Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 13th March 2025

1. India’s retail inflation declined to a seven-month low level. 

• It stood at 3.6% in February 2025 after decline. This was caused by a decrease in food prices.
• The consumer price index increased by 4.26% in January 2025. 
• Inflation has slowed for the fourth consecutive month. It is now below the RBI's target of 4%. 
• Inflation in February 2025 dropped by 65 basis points compared to January. 
• This is the lowest year-on-year inflation since July 2024. 
• The Consumer Food Price Index rose by only 3.75% in February 2025. 
• This was the slowest growth in nearly two years. 
• Vegetable prices fell by 1%. Wheat prices rose by 8.8% in February 2025. 
• Pulses and related products saw a 1.35% decline in February 2025. 
• This marked the first negative inflation for this category in the current fiscal year. 
• Inflation in urban areas slowed to 3.3%. This declined from 3.9% in January 2025. 
• Rural areas saw inflation fall to 3.8%, down from 4.6% in January 2025. 
• Kerala had the highest inflation rate at 7.3%. Telangana had the lowest at 1.3%. Inflation in nine of the 22 states exceeded 4%. 

2. Third edition of the Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors (PM-YUVA 3.0) has been introduced by the Ministry of Education. 

• Under the scheme, young writers under 30 will be offered mentorship. 
• It aims to foster a culture of reading, writing, and books across India. 
• The scheme builds on past editions, which included participation from young authors in 22 Indian languages and English. 
• The program focuses on three themes: the Indian diaspora’s role in nation-building, the Indian Knowledge System, and makers of modern India from 1950 to 2025. 
• The National Book Trust, India, will manage the execution of PM-YUVA 3.0. 
• Selected works will be published and translated into various Indian languages. 
• The program will include interactions with experienced writers. 
• PM-YUVA 3.0 will start with a nationwide contest on MyGov from March 11 to April 10. 
• Fifty young authors will be selected: 10 for the Indian diaspora theme, 20 for the Indian Knowledge System, and 20 for modern India’s makers. 

3. India’s unincorporated sector registered a 12.84% growth. 

• The unincorporated non-agricultural sector of India witnessed a remarkable growth of 12.84%. 
• As per the latest Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2023-24), the number of enterprises increased by 12.84%. 
• This survey has been conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI). 
• The number of establishments in the sector has increased to 7.34 crore in 2023-24 up from 6.50 crore in the previous year. 
• Employment in these enterprises also saw a significant boost between October 2023 and September 2024, crossing 12 crore workers. 
• This surge in employment reflects the resilience of small businesses and informal enterprises. 
• The unincorporated sector comprised manufacturing, trade, and services (excluding construction). 
• The report highlights the importance of these enterprises in providing livelihood opportunities, particularly in states like West Bengal, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu. 
• Government initiatives like Mudra Yojana and Startup India have played a pivotal role in encouraging entrepreneurship and expanding the informal sector. 

4. European Union will impose counter tariffs on 26 billion euros worth of U.S. goods. 

• The European Union has decided to impose counter tariffs on 26 billion euros ($28.33 billion) worth of U.S. goods from April 2025. 
• European Union has taken this decision in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium. 
• The increased tariffs on all US steel and aluminium imports has took effect from 12th March 2025. 
• The European Union will end the current suspension of tariffs on U.S. products on April 1. 
• It will implement a new package of countermeasures on U.S. goods by mid-April. 

5. Tejas fighter jet successfully test-fired air-to-air Astra missile. 

• The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) successfully conducted the Astra, a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), from the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) AF MK1 prototype. 
• The test has been carried out off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha. 
• The Astra missile directly hit the flying target, showcasing its accuracy and effectiveness. 
• The Astra missile is designed to engage targets more than 100 kilometres. 
• Its advanced guidance and navigation systems enable it to destroy targets with exceptional precision. 
• The missile has already been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF). 
• This achievement is tireless efforts by the combined teams of scientists, engineers, and technicians from ADA, DRDO, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). 

