2025 for January 1970

Bharat Taxi Initiative

October 12, 2025

Bharat Taxi Initiative Latest News

The National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Digital India Corporation, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), has joined hands with Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited to support the upcoming Bharat Taxi initiative.

About Bharat Taxi Initiative

It is a first-of-its-kind cooperative-driven, citizen-first national ride-hailing initiative.
Promoted: It is being jointly promoted by leading cooperative and financial institutions including NCDC, IFFCO, AMUL, KRIBHCO, NAFED, NABARD, NDDBand NCEL.
It reflects the cooperative movement’s spirit and also aligns with the vision of the Government’s flagship Digital India programme for delivering inclusive, citizen-centric, and technology-enabled public services.
Under this initiative NeGD provides the Bharat Taxi platform with:
- Platform Integration & Technical Architecture: Integration of the Bharat Taxi platform with national digital platforms such as DigiLocker, UMANG, and API Setu to enable seamless identity verification and service delivery.
- Security, Compliance & Infrastructure: Ensuring adherence to Government of India’s data protection norms and cybersecurity standards and advising on robust technical infrastructure.
- Programme Advisory: Providing governance and programme management support leveraging NeGD’s institutional experience in designing and implementing large-scale national platforms.
- UI/UX & Accessibility: Offering advisory inputs on user interface design, multilingual capabilities, and inclusive access features for all citizens.

Source: PIB

Bharat Taxi Initiative FAQs

Q1: What is the primary objective of the National e-Governance Division (NeGD)?

Ans: To support the implementation of e-Governance projects and provide technical and advisory support

Q2: Under which ministry was NeGD created in 2009?

Ans: Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)

Sugamya Bharat App

October 12, 2025

Sugamya Bharat App Latest News

Recently, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, launched the revamped ‘Sugamya Bharat App’ at the Purple Fest in Goa.

About Sugamya Bharat App

It was launched under the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan).
It is a flagship initiative of the Government of India dedicated to enhancing accessibility for divyangjan and elderly citizens in India.
Purpose: The app served as a citizen-led platform to make India’s public spaces more inclusive.
Launched by: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Key Features of Sugamya Bharat App

Accessibility Mapping Function: It allows users to locate and rate public places on accessibility parameters, empowering community-led data collection.
Consolidated Directory: It provides a one-stop platform for government schemes, scholarships, benefits, and employment opportunities, eliminating the need to navigate multiple portals.
Curated Job and Education Listings: It also features job and education listings from government and private sectors tailored for persons with disabilities.
Grievance Redressal Module: It enables users to directly register complaints about inaccessible infrastructure and services, making public spaces more accountable.
Inclusive Design: It is compatible with assistive technologies, available in multiple Indian languages, and optimized for both Android and iOS platforms.
It is revamped to AI-powered chatbot support to assist users in real time.
It is available in 10 languages

Source: PIB

Sugamya Bharat App FAQs

Q1: Which ministry launched the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan?

Ans: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Q2: What is the aim of the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan?

Ans: To create a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities.

Keratoconus

October 12, 2025

Keratoconus Latest News

A recent study has revealed that the treatment of keratoconus, a condition that threatens vision, can worsen even after treatment.

About Keratoconus

It is a vision disorder that occurs when the normally round cornea (the front part of the eye) becomes thin and irregular (cone) shaped.
This abnormal shape prevents the light entering the eye from being focused correctly on the retina and causes distortion of vision.
Keratoconus often starts when people are in their late teens to early 20s.
The vision symptoms slowly get worse over a period of about 10 to 20 years.
It often affects both eyes and can lead to very different vision between the two eyes.
Symptoms can differ in each eye, and they can change over time.
Treatment and Prevention:
- There is no known prevention for keratoconus.
- Early stages can be treated with glasses, but with progression of the disease into late childhood and early adulthood, corneal transplantation may be needed to restore sight.
- Corneal collagen cross-linking is a procedure designed to stop the progression of keratoconus or slow it down.

Source: TOI

Keratoconus FAQs

Q1: What part of the eye is primarily affected in Keratoconus?

Ans: Cornea

Q2: In which age group does Keratoconus most commonly begin?

Ans: Keratoconus often starts when people are in their late teens to early 20s.

Q3: Which treatment option is used to stop or slow down the progression of Keratoconus?

Ans: Corneal collagen cross-linking is a procedure designed to stop the progression of keratoconus or slow it down.

Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhanya Krishi Yojana

October 12, 2025

Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana Latest News

The Prime Minister recently launched two new agriculture schemes, the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, with a total outlay of `35,440 crore.

About Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

It is a new scheme by the Indian government to support farmers.
Under this scheme, farmers get direct financial help, new farming tools, crop insurance, and better market access.
It targets 100 underperforming districts where farming faces challenges like low crop yields, water scarcity, and limited access to resources.
With an annual budget of ₹24,000 crore for six years (2025-26 to 2030-31), totaling ₹1.44 lakh crore, the scheme aims to support 1.7 crore farmers, particularly small and marginal farmers owning less than 2 hectares of land, who constitute 86% of India’s farming population.
PMDDKY consolidates 36 existing agricultural schemes across 11 ministries, including PM-KISAN (cash transfers), PMFBY (crop insurance), PMKSY (irrigation), and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), into a unified program to streamline efforts and maximize impact.
PMDDKY focuses on regions with low crop yields (e.g., wheat yields below 3.5 tonnes/hectare compared to the national average), moderate cropping intensity (below 155%, meaning fewer than 1.55 crop cycles per year), and limited access to credit.
The scheme operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, with oversight from a National Steering Committee, state-level nodal committees, and District Dhan Dhaanya Samitis led by District Collectors.
PMDDKY’s Objectives:
- Increase crop yields by 20-30% through high-quality inputs and technology.
- Reduce reliance on monsoons with advanced irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler.
- Provide affordable tools and mechanization to enhance efficiency.
- Build storage infrastructure to cut post-harvest losses to under 5%.
- Offer loans and direct market access to double farmer incomes by 2030, aligning with the government’s extended goal from 2022 due to economic disruptions like COVID-19.
- Promote sustainable practices like organic farming to protect soil and water resources.
- Support women, youth, and allied sectors (e.g., dairy, fisheries, poultry) to diversify income sources.
- Achieve self-sufficiency in food grains, pulses, and oilseeds to reduce India’s dependence on imports.

Key Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana

Increased Crop Yields: Access to high-yielding seeds (e.g., hybrid wheat yielding 4 tonnes/hectare), bio-fertilizers, and mechanized tools like seed drills to boost production.
Higher Income: Diversifying into high-value crops like pulses (₹80-100/kg) and vegetables, and direct market access through apps to increase profits by 20-40%.
Sustainable Farming: Organic fertilizers, water-saving irrigation, and climate-resilient crops to maintain soil health and reduce environmental impact.
Irrigation Systems: Drip and sprinkler systems to ensure water availability, enabling year-round farming in dry regions.
Storage Facilities: Village and block-level warehouses and cold storage to prevent spoilage of 20% of perishables like fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
Financial Support: Subsidies (50-80% off inputs) and loans (short-term: ₹50,000–₹1 lakh; long-term: ₹1–10 lakh) through Kisan Credit Cards or NABARD.
Market Access: Digital platforms like e-NAM and new PMDDKY apps to connect farmers directly to buyers, reducing middlemen and boosting profits.
Training and Skill Development: Free workshops by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), agricultural universities, and private partners on modern farming, drone use, and allied activities like beekeeping.
Women Empowerment: Support for 10,000 women producer groups with training, loans, and market linkages for activities like dairy or organic farming.
Global Exposure: Fully funded international training for 500 farmers in countries like Israel (expertise in drip irrigation), Japan (precision farming), or the Netherlands (greenhouse technology).

Source: IE

Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana FAQs

Q1: What is the total financial outlay of Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)?

Ans: Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) has an annual budget of ₹24,000 crore for six years (2025-26 to 2030-31), totaling ₹1.44 lakh crore.

Q2: Who are the main beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)?

Ans: Small and marginal farmers owning less than 2 hectares.

Q3: What is the subsidy range offered on inputs under Pradhan Mantri Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)?

Ans: 50-80%

Green Sea Turtle

October 12, 2025

Green Sea Turtle Latest News

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the Red List status of the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) has improved from Endangered to Least Concern due to sustained conservation.

About Green Sea Turtle

It is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle.
The common name of this species refers to the usually green fat found beneath its carapace, not to the color of its carapace, which is olive to black.
Food: The diet of Green sea turtles changes with age. Juveniles are carnivorous, but as they mature they become omnivorous.
Green turtles serve as keystone species in tropical marine ecosystems.
Distribution: The species is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the globe.

