The Union government has reopened the application window for the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for white goods, specifically focusing on air conditioners and LED lights. The window is open from September 15 to October 14, 2024. This move aims to boost the domestic manufacturing of components that are currently not produced in sufficient quantities in India. The decision follows growing industry confidence and market growth. Both new applicants and existing beneficiaries looking to increase their investments are eligible. To date, 83 applicants with a committed investment of ₹10,406 crore have been selected under the scheme, which has a total outlay of ₹6,238 crore.
The scheme targets the manufacturing of components and sub-assemblies for ACs and LED lights to create a complete domestic value chain.
The reopening of the application window is driven by high industry appetite and the success of previous rounds.
The PLI scheme for white goods was originally approved in April 2021 with a seven-year implementation period.
Exam Points
Total scheme outlay: ₹6,238 crore.
Implementation period: FY 2021-22 to 2028-29.
Current status: 83 applicants selected with ₹10,406 crore committed investment.
The pendency of cases in the Supreme Court of India has reached a record high of 88,417, despite the court functioning with its full sanctioned strength of 34 judges. Data from the National Judicial Data Grid shows that in August 2024, the filing of fresh cases (7,080) significantly surpassed the disposal rate (5,667), resulting in a disposal rate of 80.04%. The backlog includes 69,553 civil cases and 18,864 criminal matters. Efforts to reduce the case log, such as having more Benches work during the long summer recess, have not yet stemmed the rising tide of litigation.
The Supreme Court is currently operating at its maximum sanctioned judicial strength of 34 judges.
The gap between case institution and disposal remains the primary driver of the increasing backlog.
A significant portion of the pendency consists of civil cases, which account for nearly 70,000 of the total.
The expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to include all citizens aged 70 and above faces implementation delays in Tamil Nadu. While the Centre expanded the scheme to provide free treatment up to ₹5 lakh per year regardless of socio-economic status, the State and Union governments differ on beneficiary definitions and funding ratios. Tamil Nadu uses an annual income of ₹1.2 lakh for poverty determination, while the Centre relies on 2011 SECC data. Currently, the State's CMCHIS covers 1.48 crore families, but the Centre only shares the premium for 86.5 lakh families under the integrated scheme.
The expanded AB PM-JAY provides ₹5 lakh annual coverage for all seniors aged 70+, irrespective of income.
The standard funding ratio between the Centre and States is 60:40, rising to 90:10 for Himalayan and North-eastern states.
Tamil Nadu seeks Central contribution for a larger pool of beneficiaries based on state-defined poverty lines.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has introduced the 'Anbukkarangal' initiative to provide comprehensive support to children who have lost their parents. Integrated into the broader 'Thayumanavar' poverty alleviation scheme, the program offers a monthly financial aid of ₹2,000 to eligible children until they complete their school education. The initiative aims to prevent school dropouts and provides additional support for higher education and vocational skill development. This safety net targets children until they reach 18 years of age, ensuring that the loss of parental support does not terminate their educational prospects.
The initiative provides ₹2,000 monthly aid to children who have lost both parents or a single supporting parent.
It is a sub-component of the 'Thayumanavar' scheme aimed at aiding those in extreme poverty.
Beyond financial assistance, the program focuses on ensuring students complete school and transition to higher education.
India's current macroeconomic landscape is marked by a favorable combination of high growth and low inflation. In August 2025, retail inflation was recorded at 2.1%, staying well within the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) comfort band of 2%-6%. This stability is largely attributed to subdued food inflation, aided by the provision of free foodgrains under the National Food Security Act. The differential between GDP growth and inflation has widened to 5.5 percentage points, a significant improvement from the previous year. While global oil price fluctuations and new GST rates pose minor risks, the overall outlook remains benign.
Retail inflation has dropped to 2.1%, providing the RBI with room for potential interest rate cuts.
The National Food Security Act is a critical pillar in maintaining affordable food supplies and controlling inflation.
The gap between growth and inflation has increased from 2.1 to 5.5 percentage points over the last year.