6. India’s industrial production rose to 5 per cent in January.

• India’s industrial production has increased from 3.2 per cent in December to 5 per cent in January. 
• As per the latest data, manufacturing grew 5.5 percent in January, mining activity increased by 4.4 percent, and electricity generation grew by 2.4 percent. 
• The government has also revised the December 2024 industrial output figure to 3.5 per cent from the provisional estimate of 3.2 per cent. 
• Mining production growth declined to 4.4 per cent from 6 per cent year-on-year. 
• Power output growth declined to 2.4 per cent in January 2025 from 5.6 per cent a year ago. 
• The capital goods segment growth increased to 7.8 per cent in January 2024 against 3.2 per cent in the year-ago period. 
• Infrastructure/construction goods reported a growth of 7 per cent in January 2025, up from a 5.5 per cent expansion in the year-ago period. 

7. The Oilfields Amendment Bill 2024 passed by Parliament, with approval from the Lok Sabha. 

• The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, has been passed by Parliament, with its approval by the Lok Sabha on 12 March. 
• In 2024, the Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha in December. 
• The Bill seeks to amend the existing law governing exploration and production of oil and gas as well as to differentiate petroleum operations from mining operations. 
• The purpose of the bill is to amend the Oil Fields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948. 
• It expands the definition of mineral oils to include naturally occurring hydrocarbons, coal bed methane, and shale gas. 
• The law clarifies that coal, lignite, or helium will not be included in mineral oils. 
• India's long-term strategy for energy security revolves around the trinity of affordability, availability, and sustainability, and the country has achieved all three very successfully. 
• India currently imports from 40 countries. 

8. Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute inaugurated by PM Modi and the Prime Minister of Mauritius. 

• On 12 March, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation was jointly inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi and Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam in Reduit, Mauritius. 
• This landmark project, implemented under the India-Mauritius Development Partnership, underlines India's commitment to capacity building in Mauritius. 
• The state-of-the-art institute will cater to the training needs of Mauritian civil servants across ministries, public offices, parastatal bodies, and government enterprises. 
• It is funded through a grant of US$ 4.74 million under a 2017 MoU. 
• The institute will also serve as a centre for learning, research, and public service, fostering new ideas and leadership for the future. 

9. Nationwide campaigns to boost financial literacy launched by the RBI and the National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE). 

• With the aim of promoting financial literacy, various financial literacy programmes have been launched which are as follows: 
• Financial Literacy Centres (FLCs): Leading banks to set up FLCs to conduct special camps for various target groups. 
• “RBI Kehta Hai” Campaign: A multi-media, multilingual initiative promoting financial literacy and safe banking practices. 
• Mass Media Campaign: Organizing to spread financial awareness among all age groups. 
• Financial Awareness Messages (FAME): A booklet developed by RBI with standardized content for various target groups, including senior citizens, to meet the requirements of the general audience for financial awareness on important banking aspects. 
• National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE) & Centre for Financial Literacy (CFL) Initiative: Organizing Financial Education (FE) programs for persons below 18 years and above 60 years of age. 
• In addition, NCFE is developing and implementing the National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE) in consultation with financial sector regulators. 
• The aim of this move is to empower various sections of the population through various financial awareness programs and initiatives by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors required to manage their finances effectively and plan for a secure future. 
• Madhya Pradesh government's aim is to raise the state's GDP to Rs 250 trillion by 2047. 

10. India and Mauritius have decided to elevate their partnership to the level of an Enhanced Strategic Partnership. 

• India and Mauritius will work on the development and launch of the India-Mauritius satellite. 
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will provide training to Mauritian scientists and experts. 
• Both sides also agreed to implement advanced weather and climate forecasting systems, including Wave Rider Buoys and a Multi-hazard Emergency System. 
• A development partnership project has been also proposed by India. 
• It would use Earth Observation Applications and an interactive computing framework to help Mauritius in monitoring extreme weather events and to study climate impacts more effectively. 
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a state visit to Mauritius from March 11 to 12, 2025. 

11. Odisha govt disburses ₹5,000 cr under Subhadra Yojana

• The Odisha government has disbursed ₹5,000 crore under the Subhadra Yojana, benefiting 1.18 crore women across the state. 
• The scheme aims to provide financial assistance to married women, enhancing their economic empowerment and social security. 
• The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday in Odisha on September 17, 2024. 

