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om namahashivaya.....

NATONAL NEWS

1. EPFO wage ceiling increased

• The Union Cabinet increased the EPFO mandatory coverage wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month.
• The change came into effect from 17 September 2026, on Vishwakarma Jayanti and Sewa Divas.
• More than 51 lakh additional employees are expected to benefit.
• Government's annual EPFO support is expected to rise to about ₹11,339 crore.

2. PM Vishwakarma completes 3 years

• PM Vishwakarma completed three years in September 2026.
• The scheme supports traditional artisans and craftspeople.
• It provides assistance such as skill training, toolkit support, credit and marketing support.
• It is aimed at strengthening the livelihoods of traditional workers.

3. PM-SETU gets ₹735.70 crore for ITI clusters

• The government sanctioned ₹735.70 crore under PM-SETU.
• The funding covers the development of three ITI clusters.
• The scheme focuses on upgrading industrial training infrastructure.
• It aims to improve industry-linked skill development.

4. Registration of Births and Deaths Amendment Act, 2026

• The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2026 comes into force from 1 October 2026.
• It amends provisions of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
• Delayed registration of births and deaths has been made more stringent and streamlined.
• Births, deaths and stillbirths are generally required to be reported within 21 days.

5. GOBARdhan revised guidelines

• The government revised the operational guidelines of GOBARdhan.
• The initiative promotes conversion of cattle dung and organic waste into useful products.
• It supports biogas, compressed biogas and organic manure production.
• The programme is linked with India's waste-to-wealth and circular-economy goals.

6. PMKKKY completes 11 years

• Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) completed 11 years.
• It focuses on the welfare of people and areas affected by mining.
• District Mineral Foundation funds are used for development and welfare projects.
• Important areas include health, education, drinking water and livelihood support.

7. PM Matsya Sampada Yojana completes 6 years

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) completed six years.
• It focuses on sustainable development of India's fisheries sector.
• The scheme supports fisheries infrastructure, production and employment.
• It aims to improve the income of fishers and strengthen the fisheries value chain.

8. 51st Doppler Weather Radar inaugurated

• India's 51st Doppler Weather Radar was inaugurated at Sambalpur, Odisha.
• Doppler radars provide information on rainfall, wind and severe weather.
• The system improves weather forecasting and disaster preparedness.
• It strengthens India's weather-monitoring network.

9. North-East's first National Centre of Excellence for Swimming

• The North-East's first National Centre of Excellence for Swimming was established.
• It aims to provide high-quality training facilities for swimmers.
• The centre is expected to support identification and development of sporting talent.
• It strengthens sports infrastructure in the North-Eastern region.

10. Make in India completes 12 years

• Make in India completed 12 years.
• The initiative was launched to promote manufacturing and investment in India.
• It focuses on improving India's industrial ecosystem and encouraging domestic production.
• It is closely linked with Atmanirbhar Bharat.

11. NABARD–IMD MoU for climate-resilient agriculture

• NABARD and IMD signed an MoU for climate-resilient agriculture.
• IMD's weather information will be integrated into DiCRA — Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture.
• Information will include weather forecasts, advisories, alerts and seasonal risk data.
• The data can help farmers and financial institutions make better agricultural decisions.

12. International Big Cat Alliance–ADB cooperation

• International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) signed an MoU with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
• The partnership covers landscape conservation and sustainable development.
• It also includes capacity building, knowledge exchange and nature-positive financing.
• The agreement was linked with the Tiger Landscapes workshop held on 2–3 September 2026.

13. Sagar Manthan launched

• India launched the Ocean Research Vessel Sagar Manthan.
• It is being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) for NCPOR.
• It comes under the Deep Ocean Mission, particularly its Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration component.
• The project cost is around ₹840 crore.
• It will gradually replace the 43-year-old ORV Sagar Kanya.

