Infrastructure Development in India

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

India has made remarkable progress in infrastructure development over the past decade that is the backbone of economic development. 

• The total infrastructure investment (capital expenditure) in India has increased to Rs 11.2 lakh crore in 2025-26 from Rs 10 lakh crore in 2023-24. 

What Infrastructure Initiatives were Announced in Budget 2025-26? 

• Infrastructure Financing: Rs 10 lakh crore worth of assets would be monetised in the next 5 years (2025-30) under the National Monetisation Plan. 
  • Urban Challenge Fund of Rs 1 lakh crore will be set up to implement the proposals for 'cities as growth hubs', 'creative redevelopment of cities' and 'water and sanitation'. 
  • Government to provide certainty in taxation of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) in infrastructure. 
  • States to propose projects funded by India Infrastructure Project Development Fund (IIPDF) loans.  
• Railways: India aims to become the 2nd-largest cargo-carrying railway in the world after China and producing indigenous high-speed ‘bullet’ trains. 
  • Indian Railways will complete 100% electrification of its network in FY 2025-26. 
• Shipbuilding: A Rs 25,000 crore fund will be established to support the maritime industry, promoting competition and long-term financing. 
  • Large ships will be given infrastructure status reducing financial costs by up to 10 percentage points. 
    • infrastructure status enables better financing, tax benefits, government support, and fewer regulatory hurdles. 
  • Credit notes will be introduced for shipbreaking in Indian yards to promote a circular economy. 
    • Credit notes are commonly used when a buyer returns goods. It can help shipbreaking companies to return or recycle materials, such as steel, copper, and aluminum obtained from dismantled ships. 
• Aviation Sector: UDAN scheme has been extended for another 10 years and a revamped UDAN scheme will connect 120 new destinations, serving 40 million more passengers. 
  • New greenfield airports in Bihar will complement Patna and Bihta (in Patna) airport expansions in Bihar. 
• Housing: SWAMIH Fund 2 of Rs 15,000 crore will be set up to speed up completion of 1 lakh incomplete housing units with contributions from the government, banks, and private investors. 
• Local Economy: PM SVANidhi will be revamped to provide enhanced loans from banks and UPI-linked credit cards with a Rs 30,000 limit. 

What is the Status of Infrastructure Development in India? 

• Highways and Roads: India has the 2nd-largest road network globally (after the United States), with National Highways (NH) standing at 1,46,145 km in 2024. 
  • The length of operational high-speed corridors has increased to 2,138 km (2024), NH construction pace has risen 2.8 times (12.1 km/day in 2014-15 to 33.8 km/day in 2023-24), and capital expenditure increased 5.7 times (2013-24). 
• Railways: As of December 2023, 93.83% of the broad-gauge tracks (called large line and distance between the two tracks is 5 feet 6 inches) were electrified, up from 21,801 km in 2014.  
  • The provision of Bio-toilets in coaches stands at 80,478 coaches in the year 2014-2023. 
• Civil Aviation: India is the 3rd-largest domestic aviation market globally with operational airports increased from 74 (2014) to 157 (2024).  
  • Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN, 147 lakh passengers benefited as of December, 2024. 

• Shipping and Ports: India has 12 major ports and 217 minor/intermediate ports.  
  • Cargo handling capacity rose from 800.5 MT (2014) to 1,630 MT (2024) (+87%), boosting India’s shipping rank to 22nd in International Shipment category as against 44th rank in 2014. 
• Urban Affairs and Housing: Under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM), around 91% projects have been completed.  
  • Under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, urban waste collection has increased by 97% (2014-15 to 2024-25), while waste processing has risen from 18% to 78% in the same period. 
  • During 2015-2024, 118.64 lakh houses were approved under PMAY-U. 

• Metro Rail: India's metro network expanded from 248 km (2014) to 993 km (2024), with commissioning rising from 0.68 km to 6 km/month and metro cities increasing from 5 to 23. 
• Tap Water Connections: Jal Jeevan Mission increased rural tap water coverage from 3.23 crore (17%) to 15.44 crore (79.74%) households by February, 2025. 

