Highlights
- Environment: IMO approved a net-zero framework for shipping emissions. Ships over 5,000 GT will face carbon pricing from 2027.
- Security: Operation Sindoor details emerged. Missiles used include SCALP (450 km), HAMMER (70 km), BrahMos (Mach 2.8) and loitering munitions.
- Energy: The revised SHAKTI policy for coal allocation replaced eight categories with a two-window system.
- Governance: CBI Director Praveen Sood received a one-year extension under the DSPE Act, 1946.
- History: Russia honoured Biju Patnaik with a memorial plaque for his supply missions to Stalingrad (1942-43).
1. IMO net-zero shipping framework
GS area: International Relations, Environment, Governance
The International Maritime Organization approved a binding net-zero emissions framework for the shipping industry.
- Target: Net-zero emissions by around 2050.
- Coverage: Ships over 5,000 gross tonnes, which account for 85 per cent of maritime CO₂ emissions.
- Legal basis: A new Chapter 5 of MARPOL Annex VI.
- Mechanism: A Global Fuel Standard (GFI) sets carbon intensity limits on marine fuels. A carbon pricing element adds a levy. Revenues collected go to an IMO Net-Zero Fund redistributed to developing and island nations.
- Implementation start: 2027.
- Significance: This is the first sector-wide carbon pricing mechanism for an entire industrial sector under international treaty law.
Static linkage: International maritime law, MARPOL, climate finance, shipping and India's trade.
2. Operation Sindoor: missiles and strategy
GS area: National Security, Defence Technology
The weapon systems used in Operation Sindoor revealed significant advances in India's precision strike capability.
- Targets: 21 terror camps across 9 locations in Pakistan and PoK.
- SCALP missile: Made by MBDA (France). A stealth cruise missile with a range of 450 km using INS and GPS guidance. Designed for deep-strike against hardened targets.
- HAMMER bomb: A precision-guided munition with a range of 70 km. Used for shorter-range precision strikes.
- BrahMos: India-Russia joint venture. Speed Mach 2.8 to 3. Carries a 200 to 300 kg warhead with fire-and-forget precision. This was its first combat use.
- Loitering munitions: Kamikaze-style drones that loiter over a target area before striking. Also known as suicide drones.
- Strategic significance: All weapons minimise collateral damage through precision guidance. The combination demonstrates standoff strike capability without ground incursion.
Static linkage: Defence technology, India-Pakistan conflict, strike doctrine.
3. Revised SHAKTI policy for coal allocation
GS area: Energy Policy, Economic Infrastructure
The Cabinet approved the revised SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) policy for coal allocation to thermal power plants.
- Nodal ministries: Ministry of Coal and Ministry of Power.
- New structure: Two windows replace the earlier eight categories.
- Window I: For central and state government power generation companies with Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Coal supplied at notified prices.
- Window II: Open to any generator without a PPA. Coal allocated on a premium basis through competitive bidding.
- Key benefits: Greater transparency, flexibility in coal procurement and substitution of coal imports. Plants operating under Window II can sell power freely in electricity exchanges.
Static linkage: Energy security, coal sector reform, power sector governance.
4. CBI and its statutory framework
GS area: Governance, Polity
CBI Director Praveen Sood received a one-year extension in tenure.
- Established: 1 April 1963, following the Santhanam Committee on prevention of corruption.
- Legal basis: Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946. The CBI derives its investigative power from this Act.
- Tenure: Fixed two-year term, extendable up to five years total.
- Appointment committee: Three-member committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition and the Chief Justice of India or a nominee.
- Functions: Anti-corruption investigations, economic offences, special crimes involving national interest, Interpol liaison.
The appointment and tenure mechanism was strengthened after Supreme Court rulings on insulating the CBI director from political interference.
Static linkage: CBI, DSPE Act, anti-corruption institutions.
5. Biju Patnaik and Battle of Stalingrad
GS area: Modern Indian History, International Relations
Russia honoured former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik with a memorial plaque at the Russian embassy in New Delhi for his contributions during the Battle of Stalingrad.
- Biju Patnaik: Born 1916 in Cuttack. Served as a Royal Indian Air Force pilot and flew supply missions to Stalingrad (1942-43) during World War II.
- Battle of Stalingrad: Fought from July 1942 to February 1943. A turning point in World War II. The Soviet victory halted the German eastward advance.
- Other contributions: Patnaik also participated in the Quit India Movement of 1942 and assisted the Indonesian independence struggle.
- Recognition: A memorial plaque was unveiled at the Russian embassy in New Delhi.
Static linkage: Modern Indian history, World War II, India-Russia relations.
6. CCRAS revives Ayurvedic manuscripts
GS area: Culture, Science and Technology, Traditional Knowledge
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under the Ministry of AYUSH revived two rare Ayurvedic Nighantu manuscripts.
- Dravyaratnakara Nighantu: Authored by Mudgala Pandita in 1480 CE. Contains 18 chapters covering medicinal substances (materia medica).
- Dravyanamakara Nighantu: Attributed to Bhisma Vaidya. Contains 182 verses on drug nomenclature.
- Significance: Clarifies drug names and supports the Rasashastra (mercury-based formulations) and Bhaishajya Kalpana (pharmaceutical preparations) disciplines within Ayurveda.
Static linkage: Ayurveda, traditional knowledge systems, Ministry of AYUSH.
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