Daily Current Affairs - 5th & 6th January 2026
- TPP
- Jan 6
- 23 min read
Updated: Jan 9
Comprehensive UPSC Current Affairs Summary | Strategic Importance of Greenland, Venezuela crisis, e-Business (e-B-4) Visa for Chinese Firms, Global Minimum Tax Deal, RBI–Delhi MoU on Borrowings, India as World’s Largest Rice Producer, National Sports Governance Act, Deep-Tech Startup Norms, Quantum Electrodynamics, Taj Trapezium Zone, Piprahwa Relics, Kushana Discoveries, Savitribai Phule & Rani Velu Nachiyar Tributes and more.
If you missed Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP) | Sept - Oct 2025, read it here.Table of Content
ENVIRONMENT & GEOGRAPHY
Strategic Importance of Greenland
The Danish Prime Minister rejected the claims of the U.S. President over Greenland, reaffirming Denmark’s sovereignty over the territory.
This debate highlights the strategic importance of Greenland, which stems primarily from its geographical location in the Arctic region.
Due to this location, Greenland is a cornerstone of North American and NATO defense, meaning it plays a central role in collective military security.
In particular, Greenland is crucial for the U.S. ballistic missile early-warning system, which is a defense system designed to detect incoming missile launches at an early stage.
Additionally, Greenland is ideal for hosting ground stations, which are land-based facilities used to communicate with and monitor satellites.
These ground stations are important for tracking polar-orbiting satellites, which are satellites that travel over the Earth’s poles and are widely used for intelligence, navigation, and surveillance.
Beyond security, Greenland has growing economic importance due to its critical minerals and natural resources.
Specifically, Greenland contains massive and largely untapped deposits of rare earth minerals, which are essential for advanced electronics, renewable energy technologies, and defense equipment.
Greenland’s relevance is also increasing because of emerging Arctic shipping routes.
This change is driven by melting Arctic ice, which is gradually opening the Transpolar Sea Route, a direct shipping path across the Arctic Ocean.
The Transpolar Sea Route can significantly shorten travel time between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, improving global trade efficiency.
Importantly, these Arctic routes allow ships to bypass traditional chokepoints, which are narrow and congested passages critical to global shipping.
Examples of such chokepoints include the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal, both of which are vital but vulnerable global trade routes.
Venezuela Crisis
The United States conducted strikes in and around Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, under the codename “Operation Absolute Resolve.”
These strikes raised serious concerns related to violations of international law, which refers to rules governing relations between states.
They also amounted to a violation of national sovereignty, meaning the infringement of Venezuela’s right to control its own territory without external interference.
Additionally, the action was criticized as unilateral armed aggression, defined as the use of force by a state without collective authorization.
The strikes further reinforced accusations of U.S. imperialism, which implies extending political or military dominance over other countries.
In the Indian context, India is unlikely to be significantly impacted by these developments.
This is because India–Venezuela bilateral engagement weakened after the 2019 U.S. sanctions imposed on Venezuela.
Probable Reasons for the Strikes
One key motive is the resurrection of the Monroe Doctrine, a 19th-century U.S. policy asserting dominance over the Western Hemisphere.
This reflects an attempt to re-establish U.S. hegemony in the Americas, meaning political and strategic supremacy in the region.
Another reason is countering China’s expansion in Latin America, which has increased through economic and energy ties.
China, being the world’s largest crude oil importer, has emerged as the largest buyer of Venezuelan oil.
The strikes are also linked to controlling Venezuela’s natural resources, which are strategically significant.
Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves, making it critical to global energy geopolitics.
It also holds large natural gas reserves, strengthening its energy profile.
Additionally, Venezuela has the largest gold reserves in South America, increasing its economic and strategic value.
Other stated motivations include countering state-sponsored drug trafficking, which refers to alleged involvement of state actors in narcotics trade.
The U.S. also seeks to limit the spread of socialism, an ideology opposing capitalist economic systems.
