QR Codes Introduced on PMGSY Roads to Enhance Transparency and Encourage Public Feedback

The Union Ministry of Rural Development has instructed all states to install QR codes on maintenance information boards for roads built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). This initiative aims to improve transparency and enable easier tracking of road maintenance details.

A key goal of this move is to incorporate citizen feedback into the monitoring process, addressing a long-standing gap in the system. To support this, a dedicated utility within the eMARG platform now allows for the generation of unique QR codes for each road, which are then displayed on maintenance boards.

About PMGSY

Launched on December 25, 2000, under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the PMGSY program seeks to boost rural connectivity by constructing all-weather roads in remote areas.

Phases of Implementation

• Phase I (2000): Targeted the connection of rural habitations with all-weather roads.
• Phase II (2013): Focused on upgrading existing road networks.
• RCPLWEA (2016): A specialized initiative aimed at regions affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE).
• Phase III (2019): Concentrated on consolidating the existing road infrastructure.
• Phase IV (2024): Aims to connect 25,000 rural habitations based on population thresholds—500+ in plains, 250+ in hilly/Northeast regions, and 100+ in LWE-affected areas. The goal is to build 62,500 km of roads.

Funding Structure

Originally a fully centrally sponsored scheme, the funding pattern was revised in 2015–16 to a 60:40 cost-sharing model between the Centre and states. Exceptions apply for Northeastern and Himalayan states, which have a different ratio.

Progress to Date

Since its inception, PMGSY has sanctioned the construction of 8,36,850 km of rural roads, with 7,81,209 km already completed.

Maintenance and Monitoring via e-MARG

The e-MARG platform is a mobile and web-based system designed to manage rural road maintenance. Contractors are responsible for maintaining roads for five years post-construction and submit maintenance bills through e-MARG. State governments oversee the broader maintenance responsibilities as rural roads fall under state jurisdiction.

Monitoring Framework

• Routine Inspections (RI) are carried out by field engineers.
• Geo-tagged photos are uploaded to document maintenance work.
• Performance Evaluations (PE) are based on 12 routine maintenance parameters.

Role of National Level Monitors (NLMs)

The National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) deploys NLMs to assess road construction quality. Previous inspections have flagged substandard work in several instances.

Citizen Participation and Technology Integration

Citizen-submitted photos and feedback will now be integrated with RI reports. These contributions will feed into AI- and ML-based Performance Evaluations. Program Implementation Units must verify citizen-submitted data before finalizing PE scores.

Potential Global Impact of Iran’s Withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)

Amid escalating regional tensions, Iran''s Parliament is drafting legislation that could see the country exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). This initiative follows Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, driven by concerns over Iran’s progress toward enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels.

What is the NPT?

The NPT, signed in 1968 and enforced from 1970, is a cornerstone of global nuclear policy. It aims to:

• Prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and technologies
• Encourage the peaceful use of nuclear energy
• Promote nuclear disarmament among nuclear-armed states

Historical Context: Post-WWII Nuclear Race

After the devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, the world entered a nuclear arms race. Alongside this, efforts emerged to curb nuclear proliferation.

Atoms for Peace (1953):
This initiative by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower encouraged the peaceful use of nuclear technology and laid the foundation for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which monitors compliance with non-proliferation goals through inspections and reporting.

NPT Safeguards and Commitments

Under the treaty:

• Non-nuclear weapon states must declare nuclear activities and accept IAEA oversight to ensure materials aren''t diverted for weapons.
• In return, they can access peaceful nuclear technology—a key element of the treaty’s "bargain."

Who is Recognized as a Nuclear State?

Only countries that tested nuclear weapons before January 1, 1967, are considered nuclear-weapon states under the NPT. These include:

• United States
• United Kingdom
• France
• Russia (formerly the Soviet Union)
• China

Membership Overview

The treaty has 191 member states. Key non-signatories include:

• India and Pakistan: Never signed, citing objections to the treaty''s unequal terms.
• Israel: Maintains ambiguity around its nuclear capability; not a signatory.
• North Korea: Joined in 1985 but withdrew in 2003, subsequently expelling IAEA inspectors.

Criticisms of the NPT

The treaty is often criticized for:

• Entrenching a permanent nuclear elite (the P5) while denying others the same rights.
• Using a 1967 cutoff date seen as arbitrary and unfair.

