Government Releases Draft Guidelines for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)

Guidelines provide for preparation of mining and mine closure plans for UCG blocks, procedures for pilot feasibility study, groundwater monitoring, post-mining rehabilitation etc.

• To ensure scientific mine closure, companies will be required to maintain an escrow account with the Coal Controller Organization (CCO).
• CCO (Ministry of Coal) collects and maintains coal production data of all private and public sector coal mines in the country.
• CCO also acts as the appellate authority in case of disputes between consumers and owners arising out of declaration of grade and size of coal.

Coal Gasification

• A thermochemical process that converts coal into syngas — a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and other gases.
• It involves the partial oxidation at high temperature and pressure often integrated with carbon capture and storage technology to reduce CO2 emissions.
• It enables cleaner utilisation of coal, producing syngas for power generation, methanol, ammonia, urea, and liquid fuels.

Challenges for Coal Gasification Technology

• High Project Costs: Requires heavy upfront investment in gasifiers, CO₂ capture, and processing units.
• Technology Adoption: Global technologies suit low-ash coal, making adaptation to India’s high-ash coal technically complex and expensive.
• Uncertain Coal Supply: Inconsistent coal quality and absence of assured long-term supply agreements affect operational stability.
• Input Costs: Combined expense of coal, oxygen, and water makes domestic gasification costlier than using imported LNG or natural gas.

Maha MedTech Mission

• India has launched the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas (MAHA)-Medical Technology (Maha MedTech Mission), to boost indigenous medical-technology innovation.

Key Highlights of the Mission

• The mission was launched by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Gates Foundation.
• It provides ₹5-25 crore per project, extendable to ₹50 crore in exceptional cases.
• Open to academic institutions, research organisations, startups, MSMEs, and MedTech industries.
• Covers medical devices, in-vitro diagnostics, implants, surgical and assistive tools, consumables, and software-based solutions.
• It encourages innovation in advanced diagnostic imaging, minimally invasive technologies, point-of-care molecular diagnostics, AI/ML-based systems, and robotics.
• Enabling ecosystem: Patent Mitra (IP protection & technology transfer), MedTech Mitra (regulatory guidance), a Clinical Trial Network (clinical validation and evidence generation), and industry mentorship.

UAE Consensus

A recent UN report highlights the UAE Consensus as a key milestone advancing global clean energy transition.

• Adopted at COP28 (2023): The UAE Consensus marked the first-ever Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement.
• Energy Transition: Urges nations to transition away from fossil fuels in a just, fair, and balanced way.
• Renewables & Efficiency: Sets clear goals to triple renewable energy and double energy efficiency by 2030.
• Climate Finance: Calls for greater adaptation support and financial reforms to help vulnerable nations.
• Global Goal: Reinforces the collective aim to keep 1.5°C within reach and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

National Household Income Survey

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will launch the first-ever pan-India National Household Income Survey (NHIS) in February 2026.
• Objective: To provide accurate income estimates and assess income inequality across different regions and social groups.
• Implementing Agency: National Statistics Office (NSO) under the MoSPI.
• Coverage Scope: Both rural and urban households through digitally supervised household visits.
• Income Dimensions: Earnings from wages, self-employment, property, pensions, remittances, and welfare schemes.
• Methodology: A Technical Expert Group chaired by Surjit S. Bhalla will design the process using global best practices.

Challenges in Conducting NHIS

• Sensitivity Barrier: The 2025 Pre-tests revealed that 95% of respondents were unwilling to disclose their income details.
• Fragmented Sources: Multiple informal income sources in rural households hinder verification and reliable estimation.
• Non-Monetised Output: Household consumption of agricultural produce complicates the valuation of non-marketed income.
• Data Inconsistency: Persistent under-reporting and recall bias result in income figures lower than total consumption levels.
• Irregular Earnings: Seasonal and self-employed workers experience fluctuating incomes, leading to inconsistent and incomplete data.

Keibul Lamjao National Park

Study links land use to water pollution in Manipur’s Loktak Lake which shares part with Keibul Lamjao National Park.

