\u2022 Alerts sent via SMS, WhatsApp, and high-priority calls.
\u2022 Covers accident-prone stretches, stray cattle zones, fog-affected areas, and emergency diversions.
\u2022 Integrated with NHAI digital platforms:
\u2022 \u2018Rajmargyatra\u2019 mobile app
\u2022 Emergency helpline number 1033<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 How it works<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Automated alerts triggered when Jio mobile users approach identified risk zones on National Highways.
\u2022 Uses existing telecom towers\u2014no additional roadside hardware required.
\u2022 Phased implementation starting with pilot deployment in select regional offices.
\u2022 Will comply with regulatory and data-protection requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Benefits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Provides early warnings, allowing commuters to adjust speed and driving behavior.
\u2022 Enhances road-safety awareness and reduces preventable road incidents.
\u2022 Leverages Jio\u2019s digital infrastructure, reaching over 500 million subscribers.
\u2022 Scalable solution that could extend to other telecom providers in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Statements from officials<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav: Initiative enables timely, reliable information, setting a benchmark for tech-enabled road safety.
\u2022 Reliance Jio President Jyotindra Thacker: Alerts use telecom reach to make travel safer and more informed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Plasma-Activated Coordination Polymers for Hydrogen Production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Background<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Hydrogen is a clean fuel, produced efficiently via water electrolysis.
\u2022 Electrolysis involves two reactions:
\u2022 Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) \u2013 relatively fast
\u2022 Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) \u2013 sluggish, requires high overpotential.
\u2022 Developing noble-metal-free catalysts for OER is a key research challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Role of Coordination Polymers (COPs)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 COPs are metal-organic frameworks used as electrocatalysts in water splitting.
\u2022 Limitation: fully coordinated metal sites by solvent\/water molecules leave few active sites, reducing catalytic efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Novel Strategy by CeNS Researchers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Argon plasma treatment used to activate COPs without damaging bulk structure. \u2022 Plasma-activated Ni- and Co-based COPs show: \u2022 Demonstrates a cost-effective, noble-metal-free approach to enhance water-splitting catalysts. \u2022 Validate the fighter aircraft escape system (ejection seat and canopy severance) at controlled high velocity. \u2022 Conducted at Rail Track Rocket Sled facility, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh. \u2022 Dynamic ejection test: more complex than static tests like Net test or Zero-Zero test. \u2022 Canopy severance successfully validated. \u2022 Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh: hailed as a milestone in indigenous defence capability. \u2022 Exercise EKUVERIN is a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). \u2022 EKUVERIN means \u2018Friends\u2019 in Dhivehi, symbolising friendship, trust, and military cooperation. \u2022 Enhance interoperability between the two forces. \u2022 Reflects growing defence cooperation between India and Maldives. \u2022 The Government has designated Dakshina Kannada as a District Export Hub under the Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiative. \u2022 Strengthen district-level export potential. \u2022 District Export Promotion Committee (DEPC): \u2022 Aligns district-level export requirements with ongoing and proposed infrastructure developments, including New Mangalore Port. \u2022 India has reached 50% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, five years ahead of its Paris Agreement target. \u2022 Key REIAs: SECI, NTPC, NHPC, SJVN. \u2022 Declining cost of solar-plus-storage and dispatchable renewable power is driving demand. \u2022 States urged to comply with Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO) under the Energy Conservation Act. \u2022 Central Electricity Authority (CEA) prepares transmission plans based on MNRE-declared RE potential. \u2022 CERC Third Amendment Regulations, 2025: Connectivity granted for solar and non-solar hours, enabling efficient transmission use. \u2022 Objective:<\/strong> Capacitate Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for effective governance through training of Elected Representatives (ERs), functionaries, and other stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2022 Training & Capacity Building:<\/strong> \u2022 Infrastructure Support:<\/strong> \u2022 e-GramSwaraj Application:<\/strong> \u2022 Outcome\/Impact:<\/strong> 1. Credit Assessment Model (CAM) for MSMEs:<\/strong> 2. Digital Payment Promotion Initiatives:<\/strong> 3. PM SVANidhi Scheme (Street Vendors):<\/strong> NHAI & Jio National Highway Safety Alert System \u2022 Purpose of the initiative \u2022 Enhance road safety and provide a seamless travel experience on National Highways.\u2022 Offer advance warnings to travellers about potential hazards, enabling safer driving decisions. \u2022 Key features \u2022 Telecom-based system using Jio\u2019s 4G and 5G network.\u2022 Alerts sent via SMS, WhatsApp, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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\u2022 Creates coordinatively unsaturated metal sites (CUMSs) \u2192 more active sites for OER.