How Withdrawal Works (Article 10 of the NPT)

A nation can exit the treaty if it believes its supreme national interests are at risk due to extraordinary events. It must give three months’ notice to all member states and the UN Security Council, explaining its reasons.

Iran’s NPT Role and Current Tensions

Iran became a party to the NPT in 1970, before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Recently, the IAEA Board of Governors formally censured Iran—something not seen in nearly two decades—due to:

• Persistent lack of cooperation since 2019
• Discovery of undeclared nuclear sites and materials

Iran’s Position:
Iran denies any wrongdoing, asserting it has complied with its NPT obligations. However, tensions escalated following Israeli attacks and Iran’s missile retaliation.

Possible Consequences of Iran Leaving the NPT

1. Loss of IAEA Oversight:
   Iran would no longer permit routine IAEA inspections, which occurred at an average of 1.4 visits per day in 2023. This would significantly reduce transparency around its nuclear activities.
2. Destabilizing Global Non-Proliferation:
   Iran’s withdrawal could weaken the international norm against nuclear proliferation, potentially encouraging other countries to consider similar exits.
3. Does Withdrawal Equal Weaponization?
   Exiting the NPT doesn’t automatically mean Iran will pursue nuclear weapons. However, historical precedent—such as North Korea—suggests it could be a step in that direction.
4. Expert Insight:
   Scholars argue that while the NPT isn''t perfect, even partial compliance helps delay the spread of nuclear weapons. However, repeated withdrawals or violations could push the treaty system toward collapse.

UK Legalizes Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults

In a historic move, the UK House of Commons has approved the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, legalizing assisted dying in England and Wales. This represents a major policy change in how the country approaches end-of-life care.

Key Provisions of the New Law

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must reside in England or Wales and be registered with a GP for a minimum of one year.
• Must be diagnosed with a terminal illness, with a life expectancy of six months or less.
• Must demonstrate the mental capacity to make an informed choice.
• Must submit two written, witnessed declarations requesting assisted dying.
• Two independent doctors must confirm eligibility, with assessments at least seven days apart.

Procedure:

• After approvals, there’s a mandatory 14-day waiting period.
• A doctor prepares the medication, but the patient must self-administer it.
• Coercion is strictly criminalized, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison for those who pressure individuals into the process.

Political and Public Reactions

• The bill passed by a narrow margin: 314 votes to 291.
• Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported the legislation, while Health Secretary Wes Streeting opposed it, though both operated under a free vote system, allowing MPs to vote according to personal conscience.
• The legislation sparked intense public demonstrations both for and against.
• Supporters, led by groups like “Dignity in Dying”, framed it as a compassionate, rights-based decision.
• Opponents warned of the risk of creating what they call a “National Suicide Service”.

Ethical and Legal Debates

Supporters argue:

• It empowers patients to choose a dignified death.
• Prevents the need for terminally ill individuals to travel abroad (e.g., to Switzerland) for assisted dying.
• Minimizes prolonged suffering and prioritizes patient autonomy.

Critics express concerns:

• Potential coercion of vulnerable people.
• Ethical dilemmas related to the medical profession’s role in life-ending practices.
• Fear of weakened support for palliative care services.

Global Context: Assisted Dying Around the World

• Canada: Both assisted suicide and euthanasia are legal under defined criteria.
• Belgium and Netherlands: Allow both practices with safeguards.
• Australia: Legal in several states under strict regulation.
• United States: Permitted in states like Oregon and California.
• Switzerland: Allows assisted suicide, attracting patients from abroad due to its permissive laws.

India on Track to Become the Fourth-Largest Electric Car Producer by 2030

India is expected to significantly expand its electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing capabilities, positioning itself as the world’s fourth-largest producer of electric cars by 2030—behind China, the European Union, and the United States—according to a report from the Rhodium Group.

Rapid Growth in Manufacturing Capacity

India’s electric four-wheeler production capacity is projected to increase more than tenfold to 2.5 million units. This surge is being fueled by robust government policies, rising investments, and protective trade strategies that promote local manufacturers.

Anticipated Surplus and Export Potential

The report forecasts that India’s EV manufacturing will outpace domestic demand by 1.1 to 2.1 million vehicles by 2030. While internal demand may rise to between 0.4 and 1.4 million units, the gap opens up strong potential for India to become a global EV exporter, provided it can reduce production costs and stay competitive—particularly against dominant Chinese exports.

