Banas Bio-CNG Model Plant Inaugurated in Banaskantha, Gujarat

A new Banas Bio-CNG Model Plant has been inaugurated at Vinchhivadi in Dhanera taluka of Banaskantha district, Gujarat, marking an important step towards clean energy and a circular economy. The plant is a joint initiative of Banas Dairy, Suzuki Motor Corporation and the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

The project aims to convert cattle dung into useful energy and organic fertiliser while creating an additional source of income for livestock farmers. It also highlights how dairy farming can contribute to India’s clean-energy transition.

Banas Bio-CNG Plant:

The plant uses anaerobic digestion to process cattle dung and produce Bio-CNG. It has a capacity to process around 100 Metric Tonnes Per Day (MTPD) of cattle dung.

The process not only generates clean fuel but also produces organic fertiliser, which can be used in agriculture. This creates a circular model in which cattle waste is converted into valuable products.

The plant was inaugurated in the presence of Shankar Chaudhary, Chairman of Banas Dairy; Toshihiro Suzuki, Representative Director and President of Suzuki Motor Corporation; and Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman and Managing Director of NDDB, along with other dignitaries.

Bio-CNG Network Expanding in Gujarat

The Bio-CNG initiative has now expanded to four plants with a combined processing capacity of 340 MTPD.

The Vinchhivadi facility is the third operational biogas plant of Suzuki in India. Earlier plants were established at:

• Agthala – Operational from December 2025
• Bhukhala – Operational from January 2026
• Vinchhivadi – Banaskantha, Gujarat

Overall, nine plants are planned in Gujarat under the wider initiative.

How Bio-CNG Can Help Farmers

The project provides a way to make productive use of cattle dung while reducing waste. For livestock farmers, the collection and utilisation of dung can also create additional income opportunities.

At the same time, producing Bio-CNG from organic waste can support cleaner fuel alternatives and reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels.

The organic fertiliser produced as a by-product can further support farming activities, making the model relevant to both the dairy and agriculture sectors.

Gramin Bharat Taxi Service Flagged Off

During the programme, nine taxis were also flagged off under Gramin Bharat Taxi, described as the country’s first rural-level cooperative-model taxi service.

Under this model, the drivers own their vehicles, giving them a direct stake in the service and its earnings. The initiative aims to create new livelihood opportunities in rural areas through a cooperative approach.

National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was established in 1965 and is headquartered in Anand, Gujarat.

The organisation has played an important role in strengthening and supporting the development of India’s dairy sector. Its involvement in projects such as the Bio-CNG initiative connects dairy production with renewable energy and sustainable resource use.

Key Facts

• Project: Banas Bio-CNG Model Plant
• Location: Vinchhivadi, Dhanera taluka, Banaskantha, Gujarat
• Partners: Banas Dairy, Suzuki Motor Corporation and NDDB
• Cattle dung processing capacity: 100 MTPD
• Process: Anaerobic digestion
• Outputs: Bio-CNG and organic fertiliser
• Total operational plants: 4
• Combined capacity: 340 MTPD
• Suzuki’s operational biogas plants in India: 3
• Plants planned in Gujarat: 9
• Other initiative: Gramin Bharat Taxi
• NDDB established: 1965
• NDDB headquarters: Anand, Gujarat

The Banas Bio-CNG Model Plant represents a practical approach to combining dairy farming, renewable energy and rural livelihoods. By converting cattle dung into clean fuel and organic fertiliser, the project supports the idea of a circular economy while opening additional income opportunities for livestock farmers.

With more Bio-CNG plants planned in Gujarat, such initiatives can play a useful role in promoting clean energy, sustainable agriculture and rural economic development.

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PM SVANidhi Completes One Year of Restructuring: Expanding Credit and Financial Inclusion

The Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) completed one year of its restructured phase on 27 August 2026. The milestone highlights the government’s continued efforts to support street vendors by improving access to credit, digital payments and formal financial services.

