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📝 Revision Notes
Key takeaways from today’s quiz to strengthen your preparation
Agriculture
Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme
The NBS scheme provides subsidies on P&K fertilizers (DAP, NPKS grades) rather than urea. For Rabi 2025-26, Phosphorus (P) receives the highest subsidy at ₹47.96 per kg, followed by Nitrogen at ₹43.02, emphasizing the government’s focus on balanced nutrient application.
Science & Technology
National Environmental Standard Laboratory (NSEL)
Inaugurated at CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi, NSEL is the second-of-its-kind globally. This rare facility will establish and maintain environmental standards, contributing to India’s scientific infrastructure and global environmental monitoring capabilities.
Defence
Operation Bhairav – Drone Warfare Force
The Indian Army created ‘Bhairav’ to integrate drone technology into modern warfare operations. The force aims to train over 1 lakh drone operatives, representing a significant shift toward unmanned systems and autonomous battlefield capabilities in Indian military doctrine.
Defence
Suryastra Rocket Launcher System
Procured through Emergency Procurement procedures, the Suryastra rocket launcher system enhances the Indian Army’s long-range precision strike capability. This acquisition is part of the broader artillery modernisation programme to maintain operational readiness.
Education
ONGC Support for Eklavya Model Residential Schools
ONGC signed a CSR MoU with NSTFDC (National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, committing ₹28 crore to strengthen EMRS (Eklavya Model Residential Schools) for tribal students’ empowerment.
Digital Governance
Live Events Development Cell (LEDC)
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting established the LEDC to streamline approvals and permissions for large-scale live events. This initiative aims to position India as a global live-events destination by improving coordination between government departments.
Business & Economy
ONGC-MOL Ethane Shipping Partnership
ONGC partnered with Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to establish two joint ventures in ethane shipping. This collaboration strengthens India’s petrochemical supply chain and represents growing India-Japan economic cooperation in the energy sector.
Business & Economy
HSBC Private Bank Leadership Change
Ida Liu was appointed CEO of HSBC Private Bank, succeeding Gabriel Castello who served as interim CEO. This appointment reflects continued organizational changes in global banking institutions.
Environment
Calamaria mizoramensis Discovery
The discovery of ‘Calamaria mizoramensis’, a new reed snake species, updated Mizoram’s herpetofauna count to 169 species. This highlights the biodiversity richness of Northeast India and the importance of continued taxonomic research in biodiversity hotspots.
🎴 Revision Flashcards
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Which nutrient has the highest subsidy rate under NBS Rabi 2025-26?
Phosphorus (P)
₹47.96 per kg – highest among N, P, K, and S
Tap to Reveal
Where is the National Environmental Standard Laboratory (NSEL) located?
CSIR-NPL, New Delhi
Second-of-its-kind globally in environmental standards
Tap to Reveal
How many drone operatives will ‘Bhairav’ force train?
Over 1 lakh
Indian Army’s modern drone warfare capability
Tap to Reveal
Which organization partnered with ONGC for EMRS support?
NSTFDC
National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation – ₹28 crore CSR funding
Tap to Reveal
What is the purpose of the Live Events Development Cell (LEDC)?
Streamline approvals for live events
Ministry of I&B initiative to position India as global live-events destination
Tap to Reveal
What business area is ONGC-MOL joint venture focused on?
Ethane shipping
Partnership with Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines – two joint ventures
Tap to Reveal
What is Mizoram’s updated herpetofauna count after Calamaria mizoramensis discovery?
169 species
New reed snake species discovered in Mizoram
Tap to Reveal
Who succeeded Gabriel Castello as HSBC Private Bank CEO?
Ida Liu
Gabriel Castello was serving as interim CEO
Think & Discuss
Balancing Agricultural Subsidies and Fiscal Prudence
Context from today’s quiz: The government’s Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme provides differential subsidies for various nutrients, with Phosphorus receiving the highest support at ₹47.96 per kg for Rabi 2025-26. This represents significant public expenditure on agricultural inputs to ensure food security and farmer welfare.
🤔 Your Perspective Matters
India’s fertilizer subsidy bill consistently ranks among the largest welfare expenditures, aimed at keeping input costs affordable for farmers and ensuring agricultural productivity. However, critics argue that subsidies distort market signals, encourage overuse of certain nutrients (leading to soil degradation), benefit large farmers disproportionately, and strain government finances.
How can India reform its fertilizer subsidy system to balance farmer support, environmental sustainability, and fiscal responsibility?
How can India reform its fertilizer subsidy system to balance farmer support, environmental sustainability, and fiscal responsibility?
- Should India move toward Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for fertilizer subsidies, similar to LPG, or maintain the current manufacturer-subsidy model? What are the implementation challenges?
- How can the government incentivize balanced nutrient use and promote organic farming without suddenly withdrawing subsidies that farmers depend on?
- Could targeted subsidies based on farm size, soil health cards, or crop-specific requirements be more efficient than blanket subsidies? What would be the administrative complexity?
We’d love to hear your thoughts! Share your perspective in the comments.
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