It can be a better alternative to stubble burning by enhancing soil fertility and ensuring carbon neutrality in agriculture. About: Biochar is black carbon produced from biomass sources (i.e., wood chips, plant residues, manure or other agricultural waste products) for the purpose of transforming the biomass -carbon into a more stable form (carbon sequestration). It also offers:

• Carbon-Negative Farming: This method removes more greenhouse gases than it emits, surpassing carbon neutrality.
• Sustainable Waste Management: Producing biochar from stubble prevents harmful carbon emissions from burning.
• Carbon Sequestration: Biochar locks carbon into the soil, providing a long-term solution for waste management and climate mitigation.
• Natural Carbon Storage: This approach captures CO₂ and stores it in the soil, making it one of the most effective carbon sequestration methods.

Diriyah Giga Project

Several Indian firms are keen to invest in the Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Giga project, as per latest report.

• Saudi Arabia shares borders with Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, and Yemen.
• About the project: Diriyah, known as the City of Earth, is being developed near Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and will accommodate 100,000 residents and office space for 100,000+ people.
• Historical Significance: The project aims to restore the historic birthplace of the Saudi kingdom, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif.
• India-Saudi Trade: India ranks among Saudi Arabia’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade of USD 52.8 billion (2022-23).
• Investment Opportunities: Diriyah, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), offers various investment packages for residential, hospitality, office, education, and healthcare sectors.
• Tourism Potential: Diriyah is expected to attract 50 million visitors annually by 2030.

Yashas

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Hindustan Jet Trainer HJT-36a has been renamed Yashas after extensive modifications to improve departure characteristics and spin resistance, earlier called Sitara. About Reason for Renaming: Due to large-scale enhancements in capabilities, the aircraft has been given a new name, signifying its continued relevance in modern military aviation. Recent Upgrades: State-of-the-art avionics and an ultra-modern cockpit for improved training effectiveness and operational efficiency.

• Weight reduction and replacement of obsolete imported equipment with Indian Line Replaceable Units (LRUs).

Capabilities: Suitable for Stage II pilot training, counter-insurgency, counter-surface force operations, armament training, and aerobatics.

• Can perform stall and spin maneuvers, aerobatics, armament carriage up to 1000kg, and single-point ground refueling & defueling.

Engine & Cockpit Features: Powered by a FADEC-controlled AL55I Jet engine, offering high thrust-to-weight ratio and optimized thrust management.

• Features a stepped-up rear cockpit with a drooped nose for enhanced situational awareness and all-around vision.
• Equipped with a State-of-the-Art Glass Cockpit with Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and Heads-Up Display (HUD).

Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)

The agriculture ministry has recently revised guidelines for the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), increasing the crop procurement limit from 20 to 25 %. About: Market intervention refers to strategies such as collective action used to address market failures and improve market access for smallholder producers, aiming to enhance their income and food security. Market Intervention Scheme (MIS): It is a program that protects farmers from selling their perishable agricultural and horticultural commodities at a loss. Implementation: When market prices fall below economic levels or there is a bumper crop.

• Procurement Agencies: FPOs, FPCs, State-nominated agencies, Central Nodal Agencies to undertake procurement of TOP crops (Tomato, Onion, Potato) under MIS.
• Transportation Cost Reimbursement: Approval given to NCCF for reimbursement of transportation cost of Kharif tomato (up to 1,000 MT) from Madhya Pradesh to Delhi.

• Key Revisions in MIS Guidelines: MIS made a component of PM-AASHA scheme.

MIS activation condition: Implemented only when market price drops by at least 10% compared to the previous normal year. Procurement limit increased: Production coverage limit raised from 20% to 25%. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Option: States can pay the difference between Market Intervention Price (MIP) and selling price directly into farmers’ bank accounts instead of physical procurement. Storage & Transportation Support: Reimbursement of operational cost for storage and transportation of TOP crops between producing and consuming States by Central Nodal Agencies (NAFED, NCCF, etc.). FPOs, FPCs, State-nominated agencies, and other CNAs to also be included in procurement, storage, and transportation arrangements in coordination with implementing States.

Lake Sapanca