Current Affairs Today 2026 PDF | Daily GK & Important News Updates

Stay updated with Current Affairs Today 2026 including daily GK updates, important news, government schemes, economy, awards, science, and international events for competitive exam preparation.

May 20&21

National News

1. The 3rd India–Nordic Summit (Oslo, 2026)

Summary

The Prime Minister of India co-chaired the 3rd India–Nordic Summit in Oslo, Norway, alongside the heads of government of Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden — the five Nordic nations.

Building on the first two editions in Stockholm (2018) and Copenhagen (2022), the 2026 Summit formally elevated the relationship into a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership. Key outcomes included:

• Operationalisation of the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with a target of $100 billion investment and 1 million jobs in India.
• Renewed Nordic support for India’s UNSC permanent seat and NSG membership.
• Implementation of the ISRO–Norwegian Space Agency framework and integration of a Swedish payload on India’s Venus Orbiter Mission.
• Launch of Maritime Security Dialogues with Norway and Denmark under the MAHASAGAR vision and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
• Expansion of LeadIT 2.0 with Iceland joining as a Nordic member.
• Commitment to human-centric, open-source AI, building on India’s AI Impact Summit (February 2026).
• The 4th India–Nordic Summit will be hosted by Finland.

The Summit aligns India’s market scale with Nordic strengths in clean energy, maritime technology, deep-tech, and Arctic research, while navigating divergent positions on conflicts (Ukraine), EU non-tariff barriers (CBAM), and talent mobility.

Background & Concept

What is the India–Nordic Summit?

The India–Nordic Summit is an elite plurilateral diplomatic platform bringing together India and the five Nordic countries — Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Unlike a formal bloc, the Nordic states cooperate through the Nordic Council (1952) and the Nordic Council of Ministers (1971) but engage India collectively in this summit format.

The Three Summits

Edition	Host	Year	Key Theme
1st	Stockholm (Sweden)	2018	Sustainable development, innovation
2nd	Copenhagen (Denmark)	2022	Green transition, post-COVID recovery
3rd	Oslo (Norway)	2026	Green Tech & Innovation Strategic Partnership
4th	Finland (upcoming)	TBA	—

Why Nordic Countries Matter

• Combined GDP of ~$2 trillion; high per-capita income.
• World leaders in clean energy, electric mobility, maritime technology, telecom (Nokia, Ericsson), pharmaceuticals (Novo Nordisk), and AI.
• Strong global rankings in innovation, governance, gender equality, and human development.
• Sweden and Finland joined NATO (Finland in 2023, Sweden in 2024) — adding strategic depth.
• Norway and Iceland are part of EFTA + EEA; Sweden, Finland, Denmark are part of the EU.

About EFTA & TEPA

• EFTA (European Free Trade Association): Founded in 1960 by the Stockholm Convention; currently has 4 members — Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
• TEPA (Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement): Signed between India and EFTA in March 2024; India’s first FTA with European nations.
• Commitment: $100 billion FDI from EFTA into India over 15 years and creation of 1 million direct jobs in India.

Key Indian and Plurilateral Initiatives at the Summit

• MAHASAGAR Vision — Mutual and All-encompassing Security and Harmony Across Seas, All Growing and Advancing Regions; announced in 2025 as the successor/expansion of SAGAR (2015).
• IPOI (Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative) — launched by India at the East Asia Summit (Bangkok, 2019).
• LeadIT (Leadership Group for Industry Transition) — launched by India and Sweden at the UN Climate Action Summit, 2019 for decarbonising heavy industries; LeadIT 2.0 expanded its mandate.
• AI Impact Summit (New Delhi, February 2026) — built on the Bletchley (2023) and Seoul (2024) AI Summits.

Key Outcomes of the 2026 Summit

Domain	Outcome
Strategic	Plurilateral upgraded to “Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership”
Trade	Operationalisation of India–EFTA TEPA ($100 bn investment, 1 mn jobs); progress on India–EU FTA
Geopolitical	Nordic support for India’s UNSC permanent seat and NSG membership
Space	ISRO–Norwegian Space Agency framework implementation; Swedish scientific payload to be integrated on India’s Venus Orbiter Mission
Maritime	Maritime Security Dialogues with Norway and Denmark under the MAHASAGAR and IPOI frameworks
Climate/Industry	LeadIT 2.0 expanded — Iceland joins as the newest Nordic member
AI	Commitment to human-centric, open-source AI, building on India’s AI Impact Summit, 2026
Roadmap	4th India–Nordic Summit to be hosted by Finland

Opportunities for India

• Semiconductors & 6G: Partnership with Sweden (Ericsson) and Finland (Nokia) opens doors to trusted 6G research networks and chip architecture, reducing reliance on East Asian hardware.
• Sovereign Capital via EFTA: $100 bn EFTA pledge can be channelled into the India Semiconductor Mission, PLI schemes, green hydrogen, and EV manufacturing.
• Arctic Research: India is an Observer of the Arctic Council since 2013; deeper Nordic cooperation strengthens India’s polar science (relevant to monsoon prediction and climate modelling).
• Maritime Infrastructure: Adoption of Nordic green-shipping and ship-recycling standards (Hong Kong Convention, 2009) elevates Indian yards like Alang (Gujarat) into globally certified sustainable hubs.
• Defence Co-production: Sweden’s SAAB, Finland’s defence firms can establish facilities in India’s Defence Industrial Corridors (UP & TN) with up to 74% FDI under automatic route, 100% via government route.
• Green Hydrogen & Renewables: Nordic expertise in offshore wind, hydropower, and green hydrogen (Denmark’s Orsted) supports India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023).
• Skilling & Innovation: Indian talent can plug into Nordic innovation ecosystems via labour-mobility partnerships and academic exchange.

India’s Position

India’s engagement with the Nordic region complements its broader Europe strategy:

• Bilateral CEPAs/Treaties: India–EFTA TEPA (2024), India–UAE CEPA (2022), India–Australia ECTA (2022), India–UK FTA negotiations, India–EU FTA negotiations.
• Strategic Partnerships: With France (1998), Germany (2000), UK (2004), Sweden (2018 joint Innovation Partnership).
• Multilateral Frameworks: G20, BRICS, SCO, Quad, IPOI, IMEC, I2U2.
• Arctic Engagement: Observer to the Arctic Council (2013); research station Himadri at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard (Norway) since 2008 (under NCPOR, Goa).
• Indo-Nordic Trade: Bilateral trade with the five Nordic nations is ~$12–15 billion (2024) — modest but growing; significant scope to expand.

Keywords & Definitions

▸ India–Nordic Summit: Plurilateral platform launched in 2018 for high-level dialogue between India and the five Nordic countries.

▸ Nordic Countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden — share political, cultural, and historical ties; cooperate via the Nordic Council and Nordic Council of Ministers.

▸ EFTA (European Free Trade Association): Established in 1960 under the Stockholm Convention; members — Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland.

▸ TEPA (Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement): India–EFTA agreement signed in March 2024; commits to $100 billion FDI from EFTA into India over 15 years and creation of 1 million direct jobs.

▸ MAHASAGAR Vision: India’s expanded maritime vision (2025) — “Mutual and All-encompassing Security and Harmony Across Seas, All Growing and Advancing Regions” — successor to SAGAR (2015).

▸ SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): India’s maritime doctrine launched by PM Modi in Mauritius, 2015.

▸ Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI): Launched by India at the East Asia Summit, Bangkok, 2019; seven pillars including maritime security, ecology, resources, capacity building, and S&T cooperation.

▸ LeadIT (Leadership Group for Industry Transition): Launched by India and Sweden at the UN Climate Action Summit, 2019; aims to decarbonise heavy industries (steel, cement, chemicals). LeadIT 2.0 expanded mandate.

▸ NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group): A 48-member multilateral export control regime (since 1974) regulating nuclear-related exports; India seeks membership but is blocked by China-led objections.

▸ UN Security Council (UNSC): Principal organ for international peace and security; India seeks permanent membership along with G4 (Brazil, Germany, Japan).

▸ Arctic Council: Established in 1996 under the Ottawa Declaration; intergovernmental forum on Arctic issues. India is an Observer since 2013.

▸ Svalbard / Ny-Ålesund: Arctic archipelago of Norway; India operates research station Himadri here since 2008 under NCPOR (National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research), Goa.

▸ Hong Kong Convention (2009): International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, adopted under IMO; entered into force in June 2025. India ratified it in 2019.

▸ IMO (International Maritime Organization): UN specialised agency for shipping (1948), headquartered in London.

▸ CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism): EU’s carbon tariff on imports of carbon-intensive goods (steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity, hydrogen); transitional phase began Oct 2023, full application from Jan 2026.

▸ EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation): Mandates “deforestation-free” supply chains for products like palm oil, soy, beef, coffee, cocoa, rubber, timber sold in the EU.

▸ India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): Multi-modal connectivity initiative announced at the G20 New Delhi Summit (2023).

▸ AI Impact Summit, New Delhi (February 2026): Third in the global AI summit series after Bletchley (2023) and Seoul (2024); focused on safe, inclusive, human-centric AI.

▸ National Green Hydrogen Mission (2023): India’s ₹19,744 crore mission aiming to produce 5 MMT green hydrogen annually by 2030.

▸ Defence Industrial Corridors: India has two — in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu — to anchor domestic defence manufacturing.

▸ G4 Nations: Brazil, Germany, India, Japan — collective bid for UNSC permanent seats.

▸ Nordic Council: Established in 1952, an inter-parliamentary body of the five Nordic states.

▸ Stockholm Convention: Refers either to the EFTA-founding Stockholm Convention (1960) or the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), 2001 — context-dependent.

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. The 3rd India–Nordic Summit (2026) was hosted by:

(a) Stockholm, Sweden (b) Copenhagen, Denmark (c) Oslo, Norway (d) Helsinki, Finland

Q2. The five Nordic countries that participate in the India–Nordic Summit are:

(a) Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden (b) Denmark, Finland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden (c) Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden (d) Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Netherlands, Sweden

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA):

1. It was signed in March 2024.
2. EFTA members at the time of signing include Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
3. It commits to $100 billion FDI from EFTA into India over 15 years and creation of 1 million direct jobs.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q4. LeadIT (Leadership Group for Industry Transition), expanded at the 3rd India–Nordic Summit, was originally launched by India along with:

(a) Norway (b) Sweden (c) Denmark (d) Finland

Q5. India’s research station ‘Himadri’, often discussed in the Arctic context, is located at:

(a) Antarctica (b) Greenland, Denmark (c) Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard (Norway) (d) Reykjavik, Iceland

Q6. Consider the following statements about the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI):

1. It was launched by India at the East Asia Summit in Bangkok in 2019.
2. It has seven pillars covering maritime security, ecology, resources, and S&T.
3. It is administered by ASEAN as the lead body.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q7. The ‘MAHASAGAR Vision’, referenced at the Summit, succeeds which earlier doctrine of India?

(a) Look East Policy (b) Act East Policy (c) SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) (d) Necklace of Diamonds Doctrine

Q8. India’s status in the Arctic Council is that of a/an:

(a) Permanent Member (b) Founding Member (c) Observer (d) Associate Member

Q9. Which of the following are members of the G4 nations seeking permanent UNSC seats?

1. Brazil
2. Germany
3. India
4. Japan

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q10. Match the following India–Nordic Summit editions with their host cities:

Edition	Host
A. 1st Summit	1. Helsinki
B. 2nd Summit	2. Stockholm
C. 3rd Summit	3. Copenhagen
D. 4th Summit (upcoming)	4. Oslo

Select the correct answer:

(a) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1 (b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 (c) A-2, B-4, C-3, D-1 (d) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (c) Oslo, Norway The 3rd India–Nordic Summit (2026) was hosted by Norway in Oslo. The 1st was in Stockholm (2018), the 2nd in Copenhagen (2022), and the 4th will be hosted by Finland.

▸ Q2 → (a) The five Nordic countries are Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. They cooperate via the Nordic Council and Nordic Council of Ministers. (Note: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania are Baltic states, not Nordic.)

▸ Q3 → (d) 1, 2 and 3 All three statements are correct. The India–EFTA TEPA was signed in March 2024; EFTA members are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland; and the agreement commits to $100 billion FDI and 1 million jobs in India.

▸ Q4 → (b) Sweden LeadIT was launched by India and Sweden at the UN Climate Action Summit, 2019 to decarbonise heavy industries. At the 2026 Summit, Iceland joined as a Nordic member, expanding it to LeadIT 2.0.

▸ Q5 → (c) Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard (Norway) India’s Arctic research station Himadri is located at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard (Norway), established in 2008 by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa.

▸ Q6 → (a) 1 and 2 only Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — the IPOI is an India-led initiative, not ASEAN-administered. ASEAN endorses it but does not run it.

▸ Q7 → (c) SAGAR The MAHASAGAR Vision (2025) succeeds SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) — launched by PM Modi in Mauritius, 2015.

▸ Q8 → (c) Observer India is an Observer to the Arctic Council since 2013. The Arctic Council was established in 1996 under the Ottawa Declaration; its 8 permanent members are the Arctic states (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, USA).

▸ Q9 → (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 The G4 nations — Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan — collectively support each other’s bids for permanent UNSC membership under a reformed Council.

