Daily Current Affairs 28/03/2025

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Daily Current Affairs 28/03/2025

Turning Climate Commitments into Action: India’s Carbon Offset Plan Hits the Ground

The Indian government has taken significant steps to operationalize its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), initially notified in June 2023, by introducing an Offset Mechanism in December 2023. This mechanism allows non-obligated entities (e.g., businesses, industries, and organizations not covered by compliance mandates) to participate voluntarily in climate mitigation projects and earn carbon credits for verified emission reductions.

Key developments include:

1. Institutional Framework: Establishment of the National Steering Committee for Indian Carbon Market (NSCICM) to oversee the scheme.
2. Approved Methodologies: Eight methodologies for generating voluntary carbon credits, covering:
   • Renewable energy (Hydro, Pumped Storage)
   • Green hydrogen production
   • Industrial energy efficiency
   • Landfill methane recovery
   • Mangrove afforestation and reforestation
3. Objective: Broaden climate action by incentivizing emission reduction in sectors outside compliance mechanisms, aligning with India’s emission intensity reduction goals.

This initiative aims to mobilise voluntary participation and accelerate India’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

Government of India Taking Measures to Protect Critical Infrastructure and Private Data Against Cyber Attacks

The Indian government has implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to counter rising cyber threats, including legal, technical, and administrative measures. Key initiatives include:

1. Institutional Mechanisms

• CERT-In: National agency for cybersecurity response.
• NCSC & NCCC: Coordinate threat detection and mitigation.
• NCIIPC: Protects critical infrastructure (e.g., power grids, banking).
• Cyber Swachhta Kendra (CSK): Provides malware cleanup tools and public awareness.

2. Rising Cyber Threats

• 2022: 1.39 million incidents
• 2023: 1.59 million incidents
• 2024: 2.04 million incidents (sharp 28% YoY increase)

3. Key Policies & Laws

• IT Act Amendments: Mandate incident reporting and critical infrastructure protection.
• DPDP Act 2023: Safeguards personal data privacy.
• National Cyber Security Policy: Promotes a “secure and resilient cyberspace.”

4. Proactive Measures

• 109 mock drills conducted with 1,438 organizations to test preparedness.
• 12,014 officials trained in cybersecurity (2024).
• 200+ empaneled auditors to evaluate security compliance.

5. Public Awareness

• Campaigns via portals like staysafeonline.in and csk.gov.in.
• Resources include videos, handbooks, and advisories on cyber hygiene, deepfakes, and fraud prevention.

India’s multi-layered strategy—combining legislation, institutional coordination, and public-private collaboration—aims to create a “Safe, Trusted, and Accountable” digital ecosystem amid escalating cyber risks.

Second National Gene Bank (NGB)

The Indian government has approved the establishment of a second National Gene Bank (NGB) to conserve 10 lakh (1 million) crop germplasm samples, reinforcing India’s commitment to food security, biodiversity conservation, and agricultural innovation.

Purpose & Significance

• Conservation: Safeguard plant genetic resources for future crop improvement and nutritional security.
• Global Leadership: Strengthens India’s position as a global leader in biodiversity conservation.
• Accessibility: Germplasm will be available to public and private sectors for research and crop development.

Existing Infrastructure

• The current NGB at ICAR-NBpGR (New Delhi) is the world’s second-largest gene bank, holding:
  • 4,71,561 accessions (samples)
  • 2,157 species

New Facility Highlights

• Capacity: Expanded storage for 10 lakh germplasm (more than double current capacity).
• Technology: State-of-the-art infrastructure for long-term conservation.
• Budget Alignment: Part of the Union Budget 2025-26 theme “Investing in innovations.”

Government Statement

Announced by MoS Agriculture Shri Bhagirath Choudhary in Rajya Sabha (28 March 2025).

Key Takeaway

The second NGB underscores India’s proactive steps to preserve agricultural biodiversity, ensuring resilience against climate change and future food demands.

Multilingual Grievance Redressal System on the CPGRAMS Portal

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has partnered with Digital India Bhashini to launch a multimodal, multilingual grievance redressal system on the CPGRAMS portal by July 2025.

