agreement also ensured preferential market access (reduced or zero tariffs for certain goods), where India provided access on 70.3% of its tariff lines (categories of goods subject to tariffs), while Australia granted access on 100% of its tariff lines, covering all imports from India.
Notably, from 1 January 2026, all Indian exports are eligible for zero-duty market access in Australia (no import tariffs), significantly boosting export competitiveness.
The agreement has led to broad-based sectoral gains, with strong export growth in textiles, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agricultural products, indicating diversified benefits.
Additionally, the signing of a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) in the organic sector (agreement to mutually accept certification standards) has further strengthened organic trade between the two countries.
Significance of Australia for India
India and Australia share a strong strategic alignment in the Indo-Pacific (a geopolitical region spanning the Indian and Pacific Oceans), promoting a transparent, open, secure, inclusive, and rules-based order.
This is reflected in Australia’s role as a key member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) (strategic forum including India, the United States, Japan, and Australia for regional security cooperation).
Both countries also collaborate under the Australia–India Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative Partnership (AIIPOIP) (initiative to promote maritime cooperation and sustainable ocean governance).
Their engagement is further institutionalised through the 2+2 Dialogue (launched in 2019) (a high-level mechanism involving defence and foreign ministers to strengthen strategic coordination).
In terms of defence cooperation, the countries conduct regular joint naval exercises such as AUSINDEX (bilateral maritime exercise) and signed the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (2021) (enabling reciprocal access to military bases for logistics and support).
On the economic front, collaboration extends to energy and resources, including development of supply chains under the India–Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership (focused on securing essential minerals for clean technologies) and cooperation in renewable energy sectors such as Green Hydrogen (clean fuel produced using renewable energy).
Arab League
Arab League held an emergency session in Cairo over Al-Aqsa closure and prisoner execution law.
About Arab League (League of Arab States)
An Intergovernmental organisation encompassing all Arab states in Middle East and North Africa.
Mandate: strengthening relations between its member states, coordination of their policies and co-operation while safeguarding independence and sovereignty of each member.
Established: March 22, 1945, following adoption of Alexandria Protocol in 1944.
Members: 22.
Founding Members: Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, Yemen.
Headquarters: Cairo, Egypt.
Ad Valorem Duty
The US announced a 100% ad valorem duty on the import of patented pharmaceuticals and associated ingredients.
This will not include generic drugs “at this time,” having a limited impact on India.
The US is India’s largest market for pharmaceutical exports, accounting for an almost 40% share.
About Ad Valorem Duty
An ad valorem tariff is a customs duty calculated as a percentage of the total value of imported goods.
Unlike fixed-fee tariffs, which are based on weight or quantity, these tariffs fluctuate depending on the declared value of the product.
These tariffs are widely used to regulate trade, protect domestic industries, and generate government revenue.
United Nations Development Partnership Fund (UNDPF)
India and United Nations conducted review of UN Development Partnership Fund operations.
About UNDPF
Overview: Launched in 2017 with $150 million, led by Government of India.
Objective: Supports Global South in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and shared prosperity.
Approach: supports Southern-owned and led, demand-driven and country-led sustainable development projects.
Focus Areas: Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Implementation: managed by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) and executed by UN agencies with partner governments.
Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI)
The HSBC India Manufacturing PMI (a key economic indicator measuring manufacturing sector performance) declined to 53.9 in March 2026, reaching a near 4-year low, primarily due to disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis (geopolitical tensions affecting global trade and supply chains).
The report further highlighted that new orders and output (total production of goods) in manufacturing firms grew at their slowest pace since mid-2022, indicating weakening momentum in the sector.
About Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)
The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is a survey-based indicator (derived from responses of purchasing managers in companies) that measures business conditions using data such as orders, output, employment, and supply chains.
The index follows a threshold-based interpretation, where a PMI above 50 indicates expansion (growth in economic activity), while a PMI below 50 indicates contraction (decline in activity).
