Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA)

• The Union Cabinet has approved the Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA) with an outlay of ₹33,660 crore to develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks across India.

About Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojna (BHAVYA):

• BHAVYA is a centrally approved industrial infrastructure scheme aimed at developing 100 world-class plug-and-play industrial parks with ready-to-use facilities, enabling industries to start operations quickly without procedural delays.
• Nodal Ministry: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry
• Implementing Agency: National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC)

Aim:

• To accelerate manufacturing-led economic growth.
• To enhance ease of doing business through pre-approved infrastructure.
• To promote cluster-based industrial development and strengthen domestic supply chains.
• To generate large-scale employment and attract investments.

Key Features:

• Plug-and-play infrastructure: Pre-approved land, utilities, and clearances enable industries to move from intent to production rapidly.
• Large-scale industrial parks: Development of parks ranging from 100–1000 acres across all States and UTs.

Financial support:

• Up to ₹1 crore per acre for core, value-added, and social infrastructure
• Up to 25% support for external connectivity infrastructure

Integrated infrastructure ecosystem:

• Core: roads, drainage, underground utilities, ICT systems
• Value-added: factory sheds, testing labs, warehousing
• Social: worker housing and amenities

Ease of doing business reforms:

• Single-window clearance systems
• State-led investor-friendly reforms
• Challenge-based project selection: Ensures only investment-ready and reform-oriented proposals are approved.
• Alignment with PM GatiShakti: Enables multimodal connectivity and efficient logistics integration.

Sustainable industrial development:

• Green energy integration
• Underground utility corridors (no-dig model)

Significance:

• Strengthens India’s position as a global manufacturing hub.
• Creates lakhs of direct and indirect jobs across industries and services.
• Reduces entry barriers, making India more attractive to domestic and global investors.

Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) Framework

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has expanded the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) framework to include solar ingots and wafers, effective June 1, 2028.

About ALMM Framework:

• The ALMM is a quality and reliability benchmark framework designed to ensure that solar cells and modules used in Indian projects meet rigorous domestic manufacturing and performance standards.
• Launched In: 2019 (under the ALMM Order, 2019).
• Organization Involved: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India.
• Aim: To promote self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) in the solar energy sector by incentivizing domestic manufacturing, ensuring the quality of solar components, and reducing dependence on foreign imports (primarily from China).

Key Features:

• Mandatory Certification: Only manufacturers and models listed in the ALMM are eligible for use in government-assisted projects, projects under the Net Metering or Open Access schemes, and projects awarded through competitive bidding (Section 63 of the Electricity Act).
• Tiered Structure: The framework consists of different lists: List-I for Solar PV Modules, List-II for Solar PV Cells, and the newly announced List-III for Solar Ingots and Wafers.
• Physical Inspection: Enlistment requires a mandatory technical inspection of the manufacturing facility by a team from the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) to verify capacity and quality.
• Domestic Content Requirement (DCR): It acts as a non-tariff barrier that reinforces DCR policies, ensuring that the heart of the solar panel is made in India.
• Grandfathering Provisions: The framework includes grandfathering clauses to protect existing projects in the pipeline from sudden policy shifts, ensuring solar developers face minimal disruption.

Significance:

• By expanding to ingots and wafers, India is securing the entire supply chain, moving beyond just assembling imported components.
• It prevents the dumping of low-quality or obsolete solar technology into the Indian market.
• The framework drives massive private investment into the manufacturing sector and creates high-skilled employment in upstream solar technology.

RISA: Timeless Tribal

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has launched RISA: Timeless Tribal, a premium signature brand to promote tribal crafts and textiles.

About RISA: Timeless Tribal

• RISA: Timeless Tribal is a premium national brand for tribal textiles, embroidery, and handicrafts, designed to showcase India’s indigenous craftsmanship in domestic and global premium markets while preserving cultural heritage.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Tribal Affairs
• Implementing Agency: TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India)
• Aim:

1. To preserve and promote tribal weaves, embroidery, and crafts.
2. To support Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat through value addition.