The scheme was restructured and relaunched on 27 August 2025 with a broader focus. Along with providing loans, the revamped PM SVANidhi aims to promote financial inclusion, digital adoption, social security, skill development and entrepreneurship among street vendors.

The restructured scheme has also been extended up to 31 March 2030, providing continued support to eligible street vendors.

What is PM SVANidhi?

PM SVANidhi is a Central Sector Scheme launched on 1 June 2020 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India.

The scheme was introduced to help street vendors whose livelihoods were badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides affordable and collateral-free working capital loans, helping vendors restart and maintain their small businesses.

PM SVANidhi: Key Features

The scheme has gradually moved beyond simple credit support and now focuses on several areas of financial and economic inclusion.

Affordable Collateral-Free Loans

PM SVANidhi provides working capital loans to eligible street vendors without requiring collateral. This helps small vendors access formal credit and reduce their dependence on informal sources of borrowing.

Interest Subsidy

Street vendors who repay their loans on time or before the due date are eligible for an interest subsidy of 7% per annum.

The subsidy is transferred directly to the beneficiary’s bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) on a quarterly basis.

Focus on Digital Payments

The restructured scheme also promotes the use of digital payments among street vendors. This is intended to help vendors become more comfortable with formal digital financial services.

Social Security and Entrepreneurship

The revamped PM SVANidhi has expanded its focus to include social security, capacity building and entrepreneurship. These measures are aimed at helping street vendors improve their income opportunities and strengthen their businesses.

Why is PM SVANidhi important?

Street vendors play an important role in India’s urban economy by providing affordable goods and services to local communities. However, many vendors have traditionally faced difficulties in accessing formal banking and credit facilities.

PM SVANidhi seeks to bridge this gap by connecting street vendors with formal credit, digital financial services and other support mechanisms.

The restructuring of the scheme represents a broader approach where credit support is combined with financial inclusion, digital participation, social security and entrepreneurship development.

Important Facts

• Full Name: Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi
• Launched: 1 June 2020
• Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
• Type: Central Sector Scheme
• Target Beneficiaries: Street vendors
• Main Objective: Affordable and collateral-free working capital loans
• Restructured Phase: 27 August 2025
• One Year of Restructuring Completed: 27 August 2026
• Extended Up To: 31 March 2030
• Interest Subsidy: 7% per annum
• Subsidy Transfer: Through DBT on a quarterly basis

The completion of one year of the restructured PM SVANidhi scheme marks an important step in expanding support for street vendors. By combining credit access with digital payments, social security, capacity building and entrepreneurship, the scheme aims to promote greater financial inclusion and livelihood security for street vendors across India.

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MoTA Organises National Conclave on Tribal Languages & Museums in Mysuru, Karnataka

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) organised a three-day National Conclave on Tribal Languages & Museums in Mysuru, Karnataka, from 24 to 26 August 2026. The event was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey.

The conclave focused on protecting India’s rich tribal heritage by strengthening Tribal Museums and Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums (TFFMs). It also discussed ways to document, preserve and revitalise tribal languages, many of which are an important part of India’s cultural diversity.

National Conclave on Tribal Languages & Museums

The conclave was organised by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with the Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute (KSTRI), Government of Karnataka, and the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru.

One of the major outcomes of the event was the adoption and signing of the Mysuru Declaration. The declaration reflects a commitment towards better preservation of tribal languages, culture and heritage.

The event also included dedicated sessions on Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums, highlighting the contribution of tribal communities and freedom fighters to India’s history.

Another important development was the launch of the upgraded Adi Vaani Platform and the Jago Artificial Intelligence (AI) Conversational Assistant. These initiatives are aimed at making tribal-language resources more accessible through technology.

The Jenukuruba Primer and other tribal-language learning materials were also released during the conclave. Such resources can help support language learning and encourage the preservation of tribal languages among younger generations.

