CA-22/03/2026

• Project 17A (Nilgiri-class): It is the fourth of seven advanced stealth frigates being built under this project.
• Builder: Constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
• Stealth Features: Designed with a significantly reduced Radar Cross-Section (RCS) and reduced infrared and acoustic signatures, allowing it to operate with high stealth.
• Indigenous Content: Over 75% of its components are indigenous, involving a supply chain of more than 200 Indian MSMEs.
• Specifications:
  • Displacement: Approximately 6,670 tonnes.
  • Speed: Capable of reaching speeds exceeding 28-30 knots.
  • Propulsion: Uses a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) system.
• Weaponry & Sensors:
  • Missiles: Armed with BrahMos supersonic surface-to-surface missiles and Barak-8 (MRSAM) air defence missiles.
  • Guns: Features a 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) and 30mm rapid-fire guns for close-in defence.
  • Anti-Submarine: Equipped with triple-tube torpedo launchers and RBU-6000 rocket launchers.
  • Radar: Fitted with the MF-STAR multi-function digital radar.
• Mission Profile: Designed for multi-dimensional operations, including surface, air, and anti-submarine warfare, as well as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
• Legacy: Reincarnation of the erstwhile INS Taragiri (F41), a Leander-class frigate that served from 1980 to 2013. 

• Liquidity Crisis Recovery: The scheme was introduced to counter a significant slowdown in bank lending to NBFC-MFIs caused by rising non-performing assets (NPAs) and recovery challenges.
• Sector Stabilization: It acts as a "sector-positive" stabilizer, specifically targeting smaller MFIs that have struggled to access fresh bank funding.
• Expansion of Credit: This ₹20,000 crore initiative is designed to restore lender confidence and ensure a steady flow of credit to approximately 36 lakh small borrowers at the bottom of the economic pyramid. 

• Management: Operated by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC).
• Guarantee Coverage: Tiered protection for MFIs, offering 80% for smaller, 75% for medium, and 70% for larger entities.
• Interest Rate Caps: Capped for MFIs at EBLR/1-year MCLR + 2%, requiring them to on-lend at least 1% lower than their previous average rate.
• Loan Terms: Maximum 3-year tenure with a one-year moratorium.
• Allocations: Dedicated portions for small (min 5%) and mid-sized (min 10%) MFIs based on AUM.
• Fees & Validity: Annual fee of 0.50%; valid until June 30, 2026, or until the ₹20,000 crore limit is met.

• Nature of Scheme: A Central Sector Scheme (100% funded by the Union Government) launched in April 2021 with a ₹250 crore outlay.
• Nodal Authority: Implemented by the Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law and Justice.
• Constitutional Basis: Aims to fulfil the mandate of Article 39A (Equal Justice and Free Legal Aid), Article 14, and Article 21.

• Tele-Law: Connects citizens with panel lawyers via video/tele-conferencing at 2.50 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) or the Tele-Law Mobile App.
• Nyaya Bandhu: A platform for pro bono (free) legal assistance where volunteer advocates provide representation in courts.
• Legal Literacy & Awareness: Sensitizes citizens about their rights through workshops, books, and mass media (Doordarshan programs).
• Nyaya Sahayaks: Introduced in 2024 to provide door-to-door legal assistance in 500 Aspirational Blocks.

• Outreach & Inclusion: The scheme has reached over 2.10 crore beneficiaries pan-India, with significant impact on women, SCs, STs, and marginalized rural communities.
• Technological Integration: Features a unified toll-free helpline (14454) and applications translated into 22 scheduled languages.

• Novel Technology: The plant utilizes the New Pressless Process (NPLP), a cutting-edge manufacturing approach developed by Dr. Masato Sagawa to reduce production complexity and improve efficiency.
• ₹7,280-Crore Incentive Scheme: The Ministry of Heavy Industries has invited global bids to establish integrated manufacturing units with a target capacity of 6,000 metric tonnes per annum (MTPA).
• Strategic Autonomy: These moves are aimed at breaking China's 90%+ global monopoly on magnet manufacturing, which is a critical chokepoint for green energy and defence sectors.

• A tetragonal crystal structure primarily made of Neodymium (Nd), Iron (Fe), and Boron (B).

• Sintered: The most powerful and widely used variant.
• Bonded: Offers better mechanical strength and flexible shapes but lower magnetic force.
• Hot-pressed: Achieves high density and performance without heavy rare earth additives.

• Green Energy: Essential for high-efficiency Electric Vehicle (EV) traction motors and wind turbine generators.
• Electronics: Powers hard drives, smartphones, and high-fidelity audio equipment.
• Industrial/Defence: Used in precision robotics, missile guidance systems, and MRI machines.

• Corrosion: Highly susceptible to oxidation; typically require protective coatings like Nickel-Copper-Nickel.
• Temperature Sensitivity: Standard grades lose magnetism at high temperatures, requiring additives like Dysprosium for thermal stability.

• Market Growth: The global market is projected to grow from roughly $26.45 billion in 2025 to over $28 billion by late 2026.