A recent survey in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve indicates a rise in the population and demographic diversity of saltwater crocodiles. This success highlights a shift in Indian conservation policy, which historically focused on 'charismatic' species like tigers and elephants. The Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project has demonstrated that targeted interventions, including captive breeding and release, can yield durable gains for less prominent species. As apex predators, saltwater crocodiles play a vital role in regulating prey populations and maintaining the health of mangrove ecosystems. However, emerging threats like rising salinity and habitat fragmentation due to climate change require proactive management.
Saltwater crocodiles serve as hypercarnivorous apex predators essential for the health of the Sundarbans food web.
The Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project is a successful model for the conservation of reptiles through captive breeding.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 is increasingly being used to protect a broader range of species beyond megafauna.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, passed during the monsoon session, has drawn criticism for its potential impact on India's digital economy. The Bill outlaws online real-money games, a move that critics argue violates the fundamental right to practice a profession under Article 19(1)(g). Furthermore, as 'betting and gambling' are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule, the Union's unilateral ban is seen as an encroachment on federalism. The industry was expected to generate ₹17,000 crore in GST revenue and employ 1.5 lakh people by 2025. Experts suggest that strict regulation and licensing would be more effective than total prohibition.
The Bill bans real-money online gaming, potentially pushing the industry into the unregulated underground economy.
Judicial precedents have consistently distinguished between 'games of skill' and 'games of chance,' protecting the former.
The lack of consultation with State governments on a State subject raises significant constitutional propriety issues.
Exam Points
Constitutional Article: 19(1)(g) (Right to practice profession).
Projected GST revenue loss: ₹17,000 crore.
Constitutional Schedule: Seventh Schedule (State List for betting/gambling).
The Ministry of Education has issued letters of intent to twelve top foreign universities to establish physical campuses in India, following UGC regulations introduced in 2023. This initiative is a core component of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to make Indian higher education globally competitive while remaining locally rooted. A U.K. university has already commenced operations in Gurugram. These campuses provide Indian students with access to international-quality education at a lower cost and foster research collaborations with Indian institutions in fields like AI and renewable energy. The move seeks to transform India into a global education hub.
The UGC 2023 regulations provide foreign universities with operational autonomy and regulatory clarity to set up in India.
The initiative aims to reduce the 'brain drain' and financial burden on families sending students abroad.
Foreign campuses are expected to encourage healthy competition and raise the standards of domestic Indian institutions.
Exam Points
Regulating Body: University Grants Commission (UGC).
Foundational Policy: National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first bamboo-based ethanol plant in Golaghat, Assam, a project valued at ₹5,000 crore. Described as the world's first green bamboo bioethanol facility, it aims to reduce India's reliance on fossil fuel imports and promote clean energy. The plant will source 5 lakh tonnes of green bamboo annually from Northeast states, providing a significant economic boost to local farmers and tribal communities. Additionally, a ₹7,230-crore polypropylene project was initiated at the Numaligarh Refinery. These projects are part of a broader strategy to achieve energy self-sufficiency and accelerate development in the Northeast region.
The plant is a 'zero-waste' facility that produces ethanol, acetic acid, and other chemicals from green bamboo.
It is a joint venture between Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), Fortum, and Chempolis.
The government has reclassified bamboo to allow for its commercial use, supporting the local agrarian economy.
Maximo Torero Cullen, Chief Economist of the FAO, has highlighted the urgent need for India to diversify its food production. Currently, 40.4% of the Indian population (approximately 60 crore people) cannot afford a healthy meal, although this is a significant improvement from 74.1% in 2021. Cullen argues that while the Green Revolution succeeded in cereal production, the focus must now shift to high-value, nutrient-dense commodities like fruits, vegetables, and pulses. Diversification is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of zero hunger by 2030 and for building resilience against global trade uncertainties and climate change.
Over 40% of Indians still lack access to a healthy, balanced diet despite improvements in food security.