Concerns over mass immigration, meaning large-scale movement of people across borders, are another cited factor.
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Potential Consequences of U.S. Imperialism
A key historical parallel is the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq, which was justified on disputed grounds.
That invasion was launched on false premises to depose a dictator and “export democracy.”
Instead, it resulted in the destabilization of West Asia, leading to prolonged regional instability.
It also contributed to the rise of extremist groups such as ISIS, a violent non-state terrorist organization.
In Venezuela’s case, actions like the “apprehension and forced exile” of its President have been strongly criticized.
Such actions are viewed as a flagrant violation of international law, undermining the global legal order.
They directly contravene Article 2 of the UN Charter, which forms the foundation of state conduct.
Article 2 legally mandates states to refrain from the use of force, except in limited cases such as self-defence.
The U.S. actions also involve bypassing the UN Security Council, the primary body responsible for authorizing force.
This positions the U.S. as “judge and executioner,” undermining multilateral decision-making.
A broader warning is issued to the international community regarding global stability.
These actions underscore the failure of post-Cold War hopes for a stable liberal order, based on rules and cooperation.
This erosion is evident in the conduct of both the United States and Russia, particularly in conflicts like the ongoing war in Ukraine.
e-Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa)
India has introduced a new e-Production Investment Business Visa, officially known as the e-B-4 Visa, to facilitate business engagement.
This visa is specifically designed for Chinese businessmen, reflecting a targeted economic approach.
The e-B-4 Visa will be issued within approximately 45 to 50 days.
It allows the visa holder permission to stay in India for up to six months, which supports medium-term business activities.
Chinese businessmen can apply for the visa only for specific and approved business purposes, ensuring regulated access.
One permitted activity is installation and commissioning of equipment, which refers to setting up machinery and making it operational.
Another allowed purpose is quality check and essential maintenance, meaning inspection and upkeep necessary for proper functioning.
The visa also permits supply chain development, which involves building and strengthening production and distribution networks.
This includes empanelling vendors, a process of officially registering suppliers to participate in business operations.
OECD Finalises Agreement on Global Minimum Tax
The OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) has finalised an agreement on a side-by-side arrangement package for the coordinated operation of the Global Minimum Tax.
This agreement aims to ensure consistent and coordinated implementation of global minimum tax rules across jurisdictions.
Global Minimum Tax
The Global Minimum Tax is based on the Global Anti-Base Erosion (GloBE) Model Rules, which provide a common international tax framework.
Its core objective is to ensure large multinational enterprises (MNEs) pay a minimum level of tax in every jurisdiction where they operate.
This reduces the incentive for profit shifting, which refers to moving profits to low-tax jurisdictions to lower tax liability.
The tax also places a floor under tax competition, preventing countries from excessively lowering corporate tax rates.
In doing so, it seeks to end the “race to the bottom” on corporate taxation among countries.
Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) refers to tax planning strategies used by MNEs to exploit gaps and loopholes in tax rules.
BEPS allows profits to be artificially shifted to low-tax or no-tax locations, reducing the overall tax paid.
Such shifting often occurs through deductible payments like interest or royalties, which lower taxable income.
Global Minimum Tax Package
The agreed package consists of five key components designed to support effective implementation.
The first component is simplification measures, which aim to reduce compliance burdens.
These measures benefit both multinational enterprises (MNEs) and tax authorities.
MNEs are groups of companies that operate globally through subsidiaries or permanent establishments.
The second component is tax incentive alignment, which addresses differences in how tax incentives are treated.
It introduces a targeted substance-based tax incentive safe harbour, which protects genuine economic activities.
The third component provides safe harbours for qualifying MNEs, offering simplified compliance options.
These safe harbours apply to MNE Groups whose ultimate parent entities are in eligible jurisdictions.
Eligibility requires meeting minimum taxation standards under the global rules.