\u2022 Maintains structural integrity, confirmed by:
\u2022 X-ray diffraction (single-crystal & powder XRD)
\u2022 Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
\u2022 X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
\u2022 Contact angle measurements<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/image0013Q0D.jpg\")
\u2022 Results<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Lower onset potentials for OER
\u2022 Faster reaction kinetics in alkaline media
\u2022 Enhanced electrocatalytic performance without altering bulk framework<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Provides a blueprint for designing efficient electrocatalysts for clean hydrogen energy.
\u2022 Supports the broader goal of sustainable hydrogen production using advanced material engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDRDO High-Speed Rocket-Sled Test of Fighter Aircraft Escape System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Purpose of the test<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Ensure complete aircrew recovery in emergency situations.
\u2022 Strengthen India\u2019s indigenous defence and self-reliance capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Key highlights<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Collaboration between:
\u2022 DRDO
\u2022 Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
\u2022 Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
\u2022 Places India in the elite group of nations capable of advanced in-house escape system testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Test details<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Dual-sled system used with LCA aircraft forebody.
\u2022 Velocity controlled via phased firing of multiple solid propellant rocket motors.
\u2022 Anthropomorphic Test Dummy used to record:
\u2022 Critical loads
\u2022 Moments
\u2022 Accelerations experienced by pilots
\u2022 Entire sequence captured via onboard and ground-based imaging systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Observations and outcomes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Ejection sequencing confirmed.
\u2022 Complete recovery of aircrew simulated successfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Reactions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V. Kamat: congratulated the team for successful demonstration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n14th Joint Military Exercise EKUVERIN<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Overview<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 The 14th edition commenced in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on 2 December 2025, running until 15 December 2025.
\u2022 Indian contingent: 45 personnel from GARHWAL RIFLES.
\u2022 Maldivian contingent: equal strength from MNDF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Meaning and Significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Conducted alternately in India and Maldives since 2009.
\u2022 Demonstrates India\u2019s Neighbourhood First Policy and commitment to enduring defence partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Objectives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Improve operational synergy in Counter-Insurgency (CI) and Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations.
\u2022 Operate across jungle, semi-urban, and coastal terrain.
\u2022 Share best practices, tactical drills, and joint operational planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Strategic Importance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Strengthens capacity to address common security challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
\u2022 Contributes to regional peace and stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDakshina Kannada Designated as District Export Hub (DEH)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Overview<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Focus products for the district: seafood and cashew.
\u2022 Goal: promote local industry, value-added activities, and global market access while supporting sustainable economic growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Key Objectives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Support local value-chain development and retention of processing activities.
\u2022 Facilitate participation in global trade and long-term economic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Measures to Support Exporters<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
\u2022 Identify logistics gaps: connectivity, warehousing, packaging, and testing.