MoTA and CIIL Sign MoU for Tribal Languages

During the conclave, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement focuses on the documentation, preservation and promotion of tribal languages.

The collaboration is expected to support systematic documentation of tribal languages and the development of useful learning and language resources.

National Conclave on Tribal Languages & Museums Importantance

India has a large and diverse tribal population with many distinct languages, traditions and cultural practices. Preserving these languages is important for protecting the cultural identity and traditional knowledge of tribal communities.

The Mysuru conclave brought together efforts related to tribal museums, tribal freedom fighters and indigenous languages on a common platform. The initiatives announced during the event also show how technology, research and educational resources can be used to support tribal heritage.

Key Points:

• Event: National Conclave on Tribal Languages & Museums
• Date: 24–26 August 2026
• Venue: Mysuru, Karnataka
• Inaugurated by: Durgadas Uikey, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs
• Organiser: Ministry of Tribal Affairs
• Partners: KSTRI and CIIL, Mysuru
• Major outcome: Mysuru Declaration
• Platforms launched: Upgraded Adi Vaani Platform and Jago AI Conversational Assistant
• Learning resource released: Jenukuruba Primer
• MoU: MoTA and CIIL for tribal-language documentation, preservation and promotion

The National Conclave on Tribal Languages & Museums 2026 was an important step towards preserving India’s tribal heritage and linguistic diversity. The Mysuru Declaration, new digital initiatives, language-learning resources and the MoTA-CIIL MoU are expected to strengthen efforts for the long-term documentation and promotion of tribal languages and culture.

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Under the scheme, eligible women will receive ₹2,500 per month through financial assistance. The first payment is expected on the 1st of the following month after completion of the required formalities. The assistance is intended to help women meet household expenses, support children’s education and care, and strengthen livelihood or small business activities.

Key Points

• Scheme: Delhi Lakshmi Yojana
• Launched by: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta
• Beneficiaries: Eligible women of Delhi
• Monthly assistance: ₹2,500
• Registrations: More than 9.22 lakh women
• Approval certificates: Handed over to beneficiaries in New Delhi
• First payment: From the 1st of the next month after completion of formalities
• Objective: Financial security and economic empowerment of women

The main objective of the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana is to provide financial security to women and help them become more self-reliant. The assistance can be used for essential household needs, children’s education and care, livelihood activities and small business support.

The Delhi government considers the scheme an important step towards women’s economic empowerment and social security.

1. It enables the transfer of government benefits directly into the bank accounts of beneficiaries.
2. It can help reduce leakages in the delivery of welfare benefits.
3. It eliminates the need for beneficiaries to have access to a bank account.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A. 1 and 2 only

Explanation: DBT transfers welfare benefits directly to beneficiaries, generally through bank accounts or other permitted digital payment mechanisms. Access to an appropriate account is required; therefore, Statement 3 is incorrect. DBT does not eliminate the need for a bank account or an appropriate payment mechanism. Beneficiaries need access to a suitable account/payment channel to receive the benefit.

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The flood swept away houses, vehicles, roads and bridges. Several people lost their lives, while many others were reported missing. Rescue teams are working to find people trapped or missing in the affected areas.

Bhote Koshi River Overflows

The floodwaters suddenly rose in the Bhote Koshi River during the morning. Areas such as Timure and Syafrubesi in Rasuwa district were badly affected.

The strong flow of water and debris damaged buildings and other infrastructure. Authorities have advised people living near the Bhote Koshi and other rivers to stay away from riverbanks and move to safer places.

Many People Reported Missing

A large number of people were reported missing after the flood. Several travellers and local residents could not be contacted after the disaster.

Reports said that around 384 travellers were reported missing, including more than 100 Indians. Some security personnel posted in the affected border areas were also reported missing.

Rescue Operations Continue

The Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police have started rescue and relief operations.

Helicopters and rescue teams are being used to search for missing people and help those who are stranded. However, the difficult mountain terrain, damaged roads and bad conditions are making the rescue work difficult.