The fourth component focuses on creating a level playing field among participating countries.
This includes an evidence-based stocktake process to ensure fair and equal treatment.
The fifth component is domestic minimum tax protection, which strengthens national tax systems.
It reinforces qualified domestic minimum top-up tax regimes, ensuring local profits are adequately taxed.
This mechanism is particularly important for protecting tax bases in developing countries.
OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS
The OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS was launched in 2016.
It is led jointly by the OECD and the G20, promoting global tax cooperation.
Its primary objective is to tackle Base Erosion and Profit Shifting by multinational enterprises.
The framework currently has 147 member countries and jurisdictions, including India.
The framework operates through two key pillars.
Pillar One focuses on reallocating taxing rights to market jurisdictions where economic activity and profits occur.
Pillar Two introduces a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%.
Pillar Two aims to curb harmful tax competition and strengthen global tax fairness.
Avoid non-essential travel to Iran : India
India has issued an advisory urging its nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran.
This advisory has been issued until further notice due to ongoing protests in the country.
Iran, with Tehran as its capital, is a strategically important country in West Asia.
Political Features of Iran
Iran is a member of BRICS and part of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
Additionally, Iran is a member of OPEC, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries that coordinates oil policies.
Geopolitically, Iran shares land boundaries to the north with Armenia.
It also borders Azerbaijan to the north, strengthening its Caucasus linkage.
Iran shares its northern land boundary with Turkmenistan, connecting it to Central Asia.
To the east, Iran borders Afghanistan.
It also shares an eastern boundary with Pakistan.
On the western side, Iran shares a land boundary with Iraq.
It also borders Turkey to the west, linking West Asia with Europe.
Maritime-wise, Iran has access to the Caspian Sea in the north, which is an inland water body.
In the south, Iran borders the Persian Gulf, a crucial global energy trade route.
Iran also has a maritime boundary with the Gulf of Oman, providing access to the Arabian Sea.
Geographical and Resource Features of Iran:
Iran is home to Lake Urmia, which is an endorheic salt lake, meaning it has no outlet to the sea.
Lake Urmia is the largest lake in the Middle East, making it geographically significant.
Iran has vast resource potential, especially in the energy sector.
It ranks second in the world in natural gas reserves, highlighting its global importance.
Iran also holds the fourth-largest proven crude oil reserves globally, strengthening its energy dominance.
Delhi Government – RBI MoU on Borrowings and Cash Flows
The Delhi Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to manage its borrowings and cash flows.
Under this MoU, the RBI will function as the banker, debt manager, and financial agent of the Delhi Government.
This arrangement enables the RBI to manage the public debt of the Delhi Government, which includes loans and market borrowings.
Such functions are carried out under agreements entered into between the RBI and State Governments.
At present, similar agreements exist between the RBI and all State Governments, ensuring uniform financial management.
The Government of Sikkim is the only exception, as it does not have such an agreement with the RBI.
Role of RBI as Banker to the Government
For the Central Government, the RBI has a statutory obligation to act as its banker.
This obligation is defined under Section 20 of the RBI Act, 1934, which provides the legal framework.
Under this provision, the RBI undertakes receipts and payments on behalf of the Central Government.
It also carries out exchange and remittance operations, which involve currency conversion and fund transfers.
Additionally, the RBI is responsible for the management of the public debt of the Union Government.
Role of RBI in Issuing Government Securities
The RBI helps governments raise finances through the issuance of government securities, which are debt instruments.
The Central Government can issue treasury bills, which are short-term debt instruments.
It can also issue bonds or dated securities, which are long-term borrowing instruments.
In contrast, State Governments are permitted to issue only bonds or dated securities.
These state-issued securities are known as State Development Loans (SDLs).
Maintenance of Government Accounts by RBI
The RBI maintains the Principal Accounts of both the Central and State Governments.
These accounts are kept at the Central Accounts Section of the RBI in Nagpur.
