CA-05/02/2026
Contents
1. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
2. Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
3. Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS)
4. Yuva Sahakar Scheme and Swayamshakti Sahakar Scheme
5. EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
6. NEST Cluster (North Eastern Science & Technology Cluster)
7. SabhaSaar Initiative
8. Project Himank
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Why in news?
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are advanced nuclear fission reactors with a capacity of up to 300 MWe, designed for factory fabrication and modular deployment. They promise safer, faster, and more flexible nuclear power generation compared to traditional large-scale reactors.
Key Features of SMRs
- Capacity: Up to 300 MWe per unit, about one-third of conventional nuclear plants.
- Modular Design: Built in factories, shipped as modules, and assembled on-site.
- Applications: Electricity generation, industrial heat, desalination, and hydrogen production.
- Deployment: Suitable for remote areas, smaller grids, or industrial clusters.
- Safety: Many designs use passive safety systems (cooling without external power).
Global Developments
- United States: NuScale Power received design approval for a 77 MWe SMR.
- China: HTR-PM (high-temperature gas-cooled SMR) is operational.
- Russia: Floating SMR "Akademik Lomonosov" powers Arctic regions.
- India: Exploring SMRs for remote areas and industrial use, aligning with clean energy goals.
Advantages
- Shorter construction time (factory-built, modular assembly).
- Lower upfront capital cost compared to large nuclear plants.
- Scalability: Add modules as demand grows.
- Enhanced safety with passive cooling and simplified designs.
- Flexibility: Can integrate with renewables for grid stability.
Challenges & Risks
- Regulatory approval: Many designs are still under licensing.
- Economic viability: Costs per kWh must compete with renewables.
- Waste management: Nuclear waste handling remains necessary.
- Public perception: Concerns about nuclear safety and proliferation.
Importance for India
- India’s energy demand is rising rapidly, especially in industrial hubs like Dadri, UP.
- SMRs could provide clean, reliable baseload power while supporting renewable integration.
- They are particularly promising for industrial clusters, desalination plants, and hydrogen production, aligning with India’s net-zero 2070 target.
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
Why in news?
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is currently expanding India’s nuclear power capacity with a goal to nearly double it by 2029, reaching ~14 GW, and further scaling to 20–22 GW by 2031–32. Long-term plans aim for at least 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.
Key Expansion Highlights
- Current Capacity (2025): ~8.2 GW from operational nuclear reactors.
- Near-Term Target (2029): ~14 GW (almost double).
- Medium-Term Target (2031–32): 20–22 GW.
- Long-Term Vision (2047): 100 GW nuclear capacity.
About Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is a Government of India department headquartered in Mumbai, directly under the Prime Minister’s Office, responsible for nuclear power, atomic research, and applications of radiation in agriculture, medicine, and industry. It was established on 3 August 1954 and plays a central role in India’s nuclear energy program.
Functions & Responsibilities
- Nuclear Power Development: Designing, building, and operating nuclear power plants across India.
- Research & Development: Engaged in advanced nuclear science, reactor technology, and radiation applications.
- Radiation Applications: Use of nuclear technology in agriculture, medicine, and industry (e.g., cancer treatment, food preservation).
- Basic Research: Supports fundamental studies in physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
- Safety & Regulation: Oversees nuclear safety through the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).
Strategic Importance
- Energy Security: Expands India’s nuclear power capacity to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- National Security: Supports India’s nuclear weapons program under civilian oversight.
- Global Cooperation: Engages in international nuclear agreements and safeguards.
- Societal Impact: Radiation technologies benefit healthcare, agriculture, and industry.
Challenges & Opportunities
- Challenges:
- Public concerns over nuclear safety.
- High costs and long gestation periods for nuclear projects.
- Waste management and disposal.
- Opportunities:
- Expanding clean energy capacity to meet climate goals.
- Leveraging nuclear technology for medical and agricultural innovation.
- Strengthening India’s role in global nuclear diplomacy.
Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS)
Why in news?
The Finance Bill, 2026 has proposed amending Section 2(32) of the Income-tax Act to explicitly include cooperatives registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 within the definition of “co-operative society.” This closes a long-standing gap and ensures uniform tax treatment for multi-state cooperatives.
Current vs. Proposed Definition
| Aspect |
Earlier Definition (Pre-2026) |
Proposed Definition (Finance Bill 2026) |
| Covered entities |
Co-operative societies registered under the Co-operative Societies Act, 1912 or under any State/UT law for registration of co-operatives |
Includes the above plus societies registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 |
| Ambiguity |
Multi-state cooperatives were not explicitly recognized, leading to uncertainty in tax applicability |
Explicit recognition removes ambiguity and aligns tax law with regulatory framework |
| Tax benefits |
Eligible for deductions under Section 80P, subject to conditions |
Multi-state cooperatives will now also be eligible for the same deductions and compliance requirements |
| Compliance |
State-registered societies had clear filing obligations |
Multi-state cooperatives will now have identical obligations, ensuring parity |
Importance
- Uniformity in Tax Treatment
Multi-state cooperatives often operate across several states, but their tax status was unclear. This amendment ensures they are treated at par with state-level cooperatives.
- Access to Deductions
Multi-state cooperatives can now claim deductions under Section 80P (e.g., income from banking activities, credit facilities to members), which was previously uncertain.
- Regulatory Alignment
The change harmonizes the Income-tax Act with the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, which governs cooperatives functioning across state boundaries.
- Boost to Cooperative Sector
By clarifying tax treatment, the amendment encourages expansion of cooperative activities nationwide, especially in banking, agriculture, and housing.
About Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS)
Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) are cooperatives registered under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002, which operate across more than one state in India. They are regulated by the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies under the Ministry of Cooperation.
Key Features
- Cross-State Operations: Unlike state cooperatives, MSCS can function in multiple states.
- Democratic Control: Managed by elected boards, with each member having equal voting rights.
- Sectors Covered: Agriculture, banking, housing, fisheries, textiles, transport, and more.
- Autonomy: Though regulated centrally, they retain cooperative principles of self-help and mutual aid.
Examples of Prominent MSCS
- IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited) – Fertiliser production and distribution.
- KRIBHCO (Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited) – Fertiliser and agricultural support.
- AMUL (Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation) – Dairy products, operating across states.
- National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) – Financing and support for cooperatives.
Yuva Sahakar Scheme and Swayamshakti Sahakar Scheme
Why in news?
The Yuva Sahakar Scheme supports youth-led cooperative societies with innovative ideas through concessional loans, while the Swayamshakti Sahakar Scheme empowers women-led cooperatives and SHGs by providing affordable credit for collective socio-economic activities. Both are implemented by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) under the Ministry of Cooperation.
Yuva Sahakar Scheme (Youth-Centric)
- Launched: 14 November 2018
- Implementing Agency: National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) under Ministry of Cooperation
- Objective: Encourage newly formed cooperative societies with innovative ideas, especially those led by young entrepreneurs.
- Eligibility: Cooperative societies in operation for at least 3 months.
- Financial Support:
- Long-term loans up to 5 years.
- 2% interest subvention on NCDC’s applicable rate of interest.
- Can be dovetailed with subsidies from other Government of India schemes.
- Focus: Promotes entrepreneurship, innovation, and modernization in the cooperative sector.
Swayamshakti Sahakar Scheme (Women-Centric)
- Launched: By NCDC to strengthen women cooperatives.
- Objective: Provide affordable, cost-effective, and reliable financial services to women-led cooperatives and SHGs.
- Eligibility:
- Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
- District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs)
- State Cooperative Banks (StCBs)
- Federated SHGs/Cooperative Federations
- Key Features:
- Enables women SHGs to access low-cost credit for livelihood generation.
- Promotes financial inclusion, self-reliance, and sustainable rural livelihoods.
