Dhruv-NG (New Generation) recently completed its inaugural flight in Bengaluru.
About Dhruv-NG Helicopters
- Platform: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s ALH Dhruv is an indigenously developed, twin-engine multi-role helicopter.
- Variant: Dhruv-NG is the new-generation civilian version with modern avionics and systems.
- Roles: Designed for transport, air ambulance, disaster relief, tourism, and utility missions.
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A recent analysis by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) found that at least one-third of the Delhi’s annual PM2.5 pollution can be attributed to Secondary pollutants, mostly Ammonium Sulphate.
About Secondary Pollutants
- These pollutants are not emitted directly from a source (like vehicles or power plants).
- Instead, they form as a result of the pollutants emitted from these sources reacting with molecules in the atmosphere to form a new pollutant. E.g., Ammonium Sulphate, Ozone, NOX, etc.
- Pollutants that are emitted into the environment from a source are called primary pollutants.
- Formation of Ammonium Sulfate: Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) gas gets oxidised in the atmosphere to form sulfate. This sulfate then reacts with ammonia to form ammonium sulfate.
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The EU implemented the world’s first carbon tax (CBAM) from January 1, 2026, imposing a carbon-related levy on imports of carbon-intensive goods.
About Carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM)
- It is the European Union’s (EU) policy to impose a carbon tax on imports of certain products from countries with less stringent climate policies. E.g. Steel.
- CBAM, implemented in 2023, moves from transitional phase to full enforcement by 2026.
- Objective: Prevent Carbon Leakage by stopping firms from shifting production to countries with weaker climate rules.
- Sectors Covered: Cement, aluminium, fertilisers, iron and steel, hydrogen and electricity.
- Trade Impact: Indian exports of steel, aluminium, cement may face higher costs.
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Amazon’s stingless bees become the first insect to be granted legal rights.
About Stingless Bee (Meliponini)
- Ancient origin: The world's oldest bee lineage, existing for nearly 80 million years.
- Anatomy: They possess stingers, but these are highly reduced and functionally useless for defense.
- Diversity: Nearly 500 species exist globally, with over 170 found specifically within Peru.
- Healing: Their "liquid gold" honey is prized for its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Significance: These ancient pollinators sustain 80% of Amazonian flora, including cacao and coffee.
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1 sourceDRDO conducts launch of two Pralay missiles from the Odisha coast.
About Pralay Missile
- It is an indigenous, short-range, surface-to-surface quasi ballistic missile designed to carry various types of warheads and engage multiple target profiles.
- Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Armed Forces.
- Range: 150 to 500 km
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana completes nine year.
About Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
- Launched in 2017, it is a conditional cash transfer scheme for Pregnant Women & Lactating Mothers (PW&LM).
- In 2022, incorporated in Mission Shakti (an umbrella scheme for safety, security and empowerment of women).
- Ministry: Union Ministry of Women and Child Development.
- Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
- Beneficiaries: PW&LM of at least 19 years of age in informal and unorganized sectors.
- Benefits:
- Conditional Maternity benefit of ₹ 5,000 for first living child of family.
- Institutional delivery and incentive available Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is also provided. Therefore, on an average, a woman gets ₹ 6000.
- Support to girl child: Under PMMVY 2.0 incentive of ₹6,000 in a single installment is provided following birth of the second girl child.
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1 sourceLand Stack & Glossary of Revenue Terms (GoRT) launched under Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).
About Land Stack
- It is an integrated GIS-based digital platform for land and property records, inspired by global best practices from countries such as Singapore, the UK, and Finland.
- Key Features & Benefits:
- Single-window access to land data across departments
- Enables informed decision-making for citizens
- Enhances transparency, convenience, and public trust
- Reduces risks related to unauthorised or non-compliant properties
- Improves inter-departmental coordination
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1 sourcePresident of India to Grace SOAR Programme and Confer AI Certificates.
About Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR)
- It is a national skilling initiative launched in July 2025 under skill India Mission.
- Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
- Objective: Integrate Artificial Intelligence competencies into India’s education and skilling ecosystem.
- Target Groups: School Students from classes 6 to 12 and educators from government and private schools.