14. India launches indigenous Optical Inter-Satellite Link

• Astrogate Labs developed India's first indigenous Optical Inter-Satellite Link (OISL) terminal.
• It uses laser beams for satellite-to-satellite communication.
• The technology is designed mainly for Low Earth Orbit satellite constellations.
• It can provide high-speed and secure communication between satellites.

15. Defence Acquisition Council approves ₹1.10 lakh crore proposals

• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved defence proposals worth about ₹1.10 lakh crore.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the council meeting.
• Around 98% of procurement is expected to come from Indian industry.
• The decision supports Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.

16. DRDO–QCI SAMAR 2.0

• DRDO signed an agreement with the Quality Council of India (QCI) for SAMAR 2.0.
• SAMAR means System for Advanced Manufacturing Assessment and Rating.
• It aims to assess and improve manufacturing maturity of domestic defence enterprises.
• The initiative supports quality and self-reliance in defence production.

17. Six states sign Kishau Multipurpose Project agreement

• Six states — Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana — signed the Kishau project agreement.
• The project is intended to support the Yamuna river system.
• A 232.6-metre-high concrete gravity dam is planned.
• The proposed storage capacity is about 1,562 MCM.

18. PM-SETU Kurukshetra ITI Cluster

• Kurukshetra ITI Cluster was approved under PM-SETU.
• The project involves investment of around ₹320 crore.
• It aims to modernise industrial training infrastructure.
• The focus is on industry-relevant vocational skills.

19. Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026

• The government conducted Swachhata Hi Seva 2026.
• The campaign focuses on cleanliness and public participation.
• Activities include cleanliness drives, waste management and awareness.
• It supports the broader objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission.

20. Special Campaign 6.0

• Special Campaign 6.0 focuses on cleanliness and reducing pendency in government offices.
• The preparatory phase ran from 15–30 September 2026.
• The implementation phase runs from 2–31 October 2026.
• It also focuses on record management and scientific disposal of scrap and e-waste.

21. India Electric Mobility Index 2025

• The India Electric Mobility Index 2025 assesses the country's progress in electric mobility.
• It focuses on EV adoption, infrastructure and the wider electric-mobility ecosystem.
• Electric mobility is important for reducing transport emissions.
• It supports India's clean-transport transition.

22. NITI Aayog releases “The Way Forward”

• NITI Aayog released the 9th edition of “The Way Forward”.
• The publication focuses on India's development and policy priorities.
• NITI Aayog functions as India's public-policy think tank.
• It works closely with states and the Union government.

23. PACT launched under e-FAST India

• NITI Aayog's e-FAST India platform launched PACT.
• PACT stands for Platform for Aggregating Clean Transport.
• It aims to accelerate deployment of zero-emission trucks.
• It focuses particularly on electric freight transport.

24. Zero Emission Truck Marketplace

• The Zero Emission Truck Marketplace was launched alongside PACT.
• It provides a digital platform connecting industry stakeholders.
• It supports adoption of electric and zero-emission freight vehicles.
• The initiative is linked with sustainable freight transport.

25. SPROUT facility inaugurated

• A new SPROUT facility was inaugurated at BRIC-NIPGR, New Delhi.
• SPROUT stands for SpeedSeed Phenotyping and Resource Optimization for Unified Trait Analysis.
• It supports research on climate-resilient crops.
• The facility enables precise evaluation of plant traits.

26. India joins Global 6G Network Initiative

• India joined the global 6G network initiative.
• The initiative is titled Call to Action for 6G Leadership and Security.
• It focuses on global standards, security and interoperability.
• 6G is expected to support AI-native networks, ultra-low latency and massive IoT.

27. ISRO–ESA cooperation extended

• India and the European Space Agency (ESA) expanded cooperation in space activities.
• Cooperation covers areas including satellite and space-science activities.
• The partnership strengthens India's international space collaborations.
• The cooperation framework extends into the coming years.

