1. PMAY - G (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Schemes)

Context: Recently, the Centre initiated a survey and registration process to identify eligible beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) among 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 18 states and Union Territories, with the goal of releasing the first installment to them.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin

• Launched: In 2016 to address the housing gaps existing in the rural areas.

oIAY (Indira Awaas Yojna) was overhauled and transformed into Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), starting from April 1, 2016.

• Ministry Involved: Ministry of Rural development.
• Aim: To provide a pucca house with basic amenities to all rural families who are homeless or living in kutcha or dilapidated houses by 2022.

oIt was initiated with the objective of achieving “Housing for All” by 2022.

• Beneficiaries: SCs/STs, former bonded laborers, non-SC/ST populations, widows or the next-of-kin of defense personnel who died in action, ex-servicemen and retired paramilitary members, disabled individuals, and minorities.
• Cost Sharing: Divided between the Central and State Governments, with a ratio of 60:40 in plain areas and 90:10 in North Eastern and hilly states.

PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups)

• PVTGs represent the most susceptible segment among India's tribal communities, necessitating enhanced support and development efforts.
• Among the 705 Scheduled Tribes in India, 75 have garnered the PVTG classification, and their populations are dispersed across 17 states and one Union Territory.

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2. INSACOG Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, the India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) stated that there was no need for an additional fourth booster dose of vaccine against COVID-19 amid the surge in cases and the detection of the JN.1 sub-variant.

India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG)

• About: It is jointly initiated by the Union Health Ministry of Health, and Department of Biotechnology (DBT) with Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
• Formation: It is a collaborative effort involving 54 laboratories.
• Aim: At monitoring genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus through sentinel sequencing. 

• Initiative Facilitated by: National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi, in partnership with the Central Surveillance Unit (CSU) under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
• Purpose of INSACOG: In response to the unprecedented global public health challenges posed by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19), INSACOG was established to conduct comprehensive whole genome sequencing across the nation.
• Genetic Code Monitoring: Changes or mutations in the genetic code of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are closely observed through analysis and sequencing of samples conducted in laboratories under INSACOG.
• Objectives of INSACOG

oINSACOG seeks to ascertain the status of Variants of Interest (VoI) and Variants of Concern (VoC) within the country.

oEstablishing sentinel surveillance and surge surveillance mechanisms to detect genomic variants early on, aiding in the formulation of effective public health responses.

oDetermining the presence of genomic variants in samples collected during super-spreader events and in areas reporting an increasing trend of cases, deaths, etc.

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3. VGF SCHEME FOR BATTERY STORAGE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, the Union Minister for Power, New & Renewable Energy has informed that the Government has approved the scheme for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for development of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) with capacity of 4,000 megawatts hours (MWh).

VGF Scheme for Battery Storage

• About: VGF stands for Viability Gap Funding, which aims at supporting infrastructure projects that are economically justified but fall marginally short of financial viability.
• Initiated: In 2004, supports projects falling under Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

oThis scheme operates as a Plan Scheme, with budget allocations made on an annual basis by the Ministry of Finance.

• Aim: VGF grants are given as capital subsidies to encourage private sector involvement in financially unviable PPP projects.

oThese projects often lack commercial viability due to extended gestation periods and limited future revenue prospects.

• Benefits of VGF

oVGF grants for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) developers are awarded through a competitive bidding process.

oIt supports a production-linked incentive program that encourages domestic manufacturing, driving technology innovation.

oVGF serves a crucial role in covering the development costs for battery manufacturers during technology development phases.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

• About: BESS is a technology developed for storing electric charge by using specially developed batteries.
• They enable energy from renewables like solar and wind to be stored and released on demand later.

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4. KUNO NATIONAL PARK (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: After almost five months of confinement in the boma (enclosure), four  cheetahs — three males and one female  have been released in the wild.

