State PCS - Maharashtra (MPSC)

• 15 Nov 2025

Slum Cluster Redevelopment Scheme (SCRS)

Why in News? 

The Maharashtra government has issued a Government Resolution (GR) empowering the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) to fast-track redevelopment of slum clusters in Mumbai under a new policy called the Slum Cluster Redevelopment Scheme (SCRS). 

Key Points 

• The policy targets clusters of at least 50 acres, where over 51% of the area is occupied by slums for inclusion under SCRS.  
  • The state aims to build five lakh rehabilitation tenements by 2030, building on about three lakh units completed since 1995 
• Occupancy or ownership formalities will not be a barrier — land including slums, unsafe buildings, government/semi-government properties can all qualify. 
• The final implementation will be approved under Section 38 of the Maharashtra Slum Areas (Improvement, Clearance and Redevelopment) Act, 1971. 
• Redevelopment may be undertaken via joint ventures with government agencies, private developers (via tender), or by a developer who already owns ≥ 40% of the cluster land. 
• The policy is designed to streamline clearance, boost private investment, and improve urban infrastructure in one of India’s largest cities. 

Ammonium Nitrate

Why in News?   

A blast near Delhi’s Red Fort has put  “Ammonium Nitrate” in the spotlight, as investigators suspect the chemical may have been used in the explosion. 

Key Points 

• About: 
  • Pure ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃) is a white, crystalline, water-soluble, nitrogen-rich compound made by reacting ammonia with nitric acid, and it melts at about 170°C.  
  • The substance is classified as an oxidising agent. It is one of the base ingredients used in the manufacture of commercial explosives.  
  • It is classified as a dual-use substance, meaning it has legitimate industrial uses but can also be weaponised.  
• Uses:  
  • In agriculture, it is widely used as a nitrogen fertilizer due to its high nutrient content.  
  • It is used for controlled blasting in quarries and excavation projects, and also forms a key component of various emulsions and gels used in mining-grade explosives.  
• Weaponization of Ammonium Nitrate:  
  • Pure ammonium nitrate is not explosive by itself and is classified as an oxidiser under United Nations classification of dangerous goods.   
  • It becomes volatile when combined with fuel oil, potassium chlorate, sulphur or other accelerants.  This mixture creates ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil), a commonly used explosive.  
    • However, ANFO cannot detonate on its own; it requires a trigger such as a detonator, often initiated with primary explosives like RDX or TNT.