PMI is broadly classified into Manufacturing PMI (measuring industrial production activity) and Services PMI (measuring service sector performance).
Overall, PMI is significant as it reflects the vulnerability of the manufacturing sector to global shocks (external disruptions like geopolitical conflicts, supply chain issues, or demand fluctuations).
FAO Food Price Index
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Price Index rose to 128.5 points in March 2026, driven by higher energy costs amid Middle East tensions.
FAO Food Price Index
A measure published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) tracking monthly changes in international prices of a basket of food commodities.
Base year: 2014–16.
Composition: Includes five major commodity groups—cereals, vegetable oils, dairy, meat and sugar.
Non Deliverable Derivatives (NDD)
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed to bar banks from NDD contracts in rupee.
About NDD
Derivative contract where two parties agree on future exchange rate for rupee, but settle the difference in cash, usually in US dollars.
These trades take place offshore, outside the control of RBI.
They were developed in response to restrictions that constrained access to onshore markets and are widely used by foreign investors, hedge funds and global banks who cannot freely access the Indian rupee market.
Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC), 2026 Bill
The Gujarat Assembly has passed the Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC), 2026 Bill (a law to standardise personal laws), making Gujarat the second state after Uttarakhand to adopt a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
About the Bill
The primary objective of the Bill is to establish a common legal framework (uniform set of laws) governing marriage, divorce, succession (inheritance of property), equal inheritance rights, and live-in relationships, irrespective of religion.
However, the Bill provides exemptions for Scheduled Tribes and certain groups whose customary rights are protected under the Constitution (traditional practices legally safeguarded).
Among its key provisions, the Bill prohibits bigamy (practice of having more than one spouse at a time), meaning an individual cannot enter into a second marriage while their spouse is alive.
It also mandates compulsory registration of live-in relationships (formal legal documentation of cohabitation between partners).
Uniform Civil Code (UCC): Constitutional and Legal Context
The concept of UCC is rooted in Article 44 of the Constitution (a Directive Principle of State Policy guidelines for governance), which directs the state to strive for a uniform civil code for all citizens.
Currently, Goa follows a version of UCC under the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867 (a common set of civil laws applicable irrespective of religion).
Need for UCC in India
UCC promotes equality before the law by replacing community-based personal laws (religion-specific laws such as the Hindu Marriage Act and Muslim Personal Law (Sharia)) with a uniform legal system.
It also ensures gender justice, as women’s rights vary across religions, and many customary laws are patriarchal, limiting women’s rights in inheritance, property, and marriage.
The Supreme Court (SC) has repeatedly emphasised the need for UCC in cases such as the Shah Bano Case (1985) (related to maintenance rights of divorced Muslim women) and the Sarla Mudgal Case (1995) (addressing bigamy and conversion), highlighting legal inconsistencies.
Additionally, UCC supports national integration by separating religion from personal laws, thereby promoting social harmony and uniformity.
Challenges in Implementing UCC
Despite its benefits, UCC faces challenges as it may threaten cultural diversity and religious freedom (fear of loss of identity among communities).
There is also a lack of consensus among different communities, making its implementation socially and politically sensitive.
Article 161
Madras HC held that the Governor must follow Cabinet advice while exercising powers under Article 161 of the Constitution.
About Article-161
Grants Governor power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any convicted person.
Scope: Applies to offences under the State’s executive jurisdiction.
Citizen-Centric Governance
The Prime Minister emphasised a deeply citizen-centric governance model (governance focused on citizens’ needs and welfare) while addressing Karmayogi Sadhana Sapta 2026 (a governance-focused event), which coincided with the foundation day of the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) and five years of Mission Karmayogi.
Mission Karmayogi (launched in 2020) is a national programme aimed at training and capacity building of civil servants, using the iGOT Karmayogi platform (an online digital learning platform for continuous skill development).
Under this mission, the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) functions to harmonise training standards, create shared faculty and resources, and supervise Central Training Institutions, ensuring uniform capacity building across government services.