▸ Q10 → (a) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1 1st Summit — Stockholm (2018); 2nd Summit — Copenhagen (2022); 3rd Summit — Oslo (2026); 4th Summit (upcoming) — Finland (Helsinki).

2. The Ayush Anudan Portal

Summary

The Union Minister of Ayush officially launched the Ayush Anudan Portal at Kartavya Bhavan, New Delhi. Developed under the Ayush Grid initiative, it is a paperless digital platform designed to digitise the end-to-end submission, evaluation, and tracking of funding grants under various Central Sector Schemes (CSS) of the Ministry of Ayush.

The portal replaces slow, manual, paper-heavy workflows with a structured, transparent, and user-friendly interface, integrated with NITI Aayog’s NGO Darpan for automated background authentication of applicants. It can be accessed directly or through the Ministry’s single-window — My Ayush Integrated Services Portal (MAISP).

The portal aims for 100% transparency, operational efficiency, and strict accountability in grant management, advancing the Government’s twin mandates of Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and Ease of Living. It also complements the broader Ayush Grid — the nationwide digital backbone for India’s traditional medicine sector — and aligns with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).

Background & Concept

What is the Ayush Anudan Portal?

The Ayush Anudan Portal is a centralised, interactive digital platform designed to manage the distribution of financial grants within the AYUSH sector. Anudan in Hindi means grant or financial assistance.

It enables:

• Online submission of grant proposals.
• Scheme-wise evaluation of applications.
• Real-time tracking of proposal status by applicants and reviewers.
• Automated background authentication via NGO Darpan.
• Integration with the Ministry’s single-window MAISP.

What is AYUSH?

AYUSH is the acronym for India’s traditional and alternative medicine systems, recognised under the Ministry of AYUSH:

• Ayurveda
• Yoga & Naturopathy
• Unani
• Siddha
• Sowa-Rigpa
• Homoeopathy

About the Ministry of Ayush

• Established: Carved out from the Department of AYUSH (under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare) as a separate Ministry of AYUSH in 2014.
• Nodal: For the development of education, research, and propagation of indigenous and alternative medicine systems.
• Apex bodies: All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), National Institute of Yoga (NIN), Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H), National Medical Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).

About the Ayush Grid Initiative

• Launched: 2018 under the Digital India Programme.
• Vision: Unified digital backbone for India’s traditional medicine sector.
• Bridges streams: Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy.
• Compliant with: Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) — interoperable with mainstream medical systems via ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account).

Seven Operational Streams of Ayush Grid

Stream	Example / Component
Healthcare Services	Tele-medicine portals, Ayush Sanjivani App
Education & Capacity Building	IT skilling for practitioners (with C-DAC)
Research & Drug Regulation	Scientific case registries, transparent licensing
Citizen-Facing Portals	Yoga Locator, Bhuvan-based spatial apps
Health Management Information System	AHMIS — cloud-based clinical data system
Drugs & Medicinal Plants	Licensing, GMP, supply chain
Regulatory Offices & Hospitals	Integrated digital workflows

About MAISP (My Ayush Integrated Services Portal)

A single-window portal for accessing all Ministry of Ayush services — grants, licensing, research, education, telemedicine, and more.

Key Features of the Ayush Anudan Portal

Feature	Description
NGO Darpan Integration	Cross-links with NITI Aayog’s NGO Darpan for rapid, automated background verification of applicant organisations
Scheme-Wise Pathways	Customised evaluation tracks based on each Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry
Real-Time Tracking Dashboard	Both reviewers and applicants can monitor proposal status live
Single-Window Access	Accessible directly or via MAISP
End-to-End Digitisation	From submission, evaluation, sanction, fund disbursement to tracking — fully paperless
Audit Trail & Accountability	Built-in audit trails support transparency and grievance redressal

India’s AYUSH Story

• Sector Size: The AYUSH industry is estimated at ~$24 billion (2024), up from $3 billion in 2014 — an 8-fold rise in a decade.
• Workforce: Over 8 lakh registered AYUSH practitioners.
• Education: ~900+ AYUSH colleges, ~60,000 admissions annually.
• Hospitals: ~3,800 AYUSH hospitals; ~40,000 dispensaries.
• Global Reach: AYUSH products exported to over 150 countries.
• WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (WHO-GCTM): Established in Jamnagar, Gujarat in 2022 — first of its kind in the world; flagship recognition of India’s traditional medicine leadership.
• Recent Flagship Initiatives:
  • National AYUSH Mission (NAM) – 2014, restructured several times.
  • PM Jan Aushadhi Kendras – includes some AYUSH products.
  • Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs) – include AYUSH services.
  • Ayush Visa – introduced for foreigners seeking treatment in India (medical value travel).

Challenges

• Digital Literacy Gap: Many small Ayush NGOs and rural practitioners lack digital skills to use the portal effectively.
• Connectivity Issues: Last-mile internet connectivity remains poor in tribal and remote areas (Sowa-Rigpa belt, NE India).
• Data Privacy: Sensitive grant data, financial records, and applicant info must be secured under the DPDP Act, 2023.
• Cybersecurity: Centralised digital platforms face increasing cyber-threat exposure (recall AIIMS Delhi ransomware attack, 2022).
• Standardisation Gaps: AYUSH research and clinical evidence still lag behind allopathy — requires more rigorous, peer-reviewed studies.
• Quackery & Regulation: Unregulated practitioners and substandard products dilute the credibility of AYUSH systems.
• Bio-Piracy Concerns: Indian traditional knowledge (e.g., turmeric, neem, basmati) has faced foreign patent attempts — needs continued vigilance through the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL).
• Inter-System Integration: Ensuring true interoperability between Ayush Grid and ABDM (mainstream) is technically and culturally complex.

Keywords & Definitions

▸ Ayush Anudan Portal: A digital platform launched by the Ministry of Ayush for end-to-end paperless management of grants under Central Sector Schemes.

▸ AYUSH: Acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy — India’s traditional and alternative medicine systems.

▸ Ministry of AYUSH: Established in November 2014 to develop and promote India’s traditional medicine systems; earlier a Department under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

▸ Ayush Grid: Nationwide IT backbone for India’s traditional medicine sector, launched in 2018 under Digital India.

▸ MAISP (My Ayush Integrated Services Portal): Single-window portal for accessing Ministry of Ayush services.

▸ AHMIS (Ayush Health Management Information System): Cloud-based platform standardising patient documentation, morbidity stats, and clinical data across Ayush establishments.

▸ NGO Darpan: A portal by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Electronics and IT providing a single platform for NGOs and Voluntary Organisations to register with government agencies.

▸ NITI Aayog: “National Institution for Transforming India”; replaced the Planning Commission in January 2015; the apex policy think tank of the Government of India.

▸ Central Sector Scheme (CSS): A scheme fully funded by the Central Government and implemented by central agencies — distinct from Centrally Sponsored Schemes which are co-funded by states.

▸ Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): Launched in September 2021; aims to create a national digital health ecosystem, including Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA).

▸ ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account): A 14-digit unique health ID enabling digital storage and sharing of health records.

▸ Ayush Sanjivani: Mobile app launched during COVID-19 (2020) to collect data on AYUSH usage and well-being indicators.

▸ Yoga Locator: A citizen-facing portal/app of the Ministry of Ayush that helps users find nearby yoga instructors and centres.

▸ Bhuvan: A geospatial platform developed by ISRO (NRSC) — used here for AYUSH spatial mapping applications.

▸ WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (WHO-GCTM): Set up at Jamnagar, Gujarat in 2022 — first of its kind worldwide.

▸ National AYUSH Mission (NAM): Launched in 2014; centrally-sponsored scheme for the development and propagation of AYUSH systems.

▸ Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL): Database created by CSIR and Ministry of Ayush (2001) documenting India’s traditional knowledge to prevent bio-piracy and wrong patenting abroad.

▸ Nagoya Protocol (2010): A supplementary agreement to the CBD on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) for genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

▸ Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023: India’s first comprehensive data protection law.

▸ C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing): Premier R&D body under MeitY (1988); partner for Ayush IT skilling.

▸ Ayush Visa: Special category visa introduced in 2023 for foreigners seeking treatment in India under AYUSH systems.

▸ Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) / Ease of Living: Twin governance mandates aimed at simplifying processes for businesses and citizens.

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. The ‘Ayush Anudan Portal’, recently launched, has been developed under the aegis of:

(a) Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) (b) Ayush Grid Initiative (c) Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (d) MyGov Platform

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Ayush Anudan Portal:

1. It is a paperless platform for end-to-end management of grants under Central Sector Schemes of the Ministry of Ayush.
2. It is integrated with NITI Aayog’s NGO Darpan portal for applicant verification.
3. It can be accessed through the My Ayush Integrated Services Portal (MAISP).

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q3. The term ‘AYUSH’ covers which of the following systems?

1. Ayurveda
2. Yoga & Naturopathy
3. Unani
4. Siddha
5. Sowa-Rigpa
6. Homoeopathy

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only (b) 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 only (c) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Q4. The Ministry of AYUSH was carved out as a separate ministry in:

(a) 2003 (b) 2010 (c) 2014 (d) 2019

Q5. Consider the following statements about the Ayush Grid Initiative:

1. It was launched in 2018 under the Digital India Programme.
2. It is compliant with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
3. It includes the Ayush Health Management Information System (AHMIS) and the Ayush Sanjivani App.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q6. The ‘WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (WHO-GCTM)’ was established in:

(a) Geneva, Switzerland (b) New Delhi, India (c) Jamnagar, Gujarat (d) Pune, Maharashtra

Q7. NGO Darpan, which the Ayush Anudan Portal integrates with, is a platform of:

(a) Ministry of Home Affairs (b) NITI Aayog (c) Ministry of Corporate Affairs (d) Ministry of External Affairs

Q8. The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), often discussed with AYUSH, is jointly maintained by:

(a) NITI Aayog and Ministry of Science & Technology (b) CSIR and Ministry of Ayush (c) ICMR and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (d) ICAR and Ministry of Agriculture

Q9. The Nagoya Protocol, often referenced in the context of traditional knowledge, is a supplementary agreement to the:

(a) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) (b) UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (c) UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) (d) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

Q10. Match the following:

Platform / Initiative	Function
A. Ayush Anudan Portal	1. Single-window for all Ayush services
B. MAISP	2. National IT backbone for traditional medicine
C. Ayush Grid	3. Digital health ID and ecosystem
D. ABDM	4. Grant management for Ayush schemes

Select the correct answer:

(a) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3 (b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 (c) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3 (d) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (b) The Ayush Anudan Portal has been developed under the Ayush Grid Initiative — the nationwide digital backbone of the Ministry of Ayush, launched in 2018 under the Digital India Programme.

▸ Q2 → (d) 1, 2 and 3 All three statements are correct — the portal is paperless, integrated with NGO Darpan of NITI Aayog, and accessible via the Ministry’s single-window MAISP.

▸ Q3 → (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 AYUSH covers all six systems — Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy. Sowa-Rigpa (traditional Tibetan medicine) was added formally in 2010.

▸ Q4 → (c) 2014 The Ministry of AYUSH was carved out as a separate ministry in November 2014, having earlier been a Department (since 2003) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

▸ Q5 → (d) 1, 2 and 3 All three statements are correct. Ayush Grid was launched in 2018, is ABDM-compliant, and includes the AHMIS and Ayush Sanjivani App.

▸ Q6 → (c) Jamnagar, Gujarat The WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine (WHO-GCTM) was established at Jamnagar, Gujarat, in 2022 — the first such WHO centre globally, reflecting India’s leadership in traditional medicine.

▸ Q7 → (b) NITI Aayog NGO Darpan is a portal of NITI Aayog (in collaboration with MeitY/NIC), providing a single platform for NGOs and Voluntary Organisations to register with government agencies.

▸ Q8 → (b) CSIR and Ministry of Ayush The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), established in 2001, is jointly maintained by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Ministry of AYUSH to prevent bio-piracy of Indian traditional knowledge.

▸ Q9 → (a) Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) The Nagoya Protocol (2010) is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), dealing with Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) for genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.

▸ Q10 → (c) A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3 Ayush Anudan Portal — Grant management; MAISP — Single-window for all Ayush services…

Correction in matching: Let me re-check the order in the match:

• A. Ayush Anudan Portal → Grant management for Ayush schemes (4)
• B. MAISP → Single-window for all Ayush services (1)
• C. Ayush Grid → National IT backbone for traditional medicine (2)
• D. ABDM → Digital health ID and ecosystem (3)

So the correct match is A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3 → option (a).

▸ Q10 → (a) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3 (corrected) Ayush Anudan Portal — Grant management for Ayush schemes; MAISP — Single-window for all Ayush services; Ayush Grid — National IT backbone for traditional medicine; ABDM — Digital health ID and ecosystem (ABHA).

3. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3

Summary

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed the final deliverable configuration development trials of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 — also called ULM-ER (Unmanned Launch Munition – Extended Range) — at its test range near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh.

ULPGM-V3 is a lightweight, fire-and-forget, precision-guided missile specifically engineered for drone warfare. It allows Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to execute high-accuracy surgical strikes against ground armour, bunkers, and aerial threats, without endangering manned aircraft or requiring direct human piloting.

Developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad — the nodal DRDO lab — the missile weighs just 12.5 kg, has a strike range up to 10 km, and a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 cm. It features a dual-channel Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker plus laser guidance, a two-way S-band datalink, and a modular warhead with anti-armour (EFP), bunker-buster (PCB), and pre-fragmented (anti-personnel) variants.

The successful trial is a milestone in India’s drone-launched precision-strike capability, advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence and the iDEX–DRDO–Make in India indigenisation ecosystem.

Background & Concept

What is ULPGM-V3?

The ULPGM-V3 is a third-generation, UAV-launched precision-guided missile designed for stand-off strike missions. “Stand-off” means the launching platform can strike from a distance, outside the range of the target’s defences. It is “fire-and-forget” — once locked and launched, the missile autonomously homes in on the target without further pilot input.

Why ULPGM Matters

Modern warfare is increasingly dominated by drones (UAVs). Conflicts in Ukraine, Nagorno-Karabakh, Israel–Hamas, and Operation Sindoor (India 2025) have shown that armed drones with precision-guided munitions can:

• Strike tanks, bunkers, and command posts from safe distances.
• Operate in GPS-denied / electronic-warfare jammed environments.
• Reduce pilot risk and overall mission cost.
• Provide persistent ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) plus strike.

ULPGM-V3 gives India a credible indigenous answer to imported precision munitions like the AGM-114 Hellfire (USA) and Spike (Israel).

About DRDO

• Established: 1958, by merging the Technical Development Establishment, Directorate of Technical Development & Production, and Defence Science Organisation.
• Headquarters: DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Defence (under the Department of Defence Research and Development).
• Network: ~50+ laboratories across India.
• Mandate: Design and develop indigenous defence systems — missiles, radars, aircraft, electronic warfare, naval systems, etc.
• Flagship Successes: Agni and Prithvi missile families; BrahMos (with Russia); Akash SAM; Pinaka MBRL; LCA Tejas; Nag, NAMICA; MR-SAM; INS Arihant (with BARC, Navy).

About Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad

• DRDO’s premier laboratory for avionics, guidance, control systems, and electronic systems for missiles.
• Established by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
• Lead lab for the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) legacy work.
• Plays central role in seekers, navigation, and onboard avionics for Indian missiles.

Categories of Drones / UAVs in Indian Defence Use

Category	Range / Endurance	Examples
Tactical UAVs	Short / medium	DRDO Nishant, Rustom-I
MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance)	Long, ~24+ hrs	TAPAS BH-201, MQ-9B SeaGuardian (USA)
HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance)	Very long endurance	Global Hawk-class (foreign)
Loitering Munitions / Kamikaze drones	Single-use, suicide	Nagastra-1 (India), Switchblade (USA), Shahed (Iran)
Armed UAVs (UCAVs)	Strike capable	Bayraktar TB2 (Türkiye), MQ-9 Reaper (USA)

ULPGM-V3 is intended to be integrated on multiple Indian UAV platforms — Tactical UAVs and MALE drones such as TAPAS BH-201 and future indigenous armed UAVs.

Key Features of ULPGM-V3

Feature	Specification
Weight	12.5 kg — lightweight, drone-compatible
Maximum Range	Up to 10 km
Active Engagement	4 km (day), 2.5 km (night)
Circular Error Probable (CEP)	~10 cm — coffee-cup-sized accuracy
Guidance	Dual-channel Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker + laser guidance
Datalink	Two-way S-band — real-time mid-course updates, in-flight re-targeting
Propulsion	Dual-thrust solid propellant rocket motor, low-signature smokeless fuel
Launch Mode	Fire-and-forget; UAV-launched, stand-off
Warhead Variants	3 modular configurations (hot-swappable)
Operating Conditions	All-weather, day-and-night, EW-resilient

Modular Warhead Configurations

Variant	Purpose
EFP (Explosively Formed Penetrator)	Anti-armour — penetrates heavy main battle tank armour via top-attack mode
PCB (Penetration-Cum-Blast)	Bunker-buster — shatters reinforced concrete defences
Pre-Fragmented	Anti-personnel — optimised lethality blast zone for soft targets

India’s Context

India’s drone and precision-strike ecosystem is rapidly maturing:

• DRDO Drone Platforms: TAPAS BH-201, Rustom-I, Nishant, Lakshya.
• Loitering Munitions: Nagastra-1 (Solar Industries, 2024).
• iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence, 2018): Promotes startup-led innovation; many drone startups (ideaForge, NewSpace Research, Garuda Aerospace, ZMotion).
• Drone Rules, 2021 & PLI for Drones (2021): ₹120 crore Production-Linked Incentive scheme for drone manufacturing.
• Operation Sindoor (May 2025): Indian armed forces conducted precision strikes — many involving drones and stand-off munitions.
• Defence Industrial Corridors: Two — Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu — anchoring defence production.
• Defence Exports: Crossed ₹21,000 crore in FY 2023–24 — a 30-fold rise since FY 2014.
• Positive Indigenisation Lists: 5 lists issued by MoD restricting imports of 500+ defence items.

Keywords & Definitions

▸ ULPGM-V3 (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launched Precision Guided Missile, Version 3): A 12.5 kg, fire-and-forget, UAV-launched precision-guided missile developed by DRDO; also called ULM-ER.

▸ UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle): An aircraft operated without an onboard human pilot — controlled remotely or via autonomous systems.

▸ UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle): An armed UAV capable of strike missions (e.g., MQ-9 Reaper, Bayraktar TB2).

▸ Loitering Munition: A “kamikaze drone” — loiters in the air seeking a target and then crashes into it as the warhead (e.g., Nagastra-1).

▸ DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation): India’s primary defence R&D body, established in 1958 under the Ministry of Defence; ~50+ laboratories.

▸ Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad: Premier DRDO lab for missile avionics, guidance, and control systems; established by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

▸ Imaging Infrared (IIR) Seeker: A passive sensor that detects thermal (heat) signatures of targets to track them — works in day, night, and through some weather.

▸ Laser Guidance: A missile guidance mode where a laser designator illuminates the target and the missile homes in on the reflected laser energy.

▸ Dual-Channel Seeker: A guidance system using two independent sensor channels (e.g., IIR + laser) for redundancy and improved accuracy.

▸ Fire-and-Forget: A weapon that, once launched, requires no further input from the operator and autonomously homes onto the target.

▸ Stand-Off Weapon: A weapon launched from outside the defensive range of the target.

▸ Circular Error Probable (CEP): A measure of accuracy — the radius of a circle within which 50% of the rounds are expected to fall. ULPGM-V3: ~10 cm CEP.

▸ Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP): A warhead that forms a metallic slug at high velocity to penetrate armoured vehicles; usually delivered in top-attack mode.

▸ PCB (Penetration-Cum-Blast): A bunker-buster type warhead that first penetrates and then explodes inside reinforced structures.

▸ Top-Attack Mode: An attack profile where the missile strikes the top surface of an armoured vehicle (where armour is thinnest).

▸ S-Band: A radio frequency band (2–4 GHz) used in radars and missile datalinks; resilient to certain weather effects.

▸ Electronic Warfare (EW): Military use of the electromagnetic spectrum for attack, protection, and support — including jamming, spoofing, and electronic countermeasures.

▸ iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence): Launched in 2018 under MoD; promotes startup-led innovation in defence.

▸ DAP, 2020 (Defence Acquisition Procedure): Replaced DPP-2016; the current procedure governing defence procurement, with emphasis on indigenisation.

▸ Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence: Self-reliance vision driving indigenisation lists, PLI for defence, and reduced reliance on imports.

▸ Defence Industrial Corridors: India has two — in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu — to anchor defence manufacturing.

▸ MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime): A 35-member voluntary export-control regime (since 1987) for missiles and UAV technologies; India joined in 2016.

▸ Wassenaar Arrangement: A multilateral export-control regime for conventional arms and dual-use technologies; India joined in 2017.

▸ Operation Sindoor (May 2025): Indian armed forces’ precision strikes following terror attacks; reportedly involved drones and stand-off munitions.

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. The ULPGM-V3, recently in news, has been developed primarily by which of the following DRDO laboratories?

(a) Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad (b) Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad (c) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru (d) Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE), Avadi

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the ULPGM-V3:

1. It is also known as the Unmanned Launch Munition–Extended Range (ULM-ER).
2. It is a fire-and-forget, UAV-launched precision-guided missile.
3. Its maximum operational strike range is approximately 10 km.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Circular Error Probable (CEP) in the context of missiles is best described as:

(a) The maximum range a missile can travel (b) The radius of a circle within which 50% of rounds are expected to fall (c) The speed of the missile during terminal phase (d) The probability of detection by enemy radar

Q4. The ULPGM-V3 employs which of the following guidance mechanisms?

1. Dual-channel Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker
2. Laser guidance
3. GPS-only inertial navigation

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q5. The ‘top-attack mode’ used by anti-tank precision weapons targets:

(a) The frontal glacis plate of the tank (b) The top surface of the tank where armour is thinnest (c) The track and wheel assembly (d) The exhaust outlet

Q6. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was established in:

(a) 1947 (b) 1958 (c) 1963 (d) 1972

Q7. Consider the following statements about the iDEX initiative:

1. It was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Defence.
2. It promotes startup-led innovation in defence.
3. It functions under the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q8. Which of the following are modular warhead variants of the ULPGM-V3?

1. Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) for anti-armour
2. Penetration-Cum-Blast (PCB) for bunker-busting
3. Pre-Fragmented for anti-personnel
4. Submarine-Launched Ballistic Variant

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q9. The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), of which India is a member, was established in:

(a) 1972 (b) 1987 (c) 1995 (d) 2003

Q10. Match the following Indian defence platforms with their categories:

Platform	Category
A. Nagastra-1	1. Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV
B. TAPAS BH-201	2. UAV-launched Precision Guided Missile
C. ULPGM-V3	3. Loitering Munition
D. Akash	4. Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM)

Select the correct answer:

(a) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4 (b) A-1, B-3, C-2, D-4 (c) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4 (d) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (b) Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad The ULPGM-V3 has been developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad — DRDO’s premier lab for missile avionics, guidance, and control systems, established by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

▸ Q2 → (d) 1, 2 and 3 All three statements are correct — ULPGM-V3 is also called ULM-ER, it is a fire-and-forget UAV-launched PGM, with a maximum strike range of ~10 km.

▸ Q3 → (b) Circular Error Probable (CEP) is the radius of a circle, centred on the aim point, within which 50% of the projectiles are expected to fall. A lower CEP = higher accuracy.

▸ Q4 → (a) 1 and 2 only The ULPGM-V3 employs a dual-channel IIR seeker + laser guidance. Statement 3 is incorrect — its strength is operating in GPS-denied / EW-jammed environments, so GPS-only navigation is not the basis.

▸ Q5 → (b) The top-attack mode targets the top surface of a tank, where the armour is thinnest. This profile is commonly used by modern anti-tank missiles (Javelin, Spike, Nag, etc.).

▸ Q6 → (b) 1958 The DRDO was established in 1958 by merging the Technical Development Establishment, Directorate of Technical Development & Production, and Defence Science Organisation.

▸ Q7 → (d) 1, 2 and 3 All three statements are correct. iDEX was launched in 2018, promotes startup-led innovation in defence, and is housed under the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).

▸ Q8 → (a) 1, 2 and 3 only EFP (anti-armour), PCB (bunker-buster), and Pre-Fragmented (anti-personnel) are the three modular warhead variants of ULPGM-V3. There is no submarine-launched ballistic variant — ULPGM-V3 is a UAV-launched missile.

▸ Q9 → (b) 1987 The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) is a voluntary export-control regime established in 1987. India joined in 2016, opening access to missile and dual-use technologies.

▸ Q10 → (a) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4 Nagastra-1 — Loitering Munition; TAPAS BH-201 — MALE UAV; ULPGM-V3 — UAV-launched Precision Guided Missile; Akash — Surface-to-Air Missile.

4. Shaheed Veer Gundadhur

Summary

The Union Home Minister inaugurated the Shaheed Veer Gundadhur Seva Dera Jan Suvidha Kendra in Bastar, Chhattisgarh, reaffirming the central government’s commitment to honour tribal freedom fighters and accelerate tribal development in central India.

Veer Shaheed Gundadhur was a tribal revolutionary leader from Bastar (Chhattisgarh) who led the historic Bhumkal Rebellion of 1910 against the British colonial empire. Born in Netanar village to the Dhurwa tribal community, he is revered as a symbol of tribal sovereignty, identity, and resistance. His guerrilla tactics, grassroots mobilisation via secret symbols (red chilies, clay bows-and-arrows, mango branches), and remarkable leadership halted colonial governance across Bastar for weeks.

The British crushed the revolt brutally — executing tribal leaders at Golbazar Chowk, Jagdalpur, and killing an estimated 25,000 tribals. Gundadhur was never captured and disappeared into Bastar’s forests, becoming an immortal legend. Chhattisgarh today honours his memory through the Shaheed Gundadhur Award in archery and various development initiatives in tribal areas.

Background & Concept

Who was Veer Shaheed Gundadhur?

• Original Name: Baga Dhurva (in his youth).
• Title: “Gundadhur” — a name recorded by the British to describe his formidable status as a rebel.
• Tribal Community: Dhurwa tribe.
• Birthplace: Netanar village, Bastar (Chhattisgarh).
• Background: A tribal youth without formal education; known for his hunting skills, deep knowledge of forest geography, and natural leadership.