- Focuses on collective socio-economic activities like small enterprises, agriculture, and rural services.
EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
Why in news?
In early February 2026, India's National Testing House (NTH) signed an MoU with STQC-ERTL (North) to enable EMI and EMC testing for drones and subsystems. This partnership aligns with Drone Rules 2021 and CSUAS 2022 standards
About
EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) and EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) testing are mandatory for drones to ensure they don’t disrupt other electronics and can operate safely in environments with strong electromagnetic fields. In India, the National Test House (NTH) and STQC–ERTL (North) have recently partnered to strengthen drone EMI/EMC certification, aligning with global CE/FCC standards and the Drone Rules 2021.
Importance for Drones
- EMI Testing: Measures how much electromagnetic noise a drone emits, which could interfere with GPS, communication systems, or nearby electronics.
- EMC Testing: Ensures drones can function properly even when exposed to external electromagnetic disturbances (e.g., radar, telecom signals).
- Safety & Reliability: Prevents flight malfunctions, loss of communication, or navigation errors.
- Regulatory Compliance: Required for CE marking (Europe), FCC certification (USA), and Drone Rules compliance in India.
Testing Standards & Regulations
- International:
- CE (Europe) – EMC Directive 2014/30/EU.
- FCC (USA) – Part 15 regulations for radio frequency emissions.
- Military Standards – MIL-STD-461 for defense drones.
- India:
- Drone Rules 2021 mandate EMI/EMC compliance.
- NTH–STQC Collaboration (2026) expands indigenous drone testing facilities in Delhi under MeitY.
NEST Cluster (North Eastern Science & Technology Cluster)
About
The NEST Cluster (North Eastern Science & Technology Cluster) is a newly established innovation hub at IIT Guwahati, launched in November 2025 to drive research, entrepreneurship, and regional development in India’s North East. It aims to unite academia, industry, and government to transform ideas into scalable solutions.
About NEST Cluster
- Full Form: North Eastern Science & Technology (NEST) Cluster
- Location: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, Assam
- Launch Date: November 3, 2025
- Inaugurated by: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia (DoNER Ministry)
Objectives
- Empower Research & Innovation: Build a strong ecosystem for scientific research in the North East.
- Entrepreneurship Support: Help startups and innovators scale their ideas.
- Regional Development: Bridge academia, industry, and society for inclusive growth.
- Skill Development: Provide training and courses to nurture local talent.
Importance
- Regional Impact: Positions Assam as an innovation hub in the North East.
- National Vision: Supports the government’s “Viksit Purvottar” (Developed North East) mission.
- Opportunities: Opens doors for students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to collaborate on cutting-edge projects.
Why in news?
As of January 29, 2026, 111,486 Gram Panchayats nationwide have used SabhaSaar for meeting summarization, out of over 268,000 total panchayats. Uttar Pradesh leads with 31,477 adoptions, followed by Tamil Nadu (12,451) and Andhra Pradesh (9,285).
About SabhaSaar
The SabhaSaar Initiative is a Government of India program launched on 14 August 2025 to digitize Gram Sabha and Panchayat meetings using AI. It automatically generates structured Minutes of Meetings (MoM) from audio and video recordings, and by early 2026, over 1.11 lakh Gram Panchayats had adopted it.
Key Facts About SabhaSaar
- Launched: 14 August 2025
- Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj
- Technology Backbone: IndiaAI Mission under Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY)
- Coverage: Available to all States/UTs; adopted by 1.11 lakh Gram Panchayats as of January 2026
- Functionality:
- AI-enabled voice-to-text transcription
- Automated meeting summarisation
- Generates structured Minutes of Meetings (MoM)
- Supports multiple formats (MP4, WAV, MP3, M4A)
- Languages: Multilingual coverage for inclusivity across India
Objectives
- Strengthen participatory democracy by making Gram Sabha discussions more accessible.
- Enhance transparency in local governance through standardized documentation.
