Main Point :-   (i) Under the MoU, Rhenus will progressively introduce 100 barges, beginning with 20 barges and 6 pushers in the first phase. The operations are expected to handle over 1 million tonnes of cargo annually by the end of 2025.

      (ii) The MoU will also promote scheduled barge services and introduce innovative Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) solutions, with an eye toward long-term scalability and operational efficiency across India’s National Waterways.

      - He was India’s senior-most participant in the 2019 International Yoga Day celebration and made headlines in January 2025 for attending the Maha Kumbh Mela consistently for the past 100 years.

Main Point :-   (i) Swami Sivananda was honored with the Yoga Ratna Award and Basundhara Ratan Award in 2019 for his service to society.

      (ii) In 2022, he received the Padma Shri in the field of Yoga, becoming the oldest recipient of the prestigious award.

      - Green Municipal Bonds are fixed-income instruments issued by local governments to fund environmentally sustainable projects, such as water conservation, waste management, and pollution control, promoting urban development while supporting environmental goals.

Main Point :-   (i) The ₹150 crore Green Municipal Bond, backed by both the Government of India (GoI) and the Government of Uttar Pradesh, was issued by Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U). The Tertiary Sewage Treatment Plant (TSTP) project follows the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), with 40% funding from the municipality and 60% from private partners, reinforcing fiscal responsibility through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach.

      (ii) The TSTP, inaugurated by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in January 2022, aims to reduce groundwater extraction by supplying treated wastewater for industrial use, aiding in water conservation. The plant employs advanced membrane-based filtration technologies like microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and Reverse Osmosis (RO). A robust 95 km pipeline network facilitates the delivery of treated water to 1,400+ industrial units, helping them shift from freshwater to recycled water sources.

(iii) With a treatment capacity of 40 MLD (Million Litres per Day), the plant has signed contracts to supply 9.5 MLD to over 800 industries. The total project cost is around ₹320 crore, of which ₹150 crore was successfully raised through India’s first certified Green Municipal Bond. In recognition of its sustainable water reuse model, Ghaziabad received the Best Municipal Treated Water Reuse Award at the 19th Water Digest World Water Awards 2024–25.

Main Point :-   (i) The IWAI, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPS&W), has expanded the number of NWs from 5 to 111 under the National Waterways Act, 2016. ii. Simultaneously, the operational length of NWs has increased from 2,716 km (2014-15) to 4,894 km (2023-24).

      (ii) Various digital tools like the Least Available Depth Information System (LADIS), River Information System (RIS), Car-D, Portal for Navigational Information (PANI), and Management Information and Reporting Solution (MIRS) were launched by the IWAI to boost the Ease of Doing Business.

(iii) India aims to increase the Inland Water Transport (IWT) modal share from 2 percent to 5 percent, and raise traffic to 200+ MMT by 2030 and 500+ MMT by 2047 under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision.

Main Point :-   (i) Labeo uru was discovered in the Chandragiri River (Karnataka). The species was named after a traditional wooden dhow ('uru'), due to its sail-like elongated dorsal fin.

      (ii) Labeo chekida, a small, dark-bodied fish, was identified in the Chalakudy River (Kerala) and is locally known as "kaka chekida".

(iii) Both species are endemic to their respective river systems, highlighting the unique aquatic biodiversity of the region.

      - This was also the first time in India that GI certificates for 21 products were distributed at a single event by the Prime Minister since the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 came into effect in 2003.

Main Point :-   (i) Out of the 21 products awarded GI tags, 9 are from Varanasi, showcasing the city's strong cultural and craftsmanship traditions.

      (ii) Interestingly, Varanasi alone has 32 GI-tagged products, making it a global center for GI-recognized heritage items.

Main Point :-   (i) The partnership aims to provide comprehensive insurance offerings, including home, health, motor, and engineering insurance, to customers of SIDBI through its 123 branches across the country.

      (ii) The initiative focuses on strengthening insurance accessibility among MSMEs, a sector considered crucial for India’s economic development and job creation.

(iii) This tie-up will enable MSMEs to access both financial and insurance services through an integrated platform, simplifying processes and boosting protection for small businesses.