What was the Bhumkal Movement (1910)?

• Literal meaning of “Bhumkal”: “Earthquake / Earth-Rebellion” — symbolising a tremor against colonial oppression.
• Year: 1910 — at a time when much of mainstream India was witnessing the rise of organised nationalism (Swadeshi Movement, Surat Split, Ghadar).
• Region: Bastar princely state under King Rudrapratap Deo, who functioned under British paramountcy.
• Causes of the Rebellion:
  • British forest reservation policies — restricting tribal access to forests for food, fuel, and shelter.
  • Exploitative revenue and labour systems (begar / forced labour).
  • Loss of tribal autonomy and customary rights.
  • Imposition of outsiders (Dikus) in local administration and trade.
  • Cultural and religious interference.

Symbols of Mobilisation

To mobilise tribes secretly without alerting Bastar’s pro-British administration, Gundadhur used traditional tribal signals distributed from house to house:

Symbol	Meaning
Red Chilies	Urgent revolutionary action
Clay Bows and Arrows	Preparation for armed resistance
Mango Branches	Solidarity to protect tribal identity and rights

Gundadhur’s Guerrilla Strategy

• Mobilised tribals across Bastar’s dense forest stretches at age ~35.
• Orchestrated ambushes and surprise attacks that forced British officers and police to flee to forest caves.
• Effectively halted colonial governance across Bastar for several weeks.
• Demonstrated mastery of terrain-based asymmetric warfare — long before the term “guerrilla” became globally common.

Suppression and Legacy

• The British retaliated with massive military force.
• Public executions of tribal leaders at Golbazar Chowk, Jagdalpur.
• An estimated 25,000 tribals killed.
• Gundadhur was never captured — he disappeared into Bastar’s forests, becoming legend.
• His legacy survives through folklore, tribal songs, and modern tributes.
• Shaheed Gundadhur Award: Instituted by Chhattisgarh — presented annually in archery, in honour of his weapon of choice.

Key Highlights

Aspect	Detail
Movement	Bhumkal Rebellion (1910)
Region	Bastar, Chhattisgarh
Community	Dhurwa Tribe
Birthplace	Netanar village
British Local Authority	King Rudrapratap Deo (Bastar princely state, under British oversight)
Cause	Forest laws, exploitation, loss of tribal autonomy
Tactics	Guerrilla warfare, secret symbols, mass mobilisation
Casualties	~25,000 tribals killed in suppression
Execution Site	Golbazar Chowk, Jagdalpur
Status	Never captured; disappeared into forests
Modern Recognition	Shaheed Gundadhur Award (archery); statues, schools, government schemes

India’s Tribal Uprisings

India’s tribal communities resisted British rule through several major revolts — often before mainstream nationalist movements and at heavy human cost. Major uprisings include:

Year	Uprising	Region	Leader
1778–80	Paharia Revolt	Rajmahal Hills	Paharia tribes
1831–32	Kol Uprising	Chotanagpur	Buddhu Bhagat
1855–56	Santhal Rebellion (Hul)	Santhal Parganas	Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, Bhairav
1857–58	Bhil Revolt	Western India	Various
1899–1900	Munda Ulgulan	Chotanagpur	Birsa Munda
1910	Bhumkal Rebellion	Bastar	Gundadhur
1922–24	Rampa Rebellion	Andhra	Alluri Sitarama Raju
1940s	Tana Bhagat	Chotanagpur	Jatra Bhagat

India has 705+ Scheduled Tribes, constituting ~8.6% of population (Census 2011) — the world’s largest tribal population in any single country.

Keywords & Definitions

▸ Veer Shaheed Gundadhur: Tribal revolutionary from Bastar who led the Bhumkal Rebellion of 1910 against the British.

▸ Bhumkal: Literally “earth-quake” / “earth-rebellion” in Halbi/Gondi — the name given to the 1910 tribal uprising in Bastar.

▸ Dhurwa Tribe: A Scheduled Tribe of Bastar, Chhattisgarh; Gundadhur belonged to this community.

▸ Bastar: A region in southern Chhattisgarh; historically a tribal princely state; today comprises 7 districts including Jagdalpur.

▸ Dikus: A term used by tribals (especially Santhals, Mundas) for outsider non-tribal moneylenders, landlords, and traders perceived as exploiters.

▸ Forest Reservation Policies: British policies under the Indian Forest Act, 1865 (and later 1878, 1927) that classified forests as Reserved, Protected, and Village Forests, restricting tribal access to traditional resources.

▸ Begar: Forced unpaid labour exacted by landlords or colonial authorities.

▸ Birsa Munda (1875–1900): Tribal revolutionary from Chotanagpur who led the Munda Ulgulan (1899–1900); Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (15 November) is celebrated on his birth anniversary.

▸ Munda Ulgulan: The “Great Tumult” — Birsa Munda’s rebellion against the British and landlords (1899–1900).

▸ Santhal Hul (1855–56): Major tribal uprising led by Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav against zamindars, moneylenders, and the British.

▸ Alluri Sitarama Raju (1897–1924): Tribal revolutionary who led the Rampa Rebellion (1922–24) in Andhra against British forest laws.

▸ Schedule V of the Constitution: Provides for administration of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes in States other than NE India.

▸ Schedule VI of the Constitution: Provides for autonomous administration of Tribal Areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram (Article 244A).

▸ PESA Act, 1996: Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act — empowers Gram Sabhas in Schedule V areas.

▸ Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006: Recognises forest-dwelling tribal communities’ rights over forest land and resources, correcting historical injustice.

▸ Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: Declared in 2021; celebrated on 15 November, the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.

▸ PM-JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan): Launched in 2023 with a ₹24,000 crore outlay, focused on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

▸ PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group): Earlier called Primitive Tribal Groups; 75 PVTGs identified in India, characterised by pre-agricultural technology, low literacy, and stagnant/declining population.

▸ Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Centrally-funded residential schools for tribal children at par with Navodaya Vidyalayas.

▸ Left-Wing Extremism (LWE): Maoist insurgency in parts of central and eastern India; concentrated in the Red Corridor including Bastar.

▸ Article 342: Empowers the President to specify Scheduled Tribes; Schedule of STs maintained in the Constitution.

▸ Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in Chhattisgarh: Include Abhujmaria, Baiga, Birhor, Hill Korwa, Kamar, Pahadi Korwa.

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. Veer Shaheed Gundadhur is associated with which of the following tribal uprisings?

(a) Kol Uprising (b) Santhal Hul (c) Bhumkal Rebellion (d) Munda Ulgulan

Q2. The Bhumkal Rebellion of 1910 broke out in which region?

(a) Chotanagpur (b) Bastar (c) Santhal Parganas (d) Western Ghats

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Veer Shaheed Gundadhur:

1. He belonged to the Dhurwa tribal community of Bastar.
2. He led the Bhumkal Rebellion against the British in 1910.
3. He was captured and executed at Jagdalpur’s Golbazar Chowk.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q4. Which of the following symbols were used by Gundadhur to mobilise tribals during the Bhumkal Rebellion?

1. Red Chilies
2. Clay Bows and Arrows
3. Mango Branches
4. Coconut shells

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 2 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q5. Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, celebrated annually on 15 November, marks the birth anniversary of:

(a) Veer Gundadhur (b) Birsa Munda (c) Alluri Sitarama Raju (d) Tilka Manjhi

Q6. Match the following tribal revolts with their leaders:

Revolt	Leader
A. Munda Ulgulan (1899–1900)	1. Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, Bhairav
B. Santhal Hul (1855–56)	2. Alluri Sitarama Raju
C. Rampa Rebellion (1922–24)	3. Birsa Munda
D. Bhumkal Rebellion (1910)	4. Gundadhur

Select the correct answer:

(a) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4 (b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 (c) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1 (d) A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2

Q7. Which Article of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to specify the Scheduled Tribes?

(a) Article 341 (b) Article 342 (c) Article 244 (d) Article 332

Q8. The PESA Act, often discussed in the context of tribal empowerment, was enacted in:

(a) 1989 (b) 1996 (c) 2006 (d) 2013

Q9. The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), launched in 2023, is targeted primarily at:

(a) All Scheduled Tribes in India (b) Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) (c) Tribal entrepreneurs in urban areas (d) Tribal women only

Q10. Consider the following statements about tribal uprisings during British rule:

1. The Munda Ulgulan was led by Birsa Munda in Chotanagpur (1899–1900).
2. The Rampa Rebellion of 1922–24 was led by Alluri Sitarama Raju in Andhra.
3. The Santhal Hul of 1855–56 was led against zamindars, moneylenders, and the British.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (c) Bhumkal Rebellion Veer Shaheed Gundadhur is associated with the Bhumkal Rebellion of 1910 in Bastar — a major tribal uprising against the British colonial system, exploitation, and harsh forest laws.

▸ Q2 → (b) Bastar The Bhumkal Rebellion of 1910 broke out in the Bastar princely state (today’s southern Chhattisgarh), then ruled by King Rudrapratap Deo under British paramountcy.

▸ Q3 → (a) 1 and 2 only Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — Gundadhur was never captured; he disappeared into Bastar’s forests after the British suppression and became a legend. Other tribal leaders were executed at Golbazar Chowk, Jagdalpur.

▸ Q4 → (a) 1, 2 and 3 only Gundadhur used Red Chilies (urgent action), Clay Bows-and-Arrows (armed resistance), and Mango Branches (solidarity) as secret mobilisation symbols distributed house to house. Coconut shells were not part of the Bhumkal symbol code.

▸ Q5 → (b) Birsa Munda Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, declared in 2021 and celebrated on 15 November, marks the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the iconic tribal leader of the Munda Ulgulan (1899–1900).

▸ Q6 → (a) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4 Munda Ulgulan — Birsa Munda; Santhal Hul — Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, Bhairav; Rampa Rebellion — Alluri Sitarama Raju; Bhumkal Rebellion — Gundadhur.

▸ Q7 → (b) Article 342 Article 342 of the Constitution empowers the President to specify the Scheduled Tribes (with consultation of the Governor in case of a State), with Parliament empowered to modify the list. (Article 341 relates to Scheduled Castes.)

▸ Q8 → (b) 1996 The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) was enacted in 1996, extending Part IX of the Constitution to Schedule V tribal areas with modifications to safeguard tribal customs and empower Gram Sabhas.

▸ Q9 → (b) Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) The PM-JANMAN scheme, launched in 2023 with a ₹24,000 crore outlay, is specifically focused on the welfare and development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) — the most marginalised among Scheduled Tribes.

▸ Q10 → (d) 1, 2 and 3 All three statements are correct. Birsa Munda led the Ulgulan in Chotanagpur (1899–1900); Alluri Sitarama Raju led the Rampa Rebellion (1922–24) in Andhra; and the Santhal Hul (1855–56) under Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, and Bhairav targeted zamindars, moneylenders, and the British alike.

5. Urtan and Dhirauli Coal Mines (Madhya Pradesh)

Summary

The Ministry of Coal announced the commencement of coal production from the Urtan and Dhirauli coal mines in Madhya Pradesh. The operationalisation marks a historic milestone — Urtan is the first underground coal mine to begin production under India’s market-driven commercial coal auction regime (introduced in 2020).

• Urtan Coal Mine — located in Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh; allotted to M/s JMS Mining Private Limited; an underground operation.
• Dhirauli Coal Mine — located in Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh; allotted to M/s Mahan Energen Limited (a subsidiary of Adani Power).

Both mines lie within the resource-rich Gondwana coal basin of central India, which hosts over 98% of India’s black coal reserves. The mines extract non-coking coal that can be freely sold in the open market, blended, or exported — a sharp departure from the earlier captive-use restrictions.

The development reinforces India’s push to boost domestic coal production, reduce thermal coal imports, and attract private investment into the mining sector under commercial coal mining reforms.

Background & Concept

What are the Urtan and Dhirauli Mines?

The Urtan and Dhirauli blocks are commercial coal mines auctioned under the liberalised commercial coal mining framework, which allows 100% FDI under the automatic route and removes the earlier “captive use only” constraints. The coal extracted can be:

• Sold freely to any buyer in India.
• Blended with other coal grades.
• Exported (with applicable regulations).

This contrasts with the earlier policy framework, where blocks were allotted only for captive use (e.g., power, steel, cement) and could not be commercially traded.

Why is Urtan Significant?

Urtan is India’s first underground coal mine to start commercial production under the new auction regime. India’s coal production is dominated by opencast mining (~95%), with only a small share from underground mines. Reviving underground mining is essential because:

• Easier opencast reserves are depleting.
• Underground mining causes less surface displacement and less ecological damage.
• It accesses deeper, high-quality reserves.
• Internationally, modern economies (USA, China, Australia, Indonesia) use significant underground extraction.

