• 31 Dec 2025

Marketing Development Assistance Scheme

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a first‑of‑its‑kind Marketing Development Assistance (MDA) scheme to support service exporters under the Uttar Pradesh Export Promotion Policy 2025–30 — making the state the first in India to do so.

Key Points

• Objective: To boost service exports by strengthening marketing and global competitiveness of service exporters from the state.
• Target Beneficiaries:
  • Service exporters registered with the Export Promotion Bureau, Uttar Pradesh (UPEPB).
  • Registered with the Uttar Pradesh Export Promotion Council.
  • Exporting services under 12 champion service sectors identified by the Government of India.
• Financial Assistance:
  • Up to 75% of stall rental costs for participation in international fairs and exhibitions abroad (up to ₹2 lakh).
  • Up to 75% of economy class air travel cost for one participant (up to ₹1 lakh).
  • Support for events in India: up to ₹50,000 for stall rental and ₹25,000 for travel expenses.
  • Assistance to organisers of international trade fairs — up to 75% of total costs (subject to maximum caps)
• Economic Significance: Aims to expand overseas presence of UP’s service sector, create employment, attract investment, and strengthen the state’s export ecosystem.

K-4 medium-range ballistic missile

Why in News?

India successfully test-fires 3,500‑km K‑4 Medium-Range Ballistic Missile from nuclear‑powered submarines.

Key Points

• Launch Platform: The launch was carried out from INS Arighaat, a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) of the Indian Navy, in the Bay of Bengal.
• Strategic Significance: Enhances India’s sea‑based nuclear deterrence and contributes to the nuclear triad — the ability to deploy nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea. 
• Second‑Strike Capability: The test strengthens India’s second‑strike capability, ensuring that even after absorbing an initial attack, India can respond decisively.
• DRDO Role: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) developed the K‑4 missile, which uses solid fuel and advanced navigation systems. 
• Ballistic missiles: They are rocket-propelled weapons that follow a free-fall trajectory after launch. They can carry conventional or nuclear warheads and be launched from land, sea, or air.  
  • Based on range, they're classified as short (< 1,000 km), medium (1,000–3,000 km), intermediate (3,000–5,500 km), or long-range or intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)( > 5,500 km). 
  • Agni-V is India’s longest-range missile, an ICBM with a range of over 5,000 km.

Incentive to Uttarakhand for Mining Sector Reforms

Why in News?

The Central Government has approved a ₹200 crore incentive for Uttarakhand for its effective implementation of mining sector reforms for the financial year 2025–26. 

Key Points

• National Ranking: Uttarakhand achieved second place nationally in mining reforms.
• Scheme: Allocated under the “Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)” scheme.
• Reform Measures: Implementation of mining reforms through
  • E-auction system for mineral allocation.
  • Satellite and digital monitoring of mines.
  • Transparent licensing and compliance mechanisms.
  • Measures to curb illegal mining.
• Impact on Revenue: Mining revenue in the state rose significantly due to reforms, enhancing its contribution to the state economy.
• Key Minerals: Limestone, magnesite, gypsum, copper, graphite, soapstone (steatite) and dolomite are the major minerals found in Uttarakhand.

Gumla Administration Launches Board Exam-Vijay Abhiyan

Why in News?

The Gumla district administration in Jharkhand has initiated the ‘Board Exam‑Vijay Abhiyan’ to improve the academic performance and board exam results of students.

Key Points

• Objective: To boost the learning outcomes and exam performance of students appearing for JAC Class 10 and 12 board examinations.
• Focus Schools: Special attention to schools with historically low results.
• Activities Under the Campaign: Special coaching sessions, Mentorship programs and Performance tracking.
• JAC: Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) is the statutory body, established in 2003, responsible for conducting Class 10 and Class 12 examinations in Jharkhand.
• Gumla District: 
  • Formation: 18 May 1983
  • Division: South Chotanagpur Division
  • Rivers: South Koel, Sankh, and North Koel rivers
  • Minerals: Bauxite, laterite, china clay

Bharat Taxi Initiative

Why in News?

The Government of India has launched Bharat Taxi, a first‑of‑its‑kind driver‑owned, cooperative ride‑hailing initiative, aimed at providing a fair, transparent and equitable alternative to private taxi aggregators.

Key Points

• Bharat Taxi: It is a government‑backed ride‑hailing platform developed as a cooperative model, where drivers are shareholders and co‑owners instead of being dependent on traditional private companies.
• Objective: The scheme aims to empower taxi drivers by ensuring fair earnings, reduce dependence on private aggregators (like Ola and Uber), and offer affordable, transparent transport services to passengers.
• Cooperative Structure: The service is operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited.
• Launch:  The service is set to launch across the country from January 1, 2026.
• Driver Benefits: Driver‑owned model, No commission and Profit sharing.
• Passenger Benefits: Transparent pricing, Affordable rides and Multiple vehicle options.