Main Point :-   (i) The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several key road infrastructure projects in Varanasi, including a road bridge connecting the Varanasi Ring Road to Sarnath, flyovers at Bhikharipur and Manduadih crossings, and a highway underpass tunnel on National Highway 31 (NH-31) near Varanasi International Airport, with a combined worth of over ₹980 crore.

      (ii) The Prime Minister inaugurated two 400-kilovolt (kV) and one 220-kV transmission substations along with associated transmission lines in the Jaunpur, Chandauli, and Ghazipur districts of the Varanasi division, with a total value of over ₹1,045 crore.

(iii) He also laid the foundation stone for a 220-kV transmission substation at Chaukaghat in Varanasi, a 132-kV transmission substation in Ghazipur, and the augmentation of the electricity distribution system in Varanasi city, worth over ₹775 crore.

      - It enables real-time monitoring of investigations, supports timely filing of chargesheets, and allows for efficient tracking of court trials.

Main Point :-   (i) To date, the portal has contributed to around 85,000 convictions, while resolving over 40,000 long-pending cases from the past five years.

      (ii) Instituted in 2003, the SKOCH Awards recognize outstanding work by individuals, institutions, and projects in areas like governance, technology, inclusive growth, service delivery, and more.

(iii) These awards are presented annually by the SKOCH Group, a Gurugram (Haryana)-based consulting firm established in 1997.

      - The new framework allows both private and public sector entities to apply for a No Objection Certificate (NoC) from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). This certificate is mandatory for developing or operating an inland waterway terminal, thereby streamlining the entry of new players into the IWT sector.

Main Point :-   (i) The regulations are designed to be inclusive, covering both new and existing terminals—whether permanent or temporary—under a single, unified framework. This ensures standardization and transparency in terminal development and operations on national waterways.

      (ii) A significant milestone at the event was the issuance of the first-ever digital NoC through the portal to Marina India Infrastructure Private Limited (MIIPL), based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This marked the first time a private company received an NoC to construct a terminal on any National Waterway.

(iii) MIIPL will establish a jetty at Malim on river Mandovi (National Waterway-68) in Goa. With an investment of around Rs 8 crore (USD 96,000), the jetty will be capable of berthing up to 16 privately-owned yachts and pleasure crafts with a length of up to 30 meters, boosting tourism and marine infrastructure in the region.

      - Bihar leads in the number of women entrepreneurs under PMMY with 4.2 crore beneficiaries, followed by Tamil Nadu with 4.0 crore and West Bengal with 3.7 crore. Maharashtra has the highest share of women account holders at 79%, followed by Jharkhand (75%) and West Bengal (73%).

Main Point :-   (i) Overall, women constitute 68% of all PMMY account holders, showcasing the scheme’s strong impact on women’s empowerment at the grassroots level.

      (ii) The share of PMMY loans has also grown significantly in states like Bihar (from 5.67% in FY16 to 10.97% in FY25), Uttar Pradesh (from 9.27% to 11.30%), and Odisha (from 4.24% to 4.51%).

(iii) Under PMMY, collateral-free loans of up to ₹20 lakh are provided through Member Lending Institutions in four categories—Shishu (up to ₹50,000), Kishor (₹50,000–₹5 lakh), Tarun (₹5–10 lakh), and Tarun Plus (₹10–20 lakh).

Main Point :-   (i) The MoU aims to improve job opportunities and foster technological advancements in the state through institutions like IIT Raipur, NIT Raipur, and AIIMS Raipur.

      (ii) As part of the new industrial policy, proposals worth Rs. 4.4 lakh crore have been received, with Naya Raipur being developed as an IT hub.

(iii) Key sectors such as engineering, textiles, electronics, IT/ITES, food processing, and green fuel have attracted proposals worth Rs. 3,700 crore.

Main Point :-   (i) Upon completion of this transaction, ISARC will become a subsidiary of Authum Investment. The RBI has also granted approval for Authum Investment to nominate two directors to ISARC's board.

      (ii) The deal takes place amid a turbulent phase for the Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) sector, with multiple firms exiting the market.