Other Key Functions of the RBI
The RBI acts as the Monetary Authority of India, shaping macroeconomic stability.
In this role, it formulates, implements, and monitors monetary policy, including interest rates.
The RBI also prescribes broad parameters for banking operations, guiding the financial system.
It manages foreign exchange under the FEMA Act, 1999, which regulates external transactions.
The RBI issues, exchanges, and destroys currency notes, ensuring smooth currency circulation.
It also puts into circulation coins minted by the Government of India.
The RBI serves as the regulator and supervisor of payment and settlement systems, ensuring safe transactions.
Additionally, it acts as the banker to banks, maintaining banking accounts of all scheduled banks.
CAG Releases ‘State Finances 2023–24’ Report
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has released the report titled ‘State Finances 2023–24’.
This report is the second edition focusing on the financial position of Indian states.
It presents an overview of the finances of all 28 States for Financial Year (FY) 2023–24.
The first edition, titled ‘State Finances 2022–23’, was released in September 2025.
Key Highlights of the Report
As of March 31, 2024, the public debt of States stood at ₹67.87 lakh crore.
This public debt amounts to approximately 23% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP).
GSDP refers to the total economic output of a state, similar to GDP at the national level.
The report highlights concerns regarding the fiscal deficit of states.
Eighteen states exceeded the 3.0% of GSDP fiscal deficit benchmark.
This benchmark was recommended by the 15th Finance Commission for FY 2023–24.
The report points to extreme fiscal rigidity, indicating limited budgetary flexibility.
Fiscal rigidity refers to the lack of “fiscal space” for new development spending.
This occurs because committed expenditures dominate state budgets.
Committed expenditures include salaries, pensions, and interest payments.
These committed expenditures consume around 60% of total revenue expenditure.
Dependence on Union Transfers
States have shown an increasing reliance on Union tax devolution for revenue.
This reliance increased from about 21% in 2014–15.
It further rose to approximately 30% in 2023–24.
Tax devolution refers to the sharing of central tax revenues with states.
Such dependence makes state budgets highly vulnerable to national economic fluctuations.
Expenditure Pattern Concerns
The report highlights low capital expenditure by states.
Revenue expenditure, which includes maintenance and salaries, accounts for around 83% of total spending.
Capital expenditure (Capex), which creates long-term assets, is limited to about 16%.
This indicates that states are prioritising immediate consumption over long-term investment.
In several states, such as Punjab and Andhra Pradesh, borrowing is used for daily expenses.
This practice means debt is not being used for asset creation, weakening fiscal sustainability.
Transparency and Accounting Issues
The report flags transparency gaps in state finances.
One major concern is “shadow budgeting”, which hides the real fiscal position.
Shadow budgeting refers to administrative practices like misclassification of expenditure.
These practices obscure the true state of public finances.
CAG’s Recommendation
To address inconsistencies, the CAG has recommended harmonisation of Object Heads.
Object Heads are accounting classifications used to record government expenditure.
This harmonisation is to be adopted across the Union and State governments.
The CAG has mandated implementation of this reform by FY 2027–28.
World’s Largest Rice Producer: India
India has become the world’s largest rice producer, surpassing China, as announced by the Union Agriculture Minister.
On this occasion, the Minister also released 184 new high-yielding seed varieties.
These new varieties cover 25 different crops, aiming to boost agricultural productivity.
Status of Rice Production and Exports
India produces about 150 million tonnes (MT) of rice, making it the leading producer globally.
Other major rice-producing countries include China, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Japan, Sri Lanka, and Egypt.
Within India, state-wise rice production in 2024–25 shows significant regional variation.
Uttar Pradesh contributes 13.8% of India’s total rice production.
Telangana accounts for 11.6% of national rice output.
West Bengal contributes 10.6%, reflecting its traditional dominance in rice cultivation.
Punjab produces 9.5% of India’s rice.
