• 07 Aug 2025

Lucknow's Charbagh Railway Station Completed 100 years

Why in News?

On 1st August 2025, Charbagh Railway Station in Lucknow marked its centenary (100 years). Its unique architecture and deep-rooted history symbolize the distinct identity of the city.

Key Points

• History and Architecture: The construction of Charbagh Station is a beautiful blend of Mughal, Rajasthani, and British architecture.
  • The foundation of Charbagh Station was laid in 1914 by Bishop George Herbert, and it was completed in 1923.
  • The building is designed as an amalgamation of Indo-British style of architecture by J.H Horniman.
  • On 1st August 1925 C.L Colvin, the agent of East India Railway laid inside the turret of the same building, a casket containing a coin of those times and a newspaper of the same day as a call to remembrance of the successful completion of the foundation of the building.
• Role in the Independence Movement: Charbagh Station has witnessed the arrival of prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Maulana Azad during the freedom struggle.
  • It is believed that the first formal meeting between Gandhi ji and Nehru (26th December 1916) took place at this station, making it an important historical site.

Discovery of Ni-Cu-PGE Deposit in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund District

Why in News?

A significant deposit of Nickel, Copper, and Platinum Group Elements (Ni-Cu-PGE) has been discovered in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh, India. 

Key Points

• About: Deccan Gold Mines Limited (DGML) was granted a 30 sq km Composite Licence for the Bhalukona-Jamnidih block in Chhattisgarh, allowing exploration and mining, with ongoing exploration showing promising results.
  • A 700-meter-long mineralized zone has been identified within mafic-ultramafic rock formations.
  • Geophysical surveys show the presence of sulphide mineralization extending up to 300 meters in depth, indicating substantial resource potential.
• Exploration Process: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) had conducted G4-level exploration in the region and identified promising traces of Nickel, Chromium, and PGEs.
  • The findings were later validated by the Chhattisgarh Directorate of Geology and Mining (DGM), which facilitated an e-auction for the block.
• Significance: The discovery of critical minerals is expected to significantly advance the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, fostering self-reliance in key resources and supporting India's strategic goals for sustainable development and independence in vital sectors.
  • The finding of minerals like Nickel and PGEs aligns with global trends toward green and high-tech technologies, providing essential materials for future innovation and industrial growth.

Chhattisgarh’s Mineral Auction

• The state has successfully auctioned 51 mineral blocks, including key blocks with resources like Graphite, Nickel, Chromium, PGEs, Lithium, Glauconite, Phosphorite, Graphite-Vanadium.
• Additionally, six tin blocks are awaiting auction under the Union Ministry of Mines.
• The Chhattisgarh Directorate of Geology and Mining (DGM) has established a Critical Mineral Cell to promote collaboration with academic, research, and industry institutions. 
• This initiative aims to foster innovation and streamline the exploration of critical minerals.

Platinum Group Elements (PGEs)

• About: PGEs are a set of six metallic elements—platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), osmium (Os), and iridium (Ir). 
  • These elements typically occur together in mineral deposits, frequently associated with, or as by-products of, nickel and copper deposits found in mafic and ultramafic rocks.
  • Major Ni-Cu-PGE deposits are mined in places like South Africa, Russia, and Canada.
• Importance: Ni-Cu-PGE deposits are globally significant due to their essential roles in various high-technology sectors. 
• Nickel is vital for producing stainless steel and high-strength alloys, copper is crucial for electrical infrastructure, and PGEs are indispensable in the manufacture of catalytic converters (for pollution control in vehicles), electronics, medical equipment, and jewelry. 
• Their strategic importance is only increasing as they are also fundamental components In  electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies.

UP Increases Maintenance Allowance for Students

Why in News?

Under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Government has doubled the maintenance allowance for disabled students, increasing it from ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 per month.

• An increase in the maintenance allowance will benefit 2,650 disabled students enrolled in 28 residential schools across the state.
• According to the data of the UP government, over 50 lakh students benefit from the state’s scholarship and fee reimbursement programs every year, including around 14-15 lakh from the Scheduled Castes.

