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- Why in News?
- Centre to set up expert committee to address disputes over the Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project (PBLP).
- Key Provisions:-
- The Centre has announced the formation of a high-level technical committee to address unresolved inter-state water disputes between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. At the heart of the issue is the Polavaram Project, situated on the Godavari River near Ramayyapeta village in Andhra Pradesh. Intended for irrigation, hydropower generation, and drinking water supply, the project also aims to divert water to the Krishna basin to support the drought-prone Rayalaseema region. Telangana, however, alleges that Andhra Pradesh is breaching the water-sharing terms set out in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. A map of the Polavaram–Banakacherla Link Project shows the water flow from Polavaram to Banakacherla, highlighting key rivers and regions. Dispute resolution is guided by legal frameworks including the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, and Article 262 of the Constitution, which empowers Parliament to adjudicate such matters and bars judicial interference once a tribunal is formed under the Act.
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- Why in News?
- India has achieved a significant defense milestone by successfully neutralizing two high-speed aerial unmanned targets at high altitude in Ladakh using the Akash Prime missile system.
- Key Provisions:-
- This test underscores India’s growing capability to secure its airspace in challenging environments. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Akash Prime is an advanced, rugged variant of the indigenous Akash Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system. Specifically engineered for deployment in extreme weather conditions, Akash Prime is capable of operating efficiently in high-altitude regions above 4,500 meters, such as the harsh terrains of Ladakh, where temperatures are low and oxygen levels are limited. The missile system’s enhanced performance in such demanding environments marks a leap forward in India’s air defense preparedness. It is designed to intercept and destroy incoming aerial threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and fighter jets, thereby strengthening India’s tactical readiness in sensitive border areas.
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- Why in News?
- A new initiative focusing on skill training and women's entrepreneurship development has been launched under the PM VIKAS scheme at IIIT Kottayam, targeting the empowerment of candidates from minority communities.
- Key Provisions:-
- PM VIKAS (Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan) is a Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, aimed at promoting inclusive growth among six notified minority communities—Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians. The scheme merges five previous initiatives: Seekho Aur Kamao, Nai Manzil, Nai Roshni, USTTAD, and Hamari Dharohar, creating a more streamlined and impactful approach. Its core objectives include skill development, promoting entrepreneurship and leadership among minority women, and supporting education for school dropouts. PM VIKAS is implemented in coordination with the Skill India Mission, ensuring broader reach and better training outcomes. The project at IIIT Kottayam is a step toward equipping minority youth and women with tools for economic self-reliance and long-term empowerment.