Chhattisgarh contributes around 7%, with rice as a primary crop.
In terms of trade, India is the world’s largest rice exporter.
India exported 20.1 million metric tonnes of rice in 2024–25.
Major export destinations of Indian rice include Saudi Arabia.
Other key markets are Iran and Iraq.
African countries such as Benin are also major importers of Indian rice.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is another important destination for Indian rice exports.
About the Rice Crop
Rice is a major food crop of the world, feeding a large share of the global population.
It is the staple diet of tropical and sub-tropical regions, especially in Asia.
Growth Conditions of Rice
In India, rice is grown across a wide latitudinal range from 8°N to 30°N.
It is cultivated from sea level up to about 2,500 metres altitude.
Rice grows in a variety of soils, including silts, loams, and gravels.
The crop can tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils, showing high adaptability.
Rice requires abundant rainfall ranging between 100 and 150 cm. It also needs high humidity for optimal growth.
The crop grows best at high temperatures of about 30°C during the day. It requires around 20°C temperature during the night.
Paddy is a semi-aquatic plant, meaning it grows in partially waterlogged conditions.
It requires standing water of about 10–15 cm for nearly three-quarters of its growing season.
Rice performs best in impermeable subsoil, which prevents rapid water loss. The ideal soil pH range for rice is between 5.5 and 6.5.
Cropping Seasons of Rice in India
In India, rice is grown in three distinct cropping seasons, depending on the region.
Aman rice, also called winter rice, is sown in June–July. Aman rice is harvested in November–December.
Aus rice, known as autumn rice, is sown in May–June. Aus rice is harvested in September–October.
Boro rice, or summer rice, is cultivated between November and May. Boro rice is commonly grown in areas that remain moist during winter months.
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Payments Regulatory Board
The RBI Governor chaired the first meeting of the Payments Regulatory Board, marking the operational beginning of the body.
The Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) was set up in 2025.
It was established by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which is India’s central banking institution.
The Board was constituted under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, which provides the legal framework for regulating payment systems.
The mandate of the Payments Regulatory Board is the regulation and supervision of all payment systems in India.
This includes electronic payment systems, such as digital and online transactions. It also covers non-electronic payment systems, such as paper-based clearing mechanisms.
The Board regulates domestic payment systems, which operate within India. It also oversees cross-border payment systems, which involve international transactions.
The Payments Regulatory Board has replaced the Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems (BPSS).
This replacement aims to strengthen governance and oversight in the payments ecosystem.
In terms of composition, the Payments Regulatory Board is chaired by the RBI Governor.
It includes two representatives from the Reserve Bank of India as members. It also has three nominees from the Central Government as members.
SAMPANN
SAMPANN is transforming the lives of pensioners through digital integration.
SAMPANN stands for System for Accounting and Management of Pension.
It is an integrated, online pension management system for Department of Telecommunications (DoT) pensioners.
The system creates a single platform for processing, sanctioning, and disbursing pensions directly to pensioners’ bank accounts.
SAMPANN also provides online grievance redressal, allowing pensioners to raise and track complaints digitally.
It enables digital profile management, giving retirees control over their personal and pension-related information.
Transaction records of pension payments are maintained digitally, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Pension-related documents are accessible through DigiLocker, a government platform for secure digital document storage.
Partial Implementation of the “National Sports Governance Act”
The partial implementation of the National Sports Governance Act began on January 1, 2026.
Institutional mechanisms under the Act, including the establishment of National Sports Bodies, have come into effect.
This includes the National Olympic Committee (NOC), responsible for governing Olympic sports in India.
The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) has also been established as the sole authority for Paralympic sports.
Other bodies created include the National Sports Federations (NSFs) and Regional Sports Federations (RSFs) for recognized sports at national and regional levels.
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Key Provisions of the National Sports Governance Act
Institutional Architecture
The Act mandates the establishment of the National Sports Board (NSB) as the apex regulatory body. The NSB is empowered to grant, renew, suspend, or cancel recognition of National Sports Bodies.