What is Infrastructure? 

• About: Infrastructure (capex) refers to the basic systems essential for the functioning of a business, region, or nation. 
  • Sectors like power, coal, petroleum, cement, railways, ports, civil aviation, roads, Cybersecurity and telecommunications are part of infrastructure. 
• Features:  
  • Long-Term Investments: Involves large-scale, long-lived structures like power grids and transport systems. 
  • Public Utilities and Works: Includes utilities (e.g., power, water) and public works (e.g., roads, railways). 
  • Natural Monopoly: High initial costs make competitive supply inefficient (e.g., power grids). 
  • Non-Tradable Services: Services like water and electricity can't be sold across borders. 
  • Public and Private Good: Benefits society but often requires usage charges. 
  • High-Sunk Costs: Once invested, resources in infrastructure projects cannot be recovered, regardless of success or failure. 
• Infrastructure as a Public Service: 
  • Non-Rival Nature: One person's consumption does not reduce availability for others. 
  • Price Exclusion: They are provided on a paid basis, unlike pure public goods. 
• Social Infrastructure: Infrastructure also includes social sector facilities like hospitals and schools, though lacking monopoly characteristics. 

Conclusion 

India's infrastructure development has seen significant growth with advancements in roads, railways, civil aviation, and urban affairs. The government's initiatives, including financing schemes and project proposals, aim to further boost infrastructure, making it crucial for economic growth and improving citizens' quality of life. 

Drishti Mains Question: How can infrastructure development contribute to the overall socio-economic well-being of India?

Agriculture Development in India

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

Emphasizing ‘Agriculture as the first engine’ for India’s development journey, the Union Budget 2025-26 announced a slew of measures to spur agricultural growth and productivity. 

• The Economic Survey 2024-25 found that the agriculture sector has shown robust growth, averaging 5% annually from 2016-17 to 2022-23. 
• However, the announced National Mission on High-Yielding Seeds raised concerns over monocultures and loss of crop diversity. 

What Agricultural Initiatives were Announced in the Union Budget 2025-26? 

• National Mission on High Yielding Seeds: It aims to improve agricultural productivity by developing high-yielding seeds that are more resilient to pests and climate stress. 
  • Focus Areas: 
    • Developing new seed varieties with better productivity and resistance. 
    • Creating seeds resilient to pests and climate stress. 
    • Ensuring easy access to high-yielding seeds for farmers. 
  • Seed Varieties: It targets to increase the availability of over 100 new seed varieties, including 23 cereals, 11 pulses, 7 oilseeds, among others. 
• Makhana Board in Bihar: A Makhana Board will be established to boost production, processing, and marketing, and support farmers through FPOs and government schemes. 
• Food Processing: The union government will establish a National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management in Bihar to promote food processing activities in Eastern India.  
• Gene Bank: The second Gene bank (1st in 1996) with 10 lakh germplasm lines would be set up for future food and nutritional security. 
  • A gene bank is a facility where genetic material from plants, animals, or microorganisms is stored and preserved for future use. 
• Mission for Cotton Productivity: It is a 5-year mission for improvements in productivity and sustainability of cotton farming, and promotes extra-long staple cotton varieties. 
  • It aligns with the 5F principle of the Ministry of Textiles i.e., Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, Fashion to Foreign. 
• Sustainable Fisheries: The government will create a sustainable fisheries framework for the EEZ and High Seas, focusing on Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. 
  • India ranks 2nd-largest globally in fish production and aquaculture. 
• Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana: It aims to enhance agricultural productivity in 100 low-productivity districts, focusing on crop diversification, sustainable practices, improved storage, irrigation, and credit availability, benefiting 1.7 crore farmers. 
• Mission for Self-reliance in Pulses: A 6-year mission will be launched to achieve self-sufficiency in pulse production, focusing on crops like Tur, Urad, and Masur. 
• Rural Prosperity and Resilience Programme: It is a multi-sectoral initiative to address under-employment in agriculture through skilling, investment, technology, and rural empowerment. 
  • It prioritizes rural women, young farmers, and small farmers, aiming for job creation, financial independence for women, and agricultural modernization. 
• Grameen Credit Score: Public Sector Banks will develop the ‘Grameen Credit Score’ framework to serve the credit needs of SHG members and people in rural areas. 
• Kisan Credit Cards (KCC): Loan limit under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme increased from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for KCC holders supporting around 7.7 crore farmers, fishermen, and dairy farmers. 