Dominance of Domestic Automakers

Companies like Tata Motors, MG Motor, and Mahindra currently lead India’s EV market, accounting for nearly 90% of electric car sales in 2024–25, according to Vahan data. Although EV adoption remains low at around 2%, India is outpacing countries like Japan and South Korea in terms of future production capacity, driven by policy support and capital inflows.

Policy-Driven Growth Strategy

India’s EV expansion is underpinned by an aggressive industrial and trade strategy, including:

• Consumer Subsidies tied to localization goals, aimed at reducing reliance on imports.
• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes that attract investments in battery and component manufacturing.
• High Import Tariffs (70–100%) on fully assembled EVs to protect domestic manufacturers.
• Charging Infrastructure Development to support EV adoption and usage.

While these policies have fostered growth in local production, the report also notes that they have increased vehicle costs for consumers and limited model choices.

Battery Manufacturing: Promising but Uneven

India is rapidly building its battery production capacity and is set to become the leading battery module manufacturer outside of China, the EU, and the US. However, much of this growth relies on projects still under development, making timely implementation essential.

In terms of battery cell production, India is on track to surpass countries like Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia by 2030.

World Investment Report 2025: Key Highlights

1. Global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Trends

• FDI declined by 11% in 2024, reaching $1.5 trillion, marking the second consecutive year of decline.
• The global investment landscape continues to face volatility due to geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

2. Digital Economy Leads Growth

• Investment in digital sectors such as AI, data centres, and cloud services doubled in value, emerging as the main driver of global FDI.
• The shift reflects a broader transformation toward digital economies worldwide.

3. Setback for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Investments in critical SDG-related sectors—renewables, water, sanitation—dropped by 25–33%, posing a serious challenge to achieving global sustainability targets.

4. Mixed Results for Developing Regions

• Africa experienced a 75% surge in FDI, driven largely by Egypt’s $35 billion megaproject.
• ASEAN countries saw a 10% rise, sustained by strong demand and manufacturing relocation.
• In contrast, China’s FDI inflows fell 29%, and South America recorded an 18% decline, reflecting shifting investor sentiment and global supply chain reconfigurations.

5. Infrastructure Finance in Crisis

• International Project Finance (IPF) plunged by 26%, severely impacting large-scale infrastructure development, especially in least developed countries (LDCs).

6. Geopolitical Risks Reshape Investment

• Trade tensions, rising tariffs, and political instability are fragmenting global investment patterns, with companies moving toward regional and localised supply chains.

7. Near-shoring Gains Momentum

• Multinational enterprises (MNEs) are increasingly focusing on regional and domestic investments to reduce exposure to global supply chain disruptions.

8. Digital Investment Remains Resilient

• Strong FDI inflows continue in emerging tech sectors, especially AI, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure, reinforcing the digital economy’s central role in global investment.

Trend Analysis

Positive Developments

• Digital Transformation: Investments in high-growth tech sectors indicate investor confidence in digital futures.
• Africa’s Strong Performance: A 75% rise in FDI shows rising investor interest in African markets, despite broader global uncertainty.
• ASEAN and India’s Resilience: Stable investment in manufacturing, electric vehicles, and tech, aided by global production shifts and domestic demand.

Negative Developments

• SDG Financing Gap Worsens: Key sectors such as renewable energy and agriculture suffered major investment cuts.
• Infrastructure Financing Declines: Reduced IPF impacts development projects, especially in poorer countries.
• Geopolitical Fragmentation: Trade disputes and tensions are leading to more insular investment strategies.
• China’s Declining Inflows: A 29% drop reflects weakening investor confidence amid rising global tensions.

India’s Position in Global Investment

• FDI Inflows: India received $28 billion in 2024, maintaining its spot among the world’s top FDI destinations.
• Key Sectors: Growth driven by projects in semiconductors, EV supply chains, and digital infrastructure.
• Greenfield Projects: Ranked among the top 5 global hubs, benefitting from realigned global production chains.
• FDI Outflows: Indian companies increased outbound greenfield investments by 20%, signalling growing global ambition.

Recommendations for Strengthening Global Investment Flows

1. Invest in Digital Infrastructure: Expand broadband networks and build more data centres through public-private collaboration.
2. Mobilize SDG Financing: Engage development banks and sovereign funds to bridge the sustainability investment gap.
3. Policy Coherence: Align national industrial, digital, and sustainability policies for synergistic growth.
4. De-risk Private Investment: Use blended finance tools to reduce risks for investors in emerging markets.
5. Strengthen IP and Data Regulations: Enhance legal frameworks for innovation and data governance.
6. Promote Regional Cooperation: Support regional trade and investment pacts to cushion against global fragmentation.