About Citizen-Centric Governance
Citizen-centric governance refers to a model that prioritises citizens’ welfare and satisfaction, forming the foundation of good governance (efficient, transparent, and accountable administration at local, state, and national levels).
This concept is closely linked to good governance, as it places citizens at the core of policy-making and service delivery, ensuring that governance outcomes directly benefit people.
It goes beyond citizen-oriented service delivery to also provide a larger participatory role to citizens (involvement in decision-making and accountability processes).
Pre-requisites of Citizen-Centric Governance
Effective implementation requires a sound legal framework (clear and enforceable laws), supported by a robust institutional mechanism (strong administrative systems for execution).
It also depends on competent personnel (skilled civil servants) and appropriate policies promoting decentralisation (power distribution), delegation (transfer of authority), and accountability (answerability of officials).
Key Initiatives for Citizen-Centric Governance
The Sevottam Model (2006), developed by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, focuses on improving service delivery through three components:
Citizen’s Charters (documents outlining service standards and commitments),
Public Grievance Mechanism (systems for addressing complaints), and
Service Delivery Capability (institutional ability to provide services efficiently).
Decentralisation efforts, such as the Panchayati Raj system (local self-government institutions), and social audits by PRIs (Panchayati Raj Institutions) (community-led evaluation of government schemes), enhance grassroots participation and accountability.
The principle of “Maximum Governance, Minimum Government” (efficient governance with minimal bureaucratic complexity) is implemented through ease of doing business reforms, removal of obsolete laws, and e-governance initiatives like DigiLocker (digital document storage platform) and UMANG App (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance providing multiple government services).
Additional measures include the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 (law ensuring transparency by allowing citizens access to government information) and CPGRAMS (Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System) (online platform for grievance redressal and monitoring).
INS Aridaman and India’s Nuclear-Powered Submarine Programme
India has inducted its third nuclear-powered submarine, INS Aridaman (a strategic naval asset powered by a nuclear reactor), which belongs to the Arihant-class submarines (India’s indigenous class of nuclear ballistic missile submarines) and is more advanced than its predecessors INS Arihant (2016) and INS Arighaat (2024).
Types of Nuclear-powered Submarines
Characteristic | SSBN (Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear) | SSN (Ship Submersible Nuclear) | SSGN (Ship Submersible Guided Nuclear) |
Primary Role | Strategic Deterrence | Attack and Surveillance | Precision Strikes |
Weaponry | Nuclear-armed Ballistic Missiles | Conventional Weapons | Guided Missiles with Conventional Warheads |
Purpose | Deterrence | Combat and Surveillance | Precision Strikes |
About India’s Nuclear-Powered Submarine Programme
India’s programme is driven by the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) programme (a long-term indigenous initiative to develop nuclear submarines), which was initiated over three decades ago with the involvement of private firms, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), and technical assistance from Russia.
The programme primarily focuses on developing ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) (nuclear-powered submarines capable of launching ballistic missiles), which are nuclear-propelled (powered by onboard nuclear reactors) and can carry Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) (missiles fired from submarines), equipped with single or multiple nuclear warheads (explosive payloads).
India’s Three Nuclear-powered Submarines
Submarines | INS Aridaman | INS Arihant | INS Arighaat |
Displacement | 7,000 Tonnes | 6,000 Tonnes | 6,000 Tonnes |
Vertical Launch Tubes | Eight | Four | Four |
Firepower | K-15 (700 km), K-4 (3,500 km) | K-15 (700 km) | K-4 (3,500 km), K-15 |
Nuclear Reactor | Not Specified | 83 MW Light-Water | 83 MW Light-Water |
Significance of Nuclear-Powered Submarines for India
The induction strengthens India’s Nuclear Triad (ability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea), placing India among a select group of countries such as the United States, Russia, China, and France with this capability.
It enhances strategic deterrence (ability to discourage adversaries from attack) by enabling deployment of nuclear ballistic missiles, particularly in the context of regional security challenges from China and Pakistan.