• Loktak lake  is largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is famous for its phumdis (floating islands of vegetation).
• It has been a Ramsar site since 1990 and listed under the Montreux Record since 1993 due to ecological problems.
• Location: Southern part of Bishnupur district and eastern part of Thoubal district of Manipur.
• Declared wildlife sanctuary in 1954 & National park in 1977. It is the only floating park in the world.
• The largest area of the Phumdi in the Loktak lake is in the Keibul Lamjao National Park.
• Fauna: Brow-antlered deer (Sangai), Hog Deer, Otter.

Indian Coffee Gaining Global Popularity

• Recently, PM Narendra Modi said that Indian coffee is gaining popularity worldwide, aiding farmers’ income.

Coffee

• Two main varieties of coffee — Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (Coffea canephora) are cultivated worldwide, including in India.
• Climate: Coffee plants thrive in warm, humid climates but need a distinct dry period for berry ripening.
• Temperature: Arabica grows best in 15°–24°C; Robusta tolerates higher temperatures of 24°–30°C.
• Altitude: Arabica thrives at 600–2,000 meters above sea level; Robusta adjusts to lower elevations.
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy soils rich in humus, iron, and calcium offer ideal conditions for growth.

Coffee Production in India

• India is the seventh-largest coffee producer in the world, exporting about 70% of its production to more than 120 countries.
• Major Producers: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, with Karnataka producing more than 70% of the total output.
• Uniqueness: India is the only country where all coffee is grown under natural shade, using a two-tier mixed canopy.

Evolving Geopolitical Centrality of the Western Indian Ocean Region (WIOR)

Recently, China sent a new navy fleet for escort missions in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia.

Significance of WIOR

• Strategic & Geopolitical: Connects key sea lanes linking the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
• It includes important chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and Mozambique Channel.
• Energy Security: Strait of Hormuz carries around 20 % of global oil shipments.
• Economic: The total “ocean asset base” of the WIOR is at least USD333.8 billion.
• Gateway to Africa: Acts as a bridge between Asia and Africa.
• For India:
• Indo-Pacific Cooperation: Strengthen India’s engagement with countries such as France and others.
• Net Security Provider: Engagement with WIOR enhances its influence.
• Blue Economy: Central for Deep Ocean Mission.

Challenges in WIOR

• Rising Chinese Influence: China is using policies like “debt-trap diplomacy” to increase its influence. E.g., China’s military base in Djibouti and Gwadar port in Pakistan
• Emerging Maritime Threats:  E.g., maritime piracy, illegal carrying of weapons, drug trafficking, etc.
• Conflicts: E.g.  Conflicts in Yemen (Houthis Militias) 
• Other: Non-traditional (E.g., Environmental threats driven by climate change), etc. 

Burevestnik missile

Russia has successfully tested its nuclear-powered and nuclear-capable Burevestnik missile.

SSC-X-9 Skyfall

• It is one of six strategic weapons of Russia’s new-generation nuclear arsenal.
• Type: Long-range, low-flying nuclear-powered cruise missile.
• Cruise missile is powered by jet engines for continuous flight throughout their journey.

Deep-Sea Fishing Vessels

• The union Home minister launched the distribution of Deep-Sea Fishing Vessels under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) at Mazagon Dock, Mumbai.

• The government plans to distribute 200 such vessels nationwide over five years on a cooperative basis.
• Objective: The initiative aims to enhance India’s deep-sea fishing capacity and to explore resources within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the High Seas.
• Funding: Under PMMSY, supported by the Department of Fisheries, the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), and state governments like Maharashtra.
• Key Focus: Supporting Fisheries Cooperative Societies and Fish Farmer Producer Organisations (FFPOs), emphasising women-led cooperatives for inclusive growth.
• Significance: The initiative encourages shifting from traditional coastal fishing to sustainable deep-sea activities, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat and India’s Blue Economy vision.

MoRTH Flags Poor DPRs Behind Tunnel Project Delays

• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has warned that long tunnel projects (over 1.5 km) are delayed because Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) lack proper investigations.

