India’s first private gold mining project is set for launch in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool District (Jonnagiri Mine).

About Gold

• Gold is a soft, ductile, corrosion-resistant metal found in native form (nuggets, veins, alluvial deposits).
• Dissolves in cyanide (used in mining) and forms amalgam with mercury.
• Reserves & Distribution:

• India: 518.23 million tonnes of gold ore (as of 2020).
  • Top states (Reserves): Bihar (43%), Rajasthan (~25%) and Karnataka (~20%).
    • Production leader: Karnataka (~97%); Key Mine is Hutti Gold Mines.
    • Placer deposits: Kerala
• World:
  • Top Producers: China (10%), Russia, Australia.
  • Top importers: Switzerland, China, UK.
  • Top Exporter: Switzerland, UAE, UK.

Government approves potatoes procurement under MIS to prevent distress sales.

About Market Intervention Scheme (MIS)

• Overview: Component of PM-AASHA for perishable crops (like Tomato, Onion, and Potato) not covered under MSP/PSS.
  • Originally MIS was launched in 1983, and later subsumed under PM-AASHA in 2024.
• Implementation: By Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on request of States.
• Objective: To prevent distress sales during bumper production and price fall. 
• Conditions: Activated when production rises ≥10% or prices fall ≥10% from previous normal levels.
• Loss Sharing: Centre and State (50:50); 75:25 for NE states.

New research has confirmed that Genetically Modified (GM) mosquitoes can suppress malaria parasites from real-world infections.

About GM Mosquitoes

• Definition:These are mosquitoes whose DNA has been deliberately altered using Gene Drive technology to change specific traits which either suppress the mosquito population or blocks disease transmission.
• Gene Drive technology: using tools like CRISPR-Cas9, the modified gene is passed up to ~90% of offspring.

Government approves ₹12,980 crore Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool to secure shipping, aligning with Maritime India Vision, 2030.

About Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool

• Purpose: Ensures continuous and affordable insurance despite withdrawal of foreign insurers during conflicts.
• Coverage: All maritime risks including hull, machinery, cargo, protection and indemnity (P&I) and war.
• Significance: strengthens trade security and self-reliance.

India extends OCI card eligibility in Sri Lanka to the sixth generation.

About OCI Scheme

• Introduced: In 2005 by amending the Citizenship Act, 1955.
• Eligibility:
  • Those who are eligible to become a citizen of India, spouses of Indian nationals or other OCI cardholders, Persons of Indian origin (PIOs merged with OCI), etc.
  • Exceptions:
    • No person, who or either of whose parents or grandparents had been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country as the government may specify.
    • Foreign Military or police personnel (serving or retired).
• Benefits for OCI Cardholders: 
  • Lifelong multiple-entry visa to visit India.
  • Equality with NRIs in certain financial, economic and educational matters except for acquisition of agricultural or plantation land.
  • And, prior special permission is required for certain activities such as research activities, etc.

The foundation stone was laid for India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park on the banks of the Indus River in Ladakh.

• The park aims to serve as a dedicated conservation space for centuries-old rock carvings (petroglyphs) that are increasingly under threat due to unregulated tourism, rapid infrastructure development, and a lack of awareness.

About Petroglyphs

• Petroglyphs are prehistoric images, symbols, or carvings etched, pecked, or engraved directly onto rock surfaces.
• These are “open-air museums” and “civilisations carved on stone,” and represent a continuous record of human history from the Palaeolithic Age to later historic periods.
• These carvings depict ancient trade routes, migration patterns, belief systems, and ecological histories.
• Major Petroglyphs in India: Bhimbetka (Madhya Pradesh), Ratnagiri (Maharashtra), Gawilgarh hills (Odisha), etc.

Recently the Indian foreign minister attended the AZEC Plus.

About AZEC (2023)

• It is a regional platform that promotes cooperation for achieving carbon neutrality in Asia through country-specific pathways, while ensuring economic growth and energy security.
• Members: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
• India is an AZEC Partner Country.

Mission Samudra Manthan to boost deepwater exploration and energy security. 

About Samundra Manthan Mission

• Genesis: It was announced by the Prime Minister in 2025 as India’s National Deep Water Exploration Mission.
  • It will be executed in a mission mode.
• Objective:  It aims to explore oil and gas reserves
• Significance:  Strengthens scientific research, technological innovations, underwater engineering, etc. 

The Ministry of Textiles has launched an initiative called ‘Vishwa Sutra –  Weaves of India for the World’.

About Vishwa Sutra

• Initiated by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology. 
• Aim: To present Indian handlooms in a contemporary global design framework.
• Under it, 30 distinct handloom weaves from across the country have been brought together, each representing a different state. 
  • These weaves have been creatively reinterpreted with design inspirations drawn from 30 countries reflecting diverse cultural elements, silhouettes, and design sensibilities.
  • E.g. Odisha Ikat with Greek forms, Kanchipuram with Norwegian lines, Muga with Egyptian elements, Patola with Spanish influences, and Banarasi with UAE-inspired ensembles.

The RELOS pact signed between India and Russia has recently become operational.

About RELOS

•  Objective: Enables reciprocal use of military bases, ports, and air facilities, including Arctic access for India.
•  Scope: Covers logistics support, joint exercises, training, and humanitarian missions.
• Deployment Provision: Allows stationing of up to 3,000 troops, 5 warships, and 10 aircraft in each other’s territory for 5 years. 
• Significance: Strengthens defence cooperation, interoperability, and support for Russian-origin equipment amid global geopolitical tensions.