28. New ISRO radar/facility infrastructure in Guwahati

• New space-related infrastructure was developed in Guwahati.
• The facility strengthens India's satellite-tracking and space-support capabilities.
• It improves India's regional space infrastructure.
• North-East India gains a stronger role in the country's space ecosystem.

29. Digital Communications Commission dissolved

• The government dissolved the Digital Communications Commission (DCC).
• The change is part of restructuring the telecom policy and administrative framework.
• The telecom sector is being reorganised around newer regulatory and technological requirements.
• It is relevant for questions on India's telecom governance.

30. DRDO–Zero mK India refrigerator technology

• DRDO partnered with Zero mK India for a 20 mK dilution refrigerator.
• The technology is important for ultra-low-temperature applications.
• Such systems are relevant to quantum computing and advanced scientific research.
• It supports development of indigenous deep-cryogenic technology.

31. IIEST Shibpur–TCS AI Centre of Excellence

• IIEST Shibpur and TCS collaborated on an AI Centre of Excellence.
• The centre focuses on artificial intelligence research and applications.
• It strengthens cooperation between academia and industry.
• AI skills and research are important for India's technology ecosystem.

32. IIT Delhi develops indigenous working micro-GPU

• IIT Delhi developed an indigenous working micro-GPU.
• The development supports domestic semiconductor and computing capabilities.
• Indigenous processors and accelerators are important for technological self-reliance.
• It contributes to India's broader semiconductor ecosystem.

33. SEMICON India 2026

• SEMICON India 2026 focused on India's semiconductor ecosystem.
• The event brought together semiconductor companies, policymakers and technology stakeholders.
• Key areas included chip manufacturing, packaging and semiconductor workforce development.
• It supports India's ambition to become a major semiconductor hub.

34. Semicon India 2.0

• Semicon India 2.0 focuses on expanding India's semiconductor ecosystem.
• India aims to develop a semiconductor market of around $200 billion by 2035.
• The programme supports manufacturing, design and semiconductor talent.
• Semiconductor self-reliance is a key part of India's technology strategy.

35. Samtel Avionics–BULL space-debris MoU

• Samtel Avionics and BULL signed an MoU related to space-debris mitigation.
• Space debris is a growing risk for satellites and space missions.
• The partnership aims to support technologies for safer space operations.
• It contributes to India's emerging space-sustainability ecosystem.

36. Four ports notified as Mega Ports

• The government notified four ports as Mega Ports.
• The move aims to strengthen India's maritime infrastructure.
• Mega-port development supports cargo handling and logistics.
• It is important for India's trade and port-led development strategy.

37. India joins UNCCD COP17

• India participated in UNCCD COP17 discussions.
• The conference focuses on land degradation, drought and desertification.
• India highlighted sustainable land management and restoration.
• Land degradation is closely connected with agriculture, water and rural livelihoods.

38. NGT International Environment Conference

• The National Green Tribunal hosted an international environment conference.
• Discussions covered environmental protection and climate-related challenges.
• The conference brought together experts and stakeholders.
• It strengthened India's environmental-justice and climate dialogue.

39. Indo-German Environment Forum 2026

• India and Germany held the 4th Indo-German Environment Forum.
• Theme: “Together for More Resilience.”
• Both sides discussed wetlands, biodiversity, circular economy and sustainable finance.
• India and Germany also adopted a Joint Declaration of Intent on conservation and wise use of wetlands.

40. World Circular Economy Forum

• India participated in the World Circular Economy Forum.
• The forum focuses on resource efficiency and waste reduction.
• Circular economy aims to keep resources and materials in use for longer.
• It supports sustainable production and consumption.

41. India–Sri Lanka cooperation

• India and Sri Lanka signed three MoUs in key areas.
• Cooperation included areas related to defence and other bilateral activities.
• The agreements strengthened India–Sri Lanka strategic cooperation.
• Maritime and regional security remain important elements of the relationship.