It is responsible for maintaining a register of all recognized National Sports Bodies.
The NSB also facilitates collaboration between international and national sports bodies.
National Sports Bodies (NSBs) are established for governance of their respective recognized sports organizations.
The National Olympic Committee (NOC) is recognized as the sole governing body for Olympic sports in India.
The National Paralympic Committee (NPC) is recognized as the sole governing body for Paralympic sports.
Other recognized bodies include National Sports Federations (NSFs) and Regional Sports Federations (RSFs).
The National Sports Tribunal (NST) has been established for independent, speedy, and cost-effective resolution of sports-related disputes.
However, the NST’s jurisdiction excludes disputes arising during Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth, and Asian Games.
The NST also does not handle doping-related disputes, which fall under the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022.
The National Sports Election Panel has been constituted as a central roster of experienced former election officials.
This panel ensures fair and transparent elections in sports federations.
Ethical and Safe Sports Framework
The Act mandates adoption of a Code of Ethics by recognized sports bodies.
It also promotes a Safe Sports Policy, designed to protect athletes, especially women and minors, from harassment, abuse, and discrimination.
Accountability and Transparency
Recognized sports bodies are treated as public authorities under the RTI Act, 2005, ensuring transparency.
The financial accounts of the National Sports Board are subject to audit by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG).
This ensures financial oversight and accountability of public resources in sports administration.
Centre Relaxes Norms for Deep-Tech Startups under DSIR
The Government of India has relaxed norms for deep-tech startups to avail funds from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).
Previously, startups needed to exist for three years to qualify for recognition and financial aid under the Industrial R&D Promotion Program (IRDPP).
The government has removed the 3-year existence condition, allowing newer deep-tech startups to access support.
The IRDPP aims to strengthen R&D infrastructure in both industry and Scientific and Industrial Research Organizations (SIROs).
Entities recognized under IRDPP are eligible for various fiscal incentives and support measures, encouraging innovation.
What is DeepTech?
DeepTech refers to cutting-edge and often disruptive technologies based on profound scientific discoveries, engineering innovations, or advanced research.
Examples of DeepTech include Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum computing, nanotechnology, blockchain, robotics, and advanced material sciences.
DeepTech startups leverage existing advanced technologies to create novel-to-market solutions for complex or unresolved problems.
Some DeepTech startups even invent entirely new technologies, pushing the frontiers of science and engineering.
DeepTech Startup Ecosystem in India
India is home to over 3,600 deep-tech startups in 2024.
The number of startups is expected to reach 10,000 by 2030, ranking India sixth in the global deep-tech ecosystem.
Challenges in India’s DeepTech sector include a venture capital (VC) ecosystem that prioritizes quick returns over patient capital.
Other challenges are long gestation periods for R&D projects and limited collaboration between academia and industry.
Initiatives for DeepTech Startups in India
The Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP), 2023 aims to address challenges faced by deep-tech startups through policy interventions.
NECTAR, an autonomous society under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), focuses on harnessing and leveraging niche frontier technologies.
The Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme supports acquisition of strategically important technologies.
The RDI scheme also promotes the creation of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds to finance emerging startups.
The Indo-Israel Deep Tech & Life Sciences Mission, launched in 2021, promotes collaboration between India and Israel in deep tech and life sciences.
Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)
Researchers from the National Institute for Fusion Science have provided a first-principles formulation explaining how classical electromagnetic fields emerge directly from QED.
Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) is the relativistic quantum theory of electrically charged particles.
In QED, electrically charged particles interact by exchanging photons, which are the force carriers of the electromagnetic interaction.
At the quantum level, the electromagnetic force is explained using the principles of QED.
The Nobel Prize in Physics 1965 was awarded jointly to Sin-Itiro Tomonaga, Julian Schwinger, and Richard P. Feynman.