What are Agriculture Related Findings of Economic Survey 2024-25? 

• Agricultural Growth: Agriculture sector grew at 5% annually (2016-23), with GVA share rising from 24.38% (2014-15) to 30.23% (2022-23). 
  • Agricultural income has grown at 5.23% annually over the past decade. 
• Sectoral Performance: The fisheries sector had the highest growth rate (13.67%), followed by livestock (12.99%) between 2013-14 and 2022-23, while oilseeds grew slowly at 1.9%. 
• Irrigation: Irrigation coverage increased from 49.3% (2015-16) to 55% (2020-21) of Gross Cropped Area (GCA), while irrigation intensity rose from 144.2% to 154.5%. 
  • Punjab (98%), Haryana (94%), Uttar Pradesh (84%), and Telangana (86%) have high irrigation coverage, while Jharkhand and Assam have below 20%. 
  • GCA is the total land cultivated in an agricultural year, including multiple cropping cycles on the same land. 

Way Forward 

• Promote Biodiversity: Safeguard traditional seed varieties alongside high-yielding seeds by encouraging a mix of both, helping to preserve biodiversity while enhancing agricultural productivity. 
• Ecological Sustainability: Prevent monoculture farming by promoting crop rotation and polyculture (different crops in the same space at the same time), and incentivize diverse cropping systems to maintain soil health and reduce pest risks. 
• Research and Development: Develop drought, flood, and pest-resistant crops through both traditional and modern methods. 
• Leverage Technology: Use technology to monitor high-yielding seeds and sustainable practices by utilizing GIS and remote sensing for crop health, pest outbreaks, and early warnings. 

Drishti Mains Question:  How can the Union Budget 2025-26 initiatives support the long-term sustainability of Indian agriculture?

Balancing Energy Transition & Security

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights coal's continued importance as a reliable and affordable energy source for India's energy security and economic development. 

• In another development, the Union Budget 2025-26 announced some initiatives in the renewable energy sector. 

What is Energy Security? 

• About: Energy security refers to the ability to maintain a reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy system that can meet the needs of individuals, industries, and governments.  
• Components: 
  • Availability: Reliable energy supply from diverse sources to meet demand. 
  • Accessibility: Infrastructure to deliver energy to all, including remote areas. 
  • Affordability: Stable, cost-effective energy prices for consumers and industries. 
  • Sustainability: Clean, efficient energy use for long-term environmental balance. 
• Importance: It is essential for meeting daily energy demands and supporting key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. 
  • Economic Growth: Fuels industrial growth and productivity. 
  • Political Stability: Prevents unrest from energy shortages. 
  • Sustainable Development: Ensures clean energy for the future. 
  • Food Security: Essential for agriculture, impacting food production, distribution, and prices. 
• Factors Affecting Energy Security: 
  • Physical Factors: Fossil-rich regions have better energy security, others face scarcity challenges. 
  • Costs: Depletion of non-renewable resources raises extraction costs and energy prices. 
  • Technology: Advances make renewable energy viable, but environmental impacts must be considered. 
  • Political Factors: Geopolitical tensions and conflicts can disrupt energy supply. 

Why Coal is Important for India's Energy Security? 

