09 May 2025 Current Affairs

Government Approves Revised SHAKTI Policy to Streamline Coal Allocation for Power Sector

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the updated version of the SHAKTI Policy (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India), aiming to enhance transparency and efficiency in coal distribution for thermal power generation.

Background

Launched in 2017 by the Ministry of Coal, the SHAKTI scheme was designed to provide a fair and transparent system for allocating coal to power producers. The revised version aims to modernize this process to meet changing energy demands and reduce reliance on coal imports.

Key Features of the Revised SHAKTI Policy

1. Objective:

• To meet evolving coal requirements of the power sector while encouraging import substitution and improving self-reliance in energy resources.

2. Streamlined Allocation Process:

The previous complex structure of eight categories for coal linkage has now been simplified into two main channels:

• Window I: Direct allocation of coal at government-notified prices to state-owned and central government power plants, including their subsidiaries and joint ventures.
• Window II: All other thermal power generators, whether using imported or domestic coal, can obtain coal through a competitive auction, by bidding a premium over the notified base price.

3. No Mandatory PPAs for Auctions:

• In a significant reform, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are no longer a pre-condition under Window II, paving the way for greater private sector participation.

4. Flexible Tenure:

• The auction mechanism will accommodate coal procurement for varied durations—from short-term contracts (up to 12 months) to long-term linkages (up to 25 years).

5. Support for Pithead Projects:

• The policy encourages the development of new thermal plants near coal mines (pithead sites) to reduce transportation costs and environmental impact.

Major Reforms in the Coal Sector

Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015

• This legislation introduced a transparent auction-based allocation system for coal blocks. It opened the door for private sector involvement and helped increase government revenues through competitive bidding.

Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021

• This amendment brought in a composite license model—the Prospecting Licence-cum-Mining Lease (PL-cum-ML)—to streamline the process of coal exploration and mining by combining two stages of approval into one, reducing delays and encouraging investments.

Commercial Coal Mining Policy (2020)

• A landmark reform, this policy allows private companies to mine coal for commercial purposes without any end-use restrictions. It promotes competition, efficiency, and broader market access, moving away from the earlier restrictive model.

Digital Monitoring Tools

1. Coal Mines Surveillance and Management System (CMSMS):

• A GIS-based platform for real-time monitoring of illegal coal mining activities.

2. Khanan Prahari Mobile App:

An app that enables citizens to report illegal mining, enhancing community participation in regulation and oversight.

India Launches Operation Sindoor in Response to Pahalgam Terror Attack

In the wake of the Pahalgam terror strike, India initiated Operation Sindoor, its most extensive cross-border military operation against terror infrastructure since the Balakot airstrikes. The operation was undertaken as a strategic measure to neutralize terrorist threats and deter future cross-border incursions.

About Operation Sindoor

1. Nature of the Operation:

• A targeted military offensive against terrorist camps and infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

2. Objectives:

• To eliminate terror hubs
• To demonstrate India’s right to pre-emptive and proportional action under international law
• To prevent future attacks on Indian soil

3. Execution:

• Conducted with calibrated and non-escalatory precision
• Utilized advanced weaponry and surveillance technologies
• Focused on minimizing collateral damage while maximizing operational success

Key Precision Strike Capabilities Used

1. SCALP (Storm Shadow):

• A long-range, air-launched cruise missile (range ~450 km), ideal for deep-strike missions against fortified enemy targets.

2. HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range):

• A smart munition with a range of 50–70 km, used for precision engagement of enemy assets.

3. Loitering Munitions ("Kamikaze Drones"):

• Unmanned systems that hover over the target zone and strike once a threat is identified—either autonomously or via remote control.

4. METEOR Missile:

• A Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) effective in highly contested and electronically jammed airspace.

5. BRAHMOS Missile:

• A supersonic cruise missile system known for its "fire-and-forget" capability, capable of striking targets using varied flight paths.

Pakistan’s Response & International Legal Reference

1. Pakistan's Stance: Asserted its right to respond, referencing Article 51 of the UN Charter.

2. Article 51 – UN Charter Highlights:

• Recognizes the inherent right to individual or collective self-defence in case of an armed attack on a UN member.
• Requires immediate reporting of self-defensive measures to UN Security Council.
• Stresses that such measures should not compromise the Council’s role in maintaining peace.

New National Scheme for ITI Upgradation and Skilling Gets Government Approval

As announced in the Union Budget 2024–25, the central government has approved a major initiative to modernize Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and establish five National Centres of Excellence for Skilling. The scheme will be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, in collaboration with state governments and industry partners.

Key Features of the Scheme

1. Objective:

• To transform existing government ITIs into modern, industry-driven skill development institutions through public-private collaboration.