Objective

• Enhance accessibility and sensitivity of grievance redressal systems as directed by the Prime Minister.
• Eliminate language barriers by enabling citizens to file grievances in 22 regional languages (including voice input).
• Improve user experience with an intuitive interface for easier navigation and grievance lodging.

Key Features

• Multilingual Support: Citizens can submit grievances in their preferred language (text or voice).
• AI-Powered: Integration with Bhashini ensures real-time language translation and processing.
• Accessibility: Designed to cater to diverse linguistic and demographic groups across India.

Significance

• Marks a major milestone in AI-driven, inclusive governance.
• Aligns with the government’s goal of responsive and citizen-centric administration.

Timeline

• Agreement Signed: 28 March 2025 (DARPG-Bhashini).
• Expected Launch: July 2025.

Key Takeaway

This initiative transforms grievance redressal into an accessible, multilingual, and user-friendly process, ensuring no citizen is left behind due to language barriers.

Contract with HAL for 156 LCH Prachand Helicopters

1. Contract with HAL for 156 LCH Prachand Helicopters
   • Total Value: ₹62,700 crore (excluding taxes).
   • Allocation:
     • Indian Air Force (IAF): 66 LCHs.
     • Indian Army: 90 LCHs.
   • Delivery Timeline: Supply begins in the third year, completed over five years.
   • Key Features:
     • India’s first indigenous combat helicopter capable of operating above 5,000 meters.
     • 65% indigenous content; involves 250+ domestic MSMEs.
     • Expected to generate 8,500+ direct/indirect jobs.
2. Contract with Metrea Management for Flight Refuelling Aircraft (FRA)
   • Purpose: Wet leasing of 1 KC-135 aircraft for air-to-air refuelling training (IAF & Indian Navy).
   • Timeline: Delivery within six months (first wet-leased FRA for IAF).

Broader Defence Procurement Context (2024–25)

• Total Contracts Signed: 193 (highest ever).
• Total Value: ₹2,09,050 crore (double the previous record).
• Domestic Focus:
  • 177 contracts (92%) awarded to Indian industry.
  • Value: ₹1,68,922 crore (81% of total).

Strategic Impact

• Combat Readiness: Enhances high-altitude capabilities with indigenous LCHs.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Boosts domestic defence manufacturing and MSME participation.
• Training Modernization: FRA contract improves pilot training for aerial refuelling.

Key Takeaway

These contracts mark a record-breaking year for defence procurement, emphasizing self-reliance, job creation, and enhanced operational readiness across armed forces.

Independent Drive Tests (IDT) 

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) conducted Independent Drive Tests (IDT) in January 2025 across five cities, highways, and railway routes to assess the quality of voice and data services provided by telecom operators.

2. Key Areas Tested

• Cities/Routes Covered:
  1. Bengaluru (Karnataka)
  2. Jabalpur & Raipur-Bilaspur-Raigarh Highway (Madhya Pradesh)
  3. Delhi & Sohna-Dausa Highway (Delhi)
  4. Vijayawada-Guntur & Hyderabad-Vijayawada Highway (Andhra Pradesh)
  5. Jaipur-Madhopur Railway Route (Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi & Punjab)
• Distance Covered:
  • Urban areas: 506 km (Bengaluru), 606.9 km (Delhi), etc.
  • Highways/Railways: Up to 803 km (Jaipur-Madhopur).

3. Telecom Providers Evaluated

• Bharti Airtel, BSNL/MTNL, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea
• Technologies Assessed: 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G

4. Performance Metrics (KPIs)

A. Voice Services:

• Call setup success rate
• Drop call rate (DCR)
• Speech quality (MOS score)
• Coverage (% signal strength)

B. Data Services:

• Data throughput (download/upload)
• Latency, jitter
• Video streaming delay

5. Key Findings

• Detailed performance summaries for each region are provided in Annexures A-E (available on TRAI’s website).
• The report reflects real-time network performance during the test period.