Roads, Bridges and Power Projects Damaged

The flash flood caused major damage to roads, bridges, buildings and other infrastructure. Some hydropower projects in the region were also affected.

According to initial reports, around 430 MW of electricity capacity was affected by the disaster. The damage has also disrupted transport and communication in several areas.

The nearby Tibet region of China was also affected, with damage reported around the border area. Roads, power and communication facilities were disrupted.

Possible Cause of the Flood

The exact reason for the sudden flash flood is still being investigated. Early reports suggest that a landslide, ice-rock avalanche or sudden release of water in the Himalayan region may have caused the rapid rise in the river.

The Himalayan region is highly vulnerable to flash floods and landslides because of its steep mountains and changing weather conditions.

Key Points

• Date: 26 August 2026
• Country: Nepal
• Worst-affected area: Rasuwa district
• Main river: Bhote Koshi River
• Deaths: Several people reported dead
• Missing: Hundreds of people
• Travellers reported missing: Around 384
• Indians among missing: More than 100
• Major damage: Roads, bridges, houses and power infrastructure
• Rescue agencies: Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police
• Neighbouring affected area: Tibet, China

The situation remains serious as rescue teams continue their search for missing people. Authorities are also working to provide relief and support to families and communities affected by the floods.

1. Rasuwa district is located in the northern part of Nepal and shares an international boundary with China.
2. The Bhote Koshi River is one of the rivers associated with the flood-affected region.
3. The flood affected infrastructure, including roads, bridges and hydropower projects.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

Explanation:
All three statements are correct. Rasuwa district lies in northern Nepal along the border with China. The Bhote Koshi River was among the major rivers associated with the flooding. The flash floods caused significant damage to roads, bridges, settlements and hydropower infrastructure in the affected region.

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The appointments were approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on 22 August 2026. The decision was based on a proposal submitted by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, under Section 8(1)(c) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

Who Are the Three New RBI Directors?
Annie George Mathew
Annie George Mathew is an officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IA&AS) and currently serves as a full-time member of the Sixteenth Finance Commission of India (16th Finance Commission) in New Delhi. She has also served as Special Secretary (Expenditure).

With more than 34 years of experience, Mathew has worked across areas including public finance, government audit and accounts, procurement and financial management. Her extensive experience in government financial administration is expected to add valuable expertise to the RBI’s Central Board.

Janmejaya Kumar Sinha
Janmejaya Kumar Sinha is the Chairman of Boston Consulting Group (BCG) India. He has considerable experience in areas such as economics, financial-sector reforms and economic transformation.

His professional background in consulting and economic policy is expected to contribute to discussions related to financial-sector development and broader economic issues.

Syed Akbaruddin
Syed Akbaruddin is a former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations (UN). He has extensive experience in international diplomacy and foreign affairs.

His background in international relations and multilateral diplomacy brings a different area of expertise to the RBI Central Board, particularly in matters involving India’s position in the global economic and financial system.

Reserve Bank of India
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is India’s central bank and was established on 1 April 1935 under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. Its headquarters are located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

The RBI is responsible for important functions related to monetary policy, banking regulation, currency management, foreign exchange management and maintaining financial stability in the country. Sanjay Malhotra is the current Governor of the RBI.

Key Points

• Three new directors: Annie George Mathew, Janmejaya Kumar Sinha and Syed Akbaruddin
• Position: Part-time, non-official directors
• Term: Four years
• Approval date: 22 August 2026
• Approving authority: Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
• Proposal: Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance
• Legal provision: Section 8(1)(c) of the RBI Act, 1934
• RBI established: 1 April 1935
• RBI headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• RBI Governor: Sanjay Malhotra

The appointments bring together experience from public finance, economic consulting and international diplomacy, providing the RBI Central Board with a broad mix of professional expertise as it continues to address India’s evolving financial and economic challenges.

