• 16 Apr 2025

Mauritius Signs ISA’s Country Partnership Framework

Why in News? 

The Republic of Mauritius and the intergovernmental organisation International Solar Alliance (ISA) signed a Country Partnership Framework (CPF) to strengthen solar cooperation and accelerate the clean energy transition. 

 International Solar Alliance (ISA) 

• About: 
  • The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies. 
    • Its basic motive is to facilitate energy access, ensure energy security, and drive energy transition in its member countries. 
  • The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilize efforts against climate change through deployment of solar energy solutions. 
• Vision: 
  • Let us together make the sun brighter. 
• Mission: 
  • Every home, no matter how far away, will have a light at home. 
• Headquarters: 
  • The Headquarters is in India with its Interim Secretariat being set up in Gurugram. 

 Key Points 

• The Country Partnership Framework (CPF): 
  • The CPF outlines a structured, strategic approach for collaboration on solar projects and policy support. 
  • Mauritius is the first African country and the fourth globally (after Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Cuba) to sign this framework. 
    • The CPF is valid for three years, with a provision for renewal based on mutual agreement. 
• Country Partnership Strategy (CPS): 
  • Following the CPF, ISA and Mauritius will co-develop a Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) aligned with Mauritius's national energy goals. 
  • The CPS will be country-driven and needs-based, focusing on enabling conditions for solar deployment. 
  • Key Focus:  
    • Strategic Planning & Regulation: 
      • Formulation or revision of solar energy roadmaps. 
      • Development of regulatory frameworks to facilitate solar applications. 
    • Technology & Capacity Building: 
      • Establishment of a Solar Technology Application Resource Centre (STAR-C). 
      • Training and upskilling in technical, regulatory, and financial domains. 
    • Deployment of Solar Applications: 
      • Promotion of solar rooftops, floating solar, agrivoltaics, and solar water pumping. 
      • Support for solar-driven green hydrogen initiatives. 
    • Exploration of solar ferries and other innovations tailored to island ecosystems. 
• ISA’s Ongoing Role in Mauritius: 
  • Mauritius, a founding member of ISA, has actively partnered in ISA-led initiatives. 
  • Notable among them is the solarisation of the Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital, implemented under the ISA CARES Initiative, which aims to solarise healthcare facilities in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). 
    • The hospital, originally established in 1984 with Indian support, was solarised in June 2024. 

 Small Island Developing States (SIDS)  

• Small Island Developing States (SIDS) refer to a group of small island nations and territories that face shared challenges in sustainable development, alongside significant social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities.   
  • Some of SIDS include the Maldives, Seychelles, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Guyana, and Singapore.  
• SIDS are primarily located in three major geographical regions: the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Atlantic, Indian Ocean & South China Sea (AIS) regions.  
• At the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development 1992, SIDS were formally recognized as a special case due to their unique environmental and developmental challenges. 

Development Projects Inaugurated in Haryana

Why in News? 

The Prime Minister of India launched development and infrastructure projects worth Rs 10,000 crore in Haryana. 

