Source: BL Why in News? The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) has constituted a High-Level Committee to review and strengthen the functioning of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in Tamil Nadu, with a focus on governance, sustainability, and market integration. About the High-Level Committee Composition The Committee includes representatives from: About Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) Legal Framework FPOs can be registered under:
SEBI’s Corporate Bond Liquidity Window Sees Low Adoption
Source: Mint Why in News? A corporate bond liquidity window introduced by SEBI in November 2024 to improve liquidity in India’s corporate bond market has seen negligible usage, with issuers largely opting not to offer the facility. Background About SEBI’s Liquidity Window Framework Applicability Key Features of the Framework Valuation & Pricing Rules
Economic Survey 2025–26
Source: The Hindu Why in News? The Economic Survey 2025–26, tabled in Parliament, projects a strong medium-term growth outlook for India while warning of a grim and fragile global economic scenario that could pose risks to the Indian economy. Key Highlights of Economic Survey 2025–26 India’s Growth Outlook Drivers of Higher Medium-Term Growth Reform Momentum Cited These factors collectively raise India’s potential growth to ~7% in the medium term. Global Economic Outlook: Key Risks
Living Root Bridges Submitted to UNESCO World Heritage List
Source: News on Air Why in News? India has officially submitted the nomination dossier for Meghalaya’s Living Root Bridges to UNESCO for evaluation under the 2026–27 World Heritage cycle.The nomination is titled “Jingkieng Jri / Lyu Chrai Cultural Landscape.” What are the Living Root Bridges? Location
Paathara (Khoni) Practice
Source: The Hindu Why in News? The Paathara (or Khoni) traditional grain storage practice in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, is facing imminent extinction, raising concerns over the loss of indigenous agricultural knowledge systems. What is the Paathara (Khoni) Practice?
Digital Food Currency (CBDC for Food Subsidy)
Source: The Times of India Why in News? The Government of India is set to launch a pilot programme for a Digital Food Currency, a programmable form of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), to modernise the Public Distribution System (PDS) and streamline the world’s largest food security programme. What is Digital Food Currency? Implementing Institutions Aim & Objectives
Power Gap Index
Source: Business Standard Why in News? For the first time, the Economic Survey 2025–26 has cited the Power Gap Index, highlighting a strategic paradox: although India has entered the Major Power category globally, it still records a negative Power Gap score (-4.0), indicating unrealised strategic potential. What is the Power Gap Index? Interpretation It challenges the assumption that economic size or military strength automatically equals influence. Developed By Methodology & Criteria How is the Power Gap Calculated? Eight Thematic Measures (131 Indicators) A. Resource-Based Measures (What a country HAS) B. Influence-Based Measures (What a country DOES) India’s Ranking: 2025–26 Scorecard Indicator India’s Status Rank Asia Power Index Rank Top 3 3rd Comprehensive Power Score 40.0 / 100 3rd (after US & China) Category Major Power First time Power Gap Score –4.0 Lowest in Asia (excluding Russia & N. Korea)
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
Source: The Times of India Why in News? The Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha has been officially declared Maoist-free, enabling systematic wildlife monitoring. Recent camera trap surveys indicate a thriving leopard population (over 70 individuals), positioning Sunabeda as a potential Leopard Haven in Central India. About Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary Location & Extent
PANCHAM Digital Chatbot
Why in News? The Ministry of Panchayati Raj launched PANCHAM (Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot) on the eve of India’s 77th Republic Day, creating a first-of-its-kind two-way digital bridge between the Central Government and over 30 lakh elected Panchayat representatives. What is PANCHAM? Ministry & Collaboration Aim & Objectives
Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0
Source: News on Air Why in News? NITI Aayog CEO Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam launched Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0, a 3-month mission-mode campaign to achieve 100% saturation of critical development indicators in India’s most underserved regions. About Sampoornata Abhiyan 2.0 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) KPIs for Aspirational Blocks (6) KPIs for Aspirational Districts (5)
