Context: The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) has launched the UNEP FI Impact Centre, consolidating its work on SDGs and impact finance into a dedicated global knowledge and implementation hub. This reflects growing global emphasis on aligning financial systems with sustainability outcomes. What is UNEP FI? What is the UNEP FI Impact Centre? A specialised centre of expertise designed to help financial institutions: ✔ Measure their environmental and social impact✔ Align investments with sustainability goals✔ Integrate impact management into business operations It institutionalises UNEP FI’s work on impact finance and SDG alignment. Core Objective To transform finance from: Risk management only → Impact-driven financial system The centre aims to ensure that financial flows actively support: Key Goals
PM RAHAT Scheme
Source: News on Air Context: The Government of India has launched PM RAHAT to provide cashless emergency medical treatment up to â‚ą1.5 lakh for road accident victims during the Golden Hour. It aims to ensure timely life-saving treatment and remove financial barriers to emergency care. What is PM RAHAT? A national emergency healthcare scheme that guarantees: âś” Cashless treatment for road accident victimsâś” Coverage for the first 7 days after accidentâś” Focus on Golden Hour medical intervention It integrates emergency response, hospital treatment, insurance funding, and digital claim settlement. Institutional Framework Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) National Health Authority (NHA) District Administration Objectives
Bio-based Chemicals and Enzymes
Source: The Hindu Context: India is prioritising bio-based chemicals and enzymes under the BioE3 Policy of the Department of Biotechnology to promote sustainable manufacturing and reduce dependence on petrochemical imports. What are Bio-based Chemicals? Industrial chemicals produced from renewable biological feedstocks instead of fossil fuels. Examples of feedstock: Production methods: What are Enzymes? Produced through: Applications Chemical Industry Pharmaceuticals Food Processing Textiles & Detergents Clean Technology
CBDC-based Public Distribution System (PDS)
Source: PIB Context: India’s first Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)-based Public Distribution System (PDS) has been launched in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It integrates the Digital Rupee into the ration distribution system to improve transparency and efficiency. What is CBDC-based PDS? A digitally enabled ration distribution mechanism where Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) is used within the Public Distribution System to manage transactions and delivery of subsidised food grains. It combines:✔ Welfare delivery✔ Digital payments✔ Automated distribution Institutions Involved Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Objectives
India’s First Underwater Road-cum-Rail Tunnel under Brahmaputra River
Source: Indian Express Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved India’s first underwater road-cum-rail tunnel beneath the Brahmaputra River in Assam at a cost of ₹18,662 crore. What is the Project? A major Greenfield connectivity corridor featuring a long underwater tunnel to improve transport between northern and central Assam. Project Specifications About the Brahmaputra River (Mapping Focus) Origin Different Names Countries Flowed Through China (Tibet) → India → Bangladesh Indian States Drainage basin includes:Nagaland, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Sikkim
NGT Clears â‚ą92,000-Crore Great Nicobar Project
Source: TH Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has cleared challenges to the environmental clearance (EC) granted to the Great Nicobar Island mega-infrastructure project. The tribunal disposed of petitions but directed authorities to ensure strict compliance with EC conditions. About the Great Nicobar Project A large infrastructure development in Great Nicobar Island (Andaman & Nicobar Islands) worth about â‚ą92,000 crore. Major Components About the National Green Tribunal (NGT)
NSE Gets SEBI Approval for Natural Gas Futures
Source: TH Context: The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch Indian Natural Gas futures. This marks a step toward market-based price discovery for natural gas in India. Key Features of the Futures Contracts What Are Futures Contracts Common in commodities like oil, metals, and agricultural products.
Capital Market Stocks Fall After RBI Tightens Collateral Rules
Source: BS Context: Shares of brokerage firms and capital market intermediaries fell after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced stricter collateral and lending norms for loans to capital market participants. The move is aimed at reducing leverage and strengthening financial stability, but it raises funding costs for brokers. Key Regulatory Changes by RBI 1. Full Collateral Requirement 2. Higher Haircut on Equity Collateral 3. Margin Trading Funding (MTF) Norms Who Are Capital Market Intermediaries (CMIs)? Entities involved in securities market operations, such as:
SEBI’s New ETF Proposals
Source: Mint Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed reforms for Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) to improve pricing accuracy and better manage market volatility. A consultation paper is open for public comments until 6 March. What Are ETFs? NAV = Total asset value – expenses ÷ number of units. Key Proposed Changes 1. Change in Base Price Calculation (Major Reform) Current system: Proposed system: Possible reference values: ➡ Reduces pricing lag. 2. Review of Price Bands Current price movement limits: SEBI may: 3. Commodity ETF Reforms (Gold & Silver) Reason:
AI in Indian Agriculture & Dairy
Source: Mint Context: Farmers in Maharashtra and dairy producers in Gujarat are increasingly using AI-based digital advisory tools to replace or supplement traditional knowledge networks (“village universities”) and limited access to agricultural experts. Two major examples: Structural Problem AI Is Trying to Solve Decline of Traditional Knowledge Networks Earlier: Now: ➡ Farmers rely on quickest advice source. Model 1 — MahaVISTAAR (Crop Advisory AI) A state-backed digital platform integrating: Key Innovation Source-verified knowledge pipeline ➡ Emphasis on credibility and scientific authority. Benefits Observed Model 2 — Amul’s “Sarlaben” AI (Dairy Advisory) AI-powered voice assistant for livestock management. Functions: Problem It Addresses ➡ Provides immediate first-level guidance