The submarine offers superior stealth and endurance, as nuclear propulsion allows long-duration underwater missions without surfacing, making it difficult to detect and highly survivable.
It also reinforces India’s nuclear doctrine, particularly the second-strike capability (ability to respond to a nuclear attack after absorbing it), aligned with India’s No First Use (NFU) policy (commitment to not initiate nuclear strikes first).
Taragiri
INS Taragiri: Nilgiri-class frigate was commissioned.
It is the fourth of the seven multi-mission stealth guided-missile frigates built under Project 17 Alpha.
About INS Taragiri
Propulsion: Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion plant
Designed for ‘High-Speed – High Endurance’ versatility and multi-dimensional maritime operations.
Capabilities: Multi role warfare (supersonic Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles, and a specialised Anti-Submarine Warfare suite).
Indigenisation: ~75% indigenous, built by Mazagon dock Shipbuilders.
India’s Defence Exports
India’s defence exports reached an all-time high of ₹38,424 crore in FY 2025–26, as reported by the Ministry of Defence, reflecting significant growth in the country’s defence manufacturing and export capabilities.
Key Achievements
There has been a 62.66% increase in exports compared to the previous fiscal year, continuing a trend of steady growth from FY 2021–22 to FY 2025–26.
In terms of sectoral contribution, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) (government-owned defence manufacturing companies) accounted for 54.84%, while the private sector contributed 45.16%, indicating rising private participation.
India’s defence exports have also achieved significant global reach, expanding to over 80 countries by FY 2025–26, enhancing its international presence.
Significance
Strategically, this growth positions India as a global manufacturing hub for defence equipment, strengthening its defence industrial base.
Diplomatically, defence exports help build trust, interoperability (ability of forces to operate together), and long-term partnerships with other countries.
It also promotes indigenisation (domestic production of defence equipment), with India achieving a record high in indigenous defence production in FY 2023–24.
These developments contribute to the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) goal, with targets of ₹3 lakh crore defence production and ₹50,000 crore exports by 2029.
Additionally, the sector supports employment generation and encourages greater private sector participation in defence manufacturing.
Persisting Challenges
Despite progress, challenges remain such as high import dependence, vulnerability to global disruptions (e.g., supply chain shocks), competition from established global players, and regulatory delays affecting efficiency.
Key Initiatives to Promote Defence Exports
The Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) framework promotes innovation through startups and MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises), encouraging indigenous solutions.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) liberalisation allows up to 74% FDI under the automatic route (investment without prior government approval), facilitating technology inflow.
The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 focuses on increasing indigenous content in defence procurement, boosting domestic industry.
The establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu aims to create integrated industrial ecosystems for defence manufacturing.
The Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme promotes collaboration among DPSUs, private companies, MSMEs, and startups, strengthening the innovation ecosystem.
F-15 Fighter Jet
A U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran during an ongoing conflict.
F-15E Strike Eagle is a dual-role fighter capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Unlike the fifth-generation F-35, the F-15E entirely lacks stealth technology,
Other aircraft/helicopter used includes the US’s A-10 Warthog, F-18, and F-22 fighters,Blackhawk helicopters, as well as Iran’s Yak-130, among others.
Key drones used include Iran’s Shahed-136 and the U.S.’s LUCAS drone, etc.
Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System (MHEW-DSS)
India’s Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System (MHEW-DSS) (an integrated digital platform for disaster forecasting and alerts) represents a major digital transformation in weather forecasting, strengthening disaster risk reduction and preparedness (measures to minimise damage from disasters).
This initiative aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) (a global agreement for reducing disaster risks), which aims to increase availability and access to multi-hazard early warning systems for people by 2030.
About MHEW-DSS
Launched in 2024, MHEW-DSS is a WebGIS-based platform (a system combining geographic information systems with web technology for spatial data analysis) designed to generate weather forecasts, process large volumes of meteorological data, and deliver timely alerts.
It has been developed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Mission Mausam initiative (a programme to modernise weather forecasting infrastructure in India).
