3D-Printed Rural Houses under PMAY-G

GS  II – Government Schemes | GS III – Science & Technology

Why in News?

Andhra Pradesh is set to pilot 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) for rural housing under PMAY-G, bringing emerging construction technology into affordable housing delivery.

What is 3D Concrete Printing?

•  Additive manufacturing technique in which concrete is deposited layer-by-layer using a computer-controlled printer based on a digital design.
• Enables automated, precision-based construction with reduced material wastage.

Why is it Important?

• Faster Housing Delivery : Can significantly reduce construction time, supporting faster achievement of rural housing targets.
• Cost & Resource Efficiency : Precise material deposition can reduce material wastage and improve resource efficiency.
• Labour Constraints : Reduces dependence on labour-intensive construction, particularly where skilled manpower is limited.
• Scalable Rural Housing : Standardised designs can support mass construction of affordable houses.
• Climate & Disaster Resilience : Designs can potentially be adapted to local hazards such as cyclones, floods and earthquakes, subject to engineering standards.

Note:

• PMAY-G → Rural → Ministry of Rural Development
• PMAY-U → Urban → Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs

Classical Languages – Five Centres of Excellence

GS Paper I – Indian Heritage & Culture

Why in News?

The Government approved five Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for the study and promotion of Assamese, Bengali, Marathi, Pali and Prakrit.

What are the Centres of Excellence?

Why are they Important?

• Preservation of Linguistic Heritage : Supports conservation of ancient texts, manuscripts and literary traditions.
• Research & Documentation :  Promotes systematic research in linguistics, literature and historical texts.
• Interdisciplinary Knowledge : Classical language research can be integrated with archaeology, epigraphy, history and indigenous knowledge systems.
• Digitisation : Digitisation of manuscripts and texts can improve accessibility, preservation and global research collaboration.

 Classical Languages of India

India’s First Free-Space QKD Link

GS Paper III – Science & Technology

Why in News?

QNu Labs, BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar demonstrated India’s first free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link over 5.56 km.

What is QKD?

• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a method of securely distributing cryptographic keys using the quantum properties of photons.
• Key idea: QKD secures the distribution of the key, not the entire communication by itself.

How Does QKD Work?

• Photon Transmission : Quantum information is transmitted using photons.
• QuantumState Encoding : Information is encoded in the quantum states of photons.
• Measurement : Sender and receiver use compatible quantum measurement bases.
• Eavesdropping Detection :  Any interception can disturb the quantum state.
• Error/Disturbance:  Check  Sender and receiver compare selected measurements to detect intrusion.
• Secure Key Generation :  A shared secret cryptographic key is established.
• Encryption : The key can then be used to encrypt/decrypt messages.
• Core Principle : QKD derives security from quantum mechanics, rather than relying solely on computational complexity.

Why is Free-Space QKD Important?

Unlike conventional fibre-based QKD, free-space QKD can transmit quantum signals through the atmosphere using optical links.

Significance

• Quantum-Secure Communication : Provides a pathway towards communication systems resistant to emerging quantum-enabled attacks.
• Defence & Strategic Communications : Can strengthen protection of sensitive government and defence communications.
• Satellite Communication : Free-space quantum links are important for future satellite-based QKD and quantum networks.
• Critical Infrastructure : Potential applications in securing communications involving banking, power grids, telecom and other critical systems.
• Strategic Technology Capability : Strengthens India''s indigenous capabilities in quantum communication and cybersecurity.

Free-Space vs Fibre QKD

India’s Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)

GS  III – Indian Economy

Why in News?

The Ministry of Finance has finalised a revised Model BIT and sent it for Union Cabinet approval.

What is a Model BIT?

• A non-binding template used by India as a basis for negotiating Bilateral Investment Treaties with other countries.
• Establishes the broad rights and obligations of foreign investors and host States.

Key Issues in a BIT

• Protected Investment : Determines which assets/investments qualify for treaty protection.
• MFN Treatment : Seeks to prevent discriminatory treatment between investors from different treaty countries, subject to the treaty''s wording.
• Fair and Equitable Treatment (FET) : Provides protection against certain arbitrary or unfair State actions, depending on the treaty language.
• Investor–State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) : Provides a mechanism through which eligible foreign investors may challenge certain State measures under the treaty.

 Why is it Important?

• FDI & Investment Climate : A predictable treaty framework can reduce regulatory uncertainty and support investment decisions.
• Policy Space : A carefully designed BIT can preserve India''s ability to regulate for public health, environment, taxation and other legitimate objectives.
• India''s Investors Abroad : BITs can provide greater protection to Indian companies investing overseas.

Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

GS Paper II – International Relations

Why in News?

An Indian Parliamentary delegation participated in the 153rd IPU Assembly held at Arusha, Tanzania.

What is IPU?

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organisation of national parliaments, providing a platform for parliamentary diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation.

Key Facts

• Established: 1889
• Founders: Frédéric Passy and William Randal Cremer
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Membership: 183 Member Parliaments + 15 Associate Members
• India: Member
• Principal forum: IPU Assembly
• UN status: Permanent Observer at the UN General Assembly since 2002

Significance for India

• Parliamentary Diplomacy : Provides an additional channel for India to engage with other countries beyond traditional executive-level diplomacy.
• Global Parliamentary Cooperation : Facilitates exchange of legislative practices and experiences on governance and democratic institutions.
• Human Rights & Democracy : Provides a multilateral platform to discuss democratic participation, human rights and rule of law.
• Global South Engagement : Platforms such as the IPU can strengthen parliamentary engagement among developing countries on common concerns.

National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP)

GS Paper III – Indian Economy

Why in News?