 Key Points 

• Major Infrastructure and Energy Projects: 
  • Thermal Power Expansion in Yamunanagar: 
    • The PM laid the foundation stone for the third 800 MW unit of the Deenbandhu Chhotu Ram Thermal Power Plant in Yamunanagar, worth Rs 8,469 crore. 
    • The unit will be built on 233 acres, with commercial operations expected by March 2029. 
    • Once operational, Haryana’s in-house power generation capacity will rise to 3,382 MW. 
  • GOBARdhan Plant for Waste-to-Energy in Yamunanagar: 
    • The PM also laid the foundation for a Rs 90 crore GOBARdhan plant in Mukarampur, Yamunanagar. 
    • It is a collaboration between the Municipal Corporation Yamunanagar-Jagadhri and BPCL. 
    • Scheduled for completion by May 2027, the plant will process: 
      • 45,000 metric tonnes of solid waste, 
      • 36,000 metric tonnes of cattle dung annually. 
    • It will produce: 
      • 2,600 metric tonnes of Compressed Biogas (CBG) per year (equivalent to CNG), 
      • 10,000 metric tonnes of bio-fertilizer. 
      • The project will cut CO₂ emissions by 7,700 metric tonnes/year, prevent landfill fires, and reduce air pollution. 
  • Rewari Bypass Inaugurated to Ease Traffic: 
    • He also inaugurated the Rewari Bypass, built under the Bharatmala scheme in Hybrid Annuity Mode, at a cost of Rs 1,069 crore. 
    • The 14.4 km, four-lane bypass connects NH-352 to NH-11, improving access to Narnaul and bypassing Rewari city. 
  • New Airport Terminal for Hisar: 
    • He laid the foundation stone for the new terminal building of Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar, worth over Rs 410 crore. 
    • The PM announced upcoming flights connecting Haryana to Ayodhya Dham. 

 Compressed Biogas (CBG) 

• CBG is a renewable energy source produced from organic waste, including agricultural residues, cattle dung, municipal solid waste, and sewage sludge.  
• It helps in replacing fossil fuels, managing agricultural and animal waste, and reducing open burning. 

 GOBARdhan Scheme 

• The Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBARdhan) initiative focuses on converting waste into wealth to promote a circular economy.   
• It aims to establish a strong ecosystem for Biogas/Compressed Biogas (CBG)/Bio-CNG plants to foster sustainable growth.   
• The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, serves as the nodal department. 

 Bharatmala Project 

• It was started in 2015 by the Union government. It is an umbrella project under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. 
• Under the plan the government intends to develop 83,677 km of highways and roads at an investment of around Rs 7 lakh crore. 
• In the first phase, the plan is to construct 34,800 km of highways at a cost of Rs 5.35 lakh crore. 
• It focuses on the new initiatives like development of Border and International connectivity roads, Coastal & port connectivity roads, improving efficiency of National Corridors, Economic corridors and others. 

Maharashtra Approves Compensation Policy

Why in News? 

On 15th April 2025, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved a comprehensive compensation policy for custodial deaths, aligning with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recommendations to support families of inmates who die from unnatural causes in custody. 

 Key Points 

• Compensation Details: 
  • Rs 5 lakh will be paid to legal heirs if the prisoner’s death results from: 
    • Accidents during prison work, 
    • Medical negligence, 
    • Assault by prison staff, 
    • Violence involving fellow inmates — if proven as administrative failure after inquiry. 
  • Rs 1 lakh compensation will be provided in cases of suicide in custody. 
  • The policy excludes natural deaths due to aging or chronic illness, injuries during escape attempts, lack of treatment while on bail. 
  • In case of natural disasters, compensation will follow existing government norms. 
• Amnesty Scheme for Property Tax Defaulters: 
  • To improve revenue and reduce arrears, the Cabinet approved an amnesty scheme for municipal property tax defaulters. 
    • The scheme waives penalties (currently 2% monthly), which often surpass the original dues and discourage payments. 
  • Legal amendments have also been approved to validate the waiver under existing municipal laws. 

 National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) 

• About: 
  • It ensures the protection of rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity of individuals. 
  • Rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution and international covenants enforceable by Indian courts. 
• Establishment: 
  • Established on 12th October 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993. 
  • Amended by the Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2006, and Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019. 
  • Established in conformity with the Paris Principles, adopted for promoting and protecting human rights. 

 Custodial Death 

• About: 
  • Custodial death refers to a death that occurs while a person is in the custody of law enforcement officials or a correctional facility. It can occur due to various causes such as the use of excessive force, neglect, or abuse by the authorities. 
  • According to the Law Commission of India, the crime by a public servant against the arrested or the detained person who is in custody amounts to custodial violence. 
• Types of Custodial Death: 
  • Death in Police Custody: Death in police custody can result from excessive force, torture, denial of medical care, or other forms of abuse or incidental cause. 
  • Death in Judicial Custody: Death in judicial custody may occur due to overcrowding, poor hygiene, lack of medical facilities, inmate violence, or suicide. 
  • Death in the Custody of the Army or Paramilitary Forces: It can happen through torture or extrajudicial killings. 