• Large Coal Reserves: India holds 10% of the world’s coal reserves but only 0.7% of its natural gas reserves, making coal the most reliable and affordable energy source in the country. 
• Economic Viability: Coal-based power plants have seen significant investments, especially since the 2010s, and shutting them down prematurely would leave these investments stranded and underutilized. 
• Climate Financing: At UNFCCC COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, developed countries promised only USD 300 billion in annual climate finance, falling short of the required USD 1 trillion. 
  • This may force India to continue its dependence on coal and may require it to adjust its climate targets.
• Challenges with Renewable Energy: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind face significant challenges such as: 
  • High investments for grid integration. 
  • Issues with battery storage to manage intermittency. 
  • Limited land availability in densely populated areas for renewable installations. 
  • The need for critical minerals required in renewable technology, which India does not have in abundance. 
• Geopolitical Vulnerabilities: Renewable energy technologies often rely on imported materials and technologies, increasing India’s vulnerability to external geopolitical risks, boosting energy independence and national security. 
• Lessons from Developed Nations: Energy transitions in the past were driven by commercial interests, not by a desire to limit emissions from advanced economies. 
  • France expanded its nuclear power in the 1970s due to oil embargos, while in 2022, the European Union launched the REPowerEU plan to reduce reliance on Russian gas supplies.  
  • In 2023, the US approved its largest oil-drilling project in Alaska, highlighting that even developed countries continue to rely on fossil fuels. 
• Congestion Costs: The transition to renewable energy introduces congestion costs and has led to increased electricity prices in many countries. 
  • Congestion cost refers to the extra costs arising from limited transmission or distribution capacity, making electricity delivery inefficient. 

What are Union Budget Announcements in the Renewable Energy Sector? 

• Customs Duty Exemption: Cobalt powder, lithium-ion battery scraps, lead, zinc, and 12 other critical minerals have been exempted from basic customs duty. 
  • In July 2024, 25 critical minerals not available domestically were exempted from customs duties. 
• National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM): Rs 410 crore allocated for 2025-26 to the NCMM for technology development, skilled workforce creation, and financing mechanisms for clean energy. 
  • NCMM under the Ministry of Mines aims to enhance domestic production, recycle critical minerals, and acquire global mineral assets. 
• Nuclear Energy Mission: A budget of Rs 20,000 crore has been allocated for the Nuclear Energy Mission, aimed at developing indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). 
  • The goal is to operationalize at least five SMRs reactors by 2033. 
  • The private sector will be involved in the development of Bharat Small Reactors (BSR) and Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMR). 
    • BSR refers to incrementally modified forms of India’s existing Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) whereas BSMR is a nascent technology being researched globally. 

What are the Initiatives Shaping India’s Energy Transition? 

• Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) 
• Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) 
• Green Energy Corridor (GEC) 
• National Solar Mission (NSM) 
• National Biofuels Policy and SATAT 
• International Solar Alliance (ISA) 

Conclusion 

India's energy transition must be gradual and strategic, balancing renewable adoption with energy security. While coal remains crucial, investments in renewables, nuclear energy, and critical minerals are essential. Learning from global experiences, India must ensure energy affordability, stability, and self-reliance while progressing toward its net-zero goal by 2070. 

Drishti Mains Question:  Discuss the challenges and opportunities in India's shift towards a low-carbon energy future.

Ban on Begging

Source: IE 

Why in News?  

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh has issued a complete ban on begging across all public places, following Indore’s example, as part of efforts to tackle the issue and provide alternative solutions for displaced beggars. 

Why Did Bhopal Implement a Ban on Begging? 

• Reasons for Ban on Begging: The ban was triggered by reports of begging at traffic signals, religious sites, and tourist spots, causing traffic disruptions and accidents. 
  • Authorities also revealed that many beggars come from other states and have criminal records or are involved in illicit activities, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure public safety and prevent further hazards. 
• Legal Action:
  • Bhopal, under Section 163 of Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sahita (BNSS) (empowers magistrates to issue urgent orders in nuisance cases), has banned begging district-wide. 
    • Additionally, BNSS Section 223 punishes people who disobey orders that have been officially given by public servants. 
  • This ban follows the actions of Indore, which imposed a similar ban earlier this year, including filing first information reports (FIRs) against violators.

What is the Legal Framework Regarding Begging?