About India’s Commercial Coal Mining Reforms

Key Reform Timeline:

Year	Reform
1973	Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act — nationalised all coal mining
2014	SC cancels 204 captive coal block allocations (in the Coalgate scandal verdict)
2015	Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 — re-auctioning of cancelled blocks
2018	Cabinet approves commercial mining of coal by private sector
2020	Mineral Laws (Amendment) Act, 2020 — opens commercial coal mining; allows 100% FDI under automatic route
2020 (Jun)	PM launches first commercial coal mining auction
2024–26	Auction rounds 10+ underway; total of 100+ blocks allotted

About India’s Coal Geology

India’s coal reserves are largely from the Gondwana period (~250–300 million years ago):

Coal Type	Geological Period	Share	Examples
Gondwana Coal	Permian (~250 mya)	~98% of India’s reserves	Jharia, Raniganj, Bokaro, Singrauli, Talcher
Tertiary Coal	Eocene–Oligocene	~2%	Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal, J&K

Gondwana coal is found in the Damodar (Jharkhand–WB), Sone–Mahanadi (MP, Odisha, CG), Godavari (Telangana), Wardha (Maharashtra) basins.

Singrauli Coalfield (Where Dhirauli Lies)

• One of India’s largest coalfields.
• Part of the Son–Mahanadi belt.
• Spans Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh and parts of Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh.
• Hosts some of the thickest coal seams in the world.
• Often called the “Energy Capital of India” — major thermal power plants (NTPC Vindhyachal, NTPC Singrauli, Anpara, Sasan UMPP, Mahan TPS).

Anuppur District (Where Urtan Lies)

• Located in east-central Madhya Pradesh.
• Sits near the catchment of the Son and Narmada rivers.
• Underground mining here requires advanced hydrogeological water-pumping systems to prevent groundwater seepage into mining shafts.

Key Features

Feature	Urtan Mine	Dhirauli Mine
District	Anuppur, MP	Singrauli, MP
Coalfield Belt	Son valley belt	Soagpur–Singrauli basin
Mine Type	Underground	Opencast (large-scale)
Allottee	M/s JMS Mining Pvt. Ltd.	M/s Mahan Energen Ltd. (Adani Power subsidiary)
Coal Type	Non-coking (thermal)	Non-coking (thermal)
Special Note	First underground mine in commercial auction regime	Lies in India’s “Energy Capital” Singrauli

Geological & Hydrogeological Notes

• Gondwana Basin: Hosts ~98% of India’s coal reserves.
• Singrauli stratigraphy: Thick coal seams under sandstone and carbonaceous shales.
• Underground mining at Urtan: Requires advanced water-pumping networks to prevent groundwater ingress.

India’s Coal Story

India is the world’s second-largest coal producer and consumer (after China):

• Production: ~1 billion tonnes (FY 2023–24) — record output.
• Imports: ~250 MT — mostly coking coal and high-grade thermal coal.
• Reserves: ~3rd largest globally — ~352 billion tonnes (as of 2022).
• Top Producing States: Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana.
• Top PSU: Coal India Ltd (CIL) — produces ~75% of India’s coal; NLC India Ltd (lignite); SCCL (Telangana).
• Top Private Players: Adani, JSW, Vedanta, Hindalco, JSPL.
• Thermal Power Share: ~70% of generation; coal expected to remain dominant till at least 2040 even as renewables grow.

Major Indian Coalfields

Coalfield	State	Belt
Jharia, Bokaro, Karanpura	Jharkhand	Damodar
Raniganj	West Bengal	Damodar
Talcher, Ib Valley	Odisha	Mahanadi
Korba, Sohagpur	Chhattisgarh / MP	Son–Mahanadi
Singrauli	MP / UP	Son
Godavari Valley	Telangana	Godavari
Wardha Valley	Maharashtra	Wardha

Keywords & Definitions

▸ Urtan Coal Mine: Underground coal mine in Anuppur district, Madhya Pradesh; allotted to JMS Mining Pvt. Ltd.; first underground mine under India’s commercial coal auction regime.

▸ Dhirauli Coal Mine: Coal mine in Singrauli district, Madhya Pradesh; allotted to Mahan Energen Ltd. (Adani Power subsidiary).

▸ Commercial Coal Mining: Mining of coal for sale on the open market, without captive-use restrictions; introduced in India by the Mineral Laws (Amendment) Act, 2020.

▸ Captive Coal Mining: Mining of coal exclusively for a specific industry’s own use (e.g., power, steel, cement plants).

▸ Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973: Nationalised coal mining in India; repealed in 2018 for commercial mining liberalisation.

▸ Mineral Laws (Amendment) Act, 2020: Opened commercial coal mining to 100% FDI under the automatic route, removed captive-use restriction.

▸ MMDR Act, 1957: Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act — primary law governing mining in India; amended several times.

▸ DMF (District Mineral Foundation): A trust at the district level established in mining-affected districts under the MMDR Act; funded by mining lease holders to support local communities.

▸ PMKKKY (Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana): Launched in 2015; provides for the welfare of people in mining-affected areas using DMF funds.

▸ Gondwana Coal: Coal formed during the Permian period (~250 mya); accounts for ~98% of India’s coal reserves.

▸ Tertiary Coal: Younger coal formed during the Eocene–Oligocene period; found in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, J&K; accounts for ~2% of reserves.

▸ Coking Coal: Low-ash, high-carbon coal used in steel-making (blast furnaces); India is a major importer (mostly from Australia, USA, Mozambique).

▸ Non-Coking Coal (Thermal Coal): Used primarily in electricity generation; India is self-sufficient in non-coking coal supply broadly.

▸ Coal India Limited (CIL): A Maharatna PSU; produces ~75% of India’s coal; world’s largest coal producer.

▸ NLC India Ltd: Navratna PSU; specialises in lignite mining in Tamil Nadu.

▸ SCCL (Singareni Collieries Company Ltd): Joint enterprise of Telangana Government and Government of India; coal mining in the Godavari valley.

▸ Singrauli Coalfield: Located in the Son–Mahanadi basin across MP and UP; hosts some of the thickest coal seams in the world.

▸ Sohagpur–Singrauli Basin: A continuous coal-bearing geological belt running across MP and UP.

▸ Anuppur District (MP): District in eastern Madhya Pradesh, located near the Son–Narmada drainage.

▸ Underground Mining: Extracts coal via shafts and tunnels below the surface; methods include bord-and-pillar, longwall mining.

▸ Opencast (Surface) Mining: Extracts coal from open pits; accounts for ~95% of India’s coal production.

▸ Hydrogeology: Branch of geology dealing with the distribution and movement of groundwater — critical for underground mine planning.

▸ Carbonaceous Shales: Fine-grained sedimentary rocks rich in organic carbon; often interbedded with coal seams.

▸ Net Zero by 2070: India’s climate goal announced at COP26, Glasgow (2021) as part of the “Panchamrit” commitments.

▸ DGMS (Directorate General of Mines Safety): Regulatory body under the Ministry of Labour & Employment overseeing safety in Indian mines.

▸ Just Transition: Concept of moving away from fossil fuels in a manner that protects workers, communities, and local economies — central to climate justice debates.

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. The Urtan Coal Mine, recently operationalised, is located in which Indian state?

(a) Jharkhand (b) Chhattisgarh (c) Madhya Pradesh (d) Odisha

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Urtan and Dhirauli coal mines:

1. Urtan is India’s first underground coal mine to begin production under the commercial coal auction regime.
2. Dhirauli is located in the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh.
3. Both mines extract coking coal for steel production.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q3. India’s Gondwana coal deposits account for approximately what share of its total coal reserves?

(a) 60% (b) 75% (c) 85% (d) 98%

Q4. Match the following coalfields with their states:

Coalfield	State
A. Jharia	1. Telangana
B. Raniganj	2. Odisha
C. Talcher	3. Jharkhand
D. Godavari Valley	4. West Bengal

Select the correct answer:

(a) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1 (b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 (c) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2 (d) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

Q5. Commercial coal mining (for sale on the open market) was allowed in India through which legislation?

(a) Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973 (b) Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (c) Mineral Laws (Amendment) Act, 2020 (d) MMDR (Amendment) Act, 2023

Q6. Consider the following statements about Singrauli:

1. It hosts some of the world’s thickest coal seams.
2. It lies in the Son–Mahanadi coal basin.
3. It is often called the “Energy Capital of India”.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q7. India’s commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions was made at which COP?

(a) COP21, Paris (2015) (b) COP25, Madrid (2019) (c) COP26, Glasgow (2021) (d) COP28, Dubai (2023)

Q8. The Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY), often discussed with mining, is funded through:

(a) Disaster Management Fund (b) District Mineral Foundation (DMF) (c) Consolidated Fund of India (d) State CSR contributions

Q9. Coal India Limited (CIL), India’s largest coal producer, is classified as a:

(a) Navratna PSU (b) Maharatna PSU (c) Miniratna PSU (d) State-Owned Joint Venture

Q10. Consider the following statements about India’s coal classification:

1. Gondwana coal was formed during the Permian period (~250 million years ago).
2. Tertiary coal is found primarily in the northeastern states and J&K.
3. Coking coal is mainly used in thermal power generation.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (c) Madhya Pradesh The Urtan Coal Mine is located in the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh, while Dhirauli is in the Singrauli district of the same state.

▸ Q2 → (a) 1 and 2 only Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — both mines extract non-coking (thermal) coal, not coking coal. Coking coal in India is primarily imported.

▸ Q3 → (d) 98% Gondwana coal deposits account for about 98% of India’s coal reserves. Only ~2% is Tertiary coal, found mainly in the Northeast and J&K.

▸ Q4 → (a) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1 Jharia — Jharkhand; Raniganj — West Bengal; Talcher — Odisha; Godavari Valley — Telangana. (All are major Gondwana coalfields.)

▸ Q5 → (c) Mineral Laws (Amendment) Act, 2020 Commercial coal mining — allowing private players to sell coal in the open market — was enabled by the Mineral Laws (Amendment) Act, 2020, which also permitted 100% FDI under the automatic route.

▸ Q6 → (d) 1, 2 and 3 All three statements are correct. Singrauli hosts some of the world’s thickest coal seams, lies in the Son–Mahanadi basin, and is often called the “Energy Capital of India” due to the cluster of major thermal power plants.

▸ Q7 → (c) COP26, Glasgow (2021) India committed to achieve Net Zero by 2070 through the Panchamrit commitments at COP26, Glasgow, in November 2021, along with non-fossil capacity, emissions intensity, and renewable targets for 2030.

▸ Q8 → (b) District Mineral Foundation (DMF) PMKKKY, launched in 2015, is funded through the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) — set up under the MMDR Act — using contributions from mining lease holders to develop mining-affected areas.

▸ Q9 → (b) Maharatna PSU Coal India Limited (CIL) is a Maharatna PSU (granted Maharatna status in 2011) and the world’s largest coal producer, contributing about 75% of India’s coal production.

▸ Q10 → (a) 1 and 2 only Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — coking coal is used primarily in steel-making (blast furnaces), not thermal power generation. Non-coking (thermal) coal is used in power plants.

5. PM Modi’s Visit to Netherlands

Summary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a two-day official visit to the Netherlands (16–17 May 2026) at the invitation of Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten — the second leg of his 5-nation tour covering the UAE, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, and Italy.

During the visit, PM Modi met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at Palace Huis ten Bosch, The Hague, and held bilateral talks with PM Rob Jetten at the Catshuis (the official residence of the Dutch PM).

Three landmark outcomes defined the visit:

1. Elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, with adoption of the Roadmap of India–Netherlands Strategic Partnership (2026–2030).
2. Restitution of the 11th-century Chola Copper Plates by Leiden University Library to the Government of India.
3. Signing of 17 agreements across technology, green energy, trade, and mobility — including a TATA Electronics × ASML MoU to support the semiconductor Fab in Dholera, Gujarat, and a Letter of Intent between India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management for technical cooperation on the Kalpasar Project in Gujarat.

The visit reinforced India’s growing engagement with European partners and the Netherlands’ role as India’s largest trading partner within the EU, leveraging Dutch expertise in semiconductors, water management, agri-tech, and ports.

Background & Concept

India–Netherlands: A Long Historical Relationship

Period	Highlight
1602–1825	Dutch East India Company (VOC) active in India — Surat, Pulicat, Cochin, Nagapattinam
1947–48	Establishment of diplomatic relations after Indian independence
2008	Strategic energy partnership initiated
2018	Strategic partnership on water
2019	“India–Netherlands Strategic Partnership on Water” upgraded
2022	Virtual summit during 75 years of diplomatic ties
2026	Bilateral ties elevated to full Strategic Partnership with 2026–2030 Roadmap

Why the Netherlands Matters to India

• Largest EU Trading Partner of India (bilateral trade ~$27.4 billion in 2023–24).
• 3rd largest source of FDI in India (cumulative; ~$50 billion+); Dutch firms among earliest European entrants.
• Global leader in:
  • Semiconductor lithography (ASML – the only firm producing EUV lithography machines).
  • Water management & delta engineering (post-1953 North Sea Flood).
  • Agri-tech, dairy, horticulture (2nd largest agri-exporter globally despite small size).
  • Port logistics (Port of Rotterdam – Europe’s largest).
  • AI, photonics, life sciences.
• Strategic location: Gateway to Europe for Indian exports.

About the Indian “Strategic Partnership” Construct

A Strategic Partnership is the highest formal tier of India’s bilateral diplomacy. As of 2026, India has Strategic Partnerships with ~35 countries, including France (1998), Russia (2000), Germany (2000), UK (2004), Japan (2006), USA (2004), South Korea (2010), UAE (2017), Australia (2020), Italy (2023), Egypt (2023), Greece (2023), and now the Netherlands (2026).