About Odisha 

• Capital – Bhubaneswar 
• Chief Minister – Mohan Charan Majhi (replace Naveen Patnaik) 
• Deputy CM – KV Singhdeo and Pravati Parida 
• Governor – Hari Babu Kambhampati 
• Legislative Assembly Seat – 147 

12. Maharashtra Disburses ₹17,000 Crore to 2.38 Crore Women Under Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana 

• The Maharashtra government disbursed over ₹17,000 crore in financial assistance to 2.38 crore women in a period of seven months since it launched the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana last year. 
• The State has launched Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana in June 2024, with the objectives to promote rehabilitation, economic development and empowerment of women and girls in the age group 21 to 65 years. 
• Through the disbursement of ₹1,500 per month, the scheme intends to rehabilitate women economically and socially, to make them self-reliant, to promote their empowerment and to improve the health and nutritional status of women and children dependent on them. 

About Maharashtra 

• Capital – Mumbai 
• Chief Minister – Devendra Fadnavis (3rd time) 
• Deputy Chief Minister – Eknath Sindhe & Ajit Pawar 
• Governor – C P Radhakrishnan 
• Legislative Assembly Speaker – Rahul Narwekar 

13. India takes part in the 69th Session of UNCSW starting in New York 

• A delegation of the Government of India, led by Annpurna Devi, Union Minister of Women and Child Development (WCD), participated in the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, which started on 10 March 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. 
• The session witnessed large-scale participation from all UN member states, intergovernmental organizations, the private sector, philanthropists, academia, civil society, women’s collectives, and UN agencies. 
• At the 69th CSW session, the Minister held bilateral meetings with leaders including Ms Melrose Karminty (Sierra Leone), Mr Sodyq S. Safoev (Uzbekistan), Dr Vindhya Persaud (Guyana), and Ms Antonia Orellana Guarello (Chile) to strengthen cooperation on gender equality and social welfare. 
• CSW is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality, the rights and the empowerment of women. 
• A functional commission of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the forthcoming session of the Commission will be held from 10th to 21st March, 2025. 

14. APEDA Showcases India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Excellence at the 39th Edition of AAHAR 2025 

• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) showcased India’s agricultural and processed food excellence at the 39th edition of AAHAR 2025, organized by the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. 
• The event marked a significant milestone in highlighting India’s prowess in the agriculture and food processing sector. 
• APEDA facilitated the participation of 95 exhibitors, including Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), entrepreneurs, and manufacturing companies from 17 States, including Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Hyderabad, Kerala, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, as well as Union Territories such as Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Jammu & Kashmir. 
• The participation of states and UTs showcased India’s strength in the agriculture and processed food sectors while highlighting the collaborative spirit driving innovation and growth within the industry. 

15. ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission,’ a visionary initiative aimed at expanding access to India’s vast repository of knowledge 

• The National Archives of India (NAI) celebrated its 135th Foundation Day on 11th March 2025 with an exhibition titled “Indian Heritage through Architecture.” Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has inaugurated the exhibition. 
• The exhibition showcased India’s rich cultural heritage as reflected in its diverse architectural marvels, spanning thousands of years and encompassing a variety of styles, influences, and historical periods. 
• From the ancient Indus Valley Civilization to medieval temples, Mughal monuments, and colonial-era structures, Indian architecture narrates the nation’s spiritual, cultural, and historical evolution. 
• On this occasion, the National Archives of India also launched a book titled ‘Thumb Printed: Champaran, Indigo Peasants Speak to Gandhi Volume III.’ This volume contains 423 testimonies, including 143 principal testators, among whom five were women, 11 were minors, 76 signed the documents, and four had no signature or thumb impression. 
• The National Archives of India, an attached office under the Ministry of Culture, was originally established as the Imperial Record Department on 11 March 1891 in Kolkata (Calcutta). 
• Following the transfer of the capital to Delhi in 1911, the present NAI building, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, was completed in 1926. The complete transfer of records from Calcutta to New Delhi was finalized in 1937. The National Archives of India also serves as the nodal agency for implementing the Public Records Act, 1993, and the Public Record Rules, 1997. 

16. IIFA Awards celebrated its silver jubilee edition in Jaipur 

• The International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards has completed 25 years this year. Its Silver Jubilee edition was celebrated this year in Jaipur on March 8, 2025. 
• IIFA 2025 Full List of Winners IIFA Awards

17. 10 March – CISF Raising Day 

• CISF Raising Day is celebrated every year on 10th March to mark the establishment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) in 1969. 
• The day recognizes the contribution of CISF in safeguarding India’s critical infrastructure, public sector undertakings (PSUs), airports, metro networks, government buildings, and various strategic installations. 