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Highlights

• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Total outlay: ₹62,500 crore.
• Implementation period: Five years, from FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31.
• The scheme aims to strengthen India’s competitiveness in global electronics manufacturing.
  Two major target segments:
• TS1: Mobile phone manufacturing with incentives ranging from 2.25% to 5%.
• TS2: Support for Indian mobile brands with a 5% incentive and an additional 3% support for Indian design and R&D.
• Supports the objectives of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Highlights

• Organiser: Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications.
• Venue: Pune, Maharashtra.
• Theme: Innovate, Cooperate and Transform for a Resilient Future.

Major events included:

• BRICS Working Group Meeting on ICT Cooperation.
• Digital BRICS Forum and Expo.
• BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting.
• India and Brazil signed an MoU covering cooperation in:

Artificial Intelligence.

• 5G and 6G technologies.
• Open RAN.
• Internet of Things (IoT).
• Direct-to-Device connectivity.

Highlights

• NSTL is located in: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• It functions under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Technologies transferred included:

• Submarine Fired Decoy (SFD) ‘Mohini’ technology.
  Technology related to the LM2500 Gas Turbine.

Technology transfer supports:

• Indigenous defence production.
  Private-sector participation.
  Commercialisation of defence technologies.
  Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.

Highlights

• AI can support:
  – Drug discovery.
  – Personalised medicine.
  – Disease surveillance.
  – Clinical decision-making.
• The vision is to strengthen India’s position from being the “Pharmacy of the World” towards becoming a major global centre for scientific and pharmaceutical innovation.

Important initiatives include:

• -PRIP Scheme for pharmaceutical research and innovation.
  -Biopharma SHAKTI Mission.
  -National Biopharma Mission.
  -IndiaAI Mission.
  -Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
• AI Centres of Excellence are being developed at major medical institutions.

Highlights

• Focus areas include:
  – Artificial Intelligence.
  – Cybersecurity.
  – Threat mitigation.
  – Digital awareness.
• Important challenge areas include:
  – Bug Hunting.
  – AI-based security solutions.
  – Technology and innovation challenges.
• Participation involves academia, industry, government institutions and defence organisations.

Highlights

• Developed with detailed information at the hectare level.
• Soil texture is based mainly on the proportion of:
  – Sand.
  – Silt.
  – Clay.
• Soil texture influences:
  – Water-holding capacity.
  – Drainage.
  – Aeration.
  – Crop suitability.
• Technologies used include:
  – Field surveys.
  – Remote sensing.
  – Satellite data.
  – Artificial Intelligence.
  – Geospatial technologies.
• Developed by NBSS&LUP under ICAR.
• NBSS&LUP headquarters: Nagpur.

Highlights

• Targets foundational AI and cloud literacy for 1.5 lakh learners.
• Provides job-oriented cloud training for thousands of participants.
• Training areas include:
  – Cloud infrastructure.
  – Networking.
  – Cybersecurity.
  – Programming.
  – Databases.
  – AI fundamentals.
• The programme is delivered online.
• Special focus is placed on learners from:
  – Tier-2 cities.
  – Tier-3 cities.
  – Underserved communities.

Highlights

• Countries involved:
  – Burundi.
  – Ghana.
  – Guinea-Bissau.
  – Republic of the Congo.
  – Uganda.
• Independent assessments examined:
  – Disease surveillance.
  – Laboratory evidence.
  – Epidemiological data.
  – Population immunity.
  – Vaccination coverage.
• The achievement was supported by:
  – Routine immunisation.
  – Rapid detection of cases.
  – Targeted vaccination campaigns.
  – Community participation.

Highlights

• Financing support helps dealers:
  – Manage working capital.
  – Maintain vehicle inventory.
  – Meet market demand.
• Demonstrates the importance of financial institutions in supporting:
  – Electric mobility.
  – Green industries.
  – Clean transportation.

Highlights

• Special credit cards were introduced for different categories of Army personnel.
• The initiative reflects growing efforts to provide customised banking services.
• One of the products also incorporates environmentally conscious material design.

