13.08.25

Revised MPLADS Guidelines 2023: Detailed provisions were released by the Minister of State for MoSPI for effective utilization of funds and improving asset quality.

Why in News: The release of these revised guidelines for Parliament’s consideration highlights the scheme’s current operational framework.

Central Sector Scheme: Launched in 1993, it allows MPs to recommend development works in their constituencies focusing on community assets.

Fund Allocation: Each MP receives ₹5 crore annually since 2011-12. Since April 2023, the entire ₹5 crore is authorized in a single installment at the beginning of the financial year or MP’s term, via the eSAKSHI web portal.

Mandatory Allocations: MPs must allocate at least 15% for Scheduled Castes and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribes.

Special Provisions: MPs can spend up to ₹25 lakh annually outside their constituency for national unity projects and up to ₹1 crore anywhere for calamity relief.

Implementation & Monitoring: District authorities sanction projects and manage funds. A robust monitoring mechanism involves MoSPI, Central Nodal Agency, State/UT Governments, and District Authorities with periodic inspections and audits.

Delegation of Powers: State/UT Governments are mandated to delegate full technical, financial, and administrative sanction powers to District Authorities for prompt project execution.

• Why: AI drives efficiency, reduces errors, and boosts output, leading to over 30% productivity gains in software development.

• Why: Generative AI could automate ~50% of global work activities. While some jobs may be lost, new roles requiring advanced skills will emerge.

• Why: Global firms struggle with data and infrastructure for AI, creating an opening for Indian IT to provide solutions and regulatory compliance expertise.

• Why: The advantage of scale in traditional IT services is diminishing with AI, requiring a move towards knowledge-driven, AI-native solutions.

• Why: To bridge the skill gap, foster AI research, and strengthen India’s competitive edge in the global AI landscape.

Why in News: The US has directed NASA to prepare for the early termination of OCO-2 and OCO-3, satellites vital for tracking atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and monitoring crop health. NASA cites the missions being “beyond their prime mission” and alignment with budget priorities, though experts argue the satellites remain highly sensitive and accurate.

What are Orbiting Carbon Observatories (OCOs): A series of NASA Earth observation satellites designed to track CO2 sources and sinks, and their impact on climate change.

• OCO (2009) failed at launch.
• OCO-2 (2014) measures atmospheric CO2, identifies sources/sinks, and tracks crop health via photosynthesis “glow.” Operates in a sun-synchronous polar orbit.
• OCO-3 (2019) is on the ISS, observing locations at multiple times of day, providing complementary data.

Significance:

• Revolutionized understanding of CO2 accumulation with global, high-resolution data, moving beyond ground-based measurements.
• Revealed the significant CO2 absorption role of boreal forests, contrary to the long-held belief about tropical rainforests.
• Showed natural carbon sinks can become carbon emitters during events like droughts or deforestation.
• Monitors plant growth globally, aiding climate mitigation policy and emission reduction strategies.
• Provides data used for forecasting crop yields and tracking drought conditions.

Cost Controversy: Maintaining the satellites costs approximately $15 million per year, a fraction of the $750 million spent on their design, build, and launch. Experts argue this makes termination economically nonsensical given the data’s value.

What is Satellite Internet? It’s an “Internet in the sky” that bypasses traditional ground infrastructure like cables and towers.

Why is it News (Need)? Traditional ground networks are costly and vulnerable in remote or disaster-hit areas. Satellite internet fills this gap, enabling connectivity for underserved regions and critical sectors.

How it Works: Modern systems use “mega-constellations” of hundreds or thousands of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for high-speed, low-latency service.

Key Advantages: Global coverage, resilience to disasters, rapid deployment, and reduced reliance on physical infrastructure.

Challenges: High equipment and subscription costs for consumers (e.g., Starlink in India), space debris, and regulatory hurdles.

Applications: Crucial for military, emergency services, healthcare (telemedicine), agriculture, transportation, and direct-to-smartphone connectivity.

Comparison: Unlike traditional internet which relies on physical cables, satellite internet offers near-universal access but typically has higher latency and cost, though LEO technology is improving speeds.

Budgetary Support for OMCs: Union Cabinet approved budgetary support of ₹30,000 crore for public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) like IOC, BPCL, and HPCL to cover losses from selling LPG below international prices in FY 2024-25.

• Why in news: OMCs incurred significant losses (over ₹41,000 crore in FY25) by not passing on high international LPG prices to consumers, ensuring affordable cooking gas. This compensation allows them to cover essential costs like procurement and debt servicing, ensuring uninterrupted supply.

PMUY Subsidy Extended: The targeted LPG subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2-kg cylinder under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) is continued for FY 2025-26, applicable for up to 9 refills per year.

• Why in news: PMUY, launched in 2016, aims to provide clean cooking fuel to rural and economically disadvantaged households. This extension ensures continued financial relief for beneficiaries, supporting improved women’s health, reduced drudgery, and environmental protection. Over 10.33 crore PMUY connections have been issued.