18. 4.21-lakh-crore Madhya Pradesh budget focuses on industrial growth 

• M adhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Jagdish Devda on Wednesday presented the budget for 2025-26 in the Assembly, with a total outlay of 4,21,032 crore and a focus on sectors such as industry and agriculture. 
• This is the first budget of the State that has crossed the 4-lakh-crore mark. It is about 15% higher than the previous budget of 23.65 lakh crore. The budget also estimates a revenue surplus of ₹618 crore. 
• Mr. Devda said no provisions for new taxes or any increase in existing taxes have been made this year. "Our target is to increase the per capita annual in-come from 21.42 lakh to 22.35 lakh," he said. 
• The Minister said capital expenditure is expected to increase by 31% compared with last year. The fiscal deficit is estimated to be 78, 
• Mr. Devda said 39 new industrial areas will be developed on 14,500 acres across the State. He an-nounced 258,257 crore for agriculture, ₹23,533 crore for health, 19,000 crore for energy, ₹18,715 crore for urban development, and 19,050 crore for rural development. The amount for urban development also includes ₹2,000 crore for the preparations of Simhastha Kumbh Mela, scheduled in Ujjain in 2028. 
• The Finance Minister also allocated 18,669 crore for the government's flag-ship Ladli Behna scheme. He said the 1.27 crore beneficiaries of the scheme, under which eligible women receive monthly aid of 1,250, will be linked with Central schemes like Atal Pension Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana. However, по increase was announced in the monthly payout as promised by the BJP in its manifesto ahead of the 2023 Assembly election. 

'Focus on GYAN' 

• Mr. Devda said the budget is focused on GYAN (Garib, Yuva, Annadata and Nari) with the aim of doubling the size of the budget in the next five years. 
• Congress MLAs staged a protest inside the Assemb-ly, wearing shackles and carrying black bundles on their heads to symbolise the "burden on the public" due to the government's debt. They later staged a walkout from the House. 

19. Will hire 26,000 govt. vacancies next year: Rajasthan CM 

• Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Wednesday said the State government will hold recruitment for 26,000 va-cancies next year. The Chief Minister also announced a scheme to promote youth employment and an initiative to make villages poverty free to resolve the issues of unem-ployment and destitution. 
• Sharing a breakup, Mr. Sharma said 10,000 school teachers, 4,000 patwaris (revenue officials), and 1,750 employees in the Forest Department will be hired in 2026. 
• He added that under the youth employment promotion scheme, one-time financial assistance of ₹10,000 will be given, while ₹350 crore will be al-located for the first phase of the poverty-free village scheme for the benefit of the Below Poverty Line families. 
• Mr. Sharma made the announcements in the Assembly while replying to the debate on the 2025-26 State budget, which was tabled on February 19. 
• The Chief Minister said the budget will allow the government to access the funds needed to make Ra-jasthan a developed State. 

State's priorities 

• "Health, education, and employment will be the State government's priorities," he said. 
• Mr. Sharma targeted the Opposition Congress, saying its leaders lacked the vision for development and were embroiled in "internal conspiracies". 
• The Chief Minister praised the "selfless work" of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and said its critics could not match its contribution to society and the nation. 
• The Finance and Appro-priation Bills were passed in the House by voice vote after Mr. Sharma's two-hour-long speech. 

20. Sambhal predates Islam, finds mention in 5,000-year-old Hindu scriptures: Adityanath 

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday claimed that Sambhal is mentioned in the ancient Hindu scrip-tures and predates Islam by 2,000 years. 
• Sambhal has been on alert since November 24 last year after communal riots broke out following a survey of Shahi Jama Masjid in the west U.P. district. 
• Addressing an event organised by RSS-leaning weeklies Organiser and Panchjanya in Lucknow, the CM said, "Sambhal represents a historical truth. It is mentioned in the 5,000-year-old Puranas. This is where Lord Vish-nu's 10th incarnation appeared." "In 1526, Lord Vishnu's temple in Sambhal was demolished. Two years later, the Ram temple in Ayodhya was destroyed," Mr. Adityanath said, attributing both acts to Mir Baqi, a Mughal commander. "The ongoing excavation in Sambhal has uncovered 18 pilgrimage sites so far," he said, adding that the district has 68 such places. 
• He also criticised those"who admire [Mughal emperor] Aurangzeb". 
• The Chief Minister said Kumbh events during the time that the Congress and the Samajwadi Party were in power were disorderly and mismanaged. "Be it the 1954 Kumbh tragedy, where over 1,000 people lost their lives, or 2013, when a visiting premier shed tears after witnessing the filth at Sangam, Kumbh was turned into a hub of chaos and dirt by the previous governments. Today, the same people are questioning the arrangements made by us," he said. Mr. Adityanath added that under the previous go-vernments, land mafias took control of historic sites in Prayagraj, including Akshay Vat, Mata Saraswati Koop, and Patalpuri, and damaged them. 