Agricultural diversification from cereals to pulses and vegetables is necessary to address malnutrition.
Global tariff wars and trade uncertainties make food systems more vulnerable, requiring localized resilience.
Exam Points
FAO Chief Economist: Maximo Torero Cullen.
SDG Target: Zero Hunger by 2030.
Current healthy diet affordability gap: 40.4% of the population.
In the case of Kattavellai @ Devakar v. State of Tamil Nadu, the Supreme Court of India issued mandatory guidelines to ensure the integrity of DNA evidence in criminal investigations. The court observed frequent lapses in the chain of custody and unexplained delays in forensic testing. The new guidelines require the creation of a 'Chain of Custody Register,' swift transportation of samples to laboratories within 48 hours, and strict documentation by investigating officers. The court clarified that DNA evidence is 'opinion evidence' under the law and must be scientifically and legally proven to be substantive in a trial.
Investigating officers are now strictly responsible for the secure and timely transport of DNA samples to FSL.
A mandatory 'Chain of Custody Register' must be maintained and appended to the trial court record.
DNA samples must reach the laboratory within 48 hours of collection to prevent contamination or degradation.
Exam Points
Relevant Case: Kattavellai @ Devakar v. State of Tamil Nadu.
Legal Provision: Section 39 of Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (formerly Section 45 of Evidence Act).
The global plastic pollution crisis is intensifying, with production doubling between 2000 and 2019. The OECD warns that plastic waste could triple by 2060 if current trends persist. Currently, only 9% of plastic is recycled globally. In response, the UN Environment Assembly has initiated a legally binding international agreement to end plastic pollution. UNEP's goal is to reduce plastic waste by 80% within two decades through improved product design, increased recycling, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes. Plastics currently account for 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making their reduction vital for climate goals.
Only 9% of global plastic waste is recycled, while 22% evades waste management systems entirely.
Micro-plastics have become a ubiquitous environmental threat, infiltrating all ecosystems and the human food chain.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and landfill taxes are proposed as key economic tools to curb plastic use.
Exam Points
UNEP Goal: 80% reduction in plastic waste by 2040.
Current global recycling rate: 9%.
Plastic's contribution to global GHG emissions: 3.4%.
Australian regulators have approved the world's first vaccine to protect koalas from chlamydia, a disease that causes infertility, blindness, and death. Developed by the University of the Sunshine Coast, the single-dose vaccine has shown to reduce mortality in wild populations by at least 65%. Koalas are currently listed as endangered in several Australian states due to habitat loss from wildfires and urban expansion. While the vaccine is a major breakthrough for wildlife health, conservationists argue that protecting and restoring natural habitats remains the most critical factor for the species' long-term survival.
Chlamydia is a primary cause of death and population decline in wild Australian koalas.
The vaccine provides a safer alternative to antibiotics, which can disrupt a koala's specialized digestive system.
Koalas are listed as endangered in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory.
Exam Points
Vaccine Developer: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
Mortality reduction rate: 65%.
Conservation status: Endangered (in QLD, NSW, and ACT).
Intelligence reports indicate that the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is diverting funds collected for flood relief to reconstruct its headquarters in Muridke, Pakistan. The facility, Markaz Taiba, was severely damaged during an Indian Air Force strike (Operation Sindoor) on May 7. LeT's charity front, Khidmat-e-Khalaq, is reportedly leading the fundraising campaign under the guise of humanitarian aid. This tactic of using disaster relief as a cover for terror infrastructure has been used by the group previously. Despite international sanctions, these outfits continue to operate by frequently changing their names and exploiting humanitarian crises.
LeT is using its charity wing to raise funds for rebuilding terror infrastructure damaged in air strikes.
Operation Sindoor was a targeted Indian air strike on LeT facilities in Muridke on May 7.
Terror groups in the region often use humanitarian facades to evade international financial monitoring.
Exam Points
Operation Name: Operation Sindoor (May 7).
Location: Muridke, Pakistan.
LeT Charity Front: Khidmat-e-Khalaq.
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