The National Industrial Corridor Development Programme (NICDP) is being highlighted as a strategy to develop integrated, multimodal and globally competitive industrial ecosystems, rather than isolated industrial estates.

What is NICDP?

• Develops greenfield industrial cities/nodes along major transport corridors.
• Integrates manufacturing, logistics, housing, utilities and social infrastructure within planned economic regions.
• Anchored to Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs), expressways, ports and airports.
• Supports Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, PM GatiShakti and National Logistics Policy.

Key Industrial Corridors

Core Significance

• From Industrial Estates → Industrial Ecosystems : Moves beyond isolated factories towards integrated clusters with logistics, housing, utilities and social infrastructure.
• GVC Integration : Can attract electronics, automobiles, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals and EV manufacturing by providing reliable infrastructure.
• Lower Logistics Costs : Multimodal connectivity can reduce transportation delays, inventory costs and turnaround time.
• Balanced Regional Development : New industrial nodes can create growth centres beyond major metropolitan areas, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 regions.

Next-Gen GST

GS Paper III – Indian Economy | Taxation

Why in News?

The Finance Minister reviewed the first-year outcomes of GST rate rationalisation introduced from 22 September 2025, with the next phase aimed at making GST simpler, more efficient and compliance-friendly.

What is Next-Gen GST?

It represents the next phase of GST reforms, focusing on:

• Rate rationalisation
• Simplification of compliance
• Correction of inverted duty structures
• Technology-driven tax administration
• Expansion of the formal tax base

Key Changes

• GST structure increasingly centred on 5% and 18% slabs.
• 40% demerit rate for specified luxury and sin goods.
• Lower rates for selected essential goods, medicines and mass-consumption items.
• GST reduction on selected automobiles, cement and consumer durables.
• Measures to address inverted duty structures.

Why is it Important?

• Consumption Boost : Lower GST on mass-consumption goods can reduce the tax incidence and potentially support household demand.
• Correcting Tax Distortions : Inverted duty structures lead to accumulation of ITC and lock up working capital. Their correction can improve business cash flows.
• Formalisation of Economy : Simpler compliance can encourage more firms, particularly MSMEs, to participate in the formal tax ecosystem.
• Manufacturing Competitiveness : A rational tax structure can reduce cascading and improve the competitiveness of domestic manufacturing.

PM-SETU — Transformation of ITIs

GS II – Government Schemes

Why in News?

PM-SETU completed one year of implementation aimed at transforming Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into modern, industry-aligned skill centres.

What is PM-SETU?

Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) seeks to modernise ITIs by aligning vocational training with emerging industry requirements.

Key Features

• Hub-and-Spoke Model: Upgraded ITIs act as hubs supporting surrounding ITIs.
• Industry Participation: Greater role for industries in curriculum, training and placements.
• Modern Infrastructure: Upgradation of labs, workshops and training facilities.
• New-Age Skills: Focus on robotics, semiconductors, additive manufacturing and green technologies.
• Apprenticeships & Placements: Stronger transition from training to employment.
• Centres of Excellence: Upgradation of NSTIs to develop advanced vocational skills.

Significance

• Industry 4.0 Readiness: Builds workforce for advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
• Employability: Improves industry relevance of vocational education.
• Human Capital: Bridges the gap between India''s large workforce and industry skill requirements.
• Cooperative Federalism: Requires coordination among Centre, States and industry.
• Manufacturing Competitiveness: Supports India''s transition towards higher-value manufacturing.

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD)

GS II – International Relations | Indian Diaspora | Soft Power

Why in News?

The 19th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas Convention is scheduled to be held in Kolkata from 7–9 January 2027.

About Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas

• Observed: 9 January
• First observed: 2003
• Frequency: Biennial since 2015
• Significance of 9 January: Commemorates Mahatma Gandhi''s return to India from South Africa in 1915.
• The convention provides a platform for interaction between the Government of India and the Indian diaspora.

Ramappa Temple

GS I – Art & Culture

Why in News?

Proposed opencast coal mining near the Ramappa Temple has raised concerns over its structural stability, groundwater regime and surrounding ecological landscape.

About Ramappa Temple

• Located at Palampet, Mulugu district, Telangana.
• Built during the 13th century under the Kakatiya dynasty.
• Dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Official UNESCO name: Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple.
• Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.

Architectural Significance

• Sandbox Foundation : The temple is associated with the distinctive sandbox technique, which helped provide flexibility and resilience to the structure.
• Lightweight Bricks : Use of lightweight, porous bricks in the superstructure reduced the overall load.
• Sculptural Excellence : Known for intricate carvings and graceful Madanikas (bracket figures).Sculptures provide insights into the artistic traditions of the Kakatiya period.
• Cultural Landscape : The temple is situated within a broader landscape associated with Ramappa Lake, reflecting the Kakatiya tradition of integrating temple architecture, water management and settlement systems.

Shyamji Krishna Varma

GS I – Modern Indian History

Why in News?

Tributes were paid to Shyamji Krishna Varma on his birth anniversary, recalling his contribution to the revolutionary nationalist movement abroad.

About Shyamji Krishna Varma

• Born: 1857, Mandvi, Kutch.
• A prominent early advocate of Indian self-rule and revolutionary nationalism.
• Influenced by Swami Dayanand Saraswati and Herbert Spencer.
• Worked to build an intellectual and organisational base for Indian nationalism in Europe.

Major Contributions

Indian Home Rule Society

• Founded in London in 1905.
• Promoted the cause of Indian self-government.

India House

• Established in London in 1905.
• Became an important centre for Indian revolutionary nationalists abroad.
• Associated with young nationalists including V. D. Savarkar.

The Indian Sociologist

• Founded a nationalist journal advocating Indian political freedom.
• Served as an important platform for anti-colonial political thought.