1. Price Support Scheme (PSS)

Recent Update:
The Union Agriculture Minister has approved procurement of moong and urad in Madhya Pradesh and urad in Uttar Pradesh under the Price Support Scheme (PSS).

About PSS:

• Part of the umbrella scheme PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan), launched in 2018.

• Implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation through NAFED and FCI, which procure oilseeds, pulses, and cotton at the declared Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Key Features:

• Activated when market prices fall below MSP.

• Farmers are ensured MSP-based procurement of Fair Average Quality (FAQ) produce.

• Procurement continues until prices stabilize at or above MSP.

• Losses and procurement costs are borne by the Central Government.

PM-AASHA Components:

1. Price Support Scheme (PSS) – Physical procurement at MSP.

2. Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) – Direct payment of the difference between MSP and market price, without physical procurement.

3. Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPSS) – Involves private players in procurement (pilot basis).

2. Sabka Vishwas (Legacy Dispute Resolution) Scheme, 2019 (SVLDRS)

Recent Update:
The CESTAT (New Delhi Bench) held that no revenue proceedings can occur after issuance of a discharge certificate under the SVLDRS.

About SVLDRS:

• A one-time amnesty scheme introduced in the 2019 Union Budget to resolve pending disputes under Service Tax, Central Excise, and 26 other indirect tax laws (pre-GST).

• Operational from 1 September to 31 December 2019.

Objectives:

• Encourage voluntary disclosure of tax dues.

• Offer relief from penalties, interest, and prosecution.

• Resolve legacy tax disputes with substantial relief (40–70%), excluding voluntary disclosures.

3. Sree Narayana Guru

Recent Update:
PM Modi commemorated the 100th anniversary of the 1925 meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and Sree Narayana Guru in New Delhi.

About Sree Narayana Guru (1856–1928):

• A Kerala-based saint, philosopher, and social reformer who campaigned against caste discrimination and promoted spiritual and social equality.

• Known for his principle: “One Caste, One Religion, One God for Mankind.”

Key Contributions:

• Led the Aruvippuram Movement (1888) by consecrating a Shiva idol, breaking caste-based temple entry norms.

• Established over 40 temples, ashrams, and schools for marginalized communities.

• Founded the SNDP Yogam (1903) and led the Vaikom Satyagraha against untouchability.

• Literary works include Advaitha Deepika, Daiva Dasakam, Brahmavidya Panchakam.

• His birth anniversary is celebrated as Sri Narayana Jayanthi.

4. Haemophilia A

Recent Update:
The National Institute of Immunohaematology (NIIH) has developed an affordable point-of-care test kit for early diagnosis of Haemophilia A and Von Willebrand Disease (VWD).

About Haemophilia A:

• A hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of clotting factor VIII.

• Leads to impaired blood clotting, causing prolonged bleeding.

• Inherited via X-linked recessive genes; males are mostly affected, females can be carriers.

Symptoms:
Joint bleeding, nosebleeds, bruising, internal bleeding, prolonged bleeding after injury.

Treatment:

• Factor VIII replacement therapy via injections to restore clotting ability.

Von Willebrand Disease (VWD):

• Caused by deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, another clotting protein.

• Leads to easy bruising, heavy periods, and prolonged bleeding after injury.

• No cure, but manageable with medication and care.

5. Candida tropicalis

Recent Update:
Studies reveal Candida tropicalis, a common fungal pathogen, is developing resistance to antifungal drugs like fluconazole and voriconazole via chromosome alterations.

About Candida tropicalis:

• A yeast species found in the human gut, soil, food, and marine environments.

• Common in immunocompromised individuals, it causes bloodstream infections, skin, gastrointestinal, and urinary infections.

• Mortality rate of such infections can reach 55–60%.

• Nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections are common.

• Risk factors: antibiotic use, high sugar levels, and neutropenia.

Treatment:

• Typically treated with antifungal medications, although resistance is increasing.

6. State of the Climate in Asia 2024 Report

The State of the Climate in Asia 2024 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirms that 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded in Asia, marked by severe and prolonged heatwaves.

• Published by: WMO (5th edition), with support from NMHSs, RCCs, UN agencies, and regional partners.

• Focus: Climate indicators, impact assessments, and policy implications.

• Key Findings:

  • 2024 had the highest global mean temperature (1850–2024).

  • 2015–2024 were the 10 warmest years on record.

  • Asia’s sea surface warming rate was nearly double the global average.

  • Sea level rise on Asia's Pacific & Indian Ocean coasts exceeded global average.

  • Marine heatwaves affected most Asian oceans — the largest extent since 1993.

  • Cyclones in 2024: Remal, Dana, Fengal (Bay of Bengal) and Asna (Arabian Sea).

  • Saudi Arabia’s Makkah region saw extreme temperatures of 49°C in June.

7. Digital Payment Intelligence Platform (DPIP)

The RBI, in collaboration with public and private sector banks, is developing the Digital Payment Intelligence Platform (DPIP) to strengthen fraud risk management as part of Digital Public Infrastructure.

• Purpose: Real-time data sharing and fraud prevention in digital transactions.

• Built by: Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) in collaboration with 5–10 banks.

• Features:

  • Data aggregation and analysis to detect fraud.

  • Real-time intelligence sharing between banks.

  • Leverages advanced technology for fraud detection.

• Oversight: Committee led by AP Hota.

• Need: Rise in fraud cases from 11.5 lakh to 15.51 lakh (Mar 2024 period).

• Tied to India’s rapid UPI-led digital payment growth since 2016.

8. Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

India criticized the OIC for making unfounded, Pakistan-influenced statements, accusing Pakistan of using terrorism as "statecraft."

• Founded: 1969 in Rabat, Morocco.

• Members: 57 countries across 4 continents.

• Headquarters: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

• Purpose: Safeguard Islamic values, sovereignty, and promote peace.

• Structure:

  • Islamic Summit Conference (ISC): Top policy body (meets every 3 years).

  • Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM): Reviews policies annually.

  • General Secretariat: Executes decisions.

• Collaborates with: UN agencies, governments, and CSOs.

9. Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW)

Enhanced Rock Weathering is gaining popularity among tech firms and industries for its role in carbon capture and climate mitigation.

• Goal: Accelerate natural carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere.

• How it works:

  • Speeds up natural weathering using finely ground, fast-reacting rocks like basalt.

  • Reacts with carbonic acid from CO₂, forming bicarbonate or limestone.

• Benefits:

  • Improves soil alkalinity, crop yield, and nutrient retention.

  • Reduces acidification of oceans and downstream CO₂ release.

• Drawback: Some rocks may contain toxic heavy metals.

• Global Spread: Projects underway in Asia, Europe, North & Latin America.

10. Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched a ToT Programme under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to enhance the financial independence of Panchayats.

• Focus: Boosting Own Source Revenue (OSR) of Panchayats.

• Conducted under: Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) with IIM Ahmedabad as partner.

• Objective: Build capacity for financially empowered, self-reliant Panchayats.

Key Facts – RGSA:

• Launched: April 24, 2018; revamped for 2022–2026.

• Implemented in: All States/UTs and non-Part IX areas.

• Goal: Strengthen Panchayat governance to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).