Key Features:

• Premium branding approach: Positions tribal products in high-end domestic and international markets.
• Cluster-based development: First phase covers 10 clusters including weaves, embroidery, and crafts across states.
• Design intervention: Introduction of modern designs and product innovation while retaining traditional essence.
• Capacity building: Skill training and upskilling of artisans to produce high-value, export-ready products.
• Infrastructure support: Development of weaving clusters and stitching units for integrated production.
• Sustainable packaging: Eco-friendly premium packaging developed by NID for global market appeal.
• Strategic designer partnerships: Collaboration with leading designers to bridge tradition with contemporary fashion.

Diverse craft inclusion:

Covers iconic tribal products like:

• Eri silk (Assam)
• Pashmina (Ladakh)
• Dokhra art (Chhattisgarh)
• Toda embroidery (Tamil Nadu)

Significance:

• Enhances income and livelihood security of tribal artisans, especially women.
• Safeguards endangered tribal art forms and traditional knowledge systems.
• Bridges the gap between local craftsmanship and global demand.

Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme

• The Union Cabinet has approved the ‘Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme’ for FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 with an outlay of ₹2,584.60 crore.

About Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme:

• The SHP Development Scheme is a centrally sponsored renewable energy initiative to promote installation of small hydro power projects (1–25 MW capacity) across India, particularly in remote and difficult terrains.
• Launched In: March 2026 (for the period 2026-27 to 2030-31).
• Organization Involved: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India.
• Aim: To exploit the untapped small hydro potential in remote and rural areas, reduce transmission losses through decentralized power, and achieve the target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Key Features:

• Financial Outlay: A total budget of ₹2,584.60 crore has been allocated, which is expected to leverage a total investment of approximately ₹15,000 crore in the sector.

Differential Central Financial Assistance (CFA):

• NE & Border States: Higher support of ₹3.6 crore/MW (or 30% of cost, max ₹30 crore/project).
• Other States: Support of ₹2.4 crore/MW (or 20% of cost, max ₹20 crore/project).
• Pipeline Creation: The scheme earmarks ₹30 crore specifically to support state and central agencies in preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 200 future projects.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat Focus: To qualify for support, projects must leverage 100% of plant and machinery from indigenous (domestic) sources.
• Decentralized Nature: By focusing on projects between 1-25 MW, the scheme promotes distributed generation, which requires minimal long-distance transmission lines and reduces grid losses.

Significance:

• Unlike large hydro projects, SHPs avoid large-scale land acquisition, massive deforestation, and the displacement of local communities.
• Reduces need for long transmission lines, lowering transmission losses and costs.

Stockholm Water Prize 2026

• Kaveh Madani has been awarded the 2026 Stockholm Water Prize, the world’s most prestigious water-related honour.
• He is the youngest laureate and first UN official to receive the award for linking water science with policy, diplomacy, and public outreach.

About Stockholm Water Prize 2026:

• The Stockholm Water Prize is an internationally acclaimed award recognizing outstanding contributions to water conservation, management, and sustainability, often regarded as the Nobel Prize for Water.

Origin:

• Established by the Stockholm Water Foundation
• Inspired by Stockholm’s achievement in maintaining clean and sustainable water systems

History:

• First awarded in 1991.
• First recipient: David W. Schindler
• Presented annually during World Water Week in Stockholm by the Swedish King

Aim:

• To honour individuals/organizations contributing to water resource conservation and sustainability.
• To promote scientific innovation and policy solutions for global water challenges.
• To enhance awareness of water security and environmental protection.

Key Features:

• Global recognition: Considered the highest international honour in water research and management.
• Wide eligibility: Open to scientists, policymakers, institutions, and practitioners across disciplines.

Rigorous selection process:

Evaluation by expert committee

• Final decision by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and Foundation Board
• Royal presentation: Award conferred by Carl XVI Gustaf during World Water Week.
• Impact-oriented focus: Recognizes work that has real-world policy, scientific, and societal impact.