Kuno National Park

• Situated:  Between the Aravallis and the Madhav National Park, Kuno serves as an important wildlife corridor
• Establishment: It was notified as a sanctuary in 1981 and then upgraded to a national park in 2018. 
• Area: 750 kilometers of pristine wilderness.
• Vegetation: The tropical dry deciduous forest mainly consists of Anogeissus pendula (Kardhai), Senegalia catechu (Khair) Boswellia serrata (Salai), and associated flora.

Project Cheetah

• About: It is India’s cheetah relocation program. This is the first intercontinental reintroduction of a wild, large carnivore species.
• Began on: 17 September 2023
• Historic cheetah in India: Asiatic Cheetahs were once abundant in India but the last cheetah in the country died in 1952.
• Reintroduced cheetah: The animals brought from Namibia and South Africa are the Southeast African cheetahs.
• IUCN Status

oAfrican Cheetah: Vulnerable 

oAsiatic Cheetah: Critically endangered (Iran).

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5. LITHIUM RESERVES (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: India is close to striking a deal on acquiring five lithium blocks for exploration and development in Argentina with the negotiations entering final stages.

Lithium Reserves

• Lithium Reserves in India: A preliminary survey in Southern Karnataka's Mandya district estimated lithium reserves of 14,100 tonnes. 
• Other potential Sites: Mica belts in Rajasthan, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, pegmatite belts in Odisha and Chhattisgarh, and Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
• Major Global Lithium Reserves: Chile > Australia > Argentina are the top countries with Li reserves.
• Lithium Triangle: Chile, Argentina, Bolivia.
• INDIA'S LITHIUM EXPEDITION: India is dependent on China for lithium imports,total imports in FY23were roughly $3 bn.

Applications of Lithium

• Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lithium's most well-known application is in rechargeable and lightweight lithium-ion batteries that power electronic devices, ranging from cell phones to laptops.
• These batteries enable the storage of renewable energy from sources like solar and wind, power electric vehicles, and promote development through access to energy.
• Other Uses: Lithium finds applications in pharmaceuticals, glass and ceramics production, aerospace and military industries for temperature control, and high-temperature lubricating greases.

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6. INS IMPHAL (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: INS Imphal will be commissioned into the Indian Navy on Tuesday in a boost to its maritime capability amid China’s increasing forays into the Indian Ocean region.

INS Imphal

• About: INS Imphal stands as the third vessel in the Visakhapatnam-class of stealth-guided missile destroyers.
• Displacement: 7,400 tonnes and overall length of 164m
• Speed Capability: Capable of reaching speeds surpassing 30 knots (approximately 55 kmph), INS Imphal is designed for swift and agile maneuvering.
• Versatile Platform: As a formidable platform, the ship is equipped to undertake various tasks and missions, covering the entire spectrum of maritime warfare.
• High Indigenous Content: With a commendable indigenous content of about 75%, INS Imphal features advanced weaponry, including Medium Range Surface-to-Air missiles, BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles, and Indigenous Torpedo Tube Launchers, among others.
• Crest Design:The crest design of INS Imphal includes the Kangla Palace and ‘Kangla-Sa,’ offering symbolic representations of Manipur's historical and mythological significance.
• Naming Significance: INS Imphal holds the distinction of being the first capital warship named after a city in the northeast—Imphal, the capital of Manipur.

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7. DIGI YATRA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Governance)

Context: Ministry of Civil Aviation has said that more than 91 lakh passengers have availed of the facility of Digi Yatra in 2023.

Digi Yatra

• About: It is an industry-led initiative co-ordinated by the Ministry in line with the Prime Minister of India's Digital India's vision to transform the nation into a digitally empowered society.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation
• 4 Key Pillars: Connected Passengers, Connected Airports, Connected Flying and Connected Systems
• Joint Venture: AAI (26% share) and 5 Airports (BIAL, DIAL, GHIAL, MIAL and CIAL).
• Benefits:

oPax need not show boarding pass or ID at multiple check points.

oMinimum human intervention. Less queuing time.

oThe security is enhanced as the system will map the passenger with the PNR. Only bona fide passenger will be allowed entry at every check point.

oAirport operator will have real time information on Passenger load and resource planning becomes better.

oAirlines will be benefitted by knowing the passenger position in the airport.

