02 April 2026

1. Bhavasagara Referral Centre

Ø News:    The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change has designated the Bhavasagara Referral Centre of the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology as a National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna.

Ø Designation and Legal Basis:

o The centre has been recognised as a National Repository for Deep-Sea Fauna.

o This designation has been granted under the provisions of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.

Ø Institutional Role: It functions as an important national facility for conserving, studying, and documenting India’s deep-sea biodiversity.

Ø Specimen Repository: The centre houses a collection of more than 3,500 scientifically identified and geo-referenced voucher specimens.

Ø Diversity of Species:

o The repository includes a wide range of marine organisms.

o Invertebrates include cnidarians, annelids, molluscs, arthropods, and echinoderms.

o Vertebrates in the collection include elasmobranchs and teleostean fishes.

Ø Functions under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002:

o The centre is authorised to maintain and preserve biological samples as voucher specimens.

o It also stores associated scientific data such as DNA sequences for future research use.

o Custodian of Type Specimens: It serves as the official repository for type specimens of newly discovered deep-sea species in Indian waters.

o Capacity Building:

§ The centre promotes expertise in deep-sea taxonomy.

§ This aligns with global efforts such as the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030).

2. PM e-Drive Scheme (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement)

Ø News:     The Ministry of Heavy Industries has extended subsidies under the PM e-Drive Scheme for electric two-wheelers until 31 July 2026 and for electric rickshaws and electric carts until 31 March 2028.

Ø  About PM e-Drive Scheme

o It is a flagship initiative launched in October 2024.

o The scheme came into effect from 1 October 2024.

Ø Objective:

o The scheme aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in India.

o It also focuses on developing charging infrastructure and strengthening the domestic EV manufacturing ecosystem.

Ø Core Approach:

o The programme seeks to speed up the transition to electric mobility by providing upfront incentives for EV purchases.

o It simultaneously encourages the expansion of charging infrastructure.

Ø Components of PM e-Drive Scheme:

o Demand Incentives:

§ Financial incentives are provided for various categories of electric vehicles.

§ These include electric two-wheelers, electric three-wheelers, electric ambulances, electric trucks, and other emerging EV segments.

o Capital Asset Support:

§ The scheme provides funding for procurement of electric buses.

§ It also supports the creation of a widespread charging station network.

§ Upgradation of testing facilities under the Ministry of Heavy Industries is also included.

o Administrative Framework:

§ The scheme includes provisions for administration, information, education, and communication activities.

§ It also provides for fees related to the project management agency.

Ø Role of States:

o Additional Incentives:

§ States are encouraged to provide supplementary fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.

§ These may include exemptions from road tax, reduced toll and parking charges, and permit relaxations.

Ø Governance Mechanism:

o Project Implementation and Sanctioning Committee: 

§ The scheme is supervised by an inter-ministerial body known as the Project Implementation and Sanctioning Committee.

§ It is chaired by the Secretary of Heavy Industries.

o Functions of PISC:

§ The committee monitors the progress of the scheme.

§ It ensures effective implementation across the country.

§ It is authorised to resolve challenges, revise incentives, increase the number of electric buses, and approve testing guidelines.

Ø Eligibility Conditions:

o Vehicle Requirements:

§ To avail benefits under the scheme, vehicles must be registered as motor vehicles under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules.

§ They must also be equipped with advanced battery technology.

UPSC GS 3

3. Jungle Cat (Felis chaus)

Ø News:   Recent studies indicate that populations of the jungle cat are declining and highlight the need for conservation efforts beyond protected areas.

Ø Taxonomy and Size:

o The jungle cat, scientifically known as Felis chaus, is a medium-sized wild cat.

o It is the largest among the existing species of the genus Felis.

Ø Origin of Name: Its name is derived from the Caucasus Mountains, where the species was first identified.

Ø Other Names: It is also commonly referred to as the swamp cat or reed cat.

Ø General Features:

o The species has long legs and a lean body structure.

o Females are generally smaller and lighter than males.