Shehnai Secures GI Tag

Why in News? 

Varanasi’s rich cultural and craft heritage gained national recognition as authorities recently granted Geographical Indication (GI) tags to the Banarasi Shehnai, and the Banarasi Tabla. 

 Key Points 

• Banarasi Shehnai: 

 

• The Banaras Shehnai is a traditional wind instrument deeply rooted in the Banaras Gharana of Indian classical music. 
• It gained national prominence through Ustad Bismillah Khan, who famously played the shehnai at the Red Fort on India’s first Independence Day. 
• The instrument holds a divine and auspicious status, often performed at weddings, religious ceremonies, and temple rituals. 
• It embodies the spiritual and artistic ethos of Varanasi, contributing to the city’s distinct cultural identity. 

• Banarasi Tabla: 

 

•  The Banaras Tabla Gharana, also known as the Purab Gharana, represents a unique and influential school of tabla playing that originated in Varanasi (Banaras). 
• Known for its rhythmic sophistication and rich tonal clarity, this gharana exhibits a strong pakhawaj influence, setting it apart from other styles. 
• Its expressive and dynamic compositions make it especially well-suited for accompanying Kathak dance, a classical form also rooted in North India. 
• The Banaras Gharana is recognized as one of the six principal tabla gharanas in Indian classical music. 
• Renowned Exponents are Pandit Anokhelal Mishra, Pandit Kishan Maharaj, Pandit Samta Prasad. 

 Geographical Indication (GI) Tag  

• About: A GI tag is a name or sign used on certain products that correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.  
  • The GI tag ensures that only authorised users or those residing in the geographical territory are allowed to use the popular product name.  
    • It also protects the product from being copied or imitated by others.  
  • A registered GI is valid for 10 years and can be renewed.  
  • GI registration is overseen by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.  
• Legal Framework:  
  • Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999  
  • WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

Annual Survey of Industries 2024-25

Why in News? 

According to the latest data of Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) of the Government of India, Uttar Pradesh has recorded the highest number of factory registrations in the country in the year 2024-25 .  

Key Points 

• About the Report: 
  • Uttar Pradesh registered 3,318 factories in 2024–25, nearly double the 1,484 recorded in 2020–21. 
    • This growth has been due to improvements in ease of doing business , administrative efficiency and policy decisions . 
  • According to the report, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a key hub for large-scale industrial investments, beyond just small and medium enterprises. 
  • UP's share in the ASI frame has increased to 7.6% in the year 2022-23, the highest ever. 
  • This progress is a strong step towards the Chief Minister 's goal of a USD 1 trillion economy . 
  • Uttar Pradesh's industrial Gross Value Added (GVA) reached Rs 1.3 lakh crore in 2022-23 , contributing 6.1% to the total industrial GVA of the country . 
    • GVA represents the value that producers add to goods and services during the production process. 
    • It is calculated by subtracting the cost of inputs (intermediate consumption) from total output . 
    • It is a major component of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) , which reflects economic growth.  
      • GVA growth rates provide insights into sectoral performance, helping in economic analysis and policy making. 

Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)  

• ASI is the primary source of industrial statistics in India . 
• It was initiated in 1960 as per the Collection of Statistics Act of 1953 , with the year 1959 as the base year and has been conducted annually since 1972 . 
  • ASI has been conducting this survey since the year 2010-11 under the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008 , which was amended in the year 2017 to extend it to all India level .  
• The National Statistical Office (NSO) , a part of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) , operates the ASI.  
• The Department of Statistics and Programme Implementation is responsible for ensuring the coverage and quality of statistics released by the Ministry.

Uttar Pradesh Leading in PM Kusum Yojana

Why in News?  