Features of Green Sea Turtle

They have a comparatively small head.
They do not have teeth, but their jaws have modified “beaks” suited to their particular diet.
They do not have visible ears but have eardrums covered by skin. They hear best at low frequencies, and their sense of smell is excellent.
They spend almost all their lives underwater and come out of the water only when nesting.
Lifespan: Estimated to be 60-70 years.
Conservation Status: IUCN: Least Concern

Source: DTE

Green Sea Turtle FAQs

Q1: How long are Green Sea Turtles estimated to live?

Ans: 60-70 years.

Q2: Where are Green Sea Turtles mainly found?

Ans: Tropical and subtropical waters globally

Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme

October 12, 2025

Research Development and Innovation Scheme Latest News

Recently, the Executive Council of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation approved the establishment of a special purpose fund (SPF) for the Research Development and Innovation Scheme (RDI) scheme.

About Research Development and Innovation Scheme

It aims to provide long-term financing or refinancing with long tenors at low or nil interest rates to spur private sector investment in Research Development and Innovation.
Nodal Department: The Department of Science & Technology (DST)

Key Objectives of the Research Development and Innovation Scheme

Encourage the private sector to scale up research, development, and innovation (RDI) in sunrise domains and in other sectors relevant for economic security, strategic purpose, and self-reliance;
Finance transformative projects at higher levels of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL)
Support acquisition of technologies which are critical or of high strategic importance;
Facilitate setting up of a Deep-Tech Fund of Funds.
Governance: The Governing Board of Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), chaired by the Prime Minister, will provide overarching strategic direction to the RDI Scheme.

Funding Mechanism of Research Development and Innovation Scheme

Total Budget: ₹1 Lakh crore
Implementation Structure
- Special Purpose Fund (SPF): It will be established within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which will serve as the custodian of the ₹1 lakh crore corpus. (Fund will not directly invest in industries and startups but will channel capital to Second-level fund managers)
- Second-level fund managers: Who can be Alternative Investment Funds (AIF), Development Finance Institutions (DFI), Non-banking Finance Companies (NBFCs).
Modes of Financing

- Long-term loan at low or nil interest rates.
- Financing in the form of equity may also be done, especially in case of startups.

Source: PIB

Research Development and Innovation Scheme FAQ's

Q1: What is the primary objective of the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme?

Ans: To promote private sector investment in R&D.

Q2: What is the corpus of the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme?

Ans: ₹1 lakh crore

Q3: Which institution will act as the custodian of funds under the RDI Scheme?

Ans: Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

Siddi Tribal Community

October 12, 2025

Siddi Tribal Community Latest News

Recently, the President of India expressed happiness that the Siddi tribal community, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group, has achieved a literacy rate of over 72 per cent.

About Siddi Tribal Community

The Siddi community is an Indo-African tribal community that descended from the Bantu community of Africa.
Origin: It is believed that they first came to India in the 7th century with Arab merchants and in the 16th century with the Portuguese and British, largely as slaves, servants, blacksmiths, carpenters and masons.
Distribution: In the present day, the majority of them are found in the west and southwest of India, in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana states.
Present Status: In India, the Union government on January 8, 2003, classified Siddis under the list of Scheduled Tribes. They are included in the Centre’s list of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
Occupation: Traditional dependence on agriculture, forest produce, and manual labor
Language: They speak either Konkani, Urdu or Marathi as their main language.
Culture: They are known for their folk music and dances, such as Dhamal and Rasda, with men performing the Dhamal dance.

Source: News On AirSiddi Tribal Community

Siddi Tribal Community FAQs

Q1: Where are the Siddis primarily concentrated in India?

Ans: Karnataka and Gujarat

Q2: What initiatives have been taken by the government for the welfare of the Siddi community?

Ans: Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya MahaAbhiyan (PM JANMAN) and Traditional Tribal Handicraft Mela Scheme.

Qubit

October 12, 2025

Qubit Latest News

Caltech has built the world’s largest neutral-atom qubit array—6,100 qubits—pushing quantum computers closer to error correction and full-scale computation.

