{"id":7536,"date":"2026-01-15T16:54:25","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T16:54:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=7536"},"modified":"2026-01-15T16:54:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T16:54:26","slug":"short-notes-on-current-affairs-10-01-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mehnatt.com\/?p=7536","title":{"rendered":"Short notes on Current Affairs 10.01.2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">India\u2019s Clean Energy Expansion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Record-breaking achievement<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India\u2019s non-fossil fuel installed capacity reached 266.78 GW in 2025, marking the highest-ever annual level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">This represents a 22.6% year-on-year increase from 217.62 GW in 2024.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">A total of 49.12 GW of new non-fossil capacity was added during the year, reflecting rapid acceleration in clean energy deployment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Solar energy as the primary growth driver<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Solar installed capacity rose sharply from 97.86 GW in 2024 to 135.81 GW in 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">This growth of 38.8% underscores solar power\u2019s central role in India\u2019s renewable energy strategy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Expansion reflects improved policy support, falling solar costs, and large-scale project execution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Steady expansion of wind energy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Wind power capacity increased from 48.16 GW to 54.51 GW.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The 13.2% growth indicates stable progress, though at a slower pace compared to solar.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Wind continues to complement solar by providing generation diversity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contribution of bioenergy and waste-to-energy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Bioenergy capacity reached 11.61 GW, supporting cleaner fuel alternatives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">0.55 GW came from waste-to-energy off-grid projects, linking renewable energy growth with waste management and circular economy goals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Role of hydropower in grid stability<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Small hydro capacity increased to 5.16 GW, aiding decentralised and region-specific power generation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Large hydro stood at 50.91 GW, including 7.18 GW of pumped storage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Pumped storage strengthens grid flexibility and renewable integration, crucial as solar and wind shares rise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategic significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Expansion enhances energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Supports climate responsibility by lowering emissions intensity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Promotes a self-reliant green economy through domestic renewable capacity creation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Future outlook<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India remains on a steady path toward its national target of 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Continued collaboration between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, States, and stakeholders is expected to accelerate deployment further.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Successful conclusion of Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The two-day festival concluded in <strong>Visakhapatnam<\/strong>, emerging as a major platform celebrating India\u2019s maritime heritage, coastal culture, and lighthouse tourism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal described Visakhapatnam as a <em>\u201cbeacon of India\u2019s maritime heritage and coastal culture.\u201d<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cultural and community significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The festival showcased cultural performances, coastal cuisine, handicrafts, fashion, illumination, and interactive activities, transforming the venue into a living cultural space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strong public participation\u2014including families, youth, artists, entrepreneurs, and students\u2014made the event inclusive and people-centric.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Major announcements on lighthouse tourism<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Announcement of the first Lighthouse Museum of Andhra Pradesh in Visakhapatnam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Government plans to develop 25 additional lighthouses nationwide, building on the success of 75 lighthouses already developed as tourism destinations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Special focus on Andhra Pradesh to expand lighthouse-led tourism along the eastern coast.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">MoU for Lighthouse Museum at Visakhapatnam<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">An MoU was signed between Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) and Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">VPA will provide 3,156 sq. metres of land at the Old Lighthouse area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The museum will trace the evolution of lighthouses, their role in navigation, maritime safety, and India\u2019s maritime legacy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">National-level lighthouse initiatives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Foundation stone laid for reconstruction of staff quart<strong>ers<\/strong> at Junglighat, Andaman &amp; Nicobar Islands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Light and sound projection mapping inaugurated at Aguada Lighthouse, Goa.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Announcement of four new lighthouses along National Waterway\u20132 (Brahmaputra) at Bogibeel, Silghat, Pandu, and Biswanathghat to enhance inland waterway navigation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Global-scale maritime heritage project<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">A 77-metre-high Lighthouse Museum is under construction at the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) with an investment of \u20b9266 crore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It is envisioned as the world\u2019s tallest lighthouse museum and among the largest maritime museums globally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u20b9230-crore port infrastructure projects launched<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">On the sidelines of the festival, \u20b9230 crore worth of projects were launched at Visakhapatnam Port.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Projects aim to improve safety, ship repair capacity, administrative efficiency, and employee welfare.