They were recognized for their fundamental contributions to the development of quantum electrodynamics.
QED has applications across multiple fields, including particle physics, which studies the fundamental constituents of matter.
It is also applied in quantum optics, which deals with the behavior of light and its interaction with matter at the quantum level.
Other applications include semiconductor technologies and laser technologies, which rely on precise control of electromagnetic interactions at small scales.
NGT Issues Notice on Environmental Violations Around Taj Mahal
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued a notice to the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments over environmental violations around the Taj Mahal.
The notice highlights non-compliance with environmental norms in the protected Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ).
Rampant construction and felling of trees in the region have destroyed green cover.
These activities have also disturbed the habitat of birds and butterflies around the Taj Mahal.
Over the years, air and water pollution have caused the white marble of the Taj Mahal to yellow and darken.
This deterioration of the marble is due to airborne particulates, a phenomenon known as “stone cancer.”
About Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ)
The TTZ is a protected eco-sensitive zone of 10,400 sq. km around the Taj Mahal.
It was established under the MC Mehta Case, 1996, which also includes Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
The Taj Trapezium Zone Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority was created under this judgment to regulate industries, construction, and emissions around the Taj Mahal.
Under the MC Mehta Case, 2015, the Supreme Court banned felling of trees within a 5 km aerial distance from the Taj Mahal without prior permission.
About NGT
The NGT is a statutory body set up under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 to ensure speedy disposal of environmental cases.
It strengthens compliance with environmental laws such as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Water Act, 1974, and Air Act, 1981.
The NGT’s enforcement excludes certain laws like the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Indian Forest Act, 1927, and the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
Key Judgements of NGT
In the Vardhaman Kaushik Case (2014-15), NGT imposed a 10-year ban on diesel vehicles and a 15-year ban on petrol vehicles in Delhi NCR to curb air pollution.
In the M.C. Mehta Case (Ganga pollution, 1988), NGT ordered environmental compensation from States for failing to treat sewage and control industrial effluents.
Centre Sanctions 24 Chip Design Projects under DLI Scheme
The Centre has sanctioned 24 chip design projects under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme.
Projects supported under the scheme are scaling rapidly, achieving 16 tape-outs, 6 ASIC chips, 10 patents, and leveraging over 3x private investment.
About the DLI Scheme:
The DLI Scheme was launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the Semicon India Programme.
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is the nodal agency for implementation.
The objective of the scheme is to catalyze a strong, self-reliant chip design ecosystem in India.
It provides financial incentives and access to advanced design infrastructure for domestic startups and MSMEs.
The scheme offers two types of financial incentives: Product Design Linked Incentive (PDLI) and Deployment Linked Incentive (DLI).
Design infrastructure support is provided through the ChipIN Centre to approved companies.
This infrastructure includes remote access to a National EDA Tool Grid, a repository of IP Cores, and fiscal support for prototyping (MPW) and post-silicon validation.
Eligibility under the DLI Scheme
Startups and MSMEs are eligible for both financial incentives and design infrastructure support for semiconductor product design and deployment.
Other domestic companies are eligible for financial incentives for deploying semiconductor designs.
Financial Incentives under the Scheme
Product Design Linked Incentive (PDLI)
Provides reimbursement of up to 50% of eligible expenditure.
The reimbursement is capped at ₹15 crore per application.
Support is available to entities involved in semiconductor design for Integrated Circuits (ICs), Chipsets, Systems on Chips (SoCs), Systems & IP Cores, and semiconductor-linked designs.
Deployment Linked Incentive (DLI)
Provides incentives of 4% to 6% of net sales turnover for five years.
The incentive is capped at ₹30 crore per application.
Minimum cumulative net sales required over Years 1–5 is ₹1 crore for startups/MSMEs and ₹5 crore for other domestic companies.
The design must be successfully deployed in electronic products to avail the incentive.