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8. PM-KUSUM (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Scheme)

Context: The Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power has informed in lok sabha that the main objectives of the PM-KUSUM include de-dieselisation of the farm sector, providing water and energy security.

PM-KUSUM (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Uttham Mahabhiyan)

• About: It  envisages income generation for farmers from their infertile land with the establishment of solar power plants.

oWhile the farmers can sell the power generated from the solar plants to the power distribution companies, the solar pumps can also be installed for irrigation of agricultural land.

• Origin: It was launched in 2019 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Aim: To help farmers access reliable daytime solar power for irrigation, reduce power subsidies, and decarbonise agriculture. 

oState wise targets or fund allocation is not made under PM-KUSUM as it is a demand driven scheme.

Three Components

• Component A: 10,000 MW of Decentralized Ground Mounted Grid Connected Renewable Power Plants of individual plant size up to 2 MW.
• Component B: Installation of 14 lakh standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps of individual pump capacity up to 7.5 HP.
• Component C: Solarisation of 35 Lakh Grid-connected Agriculture Pumps of individual pump capacity up to 7.5 HP.

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9. BHARATMALA PROJECT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure)

Context: THE GOVERNMENT HAS extended the deadline for completion of the flagship highway development project Bharatmala Phase-I to 2027-28-afull six years from the original schedule.

Bharatmala Project

• About: Bharatmala Pariyojana is an umbrella program for the highways sector envisaged by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways that focuses on optimizing the efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country. 
• Phase-I of Bharatmala Pariyojana: The implementation of 34,800 km of national highways in 5 years (from 2017 to 2022) has been approved at an estimated outlay of Rs. 5,35,000 crore.
• Aim: To enhance the efficiency of the National Corridor, including the Golden Quadrilateral and North, South – East West corridors. 

oThis involves alleviating congestion through the construction of elevated corridors, bypasses, ring roads, lane expansion, and logistics parks at specific points.

• Extension: 2027-28 full six years from the original schedule.
• Features

oStrategic Road: The project plan encompasses the development of Border Roads of strategic significance along international boundaries. Additionally, International Connectivity roads are proposed to boost trade with neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

oEconomic Corridors and Freight Traffic: The program has identified approximately 26,200 km of Economic Corridors or routes characterized by heavy freight traffic. 

oIntegration of Scientific: A key emphasis is placed on utilizing scientific and technological planning for both Project Preparation and Asset Monitoring.

oSatellite Mapping: The project incorporates the use of satellite mapping for corridors to identify upgradation requirements. 

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10. WRESTLING FEDERATION OF INDIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Governance)

Context: Recently, the Union sports ministry took action by suspending the newly elected executive committee (EC) of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and instructed the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to establish an ad-hoc committee for overseeing the federation's operations.

Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)

• About: The WFI, serves as the governing body for wrestling in India.
• Headquarter: New Delhi, 
• Recognized by: Government of India and the Indian Olympic Association, the WFI holds a significant position in the country's sports landscape.
• Event Organization: The WFI actively organizes a variety of wrestling events, including the Pro Wrestling League, National Wrestling Championship, and Asian Championships, fostering both national and international participation.
• Support for Olympic Athletes: In addition to event organization, the WFI plays a pivotal role in supporting and training Indian wrestlers for their participation in the Olympic Games.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA)

• About: It is the governing body for the Olympic Movement and the Commonwealth Games in India.
• Recognised by: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
• Responsibilities:

oThe entity is tasked with the selection of athletes to represent India in the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and various international athletic competitions. 

oIt functions as the Indian Commonwealth Games Association, playing a role in choosing athletes to represent India in the Commonwealth Games and overseeing the management of Indian teams during these events.

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