6. Purpose & Impact

• Ensure QoS Compliance: Verify adherence to service standards.
• Consumer Awareness: Help users compare network reliability.
• Regulatory Action: Identify gaps for improvement by telecom providers.

7. Contact for Clarifications

• Shri Teipal Singh, Advisor (QoS-I), TRAI
  • Email: adv-qos1@trai.gov.in
  • Phone: +91-11-20907759

Key Takeaway

TRAI’s drive tests provide a transparent evaluation of telecom services, aiding both regulatory oversight and consumer decision-making.

India-Japan Loan Agreement

1. Key Agreement

• Signing Parties: Government of India & Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
• Total Loan Amount: JPY 191.736 billion (~USD 1.4 billion)
• Purpose: Funding for six projects under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) to India.

2. Projects Funded

Project Name	Sector	Loan Amount (JPY billion)
Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Program (Phase 3)	Investment Promotion	36.114
Chennai Seawater Desalination Plant (II)	Water Supply	52.556
Delhi Metro Phase 4 (Additional Corridors)	Urban Transport	79.726
Capacity Enhancement for Forest Management	Forest/Biodiversity	8.280
Assam Aquaculture & Livelihood Improvement	Aquaculture	3.580
Punjab Biodiversity Conservation	Natural Resources	11.480

3. Project Highlights

• Tamil Nadu (TNIPP-III): Boost FDI, create jobs, and upskill youth in advanced manufacturing.
• Chennai Desalination Plant: Ensure 24/7 water supply to Chennai Metropolitan Area.
• Delhi Metro Phase 4: Expand mass transit to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
• Forest Management: Strengthen climate resilience via research, training, and pilot projects.
• Assam Aquaculture: Increase fish production and improve fisher livelihoods.
• Punjab Biodiversity: Protect wetlands, increase green cover, and support local communities.

4. Strategic Impact

• Economic Growth: Enhances infrastructure, employment, and sustainable development.
• Climate Action: Promotes clean transport, water security, and biodiversity conservation.
• India-Japan Relations: Strengthens Strategic and Global Partnership (ongoing since 1958).

Key Takeaway

This agreement underscores Japan’s commitment to India’s socio-economic growth while addressing critical needs in urban mobility, water scarcity, and environmental sustainability.

Exercise INDRA 2025

1. Overview

• Exercise Name: INDRA 2025 (14th edition)
• Type: Bilateral naval exercise between Indian and Russian Navies
• Dates: 28 March – 2 April 2025
• Location:
  • Harbor Phase: Chennai (28–30 Mar)
  • Sea Phase: Bay of Bengal (31 Mar–2 Apr)

2. Participating Forces

• Russian Navy: Ships Pechanga, Rezkiy, and Aldar Tsydenzhapov
• Indian Navy: Ships Rana, Kuthar, and P8I maritime patrol aircraft

3. Key Activities

• Harbor Phase:
  • Opening ceremony
  • Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs)
  • Reciprocal ship visits & sports fixtures
• Sea Phase:
  • Tactical maneuvers
  • Live weapon firings
  • Anti-air operations
  • Underway replenishment
  • Helicopter cross-deck landings

4. Strategic Objectives

• Enhance naval interoperability & operational synergy
• Strengthen maritime cooperation & diplomatic ties
• Share best operational practices

5. Significance

• A cornerstone of India-Russia defense relations since 2003
• Demonstrates enduring strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific

Key Takeaway

Exercise INDRA 2025 reinforces India-Russia military collaboration, focusing on joint readiness and maritime security in the Bay of Bengal.

Khadi Commission Mega Distribution Program

1. Key Highlights

• Program: KVIC organized a nationwide virtual “Mega Distribution” event from Mumbai.
• Beneficiaries: Over 5 lakh artisans/entrepreneurs under:
  • Gramodyog Vikas Yojana
  • Khadi Vikas Yojana
  • PM Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP)

2. Major Initiatives & Achievements

• Equipment Distribution: 16,377 toolkits/machines (e.g., bee boxes, pottery wheels, sewing machines).
• Financial Support:
  • ₹469 crore margin money subsidy to 14,456 new PMEGP units (creating 1.59 lakh jobs).
  • ₹215 crore under Modified Market Development Assistance (MMDA) to 1,110 Khadi institutions.
  • ₹40 crore under ISEC grants.
• Infrastructure:
  • 44 renovated Khadi Bhawans & 750 new workshops inaugurated.
  • 5,000 new PMEGP units launched.