About 2026 Winner and His Contribution:

• Winner: Kaveh Madani
• Director at United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH)

Key Contributions:

Concept of Water Bankruptcy:

• Highlighted long-term systemic water scarcity rather than short-term crises
• Shifted global discourse towards sustainable water management

Science-policy integration:

• Bridged gap between academic research and policymaking
• Influenced global water governance and climate negotiations
• Innovative research methods: Applied game theory and decision science to water conflict resolution.

Indian Ocean Region

• The second edition of Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR commenced on March 16, 2026, featuring naval personnel from 16 friendly foreign countries.

About Indian Ocean Region:

• The Indian Ocean Region refers to the vast maritime area surrounding the Indian Ocean, encompassing coastal states, island nations, and major sea routes connecting Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Location:

Lies between:

1. Asia (North)
2. Africa (West)
3. Australia (East)
4. Southern Ocean (South)

• It is the third-largest ocean in the world
• Bordering Nations: It is bordered by 36 littoral nations (including India, South Africa, Australia, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia) and impacts 14 landlocked countries.

Key Features

• Strategic Choke Points: It contains critical waterways including the Strait of Hormuz, the Strait of Malacca, the Bab-el-Mandeb, and the Suez Canal, which are vital for global energy and trade flows.
• Monsoon System: It is the only ocean with an asymmetric and semi-annually reversing surface circulation driven by the monsoon winds.
• Abundant Resources: The region holds massive offshore oil and natural gas reserves, particularly in the Persian Gulf, and accounts for a significant portion of the world’s fishing catch.
• Island Chains: It hosts strategically important island nations and territories such as the Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, and Madagascar.
• Diverse Ecosystems: It contains nearly 25% of the world’s coral reefs and extensive mangrove forests, making it a critical zone for marine biodiversity.

Significance:

• More than 80% of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes through the Indian Ocean, making its security essential for global energy stability.
• As a bridge between the Atlantic and Pacific, it is the center of the Indo-Pacific construct, where major powers (India, USA, China) vie for influence.
• India sits at the apex of the ocean with a 7,517 km coastline, positioning it as a natural Net Security Provider and First Responder in times of natural disasters.

Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN)

• PM POSHAN is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Education, replacing the former National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in Schools.
• Nodal Agency: The scheme is overseen by the Department of School Education and Literacy.
• Provision: It provides one hot cooked meal every school day to all students from Classes 1 to 8 and children in Bal Vatikas in government and government-aided schools.
• Nutrition Norms: Meals must meet prescribed norms of 450 kcal & 12 g protein for Primary students, and 700 kcal and 20 g protein for Upper Primary students.
• Scale: PM Poshan serves approximately 11 crore children across over 11 lakh schools, making it one of the world’s largest school meal programmes.
• Cost Sharing: Central Government and States share costs in a 60:40 ratio, while North Eastern and Himalayan states share costs in a 90:10 ratio.
• Accountability: Social audits are mandatory in all districts to ensure transparency, accountability, and service quality.
• Supplementary Nutrition: The scheme allows Aspirational Districts and areas with high anaemia prevalence to provide milk, eggs, or fruit beyond the standard meal.

UNIGME Report 2025 on Child Mortality

• A recent report on child mortality was released by the United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UNIGME).
• Report highlights the global slowdown in reducing child mortality, while India shows steady progress.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Around 4.9 million children under five died in 2024, including 2.3 million newborns, highlighting a major global health concern.
• Global under-five mortality has declined by over 50% since 2000, but progress has slowed by more than 60% since 2015, threatening SDG targets.
• Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 58% of total under-five deaths, indicating major regional disparities.

Major Causes of Child Deaths

• Neonatal complications: Preterm birth, birth asphyxia, & delivery-related complications account for the largest share of under-five deaths.
• Infectious diseases: Malaria, pneumonia, & diarrhoea remain leading causes, especially in developing regions.
• Malnutrition (SAM): Acute malnutrition weakens immunity & increases risk of death among children.