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key port infrastructure projects<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>\u20b952.24 crore<\/strong> for upgrading fire-fighting facilities at LPG berth for vessels above 40,000 DWT (OISD-156 compliant).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>\u20b935.87 crore<\/strong> for upgrading ORS Dry Dock to boost ship repair and employment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Establishment of <strong>India Ship Technology Centre (ISTC)<\/strong> under <strong>India Maritime University<\/strong>, a first-of-its-kind centre for ship design, R&amp;D, and manpower training.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>\u20b997.70 crore<\/strong> Administrative Office Building for modern governance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>\u20b944.20 crore<\/strong> residential apartments at Harbour Park for port employees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Transformation of India\u2019s maritime sector<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">In 2024\u201325, major ports handled 855 million tonnes of cargo, a historic high.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Vessel turnaround time reduced from <strong>96 hours (2014)<\/strong> to <strong>49.5 hours (2025)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Nine Indian ports now rank among the global top 100, with Visakhapatnam Port in the top 20 for container traffic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sagarmala and inland waterways impact<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Under Sagarmala Programme, 272 projects worth \u20b91.41 lakh crore completed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Inland waterway cargo movement increased by over 700%, reaching nearly 150 million tonnes annually.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategic vision and policy alignment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Lighthouse tourism aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Lighthouses are being reimagined as centres of tourism, culture, livelihoods, and maritime awareness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Evolution of Indian Lighthouse Festival<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>1st edition (2023)<\/strong>: Fort Aguada, Goa \u2013 launch of lighthouse tourism initiative.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>2nd edition (2024)<\/strong>: Puri, Odisha \u2013 expanded outreach and community focus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>3rd edition (2025):<\/strong> Visakhapatnam \u2013 consolidation of lighthouse tourism as a national cultural and economic movement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overall significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The festival reinforced lighthouses as symbols of heritage, safety, tourism, and coastal development.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Demonstrated how maritime culture, infrastructure development, and economic growth can be integrated to support the vision of Viksit Bharat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">India\u2013Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) &#8211; Highlights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Overview of the India\u2013Oman CEPA<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The <strong>India\u2013Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)<\/strong> establishes a broad-based economic framework covering:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Trade in goods and services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Investment facilitation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professional mobility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regulatory cooperation (TBT, SPS, certification recognition)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Moves beyond traditional FTAs by focusing on <strong>long-term integration<\/strong>, predictability, and balanced market access.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Incorporates <strong>mutual recognition principles<\/strong>, allowing different regulatory systems while ensuring equivalent outcomes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Aligns economic cooperation with <strong>safeguards for sensitive sectors<\/strong> and domestic priorities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. India\u2013Oman Economic Engagement: Current Status<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Bilateral trade (FY 2024\u201325): USD 10.61 billion, up from USD 8.94 billion in FY 2023\u201324.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Trade during April\u2013October 2025: USD 6.48 billion, reflecting continued momentum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">CEPA builds upon strong existing trade and services linkages.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Merchandise Trade Trends<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>India\u2019s exports to Oman (FY 2024\u201325): USD 4.06 billion<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>April\u2013October 2025 exports: USD 2.57 billion (\u22485% growth).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Imports from Oman (FY 2024\u201325): USD 6.55 billion<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>April\u2013October 2025 imports: USD 3.91 billion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Trade basket includes engineering goods, chemicals, textiles, agriculture, marine products, plastics, electronics, and gems &amp; jewellery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Services Trade Growth<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India\u2019s services exports to Oman rose from USD 397 million (2020) to USD 617 million (2023).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Key sectors: IT &amp; telecom, transport, travel, business services.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Services imports from Oman increased from USD 101 million to USD 159 million.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">In 2024, bilateral services trade stood at USD 863 million, with a USD 447 million surplus for India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Market Access Gains for India in Oman<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India secures 100% duty-free access in Oman across:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>98.08% of tariff lines<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>99.38% of export value<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">All concessions effective from Day One of CEPA implementation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Replaces MFN duties of up to 5% on exports worth USD 3.64 billion, significantly improving competitiveness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Access to Oman\u2019s USD 28+ billion import market with simplified regulatory procedures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. India\u2019s Tariff Commitments &amp; Safeguards<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India offers tariff liberalisation on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>77.79% of tariff lines<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Covering 94.81% of imports from Oman by value<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Exclusion list protects sensitive sectors, including:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Agriculture: dairy, cereals, oilseeds, edible oils, fruits, vegetables<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manufacturing: rubber, leather, textiles, footwear, petroleum, mineral products<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Ensures balance between export promotion and domestic industry protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Sector-Wise Impact Analysis<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Engineering Goods<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Exports reached USD 875.83 million (FY 2024\u201325).