(iii) Notable departures include Blackstone-backed International Asset Reconstruction Company and Aditya Birla Asset Reconstruction Co. Additionally, Arcion Revitalization (supported by Apollo Global and ICICI Bank) and Lonestar India have also shut down operations.

      - This is supported by the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) Scheme.

Main Point :-   (i) CGTMSE will provide funding support of up to 90-95% under this scheme. For loans up to Rs 5 crore without collateral, only 25% of the amount must be shown as an investment.

      (ii) The interest rates for these loans will range between 8.75% and 9.75%, depending on the credit rating of the unit. The funding process for new units is expected to be completed within 30 to 45 days.

Main Point :-   (i) This scheme allows individuals to start investing with as little as ₹250, offering daily, weekly, or monthly SIP options to cater to diverse financial needs.

      (ii) The scheme, starting at just ₹250, makes investing accessible for first-time investors and small savers. Investors can set up SIPs through the Paytm application (app), SBI You Only Need One (YONO), and other digital platforms.

(iii) This initiative aims to democratize investing and contribute to long-term financial security for millions of Indians, particularly those in rural, semi-urban, and urban areas.

Main Point :-   (i) Paytm Money is now authorized to provide expert-backed research and advisory services for retail and institutional investors.

      (ii) The platform continues to support Mutual Funds (MF), stocks, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), and the National Pension System (NPS), promoting financial inclusion.

(iii) Paytm Money has integrated features such as Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Trading Blocks for seamless payment deductions and advanced tools to assist investors in making informed decisions.

Main Point :-   (i) Tamilicum possesses unique features, including a dorsal surface of the head with a single whitish band across the anterior eye margin, a long vomerine teeth patch reaching half the length of the maxillary, and 120-129 total vertebrae.

      (ii) This marks the 14th eel species discovered in Indian waters by the NBFGR team.

(iii) The species’ identity was validated by international experts in eel taxonomy, and the findings were published in the international peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa.

Main Point :-   (i) The radar is designed and developed by the Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratory under the MoD.

      (ii) The radar features active electronically scanned phased array technology with a solid-state design and is capable of tracking aerial targets, ranging from high-speed fighter jets to slow-moving targets such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters.

(iii) BEL, established in 1954, is a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) under the MoD, headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

      - The MoU includes plans to develop cruise tourism on a 4-kilometer stretch of the Yamuna River, designated as National Waterway-110 (NW-110), between Sonia Vihar and Jagatpur in Delhi. The project will introduce electric-solar hybrid boats with a capacity of 20-30 passengers, equipped with bio-toilets and safety gear.

Main Point :-   (i) To facilitate ferry operations, the project will include the construction of two High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) jetties. This initiative is expected to improve river-based transport while ensuring environmental sustainability through the use of green energy solutions.

      (ii) Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, attended the MoU signing ceremony, underscoring the government's commitment to modernizing India's transportation and logistics sectors.

(iii) As part of the broader sustainable water transport initiatives, the Harit Nauka Guidelines focus on promoting electric boats, which are already operational in Varanasi and Ayodhya. Additionally, NW-110, covering a 1,089-kilometer stretch from Delhi to Prayagraj, was officially declared a National Waterway in 2014.

Main Point :-   (i) Takashi Nakajima has been with Honda since 1994, accumulating over 30 years of experience. Throughout his career, he has held various roles in business planning, product planning, marketing, and sales promotion across countries like Japan, China, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Russia.

      (ii) Since 2021, he has served as the President of Honda Motor Russia and has also been responsible for corporate communication, marketing, and product planning for Honda’s car business in Japan.

Main Point :-   (i) OTAI and MPOC will organize seminars, conferences, and research collaborations with Indian institutions to promote the nutritional and health benefits of palm oil and address misconceptions.

      (ii) Palm oil is trans-fat-free, rich in Vitamin E antioxidants (tocopherols and tocotrienols), and has a balanced profile of fatty acids, supporting cardiovascular health.

(iii) Palm oil also contains natural compounds like beta-carotene, enhancing its nutritional value and overall health benefits.