• Colonial Law: The Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 criminalised nomadic tribes, associating them with vagrancy and begging.  
• Current Legal Framework:  The Constitution of India allows both the Union and state governments to enact laws on vagrancy (includes beggary), nomadic, and migratory tribes under the Concurrent List (List III, Entry 15). 
  • There is no central Act on beggary. Instead, many states and Union Territories have based their laws on the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959.  
    • The Act defines a beggar as anyone soliciting alms, performing or offering articles for sale, or appearing destitute without visible means of subsistence. 
• Jurisprudence: The Delhi High Court, in 2018, ruled that the Bombay Act was arbitrary and violated the right to live with dignity, underscoring the importance of addressing poverty without criminalizing it. 
  • The Supreme Court of India in 2021 rejected a Public Interest Litigation seeking to remove beggars from public spaces, emphasizing that begging is a socio-economic problem rather than a criminal issue. 
• SMILE: Launched in 2022, Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, aims to rehabilitate beggars by providing medical care, education, and skills training, working toward a "beggar-free" India by 2026. 
  • As of 2024, 970 individuals have rehabilitated under SMILE, including 352 children. 

Why is Begging Prevalent in India? 

• Economic Hardship: Poverty, unemployment, and underemployment are major drivers of begging. 
  • Rural-to-urban migration among marginalised people often leads to destitution, forcing individuals into begging. 
• Social and Cultural Factors: The caste system has historically marginalized certain communities, leaving them with limited opportunities. 
  • In some cultures, begging is considered a hereditary occupation (e.g., Nats, Bajigars, and Sains). 
• Physical and Mental Disabilities: Lack of healthcare and rehabilitation services pushes disabled individuals into begging. 
  • Many mentally ill individuals are abandoned and resort to begging for survival. 
• Natural Disasters: Floods, droughts, and earthquakes displace people, pushing them into extreme poverty and begging. 
• Organized Begging Rings: Human traffickers and criminal syndicates exploit women and children for forced begging infringing upon Article 23 (prohibits trafficking in human beings, slavery, or exploitation). 
  • Babies are often drugged to appear sick and increase sympathy-driven donations. 

What are the Impact of Begging on Society? 

• Public Health and Hygiene Risks: Begging hotspots often lack sanitation, leading to the spread of diseases. 
  • Malnourished beggars suffer from severe health issues, burdening public healthcare systems. 
• Crime and Exploitation: Organized begging rings engage in child trafficking and forced labor. The risk of drug addiction and substance abuse is high among beggars. 
• Tourism and Urban Spaces: Aggressive begging in cities affects tourism and damages India’s global image.  
  • Increased street begging leads to security concerns and public nuisance complaints. 
• Human Rights Violations: Many beggars are arrested under anti-begging laws without alternative rehabilitation. 
  • The definition of a beggar continues to reflect colonial-era prejudices, which often include nomadic tribes and the poor as targets of legal action.   
  • These laws can sometimes give authorities the power to round up the poor or those seen as incompatible with the urban aesthetic. 

Way Forward 

• Addressing Begging Rings: Strict enforcement of anti-trafficking laws to dismantle begging cartels under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 through better coordination between police, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), and child welfare organizations. 
  • Penalizing exploitative begging syndicates. Focus on rehabilitation rather than imprisonment. 
• Community Sensitisation: Raise awareness about the harms of encouraging beggary and promote donations to credible charities and community projects, ensuring funds support rehabilitation efforts. 
• Urban Planning and Homeless Support: Increase the number of government-run night shelters with better facilities. 
  • Provide skill training and employment opportunities to help beggars integrate into society. 
• Policy Framework: Formulate policies targeting underlying issues such as unemployment, and social exclusion, focusing on prevention. 
  • Synchronize efforts across ministries like Social Justice, Urban Affairs, and Labour to create holistic solutions that address the complex nature of beggary. 
• Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses and industries to provide sustainable livelihoods for rehabilitated individuals, ensuring long-term economic stability. 