Policy Recommendations by the Ministry

• Executing agencies must notify MoRTH’s Tunnel Zone at the feasibility/DPR stage for prior consultation before finalising alignment and investigations, to speed up reviews and approvals.
• Tunnels must follow Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines, specifically IRC: SP:91-2019 (Guidelines for Road Tunnels), which advises avoiding snowbound zones, eco-sensitive areas, water bodies and congested corridors.
• Strengthen state/agency capabilities in geo-technical studies and tunnel engineering.
• Include contingency budgets and geological risk mitigation plans in DPRs for project de-risking.
• Ensure that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), State PWDs, and local administrations align early on clearances and environmental safeguards.

Panda Diplomacy

China''s golden monkeys were sent to France and Belgium, fostering scientific and conservation collaborations similar to Panda Diplomacy. 

• Golden Snub Nosed Monkeys (also known as the Sichuan golden-snub monkey) is an Afro-Eurasian primate native to the central and southwestern regions of China.
• It refers to the practice of the Chinese government gifting or loaning giant pandas to other countries as a symbol of friendship, goodwill, or to strengthen diplomatic relations.
• Other Similar Diplomacies: Orangutan diplomacy of Malaysia, Koala diplomacy of Australia, Elephant Diplomacy of Thailand.

Network Survey Vehicles by NHAI

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched a large-scale survey initiative deploying Network Survey Vehicles (NSVs) across 23 states, covering 20,933 km of National Highways.
• The initiative uses scientific surveys to detect road defects like cracks and potholes, feeding data into the Road Asset Management System (RAMS) for evidence-based planning of national highways.

Challenges Faced in the Surveying of National Highways

• Limited Coverage Capacity: India’s National Highway network spans 1.46 lakh km, but the current NSV survey covers only ~20,933 km (≈14%), leaving a large portion unsurveyed.
• Data Processing Delays: Each vehicle generates hundreds of GBs of data daily, and insufficient analytics infrastructure delays defect identification and reporting.
• Uneven Regional Expertise: Smaller contractors in eastern and northeastern states often lack trained operators for GPS calibration and RAMS data upload, affecting accuracy.
• Weather and Terrain Constraints: Monsoon flooding and hilly terrain (e.g., Uttarakhand, Meghalaya) hinder smooth NSV movement and cause sensor distortion.

Way Forward

• Integrated Data Platform: Create a real-time NSV–RAMS dashboard linking state PWDs, NHAI, and MoRTH for instant data validation. E.g. Singapore’s OneMap Infrastructure Portal.
• Fleet Expansion: Induct at least 100 NSVs across all states through PPP or leasing models to achieve 100% NH coverage by 2027. The current fleet covers <15% of the NH length annually (NHAI, 2025).
• AI-Based Defect Detection: Use machine learning models to detect cracks and potholes from NSV video feeds automatically. E.g. The UK’s National Highways Pavement Management System.
• Training & Calibration Centres: Set up regional NSV calibration labs and training hubs under the Indian Academy of Highway Engineers (IAHE) to improve data reliability.
• Public Dashboard: Display road quality scores and maintenance timelines on a public portal to enhance accountability. E.g. US DOT Road Condition Index publishes open-access highway condition data.

Hanle Dark Sky Reserve

• The Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, India’s first dark sky area, protects the night sky from light pollution and promotes astronomy and astro-tourism. Located in Hanle, Ladakh.
• It holds a Bortle-1 rating, denoting the highest level of sky clarity with minimal light pollution.
• Location: Situated in the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary in Ladakh, surrounding the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO).
• Partnership: Established through an MoU between the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), the Union Territory of Ladakh, and the Ladakh Hill Development Council (Leh).
• The observatory hosts advanced instruments such as the Himalayan Chandra Telescope, GROWTH India Telescope (with IIT Bombay), and two Cherenkov telescope arrays in collaboration with Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
• High altitude (~4,250 m) and dry, low-aerosol conditions make Hanle optimal for observing faint, elusive sky phenomena.
• To preserve sky clarity, the IIA has distributed lamp shades, blackout curtains, and warm-toned bulbs to residents, ensuring minimal artificial lighting.

Communication Satellite-03

• ISRO is set to launch the communication satellite CMS-03 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota using the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3).