42. Tarang Shakti 2026

• Tarang Shakti 2026 was conducted as a major multinational air exercise.
• It provided an opportunity for participating air forces to conduct joint operations and training.
• The exercise improves interoperability and professional exchange.
• It strengthens India's defence cooperation with partner countries.

43. SLINEX-26

• SLINEX-26 is the India–Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise.
• It focuses on maritime cooperation and interoperability.
• Naval exercises include operational interaction and joint training.
• The exercise strengthens maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.

44. India’s first indigenous LNG-powered train

• India developed its first indigenous LNG-powered train.
• LNG can reduce emissions compared with conventional diesel in suitable applications.
• The project supports cleaner railway transport.
• It also reflects efforts to diversify railway fuel technologies.

45. Western Dedicated Freight Corridor

• Sections of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) progressed toward completion.
• The corridor is designed mainly for high-capacity freight movement.
• It connects important industrial and logistics centres.
• Dedicated freight corridors reduce pressure on passenger rail routes and improve freight efficiency.

46. Gujarat–Maharashtra infrastructure projects

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated/launched projects worth more than ₹35,000 crore across Gujarat and Maharashtra.
• Projects covered infrastructure and development sectors.
• The initiatives aim to strengthen connectivity and economic activity.
• Large infrastructure projects support regional industrial growth.

47. Railway multi-tracking projects

• The government approved railway multi-tracking projects worth about ₹20,804 crore.
• Multi-tracking increases railway capacity.
• It helps reduce congestion and improve train operations.
• The projects support faster movement of passengers and freight.

48. Next phase of UDAN

• The next phase of UDAN involved MoUs with 22 states/UTs.
• UDAN aims to improve regional air connectivity.
• The scheme supports affordable air travel and connectivity to underserved regions.
• It is an important component of India's regional aviation policy.

49. Mega Ports development

• The Mega Ports initiative aims to increase India's maritime capacity.
• Large ports can improve cargo-handling efficiency.
• The development supports India's role in international trade.
• Port infrastructure is also important for logistics costs and manufacturing competitiveness.

50. National Centre for AI in Bhubaneswar

• MeitY granted in-principle approval for an AI Centre of Excellence in Bhubaneswar.
• It will be implemented by Software Technology Parks of India (STPI).
• The centre will support AI innovation, startup incubation and deployment.
• The proposed facility covers about 10,000 sq. ft.

51. CBFC reconstituted

• The government reconstituted the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC).
• The new board has 18 members.
• The tenure is three years or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
• Shashi Shekhar Vempati continues as Chairperson.

52. Seva First Innovation Challenge

• Seva First Innovation Challenge (SFIC) was inaugurated at IISc Bengaluru.
• It encourages young people to identify community problems.
• The challenge focuses on scalable and practical solutions.
• Themes include clean India, prosperous farmers, health, education and security.

53. Arogya Manthan 2026

• Arogya Manthan 2026 was held in New Delhi.
• It marked 8 years of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and 5 years of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
• The event reviewed India's health-assurance and digital-health ecosystem.
• Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim and Jammu & Kashmir topped selected card-saturation categories.

54. India's first Victim Rights Centre

• India's first Victim Rights Centre was inaugurated in Patna, Bihar.
• It was inaugurated by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant.
• It provides legal, medical, psychological and social assistance through a single-window system.
• The centre also tracks cases until relief is delivered.

55. National Test House completes 115 years

• National Test House (NTH) celebrated its 115th Foundation Day.
• The event was held at its Jakkuru Campus in Bengaluru.
• NTH operates under the Department of Consumer Affairs.
• The NTH Suvidha mobile application was also launched.

56. India’s first National Centre of Excellence for swimming in North-East

• The new centre aims to provide advanced swimming training.
• It supports talent identification and athlete development.
• The facility strengthens sports infrastructure in the North-East.
• It is part of India's broader push to improve Olympic sports preparation.