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">All engineering products now enjoy zero-duty access.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Exports projected to rise to USD 1.3\u20131.6 billion by 2030.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Benefits MSMEs and infrastructure-linked sectors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Pharmaceuticals<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Oman\u2019s pharma market projected to grow at 6.6% CAGR.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Zero-duty access for finished medicines, vaccines, and APIs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Regulatory fast-tracking for products approved by USFDA, EMA, UK MHRA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reduces approval timelines and compliance costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Marine Products<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Immediate duty-free access for seafood exports.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">High employment potential for <strong>coastal and processing sectors<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Significant untapped potential in shrimp and cuttlefish exports.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Agriculture &amp; Processed Food<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India is the second-largest supplier to Oman.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strong gains in meat, eggs, biscuits, butter, honey, condiments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Calibrated exclusions and phased liberalisation protect domestic farmers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Electronics<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Zero-duty certainty for key products such as <strong>static converters and control boards<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Scope to expand exports in a <strong>USD 3 billion market<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Chemicals<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Immediate zero-duty access for major chemical categories.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Supports petrochemicals, green hydrogen, and industrial cooperation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Textiles<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Zero-duty access replaces earlier 5% tariffs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">India\u2019s market share in Oman rose to <strong>22% in 2024<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Benefits labour-intensive clusters across India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Plastics<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Immediate duty-free access enhances competitiveness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strong benefits for <strong>MSME-driven manufacturing<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Gems &amp; Jewellery<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Elimination of up to 5% duties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Exports could rise by <strong>USD 150 million over three years<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Employment gains across jewellery clusters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Services, Investment &amp; Professional Mobility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Oman commits market access in 127 services sub-sectors (FTA-plus commitments).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">ICT ceiling raised from 20% to 50%.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">First-time commitments for defined professional categories.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Annexes on health, traditional medicine, and manufacturing worker mobility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Future negotiations on a Social Security Agreement (SSA) to avoid dual contributions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Regulatory Cooperation Provisions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Dedicated chapters on:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT)<\/strong> \u2013 ensures standards don\u2019t restrict trade.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS)<\/strong> \u2013 food safety and plant\/animal health rules.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Mandatory acceptance of EIC certificates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Recognition of Halal certification and NPOP organic certification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Streamlined conformity assessment reduces delays and costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. State-Wise &amp; Employment Impact<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Broad-based gains across states such as UP, Punjab, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Significant benefits for labour-intensive and MSME sectors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Expected to boost employment, income generation, and regional export diversification.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">11. Strategic Significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Strengthens India\u2019s footprint in the Gulf and Middle East.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Provides export diversification amid global protectionism.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Enhances supply-chain resilience and regional integration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Supports India\u2019s objectives of inclusive growth, MSME expansion, and employment generation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">12. Conclusion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The India\u2013Oman CEPA is a <strong>high-quality, comprehensive trade agreement<\/strong> balancing liberalisation with safeguards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It is expected to:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Boost trade and investment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strengthen services exports and professional mobility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create jobs in labour-intensive sectors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deepen long-term economic partnership between India and Oman.