India’s Status in Child Mortality

• Under-5 Mortality Rate: U5MR decreased significantly from 127 in 1990 to 27 in 2024 (UN).
• Neonatal Mortality Rate: NMR reduced from 57 (1990) to 17 in 2024 (UN).
• As per the Sample Registration System (SRS), MMR fell from 130 in 2014–16 to 88 in 2020–22.
• Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR): Number of deaths of infants within the first 28 days of life per 1,000 live births.
• Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Number of deaths of children below 1 year of age per 1,000 live births.
• Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR): Number of deaths of children under five years of age per 1,000 live births.
• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR): Number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births due to pregnancy-related causes.

Government Schemes and Initiatives for Maternal & Child Health

• National Health Mission (NHM): Umbrella programme for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) services.
• Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): A conditional cash transfer scheme promoting institutional deliveries among poor and vulnerable women.
• Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK): Provides free delivery, Caesarean section, drugs, diagnostics, diet, blood, and transport for mothers and infants.
• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA): Ensures free antenatal care (ANC) by specialists on the 9th of every month.
• Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK): Screens children (0–18 years) for 4Ds: Defects at birth, Diseases, Deficiencies, and Developmental delays, including disability.
• STOP Diarrhoea Campaign: Promotes Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) and Zinc therapy.
• Mothers’ Absolute Affection (MAA): Promotes breastfeeding and Infant and Young Child Feeding.
• Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC): Skin-to-skin care for low-birth-weight babies.
• SAANS: Social Awareness and Action to Neutralise Pneumonia Effectively reduces pneumonia deaths.

Supreme Court to Re-examine Definition of Industry

• Supreme Court has constituted a 9-judge Constitution Bench to reconsider the definition of “industry” as defined in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (IDA).
• The Court is also questioning whether government-run welfare or support activities (e.g., canteens in defence organisations) should be treated as industries.
• Traditionally, only core sovereign functions, defence, law & order, judiciary, and policymaking were excluded from labour laws.
• The ruling will affect labour rights, the scope of labour laws, and the functioning of public sector and welfare institutions.

Current Definition of Industry

• The present understanding of “industry” is based on the 1978 SC judgment in Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board v. A. Rajappa.
• The definition is guided by the “triple test”, systematic activity, employer–employee relationship, and production or distribution of goods or services.
• Profit motive is not necessary, meaning even non-profit and charitable organisations can be considered industries.
• As a result, entities like hospitals, educational institutions, clubs, and some government bodies can fall under this definition.
• The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 broadly retains this definition from IDA but excludes sovereign functions and domestic services.

Probable Impacts of Revisiting Industry Definition

• Impact on Workers: Reduced coverage under labour laws if the definition is narrowed, excluding sectors like hospitals, NGOs, & universities.
• Workers may lose access to labour courts and dispute resolution mechanisms, making justice slower and more expensive.
• Possible erosion of job security, protection against unfair dismissal, and union bargaining power.
• Impact on Employers: Employers may benefit from reduced regulatory and compliance burden, especially in non-profit and public sectors. Greater flexibility in hiring, firing, & managing workforce.
• Economic & Social Impact: Potential shift towards ease of doing business, but at the cost of worker protections.

India Prioritises PNG Network Expansion Amid LPG Supply Shortage

• Central Government urged states to expedite Piped Natural Gas (PNG) expansion amid LPG supply disruptions due to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
• Other Key Steps: The government recently issued an order, under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, to prioritise gas allocation to the domestic PNG and CNG sectors.
• An amendment to the LPG Control Order now prohibits households with active PNG connections from retaining or obtaining domestic LPG cylinders.

About Piped Natural Gas (PNG)

• PNG mainly contains methane (85–95%), along with small quantities of ethane and propane.
• Safety Feature: PNG is lighter than air, so it disperses quickly during leaks. LPG is heavier than air and therefore settles near the ground.
• Supply Flow: It is supplied continuously (24/7) via underground City Gas Distribution (CGD) pipelines.
• Regulation: PNG operations are overseen by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).
• Infrastructure: Expansion of PNG networks is driven by the One Nation, One Gas Grid initiative, including projects like the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga pipeline.
• Significance: Expanding PNG networks boosts energy security, promotes cleaner combustion, and removes logistical hurdles of cylinder transportation.
• One Nation, One Gas Grid initiative, launched in 2014, integrates regional gas networks into a unified national grid, ensuring equitable access to CNG and PNG.
• Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga pipeline links eastern & northeastern states to India’s national gas grid.