Ethical Debate on Self-Defence in International Relations

Israel’s recent pre-emptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, justified as acts of “self-defence” ahead of planned US-Iran diplomatic talks, have reignited global discourse on the moral and legal contours of self-defence in statecraft.

Understanding Self-Defence

At its core, self-defence is the right of a state or individual to use force to counter an imminent threat to life or sovereignty. However, its ethical application in international affairs is fraught with dilemmas.

Core Ethical Dilemmas

1. Imminence vs Uncertainty:
   Self-defence often relies on incomplete intelligence, making it ethically precarious to determine whether force is justified and timely.
2. National Security vs Global Peace:
   States may justify pre-emptive strikes to protect their people, but such unilateral actions can destabilize the broader international order.
3. Defensive Force vs Civilian Harm:
   Even when defensive actions are justified, civilian casualties raise serious questions about moral limits and proportionality.
4. Legal Norms vs New Threats:
   Emerging threats like cyberattacks or non-state actors often fall outside traditional legal definitions, complicating lawful and ethical responses.
5. Immediate Safety vs Future Escalation:
   While self-defence might prevent short-term threats, it can also provoke retaliation, fuelling long-term conflict rather than peace.

Ethical Justifications for Self-Defence

• Sovereign Duty:
  Nations have an ethical obligation to defend their territory and citizens.
• Just War Principles:
  Military action must meet the criteria of necessity, proportionality, and legitimate authority—as articulated in Just War Theory.
• UN Charter Article 51:
  This provides a legal and ethical framework for self-defence, permitting it until collective action is taken by the UN Security Council.
• Civilian Protection:
  Democracies often argue that morally, they must act to prevent existential threats to their populations.
• Global Legitimacy:
  Ethical self-defence must not only be lawful but also perceived as legitimate by the international community.

Challenges to Ethical Self-Defence

• Vague Definitions of Imminence:
  The term "imminent threat" is often stretched to justify military interventions, sometimes leading to wars of aggression.
• Cycle of Retaliation:
  Pre-emptive strikes risk spiralling into endless tit-for-tat violence, as seen in the Israel-Iran case.
• Harm to Civilians:
  Collateral damage remains a moral red line, especially when non-combatants are disproportionately affected.
• Erosion of Norms:
  Frequent misuse of self-defence claims can weaken international law and blur the boundary between aggression and defence.
• Moral Hazard:
  Overdependence on pre-emptive logic can encourage states to bypass diplomacy, setting perilous precedents for future conflicts.

Ethical Safeguards for Responsible Self-Defence

• Proportional Response:
  Use only the force necessary to neutralize the threat—no more.
• Necessity First:
  Exhaust all peaceful alternatives before resorting to military means.
• Evidence and Transparency:
  Publicly disclose credible proof of threats to justify defensive actions.
• Accountability Mechanisms:
  Ensure international legal structures can investigate and penalize abuse of self-defence claims.
• Humanitarian Restraint:
  Uphold moral responsibility to protect civilians, even during legitimate defence operations.

Philosophical Grounding

• Michael Walzer (Just War Theory):
  Walzer advocates for ethical warfare governed by jus ad bellum (just cause, proportionality, last resort) and jus in bello (protection of civilians, discrimination between combatants and non-combatants).
• Thomas Aquinas (Natural Law):
  Aquinas emphasizes that war must be waged for the right reasons, by legitimate authority, and with the intention of achieving the common good—not for revenge or conquest.

Notable Quotes

• “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” — Sun Tzu
• “An eye for an eye ends up making the whole world blind.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Panch Parivartan: Vision 2047 Roadmap for Educational Transformation

Vidya Bharati Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Sansthan has launched the Vision 2047 Panch Parivartan strategy, a five-point framework aimed at transforming Indian education by the time India celebrates 100 years of independence.