      - The MoU aims to enhance tourism, create job opportunities, drive economic growth, and introduce a new form of leisure and budget tourism along the rivers in J&K. To promote river cruise tourism, several cruise routes were announced for development, stretching from Kashmir to Kerala and Assam to Gujarat, during the Second Meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) in January 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) In two months, IWAI took a step towards developing river cruise tourism in J&K, with an estimated budget of Rs. 100 crore. Under the MoU, IWAI will develop waterside infrastructure, including ten floating jetties, as well as landside facilities, such as waiting halls and other amenities for cruise passengers.

      (ii) Of the ten floating jetties, two will be installed at 'Akhnoor' and 'Reasi' (near Jammu) on the designated section of River Chenab (NW-26). Seven floating jetties will be set up at 'Pantha Chowk', 'Zero Bridge', 'Amira Kadal', 'Shah-e-Hamdan', 'Safa Kadal/Chattabal Shrine', 'Sumbal Bridge', and 'Gund Prang' (in Srinagar and Bandipora) on River Jhelum (NW-49). One floating jetty will be installed at Sohar on River Ravi (NW-84).

(iii) The J&K government will provide land for landside facilities, handle approvals, and appoint cruise operators, while IWAI will offer technical support as needed.

Main Point :-   (i) This partnership aims to strengthen the MSME ecosystem by offering various financial services, including project financing, machinery and equipment financing, working capital support (such as letters of credit and bank guarantees), and loans against property.

      (ii) Under this agreement, both institutions will explore joint financing options to extend credit facilities to MSMEs.

      - The number of business accounts opened by women surged 4.6 times, from 8 lakh in 2019 to 37 lakh in 2024. Business loan disbursements rose to ₹1.9 lakh crore in 2024, up from ₹0.7 lakh crore in 2019, though these loans accounted for only 3% of the total loans availed by women.

Main Point :-   (i) Since 2019, women's share in business loan origination has grown by 14%, while their gold loan share increased by 6%. By December 2024, women made up 35% of business borrowers.

      (ii) Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu (TN), Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Telangana contributed 49% of all self-monitoring women, with the southern region leading at 10.2 million in 2024.

(iii) Northern and central states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Madhya Pradesh (MP) recorded the highest Compounded Annual Growth Rates (CAGR) in active women borrowers over the last five years.

      - The number of business accounts opened by women surged 4.6 times, from 8 lakh in 2019 to 37 lakh in 2024. Business loan disbursements rose to ₹1.9 lakh crore in 2024, up from ₹0.7 lakh crore in 2019, though these loans accounted for only 3% of the total loans availed by women.

Main Point :-   (i) Since 2019, women's share in business loan origination has grown by 14%, while their gold loan share increased by 6%. By December 2024, women made up 35% of business borrowers.

      (ii) Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu (TN), Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Telangana contributed 49% of all self-monitoring women, with the southern region leading at 10.2 million in 2024.

(iii) Northern and central states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh (UP), and Madhya Pradesh (MP) recorded the highest Compounded Annual Growth Rates (CAGR) in active women borrowers over the last five years.

Main Point :-   (i) The partnership aims to assist fintech hardware entrepreneurs in developing and scaling payment and financial technology solutions by providing innovation guidance, mentorship, and regulatory and compliance support through workshops and collaboration with industry and government entities.

      (ii) The agreement provides infrastructure and market access support, enabling businesses to test, validate, and enhance their products while leveraging Paytm’s vast merchant network.

(iii) Additionally, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, Paytm Foundation, the initiative will support deep-tech startups in Climate Tech, Web3, Agritech, and Mobility.

Main Point :-   (i) The partnership aims to strengthen the MSME ecosystem by offering funding for machinery and equipment financing, working capital, Cash Credit (CC), Overdraft (OD), business loans, loans against property, and more.

      (ii) Furthermore, risk sharing, co-lending, and joint financing options will be explored to extend credit facilities to MSMEs.

Main Point :-   (i) A significant portion of the budget has been allocated to development projects (22%), followed by education (13%), agriculture and allied sectors (11%), medical and health (6%), and social security (4%).

      (ii) Uttar Pradesh’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is projected to reach ₹27.51 trillion in FY25. The fiscal deficit is estimated at ₹91,400 crore, accounting for 2.97% of the projected GSDP for FY25.