About Qubit

A qubit, or quantum bit, is the basic unit of information used to encode data in quantum computing.
It can be best understood as the quantum equivalent of the traditional bit used by classical computers to encode information in binary.
- In classical computing the information is encoded in bits, where each bit can have the value zero or one.
- In quantum computing the information is encoded in qubits. A qubit is a two-level quantum system where the two basis qubit states are usually written as ∣0⟩ and ∣1⟩.
- A qubit can be in state ∣0⟩, ∣1⟩, or (unlike a classical bit) in a linear combination of both states.
- The name of this phenomenon is superposition.
The term “qubit” is attributed to American theoretical physicist Benjamin Schumacher.
Qubits are generally, although not exclusively, created by manipulating and measuring quantum particles (the smallest known building blocks of the physical universe), such as photons, electrons, trapped ions, superconducting circuits and atoms.
Enabled by the unique properties of quantum mechanics, quantum computers use qubits to store more data than traditional bits, vastly improve cryptographic systems and perform very advanced computations that would take thousands of years (or be impossible) for even classical supercomputers to complete.

Source: STD

Qubit FAQs

Q1: What is a qubit in quantum computing?

Ans: A qubit, or quantum bit, is the basic unit of information used to encode data in quantum computing.

Q2: In classical computing, what possible values can a bit take?

Ans: 0 or 1

Q3: In quantum computing, what unique property allows a qubit to exist in multiple states at once?

Ans: Superposition

Palau

October 12, 2025

Palau Latest News

Palau recently hosted the world’s first-ever live underwater interview.

About Palau

It is an island nation located in the western Pacific Ocean.
It consists of a tightly clustered archipelago of approximately 300 islands with a total land area of 458 sq.km.
It is geographically positioned both in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth.
Palau shares maritime borders with the Federated States of Micronesia to the east, with Indonesia to the south, with Philippines to the west, and with the international waters to the north.
Located on Babeldaob (the largest island of Palau) is Ngerulmud – the capital of Palau.
- It is the world’s least populous capital city.
Koror is the largest and the most populous city of Palau. It acts as the main commercial center of Palau.
Languages: Palauan, English, plus Japanese, Sonsorolese, and Tobian.
Palau became independent in 1994, after being part of a United Nations trust territory administered by the US.
It relies on financial aid from the US, provided under a Compact of Free Association, which gives the US responsibility for Palau's defence and the right to maintain military bases there.

Source: NOA

Palau FAQs

Q1: Where is the island nation of Palau located?

Ans: Western Pacific Ocean

Q2: Which country lies to the east of Palau?

Ans: Palau shares maritime borders with the Federated States of Micronesia to the east.

Q3: Which is the capital city of Palau?

Ans: Ngerulmud

Q4: Which is the largest and most populous city of Palau?

Ans: Koror is the largest and the most populous city of Palau.

Hwasong-20

October 12, 2025

Hwasong-20 Latest News

North Korea recently unveiled its latest and most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-20 at a military parade presided over by the country’s leader Kim Jong Un.

About Hwasong-20

It is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by North Korea.
The engine used in the missile is a solid-fuel engine and is made up of carbon fiber composite materials.
- Solid-fueled rockets can be moved more easily and fired more quickly, in a matter of minutes, than liquid-fueled versions, making them harder to defend against
It has a range of over 15,000 km.
It is equipped with an advanced guidance system that combines an inertial guidance system (INS) with GPS or optical sensors for enhanced accuracy.

What is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM)?

It is a land-based, nuclear-armed ballistic missile with a range of more than 3,500 miles (5,600 km).
The first ICBMs were deployed by the Soviet Union in 1958; the United States followed the next year and China some 20 years later.
ICBMs can be launched from silos underground, mobile launchers on land, or submarines at sea.
Countries having operational ICBMs: Russia, United States, China, France, India, United Kingdom, Israel and North Korea.

Source: NOA

Hwasong-20 FAQs

Q1: What type of missile is the Hwasong-20?

Ans: Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)

Q2: Which country developed the Hwasong-20 missile?

Ans: North Korea

Q3: What is the approximate range of the Hwasong-20 missile?

Ans: Over 15,000 km.

Green Crackers in Delhi: Between Eco-Friendly Promise and Pollution Reality

October 12, 2025

Green Crackers Latest News

Recently, the Supreme Court signalled it may partially relax the firecracker ban in Delhi-NCR “on a trial basis,” seeking to balance environmental concerns and public sentiment — similar to its 2018 Arjun Gopal judgment, which had allowed only low-emission ‘green crackers’.
The case, which began in 2015 with a plea by three infants seeking protection from Delhi’s toxic air, has evolved into a decade-long legal battle over the right to breathe clean air.
Despite court orders, enforcement has been weak, and violations persist, worsening air quality each festive season.