About the Chola Copper Plates (Cultural Highlight)

• Period: 11th century CE — Chola Empire under Rajendra Chola I (r. 1014–1044 CE).
• Function: Royal land grant inscriptions etched on copper plates — recording donations of land/villages to temples and Brahmins; an invaluable source for Chola administrative history, polity, taxation, and society.
• How they reached the Netherlands: Sold to / acquired by Dutch trading post officials during the VOC era, eventually deposited at Leiden University Library — one of Europe’s oldest academic libraries (1575).
• Restitution Trend: Part of a global trend of return of looted/colonial-era artefacts to source countries; India has secured the return of 600+ antiquities in the past decade — particularly under bilateral cultural agreements with the USA, UK, Australia, France, Germany, etc.

About ASML and the TATA–ASML MoU

• ASML is a Dutch multinational based in Veldhoven, Netherlands — the world’s sole producer of EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet) lithography machines essential for cutting-edge chip fabrication (3 nm and below).
• The TATA Electronics × ASML MoU supports India’s first commercial semiconductor fab at Dholera, Gujarat, being built by Tata Electronics in partnership with PSMC (Taiwan) under the India Semiconductor Mission.
• A breakthrough — historically, ASML’s exports of advanced lithography tools are tightly controlled by Dutch government export-control policies (aligned with the Wassenaar Arrangement and US CHIPS Act-related restrictions).

About the Kalpasar Project

• Location: Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat.
• Concept: A proposed mega freshwater reservoir to be created by a 30 km dam across the Gulf of Khambhat, between Bhavnagar and Bharuch.
• Objectives:
  • Create one of the world’s largest freshwater reservoirs (~2,000 sq km).
  • Capture monsoon runoff from rivers like Sabarmati, Mahi, Narmada, Tapi.
  • Provide drinking water, irrigation, hydropower (~5,800 MW), and a 10-lane road link.
• Status: Pre-feasibility / feasibility studies on for decades; Dutch technical assistance (given their delta engineering expertise — Delta Works post-1953 flood) is critical.

Key Outcomes of the Visit

Domain	Outcome
Diplomatic Upgrade	Bilateral ties elevated to Strategic Partnership; adoption of Roadmap 2026–2030
Cultural Restitution	11th-century Chola Copper Plates returned by Leiden University Library
Semiconductor Cooperation	TATA Electronics × ASML MoU to support Dholera Fab, Gujarat
Water Cooperation	LoI between Ministry of Jal Shakti and Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management for Kalpasar Project
Agreements Signed	17 MoUs across technology, green energy, trade, mobility
Royal & Political Engagements	Meetings with King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, and PM Rob Jetten

India’s Context

PM Modi’s 5-nation tour (May 2026) signals India’s calibrated multi-vector diplomacy:

Country	Key Theme
UAE	Defence Strategic Framework, $5 bn capital, MAITRI Trade Corridor, 8 Exaflop supercomputing
Sweden, Norway, Iceland (via Nordic Summit) + EFTA	Green Tech & Innovation Strategic Partnership; TEPA operationalisation
Netherlands	Strategic Partnership; ASML–Tata semiconductor MoU; Chola Plates restitution; Kalpasar
Italy	G7 / Mediterranean partnership; IMEC linkage

This reflects India’s strategic outreach across Gulf, Nordic-Baltic, Western European, and Mediterranean regions simultaneously.

Keywords & Definitions

▸ Strategic Partnership: Highest formal tier of India’s bilateral diplomacy; covers political, economic, defence, technology, cultural, and people-to-people ties. India has ~35 such partnerships globally.

▸ Roadmap of India–Netherlands Strategic Partnership (2026–2030): 5-year implementation framework adopted at the May 2026 Modi–Jetten Summit.

▸ Catshuis: Official residence of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, located in The Hague.

▸ Huis ten Bosch: A royal palace in The Hague, official residence of the Dutch monarch.

▸ Leiden University Library: Founded in 1575, one of Europe’s oldest academic libraries; holds significant collections of Asian manuscripts and artefacts from the VOC era.

▸ Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie / VOC): Established in 1602, the world’s first multinational corporation; held a Dutch monopoly on Asian trade until 1799.

▸ Chola Copper Plates: Inscribed royal land-grant records on copper, characteristic of the Chola Empire’s bureaucratic and ritual administration.

▸ Rajendra Chola I (r. 1014–1044 CE): Chola emperor who expanded the empire to Sri Lanka, Maldives, Southeast Asia; built Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

▸ ASML (Advanced Semiconductor Materials Lithography): Dutch multinational based in Veldhoven, world’s sole producer of EUV lithography systems essential for advanced chip fabrication.

▸ EUV Lithography (Extreme Ultraviolet): Cutting-edge chip-making technology using 13.5 nm wavelength light to print sub-7 nm features on silicon wafers.

▸ DUV Lithography (Deep Ultraviolet): Earlier-generation lithography using 193 nm wavelength light, still essential for 28–14 nm chip production.

▸ India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): Launched in December 2021 with ~₹76,000 crore outlay; nodal under MeitY.

▸ Tata Electronics × PSMC Fab, Dholera: India’s first commercial semiconductor fab, under construction in Dholera, Gujarat.

▸ Kalpasar Project: Proposed mega multipurpose project in the Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat — envisions a 30 km dam to create one of the world’s largest freshwater reservoirs.

▸ Gulf of Khambhat: A funnel-shaped inlet of the Arabian Sea, between the Saurashtra peninsula and the mainland Gujarat coast; has India’s highest tidal range (~12 m).

▸ Ministry of Jal Shakti: Created in 2019 by merging Ministry of Water Resources, RD&GR and Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation; nodal for water-related affairs.

▸ Delta Works: A series of Dutch engineering projects (1954–97) built after the 1953 North Sea Flood to protect the Netherlands from sea flooding — considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by ASCE.

▸ Port of Rotterdam: Europe’s largest port; world’s 10th largest by container traffic; key gateway for European trade.

▸ CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism): EU’s carbon tariff on carbon-intensive imports (steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers, hydrogen, electricity); transitional phase from October 2023, full from January 2026.

▸ India–EU FTA: Free Trade Agreement under negotiation since 2007 (relaunched 2022); pending finalisation.

▸ Wassenaar Arrangement: Multilateral export-control regime (1996) for conventional arms and dual-use goods; India joined in 2017.

▸ Sagarmala Programme: Launched 2015 by Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways for port-led development and coastal economic zones.

▸ Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: India’s strategic roadmap for ports, shipping, and the blue economy.

▸ Restitution of Antiquities: Legal/diplomatic return of cultural artefacts to source countries — under frameworks like the 1970 UNESCO Convention on Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property.

▸ UNESCO 1970 Convention: Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. PM Modi’s visit to the Netherlands (May 2026) was part of his 5-nation tour. Which of the following was NOT part of this tour?

(a) UAE (b) Sweden (c) Italy (d) Japan

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding PM Modi’s visit to the Netherlands (May 2026):

1. India and the Netherlands elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership.
2. A roadmap of the India–Netherlands Strategic Partnership for 2026–2030 was adopted.
3. PM Modi met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at Huis ten Bosch palace.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q3. The 11th-century Chola Copper Plates were restituted to India during PM Modi’s visit by:

(a) Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (b) Leiden University Library (c) Mauritshuis, The Hague (d) Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Q4. The Chola Copper Plates are most closely associated with which of the following Chola rulers?

(a) Karikala Chola (b) Rajaraja Chola I (c) Rajendra Chola I (d) Kulothunga Chola I

Q5. ASML, with which Tata Electronics signed an MoU during the visit, is best known globally for:

(a) Wind turbine manufacturing (b) Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines for chip-making (c) Naval shipbuilding (d) Solar photovoltaic cells

Q6. The Kalpasar Project, mentioned in the visit’s outcomes, is proposed in:

(a) Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu (b) Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat (c) Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat (d) Palk Strait, Tamil Nadu

Q7. Consider the following statements about the Netherlands’ significance to India:

1. The Netherlands is India’s largest trading partner within the European Union.
2. ASML, headquartered in the Netherlands, is the world’s sole producer of EUV lithography machines.
3. The Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q8. The Tata Electronics – PSMC semiconductor Fab in India, supported by the ASML MoU, is being built at:

(a) Sanand, Gujarat (b) Dholera, Gujarat (c) Mysuru, Karnataka (d) Bhiwadi, Rajasthan

Q9. The “Delta Works”, often referenced in Indo-Dutch water cooperation, were built to protect the Netherlands after the:

(a) Dutch–Spanish War (b) 1953 North Sea Flood (c) 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami (d) 1972 Wadden Sea Storm

Q10. Match the following:

Domain	Outcome
A. Diplomatic upgrade	1. Letter of Intent on Kalpasar Project
B. Cultural restitution	2. Roadmap of Strategic Partnership 2026–2030
C. Semiconductor	3. Return of 11th-century Chola Copper Plates
D. Water cooperation	4. TATA Electronics – ASML MoU

Select the correct answer:

(a) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1 (b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 (c) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4 (d) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (d) Japan PM Modi’s 5-nation tour (May 2026) covered UAE, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, and Italy. Japan was not part of this tour.

▸ Q2 → (d) 1, 2 and 3 All three statements are correct. The bilateral relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership, the Roadmap 2026–2030 was adopted, and PM Modi met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima at Huis ten Bosch.

▸ Q3 → (b) Leiden University Library The 11th-century Chola Copper Plates were restituted by Leiden University Library (founded 1575) — one of Europe’s oldest academic libraries, which had received them during the VOC (Dutch East India Company) era.

▸ Q4 → (c) Rajendra Chola I The 11th-century Chola Copper Plates are most closely associated with the period of Rajendra Chola I (r. 1014–1044 CE), son of Rajaraja Chola I, who expanded the Chola empire to Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia.

▸ Q5 → (b) ASML is the world’s sole producer of Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines — essential for fabricating the most advanced chips (7nm and below). It is headquartered in Veldhoven, Netherlands.

▸ Q6 → (c) Gulf of Khambhat, Gujarat The Kalpasar Project envisages a 30 km dam across the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat to create one of the world’s largest freshwater reservoirs, providing drinking water, irrigation, hydropower, and a road link.

▸ Q7 → (d) 1, 2 and 3 All three statements are correct. The Netherlands is India’s largest EU trading partner (~$27 billion in 2023–24), ASML is the sole EUV lithography manufacturer, and the Port of Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port.

▸ Q8 → (b) Dholera, Gujarat The Tata Electronics – PSMC semiconductor Fab — India’s first commercial semiconductor fabrication facility — is being built at Dholera, Gujarat, under the India Semiconductor Mission.

▸ Q9 → (b) 1953 North Sea Flood The Delta Works were built after the catastrophic 1953 North Sea Flood, which killed nearly 1,800 people in the Netherlands. They are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World (ASCE).

▸ Q10 → (a) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1 Diplomatic upgrade — Roadmap of Strategic Partnership 2026–2030; Cultural restitution — Return of 11th-century Chola Copper Plates; Semiconductor — TATA Electronics – ASML MoU; Water cooperation — Letter of Intent on Kalpasar Project.

Banking and Finance News

1. India’s First Green Dealer Financing Scheme

Summary

In May 2026, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DBS Bank India to launch India’s first sustainability-linked dealer financing scheme in the automotive sector — the “Green Dealer Financing Framework”.

Under the scheme, authorised Mahindra dealers will be eligible for preferential interest rates on vehicle loans linked to their environmental performance. Dealers will be ranked on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) parameters under Mahindra’s Green Dealership Programme, jointly developed by M&M and DBS Bank.

ESG parameters include GHG emissions monitoring, water consumption, renewable energy (RE) use, rainwater harvesting, waste management, and EV charging facilities. Dealers meeting these criteria — along with sales targets — will receive commercial benefits on loans used to purchase passenger and commercial vehicles from the manufacturer.

The pact represents an emerging Indian model of sustainability-linked loans (SLLs) at the downstream supply-chain level, aligning with global standards like the LMA’s Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles (SLLP), India’s Sovereign Green Bond Framework, and the net-zero commitments under COP26’s Panchamrit.

Background & Concept

What is the Green Dealer Financing Framework?

The Green Dealer Financing Framework is a Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL) programme designed for automotive dealers. Unlike traditional dealer financing — where loans are extended at uniform rates — this scheme links the cost of capital to ESG performance:

• Better ESG score → lower interest rate.
• Below-threshold ESG score → standard or higher interest rate.

This creates a financial incentive for environmentally responsible behaviour along the entire vehicle distribution chain.

What is a Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL)?

Sustainability-Linked Loans (SLLs) are loans where the interest rate is tied to the borrower’s achievement of pre-defined sustainability performance targets (SPTs) — typically aligned to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) like emissions, energy efficiency, water use, or social-impact metrics.

SLLs were formalised globally through the Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles (SLLP) published in 2019 by the Loan Market Association (LMA), Asia Pacific Loan Market Association (APLMA), and Loan Syndications and Trading Association (LSTA).