• 2026 Grand Celebration: The festival was observed from March 9 to March 13, 2026, featuring a "Kut Run" marathon, flower shows, and a "Living Museum" at Falkawn village.
• Reconciliation Theme: The theme for 2026 was "Zo Nun Ze Mawi – Inremna" (Mizo Code of Ethics – Reconciliation/Peace), emphasizing social harmony and unity.
• Garbage-Free Initiative: The 2026 organizing committee, led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, designated this year as a "Garbage-Free Kut" to promote environmental responsibility.
• Inaugural Awards: For the first time, the Chief Minister’s Award of Honour (carrying ₹1 lakh, a citation, and a memento) was presented to recognize distinguished individuals.

• Significance: It marks a period of relaxation in the jhum (slash-and-burn) agricultural cycle, occurring after forests are cleared and before the land is burnt for sowing.
• Historical Roots: Traced back to 1450–1700 A.D. in the village of Suaipui (near present-day Myanmar). It was revived on a mass scale in 1973 after being discouraged during the missionary period.
• Main Attraction: The Cheraw Dance (Bamboo Dance), where women step in and out of rhythmic bamboo poles clapped together by men, is the festival's star event.
• Key Rituals:
  • Kut Pa: The Chief Minister typically serves as the "Father of the Festival".
  • Chhawnghnawh: A traditional pre-Christian custom of stuffing boiled eggs into each other's mouths as a sign of love and community bonding.
• Cultural Attire: Participants wear vibrant traditional dresses like the Vakiria (headgear), Puanchei, and Kawrchei.
• Other Dances: Includes Khuallam (dance of the guests), Chheihlam, and the Chai Dance, where participants form circles to sway together.
• Global Appeal: It has become a major tourism draw, attracting visitors from across India and abroad to experience Mizo handicrafts, cuisine (like Bai and Vawksa Rep), and music.

• Literal Meaning: Derived from Persian words Nav (New) and Roz (Day).
• Origins: Dates back over 3,000 years to the ancient Zoroastrian religion. It is linked to the legendary King Jamshid, who saved the world from a winter destined to kill every living creature.
• UNESCO Recognition: In 2009, it was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• The "Haft-Sin" Table: A central tradition where seven items starting with the letter 'S' are displayed, each symbolizing a hope for the new year:
  • Sabzeh (Sprouts): Rebirth and renewal.
  • Samanu (Sweet pudding): Affluence/Fertility.
  • Senjed (Dried oleaster): Love.
  • Seer (Garlic): Medicine/Health.
  • Seeb (Apple): Beauty.
  • Somarq (Sumac berries): Sunrise/Patience.
  • Serkeh (Vinegar): Age and patience.
• Indian Context: In India, the Shahenshahi calendar is followed, meaning the Parsi community often celebrates it twice—once on the Spring Equinox and again in August (due to the lack of leap years in their traditional calendar).
• Traditional Food: Celebrated with specific dishes like Sali Boti (meat with potato matchsticks), Patra ni Machhi (fish in banana leaf), and Falooda.
• Rituals: Includes cleaning homes (Khojaneh Tekani), visiting Fire Temples (Agiyari), and offering prayers for prosperity and the triumph of good over evil. 

• On March 21, 2026 Iran launched two intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs) toward the joint US-UK base on Diego Garcia. This was Iran’s longest-range strike attempt (~4,000 km), though both missiles failed to hit the target—one malfunctioned and the other was intercepted by a US warship.

• Atoll: A horseshoe-shaped coral atoll in the central Indian Ocean, south of the Maldives.
• Territory: Historically part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT), which was separated from Mauritius by the UK in 1965.

• "Unsinkable Aircraft Carrier": Hosts a massive base for long-range bombers (like B-2 and B-52), nuclear-powered submarines, and pre-positioned supply ships.
• Regional Reach: Its location allows the US to project power across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East within hours.

• Forced Displacement: Between 1967 and 1973, the UK forcibly removed the indigenous Chagossian population to Mauritius and Seychelles to make way for the base.
• Legal Rulings: In 2019, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an advisory opinion stating the UK's occupation was illegal and the islands should be returned to Mauritius.

• Lease Cost: The UK will pay Mauritius an average of £101 million annually (totalling ~£3.4 billion over 99 years).
• Resettlement: Mauritius is permitted to resettle the "outer islands" of the Chagos Archipelago, but Diego Garcia remains restricted solely for military use.
• Indian Support: India has consistently backed Mauritius’ claim as part of its "decolonisation" stance and welcomed the 2025 treaty.

• Establishment: Founded in 1958 as a registered society.
• Tripartite Structure: It features equal representation from the Government, Industry, and Labour, ensuring a balanced approach to productivity.

• President: Union Minister of Commerce and Industry (recently Shri Piyush Goyal).
• Chairman: Secretary, DPIIT.
• Director General: The CEO of the NPC.
• Presence: Headquartered in New Delhi, it operates through 13 Regional Directorates and one training institute (Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Productivity in Chennai).
• International Role: NPC represents India in the Tokyo-based Asian Productivity Organization (APO), an inter-governmental body where India is a founding member.

• Consultancy & Training: Provides services in areas like Industrial Engineering, Energy Management, HR, and IT.
• Research: Conducts productivity-related research and maintains databases for various economic sectors.
• Monitoring: Acts as an independent oversight entity for several national programmes and schemes.
• Strategic Goal: Aims to drive India toward a USD 30 trillion economy by enhancing manufacturing competitiveness and fostering a "Make for the World" mindset.

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