Key Points

• Excluding Criteria: The government has made students above 40 years of age ineligible for scholarships, whereas previously, there was no maximum age limit for applicants.
  • Students passing their high school exams from state boards outside UP will no longer be eligible for scholarships, but those from central boards like CBSE and ICSE will still receive them.
  • The amended scheme will also exclude students of UP campuses run by universities domiciled outside the state from receiving scholarships.
• Mandatory: DigiLocker registration will now be mandatory for scholarship applicants, enabling automatic Aadhaar-based data verification and helping prevent fraud.
• Increased Amount for SC Students: For Scheduled Caste (SC) students, the yearly scholarship amount will be increased by Rs 500, taking the total to Rs 3,500 per annum.
  • Under the Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme, the income limit restriction has been removed for children of families engaged in unhygienic professions such as manual scavenging and working with raw leather, allowing them to avail the benefits of the scholarship scheme.

Note:  As per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, there are 21 recognized types of disabilities: Blindness, Low-vision, Leprosy Cured Persons, Hearing Impairment (deaf and hard of hearing), Locomotor Disability, Dwarfism, Intellectual Disability, Mental Illness, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Chronic Neurological Conditions, Specific Learning Disabilities (Dyslexia), Multiple Sclerosis, Speech and Language Disability, Thalassemia, Hemophilia, Sickle Cell Disease, Multiple Disabilities including deaf-blindness, Acid Attack victim, and Parkinson's disease.

Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme

Why in News?

To empower the youth with higher education, the Bihar government has sanctioned a third installment of Rs 300 crore, bringing the total allocation under the Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme (BSCCY) to ₹900 crore.

• This installment, allocated to the Bihar State Education Finance Corporation Limited (BSEFC), Patna, aims to ensure timely and accessible educational loans for students aspiring to pursue higher studies.

Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme (BSCCY)

• Key Features of the Scheme:
  • Eligible students can avail education loans up to ₹4 lakh at a low interest rate of 4% per annum.
  • For female, disabled, and transgender students, the interest rate is just 1%.
  • Loan repayment starts one year after course completion or six months after securing a job—whichever comes first.
  • Loans up to ₹2 lakh can be repaid in a maximum of 60 installments, while loans above ₹2 lakh are to be repaid in up to 84 installments.
  • An additional interest rebate of 0.25% is provided on early repayments.
  • Applications can be made online through the official portal: Mukhyamantri Nishchay Swayam Sahayata Bhata Yojana (MNSSBY) portal.
• Application and Eligibility:
  • Applicants must be permanent residents of Bihar and have passed Class 12 or its equivalent.
  • The applicant's age should not exceed 25 years (relaxation available in special cases).
  • The scheme covers a wide range of courses including engineering, medicine, management, nursing, polytechnic, BA, BSc, BCom, and more.
  • The loan can be used for course fees, purchasing laptops, or other essential study-related expenses.
  • Only students admitted to government-recognized institutions are eligible.
  • The required documents to avail of the benefits of the schemes include Aadhaar card, residence certificate, educational certificates, admission proof, passport-size photos, bank passbook, and more.

Bihar State Education Finance Corporation Limited (BSEFC)

• It was incorporated in March 2018 under the Companies Act, 2013, as a Public Limited Company and is 100% owned by the Government of Bihar.
• The main objectives of the Corporation are to implement the "Bihar Student Credit Card Scheme" with the following goals:
• Increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio of students in higher education
• Enable students to access employment opportunities
• Act as the implementing agency/facilitator for the scheme

Nivesh Mitra Portal 3.0

Why in News?

The third-generation version of Uttar Pradesh's Nivesh Mitra portal is designed to enhance the ease of doing business by reducing procedural delays and bureaucratic red tape.

Key Points

• About:  Nivesh Mitra 3.0 is an advanced, digital single-window platform launched by the UP Government to streamline investment processes, expedite approvals, and enhance the ease of doing business through integration, automation, and AI-powered tools.

• Features:

  • Integrated Digital Ecosystem: It offers enhanced interoperability with both central and state government portals, providing a synchronized and unified interface for investor services across departments.
  • Revamped Common Application Form (CAF): The dynamic application form is now available in multiple languages and adapts to user profiles, making it easier for investors to identify and apply for necessary approvals efficiently.
  • GIS-enabled Land Bank: Investors can access centralized, real-time land data using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, enabling efficient land selection and collaboration with nodal agencies.
  • Smart Dashboards & Real-Time Analytics: The portal provides district-wise KPI rankings, industrial park ratings, and actionable insights to assist both investors and the administration in monitoring progress and decision-making.
  • AI-powered Multilingual Chatbots: Artificial intelligence-based chatbots offer instant, multilingual support and grievance redressal, drastically improving response time and user experience.
  • Enhanced Grievance Redressal: The entire complaint and feedback process is automated and routed through digital channels for transparency and faster resolution.
  • Reduced Service Delivery Timelines: The platform aims to cut timelines for service delivery by up to 30-50%, minimize procedural delays, and significantly reduce the need for physical documentation and visits to government offices.
  • Compliance Reduction & Deregulation: By integrating over 4,600 reforms across 45 departments, including simplification of forms and deregulation of legal requirements, Nivesh Mitra 3.0 aims to create a more business-friendly environment.
  • Extensive Departmental Coverage: The system covers over 525 services from more than 44 departments, including labor, fire, housing, urban planning, and environmental clearances.