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Somnath Swabhiman Parv<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Overview and Significance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Somnath Swabhiman Parv<\/strong> is being observed from 8\u201311 January 2026 to commemorate:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>1,000 years since the first attack on the Somnath Temple by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>75 years since the reopening of the reconstructed Somnath Temple in 1951<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Parv is conceived not as a remembrance of destruction, but as a celebration of resilience, faith, and civilisational self-respect.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">It symbolises India\u2019s unbroken civilisational continuity and enduring spiritual identity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Spiritual and Civilisational Importance of Somnath<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Somnath is revered as the <strong>first among the 12 Aadi Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva<\/strong>, occupying a foundational place in India\u2019s spiritual geography.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Located at Prabhas Patan near Veraval, Gujarat, it is associated with:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lord Shiva<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chandra (Moon God), who was freed from a curse here<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The temple represents not just a structure of worship, but a living embodiment of Sanatan civilisational values.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Historical Context: A Millennium of Resilience<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Somnath has undergone multiple cycles of destruction and reconstruction, unparalleled in global history.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The first recorded attack occurred in January 1026, marking a long period of repeated invasions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Despite destruction, Somnath remained alive in the collective consciousness of devotees, rebuilt each time through public faith and resolve.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, after visiting the ruins in 1947, envisioned Somnath\u2019s reconstruction as essential to restoring India\u2019s cultural confidence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The present temple, built in Kailash Mahameru Prasad architectural style, was consecrated on 11 May 1951 by President Dr Rajendra Prasad.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The reconstruction symbolised post-Independence India\u2019s civilisational self-assertion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Somnath Swabhiman Parv: Key Features<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">A <strong>four-day national observance<\/strong> transforming Somnath into a hub of:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spiritual reflection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultural expression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>National remembrance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Central spiritual feature:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>72-hour Akhand Omkar chanting, symbolising unity, continuity of faith, and collective consciousness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Additional activities include:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Devotional music<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spiritual discourses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cultural programmes celebrating India\u2019s heritage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Parv reflects confidence in India\u2019s Sanatan journey, rather than a narrative of victimhood.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Temple Architecture and Living Heritage<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Somnath Temple complex includes:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Garbhagriha, Sabhamandap, and Nrityamandap<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A 150-foot Shikhar crowned with a 10-tonne Kalash<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>27-foot Dhwajdand (flagpole)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>1,666 gold-plated Kalash and 14,200 Dhwajas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The temple stands majestically along the Arabian Sea, symbolising spiritual steadfastness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Devotional Footfall and Cultural Revival<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Annual devotees: 92\u201397 lakh (nearly 98 lakh in 2020).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Key rituals and events:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bilva Pooja attracts over 13.77 lakh devotees annually<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maha Shivratri 2025 saw 3.56 lakh devotees<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Cultural initiatives:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Light and Sound Show (started in 2003, upgraded in 2017 with 3D laser technology)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attracted over 10 lakh visitors in the last three years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Vande Somnath Kala Mahotsav<\/strong> revived dance traditions dating back <strong>1,500 years<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chairperson of the Shri Somnath Trust, governance reforms and heritage preservation have strengthened the temple\u2019s cultural role.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Spiritual Build-up and Padayatra<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Ahead of the Parv, saints undertook a Padayatra from Shankh Chowk to Somnath Temple.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Participation included:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Saints from Girnar Tirthkshetra<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>75 drummers of Siddhivinayak Dhol Group<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Padayatra featured:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Devotional chants of \u201cHar Har Mahadev\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traditional instruments like the Damru<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Floral welcomes and collective prayers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Created a deeply immersive and spiritually charged atmosphere.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Sustainability and Environmental Practices<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Declared a <strong>\u201c<\/strong>Swachh Iconic Place\u201d in 2018.