A Decade of Judicial Action on Firecrackers: 2015–2025

The firecracker litigation began in 2015, when a petition by three infants sought protection from Delhi’s toxic air.
In October 2018, the SC delivered a landmark ruling, banning conventional firecrackers and permitting only “green” variants developed by CSIR, with fixed time slots for bursting them.
In November 2020, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed an “absolute ban” on all firecrackers during the Diwali season in the NCR and other highly polluted cities, expanding restrictions beyond the SC’s earlier framework.

Annual Enforcement and Year-Round Ban (2021–2023)

Since 2021, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) has regularly banned the sale and use of firecrackers from September through winter each year.
In 2023, following Supreme Court directions, Delhi extended the prohibition to a year-round ban to control persistent air pollution.

Supreme Court’s Latest Observations (2024–2025)

In April 2024, the SC observed that a short-term ban around Diwali would not be effective and no relaxation for green crackers should be given without clear evidence of environmental benefit.
Later, in September 2025, while reviewing pleas to modify the ban, the Court allowed certified manufacturers to produce green crackers, but prohibited their sale in Delhi-NCR until further orders.

About Green Crackers

Green crackers are eco-friendly fireworks developed by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) to reduce harmful emissions and air pollution.
These crackers are made with smaller shells, reduced raw material use, elimination of ash, and dust-suppressant additives, which help curb smoke and particulate emissions.
While combustion-based fireworks can never be entirely pollution-free, green crackers release 30–40% fewer pollutants than traditional ones.
They do not contain toxic substances such as barium nitrate, arsenic, or lead, and instead use alternative formulations that reduce smoke, particulate matter, and noise levels.

Variants Developed by CSIR-NEERI

Introduced in 2018, CSIR-NEERI created three key variants:
- SWAS (Safe Water Releaser)
- STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker)
- SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminium)
These versions eliminate potassium nitrate and sulphur, helping cut gas and dust emissions significantly while maintaining festive brightness and sound within safer limits.

Concerns and Risks Surrounding Green Crackers

According to CSIR-NEERI, green crackers emit lower levels of nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide compared to traditional fireworks.
However, a 2022 Delhi Technological University study found that they still release high concentrations of ultra-fine particles — even more harmful than PM2.5 and PM10, posing serious health risks.

Identification and Regulation

Certified green crackers carry the CSIR-NEERI green logo and encrypted QR codes for authenticity.
Only companies approved by NEERI and the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) can manufacture them, and licensed vendors are authorised to sell these products.
Each cracker is traceable to its manufacturer through the QR code.
Despite the regulatory framework, Delhi lacks essential infrastructure — including testing labs, certification mechanisms, and inspection facilities — to ensure compliance.
Experts warn that no facility currently exists to verify if the crackers being sold are truly “green.”
Moreover, the QR verification system, designed to prevent counterfeiting, has been cloned by unlicensed manufacturers, leading to widespread circulation of fake “green” crackers.

Source: IE | HT

Green Crackers FAQs

Q1: What are green crackers?

Ans: Green crackers are eco-friendly fireworks developed by CSIR-NEERI that emit 30–40% fewer pollutants by using cleaner formulations and smaller shells.

Q2: When did India start promoting green crackers?

Ans: The Supreme Court allowed green crackers in 2018 after banning conventional fireworks in the Arjun Gopal case to cut festive air pollution.

Q3: What are the main variants of green crackers?

Ans: CSIR-NEERI developed three types — SWAS, STAR, and SAFAL — eliminating toxic chemicals like sulphur and potassium nitrate for cleaner combustion.

Q4: Do green crackers truly reduce pollution?

Ans: Studies show they release fewer gases but still emit ultra-fine particles harmful to health, making their overall environmental benefit limited.

Q5: What challenges exist in enforcing green cracker regulations?

Ans: Delhi lacks testing labs and QR verification systems, allowing counterfeit “green” crackers to flood the market and worsen air quality.

DGCA Probes Air India Boeing 787 After Unusual RAT Deployment During Birmingham Landing

October 12, 2025

RAT Deployment Latest News

An Air India Boeing 787-8 (flight AI-117) flying from Amritsar to Birmingham experienced an unexpected deployment of its Ram Air Turbine (RAT) — a last-resort emergency power system — during final approach, despite all electrical and hydraulic systems functioning normally.
The aircraft landed safely and was grounded for inspection, but no technical anomalies were found. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal investigation into the incident.
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has called on the regulator to inspect all Boeing 787s operating in India, suggesting the malfunction could indicate underlying electrical system issues possibly linked to the June 12 Ahmedabad crash that killed 260 people.