PM Inaugurates International Exposition of Sacred Piprahwa Relics
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Grand International Exposition titled “The Light & the Lotus: Relics of the Awakened One.”
He highlighted that the wisdom and path shown by Bhagwan Buddha belong to all of humanity.
The event marks the historic reunification of the Piprahwa gem relics of Lord Buddha, repatriated after 127 years.
About Piprahwa Relics
The Piprahwa relics were discovered in 1898 by British Civil Engineer William Claxton Peppé.
They were found at an ancient Buddhist stupa in Piprahwa, Uttar Pradesh, near the India-Nepal border.
Archaeological evidence associates Piprahwa with ancient Kapilavastu, widely identified as the place where Bhagwan Buddha spent his early life prior to renunciation.
The relics are believed to contain mortal remains of Gautama Buddha.
Contemporary Relevance of Buddha’s Teachings
Governance and political integrity: Applying Right Speech, Right Conduct, and Right Livelihood to public administration can promote citizen-centric governance.
Social equity and justice: Buddha’s institution of the Sangha was open to all individuals regardless of status, providing a framework to eliminate discrimination against vulnerable groups, including women, transgender individuals, and sex workers.
Environmental sustainability and consumerism: The Middle Path advocates a life of moderation between extreme luxury and austerity, offering solutions to over-exploitation of resources and climate change.
Ethics in technology and science: Applying principles of simplicity and reverence for all life ensures that technological progress does not compromise moral values.
Additionally, emphasis on mindfulness and Right Understanding fosters a scientific temper and spirit of inquiry in society.
Kushanas
Archaeologists discovered rare Kushana-era coins and decorative stones, including lapis lazuli, from a UNESCO-listed site near Takshashila, Pakistan.
About Kushanas (1st century BCE–3rd century CE):
The Kushanas originated from the Central Asian Yueh-chi tribe and established a vast transregional empire.
Kanishka I, the greatest Kushana ruler, promoted Buddhism, convened the Fourth Buddhist Council, and strengthened Silk Route trade.
The Kushana empire was divided into satrapies, governed by satraps, reflecting a decentralised administrative system.
They controlled north-west India, including Gandhara and Kashmir, the Mathura region, and extended influence into the Ganga–Yamuna Doab up to parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
The Kushanas issued extensive gold coins, indicating a monetised economy and strong long-distance trade links.
Savitribai Phule
Recently, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary (January 3) .
About Savitribai Phule (1831–1897)
She was born in Satara district, Maharashtra.
Savitribai Phule became the first headmistress of the country’s first school for girls in Pune.
Key Contributions
Women’s Rights:
She started the Mahila Seva Mandal to advocate women’s rights.
She established the Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha, a refuge for pregnant women at risk.
She created an education trust called Native Female School in Pune to promote female education.
She promoted Satyashodhak marriage, a system of marriage without dowry.
Social Inclusion:
She promoted education among marginalized communities such as Mahars and Mangs.
Publications:
She authored influential poetry collections including Kavyaphule and Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar.
Values:
Her life reflected the values of equality, justice, compassion, and courage of conviction.
Rani Velu Nachiyar
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary (January 3) .
About Rani Velu Nachiyar (1730–1796)
She was born in 1730 as the princess of Ramnad (Ramanathapuram), Tamil Nadu.
She was extensively trained in warfare, including horse riding, archery, and martial arts such as Silambam (a Tamil stick-fighting martial art) and Valari (a throwing weapon technique).
Key Contributions
Rani Velu Nachiyar forged an alliance with Hyder Ali of Mysore to strengthen her military campaign.
She established the "Udaiyaal" battalion, one of the first all-women army units in world history.
She was a pioneer of suicide tactics, as her loyal commander Kuyili carried out the first recorded suicide attack in Indian history by setting herself on fire to destroy a British ammunition depot in 1780.
In 1780, she successfully recaptured Sivaganga from the British, nearly 77 years before the 1857 Revolt.
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