\u2022 Recommend district-level improvements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 State\/District Export Promotion Committees coordinate among authorities, exporters, customs, and logistics providers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Improve first-mile connectivity, establish common facility centres, enhance warehousing\/testing facilities, strengthen port linkages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Partnerships with Amazon, Shiprocket, DHL to provide cost-effective courier and small-consignment shipping options.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Postal export facilities for documentation, packaging, and small-parcel shipments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Exporter awareness programs on logistics planning, export procedures, packaging, and compliance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 District-wise data analysis to identify challenges and enable responsive interventions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Institutional Mechanism<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Coordinates actions among district authorities, port authority, exporters, logistics agencies, and state\/central departments.
\u2022 Ensures implementation of DEAP recommendations, including port-connected warehousing and logistics support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Strategic Significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Facilitates local value-chain retention, reduces dependency on intermediaries, and strengthens the export ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nIndia\u2019s Renewable Energy Capacity and Initiatives (Oct 2025)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Achievements<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 As of 31 October 2025, non-fossil fuel installed capacity is ~259 GW, with 31.2 GW added in the current financial year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Role of Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Since April 2023, REIAs issued LoAs for 67,554 MW in renewable power procurement tenders.
\u2022 No cancellations of issued LoAs.
\u2022 Capacity addition also occurring via State tenders, commercial & industrial sectors, and Green Energy Open Access \/ Captive route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Shift in Renewable Energy Preferences<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Preference for solar-plus-storage over plain solar or wind-solar hybrid due to:
\u2022 Supply during peak demand hours
\u2022 Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) options<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Government Measures for PPA Execution<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 REIAs advised to aggregate demand from DISCOMs and other consumers before tendering.
\u2022 Regional workshops organized to address implementation challenges and accelerate PPA signing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Transmission and Storage Planning<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Transmission system implemented in phases aligned with generation capacity addition.
\u2022 Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) (~47.2 GW) planned up to 2032:
\u2022 Enables peak shifting
\u2022 Reduces network congestion
\u2022 Improves utilization of transmission assets<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u2022 Policy and Regulatory Support<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Facilitates integration of additional RE with co-located BESS without extra transmission infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nRevamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) \u2013 implemented from FY 2022-23.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Basic orientation, refresher, thematic, specialized, and Panchayat development plan training.
\u2022 Exposure visits and development of training modules and materials.
\u2022 Institutional mechanism for ongoing capacity building support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Construction of Gram Panchayat Bhawans.
\u2022 Procurement of computers and limited co-location of Common Service Centres (CSCs) in Panchayat Bhawans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Digital platform for planning, budgeting, accounting, work management, and monitoring at Gram Panchayat level.
\u2022 Real-time tracking of works: work identification, geo-tagging, progress reporting, financial tracking, and activity-wise reports.
\u2022 Integrates planning and implementation, strengthening evidence-based decision-making.
\u2022 Promotes transparency and accountability by making Panchayat information publicly accessible via dashboard and mobile interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Enhances governance capabilities of Panchayats.
\u2022 Enables efficient monitoring of physical and financial progress of works.
\u2022 Improves service delivery, transparency, and public trust in PRIs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nInitiatives to help MSMEs and promote digital payment transactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Launched to facilitate automated, objective, and digital loan appraisal for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
\u2022 Leverages digitally fetched and verifiable data from the ecosystem.
\u2022 Supports Existing to Bank (ETB) and New to Bank (NTB) MSME borrowers.
\u2022 Enables model-based limit assessment for loans and promotes faster and transparent credit decisions.
\u2022 Collaboration between Government, RBI, and NPCI ensures integration with the digital ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Incentive schemes for RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (P2M).
\u2022 Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) supports deployment of POS terminals, QR codes, and digital infrastructure in underserved regions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Launched on 1 June 2020, now extended until 31 March 2030.
\u2022 Provides working capital loans to street vendors in three tranches: \u20b915,000, \u20b925,000, \u20b950,000.
\u2022 Introduces UPI-linked RuPay Credit Cards with a credit limit of \u20b930,000.
\u2022 Offers cashback incentives for digital transactions to encourage adoption of digital payments.
\u2022 Jointly implemented by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Department of Financial Services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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