Ø Distinctive Traits:

o It has a white muzzle and yellow-coloured irises.

o The ears are large and tipped with black tufts.

o Its long legs may show faint striping patterns.

Ø Habitat Range: The species occupies a wide variety of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and deserts.

Ø Habitat Preference:

o It avoids dense forests and highly modified landscapes.

o It prefers open areas such as agro-pastoral lands.

Ø Geographic Distribution:

o The jungle cat is widely distributed across Asia.

o It has significant populations in India and Nepal.

o It is also found in Egypt, southwest Asia, southeast Asia, and Central Asia, extending up to southern China.

Ø Activity Pattern:

o The species is not strictly nocturnal.

o It is most active during early mornings and late afternoons.

Ø Feeding Habits:

o It is a carnivorous animal.

o Its diet mainly includes rodents, lizards, frogs, snakes, and occasionally livestock.

Ø IUCN Status: The jungle cat is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Ø Legal Protection in India: It is listed under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

4. Agray – Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft

Ø News: The Indian Navy has recently received Agray, an anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft.

Ø Class and Series: Agray is the fourth vessel in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft.

Ø Indigenous Development: The ship has been indigenously designed and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers.

Ø Legacy:

o It is named after and represents the reincarnation of the earlier INS Agray.

o The earlier vessel belonged to the 1241 PE class of patrol vessels and was decommissioned in 2017.

Ø Compliance Standards: The craft has been designed and built in accordance with the classification norms of the Indian Register of Shipping.

Ø Propulsion System:

o The vessel is powered by waterjet propulsion technology.

o It is the largest Indian naval warship to utilise waterjet propulsion.

Ø Armament Capabilities:

o The ship is equipped with modern lightweight torpedoes.

o It also carries indigenous rocket launchers for anti-submarine operations.

Ø Detection Systems: It is fitted with advanced shallow water SONAR systems for effective underwater detection.

Ø Operational Role:

o The induction of Agray enhances the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

o It also strengthens mine warfare preparedness and coastal surveillance operations.

5. 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste Initiative

Ø News:   Varkala has been selected in the first edition of the 20 Cities Towards Zero Waste initiative.

Ø Nature of the Initiative: 

o It is a global initiative led by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Zero Waste.

o It is supported by UN Habitat and the United Nations Environment Programme.

Ø Core Focus:

o The initiative showcases cities that are adopting innovative and ambitious strategies to reduce waste.

o It promotes circular economy practices and aims to build sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban systems.

Ø Recognition of Innovation:

o It seeks to acknowledge cities that demonstrate leadership and innovation in waste management.

Ø Knowledge Sharing:

o It encourages the exchange of best practices and lessons among cities.

Ø Inspiration for Others:

o It aims to motivate other cities to accelerate their transition towards zero-waste models.

Ø Local Implementation:

o It supports the adoption of circular economy approaches at the local governance level.

6. INS Dunagiri

Ø News:  The Indian Navy has recently received INS Dunagiri, a stealth frigate under Project 17A.

Ø  About INS Dunagiri: INS Dunagiri is the fifth ship of the Nilgiri class under Project 17A.

Ø Design and Construction:

o The vessel has been designed by the Warship Design Bureau.

o It has been constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilding and Engineers.

Ø Delivery Status: It is the fifth Project 17A ship to be delivered to the Indian Navy.

Ø Legacy: The ship represents the revival of the earlier INS Dunagiri, which was a Leander-class frigate that served in the Indian Navy.

Ø Features of INS Dunagiri:

o Propulsion System:

§ The ship uses a Combined Diesel or Gas propulsion configuration.

§ It includes both a diesel engine and a gas turbine.

§ These systems operate Controllable Pitch Propellers on each shaft.

§ It is supported by an advanced Integrated Platform Management System.

o Armament and Weapon Systems:

§ The vessel is equipped with BrahMos surface-to-surface missiles.

§ It includes MFSTAR radar and the MRSAM air defence system.

§ It carries a 76 mm Super Rapid Gun Mount.

§ It is also fitted with 30 mm and 12.7 mm close-in weapon systems.

§ The ship is equipped with rockets and torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare operations.