Source: TH Context: Under emergency procurement (EP) powers, the Indian Army has signed a ₹293 crore contract with NIBE Limited, in collaboration with Israel, for the supply of an advanced long-range rocket launcher system, significantly boosting India’s deep-strike artillery capabilities. About the Weapon System – Suryastra
Asteroid Bennu and the Origins of Life
Context: New scientific studies of samples brought back from asteroid Bennu suggest that many of the fundamental chemical ingredients required for life on Earth may have originated in space, lending strong support to theories of extraterrestrial contributions to life’s emergence. Key Discovery About the Mission
U.S. forces capture Maduro after strikes on Venezuela
Source: TOI Context: US President Donald Trump confirmed US carried out large scale military strikes against Venzeula and captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Venezuela Basics Neighbouring Countries of Venezuela Leadership & Politics Economy
Government Rolls Out â‚ą7,300 crore Schemes to Ease MSME Financing
Source: BS Context: To improve access to affordable credit for export-oriented MSMEs, the government has rolled out new credit-linked support schemes, aimed at strengthening liquidity, boosting exports, and enhancing bank lending. Key Announcement Scheme 1: Collateral Support for Export Credit Scheme 2: Credit Support under Export Promotion Framework
Government Panel Reviews Foreign Banks’ Plans to Open Branches in India
Source: BS Context: India is reviewing proposals from foreign banks to expand their presence amid a calibrated liberalisation of the financial sector and evolving FDI and trade commitments. About the IDC Mechanism Eligibility to Become a Foreign Bank in India Foreign banks are permitted to operate in India under a regulated and calibrated framework to balance financial openness with systemic stability. The entire process is governed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in consultation with the Government of India. Who qualifies as a foreign bank? A foreign bank is a banking institution that: Capital Requirements Modes of Entry into India Foreign banks can operate in India through three routes:
SEBI Working on Technology Road Map for Stock Exchanges & MIIs
Source: BS Context: With capital markets becoming more complex and technology-driven, the market regulator is stepping up efforts to future-proof India’s market infrastructure institutions (MIIs). Key Development About the Technology Road Map Focus Areas Highlighted by SEBI AI-Driven Regulatory Initiatives SEBI has already deployed or is developing several artificial intelligence (AI) tools: Sensex at 40: Broader Perspective
India Surpasses China to Become the World’s Largest Rice Producer
Source: TOI Context: India has overtaken China to rank No. 1 globally in rice production, reflecting sustained gains from improved irrigation, high-yielding varieties, and supportive procurement policies. Global Status State-wise Rice Production (2023–24) (As per Economic Survey, Statistical Appendix) Rank State Production Share 1 Telangana 16.63 MT ~12.17% 2 Uttar Pradesh 15.72 MT ~11.50% 3 West Bengal 15.12 MT ~11.06% Other major rice-producing states:Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Assam. Geographical Features of Rice Production in India 1. Climate Belt 2. Water Geography 3. Irrigation-driven Expansion 4. Terrain Adaptation
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) Completes 9 Years
Context: Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, a flagship scheme of the government for pregnant women and lactating mothers, has completed nine years. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a maternity benefit scheme implemented by the Government of India to provide conditional cash assistance to pregnant and lactating women for their first living child. The scheme aims to improve maternal health, nutrition, and compensate for wage loss during pregnancy and after childbirth. Key Objectives Cash Assistance Structure Total benefit: ₹5,000 (Direct Benefit Transfer – DBT) Installment Amount Condition 1st ₹1,000 Early registration of pregnancy 2nd ₹2,000 At least one antenatal check-up 3rd ₹2,000 Childbirth registered + first cycle of immunisation Additionally, eligible women also receive ₹1,000 under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), making the total maternity benefit ₹6,000, as mandated under the National Food Security Act, 2013
Electronics Component Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS)
Source: ET Context: India is accelerating its push to strengthen domestic electronics manufacturing and reduce import dependence through targeted fiscal incentives. Key Development About the ECMS Beneficiaries Key Feature
Export Promotion Mission (EPM)
Context: To boost exports and ease credit constraints faced by exporters—especially MSMEs—the Government has expanded the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) with additional financial support measures. Key Developments Scheme 1: Interest Subvention for Pre- and Post-Shipment Export Credit Scheme 2: Collateral Support for Export Credit
