Read Current Affairs
- Why in News?
- The Ministry of Mines has issued guidelines for the Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme (CMRIS), a vital initiative under the National Critical Mineral Mission aimed at boosting India’s recycling ecosystem for critical minerals.
- About CMRIS:
- The scheme seeks to develop domestic capacity for separation and extraction of critical minerals from e-waste, spent lithium-ion batteries, and other scrap. It targets an annual recycling capacity of 270 kilo tonnes, recovery of 40 kilo tonnes of critical minerals, and investment inflows of about ₹8,000 crore. Incentives will be provided on a reimbursement basis for both capital and operational expenditures, over six financial years starting FY 2025-26. It covers new units and modernization or expansion of existing ones.
- Significance:
- Recycling enhances supply security, reduces dependence on imports, and supports sustainable production, as recycled materials emit up to 80% less greenhouse gases than mined ones. The Mission aspires to strengthen India’s critical mineral value chain from exploration to recycling.
- Why in News?
- The Prime Minister has launched the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU), a landmark ₹60,000 crore centrally sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
- About PM-SETU:
- The initiative aims to modernize 1,000 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India, aligning them with industry needs. Implemented through a hub-and-spoke model, 200 hub ITIs will be linked to 800 spoke ITIs. Each hub will feature advanced infrastructure, innovation labs, incubation centres, production units, and trainer development facilities, while spoke ITIs will expand access and reach.
- The scheme introduces industry-driven courses, establishes Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) with anchor industry partners for cluster management, and offers multiple learning pathways—from diplomas to executive programs. Additionally, five National Skill Training Institutes in Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Ludhiana will be developed as Centres of Excellence with global collaborations, reinforcing India’s vocational training ecosystem.
- Why in News?
- The Indian Navy and the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy have begun the bilateral maritime exercise KONKAN-25 off India’s western coast. This edition marks a significant milestone as it is the first-ever joint exercise featuring the UK’s Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, operating alongside India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
- Key Provisions:-
- Exercise KONKAN-25 aims to enhance maritime cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding between the two navies through complex sea operations, including carrier-based manoeuvres, anti-submarine warfare drills, and maritime air operations. The engagement underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and the UK, reflecting their shared commitment to ensuring security, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.
- By integrating advanced naval platforms and modern operational doctrines, KONKAN-25 demonstrates both nations’ resolve to strengthen defence collaboration and uphold a rules-based maritime order in an increasingly dynamic regional security environment.
- Why in News?
- The Indian Navy and the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy have begun the bilateral maritime exercise KONKAN-25 off India’s western coast. This edition marks a significant milestone as it is the first-ever joint exercise featuring the UK’s Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, operating alongside India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
- Key Provisions:-
- Exercise KONKAN-25 aims to enhance maritime cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding between the two navies through complex sea operations, including carrier-based manoeuvres, anti-submarine warfare drills, and maritime air operations. The engagement underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and the UK, reflecting their shared commitment to ensuring security, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region.
- By integrating advanced naval platforms and modern operational doctrines, KONKAN-25 demonstrates both nations’ resolve to strengthen defence collaboration and uphold a rules-based maritime order in an increasingly dynamic regional security environment.