Last-Resort Power: How the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) Works on Aircraft

The Ram Air Turbine (RAT) is a small propeller-like device designed to automatically deploy only in severe emergencies such as dual engine failure or total power loss.
Its unexpected activation is extremely rare and typically indicates a technical malfunction.
The RAT harnesses airflow pressure generated by the aircraft’s speed to produce power.
A similar RAT deployment occurred during the June 12 Ahmedabad crash involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which tragically claimed 241 lives, underscoring the system’s role as a last-resort emergency power source.

How It Generates Power

The RAT functions like a mini wind turbine, using ram pressure — created by the aircraft’s forward motion — to generate electricity.
The power produced sustains essential flight systems such as flight controls, navigation, and communication equipment.
In the brief window before RAT deployment, the aircraft’s batteries keep critical instruments running.
Designed as a last line of defence, the RAT is most effective at high speeds or cruising altitudes, when airflow can generate enough power for emergency operation.
It allows pilots to maintain control and glide toward a safe landing, though it cannot replace engine power.
According to experts, this emergency system has helped save over 2,400 lives worldwide over the past five decades, preventing several major aviation disasters by keeping aircraft operational during total power failures.

RAT Deployment on Air India Flight to Birmingham

During the landing of Air India flight AI117, a Boeing 787 (VT-ANO) flying from Ahmedabad to Birmingham, the aircraft’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT) unexpectedly deployed at just 400 feet, despite no signs of technical abnormality.
Following comprehensive checks and Boeing-recommended maintenance procedures, no discrepancies were found.
Boeing confirmed the aircraft was structurally and functionally sound. The plane has since resumed regular operations.
However, given the highly unusual nature of the uncommanded RAT deployment, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered a detailed probe.
Aviation experts suggest the incident may have resulted from a system malfunction, but the exact cause will be known only after further investigation.

Fresh Concerns Over Boeing 787 Systems After Birmingham Incident

The unexpected RAT deployment on Air India’s Boeing 787 during landing at Birmingham has reignited safety concerns about the aircraft model, occurring just four months after the Ahmedabad crash that killed 260 people.
In that crash, the RAT had deployed moments after takeoff, when both engines shut down due to fuel control switches shifting from ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’.
- A detailed technical investigation is still underway.
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), representing 5,500 pilots, suspects that an electrical fault may have triggered the RAT deployment in the Birmingham flight.
- The FIP suggested the Birmingham incident could be linked to the Ahmedabad crash, arguing that potential electrical system failures were not fully investigated.
It warned that the Birmingham event could be a pointer to systemic issues, urging immediate regulatory action in the interest of air safety.
Since its commercial debut in 2011, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has experienced occasional technical issues, such as battery malfunctions and electrical glitches.
However, it maintained a strong safety record until June 12, 2025 — the first-ever fatal crash and hull loss of the model worldwide.

Source: IE | HT | ToI

RAT Deployment FAQs

Q1: What happened to Air India’s Boeing 787 during its Birmingham flight?

Ans: The aircraft’s emergency RAT deployed at 400 feet without warning, despite normal systems. DGCA has launched an investigation into the unusual incident.

Q2: What is a Ram Air Turbine (RAT)?

Ans: The RAT is a small propeller-like turbine that automatically deploys during total power failure to generate electricity for flight controls and instruments.

Q3: Why is the DGCA investigating the Air India 787 incident?

Ans: Since the RAT deployed without cause, the DGCA suspects a system fault and is examining all Boeing 787 aircraft for possible electrical issues.

Q4: How is this case linked to the Ahmedabad crash?

Ans: The Ahmedabad crash also saw RAT activation before engine shutdown, suggesting potential electrical faults in Boeing 787 aircraft systems.

Q5: What action has been taken after the Birmingham incident?

Ans: DGCA has ordered a detailed probe; Boeing found the aircraft safe post-checks, but pilots’ associations demand broader system inspections.

Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana – Explained

October 12, 2025

Krishi Yojana Latest News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two major agricultural initiatives, the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, worth Rs. 35,440 crore to boost productivity, cut imports, and make Indian agriculture globally competitive.

