1 . 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator for Quantum Applications
Syllabus Mapping: GS-III: Science & Technology | Quantum Technology | Emerging Technologies | Defence Technology |
- Under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, DRDO signed its first high-value deep-tech project agreement with Rajasthan-based start-up Zero mK India Pvt. Ltd. for indigenous development of a 20 mK Dilution Refrigerator for quantum applications.
- The project is the first high-value agreement under the ₹500 crore corpus approved for deep-tech and cutting-edge projects, marking greater participation of Indian start-ups in strategic technology development.
- A Dilution Refrigerator is a specialised cryogenic system capable of achieving temperatures in the millikelvin range; the 20 mK-class system will provide the ultra-low-temperature environment required by several quantum-computing platforms and associated technologies.
- The project aims to develop this cryogenic capability indigenously, reducing dependence on imported specialised infrastructure and strengthening India’s domestic ecosystem for quantum technology and advanced cryogenics.
- The project aligns with the National Quantum Mission (NQM) and is intended to contribute to a quantum-ready and self-reliant ecosystem, particularly in strategic and emerging technologies.
- The project is being monitored, mentored and supported by DRDO’s Solid State Physics Laboratory (SSPL), with participation from DRDO’s relevant technology and computational-system divisions.
- Dilution refrigeration achieves ultra-low temperatures by exploiting the thermodynamic properties of a mixture of helium-3 (³He) and helium-4 (⁴He); at very low temperatures, the two isotopes separate into different phases, enabling continuous cooling.
- The millikelvin (mK) range is extremely close to absolute zero: 0 K = −273.15°C, while 20 mK = 0.020 K, or approximately −273.13°C.
- Such ultra-low temperatures are important for superconducting quantum computers, where cooling suppresses thermal disturbances and helps maintain fragile quantum states (qubits) required for quantum operations.
- Cryogenics deals with the production and behaviour of materials and systems at very low temperatures; advanced cryogenic infrastructure is therefore an enabling technology for quantum computing, superconductivity and certain sensitive scientific instruments.
2. Nidhi Companies – MCA Advisory
Syllabus Mapping: GS-III: Indian Economy | Financial Sector | Banking & Financial Regulation | Investor Protection
- The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has cautioned the public against Nidhi Companies promising unusually high returns, advising investors to independently verify whether a company has been officially declared/recognised as a Nidhi before depositing money.
- Every company seeking to function as a Nidhi is required to file Form NDH-4 for being declared/updated as a Nidhi, and MCA observed that several companies have either not filed NDH-4 within the prescribed period or are not fully complying with applicable provisions.
- Only 395 companies have been declared as Nidhis by the Central Government under the applicable provisions as of the advisory, highlighting the need to distinguish officially declared Nidhis from companies merely functioning or presenting themselves as Nidhis.
- Deposits accepted by Nidhi Companies are not insured by the DICGC, meaning depositors do not receive the protection available under the deposit-insurance framework if the company fails or fraud occurs.
- Nidhi Companies are mutual-benefit companies regulated by MCA under the Companies Act, 2013 and Nidhi Rules, 2014, and their core function is to accept deposits from and provide loans to their members.
- MCA advised the public not to rely solely on agents’ assurances or unusually high-return promises and to verify the company’s Nidhi status and carefully examine the terms and conditions before making financial decisions.
- A Nidhi Company is a mutual-benefit entity whose principal objective is to cultivate the habit of thrift and savings among its members and provide financial accommodation to members; unlike a bank, its deposit-taking and lending are restricted to its members.
- Under the Companies Act, 1956, Nidhis were declared under Section 620A; under the Companies Act, 2013, the relevant provision is Section 406, with detailed operational requirements prescribed through the Nidhi Rules, 2014.
- The 2019 amendments to Section 406 and the Nidhi Rules reintroduced the requirement of Central Government declaration for a company to function as a Nidhi, making the NDH-4 filing an important regulatory compliance requirement.
- DICGC deposit insurance applies to deposits with insured banks subject to the applicable framework; Nidhi Company deposits are outside this protection, making it important to distinguish a Nidhi from a bank while evaluating deposit safety.
- The Nidhi framework is based on member-to-member financial activity, whereas banks operate within the broader banking regulatory framework and can accept deposits and provide credit to customers beyond a closed membership structure.