Highlights

• Awarded to Odia poet and former scientist Ashutosh Parida.
• Recognised for the poetry collection Bishwas De Pruthwi.
• The award was instituted in 1980.
• Presented by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT).
• The award carries a cash prize.
• Other cultural personalities were also recognised for contributions to:
  – Odissi dance.
  – Sculpture.

Highlights

• Appointments were made for a four-year term.
• The appointments were approved through the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
• The relevant provision is Section 8 of the RBI Act, 1934.
• The RBI was established on 1 April 1935.

Highlights

• The spacewalk took place from the International Space Station (ISS).
• She became the second European woman to achieve this feat.
• The activity involved work related to a space communication system.
• The mission was conducted as part of an Extravehicular Activity (EVA).

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Key Points:

• Location: Paradip, Odisha
• Inaugurated by: Sarbananda Sonowal
• Seven projects: ₹427.80 crore
• Capital Dredging Project: ₹352 crore
• Atharbanki Second New Bridge: ₹24.89 crore
• PNG Supply Project: ₹20 crore
• Advanced VTMS: ₹15.50 crore
• Three mechanisation projects: ₹1,580.36 crore
• One-millionth tree was also planted at the port.

Key Points:

• Organisation: DGFT
• Policy: Foreign Trade Policy 2023
• Exporters can use INR or foreign currencies for eligible contracts.
• Rupee payments are eligible for FTP benefits, except for exports to Nepal and Bhutan.
• Exports financed through EXIM Bank or Government of India lines of credit can also be invoiced in INR.
• The changes are aligned with RBI’s 2023 foreign exchange regulations.

Key Points:

• Proposed body: National Coach Accreditation Board
• Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
• Recommendation: Pullela Gopichand-led task force
• Role: Set coaching standards and approve career pathways.
• It will accredit coaching institutions.
• A two-stage Talent Scouting System is also proposed.
• The system will create a National Talent Repository.
• PPP and CSR support will be used to expand sports academies and athlete development.

Key Points:

• Event: MALHAR 2026
• Location: New Delhi
• Inaugurated by: C. P. Radhakrishnan
• Theme: Monsoon and Indian classical music
• Activities: Music, dance, theatre and literature
• Malhar is a classical musical tradition associated with the monsoon season.
• The tradition is linked with the legendary musician Tansen.

Key Points:

• Campaign: National Campaign on Entrepreneurship-II
• Scheme: DAY-NRLM
• Duration: 21 August–21 November 2026
• Focus: Rural women entrepreneurship
• Target: 6 crore Lakhpati Didis
• 50,000 community cadres to be oriented.
• 5 lakh SHG women to be trained.
• 50,000 enterprises to be formalised.
• 2 lakh producer-group members to be added.
• 20 lakh women to be encouraged towards agro-ecological practices.
• 25,000 SHG members to be onboarded on e-commerce platforms.
• Sankalp Shakti, the first Rural Enterprise Technical Bulletin, was also launched.

Key Points:

• Event: 4th India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable
• Areas: Semiconductors, fintech, digital payments and green energy
• Other areas: Healthcare, food security and advanced manufacturing
• Cooperation explored in space technology, SMRs and cybersecurity.
• Green Lane Initiative for Semiconductors was highlighted.
• Green hydrogen supply-chain cooperation was discussed.
• 4th Singapore-India Hackathon: 15–17 November 2026
• Two MoUs and one Letter of Intent were exchanged.

Key Points:

• Chennai water project: USD 230 million
• Implementing location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Chennai will have India’s first comprehensive ring-main water supply system.
• Karnataka school project: ₹1,750 crore
• Project duration: Four years, up to 2029–30
• Focus: School infrastructure and learning facilities
• Schools will provide education from LKG to Class 12 on single campuses.
• Each campus is planned for a capacity of at least 1,200 students.

