NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Govt notifies scheme to make cooperative sugar mills loan eligible Govt notifies scheme to make cooperative sugar mills loan eligible: The Government of India has introduced a modified Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme to help Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs) convert their existing ethanol plants into multi-feedstock plants, allowing them to use grains like maize and damaged food grains (DFG) for ethanol production.The government will provide interest subvention on loans taken for the conversion. It will cover 6% interest per year or 50% of the rate charged by banks, whichever is lower, for a period of five years, including one year of moratorium.By converting to multi-feedstock plants, sugar mills can operate year-round instead of only during the 4-5 month sugarcane crushing season. This will help improve their efficiency and productivity.The scheme aims to enhance the financial viability of sugar mills by allowing them to function throughout the year, using alternative feedstocks, thus reducing their dependence on seasonal sugarcane availability.
2. Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign: The campaign aims to ensure that no one is left out of food security initiatives. It focuses on inclusivity and fairness, moving beyond appeasement. The government has identified over 2.5 lakh new beneficiaries, including elderly individuals and differently-abled persons. This approach is designed to provide free rations and nutritious food to those in need. The middle class plays role in economic development. Recent tax relief measures benefit middle-class families, allowing them to retain more earnings. New tax slabs have been introduced to support taxpayers, enhancing their financial stability and encouraging investments in their futures.
3. Modified Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme: The Government of India has introduced a modified Ethanol Interest Subvention Scheme. This initiative aims to enhance the operational viability of Cooperative Sugar Mills (CSMs). The scheme allows these mills to convert their existing sugarcane-based ethanol plants into multi-feedstock facilities. This enables the use of grains such as maize and damaged food grains (DFG) alongside sugarcane. The goal is to ensure continuous operation and improve productivity throughout the year. Under this scheme, the government offers interest subvention at 6% per annum or 50% of the bank interest rate. This support is applicable for loans extended by banks or financial institutions over five years, including a one-year moratorium. This financial assistance encourages CSMs to expand their operations beyond sugarcane.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Legislative Department Releases Book on Women Members of the Constituent Assembly on International Women’s Day: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Legislative Department, Ministry of Law & Justice, formally released a significant publication titled “The Life and Contributions of the Women Members of the Constituent Assembly”.This scholarly work pays homage to fifteen distinguished women who played an instrumental role in drafting the Constitution of India — their invaluable contributions having remained largely unrecognized in mainstream historical and legal narratives.The book meticulously documents the achievements of these pioneering women, including prominent lawyers, social reformers, and freedom fighters who overcame entrenched structural barriers within a predominantly male-dominated political framework.Despite adversities, these women emerged as key voices in the Constituent Assembly, profoundly shaping deliberations on fundamental rights, social justice, gender equality, and democratic governance.
2. Climate Change Threatens Global Crop Production and Diversity: Researchers defined the ‘climatic niche’ for each crop based on current climate conditions. They utilised the Safe Climatic Space (SCS) concept. This concept maps the climatic space of major crop production areas using three parameters – annual precipitation, bio temperature, and aridity. When cropland moves outside the SCS, existing agricultural management practices may no longer apply. The analysis identified regions at risk. In the Middle East and North Africa, nearly 50% of cropland is already at risk under 1.5 degrees Celsius. This figure could rise to 69% under 3 degrees Celsius. Similarly, South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa could see 60% of their cropland at risk. In contrast, the Northern Hemisphere shows lower risks, with 80% of North American cropland and 77% of European cropland remaining secure.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Lithuania Exits Cluster Bomb Convention: Lithuania has recently withdrawn from the international convention banning cluster bombs. This decision is driven by security concerns regarding Russia. The move has faced backlash from human rights organisations. Lithuania’s actions signal a shift in defence strategy amidst rising tensions in Eastern Europe. It prohibits the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster bombs. These weapons release multiple smaller explosives, which can remain dangerous long after conflicts end. The convention currently has 112 state parties and aims to protect civilians from the indiscriminate nature of cluster munitions. Lithuania’s withdrawal could encourage a dangerous trend among other nations. It raises questions about the future of humanitarian disarmament treaties, especially in regions facing security crises. The situation is particularly sensitive as neighbouring countries assess their own military strategies.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. IndiaAI Compute Portal and the AIKosha Dataset Platform: The IndiaAI Mission has marked its first anniversary with advancements in artificial intelligence. On this occasion, Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced the IndiaAI compute portal and the AIKosha dataset platform. These initiatives aim to enhance access to AI resources and encourage innovation across various sectors. As part of the mission, the government announced the establishment of AI labs in tier-II and tier-III cities. An AI Competency Framework was introduced to build capacity among civil servants. The Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) AI programme will recommend tailored courses for civil servants, ensuring they are equipped with relevant skills for AI applications.
2. LOX-Methane Rocket Engine: ISRO is advancing its capabilities in space technology by developing a LOX-methane engine for its Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). This new engine features a reusable booster stage and two expendable upper stages. The initiative aims to enhance mission flexibility through multiple restarts. Recent successful tests of a spark torch igniter mark step forward in this ambitious project. The capability for multiple restarts is crucial for both the booster stage recovery and the upper stage missions. This flexibility allows for adjustments during flight, making missions more adaptable to changing conditions or objectives.
3. Measles Outbreak in US: The United States is currently experiencing measles outbreak, particularly in West Texas. As of February 27, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 164 cases across nine jurisdictions. The outbreak, which began in late January, has resulted in two fatalities, both of which involved unvaccinated individuals. This marks the first measles-related death in over a decade, raising concerns about vaccination rates and public health. Unvaccinated individuals are at the highest risk for measles. Children under five years old, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems face increased chances of severe complications. The risk of complications is particularly high for malnourished children or those lacking sufficient vitamin A.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. SIDBI, Federal Bank join hands to boost MSME financing: The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and Federal Bank have signed an MoU to provide financial support to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).This partnership aims to strengthen the MSME ecosystem by offering various financial services, including project finance, machinery and equipment finance, working capital support, and loans against property.Under this agreement, both institutions will also explore joint financing options to extend credit facilities to MSMEs.
2. Razorpay Takes Over Singapore Fintech Giant Slashes Payment Costs by 40%: Leading fintech company Razorpay officially entered the Singapore market, marking its second expansion in Southeast Asia after its successful operations in Malaysia.With this move, Razorpay aims to enhance digital payment infrastructure and streamline cross-border transactions for businesses in Singapore, enabling seamless, secure, and cost-effective financial operation.Razorpay’s advanced payment solutions are designed to help businesses cut transaction costs by 30-40% while providing real-time, multi-currency payment capabilities.Currently, businesses in Singapore face high transaction fees of 4-6% for cross-border payments, limiting scalability and efficiency. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) also struggle with fragmented payment systems that drive up costs and delay settlement
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Modi Receives Honorary Award From Barbados: The ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’ is a prestigious recognition given to individuals who have made contributions to the nation. Prime Minister Modi was acknowledged for his strategic leadership and assistance during the global health crisis. The award was announced by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley during the India-CARICOM Leaders’ Summit in Guyana in November 2024. Diplomatic relations between India and Barbados were established in 1966. Since then, both countries have engaged in various development initiatives. Their partnership is characterised by continuous dialogue and cooperation in multiple sectors, including health, education, and trade.
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