Introduction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 11, 2025, launched two landmark agricultural initiatives, the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, with a total outlay of Rs. 35,440 crore.
Announced during the birth anniversary of Jayaprakash Narayan, the schemes aim to transform India’s agricultural landscape by enhancing productivity, improving self-reliance in pulses, and increasing farmer incomes.

PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY)

Overview and Objective
- The scheme carries an outlay of Rs. 24,000 crore and focuses on transforming 100 low-performing agricultural districts across India.
- These districts have been identified based on three criteria:
- Low productivity,
- Moderate crop intensity, and
- Below-average access to agricultural credit.
- The scheme aims to bridge developmental gaps by integrating 36 schemes from 11 different departments, ensuring convergence in efforts and efficient resource utilisation.
According to official details, the 100 districts are spread across multiple states: Uttar Pradesh (12 districts), Maharashtra (9), Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan (8 each), Bihar (7).
The scheme will promote crop diversification, better irrigation, sustainable practices, and enhanced farmer access to institutional finance. It will be implemented from the Rabi season of 2025-26 and continue till 2030-31.

Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses

Objective and Implementation
- The Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, with an outlay of Rs. 11,440 crore, seeks to reduce India’s dependence on pulse imports and make the country self-sufficient by 2030-31. The mission targets:
- Expanding the area under pulse cultivation to 310 lakh hectares,
- Increasing total production to 350 lakh tonnes, and
- Raising the average yield to 1,130 kg per hectare.
The mission will emphasise the adoption of high-yielding seed varieties, research-led farming practices, and the expansion of irrigation facilities, aiming to empower farmers and stabilise domestic prices.
Strategic Importance
- India remains one of the largest consumers and importers of pulses globally.
- The mission will not only reduce import dependency but also improve farmer profitability by focusing on climate-resilient crops such as tur (pigeon pea), urad, and masoor (lentils).

Complementary Announcements

Alongside these major schemes, PM Modi inaugurated:
- 1,054 completed projects worth Rs. 3,650 crore under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF),
- 17 animal husbandry projects worth Rs. 1,166 crore,
- 16 fisheries projects worth Rs. 693 crore under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana, and
- 11 food processing projects worth Rs. 808 crore under the PM Kisan Sampada Yojana and the PLI Scheme for Food Processing Industries.
These projects collectively aim to strengthen agricultural logistics, storage capacity, value addition, and rural infrastructure, thereby increasing income opportunities for farmers.

Government’s Broader Vision for the Agricultural Sector

PM Modi’s speech highlighted the transformation in Indian agriculture since 2014, noting that reforms from “seed to market” have boosted production and improved farmers’ financial resilience.
The Prime Minister further highlighted recent GST reductions on farm machinery and animal husbandry products, noting that such measures lower operational costs for farmers, for example, tractors have become cheaper by nearly Rs. 40,000 post-GST reforms.

Significance of the New Schemes

Targeted Development: Focus on low-productivity districts to reduce regional imbalances.
Import Reduction: The Pulses mission to curb imports and enhance self-reliance.
Integrated Policy Approach: Convergence of 36 central schemes for better efficiency.
Rural Employment Boost: Increased infrastructure and production capacity will create more jobs in the agri value chain.
Global Market Linkages: Encouragement to farmers for export-oriented production.

Source : IE | TOI | TH

Krishi Yojana FAQs

Q1: What are the two agriculture schemes launched by PM Modi?

Ans: PM Modi launched the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, together worth Rs. 35,440 crore.

Q2: What is the objective of PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana?

Ans: It aims to develop 100 low-performing agricultural districts by improving productivity and access to resources.

Q3: What is the goal of the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses?

Ans: It seeks to make India self-sufficient in pulses by 2030–31, targeting 350 lakh tonnes of production.

Q4: How will these schemes help farmers?

Ans: They will enhance productivity, reduce input costs, promote irrigation, and create export opportunities.

Q5: What additional projects were inaugurated during the event?

Ans: PM Modi inaugurated 1,054 projects under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund and other schemes worth over Rs. 5,450 crore.

Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity Target Rules – Explained

October 12, 2025

Greenhouse Gas Latest News

The Government of India has notified the Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025, setting legally binding emission reduction targets for four key industrial sectors.