Communication Satellite-03

• CMS-03, also called GSAT-7R, is a multi-band military communications satellite equipped with advanced encryption and anti-jamming features.
• Heaviest Satellite: Weighing 4,400 kg, it is India’s heaviest and most powerful communication satellite launched to a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
• Maritime Connectivity: It offers secure, high-speed voice, data, and video communication up to 2,000 km from India’s coastline.
• Multi-Band Capability: Equipped with UHF, S, C, and Ku band transponders, it ensures reliable and uninterrupted communication links.
• Modern Replacement: CMS-03 replaces the decades-old GSAT-7 (Rukmini) satellite with upgraded technology and a broader operational reach.

Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3)

• LVM3 is a wholly indigenous medium-to-heavy launch vehicle developed by ISRO, formerly known as Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (GSLV Mk III).
• Payload Capacity: Popularly called “Bahubali”, it is India’s most powerful launcher, capable of carrying 4,000 kg to Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit and 8,000-10,000 kg to Low Earth Orbit.
• Engine Design: LVM3 uses a three-stage propulsion system with solid, liquid, and cryogenic propellants to maximise efficiency.
• Missions: Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, OneWeb satellites, and Gaganyaan mission (upcoming).

Google’s ‘Willow’ quantum processor

• Researchers from Google Quantum AI have demonstrated a verifiable case of quantum advantage using Google’s ‘Willow’ quantum processor.
• It marks a major step toward proving that quantum computers can outperform the most powerful classical supercomputers in solving complex problems.

Key Highlights

• The Willow processor successfully solved complex optimisation & information-scrambling problems that would take conventional supercomputers over three years, completing them in just two hours.
• The research demonstrates the superior processing potential of quantum systems while also providing measurable and reproducible results, a key criterion for establishing “quantum advantage”.
• This achievement builds on Google’s earlier work from 2019, when its Sycamore processor claimed a similar feat, though without verifiable real-world applications.

How Quantum Computing Works?

• Quantum computers use qubits (quantum bits) instead of binary bits (0 or 1).
• Due to quantum superposition, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, allowing parallel computation.
• By manipulating wave interference, where correct answers reinforce and incorrect ones cancel out, quantum algorithms can isolate optimal solutions far more efficiently than classical systems.

Stablecoin

Japan has launched the world’s first yen-pegged stablecoin.

• It is a blockchain-based digital currency pegged to a fiat currency (like yen or dollar) to maintain a stable value.
• Purpose: It enables faster, low-cost, and secure digital transactions, bridging traditional finance and cryptocurrency.
• Other key Stablecoins: Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) etc.

Taal Volcano

• The Taal Volcano in the Philippines has erupted three times recently.
• The Taal Volcano is located in Batangas province, about 50 km south of Manila, Philippines.
• It is classified as a ‘complex volcano’. Its most active regions are on Volcano Island, an island within Taal Lake. The lake itself lies within a much larger ancient caldera.
  • The Caldera was formed by prehistoric eruptions between 140,000 and 5,380 years ago.
• Taal Volcano is the Philippines’ second-most-active volcano, with at least 38 recorded eruptions.

E-Passports for Indian Nationals in the UAE

• The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi announced that chip-embedded e-passports will be issued to all Indian nationals residing in the UAE.
• The e-passports will be issued under the upgraded Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP 2.0) launched by the Ministry of External Affairs.
• The embedded chip stores biometric and personal information, providing better security and quicker verification at immigration points.

Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary

• The forest department’s relocation plan at Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary faces a setback after Amagaon villagers demanded certain assurances before consenting to move.
• Location: Spanning the Western Ghats in Belagavi district, Karnataka.
• Etymology: Named after the Bhimgad Fort, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17^th century to guard against Portuguese expansion from Goa.
• Boundaries: Shares borders with Dandeli WLS (north), Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem NP (northwest), Netravali WLS (north), and Mhadei WLS (east). (Except Dandeli, all in Goa)
• Hydrology: Forms the headwaters of the Tillari, Malaprabha, and Mhadei rivers and includes Vajrapoha Waterfalls, part of the Mahadayi River catchment.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: Contains the Barapede Caves, the only known breeding site of the Wroughton’s Free-tailed Bat, a critically endangered species.
• Vegetation: Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests with Malabar teak and rosewood.
• Fauna: Inhabited by tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sloth bears, wild dogs, deer species, and king cobras, serving as a vital tiger corridor between Karnataka and Goa.