57. DURGA Scheme

• A new initiative proposed support for women through pink electric autos.
• Around 1,300 pink e-autos were associated with the initiative.
• The scheme focuses on women's mobility and livelihood opportunities.
• It combines clean mobility with women's empowerment.

58. Social Justice Ministry–Art of Living MoU

• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment partnered with the Art of Living.
• The cooperation focuses on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
• The initiative promotes awareness and prevention of substance abuse.
• It supports community-level de-addiction and awareness efforts.

59. NSTFDC–HPCL smart classrooms

• NSTFDC and HPCL collaborated on smart classrooms.
• The initiative covers 29 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).
• It aims to improve digital education infrastructure.
• The programme supports educational opportunities for tribal students.

60. APEDA–InD Events Dubai cooperation

• APEDA partnered with InD Events Dubai.
• The cooperation aims to promote Indian agricultural and processed-food products.
• Dubai serves as an important export and trade hub.
• The initiative supports India's agricultural-export ecosystem.

61. FIFI–Eastern India Culinary Association MoU

• FIFI and the Eastern India Culinary Association entered into an MoU.
• The cooperation supports food and culinary-sector development.
• It aims to promote Indian cuisine and related businesses.
• Such partnerships support India's food and hospitality ecosystem.

62. IIIT-Bangalore–Taipei Computer Association cooperation

• IIIT-Bangalore signed a Letter of Intent with the Taipei Computer Association.
• The cooperation focuses on technology and digital-sector collaboration.
• It can strengthen industry-academia and international technology links.
• Taiwan is an important global hub for electronics and computing.

63. CISF–IIT Kanpur drone and anti-drone CoE

• CISF and IIT Kanpur collaborated on a Centre of Excellence.
• The focus is on drone and anti-drone technologies.
• Such systems are important for protecting critical infrastructure.
• The initiative combines security expertise with advanced research.

64. Pension Sakhis initiative

• Department of Rural Development and PFRDA signed an MoU.
• The initiative aims to expand pension awareness and coverage through Pension Sakhis.
• It focuses particularly on rural and underserved populations.
• Pension Sakhis can help people understand and access pension products.

65. National Service Scheme anniversary

• India observed the anniversary of the National Service Scheme (NSS).
• NSS promotes voluntary community service among students and youth.
• Activities focus on social service, awareness and community development.
• It plays an important role in youth participation.

66. Hindi Diwas 2026

• Hindi Diwas was observed on 14 September.
• It marks the day in 1949 when the Constituent Assembly adopted Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union.
• The 6th All India Official Language Conference was also organised.
• The event promotes the use of Hindi in official work.

67. Special Rajbhasha Utkrishtta Sammaan

• DARPG was selected for the special Rajbhasha Utkrishtta Sammaan 2025–26.
• It was recognised for sustained performance in implementing Hindi as the official language.
• DARPG had earlier won the Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar for two consecutive years.
• The award was linked with Hindi Diwas celebrations.

68. India hosts 18th BRICS Summit

• India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit 2026.
• The summit brought together BRICS member countries.
• India emphasised cooperation in areas including economic growth, technology and development.
• The New Delhi Declaration was adopted.

69. BRICS Business Forum

• The BRICS Business Forum brought together business and government representatives.
• Discussions focused on trade, investment and economic cooperation.
• The forum supports stronger business links among BRICS economies.
• It complements the official BRICS leaders' process.

70. BRICS Academic Forum

• The 18th BRICS Academic Forum was held in connection with India's BRICS presidency.
• It brought together researchers and academic institutions from BRICS countries.
• Discussions focused on development, technology and global cooperation.
• Academic cooperation forms an important part of BRICS people-to-people engagement.

71. BRICS Chief Justices' Forum

• The BRICS Chief Justices' Forum was held as part of India's BRICS activities.
• It focused on judicial cooperation and legal issues.
• The forum promotes exchange of experience among BRICS judiciaries.
• It strengthens institutional cooperation beyond economic matters.

