- NYOMA AIRBASE IN LADAKH OPERATIONALISED
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- The advanced landing ground at Nyoma in eastern Ladakh upgraded to a full-fledged airbase and operationalised in November 2025.
- Air Chief Marshal AP Singh inaugurated it by landing a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
- Situated at over 13,700 feet altitude, it is among the highest airbases globally and strategically positioned near the Line of Actual Control with China.
- Developed by Border Roads Organisation under Project Himank at ₹218 crore, includes a 2.7-km runway, hangars, and advanced facilities.
- Boosts rapid air mobility for fighters, transports, and helicopters, enhancing operational readiness in high-altitude regions.
- Supports post-Galwan operations and integrates with other forward airfields for sustained deterrence.
- Concepts: Border infrastructure development; High-altitude military logistics.
- CABINET APPROVES EXPORT PROMOTION MISSION WORTH ₹25,060 CRORE
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Union Cabinet approved the Export Promotion Mission to bolster India’s trade competitiveness amid global protectionism.
- Outlay of ₹25,060 crore over six years from 2025-26, addressing challenges like high US tariffs.
- Implemented via sub-schemes Niryat Protsahan (₹10,401 crore) and Niryat Disha (₹14,659 crore).
- Emphasises technology integration, barrier reduction, and outcome-oriented export strategies.
- Aims to position India strongly in global value chains and support affected sectors.
- Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat and for self-reliant export growth.
- Concepts: Trade policy reforms; Countering protectionism.
- SUPREME COURT REJECTS TAMIL NADU’S PLEA ON MEKEDATU PROJECT AS PREMATURE
SUBJECT: POLITY / NATIONAL ISSUES
- Bench headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai dismissed Tamil Nadu’s suit against Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu reservoir on Cauvery river.
- Court noted no substantial progress by Karnataka, making the plea premature.
- Project intends balancing reservoir for drinking water and hydropower in Bengaluru area.
- Tamil Nadu contends violation of tribunal awards and Supreme Court orders on Cauvery sharing.
- Underscores persistent inter-state water disputes and role of Cauvery Water Management Authority.
- Invokes federalism under Article 262 for special provisions on water disputes.
- Concepts: Original jurisdiction under Article 131; Inter-state river disputes.
- TAMIL NADU ANNOUNCES DEARNESS ALLOWANCE HIKE TO 58%
SUBJECT: ECONOMY (STATE)
- State government increased Dearness Allowance from 55% to 58% for employees, teachers, pensioners, and family pensioners.
- Effective from July 1, 2025, matching Central government rates.
- Benefits approximately 16 lakh personnel with added annual burden of ₹1,829 crore.
- Decision by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to offset rising living costs.
- Covers regular staff in government, aided institutions, and local bodies on state pay scales.
- Reflects employee welfare amid fiscal pressures.
- Concepts: State fiscal policy; Inflation adjustment measures.
- INDIA LAUNCHES FIRST MWH-SCALE VANADIUM REDOX FLOW BATTERY
SUBJECT: NATIONAL / ECONOMY
- Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated 3 MWh Vanadium Redox Flow Battery at NTPC’s NETRA campus in Greater Noida.
- Marks India’s indigenous milestone in long-duration energy storage for renewables.
- VRFB technology offers scalability, extended life, and superior safety compared to lithium-ion systems.
- Enhances grid stability, renewable integration, and progress towards net-zero emissions.
- Developed under Make in India for clean energy and storage security.
- Supports variable renewable energy management and peak shifting.
- Concepts: Energy transition; Indigenous technology development.