INS Mahe

• Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) delivered the first of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWC) named INS Mahe to the Indian Navy.
• Named after the historic port town of Mahe in the Union Territory of Puducherry, the 78-metre INS Mahe is the largest Indian naval warship powered by a diesel engine waterjet propulsion system.
• It is engineered for underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare in coastal waters, low-intensity maritime operations, search and rescue, and advanced mine-laying.
• With over 80% indigenous content, it embodies the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and has been designed and built under the Classification Rules of Det Norske Veritas (DNV).

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025

• The Government of India has announced the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2025 for exceptional scientific achievements.
• The award, established in 2024, is India’s highest recognition for outstanding contributions by scientists, technologists, and innovators across various fields of science and technology.
• Award Categories: It is presented in four categories —
  • Vigyan Ratna (VR): It recognises a lifetime achievement.
  • Vigyan Shree (VS): This award is given for distinguished contributions.
  • Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB): It encourages young scientists up to age 45.
  • Vigyan Team (VT): It is given to a team of three or more researchers for collaborative achievements.
• Recognition Domains: Encompasses 13 fields, including physics, chemistry, medicine, engineering, agricultural science, and computer science.
• Key Awards 2025: The Vigyan Ratna award was conferred posthumously on astrophysicist Professor Jayant Vishnu Narlikar, and the Vigyan Team award was given to CSIR Aroma Mission.

Ollo Tribe

• The Khonsa Battalion of the Assam Rifles has launched a skill-based empowerment initiative for the Ollo tribe women under Operation Sadbhavana in Lazu village, Arunachal Pradesh.
• The Ollo tribe, also known as Lazu Naga or a subgroup of the Tangshang Naga, is an indigenous Tibeto-Burman community inhabiting the Lazu Circle of Tirap district, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Ollo society is patriarchal and clan-based, traditionally led by chiefs called Lowang and Ngongpa.
• Their main festival, Woraang (Voorang), celebrates the harvest season.
• The Ollo tribe remains unrecognised as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and is often grouped administratively under the Nocte or other Naga tribes.
• According to the 2011 Census, the total population of the Ollo tribe in India is just over 1,500.

NCERT Signs MoU with IIT-Madras

• The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IIT-Madras to integrate technology into education.

• Objective: Promote Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) enabled solutions to enhance student learning and teacher training.
• Key Focus: Research in data analytics, multilingual education, digital content, and platform development.
• Significance: The collaboration supports India’s aim to create an inclusive, high-quality learning environment for all students and teachers, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Turning Urban Challenges into Engines of Growth

Recent U.S. hike in H-1B visa fees offers India an opportunity to attract global talent and develop livable and globally competitive cities.

India’s Urban Potential & Its current status:

• Economic Engines: Only 15 Indian cities contribute nearly 30% of India’s GDP.
• Strengthening them could add about 1.5% to national growth annually.
• Future Growth Drivers: India already has the world’s second-largest urban system and by 2036, urban areas will be home to 40% of the population

Major Urban Challenges 

• Pollution and Mobility: India has 6 out of the 10 most polluted cities globally with issues like Vehicular emissions, construction dust.
• Solid Waste Management: Only 26% of collected solid waste is scientifically treated and mixed waste remains largely uncollected.
• Water Scarcity: 40–50% of piped water is lost due to leakages and inefficiencies.
• Urban Density and Housing: Affordable housing shortage could triple to 31 million units by 2030, issue of low Floor Space Index (Increases urban sprawl).
• Floor Space Index (FSI), also known as Floor Area Ratio (FAR), is the ratio of a building''s total built-up area to its plot area
• Other Issues: Congestion and Mobility, weak local governance and outdated regulations (Niti Aayog).

Garbage Café Initiative

• PM Modi applauds Chhattisgarh’s ‘Garbage Café’ Initiative for promoting cleanliness and social responsibility.

• The initiative, launched as part of Swachh Survekshan, builds on this legacy by merging environmental action with social welfare, ensuring that no plastic goes to waste and no one sleeps hungry.

It allows citizens to exchange plastic waste for food, turning waste collection into a community-driven initiative. One kilogram of plastic earns a full meal, while half a kilogram provides a snack.