Key Points:

• Partner country: Mauritius
• Indian Minister: Hardeep Singh Puri
• Cooperation: Oil and gas
• Indian Oil signed a five-year petroleum supply agreement.
• Products: Petrol, diesel and ATF
• Destination: Port Louis
• India’s refining capacity: Around 258 million tonnes.
• Target refining capacity by 2032: More than 309 million tonnes annually.

Key Points:

• Platform: Razorpay
• Partner bank: RBL Bank
• Facility: Multi-Currency EEFC
• Supported currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, AED and SGD
• Benefits: Lower forex conversion costs and better cash-flow management
• Businesses need an active EEFC account with an RBI-authorised bank.
• Razorpay was founded in 2014 by Harshil Mathur and Shashank Kumar.

Key Points:

• Ship: INS Mangrol
• Builder: Cochin Shipyard Limited
• Navy: Indian Navy
• Class: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft
• Serial number: 3rd of 8
• Propulsion: Diesel Engine-Waterjet
• Equipment: Lightweight torpedoes, indigenous ASW rockets and advanced shallow-water SONARs
• Indigenous content: Nearly 80%
• Supports the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative

Key Points:

• Company: D-Propulse Aerospace Pvt. Ltd.
• Engine: 5 kN air-breathing RDE
• Technology: Rotating Detonation Engine
• Test location: DRDO facility, Hyderabad
• Achievement: TRL-5
• RDE uses pressure-gain combustion.
• It can offer around 15–25% higher thermodynamic efficiency than conventional air-breathing propulsion.
• The engine was incubated at IIT Madras.
• Planned launch: December 2027
• Company founders: V. Ramanujachari and Saurav Jha.

Key Points:

• Name: Sowcar Janaki
• Age: 94
• Born: 12 December 1931
• Birthplace: Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh
• Film debut: Shavukaru (1950)
• Career: More than seven decades
• Films: More than 400 feature films
• Stage: Over 300 theatrical productions
• Award: Padma Shri, 2022
• Worked in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Hindi cinema.

Key Points:

• Date: 22 August
• Organisation: United Nations
• UN Resolution: A/RES/73/296
• Resolution adopted: 28 May 2019
• First observed: 22 August 2019
• Focus: Condemnation of religion-based violence and terrorism
• Promotes interfaith and intercultural dialogue.
• Supports human rights education and action against intolerance and hate crimes.
• Emphasises protection of religious minorities.

Key Points:

• Name: Sajjan Kumar
• Age: 80
• Born: 23 September 1945
• Political party: Indian National Congress
• Started political career: MCD councillor in 1977
• Elected Lok Sabha MP: 1980, 1991 and 2004
• Delhi High Court sentenced him to life imprisonment in December 2018 in a 1984 riots case.
• He was convicted in another case in February 2025 involving the killing of two Sikh men.

Key Points:

• State: Himachal Pradesh
• Partner: ISB-BIPP
• MoU duration: Five years
• Estimated potential: ₹22,600 crore
• Amla: ₹8,700 crore
• Pine needles: ₹5,500 crore
• Wild mangoes: ₹4,800 crore
• Sal seeds: ₹2,400 crore
• Rhododendron flowers: ₹1,200 crore
• Focus areas: Forest economy, community enterprises, forest intelligence, grazing portal and pastoral database.
• The model will initially build on work in Palampur Forest Division and later expand across the state.

Key Points:

• State: Chhattisgarh
• Partners: BISAG-N and NLDSL
• Framework: PM GatiShakti
• 35+ departments onboarded
• 41 mandatory and 600+ additional data layers mapped
• 45 use cases and 30 tools developed
• BISAG-N: Geospatial and GIS-based planning
• NLDSL: Integrated logistics data and analytics
• Chhattisgarh GEO Portal includes GIS scorecards, infrastructure gap analysis, GIS-enabled NOC systems and AI-based planning tools.
• Chhattisgarh was recognised as a high performer among landlocked states in LEADS 2025.