Difference: Green Loans vs Sustainability-Linked Loans

Parameter	Green Loans	Sustainability-Linked Loans
Use of Proceeds	Earmarked for green projects (solar, EVs, etc.)	No earmarking — general purpose
Pricing	Standard rate	Rate linked to ESG performance
Disclosure	Project-level	Entity-level KPI/SPT
Examples	Green bond proceeds for renewable energy	SLL for emission reductions, water savings

About the Partners

• Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M):
  • Founded 1945; part of the Mahindra Group; one of India’s largest automotive manufacturers (SUVs, tractors, EVs, commercial vehicles).
  • Mahindra Group operates under the “Rise” philosophy and has committed to carbon neutrality by 2040.
  • Part of the RE100 (committed to 100% renewable electricity) and EP100 (energy productivity) global initiatives.
• DBS Bank India:
  • Subsidiary of DBS Group Holdings (Singapore) — Southeast Asia’s largest bank.
  • DBS Bank India became a Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) in 2019 (one of the first foreign banks to do so under RBI’s WOS norms).
  • Strong ESG focus — DBS has set Net Zero financed emissions targets by 2050 across key sectors.

Why Green Dealer Financing Matters

• Indian automotive industry contributes ~7% to GDP and ~49% of manufacturing GDP.
• Dealerships are a major downstream emissions and energy footprint (lighting, AC, vehicle servicing, paint shops, water use).
• Indian automotive sector is shifting to EVs (FAME-II, PM E-Drive) and broader sustainability — financing models must catch up.

Key Features of the Framework

Feature	Detail
Partners	Mahindra & Mahindra + DBS Bank India
Type	India’s first sustainability-linked dealer financing scheme in autos
Beneficiaries	Authorised Mahindra dealers
Loan Use	For purchasing passenger and commercial vehicles from the manufacturer
Benefit	Preferential interest rates based on ESG ranking
Anchor Programme	Mahindra’s Green Dealership Programme
ESG Parameters	GHG emissions, water use, renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, waste management, EV charging
Joint Design	ESG criteria developed jointly by M&M and DBS Bank
Sales Linkage	Dealers must also meet sales targets alongside ESG criteria

Indicative ESG Parameters

• Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions monitoring (Scope 1 & 2).
• Water consumption efficiency and recycling.
• Renewable Energy (RE) share in dealership operations.
• Rainwater harvesting systems.
• Solid waste management and recycling.
• Availability of public EV charging facilities at the dealership.

India’s Context (Green Finance Ecosystem)

India’s green-finance landscape is rapidly maturing:

• Climate Commitments:
  • Panchamrit at COP26 (Glasgow 2021): Net Zero by 2070; 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030; 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030.
  • Updated NDC (2022) under the Paris Agreement.
• Regulatory Frameworks:
  • RBI’s “Framework for Acceptance of Green Deposits”, 2023 — for regulated entities.
  • RBI Discussion Paper on Climate Risk and Sustainable Finance, 2022.
  • SEBI’s BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting) framework — mandatory for top 1,000 listed entities since FY 2022–23.
  • SEBI’s BRSR Core — for assured ESG disclosures from top 250 by FY 2024–25.
  • SEBI ESG Mutual Funds and Stewardship Code.
• Sovereign Green Bonds:
  • India’s first Sovereign Green Bond (SGrB) issued in January 2023; raised ~₹16,000 crore in FY 2022–23 and ~₹20,000 crore in FY 2023–24.
• Indian Green Finance Initiatives:
  • IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency) — Navratna PSU dedicated to renewable financing.
  • NABFID (National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development) — for infrastructure including green projects.
  • Green Hydrogen Mission (2023).
  • PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana — rooftop solar.
  • FAME-II & PM E-Drive — EV financing support.
• Auto Industry Initiatives:
  • Mahindra “Rise” — carbon neutrality by 2040.
  • Tata Motors — committed to net-zero by 2045 (passenger vehicles).
  • Maruti, Hyundai — multi-billion EV investment plans.

Keywords & Definitions

▸ Green Dealer Financing Framework: India’s first sustainability-linked dealer financing scheme, launched in May 2026 by Mahindra & Mahindra and DBS Bank India.

▸ Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL): A loan whose pricing (interest rate) is tied to the borrower’s pre-defined sustainability performance targets (SPTs).

▸ Green Loan: A loan whose proceeds are earmarked for environmentally beneficial projects (renewable energy, EVs, water, biodiversity).

▸ ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance): A framework for evaluating an entity’s non-financial performance — particularly environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance practices.

▸ Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) / Sustainability Performance Targets (SPTs): Measurable metrics used in SLLs to track ESG outcomes.

▸ BRSR (Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting): SEBI-mandated ESG disclosure framework for top 1,000 listed entities in India.

▸ BRSR Core: A subset of BRSR with mandatory third-party assurance for top 250 listed entities (phased from FY 2023–24).

▸ Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs): Bonds issued by the Government of India to finance green projects; first issued in January 2023.

▸ Net Zero by 2070: India’s long-term climate target announced at COP26, Glasgow (2021) as part of the Panchamrit commitments.

▸ Panchamrit: Five climate commitments by India at COP26 — 500 GW non-fossil capacity, 50% energy from renewables, 1 billion tonne emission reduction, 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030, and net zero by 2070.

▸ TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures): A G20-initiated body (2015) providing recommendations for climate-related financial disclosures.

▸ ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board): Established at COP26 (2021) under the IFRS Foundation to set global ESG disclosure standards (IFRS S1 and S2).

▸ Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M): Indian multinational, founded 1945; part of the Mahindra Group; major player in autos, tractors, and EVs.

▸ DBS Bank India: Subsidiary of DBS Group Holdings (Singapore); first major foreign bank to operate as a Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) in India (since 2019).

▸ Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) Mode: Mode in which foreign banks operate in India by incorporating a locally domiciled subsidiary (rather than branch mode), per RBI’s 2013 framework.

▸ FAME-II Scheme: Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric vehicles, Phase II (2019–2024); replaced by PM E-Drive (2024).

▸ PM E-Drive Scheme (2024): Successor to FAME-II; ₹10,900 crore outlay for EV adoption (2024–2026).

▸ IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency): Navratna PSU under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; finances renewable energy projects in India.

▸ NABFID (National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development): Established under the NaBFID Act, 2021; specialised DFI for infrastructure financing in India.

▸ Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Scope 1, 2, 3):

• Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned/controlled sources.
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat.
• Scope 3: All other indirect emissions in the value chain.

▸ Greenwashing: The practice of making misleading or unsubstantiated claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or organisation.

▸ Loan Market Association (LMA): Founded in 1996, a London-based trade body publishing leading frameworks for syndicated loans including Green and Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles.

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. India’s first sustainability-linked dealer financing scheme in the automotive sector has been launched by:

(a) Tata Motors and ICICI Bank (b) Mahindra & Mahindra and DBS Bank India (c) Maruti Suzuki and State Bank of India (d) Hyundai and HDFC Bank

Q2. Consider the following statements about the Green Dealer Financing Framework:

1. It links interest rates on dealer loans to their ESG performance.
2. ESG parameters include GHG emissions, water consumption, RE use, rainwater harvesting, and EV charging.
3. The ESG criteria were jointly developed by M&M and DBS Bank India.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Sustainability-Linked Loans (SLLs) differ from Green Loans primarily because:

(a) SLLs are issued only by central banks (b) The use of SLL proceeds is not earmarked, but pricing is linked to ESG performance (c) SLLs do not require any ESG disclosure (d) Green Loans have higher interest rates than SLLs by definition

Q4. India’s first Sovereign Green Bond (SGrB) was issued in:

(a) January 2021 (b) October 2022 (c) January 2023 (d) August 2024

Q5. The ‘Panchamrit’ commitments announced by India at COP26 included:

1. Net zero by 2070
2. 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030
3. 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030
4. 50% energy from renewables by 2030

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q6. The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework in India is mandated by:

(a) RBI (b) IRDAI (c) SEBI (d) NITI Aayog

Q7. The “Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) mode” for foreign banks in India is regulated by:

(a) SEBI (b) Ministry of Finance (c) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) (d) IRDAI

Q8. Which of the following is classified as ‘Scope 2’ emissions under the GHG Protocol?

(a) Emissions from a company’s owned fleet (b) Emissions from purchased electricity, steam, or heat (c) Emissions from suppliers and customers (d) Emissions from employee commuting

Q9. Consider the following statements about IREDA:

1. It is a Navratna PSU.
2. It functions under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
3. It primarily finances renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q10. Match the following sustainable-finance instruments / frameworks with their issuers / authors:

Instrument / Framework	Issuer / Author
A. Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles (SLLP)	1. SEBI
B. BRSR	2. RBI
C. Framework for Acceptance of Green Deposits	3. LMA / APLMA / LSTA
D. Sovereign Green Bonds	4. Government of India / RBI

Select the correct answer:

(a) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4 (b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 (c) A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2 (d) A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (b) India’s first sustainability-linked dealer financing scheme in the automotive sector has been jointly launched by Mahindra & Mahindra and DBS Bank India.

▸ Q2 → (d) 1, 2 and 3 All three statements are correct. The scheme links interest rates to ESG performance, includes parameters like GHG emissions, water, RE use, rainwater harvesting, EV charging, and the criteria were jointly designed by M&M and DBS.

▸ Q3 → (b) SLLs do not earmark proceeds for specific green projects — the borrower can use them for general purposes. Instead, the pricing (interest rate) is tied to ESG performance, distinguishing them from traditional Green Loans which are project-earmarked.

▸ Q4 → (c) January 2023 India issued its first Sovereign Green Bond (SGrB) in January 2023, raising about ₹16,000 crore in FY 2022–23. The proceeds fund eligible green public sector projects.

▸ Q5 → (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 All four commitments — Net Zero by 2070, 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030, 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030, and 50% energy from renewables by 2030 — were announced as part of India’s Panchamrit at COP26, Glasgow (2021). The fifth was 1 billion tonne reduction in projected emissions by 2030.

▸ Q6 → (c) SEBI The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework is mandated by SEBI for the top 1,000 listed entities by market capitalisation since FY 2022–23.

▸ Q7 → (c) RBI The Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) mode for foreign banks operating in India is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India under its 2013 framework. DBS Bank India was among the first to convert to WOS in 2019.

▸ Q8 → (b) Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, or heat. Scope 1 = direct emissions (owned sources); Scope 3 = all other indirect emissions including suppliers, customers, and employee commuting.

▸ Q9 → (d) 1, 2 and 3 All three statements are correct. IREDA is a Navratna PSU (granted in 2023), functions under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and primarily finances renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

▸ Q10 → (a) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4 Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles — LMA / APLMA / LSTA (2019); BRSR — SEBI; Framework for Acceptance of Green Deposits — RBI (2023); Sovereign Green Bonds — Government of India / RBI.

2. RBI Cancels Licence of Yashwant Co-operative Bank (Maharashtra)

Summary

In May 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the licence of Maharashtra-based Yashwant Co-operative Bank Limited with immediate effect, citing poor financial health, inadequate capital, and regulatory violations. The action was taken under the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Key consequences include:

• The Urban Cooperative Bank (UCB) is prohibited from carrying out banking operations — including acceptance and repayment of deposits.
• RBI has directed the Commissioner for Cooperation and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra, to initiate the winding-up process and appoint a liquidator.
• After liquidation, eligible depositors will be entitled to claim deposit insurance of up to ₹5 lakh from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).

The action reflects the RBI’s tightened supervision of cooperative banks following high-profile failures like PMC Bank (2019) — and the strengthened oversight powers granted under the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020, which brought UCBs more firmly under RBI’s regulatory ambit.

Background & Concept

What are Cooperative Banks?

Cooperative banks are financial institutions formed on the cooperative principle — owned and operated by members for mutual benefit. They occupy a unique position in Indian banking, with a dual control structure:

• Banking functions → regulated by RBI (under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949).
• Cooperative/administrative aspects → regulated by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (state) or the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS).

Structure of Cooperative Banks in India

                    Cooperative Banks
                          │
        ┌─────────────────┴────────────────┐
        │                                  │
   Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs)    Rural Cooperative Banks
        │                                  │
   ┌────┴────┐                ┌────────────┼───────────────┐
   Single-state   Multi-state   StCBs    DCCBs           PACS
                                (State)  (District)    (Primary)
                                                       Agri Credit

• UCBs: Operate in urban and semi-urban areas; classify into Tier 1, 2, 3, 4 based on deposits.
• State Cooperative Banks (StCBs): Apex tier at the state level.
• District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs): Middle tier at the district level.
• Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS): Grassroots level — over 95,000 PACS across India.

Why was Yashwant Co-operative Bank’s Licence Cancelled?

RBI typically cancels a UCB’s licence when:

• The bank’s capital adequacy falls below regulatory minimum.
• It has inadequate earning prospects to continue operations.
• It violates regulatory norms (KYC/AML, exposure limits, related-party lending).
• Continuation would harm depositor interests and public confidence.
• The bank is unable to meet its current and future obligations to depositors.

Legal Basis — Banking Regulation Act, 1949

The RBI invokes powers under Sections 22 (licensing), 35A (general powers), and 56 (applicability to cooperative banks) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020 strengthened RBI’s powers over cooperative banks:

• Brought cooperative banks fully under RBI for banking functions (similar to commercial banks).
• Empowered RBI to supersede boards, undertake reconstruction schemes, and prevent failures.
• Enhanced regulatory oversight following the PMC Bank crisis (2019).