The Five Pillars of Panch Parivartan

1. Samajik Samrasata (Social Harmony):
   Aims to build inclusive classrooms by bridging divides across caste, community, and region—ensuring unity through diversity in education.
2. Kutumb Prabodhan (Family Value Reinforcement):
   Emphasizes the importance of family and tradition, promoting cultural practices such as Matri-Pitri Pujan to revive respect for parents and family-centric learning.
3. Paryavaran Sanrakshan (Environmental Protection):
   Encourages environmental responsibility among students—over 5.2 lakh saplings planted, 3,400 green campuses, and water conservation initiatives in more than 1,800 schools.
4. Swa (Self-Identity and Self-Reliance):
   Focuses on skill development and rooted identity, expanding vocational training and ITI access to even remote areas like Kargil and Kiphire, encouraging youth empowerment.
5. Nari Samman (Dignity of Women):
   Champions girls’ education and empowerment, offering self-defence training and leadership programs. So far, over 14.4 lakh girls have benefitted from dedicated initiatives.

Why It Matters

• Holistic Learning:
  Combines modern education (e.g., AI, robotics) with traditional knowledge (yoga, Sanskrit), fostering both innovation and cultural grounding.
• Nation-Building Focus:
  Addresses key areas like social equity, gender dignity, environmental awareness, and economic self-sufficiency, all vital for sustainable national development.
• Youth Empowerment:
  Prepares the next generation for global opportunities while nurturing pride in Indian identity and heritage.

Rice Yellow Mottle Virus (RYMV)

A new genomic study has confirmed the widespread presence of Rice Yellow Mottle Virus across various rice-growing regions in Africa.

Overview:
First emerging in the mid-1800s in the Eastern Arc Mountains—now within Tanzania—RYMV is a serious viral disease affecting rice crops and some related grasses. It belongs to the Sobemovirus genus and poses a major threat to African rice yields.

Modes of Transmission:

• The virus spreads primarily through insect vectors, particularly beetles from the Chrysomelidae family.
• Other carriers include grasshoppers like Conocephalus merumontanus and Oxya species, as well as domestic animals such as cows, rats, and donkeys.
• It can also infect rice plants through wounded roots. Although RYMV has been found on seeds, it is not spread via seed transmission, according to current research.

Vineet Joshi Committee on Coaching Dependency

The Ministry of Education has formed a nine-member committee led by Vineet Joshi to tackle the growing reliance on coaching centres and to review the effectiveness of entrance exams.

Mandate of the Panel:

• Reduce Student Dependence on Coaching Institutes: Explore solutions to limit students’ over-reliance on private coaching, especially in the context of national-level entrance exams.
• Evaluate Current Schooling Gaps: Investigate how phenomena like “dummy schools” and a curriculum that prioritizes rote memorization over critical thinking, logic, and creativity push students towards external coaching.
• Examine Demand-Supply Imbalance: Assess the rising interest in quality higher education versus the limited seats in top institutions, which fuels the coaching industry.
• Career Awareness: Study how the lack of information about diverse career options leads students and parents to fixate on a narrow range of elite colleges.
• Entrance Exam Fairness: Review whether competitive entrance tests are aligned with school education goals and how they influence the coaching market.
• Regulate Coaching Centre Practices: Scrutinize marketing and advertising strategies of coaching centres, particularly the use of exaggerated success stories and misleading promotional tactics, and propose regulatory frameworks.

Cluster Bombs: Nature and Global Concerns

Recent reports of Iran’s use of cluster munitions during a missile attack on Israel have reignited international alarm over the use of these controversial weapons.

What Are Cluster Bombs?
Cluster munitions are explosive devices that release multiple smaller submunitions (or bomblets) across a broad area. These can be launched from the ground or dropped from the air, and are designed to cover extensive terrain—sometimes spanning several football fields—making them especially dangerous in populated regions.

Key Issues:

• Modern Designs: Some advanced types, like the DPICM (Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions) used by the US, are designed to pierce armor or fragment to increase lethality.
• High Dud Rate: One of the major criticisms is the failure rate of bomblets, which may not explode upon impact, effectively turning them into unexploded landmines. The failure rate ranges from 2% to 40%, depending on design and conditions.

Global Regulation:

• The Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), adopted in 2008 and in effect since 2010, prohibits the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of these weapons.
• 111 countries and 12 other entities have ratified the treaty.
• However, major military powers like the US, Russia, China, Israel, Iran, and India have not joined.
• Despite this, the UN reports that 99% of declared stockpiles under the treaty have been destroyed.

Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR): Biodiversity Hotspot in Kerala

A recent herpetofauna survey in the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Kerala has led to the discovery of five new amphibian species and three new reptile species, showcasing the region’s rich ecological diversity.

Location and Geography:

• Situated in Idukki district, central Kerala, the reserve spans the Cardamom and Pandalam Hills of the Western Ghats.
• It surrounds Periyar Lake, which was formed in 1895 following the construction of the Mullaperiyar Dam on the Periyar River, aimed at diverting water to Tamil Nadu.