(iii) Total estimated receipts stand at ₹7,79,242.65 crore, comprising revenue receipts of ₹6,62,690.93 crore and capital receipts of ₹1,16,551.72 crore.

Main Point :-   (i) The service was introduced on February 18, 2025, during the assembly session, pending approval from the House of Suit.

      (ii) Members can now select the appropriate channel at their seat to listen to live translations in their earplugs in any of the four regional dialects (Awadhi, Braj, Bundeli, and Bhojpuri).

Main Point :-   (i) Seven Technology LLC is the parent company of Dinie Correspondente Bancario e Meios de Pagamento (Dinie) in Brazil, which is the first embedded finance start-up offering Application Programming Interface (API)-based solutions.

      (ii) The acquisition is expected to be completed within 45 days, after which Seven Technology and Dinie will become associate entities of Paytm.

(iii) In December 2024, Paytm's parent company, One97 Communications Singapore Private Limited (Paytm Singapore), agreed to sell its Stock Acquisition Rights (SARS) in Japan's PayPay Corporation to SoftBank Vision Fund 2 for Japanese Yen (JPY) 41.9 billion (around Rs 2,364 crore).

Main Point :-   (i) Other philatelic releases focusing on Maha Kumbh include special covers and cancellations on sacred Snan days, 'Divya, Bhavya, and Digital Mahakumbh', and a picture postcard celebrating 'Prakhyat Prayagraj'.

      (ii) The Kumbh Mela is rooted in Hindu mythology, linked to the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). Maha Kumbh occurs once every 144 years at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (UP).

Main Point :-   (i) Cube InvIT raised funds through long-term non-convertible debentures, offering a 7.67% coupon, with a tenure of 17 years and 10 months. The debentures include an anchor portion of Rs 258 crore.

      (ii) IFC’s investment will mobilize additional capital, driving advancements in India’s road infrastructure while maintaining adherence to international Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.

(iii) Cube InvIT is an irrevocable trust formed under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 and is registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as an InvIT.

      - The initiative aims to support businesses in transitioning to a low-carbon economy by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy adoption.

Main Point :-   (i) MSMEs play a crucial role in India's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2070, and this collaboration aligns with the efforts of the Greening Indian Financial System (GIFS) Platform.

      (ii) The GIFS Platform focuses on incorporating sustainability and climate considerations into the strategies of Indian financial stakeholders.

(iii) This partnership highlights the increasing significance of sustainable finance in fostering inclusive and resilient economic growth.

      - The initiative aims to support businesses in transitioning to a low-carbon economy by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy adoption.

Main Point :-   (i) MSMEs play a crucial role in India's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2070, and this collaboration aligns with the efforts of the Greening Indian Financial System (GIFS) Platform.

      (ii) The GIFS Platform focuses on incorporating sustainability and climate considerations into the strategies of Indian financial stakeholders.

(iii) This partnership highlights the increasing significance of sustainable finance in fostering inclusive and resilient economic growth.

Main Point :-   (i) The aim is to nurture young engineers from under-represented communities such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and the North Eastern Region (NER) by providing them with hands-on experience in toy innovation.

      (ii) The program is divided into two phases: a 6-month Toy Lab Training at CDAC Noida, UP, where participants will learn to design and develop electronic toys, and a 6-month Industry Internship, offering specialized training to create market-ready toy prototypes.

Main Point :-   (i) This new species was identified based on morpho-cultural traits and molecular phylogenetic analyses, which involved multilocus sequencing.

      (ii) Phytopathogenic fungi are responsible for causing 70-80% of plant diseases, leading to substantial economic losses in agriculture and horticulture, and can be either necrotrophic (feeding on dead tissue) or biotrophic (colonizing living tissue).

Main Point :-   (i) Under the MoU, SIDBI will conduct capacity-building training for selected office-bearers and staff of TIDITSSIA, offer support to the association’s members, and organize buyer-seller meetings.

      (ii) The initiative will assist around 450 members in securing business loans at an interest rate approximately 1% lower than those offered by other financial institutions.

      - The Union MoS emphasized CSIR-IITR’s efforts in supporting startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through initiatives such as the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR)-led Common Research and Technology Hub (CRTDH) Environmental Monitoring Hub and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)-led Bioincubators Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies (BioNEST) in New Delhi.