Discovery of Gold Ore in Madhya Pradesh

Why in News?

Gold ore deposits were discovered in the Mahgawan and Keolari areas of Sihora tehsil, Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh, during an intensive survey conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

Key Points

• Survey and Findings: Although iron ore is abundant in the region, gold ore has been reported for the first time, with geologists finding small quantities alongside iron ore.
  • The gold deposits in Jabalpur are spread across an estimated 100 hectares, with experts speculating that the quantity could reach lakhs of tonnes. 
  • Preliminary soil sampling has also revealed the presence of copper and other valuable metals in the region.
• Proximity to Other Gold Projects: The discovery of gold in Jabalpur is notable because of its close proximity to the Imliya gold and base metal block project in Dhimarkheda, Katni district, which borders Jabalpur. This geographical continuity makes the finding of gold ore in Jabalpur's border areas unsurprising.
  • The Imliya gold mine, leased for 50 years, suggests that nearby areas such as Mahgawan and Keolari may have similar mineral profiles.
• Significance: The discovery of gold could lead to increased mineral exploration in Madhya Pradesh, adding gold to the already known reserves of iron ore and manganese in the region. 
  • This discovery has the potential to significantly boost the local economy and establish Jabalpur as a key mineral-rich zone in India.

Mineral Resources in Madhya Pradesh

• Madhya Pradesh is the only state in India with active diamond mining, with the renowned Panna mines.
• It is also the leading producer of copper concentrate, diaspore, pyrophyllite, manganese ore, limestone, and clay (others). 
• The State hosts the country's 90% diamond, 74% diaspore, 55% laterite, 48% pyrophyllite, 41% molybdenum, 27% dolomite, 19% copper ore, 18% fireclay, 12% manganese, and 8% rock phosphate ore resources.

Rajasthan’s Government Hospital to offer CAR-T Cell Therapy

Why in News?

SMS Hospital in Jaipur will become the first government hospital in Rajasthan to establish a dedicated Department of Clinical Haematology (DCH), offering CAR-T Cell Therapy.

Key Points

• About: SMS Hospital has established a Department of Clinical Haematology (DCH) for the treatment of all types of haematological cancers and blood disorders, including bleeding disorders and bone marrow transplants.
  • This new department will offer CAR-T Cell Therapy, an advanced treatment option that has been previously available only at private hospitals in the state.
  • While the department is currently based at SMS Hospital, it will eventually be moved to the State Cancer Institute for better infrastructure and facilities.
• CAR-T Cell Therapy:
  • About: CAR-T Cell Therapy, or Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell Therapy, is India’s first indigenous gene therapy for cancer treatment. 
    • This innovative therapy is based on genetic modifications and offers a promising treatment for certain cancers, including blood cancers. 
    • It modifies a patient’s T-cells (a type of immune cell) to fight cancer more effectively. 
      • A patient's T-cells are extracted from their blood and genetically modified (to recognize and attack cancer cells).  
      • These modified cells, known as Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells, are multiplied and reintroduced into the patient to target B-cells and prevent relapses. 
    • The therapy was developed in India at just a tenth of the cost compared to its international price, making it more accessible to Indian patients.
  • Importance: India's CAR T-cell therapy provides an additional, patient-specific treatment option, as the modified T-cells remain in the body, offering long-term immunity against cancer recurrence. 
    • It is a patient-specific treatment, making it highly precise compared to traditional chemotherapy. 
    • Notably, an 82-year-old woman from Jaipur became the oldest recipient of CAR-T therapy in the country. 
  • NexCAR19: In 2023, NexCAR19 became India’s first approved indigenous CAR-T cell therapy, developed through a collaboration between IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre, and ImmunoACT (a company incubated at IIT Bombay).