State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 08 Dec 2025

NMDC Signs MoU With IIT Kanpur

Why in News? 

National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur to enhance cyber security and advance digital technologies. 

Key Points 

• Purpose: The collaboration aims to strengthen industry–academia linkages and promote the adoption of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning across NMDC’s operations. 
• Cyber Security: The partnership covers cyber security risk assessments, strengthening policies, governance and compliance frameworks, and enhancing incident response capabilities. 
• AI–ML Integration: NMDC will collaborate with the institute to integrate Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools into operational processes to improve efficiency and decision-making. 
• Knowledge Building: Capacity building and knowledge-sharing initiatives will be central components, ensuring NMDC’s workforce gains advanced digital and cyber security skills. 
• Research Collaboration: Joint research and innovation activities will be undertaken, focusing on developing new solutions tailored to NMDC’s technological needs. 
• Training Initiatives: Both institutions will conduct training programmes, pilot projects, and create proof-of-concept developments to test and refine new technologies. 
• Strategic Impact: NMDC stated that the collaboration will strengthen its digital security infrastructure, improve operational intelligence and create a future-ready technological foundation for the organisation.

National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) 

• Background – National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), incorporated in 1958, is a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Steel, Government of India. 
• Leadership: NMDC is India’s largest and one of the world’s lowest-cost producers of iron ore, and is also known for operating the country’s only mechanised diamond mine at Panna in Madhya Pradesh. 
• Operations: The corporation runs highly mechanised iron ore mines in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, with its registered office located in Hyderabad, Telangana. 

Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Dr Ambedkar

Why in News? 

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw paid tribute to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. 

Key Points 

• About: Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed every year on 6th December to commemorate the death anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. 
  • It honours his legacy, emphasising his transformative impact on social reform, justice, and equality. 
  • The term "Mahaparinirvan" stems from Buddhist philosophy, symbolising liberation from the cycle of birth and death, marking the most sacred day in the Buddhist calendar. 
• Key Contributions:  
  • Upliftment: Founded the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (1923) to promote education, improve socio-economic conditions, and empower outcast communities. 
  • Advocacy: Established the newspaper Mooknayaka (Leader of the Silent) to provide a platform for the oppressed and challenge societal inequalities. 
  • Equality: Spearheaded landmark movements, including the Mahad Satyagraha (1927), advocating for equal access to public water resources. 
  • Liberation: Led the Kalaram Temple entry movement in 1930 (Nashik Satyagraha) to break caste-based restrictions in places of worship, symbolising a broader fight against untouchability. 
  • Representation: Played a pivotal role in negotiating the Poona Pact, which replaced separate electorates for Dalits with reserved seats, paving the way for their political representation. 
  • Constitution: As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee appointed in 1947, Dr Ambedkar oversaw the meticulous process of crafting the world’s largest written Constitution.  
  • Economics: Dr Ambedkar’s doctoral thesis influenced the creation of the Finance Commission of India and the policy framework for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934. 
• Awards and Recognition:  
  • Bharat Ratna Award: Dr Ambedkar was posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1990. 
  • Ambedkar Circuit: Five places associated with Ambedkar’s life were developed as pilgrimage centers (Panchteerth Development): 
    • Birthplace in Mhow 
    • Memorial in London (Shiksha Bhoomi) 
    • Deeksha Bhoomi in Nagpur 
    • Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai 
    • Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi in Delhi 
  • Constitution Day: Since 2015, 26th November is observed as Constitution Day, commemorating Ambedkar’s role as the architect of the Indian Constitution.