Government Approves MSP Funding for Cotton Sector

• Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved fresh Minimum Support Price (MSP) funding to the Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) for the cotton season 2023–24.
• CCI, established in 1970, serves as the primary agency for MSP operations in the cotton sector and functions under the Ministry of Textiles.

About Cotton

• Cotton is a Kharif cash crop, often referred to as “White Gold” due to its high economic value.
• Climatic Needs: Around 21°C–30°C temperatures, about 210 frost-free days, & 50–100 cm of rainfall.
• Soil Types: Deep black cotton soil (Regur) of the Deccan Plateau is ideal, but also grows in alluvial, red, and laterite soil.

Cotton Production in India

• India is the largest cotton producer (2024–25), contributing around 23–25% of global cotton output.
• It has the largest area under cultivation globally, accounting for nearly 40% of total acreage.
• Major States: Maharashtra leads in production, while Gujarat records the highest productivity.
• Diversity: India is the only country in the world that commercially cultivates all four species of cotton—G. arboreum, G. herbaceum, G. barbadense, G. hirsutum.
• GM Cultivation: Over 90% of cotton acreage is under Bt cotton, a genetically modified variety to resist bollworm infestation.

Recent Government Initiatives

• Mission for Cotton Productivity (2025–26) was launched in the Union Budget 2025-26, to boost yields via technology, pest-resistant varieties, and focus on Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton.
• Kasturi Cotton Bharat, a joint initiative of the Ministry of Textiles, CCI, and TEXPROCIL, aims to create a premium global brand for Indian cotton using blockchain and QR-based traceability.
• Digital Integration: Cott-Ally App monitors MSP rates, procurement centres, and best practices; Kapas Kisan App streamlines cotton procurement.

Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme

• Context (PIB): Union Cabinet approved the Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme for FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.
• It aims to install a total of 1,500 MW of small hydropower capacity over five years in targeted regions.
• The scheme focuses on run-of-the-river projects in remote, hilly, and North Eastern terrains.
• Nodal Ministry: It is managed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Financing: It provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) through a tiered subsidy system.
• North Eastern States & International Border Districts get ₹3.6 crore per MW or 30% of project cost (whichever is lower).
• Other States receive ₹2.4 crore per MW or 20% of the project cost (whichever is lower).
• Key Mandate: Projects must use 100% indigenous plant and machinery to qualify for financial support aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• Significance: It reduces reliance on long transmission lines, minimises losses, and supports India in reaching its 500 GW non-fossil capacity target by 2030.
• In India, hydropower projects up to 25 MW are classified as SHP; they fall under the MNRE, while projects above 25 MW fall under the Ministry of Power.

Aravalli Hills Definition Committee

• Supreme Court has ordered a fresh committee to define the Aravalli range after controversies over earlier criteria.
• Existing Mapping (2011): Forest Survey of India (FSI) had already scientifically mapped the Aravallis using GIS and slope-based criteria, making redefinition arguably unnecessary.
• 100 m Criterion: A committee in 2025 proposed defining Aravalli hills using a 100 m height threshold.

Key Concerns About the Aravalli Definition Issue

• Flawed Criteria: The proposed 100 m elevation rule is overly simplistic and ignores the natural geomorphology of hill systems.
• Ecological Risk: Excluding low-elevation hills may expose them to mining, deforestation, and land degradation.
• Scientific Inaccuracy: It disregards slope-based and GIS mapping methods used by FSI, which are more reliable.
• Reduction in Coverage: Sharp drop from ~62 districts (FSI) to 37 districts (new committee) risks large-scale exclusion.
• Threat to Fragile Ecosystem: Aravallis play a key role in desert control, groundwater recharge, & biodiversity, making misclassification dangerous.