- Improve efficiency by reducing manual effort in recording and summarizing meetings.
- Empower rural stakeholders with instant access to meeting insights.
Significance
- For Panchayats: Saves time and ensures accurate documentation.
- For Citizens: Provides easy access to decisions taken in Gram Sabhas, fostering accountability.
- For Administrators: Creates a centralized, searchable record of local governance activities.
- For Policy Makers: Offers structured data for analysis of rural governance trends.
Challenges & Considerations
- Digital Divide: Limited internet access in some rural areas may slow adoption.
- Training Needs: Panchayat staff must be trained to use AI tools effectively.
- Data Privacy: Ensuring secure handling of meeting recordings and transcripts.
- Language Accuracy: AI must handle diverse dialects and accents across India.
About Project Himank
Project Himank is a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) initiative launched in 1985 to build and maintain strategic roads in Ladakh, India, especially near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. It is known as “The Mountain Tamers” for its work in extreme high-altitude terrain.
Key Facts about Project Himank
- Founded: 4 December 1985
- Operated by: Border Roads Organisation (BRO), under the Ministry of Defence, India
- Headquarters: Leh, Ladakh
- Nickname: The Mountain Tamers
- Motto: Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam (Everything is achievable through hard work)
- Road Network Maintained: Approx. 2,216 km of roads in Ladakh.
Objectives
- Strategic Connectivity: Ensure road access to forward areas along the India–China border.
- Operational Support: Maintain roads and passes crucial for military operations.
- Civilian Benefit: Provide connectivity for local communities in Ladakh, boosting tourism and trade.
- Airfield Development: Assist in creating and maintaining airstrips in remote regions.
Achievements
- Maintained Key Routes: Leh–Manali Highway, Zojila Pass, and other lifelines for Ladakh.
- Support During Conflicts: Played a vital role during Operation Vijay (Kargil War, 1999) by keeping supply routes open.
- Conservation Efforts: Recently recorded a rare sighting of the snow leopard, highlighting ecological balance alongside infrastructure development.
Challenges
- Extreme Altitude: Roads often lie above 13,000–15,000 feet, with oxygen scarcity and harsh weather.
- Limited Working Season: Construction possible only during summer months due to snowbound conditions.
- Logistical Difficulties: Transporting materials and machinery in remote, rugged terrain.
Importance
- National Security: Ensures troop movement and supply lines in sensitive border areas.
- Economic Growth: Facilitates tourism and trade in Ladakh.
- Symbol of Resilience: Demonstrates India’s engineering capability in some of the world’s toughest terrains.
Question & Answer
Question 1. The recent proposal in the Finance Bill, 2026, concerning Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) primarily aims to achieve which of the following objectives in the cooperative sector?
Select your answer:
A) To bring all MSCS under the direct administrative control of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for uniform monetary policy adherence.
B) To ensure explicit inclusion under the definition of 'co-operative society' in the Income-tax Act for uniform tax benefits like Section 80P deductions.
C) To mandate the conversion of all MSCS into Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) over the next five years.
D) To restrict the operations of MSCS solely to the agricultural sector, aligning them with Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).
Explanation: (B)
The key news regarding MSCS in the Finance Bill 2026 is the explicit amendment to the Income-tax Act to include them, thus ensuring they receive the same tax treatment (like Section 80P benefits) as state-registered societies, thereby achieving uniformity.
Question 2. Consider the following statements regarding Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the context of India's energy strategy:
1. SMRs are primarily designed to replace large gigawatt-scale conventional nuclear plants due to superior economies of scale.
2. Many SMR designs incorporate passive safety systems that rely on natural forces like gravity or convection, reducing the need for external power sources during emergencies.
3. India's Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) is exploring SMRs mainly for deployment in dense urban centers for high-density power supply.
Select your answer:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Explanation: (B)
Statement 1 is incorrect. SMRs are smaller (up to 300 MWe) and are complementary to, not replacements for, large plants; they offer flexibility and lower upfront cost, not superior economies of scale compared to established large reactors.