72. BRICS Intellectual Property Offices meeting

• The 18th Meeting of Heads of BRICS Intellectual Property Offices was held.
• Discussions focused on intellectual-property cooperation.
• IP cooperation is important for innovation, technology and creative industries.
• It supports coordination among BRICS intellectual-property institutions.

73. G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting

• India participated in the G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting.
• Discussions focused on energy availability, security and affordability.
• Energy security is closely linked with economic growth.
• The meeting also addressed cooperation on energy systems.

74. ASEAN–India Agriculture and Forestry meeting

• India participated in the 9th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry.
• Discussions covered agriculture, food security and sustainable forestry.
• ASEAN–India cooperation is important for regional food and agricultural resilience.
• The meeting strengthens India's engagement with ASEAN.

75. East Asia Summit Economic Ministers' Meeting

• India participated in the 14th East Asia Summit–Economic Ministers' Meeting.
• Discussions focused on trade, investment and regional economic cooperation.
• The East Asia Summit brings together major Indo-Pacific economies.
• India uses the platform to strengthen regional economic engagement.

76. WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee

• The 79th WHO South-East Asia Regional Committee Session was held.
• India participated in discussions on regional health priorities.
• The meeting addresses public-health cooperation among South-East Asian countries.
• WHO regional committees help coordinate health policies and programmes.

77. Global Dryland Congress 2026

• The Global Dryland Congress 2026 focused on dryland ecosystems.
• Key issues include land degradation, drought resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
• Drylands are particularly vulnerable to climate and water stress.
• The discussions are relevant to India's land-restoration goals.

78. 6th All India Official Language Conference

• The 6th All India Official Language Conference was held during Hindi Diwas-related activities.
• It promotes Hindi in government administration.
• It also recognises achievements in official-language implementation.
• The event supports wider use of Indian languages in governance.

79. ET Infra Global Ports & Shipping Summit

• The ET Infra Global Ports & Shipping Summit 2026 focused on India's maritime sector.
• Discussions covered ports, shipping and logistics.
• Efficient ports are important for reducing trade and logistics costs.
• The event highlighted India's ambition to strengthen maritime infrastructure.

80. INNOPROM India 2026

• INNOPROM India 2026 focused on industrial and manufacturing cooperation.
• It provided a platform for technology and business partnerships.
• The event supports industrial investment and manufacturing collaboration.
• It is relevant to India's manufacturing and industrialisation goals.

81. National Conference of ANTF Heads

• The 3rd National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force Heads was held.
• It focused on combating drug trafficking and organised narcotics networks.
• Coordination among central and state agencies is important for enforcement.
• The conference supports the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign.

82. National Departmental Summit on Water

• A national-level departmental summit on water was organised.
• Discussions focused on water conservation and management.
• Efficient water management is important for agriculture, cities and industry.
• The summit supports India's long-term water-security goals.

83. Tarang Shakti air exercise

• Tarang Shakti brought together India and partner air forces.
• It provides opportunities for joint flying and operational training.
• It improves interoperability and exchange of best practices.
• Such exercises strengthen India's defence diplomacy.

84. Exercise Samudra Laksamana

• INS Mysore participated in the 4th India–Malaysia naval exercise Samudra Laksamana.
• The exercise was conducted with the Royal Malaysian Navy.
• Activities included harbour training, sea exercises and cross-deck visits.
• It strengthens maritime cooperation between India and Malaysia.

85. India–Malaysia naval cooperation

• India and Malaysia continued defence cooperation through naval exercises.
• Joint exercises improve operational coordination.
• They also strengthen maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.
• Defence cooperation is an important part of India's Act East policy.

86. ORV Sagar Manthan

• Sagar Manthan is an all-weather multidisciplinary ocean-research vessel.
• It measures about 89.5 metres in length and 18.8 metres in width.
• It has a projected service life of around 30 years.
• It is expected to be delivered and commissioned to NCPOR in 2028.