3. Employment & Economic Impact

• FY 2024-25: 5.88 lakh beneficiaries supported, generating ~64.7 lakh jobs.
• Decadal Growth (2014–2024):
  • Production: ₹1.08 lakh crore (Khadi & Village Industries).
  • Sales: ₹1.55 lakh crore.
  • Jobs Created: 1.87 crore (including 10.17 lakh new jobs under PMEGP).

4. Artisan Welfare

• Wage Hike: 20% increase from 1 April 2025 (total 275% rise since 2014).
  • Spinners now earn ₹15/hank on charkhas.
• Khadi Promotion: Fashion shows in cities (e.g., Chennai, Jaipur) and ₹12.02 crore sales at Prayagraj Kumbh.

5. Vision & Leadership

• Aligns with PM Modi’s “Viksit Bharat”, “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, and “Local to Global” initiatives.
• Focus on entrepreneurship, modernizing Khadi, and rural employment.

Key Takeaway

KVIC’s mega drive boosts self-reliance, artisan livelihoods, and Khadi’s global appeal, while massively scaling up employment and rural infrastructure.

Koshi-Mechi Intra-State Link Project Approval

1. Key Approval

• Project: Koshi-Mechi Intra-State Link (Bihar) included under PMKSY-Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP).
• Total Cost: ₹6,282.32 crore (Central assistance: ₹3,652.56 crore).
• Completion Deadline: March 2029.

2. Project Components

• Remodeling: Extend Eastern Kosi Main Canal (EKMC) from 41.30 km to 117.50 km to link Kosi and Mechi rivers.
• Water Diversion: 2,050 million cubic meters of surplus Kosi water to Mahananda basin during monsoons.

3. Benefits

• Irrigation: 2,10,516 hectares of additional Kharif season irrigation in Araria, Purnea, Kishanganj, and Katihar districts.
• Restoration: Addresses water shortfall for 1.57 lakh hectares under existing EKMC command.
• Agricultural Growth: Boosts crop productivity in drought-prone regions.

4. Strategic Context

• Part of PMKSY (2015-launched) to enhance farm water access and irrigation potential.
• PMKSY (2021–26) Outlay: ₹93,068.56 crore (Central share: ₹37,454 crore).
• Progress: 63 projects completed since 2016, creating 26.11 lakh hectares of irrigation potential.

5. Significance

• Climate Resilience: Mitigates flood (Kosi) and drought (Mahananda) risks through inter-basin water transfer.
• Rural Economy: Supports Bihar’s agrarian communities with sustainable water management.

Key Takeaway

The project exemplifies India’s commitment to water security and agricultural modernization, aligning with PMKSY’s goal of “Har Khet Ko Pani” (Water to Every Field).

Measures Against Misuse of Personal Data

1. Regulatory Framework

• TRAI Regulations:
  • Telecom Commercial Communications Consumers Preference Regulations (TCCCPR-2018) regulate Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC).
  • Subscribers can block all or selective commercial communications via preference registration.
  • Complaints can be filed via Mobile App, SMS, or toll-free number (1909).

2. Legal & Institutional Measures

• IT Act, 2000: Foundation for cybersecurity and data protection.
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023:
  • Ensures lawful processing of personal data with user consent and rights.
  • Mandates breach notifications by Data Fiduciaries.
  • Establishes Data Protection Board of India for enforcement and penalties.
• Supporting Bodies:
  • CERT-In: Incident response.
  • NCIIPC: Critical infrastructure protection.
  • I4C (MHA): Cybercrime coordination.

3. Public Awareness Initiatives

• Campaigns like Cyber Security Awareness Month and Safer Internet Day promote digital safety.

4. Key Objectives

• Prevent UCC: Curb spam calls/messages.
• Enhance Privacy: Safeguard sensitive data under DPDPA.
• Accountability: Penalize non-compliance through legal and technical measures.

