1. Salt Pans
Syllabus: GS3/Environment and Biodiversity
Context:
The Union Government approved the transfer of 256 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL), sparking criticism from opposition leaders and environmentalists due to concerns over environmental impact.
Salt Pans:
- Salt pans are low-lying areas where seawater enters and evaporates, leaving behind salt and other minerals.
- This ecosystem, along with mangroves, plays a crucial role in protecting cities like Mumbai from flooding.
- Salt pans fall under the CRZ-1B category in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), where economic activity is restricted, except for salt extraction and natural gas exploration.
- Nationally, around 60,000 acres are demarcated as salt pan lands across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat, and Karnataka.
- Andhra Pradesh has the largest area of salt pan lands, followed by Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
2. Mission Mausam
Syllabus: GS 1/Geography
Context:
The Cabinet approved ‘Mission Mausam,’ a two-year initiative to enhance India’s weather-readiness and climate resilience.
About Mission Mausam:
- The mission, with a budget of ₹2,000 crore, aims to increase India’s capacity to handle extreme weather and climate challenges.
- It will be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- The India Meteorological Department, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting will lead the mission.
- The initiative focuses on expanding atmospheric research and improving weather surveillance, forecasting, and modeling using advanced technologies like AI, ML, and high-performance computing.
- The mission will provide improved monsoon forecasts, air quality alerts, and extreme weather warnings, benefiting sectors like agriculture, disaster management, and health.
3. TAPI Pipeline
Syllabus: GS2/International Issues
Context:
The Afghanistan government announced the commencement of work on the $10 billion TAPI gas pipeline project across South Asia.
About:
- The Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline will transport 33 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas annually from Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh gas field over 1,800 km.
- It will pass through regions like Herat and Kandahar in Afghanistan, and Balochistan in Pakistan, ending in Fazilka, Punjab, India.
Significance: - The project aims to meet South Asia’s growing energy needs, with India and Pakistan receiving 42% of the gas each, and Afghanistan 16%.
- Afghanistan will earn approximately $500 million annually in transit fees, boosting its economy.
- The TAPI pipeline could strengthen regional cooperation, enhance energy security, and promote economic development.
4. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – IV (PMGSY-IV)
Syllabus: GS2/Governance
Context:
The Union Cabinet approved the implementation of PMGSY-IV for the period 2024-25 to 2028-29.
About PMGSY-IV:
- It aims to connect 25,000 unconnected habitations with all-weather roads, based on population size and Census 2011 data.
- 62,500 km of roads will be built, including necessary bridges along the routes.
PMGSY: - Launched in 2000 to provide all-weather access to unconnected habitations.
- Jointly implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development and state governments.
- Initially fully funded by the Centre, now shared between Centre and State.
5. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
Syllabus: GS2/Health
Context:
The Union Cabinet approved the extension of AB PM-JAY health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income.
Key Points:
- Senior citizens will receive a unique card for accessing benefits.
- Those already covered by AB PM-JAY will get an additional Rs. 5 lakh top-up annually.
- Senior citizens under other schemes like CGHS, ECHS, and Ayushman CAPF can choose to retain or opt for AB PM-JAY benefits.
- The scheme provides Rs. 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary hospitalizations, covering 12 crore families and benefiting 55 crore individuals.
6. Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme
Syllabus: GS2/Governance
Context:
The Union Cabinet approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme to promote electric vehicles (EVs) in India.
About:
- Replaces the FAME India Phase II scheme.
- Focuses on promoting electric buses, trucks, and ambulances, with a total outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over two years.
- E-vouchers will be issued for EV buyers for demand incentives, authenticated via Aadhaar.
Key Features: - Rs. 3,679 crore allocated for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, ambulances, trucks, and other emerging EVs.
- 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses will be supported.
- Rs. 500 crore allocated for e-ambulances and Rs. 2,000 crore for public charging stations.
Significance: - The scheme aims to promote a self-reliant EV manufacturing industry, reduce pollution, improve fuel security, and create employment.