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Key sustainability initiatives:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Temple flowers converted into vermicompost for 1,700 Bilva trees<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plastic waste converted into 4,700 paver blocks monthly under Mission LiFE<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rainwater harvesting treats nearly 30 lakh litres of sewage water per month<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Miyawaki forest with 7,200 trees absorbs 93,000 kg of CO\u2082 annually<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Purified Abhishek water bottled as Somgangajal, benefiting 1.13 lakh families<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Women Empowerment at Somnath<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Somnath has emerged as a model of women-led employment and dignity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Out of 906 temple trust employees, 262 are women.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Women-led activities include:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Complete management of Bilva Van<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>65 women<\/strong> in prasad distribution<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>30 women<\/strong> in temple dining services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Overall, 363 women earn livelihoods through the temple ecosystem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Generates approximately <strong>\u20b9<\/strong>9 crore annually, promoting economic self-reliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. Broader Civilisational Message<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Somnath Swabhiman Parv conveys:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Resilience over destruction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faith over fear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Unity over division<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Reinforces Somnath as:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A symbol of India\u2019s civilisational confidence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A reminder that faith rooted in righteousness and self-respect endures beyond adversity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">UPSC Introduces Facial Authentication for Exams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>UPSC has announced<\/strong> that all candidates appearing for its examinations will undergo <strong>facial authentication at exam venues<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">This follows a pilot project in September 2025 in Gurugram, Haryana, where AI-enabled facial recognition verified candidates against photos submitted during registration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The new system reduced verification time to 8\u201310 seconds per candidate, enhancing both security and efficiency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Commission is also planning to integrate Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication, digital fingerprints, and QR code scanning of e-admit cards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">UPSC conducts 14 major exams and multiple recruitment tests across 180 centers with ~3,000 venues, with a total candidature of up to 12 lakh candidates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Recent reforms now require online submission of educational, caste, and disability certificates at the preliminary stage, instead of after Mains qualification.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-ast-global-color-6-background-color has-background\">Samagra Shiksha 3.0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Context and Purpose<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The Union Education Ministry is planning the next phase of Samagra Shiksha, India\u2019s integrated school education programme.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">A consultative meeting was held in Delhi, chaired by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, co-chaired by Skills Development Minister Jayant Chaudhary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The main goal: to strengthen the school education ecosystem and align it with the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Key Themes Discussed<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Holistic development of students:<\/strong> Emphasis on nurturing multiple dimensions of learning, not just academics.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Societal participation:<\/strong> Schools should be entrusted to society, encouraging community involvement in governance and operations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Integration of technology: Use of digital tools to expand knowledge access and improve learning outcomes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Governance and Management<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>School Management Committees (SMCs):<\/strong> Proposal to increase public participation for better accountability and local oversight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Teacher training and capacity building:<\/strong> States requested more support to enhance teacher effectiveness and professional development.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Operational responsibility:<\/strong> Government to manage salaries and systemic infrastructure; day-to-day school management should involve society.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Strategic Goals<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Quality education for all:<\/strong> Achieving 100% school enrollment and equitable access to education.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Outcome-oriented education:<\/strong> Focus on measurable learning outcomes and student achievements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\"><strong>Global competitiveness and cultural rootedness:<\/strong> Education should prepare students for a global stage while retaining Bharatiya values.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Vision Alignment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The reforms align with the Prime Minister\u2019s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">The meeting aimed to reimagine Samagra Shiksha 3.0 to create an inclusive, adaptive, and modern education ecosystem.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Emphasis on collaboration between central, state governments, experts, and society to build a future-ready school system.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Challenges Highlighted<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Need for better governance frameworks and active societal engagement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Gaps in teacher training, infrastructure, and resource availability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li style=\"font-size:17px\">Ensuring diverse student needs are met in a uniform and equitable manner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>India\u2019s Clean Energy Expansion Record-breaking achievement Solar energy as the primary growth driver Steady expansion of wind energy Contribution of bioenergy and waste-to-energy Role of hydropower in grid stability Strategic significance Future outlook Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0 Successful conclusion of Indian Lighthouse Festival 3.0 Cultural and community significance Major announcements on lighthouse tourism MoU for [&hellip;]<\/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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