Government’s Commitment: The move highlights the government’s commitment to protecting consumers from global energy market volatility while maintaining the financial health of OMCs.

• Why in news: This demonstrates a balanced approach to energy affordability and the operational stability of key energy providers in India.

Kenya Declared Sleeping Sickness Free: The WHO has officially declared Kenya free of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness.

• Why it’s news: This is a significant public health achievement, marking Kenya as the tenth country to reach this milestone. The last indigenous case was in 2009, and the last imported case in 2012.

Parasitic Disease Transmitted by Tsetse Fly: Sleeping sickness is caused by protozoan parasites transmitted through the bite of infected tsetse flies.

• Why it’s news: Understanding the transmission method is crucial for appreciating the control efforts undertaken. Kenya battled the rhodesiense form, known for its rapid and fatal progression.

Decades of Sustained Public Health Efforts: Kenya’s success is attributed to comprehensive measures including tsetse fly control, improved diagnostics, community awareness programs, and strong partnerships.

• Why it’s news: It highlights the effectiveness of long-term, multi-faceted public health strategies in eradicating diseases.

Second Eliminated Neglected Tropical Disease: This follows Kenya’s elimination of Guinea worm disease in 2018.

• Why it’s news: Demonstrates Kenya’s commitment and capability in tackling and eliminating neglected tropical diseases, contributing to broader continental goals.

Ongoing Vigilance Required: Kenya will continue strong surveillance and community engagement to prevent the disease’s return, with support from the WHO and partners.

• Why it’s news: Emphasizes that eradication requires ongoing monitoring and rapid response mechanisms, even after official declaration.

Temporary Closure to Maritime Traffic: The Dardanelles Strait has been temporarily closed. This is due to forest fires affecting northwestern Turkey.

Vital Waterway: The Dardanelles Strait is a crucial, narrow waterway in northwestern Turkey.

Geographical Importance: It divides Europe’s Gallipoli Peninsula from mainland Asia Minor.

Strategic Connection: It links the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara, enabling access to the Black Sea through the Bosporus Strait.

Major Ports: Important ports like Gallipoli, Eceabat, and Çanakkale are situated on the strait within Turkey.

Historical Significance: The strait has been the site of major historical events, including the Persian invasion (480 BCE) and World War I’s Gallipoli Campaign.

Shift to Rule-of-Law & Athlete-Centricity: The Bill moves from ad-hoc guidelines to a legally binding, athlete-focused governance structure, aligning with the Olympic Charter and India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics.

• Why: Current governance is based on non-binding codes and directives, leading to inconsistent application, weak accountability, and international compliance risks.

Institutional Accountability & Governance Norms: Establishes a statutory regulator (National Sports Board) with powers to grant/suspend recognition, enforce ethics, and probe fund misuse. Mandates age (70/75) and tenure (12 years/3 terms) caps, plus athlete and ethics committees within federations.

• Why: Addresses issues like long tenures, opaque selections, conflicts of interest, and poor grievance redressal plaguing sports administration.

Specialised Dispute Resolution: Creates a National Sports Tribunal, headed by a senior judge, for timely and credible adjudication of sports disputes.

• Why: Addresses fragmented dispute resolution mechanisms that delay justice and affect athletes’ careers.

International Compliance & Recognition: Provides a legal basis for sports bodies, linking recognition to compliance with international norms.

• Why: Essential for protecting participation and hosting rights for international events.

Policy Alignment & Enforcement: Converts non-binding codes into enforceable law, complementing the National Sports Policy 2025’s focus on excellence and reform.

• Why: Strengthens compliance and discipline in sports governance.

Critiques & Challenges:

• Centralisation Concerns: Potential for excessive executive control over recognition and suspension decisions.
• Transparency Gap: Exclusion of BCCI from RTI provisions creates a significant accountability loophole.
• Implementation Capacity: Success hinges on adequate resources, independence, and a clear balance between autonomy and regulation for the NSB and Tribunal.
• Why: These factors pose risks to uniform accountability and effective, unbiased implementation.

100th Anniversary of Kakori Train Action: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the Kakori Heroes on August 9, 2025, marking a significant centenary. This highlights the enduring importance of this historical event in India’s freedom struggle.

Revolutionaries’ Daring Act: The Kakori Train Action, a 1925 train robbery near Lucknow, was led by figures like Ram Prasad Bismil, Chandra Shekhar Azad, and Ashfaqullah Khan. It demonstrated the revolutionaries’ commitment to raising funds for independence by targeting British colonial rule.

Pivotal Moment in Freedom Struggle: The incident, which resulted in arrests and executions of revolutionaries, is a key event in India’s fight for freedom. Modi’s tribute underscores the government’s dedication to preserving their legacy.

Government’s Commitment: PM Modi reiterated the government’s resolve to honor the Kakori Heroes’ memory and work towards a strong and prosperous India, connecting past sacrifices to present national aspirations.