The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs praised Uttar Pradesh's leading role in effective implementation of the PM Kusum Yojana and PM Surya Ghar Yojana. 

 Key Points  

• PM-Kusum: 
  • About:  
    • PM-KUSUM is a flagship scheme launched by the Government of India in the year 2019 with the primary objective of transforming the agriculture sector by promoting solar energy solutions . 
    • It works on a demand-driven approach. Capacities are allocated based on the demands received from various states and Union Territories (UTs) . 
    • It aims to achieve a significant solar power capacity addition of 30.8 GW by March 31, 2026 . 
  • Objective:  
    • The scheme aims to reduce dependence on diesel for irrigation by encouraging the use of solar powered pumps and other renewable energy sources. 
      • It aims to increase farmers' income by reducing irrigation costs through the use of solar pumps and enabling them to sell surplus solar energy to the grid. 
    • By providing access to solar pumps and promoting solar-based community irrigation projects , the scheme aims to enhance water and energy security for farmers. 
    • The scheme aims to reduce environmental pollution caused by conventional energy sources by adopting clean and renewable solar energy. 
  • Ingredients:  
    • Component-A : Installation of 10,000 MW decentralized ground/stilt mounted solar power plants on barren/fallow/pasture/marshy/cultivable lands of farmers . 
    • Component-B : Installation of 20 lakh stand-alone solar pumps in off-grid areas. 
    • Component-C : Solarisation of 15 lakh grid connected agricultural pumps : Individual pump solarisation and feeder level solarisation. 
• PM-Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme: 
  • About: 
    • It is a central scheme to promote the adoption of solar rooftop systems by providing adequate financial subsidy and ensuring ease of installation. 
  • Aim: It aims to provide free electric power to one crore households in India who wish to install power units with rooftop solar panels.  
    • Families will be able to get 300 units of electricity free every month. 
  • Implementing Agencies: The scheme will be implemented at two levels . 
    • National level: Managed by National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA). 
    • State level: Managed by State Implementation Agencies (SIA), which are the distribution utilities (DISCOMs) or electricity/energy departments of the respective states or union territories.  
  • Role of DISCOMs : As SIA, DISCOMs are responsible for facilitating various measures towards promoting rooftop solar power transition , including ensuring availability of net meters , timely inspections and commissioning of installations. 
  • Subsidy Structure: The scheme provides subsidy to defray the cost of solar rooftop system installation. The subsidy is limited to a maximum capacity of 3 kW . 
    • 60% subsidy for solar systems up to 2 kW capacity . 
    • 40% subsidy for solar systems between 2kW to 3kW capacity .

25th Wildlife Sanctuary of Madhya Pradesh

Why in News? 

The Madhya Pradesh government has announced a new wildlife sanctuary in Sagar district , named Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Sanctuary . 

Key Points 

• About the Sanctuary: 
  • Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Sanctuary will be spread over 258.64 sq km reserved forest area of North Sagar Forest Division, Tehsil Banda and Shahgarh Forest of Sagar district . 
  • This sanctuary is dedicated to Baba Saheb Dr. Ambedkar. With this, addition there are 25 wildlife sanctuaries in the state . 
• Importance: 
  • Declaring this area as a sanctuary will ensure the safety and protection of the wildlife living here like leopard, jackal, chital, nilgai etc. 
  • Illegal hunting and deforestation will be controlled. 
  • Biodiversity will increase. 
  • New opportunities for natural tourism will open up in the state . 
• Major wildlife sanctuaries of the state:  

Sanctuary	District / Location	Sanctuary	District / Location
Bagdara	Singrauli	Ratapani	Obedullaganj
Pachmarhi	Hoshangabad	Ken Gharial	Panna
Bori	Hoshangabad	Sailana	Ratlam
Panpatha	Umaria	Kheoni	Dewas
Gandhi Sagar	Mandsaur	Sardarpur	Dhar
Pench (Mowgli)	Seoni	Narsinghgarh	Rajgarh
Gangau	Panna	Sanjay (Dubri)	Sidhi
Phen	Mandla	Chambal	(Interstate Border Area)
Ghatigaon	Gwalior	Singhori	Obedullaganj
Ralamandal	Indore	Nauradehi	Sagar
Karmajhiri	Seoni	Son Gharial	Sidhi
Veerangana Durgavati	Damoh	Orchha	Tikamgarh

Dhanush Leela

Why in News? 