Key Achievements
The system has achieved wide coverage, reaching nearly 80% of India’s population, significantly enhancing public access to early warnings.
It has demonstrated forecast accuracy, notably during Cyclone Biparjoy and Cyclone Dana, where timely alerts enabled effective evacuation and resulted in zero casualties in Gujarat and Odisha.
The platform ensures high automation, with over 90% of weather data collection, quality checks, and integration processes automated, improving efficiency and reliability.
In recognition of its performance, MHEW-DSS received the National Award for e-Governance 2025 (a government award for excellence in digital governance initiatives).
Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026
The Government has notified the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2026 (updated regulatory framework for plastic waste), which amend the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (umbrella law for environmental protection in India).
Key Changes in 2026 Amendment Rules
The amendment introduces mandatory recycled content requirements, requiring producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) to use increasing proportions of recycled plastic in packaging, with Category I targets rising from 30% in 2025–26 to 60% from 2028–29 onwards.
However, exemptions are allowed where statutory bodies like FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) or CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) prohibit the use of recycled plastic for specific applications, especially in safety-sensitive sectors.
Additionally, unfulfilled targets for 2025–26 in food-contact applications (packaging that directly touches food) can be carried forward for up to three years, providing compliance flexibility.
The rules also provide clearer definitions of terms such as “end-of-life disposal” (final treatment like recycling or safe disposal), “reuse” (multiple use of packaging), and “Plastic Waste Processors” (entities handling recycling and disposal) to remove regulatory ambiguity.
They introduce reuse obligations, setting minimum reuse targets for Category I rigid plastic packaging, such as up to 85% reuse for large drinking water containers.
Further, strict quality standards are mandated, requiring recycled plastic packaging to comply with Indian Standard IS 14534:2023 and include labels indicating recycled content, ensuring transparency and safety.
In terms of governance, the amendment promotes decentralised enforcement by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) (municipal authorities), with monitoring by State-level committees, along with digital tracking and audits by Registered Environment Auditors (authorised entities ensuring compliance).
Significance of Plastic Waste Management Rules
These rules promote a circular economy (system focused on reuse and recycling), reducing dependence on virgin plastic (newly produced plastic) and improving resource efficiency.
They contribute to environmental protection by reducing plastic pollution in land and marine ecosystems.
They also enhance public health, by minimising risks from plastic waste, microplastics (tiny plastic particles), and toxic exposure.
Additionally, they improve governance, strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) (accountability of producers for waste management), compliance, and overall accountability.
Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (Base Framework)
The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 aim to minimise plastic waste generation, promote recycling, and ensure environmentally sound disposal.
A key feature is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which makes producers, importers, and brand owners responsible for collection, recycling, and disposal of plastic waste.
The 2022 Amendment introduced a ban on identified single-use plastics (items intended for one-time use), along with a minimum thickness norm of 120 microns (to promote reuse and reduce littering).
The 2025 Amendment introduced traceability, requiring that from 1 July 2025, all plastic packaging must carry a barcode or QR code (digital identification tools) to enable tracking from production to disposal.
The rules also assign a key role to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Gram Panchayats (local governance institutions), making them responsible for collection, segregation, and processing of plastic waste.
Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme
Union Minister unveils India’s roadmap to reduce dependency on imported petroleum, ammonia, and fertilizers, highlighting the coal gasification incentive scheme.
About Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme
Approved: in 2024 with an outlay of ₹8,500 crore to promote coal and lignite gasification projects in public and private sectors.
Objective: To reduce dependence on imported petroleum, ammonia and fertilisers by promoting production of syngas and value-added products from coal.
Categories:
Category I: PSU-led projects
Category II: Private and PSU projects
Category III: Demonstration and small-scale projects
Digital Human
China issues draft rules to regulate digital humans.
Rules mandate clear labelling and banning services that could mislead children or fuel addiction.
About Digital Human
Digital Humans are AI-powered virtual avatars that simulate human conversation using voice, facial expressions, and body language.