Statement 2 is correct. A key advantage of many SMR designs is the use of passive safety features.
Statement 3 is incorrect. SMRs are targeted for remote areas, smaller grids, industrial clusters, and desalination, not primarily dense urban centers where large plants are usually sited.
Question 3. With reference to the organizational structure and functions of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in India, which of the following statements is accurate?
Select your answer:
A) The DAE operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Power to ensure coordination in energy infrastructure planning.
B) The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), responsible for safety oversight, functions independently as a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
C) The DAE is directly accountable to the Prime Minister and is responsible for both civilian nuclear power development and supporting strategic nuclear programs.
D) The primary focus of the DAE, post-2025 expansion targets, is shifting away from applications in agriculture and medicine towards pure energy generation.
Explanation: (c)
Statement (c) is correct. The DAE is headquartered in Mumbai and reports directly to the Prime Minister's Office, handling both civilian and strategic nuclear mandates.
(a) is incorrect; it reports to the PMO, not the Ministry of Power.
(b) is incorrect; AERB oversees safety but is under the purview of DAE/PMO, not the Environment Ministry.
(d) is incorrect; DAE maintains responsibility for radiation applications in agriculture, medicine, and industry.
Question 4. The Yuva Sahakar Scheme and the Swayamshakti Sahakar Scheme are both implemented by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). What distinguishes their primary beneficiaries?
Select your answer:
A) Yuva Sahakar targets urban housing cooperatives, while Swayamshakti Sahakar focuses on rural financial services.
B) Yuva Sahakar focuses on innovative, youth-led societies, whereas Swayamshakti Sahakar specifically empowers women-led cooperatives and SHGs.
C) Yuva Sahakar provides direct equity investment, while Swayamshakti Sahakar only offers technical consultancy services.
D) Yuva Sahakar covers only fertilizer cooperatives (like IFFCO), and Swayamshakti Sahakar covers only dairy federations (like AMUL).
Explanation: (B)
The Yuva Sahakar Scheme is targeted towards supporting newly formed cooperative societies led by youth entrepreneurs, focusing on innovation. The Swayamshakti Sahakar Scheme is explicitly designed to strengthen women-led cooperatives and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing affordable credit for livelihood generation.
Question 5. The recent collaboration between India's National Testing House (NTH) and STQC-ERTL (North) for EMI/EMC testing for drones is most directly aligned with which regulatory requirement?
Select your answer:
A) Compliance with the Nuclear Safety Regulations (NSR) issued by the AERB.
B) Adherence to the specifications laid out under the Drone Rules, 2021, ensuring flight safety and system reliability.
C) Fulfillment of import duties mandated by the Customs Act for specialized electronic equipment.
D) Compliance with Section 80P deduction eligibility criteria for technology firms registered as cooperatives.
Explanation: (B)
The context explicitly links the NTH-STQC partnership for EMI/EMC testing to the compliance requirements mandated under the Drone Rules, 2021, ensuring that drones do not interfere with other electronics and function reliably.
Question 6. The establishment of the NEST Cluster at IIT Guwahati in late 2025 is intended to serve which primary developmental goal for the North East region of India?
Select your answer:
A) To exclusively focus on commercializing high-temperature gas-cooled reactor technologies suitable for remote deployment.
B) To act as a central node for bridging academia, industry, and local innovators to support the 'Viksit Purvottar' mission.
C) To centralize the regulatory framework for all Multi-State Cooperative Societies operating in the Himalayan states.
D) To manage the distribution and taxation of agricultural inputs produced by fertilizer cooperatives like KRIBHCO and IFFCO.
Explanation: (B)
The NEST Cluster at IIT Guwahati was launched to build a strong ecosystem for scientific research, entrepreneurship, and regional development, explicitly supporting the government's vision of a 'Viksit Purvottar' (Developed North East) by uniting academia, industry, and society.
Download Pdf