Key Takeaway

India’s multi-layered approach—combining regulations, enforcement, and public education—strengthens data privacy and reduces misuse in the digital ecosystem.

Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Approval for Kharif 2025

1. Key Approval

• Policy: Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers approved for Kharif 2025 (1 April – 30 September 2025).
• Budgetary Allocation: ₹37,216.15 crore (₹13,000 crore higher than Rabi 2024-25).
• Coverage: Subsidy applies to 28 grades of P&K fertilizers, including NPKS blends.

2. Objectives

• Ensure affordable and stable fertilizer prices for farmers.
• Maintain soil health and food security by promoting balanced nutrient use.
• Offset volatility in global fertilizer prices (e.g., Urea, DAP, MOP, Sulphur).

3. Key Features

• Freight Subsidy Extended: Single Super Phosphate (SSP) included for Kharif 2025.
• Implementation: Subsidy disbursed to manufacturers/importers to keep retail prices reasonable.
• Farmer Impact:
  • Reduced input costs for Kharif crops.
  • Guaranteed access to critical soil nutrients.

4. Background

• NBS Scheme operational since 1 April 2010.
• Aligns with the government’s “pro-farmer” policies to stabilize agriculture inputs.

Key Takeaway

The NBS approval underscores India’s commitment to sustainable agriculture by mitigating cost pressures on farmers and ensuring nutrient-rich soils for higher productivity.

One Nation One Port (ONOP) Initiative

1. Key Initiative

• Program: One Nation One Port Process (ONOP) launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
• Objective: Standardize and digitize port processes and documentation across all major Indian ports.

2. Key Features

• Standardization: Unified procedures for cargo types (containers, dry/liquid bulk) and movement categories (export-import, transshipment, coastal).
• Digitization: Integration with National Logistics Portal – Marine (NLP-Marine) and Enterprise Business System (EBS) for automation.
• Outcome:
  • Reduced documentation processing time.
  • Lower logistics costs.
  • Improved efficiency (validated by implementation reviews).

3. Supporting Measures

• Infrastructure Development: New ports, terminals, and berths.
• Modernization: Mechanization, digitalization, and enhanced road/rail connectivity.
• “Sagar Aankalan” Guidelines: Boost global competitiveness of Indian ports.

4. Strategic Impact

• Strengthens India’s maritime trade efficiency.
• Aligns with ease-of-business and logistics cost reduction goals.

Key Takeaway

The ONOP initiative streamlines port operations through standardization and digital integration, reinforcing India’s position as a global maritime hub.

Patna-Arrah-Sasaram Corridor Approval

1. Key Approval

• Project: Construction of a 4-lane greenfield and brownfield highway (120.10 km) connecting Patna–Arrah–Sasaram in Bihar.
• Mode: Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).
• Total Cost: ₹3,712.40 crore.

2. Project Need

• Current Issues: Congested state highways (SH-2, SH-12, etc.) cause 3–4 hours travel time.
• Solution: New corridor with 10.6 km of upgraded existing highway to bypass dense areas like Arrah, Piro, and Sasaram.

3. Connectivity Benefits

• Links to NH-19, NH-319, NH-922, and other major highways.
• Connects 2 airports (Patna, Bihita), 4 railway stations, and 1 inland water terminal.
• Enhances access to Patna Ring Road for faster freight/passenger movement.

4. Economic & Social Impact

• Employment: 48 lakh man-days generated.
• Regional Growth: Improves connectivity between Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi, and Varanasi.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Aligns with infrastructure development goals.

5. Implementation

• Greenfield Corridor: New alignment to reduce congestion.
• Brownfield Upgrades: Optimizes existing routes.

Key Takeaway

The corridor will transform Bihar’s transport network, cutting travel time, boosting trade, and creating jobs while supporting national infrastructure goals.

Photonic Chip Research in India

1. Photonic Chips Overview

• Technology: Uses light (photons) instead of electricity for data processing.
• Advantages:
  • Ultra-high speed, low heat, energy-efficient.
  • Immune to electromagnetic interference.
  • Critical for 6G, AI, quantum computing, data centers, and neural networks.