Drishti Mains Question:  Begging in India is a reflection of socio-economic inequalities and policy failures rather than an individual choice." Discuss the possible solutions to address the issue of begging in India.

National Mission on Cultural Mapping

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Culture has established the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) to preserve and promote India’s rich cultural heritage. 

What is NMCM? 

• About: Launched in 2017 by  the Ministry of Culture, it aims to create a cultural map of India, highlighting its diversity and supporting the artist community. 
  • Cultural mapping records a region's unique cultural elements, including stories, rituals, arts, languages, heritage, and cuisines, documenting both tangible and intangible assets. 
• Objectives:  
  • Documenting India's cultural assets. 
  • Using cultural potential to promote self-reliance in villages. 
  • Highlighting the link between heritage, development, and identity. 
• Coverage: The mission seeks to map the geographical, demographic, and creative capitals of 6.5 lakh villages in India, with 4.5 lakh villages already included. 
• Mission Components: 
  • Cultural Awareness Programme: Like Hamari Sanskriti Hamari Pahchan (Our Culture, Our Identity). 
  • Grading of Artists: Introduction of Unique Cultural-ID (UCID) for artists. 
  • Cultural Infrastructure: Development of cultural hubs (Kala Grams) and integrating knowledge centers. 
  • Artist Welfare: Implements welfare schemes and grants for artists, especially veterans. 
• Implementation: NMCM is managed by the Ministry of Culture and implemented under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). 
• Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD): MGMD was launched to document the cultural heritage of 6.5 lakh villages in India.  
  • Under the MGMD, information is collected in seven broad categories like Arts and Crafts Village, Ecologically Oriented Village etc. 

India’s Nuclear Programme

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

Eminent physicist, scientist, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and a key architect of India’s nuclear programme Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram recently passed away. 

 

What is India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme? 

• About: India's 3-Stage Nuclear Power Programme is designed to harness the nation's nuclear resources for sustainable energy production while ensuring long-term energy security. It was formulated by well-known physicist Dr. Homi Bhabha. 
• Objective: It focuses on efficiently using India's limited uranium resources while maximizing the potential of thorium, which is more abundant in the country. 
• 3 Stages: 

Stage	Aim	Fuel/Coolant/ Moderator	Nuclear Reactor	Current Status
Stage 1	It aims to generate electricity while producing plutonium-239 (Pu-239) as a byproduct.  Plutonium is key for the next stages of the programme.	Fuel: Uranium (U-238)  Moderator: Heavy water (deuterium oxide)	Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs)	India has already constructed 18 PHWRs, as the foundation of India's nuclear power infrastructure.
Stage 2	It focuses on Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs), which utilize Pu-239 from the first stage to generate more fissile material than they consume.  These reactors convert fertile uranium-238 into Pu-239, enhancing the nuclear fuel cycle efficiency and providing a sustainable fuel source.	Mixed Oxide of Plutonium-239 and Uranium-238	Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs)	The Prototype FBR at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, is a key development in this stage.
Stage 3	It focuses on Thorium Reactors, which use Thorium-232 to produce uranium-233, a fissile material.   Leveraging India's abundant thorium reserves, this stage offers a long-term solution for nuclear fuel needs, ensuring sustainable energy security.	Thorium-232 (converted into Uranium-233)	Thorium-Based Reactors (Thorium Cycle)	Research into thorium-based reactors is ongoing, with the Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR) being developed as part of this stage.

Gyan Bharatam Mission and NMM

Source: TH 

The Union Budget 2025-26 has introduced the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’, aimed at surveying, documenting, and conserving India’s vast manuscript heritage.  

• Objective: The initiative seeks to conserve over one crore manuscripts housed in academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collections. 
• Budget Allocation:  To accommodate this new initiative, the budget allocation for the National Manuscripts Mission (NMM), has been increased from Rs 3.5 crore to Rs 60 crore.  

National Manuscripts Mission (NMM): 

• NMM was launched by the Ministry of Culture in 2003 under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA). 
• It aims to preserve and make accessible India's vast manuscript heritage.  
  • IGNCA was established in 1987 as an autonomous institution for research, academic pursuit, and dissemination in the arts. 

