30th October 2026

Explanation - It is a bilateral naval exercise conducted between Indian Navy (IN) and South Korea Navy (RoKN). Phases — Harbour phase: During this phase personnel of both navies will participate in professional interactions, cross-deck visits, cross-training activities and sporting events. These activities will facilitate the exchange of operational experiences and Best Practices, while fostering mutual understanding and professional camaraderie. Sea Phase: It involves INS Sahyadri and ROKS Munmu the Great, providing opportunities to strengthen operational coordination, enhance interoperability and consolidate professional ties between the two navies. It underscores the shared commitment of India and the Republic of Korea to strengthening maritime cooperation and contributing to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.

Explanation - ULIP is a digital gateway that allows industry players to access logistics-related datasets from various Government systems through API-based integration. It was conceptualised by the NITI Aayog and was developed under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP). It was launched as part of the ‘National Logistics Policy (NLP)’ in 2022. The platform is maintained and operated by NICDC Logistics Data Services (NLDS). NICDC Logistics Data Services (NLDS) is a joint venture between the Government of India, represented by the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT), and Japanese IT major NEC Corporation, with a 50:50 equity participation. It covers major logistics databases, including VAHAN, SARATHI, FASTag, FOIS, ICEGATE, and Port Community Systems. Objectives — To create a nationwide single window logistics platform for end-to-end visibility. To develop a logistics gateway by integrating information available with various government agencies across the value chain. To provide visibility for optimal usage of various modes of transportation. To provide data which can be utilised by the stakeholders for simplification of complicated processes like compliance, document filing, certifications, and approvals. To offer a platform for data exchange among government and private entities who are directly or indirectly involved in the Indian Logistics ecosystem. Benefits — It will give direct and indirect benefits to all logistics stakeholders, like verification of drivers and vehicle details, tracking & tracing of consignment, Route Optimisation Planning, and timely updates on the destination of the consignment, etc. It will enable structured planning by helping in decision-making on optimum use of modes of logistics, thereby saving cost and time.

Explanation - It aims to establish a globally competitive container manufacturing ecosystem by promoting domestic manufacturing and encouraging investment across the value chain. The initiative seeks to reduce import dependence and strengthen supply-chain resilience. It also supports new manufacturing facilities and expands existing container manufacturing units. The scheme provides assistance through major components: investment support, operational expenditure and testing and certification. Components under Container Manufacturing Promotion Scheme — Interest Subvention Assistance (ISA) — ISA provides a 3% per annum interest subvention on eligible term loans (capital loans) availed by container manufacturers to set up greenfield facilities and brownfield expansion of existing manufacturing capacity. To qualify for this support, projects must meet the following criteria: Greenfield facilities must have an annual capacity of at least 1,00,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) Brownfield expansions must add at least 25,000 TEUs of annual capacity to be commissioned within three years of in-principle approval, and comply with global container standards. Operational Expenditure Assistance (OEA): The component provides a financial outlay to support containers manufactured as per global shipping standards and sold by eligible manufacturers. Eligibility Criteria: To avail support, manufacturers must meet a minimum local-content requirement of 70% through FY 2031-32. These criteria will further rise to 90% from FY 2032-33 to strengthen the domestic supply chain. Testing and certification assistance: A financial outlay has been allocated to support the setting up of common facilities for testing, including dynamic longitudinal impact testing.

Explanation - Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and rural development across the country. Time Period: 2026-27 to 2030-31 Coverage: The scheme will extend to all States/UTs, including institutions of rural local government (traditional local bodies) in non-Part IX areas where Panchayats do not exist. Key Features of Pradhan Mantri Viksit Gram Swaraj Yojana — Annual planning target: Support preparation of 55 lakh Gram Panchayat Development Plans on the eGramSwaraj portal, bringing together village priorities, departmental interventions and available resources. Capacity building: Train and provide digital support to around 32 lakh elected representatives, Panchayat functionaries and other stakeholders annually. Financial accountability: Support at least 2.55 lakh online audit plans annually and timely completion of the corresponding audits through AuditOnline, alongside better accounting, public disclosure and mobilisation of Panchayats’ own revenue. Citizen engagement: Each coordinated awareness exercise is intended to reach at least one crore citizens. The scheme will use Gram Sabhas and existing outreach tools, including PANCHAM, a two-way platform available in 17 Indian languages. Implementation: States and Union Territories will submit annual action plans for appraisal by a Central Empowered Committee. No permanent posts will be created under the scheme, although need-based contractual staff may provide technical support.

Explanation - Graded Response Action Plan i.e. a plan to fight air pollution in Delhi and its neighbouring National Capital Region (NCR) towns was approved by the Supreme Court in 2016, the plan was formulated after several meetings that the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) held with state government representatives and experts. The result was a plan that institutionalised measures to be taken when air quality deteriorates. GRAP works only as an emergency measure. As such, the plan does not include action by various state governments to be taken throughout the year to tackle industrial, vehicular and combustion emissions. The plan is incremental in nature — therefore, when the air quality moves from ‘Poor’ to ‘Very Poor’, the measures listed under both sections have to be followed.