2. Government Initiatives

• Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY):
  • Funds research on Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) using materials like Silicon, Lithium Niobate, and Diamond.
• National Quantum Mission (DST):
  • Supports photonic qubits and quantum processors via a Thematic Hub at IISc Bengaluru.
• AI & Cybersecurity:
  • CERT-In issues advisories on AI/ML threats (e.g., 2023 advisory, 2025 smart city guidelines).
  • Part of global efforts like the ANSSI report on AI risks (Feb 2025).

3. Related Advanced Technologies

• Quantum Tech:
  • Development of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), and quantum-secure communication devices.
• Neuromorphic Computing:
  • Brain-inspired hardware R&D supported by MeitY.

4. Strategic Goals

• IndiaAI Mission: Promotes “Safe and Trusted AI” with responsible development frameworks.
• Self-Reliance: Strengthens India’s position in next-gen computing and secure infrastructure.

Key Takeaway

India is investing in cutting-edge photonic and quantum technologies to drive innovation in computing, cybersecurity, and AI, ensuring global competitiveness.

Shastri Bilateral Education Forum (SBEF) 2025

1. Event Overview

• Organizer: Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI).
• Theme: “Bridging Borders with Sustainable Academic Collaborations”.
• Dates: 27–28 March 2025.
• Venue: National Museum, New Delhi (co-hosted with Indian Institute of Heritage).
• Participants: 22 Canadian and 55 Indian universities/research institutions.

2. Key Objectives

• Strengthen Indo-Canadian academic partnerships under India’s NEP 2020.
• Foster joint research programs, faculty/student exchanges, and institutional collaborations.
• Develop frameworks for long-term, actionable initiatives in education and research.

3. About SICI

• Established: 1968 (India-Canada bilateral agreement).
• Network: 196 institutions (IITs, AIIMS, Canadian universities, etc.).
• Role: Facilitates exchanges, fellowships, and skills development programs.

4. Strategic Impact

• Expands global academic footprints for both countries.
• Aligns with sustainability and innovation goals in higher education.

Key Takeaway

SBEF 2025 reinforces Indo-Canadian academic synergy, driving cross-border research and education excellence.

SMILE Program

1. Program Overview

• Name: Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE)
• Funded by: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
• Objective: Improve India’s logistics efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen multimodal infrastructure.
• Alignment: Supports National Logistics Policy and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

2. Key Focus Areas

• Infrastructure Development:
  • Strengthen multimodal logistics (national, state, and city levels).
  • Standardize warehousing and logistics assets to attract private investment.
• Digitalization:
  • Implement smart systems for efficient, low-emission logistics.
  • Improve external trade logistics through digital interventions.
• Gender Inclusion:
  • Conduct gender audits at land ports.
  • Ensure gender-responsive integrated check posts.

3. Expected Outcomes

• Economic Growth:
  • Boost manufacturing competitiveness.
  • Reduce supply chain inefficiencies.
  • Enhance India’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) ranking.
• Job Creation:
  • Generate employment through improved logistics infrastructure.
• Sustainability:
  • Promote low-emission logistics and resilient supply chains.

4. Strategic Alignment

• Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by:
  • Strengthening domestic manufacturing.
  • Enhancing global trade integration.
  • Fostering private sector investment and digital transformation.

Key Takeaway

The SMILE Program is a transformative initiative to modernize India’s logistics sector, making it more efficient, competitive, and inclusive, while supporting economic growth and sustainability.

Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G) Phase II Progress Meeting

1. Meeting Overview

• Event: 6th National Scheme Sanctioning Committee (NSSC) meeting under SBM-G Phase II.
• Chaired by: Shri Ashok Kumar Meena, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS).
• Focus: Approval of Annual Implementation Plans (AIPs) for 2025-26 to achieve 100% ODF Plus Model villages by March 2026.

2. Key Achievements (2024-25)

• 76% ODF Plus Model villages achieved as of March 2025.
• Progress driven by convergence with ministries (MoPR, MoRD, MoHUA) and women SHGs.