Manuscript: 

• A manuscript is a handwritten composition created on materials such as paper, bark, cloth, metal, or palm leaf, and it must be at least 75 years old.  
• India holds an estimated 5 million manuscripts, probably the largest collection in the world. 

Read More: Revival of National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM), National Mission for Manuscripts and National Culture Fund 

CSIR-IICT’s Breakthrough in Clean Energy

Source: TH 

Researchers at the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) - Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) have produced biohydrogen (bioH₂) from food waste. 

• BioH₂ Production: Food waste undergoes microbial fermentation in an upflow reactor with a self-regulating buffering system, optimizing bioH₂ yield and minimizing methane and Carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions compared to traditional biogas methods. 
  • Fermentation is the anaerobic (absence of oxygen) breakdown of compounds by microorganisms (such as bacteria or yeast), releasing energy. 
  • The study addresses both waste management and clean energy needs, supporting net-zero targets. 
• Another study led by the chief scientist at IICT demonstrated an efficient method to convert CO₂ into ethanol and acetic acid, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 
• CO₂ Conversion: Traditionally, H₂ is needed for CO₂ conversion into products like methane, ethanol, or acetic acid.  
  • The study used high-pressure gas fermentation (HPGF) reactor, eliminating the need for H₂, making the process more sustainable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective, yielding higher ethanol and acetic acid. 
• CSIR-IICT: Established in 1944, CSIR-IICT in Hyderabad is one of the oldest National Laboratories recognized for its expertise in chemical technology, applied research, and commercialization. 

Read more: Biofuels 

SC/ST Act to Include Intellectual Property

Source: IE 

In the Principal Secretary Government of Maharashtra v. Kshipra Kamlesh Uke Case, 2024, the Supreme Court upholds the Bombay High Court's ruling, expanding the definition of “property” in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 to include intellectual property. 

• The aggrieved sought compensation for the theft of their research data, laptops, and intellectual property under the provisions of the SC/ST Act, 1989. 
• The Bombay High Court ruled that the term "property" should be interpreted broadly to include intellectual property such as data, electronic material, and intellectual rights, whether tangible or intangible. 
• Patents, copyrights, and designs, are property, even though they lack physical existence, and are capable of being valued for compensation under the SC/ST Act, 1989. 
• The SC/ST Act, 1989 defines specific offenses against SC/ST members, including physical violence, harassment, and social discrimination.  
  • The SC/ST Act, 1989, does not allow anticipatory bail, unless a prima facie case is made against the accused. 
  • It mandates special courts for swift trials and SC/ST Protection Cells at the state level, led by senior police officers, to oversee its implementation. 

  

Read More: Supreme Court Ruling on the SC and ST Act 1989

Grameen Credit Score

Source: IE 

Union Budget 2025-26 has introduced the Grameen Credit Score (GCS) framework to address the credit needs of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and rural populations. 

• Grameen Credit Score: 
  • About: It is developed by public sector banks to assess the creditworthiness of rural individuals, facilitating easier access to loans.  
    • It aims to improve repayment discipline and reduce fraud by providing a more accurate evaluation of borrowers in rural areas. 
  • Impact: It will strengthen microfinance, boost financial inclusion, and support sectors like agriculture, rural development, and MSMEs. 
    • GCS will complement existing microfinance models and work alongside credit scores like CIBIL and CRIF Highmark for assessing loans. 
    • This score will be integrated with the SVAMITVA Scheme. 
• Other Initiatives: 
  • Transformation of India Post: The Union Budget 2025 proposed transforming India Post into a major public logistics organization, utilizing its vast rural network of 1.5 lakh post offices and 2.4 lakh Dak Sevaks. 
  • Support for National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC): Rs 500 crore Grant-in-aid allocated for strengthening cooperative sugar mills to boost cooperative sector lending. 

Read More: Union Budget 2025-26, Economic Survey 2024-25 , SVAMITVA Scheme