Why in News: Climate change is increasing severe floods, making resilience vital. Global best practices offer lessons for India’s flood management strategies.

Tanzania’s Msimbazi Basin Project:

• Aims to reduce flooding through dredging, improved drainage, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Includes relocating vulnerable residents and converting floodplains into green, climate-resilient areas.
• Demonstrates the effectiveness of nature-based solutions and modern infrastructure, as seen in Jangwani where floods cause mass displacement and destruction.

Other Leading Global Best Practices:

• Netherlands’s Floating Homes: Flood-resistant structures that float during floods.
• Vienna’s Flood Protection System: Flood relief channels to absorb excess water.
• China’s Sponge Cities: Nature-based solutions (permeable surfaces, wetlands) to absorb rainwater.
• Denmark’s Green Climate Screen: Natural rainwater absorption using mineral wool and willow panels.
• Texas-Harnessing AI and Satellite Imagery: AI and satellite data for detailed flood maps and forecasts.

India’s Flood Risk Management:

• Primarily a State subject; Central government provides technical/advisory support.
• Structural Measures: River interlinking, reservoirs, detention basins, embankments, channelization, diversion channels.
• Non-Structural Measures: Flood forecasting and warning, flood plain zoning, flood proofing.

Conclusion for India: Shift from reactive relief to proactive risk reduction requires Forecasting, Financing, and Frontline Preparedness, integrating nature-based solutions with existing strategies.

• Why: This signifies government backing and investment for a significant clean energy project.

• Why: Highlights the project’s substantial contribution to power generation.

• Why: Provides financial and temporal context for the project’s development.

• Why: Indicates a collaborative approach to project execution.

• Why: Demonstrates central government commitment and financial assistance for regional development.

• Improved power supply within the state.
• Contribution to national grid stability.
• 12% free power allocation.
• 1% for Local Area Development Fund (LADF).
• Significant infrastructure development (approx. 33 km roads/bridges).
• Development of essential local infrastructure like hospitals, schools, markets ( ₹20 crore dedicated funds).
• Socio-economic growth through job creation, compensation, and CSR activities.
• Support for local suppliers and MSMEs, aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.
• Why: Emphasizes the direct and indirect benefits to the state, its people, and its economy.

• Why: Places the project within a larger national strategy for renewable energy and infrastructure.

• Modernizes cabotage norms and simplifies licensing.
• Aims to boost coastal cargo to 230 million tonnes by 2030.
• Enhances supply security, jobs, and ease of business.
• Mandates a National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan and Database.

• Aligns Indian laws with IMO conventions for clarity and compliance.
• Enhances sea safety, emergency response, environmental protection, and seafarer welfare.
• Boosts India’s global maritime reputation and tonnage.
• Authorizes detention of vessels without nationality, improving maritime security.

• Adopts internationally accepted Hague-Visby Rules (1924).
• Sets global standards for maritime trade and regulates Bills of Lading.
• Aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in cargo movement.
• Empowers the government to issue directions and amend rules on Bills of Lading.

• Why: It marks progress in a long-standing dispute.

• Why: These are foundational elements for establishing lasting peace and preventing future conflict.

• Why: This corridor is strategically important for trade and energy exports in the region.

• Why: Understanding this history is crucial to grasping the significance of the current peace deal.

• Why: India’s support highlights the regional economic importance of the agreement.

Union Cabinet Approves Four New Semiconductor Manufacturing Projects: This signifies a major step in boosting India’s chip production capabilities.

Total Investment of ₹4,594 Crore: The projects are backed by substantial government and private investment, indicating a serious commitment to the sector.

Projects Spread Across Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh: Diversifying the geographical locations of these crucial manufacturing units.

First Silicon Carbide (SiC) Fab in Odisha: This specialized plant will cater to high-demand sectors like Electric Vehicles (EVs) and defense, marking a technological advancement.

Advanced 3D Glass Semiconductor Packaging Unit in Odisha: Leveraging Intel-backed technology for high-performance electronics, enhancing the sophistication of India’s chip ecosystem.

MOSFETs and IGBTs Manufacturing in Punjab: Contributing to the production of fundamental semiconductor devices for various applications.

Chip Packaging for Consumer Electronics and Automotive in Andhra Pradesh: Strengthening the back-end processes critical for the electronics and auto industries.

Creation of Over 2,000 Direct High-Skilled Jobs: This initiative will foster significant employment opportunities in advanced technological fields, aligning with India’s skill development goals.

Boost to India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): These approvals are a testament to the ISM’s objective of developing an end-to-end semiconductor ecosystem and reducing import dependency.

Strategic Importance for “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”: The move directly supports national goals of self-reliance and enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities in critical technology sectors.

Strengthening Supply Chain Security: By establishing domestic production, India aims to mitigate risks associated with global supply chain vulnerabilities and geopolitical tensions.