2. Total Outlay:

The scheme has a total budget of ₹60,000 crore over five years, distributed as:

• ₹30,000 crore from the Central Government
• ₹20,000 crore from State Governments
• ₹10,000 crore from industry partners

3. International Support:

Half of the Centre’s share (₹15,000 crore) will be jointly funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank.

Strategic Focus Areas

• Upgrade of 1,000 Government ITIs: To be modernized through a hub-and-spoke model, offering revamped, industry-aligned trade courses.
• Strengthening of National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs): Capacity building of five NSTIs to house five Centres of Excellence for Skilling, designed as apex institutions for advanced vocational training.
• Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Model: Implementation will follow an industry-led SPV model, ensuring an outcome-based and accountable framework.

Rare Ayurvedic Texts Revived by Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has successfully revived two rare Ayurvedic manuscripts—Dravyaratnākara Nighantu and Dravyanāmākara Nighantu—marking an important step toward preserving and promoting ancient Indian medicinal knowledge.

What is a Nighantu in Ayurveda?

In Ayurveda, the term ‘Nighantu’ refers to traditional compilations that list medicinal substances (dravyas) along with their names, properties, therapeutic uses, and parts used. These texts serve as essential reference works in Ayurvedic pharmacopeia.

About Dravyaratnākara Nighantu

1. Author:

• Mudgala Pandita

2. Date of Composition:

• Circa 1480 AD

3. Structure:

• Contains 18 chapters

4. Content Highlights:

• Provides extensive information on synonyms, therapeutic actions, and medicinal properties of substances
• Draws heavily from earlier classical sources like Dhanvantari Nighantu and Raja Nighantu
• Also includes references to new plant, mineral, and animal-based medicines not covered in earlier texts

About Dravyanāmākara Nighantu

• Author: Attributed to Bhisma Vaidya
• Unique Focus: Specializes in the homonyms of plant and drug names—an area of high importance in resolving ambiguities in Ayurvedic nomenclature
• Supplementary Role: Considered an appendix or companion volume to the Dhanvantari Nighantu, enriching its lexical and botanical content

Quad Nations Conduct Indo-Pacific Logistics Network Simulation in Hawaii

The Quad countries—India, Australia, Japan, and the United States—recently concluded a simulation exercise under the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN) in Honolulu, Hawaii. This effort showcases their shared resolve to improve regional cooperation and emergency responsiveness.

What is the Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN)?

1. Purpose:

• The IPLN aims to enhance the ability of Quad members to coordinate and share logistics resources in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly during civilian disaster relief operations.

2. Scope:

• The network enables rapid and efficient humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) by allowing participating countries to tap into one another’s logistical assets during crises.

3. Strategic Importance:

• Alongside initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness, the IPLN exemplifies the Quad’s collective commitment to a free, open, and resilient Indo-Pacific.

4. Focus Areas:

• Civilian disaster relief logistics
• Maritime coordination
• Strengthened interoperability among partner nations
• Practical and scalable regional cooperation

Pulitzer Prize 2024: Major Wins for The New York Times and The New Yorker

In the 2024 edition of the Pulitzer Prizes, The New York Times secured four awards, while The New Yorker received three, highlighting their continued excellence in journalism and investigative reporting.

About the Pulitzer Prize

1. Overview:

• The Pulitzer Prize is one of the most prestigious honors in journalism, literature, and music, awarded annually in the United States.

2. Origin:

• It was established through a bequest by Joseph Pulitzer, a prominent Hungarian-American journalist and publisher, who left funds to Columbia University upon his death in 1911.

3. First Awarded:

• The inaugural prizes were given out in 1917.

4. Administered by:

• Columbia University, New York City, which oversees the nomination and selection process.

5. Fields Covered:

• Journalism: Investigative reporting, commentary, public service, etc.
• Letters: Fiction, nonfiction, poetry, history, biography.
• Music: Original compositions by American composers.

INS Kiltan Represents India at IMDEX Asia 2025 in Singapore

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kiltan has docked in Singapore to take part in the 14th edition of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX Asia 2025). This highlights India's active engagement in regional maritime cooperation and naval diplomacy.

About IMDEX Asia

1. Nature of the Event:

IMDEX Asia is Asia’s premier maritime and naval defence exhibition, bringing together leading global stakeholders in the defence and security domain.

2. Established:

The event began in 1997 and has grown significantly in scale and influence.

3. Organized by:

The Republic of Singapore Navy, in collaboration with various defence industry partners.

4. Global Reach:

The exhibition sees participation from over 70 countries, including major naval powers and defence manufacturers.