Use Cases: Client services, education, healthcare, and advisory roles.
Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Standards
Under the Delhi Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan, 2026 (a policy framework to reduce air pollution in Delhi), the entry of non-BS-VI, non-CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), and non-electric goods vehicles will be restricted from November 1, aiming to curb vehicular pollution (pollution caused by vehicle emissions).
About Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Standards
The Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Standards are regulatory norms designed to control air pollutants from internal combustion engines (engines that burn fuel like petrol or diesel), based on European Euro emission standards, and were first introduced in 2000.
These standards are implemented by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) (India’s apex pollution control authority) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which sets timelines and compliance requirements.
BS-VI Standards (Advanced Stage)
The latest BS-VI (Bharat Stage VI) standards were implemented nationwide from April 2020 to significantly reduce vehicular emissions.
India made a direct transition from BS-IV to BS-VI, skipping BS-V, in order to adopt stricter emission norms more rapidly.
Under BS-VI, the sulphur content in fuel was reduced from 50 ppm (parts per million) in BS-IV to 10 ppm, leading to cleaner fuel combustion.
The standards also resulted in a significant reduction in particulate matter (PM—tiny harmful particles) and nitrogen oxides (NOx—pollutant gases causing smog and respiratory issues).
Additionally, BS-VI mandated the use of advanced technologies such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) (devices that capture and remove soot particles from diesel exhaust), improving emission control efficiency.
Western Disturbances (WDs)
Two successive Western Disturbances (WDs) (weather systems originating outside India) are expected to affect northwest India, influencing regional weather conditions.
About Western Disturbances (WDs)
Western Disturbances originate over the Mediterranean Sea region (area between Europe, Africa, and Asia) due to the interaction of contrasting air masses (collision of warm and cold air systems leading to instability).
These systems are carried eastward by the Subtropical Westerly Jet (SWJ) (a fast-flowing air current in the upper atmosphere at mid-latitudes), within which they are embedded.
They primarily occur during the boreal winter season (December to March) and affect the Western Himalaya, along with surrounding regions of north India, Pakistan, and the Tibetan Plateau.
Significance for India
Western Disturbances are crucial for Rabi crops (winter crops such as wheat and mustard), as they provide essential winter rainfall supporting agricultural productivity.
They also help in replenishing Himalayan glaciers (natural freshwater reservoirs), contributing to long-term water availability in rivers.
Associated Weather Hazards
While beneficial, WDs can also cause extreme weather events, including heavy snowfall, hailstorms, fog, cloudbursts (sudden intense rainfall), avalanches (snow slides), frost (freezing conditions), and cold waves (prolonged periods of low temperatures).
Namo Drone Didi Yojana
Karnataka has the most number of women self-help groups (SHGs) to have undergone training as drone pilots under the Namo Drone Didi Yojana (NDDY).
About NDDY
Type of Scheme: Central Sector Scheme.
Outlay: ₹1,261 crore.
Time period: 2023-24 to 2025-26.
Objective: to empower women by hand holding them into a sustainable business model where they can increase their income by more than Rs 1 Lakh, and transforming the modern farming ecosystem with drone technology.
National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
The Government has declared the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) (India’s apex body for school education research and curriculum development) as a “deemed-to-be university” (an institution granted university-like status with academic autonomy).
Institutions granted deemed-to-be-university status enjoy the academic privileges of a university, including the ability to design courses and award degrees independently.
Such status is conferred by the Central Government on the advice of the University Grants Commission (UGC) (statutory body regulating higher education in India).
About NCERT
NCERT (Headquarters: New Delhi) is an autonomous organisation (independent body under government oversight) established in 1961 to improve the quality of school education.
It functions under the Ministry of Education (nodal ministry for education policy and administration in India).
As per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 (comprehensive education reform policy), NCERT serves as the nodal agency (central coordinating body) for developing National Curriculum Frameworks (NCFs) (guidelines for curriculum design) for:
Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) (education for children below 6 years),
School Education, and
Adult Education.
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