87. Deep Ocean Mission

• Sagar Manthan is being developed under the government's Deep Ocean Mission.
• It comes under the Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration component.
• The mission supports India's deep-sea research and resource exploration.
• It strengthens India's ocean-science capabilities.

88. India's space-debris mitigation efforts

• Indian companies are developing technologies to address space debris.
• Space debris can damage operational satellites and spacecraft.
• Debris mitigation is increasingly important as satellite constellations expand.
• India's space sector is moving toward greater participation by private companies.

89. Optical satellite communication

• Optical Inter-Satellite Links use lasers instead of conventional radio waves.
• They can provide high-speed satellite-to-satellite communication.
• The technology can support secure and high-capacity space networks.
• It is especially useful for LEO satellite constellations.

90. Semiconductor workforce development

• India's semiconductor initiatives include developing a skilled workforce.
• Training covers areas such as semiconductor assembly, testing and packaging.
• Workforce development is essential for building a domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
• It complements investment in chip manufacturing.

91. Semiconductor ATMP and OSAT

• India's semiconductor ecosystem is developing capabilities in ATMP and OSAT.
• ATMP means Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging.
• OSAT means Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test.
• These activities are critical stages of semiconductor manufacturing.

92. Akasa Air uses SAF blend

• Akasa Air operated a commercial flight using ATF blended with 1% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
• The SAF-blended fuel was supplied by BPCL.
• The flight operated from Mumbai to Goa.
• The initiative supports India's aviation decarbonisation efforts.

93. SAF adoption in Indian aviation

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel can reduce aviation-sector carbon emissions.
• Airlines and fuel companies are exploring SAF supply and blending.
• BPCL and Akasa Air had earlier signed an MoU on SAF adoption.
• SAF is an important part of the global aviation industry's transition toward lower emissions.

94. Circular economy initiatives

• Government and industry initiatives increasingly focus on the circular economy.
• Circular economy reduces waste by reusing, repairing and recycling resources.
• It supports resource efficiency and sustainable production.
• Biofuels, waste-to-resource projects and recycling are key examples.

95. Biofuel and biomass utilisation

• BPCL and Centre for Science and Environment signed an MoU on biofuels and biomass utilisation.
• Areas include Compressed Biogas (CBG) and waste-to-resource solutions.
• They will also examine useful by-products such as fermented organic manure and digestate.
• The partnership supports India's circular-economy and clean-energy goals.

96. NITI Aayog e-FAST India

• e-FAST India stands for Electric Freight Accelerator for Sustainable Transport – India.
• It is led by NITI Aayog.
• The platform focuses on medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks.
• It aims to accelerate clean freight transport.

97. ZET Marketplace

• ZET Marketplace means Zero Emission Truck Marketplace.
• It connects stakeholders involved in electric trucking.
• It can support fleet operators, manufacturers and other industry participants.
• The platform complements the PACT initiative.

98. India’s climate-resilient agriculture push

• Climate-resilient agriculture is receiving increased policy attention.
• NABARD and IMD's DiCRA partnership provides weather and climate information.
• Data can support better crop planning and agricultural-risk assessment.
• It can also help financial institutions assess agriculture-related credit risks.

99. India strengthens maritime infrastructure

• India continued developing mega ports, freight corridors and shipping infrastructure.
• Maritime infrastructure is important for India's export and import competitiveness.
• Port-led development can reduce logistics costs.
• It also supports India's ambition to become a major global manufacturing and trade hub.

100. Atmanirbhar Bharat remains a major national focus

• Defence, semiconductors, space, railways and digital technology remained important areas of self-reliance.
• Government initiatives increasingly encourage indigenous manufacturing and technology.
• Public-private partnerships are playing a larger role.
• The overall objective is to strengthen India's domestic capabilities and reduce strategic dependence on imports.