- DRDO TEST – FIRES VERTICALLY LAUNCHED SAM FOR NAVY
SUBJECT: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
- DRDO successfully test-fired the vertically launched short-range surface-to-air missile (VLSRSAM)for the Navy.
- The missile demonstrated its low-altitude, near boundary capability and successfully engaged a high-speed aerial target.
- Further development of the VLSRSAM system will enhance the Indian Navy’s defense capabilities.
2. RS CHAIR SAY ALL INSTITUTIONS HAVE TO FUNCTION IN TANDEM
SUBJECT: POLITY
- Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized that the executive, legislature, and judiciary must work together, not in opposition.
- The meeting followed discussions on the recovery of half-burnt currency notes at a High Court judge’s residence and revisiting judicial appointments.
- National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC): A previous attempt to bring judicial appointments under parliamentary oversight was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015.
3. NON PERFORMING ASSETS OF BANKS AT MULTI-YEAR LOW PROFITS UP : FINANCE MINISTER
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Reduction in Non-Performing Assets (NPA): NPAs in scheduled commercial banks fell to 2.5%, the lowest in years.
- Profit Growth: Public sector banks recorded their highest-ever net profit of ₹1.41 lakh crore.
- Banking Reforms: The Banking Regulation Bill, passed in Rajya Sabha, aims to improve governance, reporting standards, and investor protection.
- Kisan Samman Nidhi and PM Mudra Schemes: These programs helped support farmers and street vendors.
4. THE ROLE OF COMMUNITIES IN CONSERVING WATER
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- The importance of community participation in water conservation, as highlighted on World Water Day.
- Fragmentation: Water governance is often fragmented across different authorities, which undermines holistic management.
- Exclusion of Communities: Current policies fail to recognize local communities’ ecological practices, especially in rural areas.
- Examples: Water User Associations (WUAs):These are statutory bodies in India, but despite managing irrigation, they have no decision-making powers.
- Orans in Western India:Sacred forests that communities use for water conservation by trapping runoff and supporting rainwater harvesting.
5. GE AEROSPACE TO DELIVER JET ENGINES FOR TEJAS LCA MK1A
SUBJECT: DEFENCE
- GE Aerospace will deliver 99 F404-IN20 engines for the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A, with 12 engines expected this year.
- Restarting the production line for the F404-IN20, which had been dormant for five years, posed significant challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Tejas Mk1A Jets: HAL plans to produce 24 jets next year, addressing the IAF’s shortage of fighter jets.