Main Point :-   (i) During the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated key facilities at CSIR-IITR, including the Diamond Jubilee Arches, the new Diamond Jubilee Block, the NaMo-ATAL facility, and VV Sansa, a state-of-the-art reference material hub.

      (ii) The minister also launched WARMEST (Water, Air, Radiation Monitoring for Environment Safety Technologies), the third edition of the WARM series, and EARTH-25 (Environmental Awareness Research Towards Health) conferences, reinforcing the institute’s commitment to environmental safety and scientific progress.

(iii) Highlighting CSIR-IITR’s contributions to public health and environmental research, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the institute’s vital role in fostering innovation and sustainable solutions, aligning with the vision of a ‘toxin-free India’ by 2047.

      - In January 2025, Nakul Jain announced his resignation as the Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL), a subsidiary of One97 Communications Limited (OCL), to pursue his entrepreneurial journey. His resignation will be effective from March 31, 2025, or an earlier mutually agreed date.

Main Point :-   (i) Nakul Jain joined PPSL in 2022, overseeing the Online Payments business. With over 21 years of experience, he has expertise in retail banking, product management, wealth management, international banking, and payments.

      (ii) Before joining Paytm, he was part of the Management Team at Standard Chartered Bank and held leadership positions at ICICI Bank Limited and IndusInd Bank Limited.

(iii) On August 28, 2024, PPSL received approval from the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance (MoF), for downstream investment from Paytm into PPSL. The company has applied for a Payment Aggregator (PA) license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is awaiting approval.

Main Point :-   (i) KRBL Limited (formerly known as Khushi Ram Behari Lal Ltd.) was founded in 1889 in Lyallpur, Punjab by two brothers, Khushi Ram and Behari Lal.

      (ii) It is recognized as one of the world's largest rice millers, primarily known for its 'India Gate' brand of basmati rice, which is the largest-selling rice brand in India.

(iii) Anil Kumar Mittal serves as the Chairman and Managing Director (MD) of KRBL Limited.

Main Point :-   (i) BIMCOIN operates on blockchain technology, offering decentralization, transparency, and smart contract features.

      (ii) It enhances security, safeguards against fraud, and encourages ethical practices while providing students a hands-on learning experience with blockchain technology and digital currencies.

      - Participants will develop innovative solutions in six key areas: Application Programming Interface (API) Security, Data Security, Wearable Device Security and Privacy, Clone and Fake Application (App) Mitigation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Threat Detection and Incident Response, and Securing Next-Generation Biometric Systems.

Main Point :-   (i) The challenge is divided into three main stages. In the Idea Stage, 36 startups (6 per problem area) will be selected, each receiving ₹5 lakh. Following this, the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Stage will see 18 startups being chosen and awarded ₹10 lakh each.

      (ii) The next stage is the Final Product Stage, where winners for each problem area will receive ₹25 lakh.

(iii) The final stage, called the Go-to-Market Stage, will announce the top three winners. The Platinum Winner will receive ₹1 crore, the Gold Winner will get ₹50 lakh, and the Silver Winner will be awarded ₹25 lakh.

      - This project aligns with AP’s Semiconductor Policy, launched in November 2024, aiming to transform the state into a hub for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing while supporting India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by boosting domestic production and reducing import dependency.

Main Point :-   (i) The AP government will provide land in the Orvakal Mega Industrial Hub along with essential infrastructure and support to ensure the project’s success.

      (ii) The facility will specialize in manufacturing Silicon Carbide (SiC) chips, crucial for energy-efficient technologies, Electric Vehicles (EVs), and Renewable Energy (RE) systems, with an initial production capacity of 10,000 wafers per month, scalable to 50,000 wafers per month within 2-3 years.

(iii) In November 2024, Gujarat became a pioneer in India's semiconductor industry by launching the Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-2027, setting up the country’s first semiconductor facility in Sanand and initiating the construction of India’s first AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera.

      - The MoU was signed by Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary of UP, and Anil Bhansali, Vice President (VP) of Google Cloud (India).

