1 . Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY)
Syllabus Mapping: GS III: Renewable Energy • Solar Energy • Energy Security • Climate Change • Infrastructure
- The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) with an outlay of ₹5,070 crore to promote Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) projects integrated with Energy Storage Systems (ESS). The scheme aims to develop 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity with 10,000 MWh of battery storage by 2030-31.
- PM-SSY is a Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- It aims to develop 5 GW of Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) projects on reservoirs and other inland water bodies.
- All projects must be integrated with co-located Energy Storage Systems (ESS) having a minimum storage capacity of two hours, ensuring reliable power supply during non-solar hours.
- Central Financial Assistance (CFA):
- ₹1 crore/MW for commissioned Floating Solar projects.
- Up to ₹50 lakh/project for feasibility studies, including bathymetry, hydrography and environmental assessments.
- Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) refers to solar panels mounted on floating structures installed on reservoirs, lakes, dams and other inland water bodies.
- Energy Storage System (ESS) stores surplus electricity generated during the day and supplies power during peak demand or when solar generation is unavailable, improving grid stability and renewable energy integration.
2. Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) Diesel
Syllabus Mapping: GS III: Defence Technology • Energy • Indigenous Technology • Atmanirbhar Bharat
- The Chief of the Army Staff launched the indigenously developed Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) Diesel, jointly developed by the Indian Army and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to enhance mobility and operational readiness of military vehicles in extreme cold regions.
- Xtreme Weather Grade (XWG) Diesel is a specially formulated high-altitude diesel fuel designed for operation in extreme sub-zero temperatures.
- Developed jointly by the Indian Army and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) under the Atmanirbhar Bharat
- It remains operational at temperatures as low as –42°C, preventing fuel gelling and clogging of fuel filters, a common problem with conventional diesel in severe winters.
- The fuel is BS-VI compliant and conforms to IS 1460:2025
- It can be used in the existing fleet of Army vehicles without any engine modification or re-homologation.
- Besides defence applications, XWG Diesel can also benefit civilian transport, construction equipment and emergency services operating in high-altitude and snow-bound regions.
- Conventional diesel contains paraffin wax, which crystallises at low temperatures, causing:
- Fuel thickening (gelling).
- Blockage of fuel filters.
- Difficulty in engine starting.
- Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) prescribes fuel quality standards through the IS 1460 specification for High-Speed Diesel (HSD).
3 . Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks Scheme
Syllabus Mapping: GS III: Pharmaceuticals • Industrial Policy • Manufacturing • Atmanirbhar Bharat
- The Government informed Parliament that ₹1,000 crore has been approved under the Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks Scheme for developing Common Infrastructure Facilities (CIFs) in the Bulk Drug Park at Haroli, Una (Himachal Pradesh). The park aims to boost domestic production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and reduce import dependence.
- Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks is a Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
- Launched in 2020, the scheme supports the establishment of three Bulk Drug Parks by providing grant-in-aid up to ₹1,000 crore per park for developing Common Infrastructure Facilities (CIFs).
- The parks are designed to provide shared infrastructure, reducing manufacturing costs and improving the global competitiveness of India’s pharmaceutical industry.
- The Haroli (Una), Himachal Pradesh Bulk Drug Park has been approved with common facilities such as: Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) with Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD).
- Bulk Drugs (APIs) are the biologically active ingredients responsible for the therapeutic effect of a medicine.
- Key Starting Materials (KSMs) are the basic chemical compounds used in the manufacture of APIs.
- India is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of finished pharmaceutical formulations, but has historically depended significantly on imports of APIs and KSMs, particularly from China.
- Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) treats industrial wastewater from multiple manufacturing units before discharge.
- Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) is an advanced wastewater management system that recycles and reuses all wastewater, ensuring no liquid effluent is released into the environment.
4. Revamped Khelo India Scheme & Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs)
Syllabus Mapping: GS II: Government Policies & Interventions • Youth Empowerment + GS III: Human Resource Development • Inclusive Development
- The Union Cabinet has approved the revamped Khelo India Scheme and an enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) with a combined outlay of ₹36,441 crore (2026–31) to strengthen India’s sports ecosystem from grassroots to elite international competition.
- Khelo India is the flagship sports development programme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports aimed at promoting sports culture, talent identification and athlete development.
- The revamped scheme aligns with Khelo Bharat Niti, 2025 and the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, integrating sports with education, fitness and high-performance training.
- It establishes a structured athlete pathway from grassroots competitions to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) through:
- National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs)
- Khelo India Centres of Excellence (KICoEs)
- SAI Training Centres (STCs)
- Khelo India Accredited Academies (KIAAs)
- Khelo India Centres (KICs)
- Youth Sports Companies (YSCs) of the Armed Forces.
- Two new initiatives have been introduced:
- Khelo India Feeder Schools (KIFS) – Early talent identification through schools.
- Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas (KIUV) – Integrating sports with mainstream education.
- The new Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs) category will significantly expand the athlete development ecosystem through scientific coaching, sports science and long-term mentoring.
- The scheme also strengthens school, university and league competitions, while promoting women’s sports, para sports, indigenous sports and the Fit India Movement.
- A National Coach Accreditation Board (NCAB) will be established to standardise coaching qualifications and improve coaching quality.
- A Unified Digital Sports Platform will integrate athlete databases, competitions, infrastructure, talent identification and funding to enable transparent and data-driven sports governance.
5 . Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026
Syllabus Mapping: GS I: Modern Indian History • Freedom Movement • Personalities
- National Security Advisor (NSA) Shri Ajit Doval was conferred the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 in Pune in recognition of his distinguished contribution to national security and public service.
- Lokmanya Tilak National Award was instituted in 1983 by the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust, Pune.
- It is conferred annually on individuals who have made outstanding contributions to nation-building and public service, reflecting the ideals of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
- The award comprises a memento, citation and cash prize.
- 2026 Awardee: Ajit Doval, India’s longest-serving National Security Advisor (NSA).
- Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856–1920): Popularly known as “Lokmanya”.
Pioneer of Assertive (Extremist) Nationalism during the freedom movement. - Started the newspapers: Kesari (Marathi) + The Mahratta (The Maratha) (English)
- Founded the Deccan Education Society (1884) and was associated with Fergusson College, Pune.
- Transformed Ganesh Utsav (1893) and Shivaji Jayanti (1895) into mass public festivals to mobilise nationalist sentiment.
- Tilak founded the Indian Home Rule League in April 1916, with its headquarters at Poona (Pune), operating mainly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, the Central Provinces and Berar.
- Authored Gita Rahasya, interpreting the Bhagavad Gita through the philosophy of Karma Yoga (Nishkama Karma).