3. India–Netherlands Strategic Partnership on Water- Kalpasar Project
Syllabus Mapping: GS-III: Water Resources | Water Security | Climate-Resilient Development | Environmental Management
- On the sidelines of the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) 2026, India and the Netherlands reviewed their Strategic Partnership on Water, with particular focus on technical cooperation for the Kalpasar Project in Gujarat.
- Two Tripartite MoUs were signed among the Central Water Commission (CWC), Kalpasar Department of Gujarat, and Dutch knowledge institutions Deltares and TU Delft for technical cooperation, knowledge transfer and capacity building.
- The Kalpasar Project envisages creation of a freshwater reservoir using runoff from the Sabarmati, Mahi and Dhadhar rivers, supplemented by water conveyed from the Narmada River.
- Dutch expertise will support areas including hydraulic and hydrological modelling, coastal and structural engineering, climate resilience, sluice and pumping systems, dyke technologies, ecological solutions, digital applications and capacity building.
- During an Indian delegation’s visit to the Netherlands in July 2026, India gained technical insights into flood protection, coastal infrastructure and water-management technologies, with the Dutch Afsluitdijk providing a relevant engineering and water-management reference.
- The cooperation also emphasises ecological considerations and fish migration, highlighting the need to integrate environmental concerns with large-scale water and coastal infrastructure.
- Afsluitdijk is a major Dutch water-management structure separating the Wadden Sea from the IJsselmeer, demonstrating the Netherlands’ long experience in flood protection, coastal engineering and management of water levels.
4. Exercise VARUNA 2026 – India–France Maritime Cooperation
Syllabus Mapping: GS-II: Bilateral Defence Cooperation; GS-III: Maritime Security | Defence Exercises | Indian Ocean Region
- INS Trishul arrived at Toulon, France, on 22 September 2026 to participate in the 24th edition of Exercise VARUNA, the bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and French Navy.
- VARUNA 2026 will include both harbour and sea-phase engagements, including cross-deck visits, operational interactions and sporting activities, providing opportunities for both navies to exchange experiences and best practices.
- The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and mutual understanding through professional interactions and coordinated maritime activities, strengthening the operational relationship between the two navies.
- The participation of INS Trishul reflects the expanding India–France maritime partnership and the growing scope of bilateral naval cooperation.
- Interoperability refers to the ability of forces from different countries to operate together effectively through compatible procedures, communication, coordination and operational practices.
- Cross-deck visits involve personnel from one navy visiting another navy’s ship, facilitating professional interaction, exchange of operational practices and mutual familiarisation.
5. Bio-based Biodegradable Plastic under BioE3
Syllabus Mapping: GS-III: Biotechnology | Bioeconomy | Biomanufacturing | Waste-to-Wealth | Environmental Sustainability
- The Government has formally launched the commercial use of bio-based biodegradable plastic based on Polylactic Acid (PLA) under the BioE3 framework, marking a move towards sustainable, biotechnology-driven manufacturing.
- Balrampur Chini Mills Limited (BCML) is developing the initiative with a ₹75 crore grant from BIRAC under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for a 100 TPA pilot-scale R&D facility for PLA and co-polymers at its integrated manufacturing complex in Kumbhi, Uttar Pradesh.
- The pilot facility will focus on developing specialised PLA grades and advanced PLA co-polymers for high-value applications and generate techno-economic data, process know-how and product-validation capabilities required for subsequent commercial-scale production.
- The project creates a pathway from renewable sugar-based feedstock → lactic acid → PLA/biopolymers, demonstrating how agricultural resources such as sugarcane can be diversified from food/industrial use towards sustainable materials.
- The facility is intended to accelerate technology indigenisation and scale-up, while strengthening collaboration between industry, academia and research institutions and providing a platform for skilled manpower development.
- PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a bio-based polymer generally produced from renewable carbohydrate-rich feedstocks through fermentation to produce lactic acid, followed by polymerisation; it can be used to manufacture various plastic and packaging materials.
- BioE3 stands for Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment and provides a policy framework for accelerating India’s biomanufacturing capabilities, linking biotechnology with economic growth, environmental sustainability and employment generation.