21. Parliamentary panel asks Centre to spend more on agriculture, rename Ministry 

• The Standing Committee of Parliament on Agricul-ture, headed by former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, has recommended a change in the name of the Union Agriculture Ministry to reflect the importance of farm workers, too. 
• The panel, in its report tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, has also demanded a comprehensive crop insurance plan for small-holding farmers. 
• The committee said the name of the 'Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare' may be changed to 'Department of Agriculture, Farmers and Farm Labourers Welfare'. The renaming offers several potential benefits as it would acknowledge the significant role of farm labourers in the agricultural sector, the panel said. 
• 'Frequently overlooked' "Farm labourers, who often belong to marginalised communities, are a critical part of the agricultural workforce but are fre-quently overlooked in policy discussions and welfare schemes," the committee said, recommending the establishment of a 'National Commission for Minimum Living Wages for Farm Labourers' to address wage disparities and improve living standards. 
• The panel requested the Ministry to put in place required processes and mechanisms to monitor the usage of funds at regular intervals, and to address the issues that may hamper the entire spending of the allocated amounts. 
• The committee recom-mended minimum support price (MSP) for all organic crops, in addition to the MSP declared on the traditional crops. "However, the demand for MSP on organic produce should not undermine the broader MSP demand based on the Swaminathan formula," it said. 

22. Popularise fortified grain scheme especially in States with rice-heavy diets: panel 

• Even as civil society organisations are raising concerns over fortified rice, the Standing Committee оп Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution headed by DMK MP Kanimozhi has recommended the Centre to ensure meticulous implementation of the scheme of distribution of fortified rice across the country, with particular emphasis on the States where rice is a staple food. 
• The panel hoped that such a step will contribute to eradicating malnutrition, improving the overall health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations. 
• A report of the panel, tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, observed that there are differences between the revised estimates and actual expenditure under the capital section of the Budget during 2024-25 and recommended the Ministry to adopt a more ac-curate and informed ap-proach while preparing future estimates. budgetary 
• It asked the Union Food Ministry to manage and monitor funds allocated for food subsidy carefully to ensure reach of free foodgrains to the intended beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) with minimum wastage.
• It expressed concern that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) has not achieved its physical as well as financial targets set for setting up of godowns for storage during the past three years. 
• It recommended the Centre to formulate an implementation strategy to achieve the targets and solve these issues effectively and in a timely manner. 
• The committee, in another report, called for an immediate action to fill vacancies in consumer commissions at the State and district levels, addressing staffing gaps to improve the functioning of the Strengthening of Consumer Commissions (SCC) Scheme. 

23. Immigration and Foreigners Bill not connected to grant of citizenship, says official 

• A day after the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 was introduced in Parliament, a government official clarified that the legislation is not connected with any matters related to grant of citizenship. 
• The official said the Bill was a comprehensive legis-lation to regulate all mat-ters relating to foreigners and immigration that are currently administered through four Acts the Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act, 2000. The four Acts are proposed to be repealed. The official said the Bill retained several provisions in the four Acts, and it also Move to ensure better compliance of foreigners with the immigration laws had certain new provisions to meet the present day requirements. This Bill was in line with the Government of India's policy of simplification of laws, ease of doing business and minimising burden. compliance 
• "Key provisions in the Bill include mandatory requirement of valid travel documents for entry into, stay in and exit from India, constitution of a Bureau of Immigration, power for deportation of illegal foreigners from India, mandatory reporting of information about foreigners by hotels, universities and educational institutions and hospitals, nursing homes etc. to enable tracking of overstaying foreigners, obliga-tion of carriers to share in-formation on passengers as per international prac-tices, compounding of cer-tain offences to enable ease of compliance burden," the official said. 
• The simplified language in the Bill was likely to help in smooth administration of the provisions and ensure better compliance of foreigners with the immi-gration laws. "It will provide adequate legal backing to immigration functions, its agencies and functionaries, help in tackling the problem of illegal migration into India and facilitate tracking of movement of overstaying foreigners in India. It will also help in reducing the compliance burden," the official said. 