Key Features:

• The reserve is inhabited by indigenous tribal groups, including the Mannans and Palians.
• It shelters four major primate species, including the rare lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, bonnet macaque, and common langur.
• The Nilgiri tahr, a vulnerable species, is also believed to inhabit the region.
• Over 260 bird species, such as the great hornbill and Malabar grey hornbill, have been recorded in PTR.

QS World University Rankings 2026 – Highlights

The 2026 edition of the QS World University Rankings introduced a new International Student Diversity (ISD) metric to assess global outreach, although it is currently an unweighted indicator.

Global Top 10 Universities:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA – Maintains the top spot for the 14th consecutive year.
2. Imperial College London – Rises to second place.
3. Stanford University – Advances from 6th to third.
4. Other top-ranked universities include:
• University of Oxford
• Harvard University
• University of Cambridge
• ETH Zurich
• National University of Singapore (NUS)
• University College London (UCL)
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

China’s Strong Performance:

• Peking University – Ranked 14th (score: 92.6)
• Tsinghua University – Ranked 17th (score: 91.2)
• Fudan University – Climbed nine spots to 30th
• Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) – Ranked 32nd

India’s Top 10 Institutions:

1. IIT Delhi – Rank 123
2. IIT Bombay – Rank 129
3. IIT Madras – Rank 180
4. IIT Kharagpur – Rank 215
5. IISc Bangalore – Rank 219
6. IIT Kanpur – Rank 222
7. University of Delhi – Rank 328
8. IIT Guwahati – Rank 334
9. IIT Roorkee – Rank 339
10. Anna University – Rank 465

BSNL’s Quantum 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

BSNL has launched India’s first fully indigenous, SIM-less 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) in Hyderabad, delivering fibre-like internet speeds using 5G technology.

Key Features:

• Technology: Utilizes 5G radio waves to provide high-speed internet without laying fibre cables.
• Direct-to-Device Platform: Eliminates the need for physical SIM cards; devices connect automatically using built-in authentication.
• Performance:
• Download speeds up to 980 Mbps
• Upload speeds up to 140 Mbps
• Latency below 10 milliseconds

Indigenous Development:

• Entirely built using Indian technology, including core network, radio access network (RAN), and customer premises equipment (CPE), under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• No foreign component dependency.

Deployment and Impact:

• Already covers more than 85 percent of households in Hyderabad.
• Supports high-bandwidth applications such as UHD streaming, cloud gaming, remote work, and smart home connectivity.
• Aims to provide high-speed internet access in both urban and underserved rural areas.

Expansion Plans:

• Pilot cities for rollout by September 2025 include:
  Bengaluru, Pondicherry, Visakhapatnam, Pune, Gwalior, and Chandigarh

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) Wins Digital Payments Award 2024–25

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has been awarded the prestigious Digital Payments Award 2024–25 by the Ministry of Finance, recognizing its contributions to advancing digital payments and promoting financial inclusion across the country.

About the Digital Payments Award

• Presented By: Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance
• Purpose: To honor institutions demonstrating significant innovation, performance, and outreach in developing India’s digital payment ecosystem.
• Eligibility: Open to:
• Banks
• Payments banks
• Fintech firms
• Other financial service providers contributing to digital payment growth

Award Criteria:

• Advancement in financial literacy and accessibility
• Secure and inclusive digital banking solutions
• Performance benchmarking and digital innovation

About India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)

• Ownership: Fully owned by the Government of India
• Established: September 1, 2018
• Under: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications

Core Objectives:

• Promote financial inclusion at a national scale
• Deliver affordable and accessible banking to every citizen
• Bridge the urban-rural divide in banking services

Key Features and Services:

• Paperless, cashless, presence-less banking using the India Stack
• Doorstep banking delivered by over 2 lakh Postmen and Gramin Dak Sevaks
• Multilingual interface supporting 13 Indian languages
• Digital services include:
• Money transfers
• Bill payments
• Savings products
• Financial literacy initiatives
• Supports the Digital India mission and promotes a less-cash economy

Samson Option – Israel’s Nuclear Deterrence Strategy

The Samson Option, Israel’s controversial nuclear doctrine, has returned to global attention following strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities during Operation Rising Lion.

What is the Samson Option?

