1 . Borjuli Biodiversity Heritage Site
Syllabus Mapping: GS3: Environment & Biodiversity; Conservation; Agrobiodiversity
- Borjuli Wild Rice Site in Sonitpur district, Assam, has been notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), marking a major milestone in conserving India’s wild rice genetic resources.
- The recognition was accorded under the NRAA-funded project “In-situ Conservation and Management of Wild Rice (Oryza rufipogon) in Sonitpur District of Assam.”
- The project has been implemented since 2022 by ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in collaboration with the Assam State Biodiversity Board.
- The site conserves Oryza rufipogon, the wild ancestor of cultivated rice, an invaluable source of genes for climate resilience, pest and disease resistance, and higher yields.
- The notification strengthens in-situ conservation of plant genetic resources and promotes climate-resilient agriculture.
- Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) are notified under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 by the State Government, in consultation with local bodies.
- Declaration as a BHS does not automatically prohibit traditional livelihood or agricultural practices compatible with conservation objectives.
- With Borjuli’s notification, Assam now has three Biodiversity Heritage Sites—Majuli, Borjuli Wild Rice Site, and Hajong Tortoise Lake.
2. Insurance Surety Bonds (ISBs) for Coal Blocks
Syllabus Mapping: GS3: Indian Economy; Mining Sector; Ease of Doing Business; Infrastructure
- The Ministry of Coal has amended the Coal Blocks Allocation Rules, 2017 through the Coal Blocks Allocation (Amendment) Rules, 2026, allowing Insurance Surety Bonds (ISBs) as an alternative to Performance Bank Guarantees (PBGs) for coal blocks allocated under the MMDR Act, 1957.
- Coal block allocatees can now choose between a Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG) and an Insurance Surety Bond (ISB) to fulfil performance security obligations.
- Existing allocatees are also permitted to replace previously furnished PBGs with ISBs, subject to prescribed conditions.
- The reform aims to reduce financial burden, free up working capital and improve ease of doing business in the coal sector.
- Insurance Surety Bonds are insurer-backed financial guarantees that ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled if the principal defaults.
- Initially applicable to coal blocks allocated under the MMDR Act, 1957; the provision will be extended to blocks under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015.
- The amendment strengthens commercial coal mining, facilitates faster mine development and improves access to alternative financial instruments.
- Insurance Surety Bond (ISB): A financial guarantee issued by an insurance company instead of a bank.
- Guarantees performance of contractual obligations.
- If the contractor/defaulting party fails to perform, the insurer compensates the beneficiary up to the guaranteed amount.
- Unlike a Bank Guarantee, it does not block the borrower’s bank credit limits, improving liquidity.
- Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG): A guarantee issued by a scheduled commercial bank.
- Ensures fulfilment of contractual obligations.
- Invoked if the contractor fails to meet agreed conditions.
- Generally requires margin money or blocks bank credit limits.
3. MANAS (National Narcotics Helpline)
Syllabus Mapping: GS2: Government Policies & Interventions; Social Justice • GS3: Internal Security; Drug Trafficking; E-Governance
- MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asoochna Kendra) is the National Narcotics Helpline launched by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs, on 18 July 2024.
- Developed in collaboration with the Digital India Corporation (DIC) to provide a secure, technology-driven platform for reporting drug-related activities.
- Enables citizens to confidentially report drug trafficking, peddling, illegal cultivation, manufacture and storage of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
- Accessible through the 1933 toll-free helpline, web portal, email and the UMANG app, ensuring nationwide 24×7 access.
- Provides counselling and rehabilitation support, with addiction-related calls transferred to the 14446 de-addiction helpline of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.
- Features digital ticket generation and workflow management for faster coordination between NCB and State Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTFs).
- Supports the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan by promoting citizen participation, awareness and timely action against drug abuse and trafficking.
4. Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY)
Syllabus Mapping: GS1: Indian Art & Culture • GS2: Government Policies & Interventions; Culture
- Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana (KSVY) is a Central Sector umbrella scheme of the Ministry of Culture for the promotion, preservation and development of India’s art and cultural heritage.
- Provides financial assistance to artists, cultural organisations, NGOs, research institutions and academic bodies for cultural activities and infrastructure development.
- Major components include Financial Assistance for Promotion of Art & Culture, Creation of Cultural Infrastructure, Scholarship & Fellowship for Artists, Veteran Artists Scheme, Seva Bhoj Yojana, National Gandhi Heritage Sites Mission and National Award Scheme.
- Supports activities such as seminars, festivals, exhibitions, workshops, theatre, dance, music, research and documentation.
- Promotes the Guru–Shishya Parampara through repertory grants and fellowships for preserving traditional art forms.
- Also supports the construction and upgradation of cultural infrastructure, including Tagore Cultural Complexes, auditoriums and studio theatres.
- The scheme aims to preserve India’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage, strengthen cultural institutions and promote India’s cultural diversity.
5. Superalloy Bi-Metallic Structures
Syllabus Mapping: GS3: Science & Technology; Defence Technology; Advanced Materials; Research & Development
- Researchers at ARCI, Hyderabad have developed a crack-free bi-metallic structure using laser-based Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB/M) additive manufacturing, enabling efficient use of costly superalloys and reducing India’s import dependence.
- Developed using Laser-based Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB/M), an additive manufacturing (3D printing)
- Successfully joined: SS316L (Stainless Steel) and IN718 (Inconel 718 Nickel-based Superalloy).
- Superalloy Bi-Metallic Structures are advanced engineered components made by joining two dissimilar metals, typically a nickel-based superalloy with stainless steel or other alloys, to combine the strengths of both materials.
- Developed for applications requiring high strength, corrosion resistance and stability at extreme temperatures in aerospace, defence, nuclear and power sectors.
- Key applications include gas turbine engines, aero-engines, rocket propulsion systems and missile components.
- Offers benefits such as weight reduction, improved fuel efficiency, enhanced durability and lower manufacturing costs.
- Supports India’s capabilities in advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing and indigenous defence technology development.