24. 'Design stage of small modular nuclear reactor completed’ 

• The "concept design" stage of India's proposed Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR) has been completed and is in the process of being approved. Once the project is sanctioned, it will take 60 to 72 months for the reactor to be constructed, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said in the Lok Sabha in response to a query on Wednesday. 
• The BSMRs are modified versions of India's existing Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PWHR) and will have a capacity of 200 MW each. They will be fuelled by "slightly enriched uranium" and are being jointly designed and developed by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and Nuclear Power Corporation of In-dia Ltd. (NPCIL). 
• Manufacturing and delivery of equipment and components will be carried out through various indigenous nuclear vendors developed by the Department Of Atomic Energy (DAE). "Critical items", such as low alloy steel forg-ings required for manufac-turing the reactor pressure vessel and reactivity control drive mechanisms, will be procured by domestic private vendors. These BSMRS will be used by energy intensive industries such as steel, aluminium, and cement for captive power and can be set up by repurposing thermal power plants that are to be decommissioned. They can also provide electricity in remote places. 
• The BSMR was based on the "globally proven" pressurised water reactor technology. It was equipped with passive safety features as well as several engineered safety systems to 
• The BSMR was based on the 'globally proven' pressurised water reactor technology. It was equipped with passive safety features to ensure nuclear safety during accidents. Systems were planned to handle spent fuel and its storage in-situ, Mr. Singh's written response noted. 
• In her Budget speech in July 2024, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government would be partnering with the private sector for setting up Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs), research and development of BSMRs, and research & development of newer tech-nologies for nuclear energy. 
• The government has committed ₹20,000 crore for setting up the first of these by 2033. 
• India expects to have 100 GW (gigawatt) of nuclear power installed by 2047. 

25. Indian Railways to dig ponds under govt's Mission Amrit Sarovar 

• The Indian Railways will dig ponds as part of the Union government's Mission Amrit Sarovar that aims to address the critical issue of water scarcity in the country. 
• Amrit Sarovar was launched in April 2022 with the ambitious goal of constructing or rejuvenating 75 pounds in each district of the country. The project made significant progress and as of October 2024, more than 68,000 ponds have been completed, rejuvenating surface and groundwater availability in various regions. These ponds have not only addressed immediate water needs but also established sustainable water resources.
• Phase 2 of the mission was launched with a renewed focus on ensuring water availability, with community participation (Jan Bhagidaari) at its core. It aims to strengthen climate resilience, foster ecological balance, and deliver lasting benefits for future generations. 
• As part of these initiatives, the government roped in the Railways for desilting, excavating iden-tified water bodies or con-structing new ones at suitable sites in the vicinity of railway lines.
• The mission was launched with the goal of constructing 75 pounds in each district of the country. 
• Railway authorities were told to request the respective district authorities to identify possible sites for the creation of new water bodies near rail-way worksites. 
• The excavated material would be used in railway embankments, wherever the quality of the soil is found suitable for rail construction. 
• The Railways would work in close coordination with the Rural Development Ministry. 
• The Union government has sent letters to the Chief Secretaries of all the States and Union Territories on the role of the Railways in Mission Amrit Sarovar, sources said, adding that a substantial number of ponds would be rejuvenated or constructed by August 15. 

26. Two new schemes for Tripura's girl child declared by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda. 

• These two new schemes of the Tripura government are for the girl children of the state, named Mukhyamantri Balika Samridhi Yojana and Mukhyamantri Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana. 
• Nadda made the announcement while addressing a huge gathering at Swami Vivekananda Maidan to celebrate the completion of two years of the BJP-led Tripura Government 2.0.
• Under the Mukhyamantri Balika Samriddhi Yojana, it involves a deposit of a bond of ₹50,000 by the government in the name of every girl born in a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family in Tripura. 
• On reaching the age of 18, the girl will get the bond, which will have a maturity value of ₹8-10 lakh. 
• Under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana, initially a target was set to provide scooties to the top 100 girl students in the Higher Secondary examination. 
• However, under the revised provisions of the scheme, scooties will now be awarded to 140 meritorious girl students from all boards.