Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is looking into the concept of introducing a controlled mechanism under which investors will be permitted to offer allotted shares even before the exchange-bound formal listing thereof. This step aims to prevent unofficial trading in postIPO grey market and create greater market transparency. Important Features of the Proposal Rationale Behind the Move Benefits Challenges Grey Market Grey market goods are goods sold outside the authorized distribution channels by entities which may have no relationship with the producer of the goods. This form of parallel import frequently occurs when the price of an item is significantly higher in one country than another.
PM Vishwakarma Scheme
Context: Public sector banks (PSBs) have raised concerns regarding specific restrictions in the PM Vishwakarma scheme that make individuals ineligible if they had taken government loans in the past five years, such as under the Prime Minister´s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). PM Vishwakarma Scheme The PM Vishwakarma Scheme targets artisans and craftsmen engaged in areas of blacksmithing goldsmithing pottery carpentry and sculpting many of which comprise traditional Indian crafts. This is more of an activity for preservation of cultural heritage of India but integrates these artisans into the formal economy and global value chains. This is a Central Sector Scheme completely funded by the Government of India.
Draft Guidelines for Ecommerce Platforms
Context: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has proposed draft guidelines under the Food and Consumer Affairs Ministry that will look at enhancing consumer protection and building up trust in this fast growing ecommerce sector. The guidelines will look for self regulation by ecommerce platforms aimed at mitigating fraudulent practices while improving transparency within the digital shopping landscape Key Features of the Draft Guidelines PreTransaction Stage Contract Formation Stage Post Transaction Stage Objectives of the Guidelines
PM EDRIVE Scheme
Context: With the Union Budget 2025 on the horizon, electric twowheeler (e2W) players are urging the government to introduce critical policy measures and incentives to revitalise the sector. Key demands include relooking at the PM EDRIVE scheme, reduced goods and services tax (GST) rates across the entire EV ecosystem, providing targeted subsidies and innovative financing models. PM EDRIVE Scheme PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Upgrade (PM EDRIVE Scheme) is India’s latest push toward the promotion of electric mobility as the replacement to the earlier FAME II policy. It has fiscal as well as infrastructural interventions geared toward a hastened take-up of EVs specifically in two/three-wheeler as well as in bus segments but remarkably, this one does not extend direct subsidy benefits to electric cars. Comparison with the FAME Scheme Impact of Exclusion of Electric Cars in PM EDRIVE Support Measures for Electric Mobility beyond Subsidies Challenges and Way Forward
Hypersonic Missiles
Context: In a crucial milestone in the development of next-generation hypersonic munitions, the DRDO has successfully demonstrated a cutting-edge active cooled scramjet combustor ground test for the first time in India. This is the effort to develop a long-duration supersonic combustion scramjet powered hypersonic technology. Hypersonic Missiles Hypersonic missiles are those missiles that fly at speeds of Mach 5 or higher, which is over five times the speed of sound. They are very maneuverable and can fly low. Hypersonic vs Supersonic Missiles Hypersonic Supersonic
Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP)
Context: India and France have agreed to boost cooperation in “high-end technology sectors”, as senior officials held Foreign Office consultations in Paris, and talks between the two sides have not resolved issues on the much-delayed Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project in Maharashtra, despite a revised techno-commercial offer being made by French energy company EDF (Electricite De France) in 2022. Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP) The Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project (JNPP) is a proposed nuclear power plant in Jaitapur, Maharashtra, India. The project is a collaboration between India and France to generate nuclear power for peaceful purposes.
Indus Water Treaty
Context: The World Bank appointed the Neutral Expert NE Michel Lino to announce his competence for adjudicating differences between India and Pakistan about the design of hydroelectric projects on Indus system rivers. Indus Water Treaty Key Provisions Permanent Indus Commission Both countries establish a commission that is required to meet every year for cooperation and resolve any water disputes. Projects Inspected Under IWT Indus River and Its Tributaries River Source Joins Jhelum Spring at Verinag, Kashmir Valley Chenab at Trimmu, Pakistan Chenab Chandra and Bhaga streams near Bara Lacha Pass Satluj after receiving Jhelum and Ravi Ravi Kullu hills near Rohtang Pass Chenab near Rangpur, Pakistan Beas Near Rohtang Pass Satluj at Harike Barrage, India Satluj Manasarovar-Rakas Lakes, Tibet Indus a few kilometers above Mithankot, Pakistan Challenges to the IWT Framework Key Disputes in Interpretation Challenges Way Forward UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q1. With reference to the Indus river system, of the following four rivers, three of them pour into one of them which joins the Indus directly. Among the following, which one is such a river that joins the Indus direct? (2021) (a) Chenab(b) Jhelum(c) Ravi(d) Sutlej Ans: (d) Q2. Consider the following pairs (2019) Glacier River 1. Bandarpunch Yamuna 2. Bara Shigri Chenab 3. Milam Mandakini 4. Siachen Nubra 5. Zemu Manas Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) 1, 2 and 4(b) 1, 3 and 4(c) 2 and 5(d) 3 and 5 Ans: (a) Mains Q. Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations. (2016) Q. The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (2020)
Smart Cities Mission
Challenges Recommendations for Strengthening the Smart City Mission UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Mains Q. With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme.’ (2016)
Trump’s Second Term and International Law Impact
Context: The second term of Trump represents continued disruptive leadership and challenges to international norms. His policy promotes U.S. Exceptionalism by maintaining its position in making international law, yet demanding other countries comply. Key Highlights: Trump 1.0: A Sovereigntist Approach Trump 2.0
Tariffs on BRICS Nations!
Context: US President Donald Trump reiterated to impose 100 per cent import tariffs on the BRICS countries if they took any steps towards cutting the use of the dollar in global trade. The BRICS nations include Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa and India. India’s Approach and Possible Effects Implications for India BRICS US Lifts Restrictions on Indian Nuclear Entities