Dhanush Leela , an ancient folk tradition of Hadauti region,  was organised after 150 years in Baran district of Rajasthan . 

Key Points 

• About Dhanush Leela : 
  • This three-day event was organised on the occasion of Ram Navami and the drama of breaking of Shiva's bow by Lord Ram was enacted. 
  • The program begins with the Teej of Gangaur , in which Ganpati installation , formation of organizing committee , and distribution of arrangements are done. 
  • A procession is taken out before the event , in which the rides of 'Sar Katya' and 'Dhad Katya' are prominent. 
  • Tableaus depicting Tantra rituals are brought to a special square where the performance takes place. 
  • All dialogues are written in the vernacular language 'Bahi' .

Major Folk Arts of Rajasthan 

• Sanjhi: 
  • During the 15 days of Shradh Paksha, girls worship Sanjhi in the form of Goddess Parvati. 
  • Women observe Thumbudha fast on the last day. 
• Mandha: 
  • On auspicious occasions, geometric pictures are made with colours on the walls and courtyard of the house. 
  • These pictures are in the shapes of triangle, hexagon, circle etc. 
• Phad Art: 
  • The stories of gods and goddesses are depicted on the cloth which is called 'Phad'. 
  • Its main centre is Shahpura (Bhilwara), and is made by the Joshi caste. 
• Puppet: 
  • A dramatic performance is given by operating wooden puppets with the help of threads. 
  • These are manufactured in Jaipur, Udaipur and Chittaurgarh. 
• Bevad: 
  • A throne made of wood on which Thakurji is seated and taken to the pond on Ekadashi. 
  • It is manufactured in Bassi (Chittorgarh). 
• Chopda: 
  • A spice container made of wood, having 2, 4 or 6 compartments. 
  • In western Rajasthan it is called 'Hatdi', it is used in worship. 
• Toran: 
  • At the time of marriage, an artistic wooden figure is placed by the groom at the entrance of the bride's house. 
  • It has the figure of a peacock or a suva on it, which is touched with a sword or a green twig. 

Utensil Bank Scheme

Why in News? 

On 12th April 2025, the State Education and Panchayati Raj Minister launched the Bartan Bank Scheme to make Baran district of Rajasthan plastic free. 

Key Points 

• This scheme is launched with the aim of reducing the use of plastic and promoting environmental protection especially in rural areas. 
• Under the scheme, utensils sets will be available on rent for Rs 3 , which can be used for weddings and other social events. 
  • Initially 24 Gram Panchayats have been included and in future utensils banks will be established in all the Gram Panchayats. 
• The name of the Gram Panchayat and 'Swachh Bharat Mission' will be inscribed on each utensil.  
• Special categories, such as Below Poverty Line (BPL), SC,ST, and Divyangjan will get a 50% discount in fare. 
• The maintenance of the utensils will be the responsibility of self-help groups and the operation will be done through Rajivika. 
  • Rajivika is a program under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), which focuses on empowering women in rural areas through self-help groups (SHGs) and other livelihood initiatives. 
• For the scheme, the state government has decided to provide an amount of Rs 1 lakh to each Gram Panchayat. 
  

Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 

• This is a massive people's movement whose aim was to create a clean India by the year 2019.Mahatma Gandhi always emphasized on cleanliness because it opens the way to a healthy and prosperous life. 
• Keeping this in mind, the Government of India laid the foundation of the Swachh Bharat Mission on 2 October 2014 (Gandhi Jayanti). This mission covers all rural and urban areas. 
• The urban component of this mission is implemented by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the rural component is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.