Main Point :-   (i) The network is created as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) using Google Cloud’s DPI-in-a-box and the Beckn Protocol, an open standard that makes it easy to find and access products and services.

      (ii) This is an important step toward doubling farmers' income in UP. It provides quick and accurate information on weather and market prices, using data from weather stations in nearly every tehsil.

(iii) Farmers can access the network using voice commands in their preferred language. Currently, it supports Hindi, Bangla, Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati, and Punjabi, with plans to add more languages in the future.

Main Point :-   (i) The plan offers comprehensive coverage for devotees, including hospitalization, doctor consultations, outpatient services, personal accidents, lost baggage, trip cancellations, missed flights, and repatriation of remains.

      (ii) Users can purchase this plan through PhonePe until February 25, 2025, ensuring full coverage during their journey and stay at the Maha Kumbh Mela, providing a safe pilgrimage experience for millions.

      - The project will cover five areas: Varanasi, Azamgarh, Prayagraj, Mirzapur, Agra, and Aligarh, and will be managed by two state-owned DISCOMs: Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam (PuVNL) and Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam (DVVNL).

Main Point :-   (i) The project will be carried out through three Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs): GMR Agra Smart Meters Limited, GMR Kashi Smart Meters Limited, and GMR Triveni Smart Meters Limited.

      (ii) Bosch Global Software Technologies Private Limited (BGSW) is the technical partner for the project.

(iii) GPUIL has provided a corporate guarantee of Rs 440 crore (USD 51.21 million) to each SPV until the Commercial Operation Date (COD).

Main Point :-   (i) The Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism and Culture organized the signing ceremony in Lucknow, where Manipur artists performed Thougal Jagoi, a traditional Meitei folk dance, and Thang Ta, a traditional martial art.

      (ii) The MoU between the two states is effective for three years from the signing date and can be extended for another three years if both states agree.

      - The Ram Temple is being built in the traditional Nagar architectural style. It measures 380 feet in length (east-west) and 250 feet in width, with a height of 161 feet. The temple will have 392 pillars and 44 doors, with an impressive east-facing entrance featuring 32 steps.

Main Point :-   (i) The temple is being constructed using around 15 lakh cubic feet of Bansi Paharpur stone from Rajasthan. The marble cladding adds to its beauty, making it a significant architectural marvel.

      (ii) The intricate designs are the work of artist Vasudev Kamath and architects Sompura and Jay Kaktikar. Additionally, organizations like the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) and Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) have contributed to ensuring the temple's structural strength and integrity.

(iii) The Ram Temple project, expected to be completed by June 2025, has been recognized for its outstanding safety measures, with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) receiving the 'Golden Trophy' from the National Safety Council (NSC) for their exemplary safety practices during its construction.

Main Point :-   (i) As of December 9, 2024, over 6.79 lakh rooftop solar installations have been completed since the launch of the scheme in February 2024. This includes over 5.38 lakh individual residential units and around 1.41 lakh households through installations in residential welfare associations.

      (ii) So far, a total of 1.45 crore registrations and 26.38 lakh applications have been registered on the National Portal of the scheme, and subsidies have been disbursed to 3.66 lakh applicants within 15 to 21 days.

      - The report calls for tailored, region-specific adaptation strategies.

Main Point :-   (i) Emphasis on collective efforts and innovative frameworks to address climate challenges.

      - Kerala, Rajasthan, and Goa boost tourism and foreign exchange earnings. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh lead in infrastructure development. Rajasthan and Gujarat focus on renewable energy. Northeastern states improve connectivity, enhancing trade and tourism.

Main Point :-   (i) 25 states recorded over 7% GSDP growth in FY22 and FY23.

      (ii) 17 states achieved over 9% growth, including Gujarat and Kerala.

(iii) PHDCCI proposes a nine-pronged strategy for sustained growth.

Main Point :-   (i) Launched the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot for Mahakumbh Mela 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) The new system is expected to save the state over Rs 2,000 crore annually.

Main Points:-   (i) TPREL will also develop, operate, and maintain a 13 MW onsite solar power capacity to contribute to the airport's overall energy needs.

      (ii) The 25-year partnership supports the development of Net Zero Airports.