Aravalli Range

• Among the world’s oldest fold mountains (Precambrian age), it is highly eroded & low in height.
• Location: Extends about 700 km from Delhi–Haryana to Gujarat, passing through Rajasthan.
• Highest peak: Guru Shikhar (1,722 m) in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
• Physiographic Role: Acts as a natural barrier between Thar Desert and Indo-Gangetic plains, helping limit desert expansion.
• Ecological Role: Supports biodiversity, groundwater recharge, & climate regulation in north-west India.
• Threats & Conservation: Faces mining, deforestation, urbanisation pressures; addressed through initiatives like the Aravalli Green Wall Project.

Iran Strike on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG Hub

• Iranian missile strikes have damaged Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG Complex, including the Pearl Gas-to-Liquids (GTL) project.
• Pearl GTL project is the world’s largest facility converting natural gas into high-quality liquid hydrocarbons beyond LNG.

About Ras Laffan LNG Complex

• The complex is the world’s biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) export centre, located on Qatar’s northeast coast along the Persian Gulf.
• Resource Base: The plant processes gas from the North Field, the largest non-associated gas field.
• The field lies beneath the Persian Gulf, shared between Qatar (North Field) and Iran (South Pars).
• Capacity: It can produce around 77 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), representing ~20% of the total global LNG supply.
• Infrastructure: It features the world’s largest artificial harbour and large-scale LNG “mega trains.”
• Export Destinations: It mainly exports LNG to China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the EU.
• LNG is mostly methane, cooled to a liquid state. Liquefying reduces volume by 600 times, making transport easier. It emits 40% less CO2 than coal and 30% less than oil.

Silverpit Crater

• New research has confirmed that the Silverpit Crater beneath the North Sea was formed by an asteroid impact 43–46 million years ago, likely triggering a massive tsunami.
• Location: Located beneath the North Sea, about 130 km off the coast of the United Kingdom.
• Discovery: Discovered in 2002 through seismic surveys during oil and gas exploration.
• Depth: The structure lies around 700 metres beneath the seabed, buried under thick sediment layers.
• Scientific Evidence: Presence of shocked quartz and feldspar crystals, which form only under extreme pressure from meteorite impacts.
• Rarity: Oceanic impact craters are rare; only about 33 such craters have been identified beneath the oceans worldwide.
• Scientific Importance: Helps scientists understand asteroid impacts, planetary geology, and potential future collision risks.

Butis bargabhimae

• Scientists discovered a new estuarine fish species, Butis bargabhimae, in the Rupnarayan River near Tamluk, West Bengal.
• Butis bargabhimae is a small, bottom-dwelling sleeper goby fish.
• Appearance: It has alternating light and dark bands on its pectoral fins and unique interorbital scales between its eyes.
• Habitat: The goby prefers muddy or sandy substrates in brackish estuarine waters.
• Diet: It is a carnivorous ambush predator that feeds on crustaceans and small invertebrates.
• Ecological Role: It is a mesopredator in the estuarine food web, regulating populations of smaller invertebrates and crustaceans.
• Rupnarayan River is a right-bank tributary of the Hooghly River in West Bengal. The ancient port of Tamralipta was located on its right bank in present-day Tamluk.

 Exercise LAMITIYE-2026

• 11th India–Seychelles joint military exercise LAMITIYE-2026 is taking place at the Seychelles Defence Academy.
• The 2026 edition marks the first tri-service participation, involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Objective: To improve interoperability for sub-conventional operations in semi-urban environments under the UN Peacekeeping Operations.
• Focus Areas: Rapid-response drills, maritime security, AI and swarm drones in disaster management, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
• Significance: The exercise strengthens India’s defence partnership in the Indian Ocean Region and supports its SAGAR vision.
• Seychelles is an archipelago with about 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. It lies on the Mascarene Plateau and comprises two main island groups—the mountainous Mahé group and the flat coralline Outer Islands.