23rd July 2026

Explanation - Chabahar Port is a seaport in Chabahar located in southeastern Iran, on the Gulf of Oman. It serves as Iran's only oceanic port, and consists of two separate ports named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti, each of which has five berths. The Chabahar port is a key pillar of India's Indo-Pacific vision to connect Eurasia with Indian Ocean Region. The port will also be part of the International North South Transport Corridor network connecting India. The idea of India-Iran cooperation on Chabahar port development was first mooted in 2003 during the visit of then Iranian President Mohammad Khatami to New Delhi. Progress was however delayed because of nuclear related sanctions on Iran.

An MoU was signed between India and Iran in May 2015. As per the MoU, India is to equip and operate two berths in Chabahar Port Phase-I with capital investment of USD 85.21 million and annual revenue expenditure of USD 22.95 million on a ten year lease. Ownership of equipment will be transferred to Iranian side on completion of 10 year period or for an extended period, based on mutual agreement. The two berths will be operated by the India Ports Global Private Limited, a Company promoted by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and Kandla Port Trust – two major ports working under the Ministry of Shipping.

Explanation - The ICI is a monthly indicator measuring the production performance of India's key infrastructure and industrial sectors. It serves as an early indicator of industrial activity and significantly influences the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). Core Industries under the revised ICI (2022–23 Base Year) — The index now covers 9 industries - Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilisers, Steel, Cement, Electricity, and Iron Ore (newly added). These sectors together account for 32.88% of the weight in the IIP, making ICI an important leading indicator of industrial growth. Timeline of ICI evolution — Initial series (1980–81), first revision (1993–94), Fertilisers and Natural Gas added (2004–05), and previous base year (2011–12). Major Changes in the Revised ICI - Inclusion of iron ore — Iron ore has been added following the recommendations of the Praveen Mahto Committee (2025). It contributes 4.9% to the revised index. Production surged 43.9% in June, significantly boosting overall core sector growth. Updated sectoral weights — Major changes in weights reflect the current structure of the economy - Electricity now carries the highest weight (30.93%), replacing refinery products. Weights of coal, crude oil and refinery products have declined. Iron ore has been assigned a 4.9% weight. Methodological improvements — Steel index is now compiled using gross production data. Coal index includes only raw coal, excluding washed coal and coal middlings to avoid double counting. Weights have been aligned with the revised IIP (2022–23 base year).

Explanation - It is a battery-powered aircraft that can take off and land vertically like a helicopter before transitioning to forward flight like a conventional aeroplane. An eVTOL does not require long runways. It is a low-altitude urban air mobility aircraft. Features — Most designs use multiple electrically powered propellers instead of a single large rotor, allowing them to lift off from relatively small spaces. eVTOL aircraft use multiple electric motors and propellers powered by batteries. Technology used — Most eVTOLs use distributed electric propulsion technology which means integrating a complex propulsion system with the airframe. There are multiple motors for various functions; to increase efficiency; and to also ensure safety. Applications — Air Taxi, Delivery, Medical assistance (EMS), Cargo Transport, Recreation.

Explanation - Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment has launched the Central Sector scheme “SMILE: Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise”.

This umbrella scheme, under the aegis of Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, is designed to provide welfare measures to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging. The scheme includes two sub-schemes — ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation for Welfare of Transgender Persons’ and ‘Central Sector Scheme for Comprehensive Rehabilitation of engaged in the act of Begging’. The scheme strengthens and expands the reach of the Rights that give the targeted group the necessary legal protection and a promise to a secured life. It keeps in mind the social security that is needed through multiple dimensions of identity, medical care, education, occupational opportunities and shelter.

Explanation - The Lakadong Turmeric from West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, one of the world’s finest turmeric varieties with the highest curcumin content of 7-9% (in comparison to 3% or less in other varieties), is fast becoming a game changer in the economy of the district. The State of Meghalaya has applied for a Geographical Indication tag for Lakadong turmeric. India produces 78 per cent of the world’s turmeric, as per a reply given by the Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in the Rajya Sabha on March 12, 2021