About DICGC (Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation)

• Established: 1978 (by merger of the Deposit Insurance Corporation, 1962, and Credit Guarantee Corporation of India, 1971).
• Parent Body: Wholly-owned subsidiary of the RBI.
• Function: Insures deposits of all commercial banks (including foreign banks operating in India), LABs, RRBs, and all cooperative banks (except PACS).
• Coverage: Up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank — covering principal + interest. Raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh in February 2020 (post PMC Bank crisis).
• Time-bound Payment: Under the DICGC (Amendment) Act, 2021, depositors of failed banks must receive insurance payouts within 90 days of bank failure / RBI moratorium — a major reform.

Key Features of the RBI Action

Feature	Detail
Bank	Yashwant Co-operative Bank Limited (Maharashtra)
Action	Licence cancelled with immediate effect
Reasons	Poor financial health, inadequate capital, regulatory violations
Legal Basis	Banking Regulation Act, 1949
Operational Restriction	Cannot accept or repay deposits
Winding-up	Directed Maharashtra Commissioner for Cooperation / Registrar of Cooperative Societies
Liquidator	To be appointed by the state authority
Depositor Protection	Up to ₹5 lakh insured by DICGC
Eligibility for Insurance	Eligible depositors only — claims through DICGC post-liquidation

India’s UCB & Cooperative Banking Story

• UCBs in India: ~1,500 UCBs (down from over 1,900 in 2004 due to mergers/closures).
• Tier Classification (2022):
  • Tier 1: Deposits up to ₹100 crore.
  • Tier 2: Deposits ₹100–1,000 crore.
  • Tier 3: Deposits ₹1,000–10,000 crore.
  • Tier 4: Deposits above ₹10,000 crore.
• Maharashtra: Houses the largest concentration of UCBs (~485+) in India.
• Key UCB Failures (Recent):
  • PMC Bank (2019) — ₹6,500 crore fraud; led to BR (Amendment) Act, 2020.
  • Multiple smaller UCBs — RBI cancelled licences regularly (several in 2023-2026).
• NABARD: Regulates rural cooperative banking, including supervision of StCBs and DCCBs.
• Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 (Amended 2023): Governs cooperative banks operating in more than one state.
• Ministry of Cooperation: Established in 2021 under the Government of India, headed by the Home Minister; recently launched initiatives like PACS computerisation, 2 lakh new PACS by 2027, etc.

Keywords & Definitions

▸ Cooperative Bank: Banking institution formed on cooperative principles, owned and operated by members for mutual benefit; in India, regulated jointly by RBI (banking) and the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (cooperative aspects).

▸ Urban Cooperative Bank (UCB): Primary cooperative bank in urban/semi-urban areas, regulated by RBI for banking functions; classified into Tier 1–4 based on deposit size.

▸ State Cooperative Bank (StCB): Apex cooperative bank at the state level; supervised by NABARD/RBI.

▸ District Central Cooperative Bank (DCCB): Middle tier of the rural cooperative banking system, operating at the district level.

▸ PACS (Primary Agricultural Credit Society): Grassroots cooperative providing agricultural credit and inputs at the village level; over 95,000 PACS in India.

▸ Banking Regulation Act, 1949: Principal law governing banking in India; provides RBI with powers of licensing, supervision, and regulation of all banks, including cooperative banks (under Section 56).

▸ Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020: Brought cooperative banks (UCBs and multi-state cooperative banks) more firmly under RBI’s regulatory ambit, post PMC Bank crisis.

▸ DICGC (Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation): Wholly-owned subsidiary of RBI (established 1978), insures deposits of banks up to ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank.

▸ DICGC (Amendment) Act, 2021: Mandated payout within 90 days of bank failure / RBI moratorium — a major depositor-protection reform.

▸ Deposit Insurance Cover: ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank, including principal and interest (raised from ₹1 lakh in February 2020).

▸ PMC Bank Crisis (2019): Punjab and Maharashtra Co-operative Bank crisis involving a ₹6,500 crore fraud; major trigger for the BR (Amendment) Act, 2020.

▸ Supervisory Action Framework (SAF): RBI’s framework for early intervention in financially weak UCBs — analogous to Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) for commercial banks.

▸ Prompt Corrective Action (PCA): RBI framework for invoking corrective measures on banks breaching threshold ratios (CRAR, NPA, Tier-1, leverage).

▸ NUCFDC (National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation): Umbrella organisation for UCBs licensed by RBI in 2024; provides liquidity, IT, capital, and support services to UCBs.

▸ CRAR (Capital to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio): A bank’s capital as a percentage of its risk-weighted assets; RBI minimum for UCBs varies by tier, generally 9–12%.

▸ Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 (Amended 2023): Governs cooperative societies operating across more than one state.

▸ Ministry of Cooperation: Established in July 2021 under the Government of India; headed by the Union Home and Cooperation Minister.

▸ Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS): State-level authority overseeing the administrative/cooperative aspects of cooperative societies and banks.

▸ Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS): Central authority for multi-state cooperative societies under the MSCS Act, 2002.

▸ NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development): Apex DFI for rural credit; supervises rural cooperative banks (StCBs, DCCBs); established in 1982.

▸ Liquidator: Person appointed to wind up a financial institution — taking control of its assets, settling claims, and distributing residual proceeds.

▸ IADI (International Association of Deposit Insurers): Global body of deposit insurers, headquartered in Basel, Switzerland; sets Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance Systems.

Question Section (MCQs)

Q1. The Reserve Bank of India recently cancelled the licence of Yashwant Co-operative Bank under the provisions of which Act?

(a) RBI Act, 1934 (b) Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (c) Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 (d) DICGC Act, 1961

Q2. Under the DICGC framework, the maximum deposit insurance cover available to a depositor per bank is:

(a) ₹1 lakh (b) ₹2 lakh (c) ₹5 lakh (d) ₹10 lakh

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC):

1. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India.
2. It insures deposits of commercial banks but not cooperative banks.
3. Under the DICGC (Amendment) Act, 2021, depositors of failed banks must be paid within 90 days.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q4. The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020 primarily strengthened the RBI’s powers over:

(a) Public Sector Banks (b) Foreign Banks (c) Cooperative Banks (UCBs and Multi-State Cooperatives) (d) Regional Rural Banks

Q5. Match the following:

Body	Function
A. DICGC	1. Apex DFI for rural credit
B. NABARD	2. Deposit insurance up to ₹5 lakh
C. NUCFDC	3. Umbrella organisation for UCBs
D. CRCS	4. Central registrar for multi-state cooperatives

Select the correct answer:

(a) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4 (b) A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4 (c) A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2 (d) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4

Q6. Consider the following statements about cooperative banks in India:

1. Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) are classified into 4 tiers based on deposit size.
2. Maharashtra hosts the largest concentration of UCBs in India.
3. Rural cooperative banks are supervised primarily by NABARD.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Q7. The Ministry of Cooperation in the Government of India was established in:

(a) 2019 (b) 2020 (c) 2021 (d) 2022

Q8. The deposit insurance cover under DICGC was raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh in:

(a) February 2018 (b) February 2020 (c) August 2021 (d) March 2023

Q9. NUCFDC, often referenced as the umbrella organisation for UCBs, was licensed by RBI in:

(a) 2018 (b) 2020 (c) 2022 (d) 2024

Q10. Consider the following statements regarding the dual regulation of cooperative banks in India:

1. Banking functions of cooperative banks are regulated by the RBI.
2. Cooperative aspects of cooperative banks are regulated by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies of the concerned state (or CRCS for multi-state).
3. After the Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020, all cooperative aspects came under the RBI.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer Key with Explanations

▸ Q1 → (b) Banking Regulation Act, 1949 The RBI cancelled the licence of Yashwant Co-operative Bank under the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 — the principal law governing all banks (including cooperative banks under Section 56) in India.

▸ Q2 → (c) ₹5 lakh The maximum deposit insurance cover under DICGC is ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank, covering principal and interest. This was raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh in February 2020 following the PMC Bank crisis.

▸ Q3 → (c) 1 and 3 only Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Statement 2 is wrong — DICGC insures deposits of all commercial banks, RRBs, LABs, and cooperative banks (except PACS).

▸ Q4 → (c) Cooperative Banks The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2020 primarily strengthened RBI’s regulatory powers over cooperative banks, particularly UCBs and Multi-State Cooperative Banks, in the wake of the PMC Bank crisis (2019).

▸ Q5 → (a) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4 DICGC — Deposit insurance up to ₹5 lakh; NABARD — Apex DFI for rural credit; NUCFDC — Umbrella organisation for UCBs; CRCS — Central registrar for multi-state cooperatives.

▸ Q6 → (d) 1, 2 and 3 All three statements are correct. UCBs are classified into 4 tiers (Tier 1: ≤₹100 cr; Tier 4: >₹10,000 cr); Maharashtra has the highest concentration of UCBs (~485+); and rural cooperative banks (StCBs, DCCBs) are supervised by NABARD.

▸ Q7 → (c) 2021 The Ministry of Cooperation was established in July 2021 under the Government of India, separate from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. It is headed by the Union Home and Cooperation Minister.

▸ Q8 → (b) February 2020 The deposit insurance cover under DICGC was raised from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh in February 2020 — a key depositor-protection reform following the PMC Bank crisis (2019).

▸ Q9 → (d) 2024 The National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) — the umbrella organisation for UCBs — was licensed by the RBI in 2024 to provide liquidity, IT support, and capital infusion services to UCBs.

▸ Q10 → (a) 1 and 2 only Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong — even after the 2020 Amendment, cooperative aspects (governance, administration, membership) of cooperative banks remain under the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (state/central); only banking aspects came firmly under RBI.

One Liner Current Affairs

May 20&21, 2026

Event/Development	Key Highlights
BIS Notifies E22–E30 Fuel Norms	The Bureau of Indian Standards notified standards for E22, E25, E27, and E30 ethanol-blended petrol under IS 19850:2026, allowing up to 30% ethanol blending in gasoline for positive ignition engine vehicles. The move supports cleaner fuels, reduced crude oil imports, and domestic biofuel production, though nationwide E30 rollout is not yet mandatory.
Ayush Anudan Portal Launched	Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav launched the ‘Ayush Anudan Portal’ under the Ayush Grid initiative to digitise funding proposal submission, approval, and monitoring in the AYUSH sector. The portal integrates with NGO Darpan for verification and reduces manual paperwork.
CBI Launches ‘ABHAY’ Helpbot	The Central Bureau of Investigation launched AI-based helpbot ‘ABHAY’ to help citizens verify fake notices linked to cyber fraud and digital arrest scams. Users can upload suspicious notices after OTP verification to check authenticity.
Bharat Forge Marine Gas Turbine Facility	Bharat Forge signed an MoU with the Andhra Pradesh government to establish India’s first private-sector Marine Gas Turbine Repair, Overhaul, and Development Complex in Visakhapatnam for indigenous naval turbine capabilities.
PM Modi Visits Netherlands	Narendra Modi visited Netherlands during May 16–17, 2026. Both nations elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership, adopted a 2026–2030 cooperation roadmap, signed 17 agreements, and the Netherlands returned 11th-century Chola copper plates to India.
Green Dealer Financing Scheme	Mahindra & Mahindra and DBS Bank India launched India’s first sustainability-linked dealer financing scheme in the automobile sector. Dealers meeting ESG benchmarks will receive preferential financing benefits.
RBI Cancels Yashwant Co-operative Bank Licence	The Reserve Bank of India cancelled the licence of Yashwant Co-operative Bank due to poor financial health and regulatory violations. Eligible depositors will receive insurance coverage up to Rs 5 lakh through DICGC.
UNESCO–L’Oréal Awards 2026	UNESCO and L’Oréal Foundation honoured five women scientists for contributions in life sciences and environmental sciences under the UNESCO–L’Oréal International Awards for Women in Science 2026.
Bharat Singh Chauhan Re-Elected	Bharat Singh Chauhan was re-elected Chairman of the Commonwealth Chess Association for 2026–2030 during the AGM in Sri Lanka.
Medha Kulkarni Appointed Panel Chairperson	Medha Vishram Kulkarni was appointed Chairperson of the Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
Liberty Mutual Raises Stake	Liberty Mutual Insurance increased its stake in Liberty General Insurance from 55.4% to 74% after India approved 100% FDI in the insurance sector.
DRDO Completes ULPGM-V3 Trials	The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully completed trials of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 in both air-to-ground and air-to-air modes using indigenous UAV platforms.
ESA–CAS Launch SMILE Satellite	European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences launched the SMILE satellite aboard the Vega-C rocket from French Guiana to study solar wind and Earth’s magnetosphere interactions.
B.C. Khanduri Passes Away	Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri passed away at the age of 91 in Dehradun. He was also a retired Army officer and AVSM awardee.
Shyam Srinivasan Launches Book	Former Federal Bank CEO Shyam Srinivasan launched his leadership book Better Never Stops focusing on resilience, leadership, and banking sector transformation.
International Museum Day 2026	International Museum Day 2026 was observed on May 18 with the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” coordinated annually by ICOM.
World AIDS Vaccine Day 2026	World AIDS Vaccine Day 2026 was observed on May 18 to promote awareness about HIV vaccine research and recognise contributions of researchers and healthcare workers.
International Day for Women in Maritime 2026	International Day for Women in Maritime 2026 was observed on May 18 with the theme “From Policy to Practice: Advancing Gender Equality for Maritime Excellence.”