About the Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity Target Rules, 2025

In a landmark move toward enforcing India’s climate commitments, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025.
This sets the country’s first legally binding emission reduction targets for four major industries: cement, aluminium, pulp & paper, and chlor-alkali.
These Rules are a critical step toward operationalising the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023, which established India’s domestic carbon market.
The initiative supports India’s larger pledge to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels, under the Paris Climate Agreement (2015).

Coverage and Scope of the GEI Rules

The notified Rules apply to 282 high-emission industrial units across the country, broken down as follows:
- 186 cement units
- 13 aluminium units
- 30 chlor-alkali units
- 53 pulp and paper units
Each unit is assigned specific emission reduction targets for two compliance periods, 2025-26 and 2026-27.
The emission intensity, or GEI, measures the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per unit of production output, expressed in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) per tonne of product (for example, per tonne of cement or aluminium).
Implementing Agency: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

Linking GEI Targets with the Carbon Credit Market

The GEI Rules create a direct link between industrial emission performance and carbon market participation.
- Compliant Units: Industries that meet or exceed their emission intensity targets will earn carbon credits, which they can trade in the domestic carbon market for monetary value.
- Non-Compliant Units: Those that fail to meet their targets must either purchase credits from the market to offset their shortfall or pay environmental compensation, enforced by the Central Pollution Control Board.
This mechanism encourages companies to invest in cleaner technologies and energy-efficient production systems, transforming emission reduction into an economic opportunity rather than a regulatory burden.

Targets and Sectoral Impact

The GEI targets require industries to progressively reduce emissions intensity as follows:
- 2025-26: 2-3% average reduction
- 2026-27: Up to 7.5% reduction compared to baseline levels
Sector-specific goals include:
- Cement: Reduction between 4.7% and 7.6% depending on the type of cement (e.g., Ordinary Portland Cement).
- Pulp and Paper: Reduction targets as high as 15% over two years.
- Aluminium and Chlor-Alkali: Moderate but steady reduction requirements to ensure process efficiency.

Transition from PAT to CCTS Framework

Before the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), India introduced the Perform, Achieve, Trade (PAT) scheme under the National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE) in 2012.
The PAT mechanism allowed energy-intensive industries to improve efficiency and trade “energy saving certificates.”
However, the PAT scheme lacked a carbon market component, focusing solely on energy savings.
The CCTS, by contrast, incorporates a market-based carbon trading system, aligning India’s domestic framework with global carbon markets.

Importance of the GEI Rules for India’s Climate Commitments

Operationalising the Domestic Carbon Market
- The GEI Rules are the first practical step in establishing India’s carbon trading system.
Supporting Net-Zero Transition
- India’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 relies heavily on emission reductions from industrial sectors.
Encouraging Technological Innovation
- By monetising efficiency improvements, the framework incentivises the adoption of green manufacturing technologies, renewable energy integration, and carbon capture solutions.
Aligning with Global Best Practices
- The model mirrors frameworks in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and China’s national carbon market, positioning India as a future leader in Asia’s carbon economy.
Driving Accountability and Enforcement
- For the first time, emission intensity reduction targets are legally binding. Non-compliance will trigger penalties and compensation, introducing stronger environmental governance in India’s industrial ecosystem.

Challenges in Implementation

Accurate Measurement and Reporting: Industrial units will need robust systems to monitor and verify emissions data.
Capacity Gaps: Smaller industries may lack the technical or financial capacity to comply immediately.
Market Liquidity: The success of the carbon credit trading mechanism depends on sufficient market participation.
Regulatory Coordination: Effective collaboration between BEE, CPCB, and MoEFCC is essential for smooth enforcement.
To address these concerns, the government plans to expand the CCTS to include more sectors, strengthen monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) protocols, and promote digital carbon registries for transparent trading.

Source : IE | TH

Greenhouse Gas FAQs

Q1: What are the Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025?

Ans: They are India’s first legally binding emission reduction targets for industries, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of production.

Q2: Which sectors are covered under the GEI Rules, 2025?

Ans: The Rules apply to the cement, aluminium, chlor-alkali, and pulp & paper sectors.

Q3: How do industries benefit from meeting GEI targets?

Ans: Industries that meet or exceed their targets earn carbon credits, which can be traded in the domestic carbon market.

Q4: What happens if industries fail to meet their targets?

Ans: Non-compliant industries must buy carbon credits or pay environmental compensation as enforced by the CPCB.

Q5: How does the GEI framework support India’s climate goals?

Ans: It operationalises the domestic carbon market and helps India achieve its target of reducing emissions intensity by 45% by 2030.