3. Strategic Priorities for 2025-26

1. Waste Management: Treat solid/liquid waste at source.
2. Integrated Approach: Focus on faecal sludge, plastic waste, and sustained ODF status.
3. 100% ODF Plus Target: Ensure no village is left behind.
4. Collaboration: Strengthen ties with Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) for holistic WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) outcomes.

4. Implementation Framework

• State/District Roles: SWSM & DWSM to monitor progress and convergence.
• Verification Push: Over 50% villages still pending ODF Plus verification.

5. Participants

• Central Ministries: DDWS, Panchayati Raj, Urban Affairs.
• State/UT Representatives: ACS/Secretaries of rural sanitation.

Key Takeaway

SBM-G Phase II is on track to transform rural India into 100% ODF Plus, leveraging community leadership, waste management innovations, and inter-ministerial synergy.

Cooperative Taxi Service Initiative

1. Key Announcement

• Initiative: Launch of a Cooperative Taxi Service based on the “Sahakar se Samriddhi” model.
• Announced by: Union Home & Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah in Lok Sabha.
• Objective: Ensure equitable profit distribution among driver-members while improving service quality.

2. Cooperative Model Features

• Membership: Open to taxi, auto-rickshaw, and two/four-wheeler drivers.
• Management: Democratically controlled by driver-members of the cooperative society.
• Profit Sharing: Maximizes earnings for drivers (e.g., similar to Amul’s cooperative success).

3. Expected Benefits

• For Drivers:
  • Better income, working conditions, and standard of living.
  • Protection from exploitative middlemen.
• For Consumers: Improved service quality and reliability.
• For Economy: Promotes inclusive growth and self-reliance in the transport sector.

4. Broader Cooperative Sector Context

• India’s Cooperative Landscape:
  • 8 lakh+ societies across 30 sectors (dairy, agriculture, banking, etc.).
  • Serves 30 crore members, driving rural development and financial inclusion.
• Legal Framework: Governed by state/UT cooperative laws and Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act.

Key Takeaway

The Cooperative Taxi Service empowers drivers through collective ownership, aligning with India’s vision of equitable economic growth and Sahkar-based prosperity.

Techkriti 2025

1. Event Overview

• Event: Techkriti 2025, Asia’s largest intercollegiate technical and entrepreneurial festival.
• Venue: IIT Kanpur.
• Inaugurated by: CDS General Anil Chauhan.
• Theme: “Panta Rhei” (Everything Flows), emphasizing technological evolution and innovation.

2. Key Highlights

• Defence Modernization:
  • CDS stressed the need for advancements in cyber, AI, quantum, and cognitive domains for future warfare.
  • Encouraged youth to pursue defence-tech careers, highlighting values like discipline, resilience, and sacrifice.
• Rakshakriti Defence Expo:
  • Showcased cutting-edge defence technologies (e.g., autonomous drones).
  • Fostered armed forces-academia-industry collaboration to boost self-reliance in defence.

3. Participants & Impact

• Attendees: Scholars, students, NCC cadets, and leaders like Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit and IIT Kanpur Director Prof. Manindra Agrawal.
• Goal: Bridge research-industry gaps to develop advanced, indigenous technologies for national security.

Key Takeaway

Techkriti 2025 serves as a catalyst for defence innovation, inspiring youth to drive India’s technological self-reliance and future-ready armed forces.

NITI Aayog’s “Trade Watch Quarterly” Report (Q2 FY 2024-25)

1. Key Highlights

• Report Focus: Analysis of India’s trade performance (July–September 2024) and textile sector dynamics.
• Trade Growth: 5.67% YoY (April–September 2024 vs. 2023).
  • Exports: Growth in electrical machinery & nuclear reactors; decline in mineral fuels & iron/steel.
  • Imports: Copper surged into top 10 sectors (28% YoY rise) due to infrastructure demand.
• Regional Trends:
  • 40% of exports go to North America & EU.
  • Key import partners: Northeast Asia & West Asia.