• A nuclear retaliation doctrine attributed to Israel, aimed at deterring existential threats.
• Though Israel has never officially declared its nuclear arsenal, it is widely believed to possess such capability.

Key Aspects:

• Massive retaliation strategy: If Israel faces a threat to its survival, it may launch an overwhelming nuclear response.
• Multi-platform delivery: Includes land-based missiles, aircraft, and potentially sea-based nuclear systems.
• Psychological deterrent: Meant to deter adversaries by implying catastrophic retaliation, rather than being an active war plan.
• Biblical inspiration: Named after the Biblical figure Samson, who destroyed his enemies even at the cost of his own life—symbolizing Israel’s readiness to act decisively if cornered.

India’s Solar-Powered Device for Affordable Green Hydrogen Production

Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru have developed a scalable, solar-powered device aimed at low-cost green hydrogen production, marking a significant step toward clean energy solutions.

Key Features of the Device:

• Utilizes solar energy exclusively to split water molecules, producing hydrogen without external power or fossil fuels.
• Constructed using earth-abundant and low-cost materials, ensuring affordability.
• Employs a silicon-based photoanode with an advanced n-i-p heterojunction architecture, improving efficiency.

Advantages:

• High solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency, maximizing hydrogen yield from sunlight.
• Fully solar-driven and energy self-sufficient.
• Stable in alkaline conditions, suitable for continuous, real-world operations.
• Cost-effective and scalable, with successful demonstrations on a 25 cm² photoanode—indicating industrial potential.

Technology Transfer of SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)

Context:
For the first time, ISRO’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) technology will be fully transferred to a private entity—Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)—marking a major milestone in India''s space commercialization efforts.

Details of the Transfer:

• Awarded by: IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center), after a two-stage bidding process.
• Winning Bid: ₹511 crore by HAL.
• Stakeholders Involved: ISRO, IN-SPACe, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), and HAL.
• Goal: To increase private sector involvement in launching small satellites and reduce ISRO’s operational burden.

About HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited):

• Founded: 23 December 1940 (originally Hindustan Aircraft Limited).
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• Operates Under: Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

Key Capabilities:

• Manufactures combat aircraft (e.g., MiG-21, Jaguar, SU-30MKI, Tejas LCA).
• Develops aerospace systems for ISRO—structures for GSLV Mk-III, Mars Orbiter, and Gaganyaan.
• Active in space systems, cryogenic engine support, and launch vehicle structures.

Ghumot – Goa’s Traditional Heritage Instrument

Context:
The Ghumot, declared Goa’s State Heritage Instrument in 2019, is at the centre of a cultural revival, raising debates about traditional craftsmanship and wildlife conservation.

About Ghumot:

• A membranophone percussion instrument made from clay and traditionally covered on one side with animal skin.
• Played across Hindu and Christian communities, symbolizing Goa’s composite folk traditions.

Construction Process:

• Clay shaping: Formed into a pot-like structure using refined clay, shaped in three segments.
• Firing: Kiln-baked for strength and sound clarity.
• Membrane: Historically used monitor lizard skin (now banned under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972). Replaced with goat, buffalo skin, or synthetic alternatives.

Cultural and Legal Relevance:

• Integral to Goan festivals like Sao Joao, Shigmo, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Christian wedding rituals.
• Does not fall under Hindustani or Carnatic classical traditions, yet remains vital in folk expressions.
• Legal reforms post-2019 prompted artisans to adapt ethically, aligning tradition with conservation norms.

Fordow Nuclear Facility: Strategic Overview

The Fordow nuclear facility in Iran has re-entered international focus amid rising tensions with Israel. Recent reports suggest that only the U.S.-made GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator—a powerful bunker-busting bomb—may be capable of destroying the site due to its extreme fortification.

About Fordow:

• Location: Near the city of Qom, southwest of Tehran.
• Depth: Constructed 80 metres underground, deep within a mountain, making it highly resistant to conventional airstrikes.

Structural and Defensive Features:

• Reinforced with layers of soil, rock, and concrete, ensuring maximum protection.
• Protected by multi-tiered air defence systems, including Iranian and Russian surface-to-air missile platforms.
• Engineered to withstand most modern military assaults, significantly limiting external threats.

Operational Timeline:

• In operation since 2009, as verified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Strategic Significance:

• Enriches uranium up to 60% purity, which is near weapons-grade level (90%).
• Considered crucial to Iran’s nuclear breakout capacity, raising international proliferation concerns.