2. Textile Sector Insights

• Global Position: India ranks among top 10 textile exporters (4% global share).
• Strengths: Dominance in natural fibre-based textiles (cotton, carpets – 70% of exports).
• Challenges/Opportunities:
  • Global shift toward man-made & technical textiles demands diversification.
  • Potential to enhance value addition and supply chain integration.

3. Strategic Recommendations

• Policy Focus: Adapt to geopolitical shifts and technical textile demand.
• Stakeholder Utility: Report aids policymakers, industry leaders, and academics in refining trade strategies.

Access Report: NITI Aayog Trade Watch Quarterly

Key Takeaway

The report underscores India’s steady trade growth and calls for textile sector modernization to capitalize on evolving global markets.

Universal Acceptance (UA) Day 2025

1. Event Overview

• Organized by: National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) under MeitY.
• Theme: “Connecting the Unconnected – Building a Multilingual Internet for Viksit Bharat.”
• Objective: Accelerate Universal Acceptance (UA) adoption to create an inclusive digital ecosystem.
• Key Attendees:
  • Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY & NIXI Chairman.
  • UNESCO & ICANN representatives, industry leaders, and policymakers.

2. Key Discussions & Insights

• UA Importance: Ensures digital tools support all languages/domain names, bridging the digital divide.
• India’s Initiatives:
  • Bhashini Portal for multilingual access.
  • Promotion of Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs).
• Socio-Economic Impact:
  • Benefits for MSMEs and industries via UA-compliant systems.
  • Enhances digital public infrastructure (e.g., native-language access to services).

3. Leadership Perspectives

• Shri S. Krishnan (MeitY):
  • UA empowers citizens to participate in the digital economy, irrespective of language.
  • Stressed internet governance and India’s global role in multi-stakeholder approaches.
• UNESCO & ICANN:
  • UA preserves linguistic diversity and fosters true digital inclusion.
• Dr. Devesh Tyagi (NIXI CEO):
  • A multilingual internet is vital to unlock India’s digital potential.

4. Outcomes & Future Focus

• Action Plan: Address adoption gaps via capacity-building and tech standards.
• Global Collaboration: Strengthen India’s voice in international forums.

About NIXI:
A MeitY-backed nonprofit (since 2003) managing .IN domains, IPv6 adoption, and internet exchanges.

Key Takeaway

UA Day 2025 reinforced India’s commitment to a multilingual, inclusive internet, ensuring no citizen is left behind in the digital revolution.

Khelo India Para Games 2025 Powerlifting Success

1. Dominant Performance by SAI Gandhinagar

• Medal Haul: 10 medals (7 gold, 3 silver) in para-powerlifting at Khelo India Para Games (KIPG) 2025.
• National Records: 4 new records set by NCOE Gandhinagar athletes:
  • Jhandu Kumar (Men’s 72kg)
  • Jaspreet Kaur (Women’s 45kg)
  • Seema Rani (Women’s 61kg)
  • Manish Kumar (Men’s 54kg)
• Total Records Broken: 7 national records within a week (including prior Nationals in Noida).

2. Coach’s Perspective

• Rajinder Singh Rahelu (Head Coach, Arjuna Awardee & Paralympic bronze medallist):
  • Praised SAI Gandhinagar’s world-class facilities (Eleiko equipment, AC halls, recovery units).
  • Highlighted the centre’s growth since 2016, now India’s top para-powerlifting hub.
  • Future Goals: Target 3–4 medals at 2025 World Championships (Egypt) and prepare for 2026 Commonwealth & Asian Games.

3. Other Medalists from SAI Gandhinagar

• Gold: Gulfam Ahmed (59kg), Sandesha BG (80kg), Paramjeet Kumar (49kg).
• Silver: Shiv Kumar, Ramubhai Babubhai, Rahul Jograjiya.

4. About Khelo India Para Games

• Aim: Platform for para-athletes to showcase talent.
• 2025 Edition: Held in 6 sports across Delhi (March 20–27).

Key Takeaway

SAI Gandhinagar’s powerlifters stole the spotlight at KIPG 2025, breaking records and setting sights on global glory, backed by top-tier infrastructure and coaching.

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DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS OF 31st March 2024