India and the United States have recently bolstered their defense partnership, announcing new procurements and co-production of the Javelin anti-tank guided missile.

• The FGM-148 Javelin, developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, is designed to destroy heavily armored vehicles, fortifications, and even helicopters.
• The FGM-148 Javelin has an effective range of 2.5 km and uses automatic infrared guidance for enhanced accuracy.
• The Javelin anti-tank missile is a portable, medium-range weapon system known for its fire-and-forget technology.
• After launch, it autonomously tracks the target, enabling the gunner to take cover and avoid counter-fire.

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a key Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) lab, signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) at Aero India 2025 to develop MDN100, a high-strength, high-toughness steel for aeronautical applications, including the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

• MDN100 steel offers high strength, toughness, and excellent forgeability, making it ideal for stressed aircraft components.
• Its lightweight design enhances the performance and efficiency of modern combat aircraft.
• This initiative supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in defence manufacturing.
• MIDHANI, a key supplier for DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), also showcased SuperNi 41, a nickel-chromium-based superalloy for high-temperature aero engines.
• ADA leads the AMCA project and oversees the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 and Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) programs for the Indian Navy.

The Similipal Tiger Reserve has deployed 100-150 AI-enabled cameras as part of the TrailGuard AI system to detect poachers and enhance wildlife protection.

• Nightjar Technologies, a Gurgaon-based company, developed the system for remote surveillance in wildlife conservation.
• The system features compact cameras with long-lasting batteries (6 months to 1 year) and provides real-time updates, aiding intelligence gathering and law enforcement raids.
• It can detect and identify humans, animals, and vehicles, sending alerts upon detecting poachers.
• Currently, it is deployed in Kanha Tiger Reserve and Dudhwa National Park.
• Simlipal Tiger Reserve, located in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, features waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani.
• Designated a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1973, it became a wildlife sanctuary in 1979, with 303 sq. km proposed as a national park in 1980.
• UNESCO recognized it as a Biosphere Reserve in

Recently, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated India’s first vertical bi-facial solar plant at Okhla Vihar metro station, along with a 1 MW rooftop solar installation at Khyber Pass metro depot in Delhi.

• The event was organized by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) under the i-Metro banner, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).
• The 50 KW vertical solar plant features bi-facial panels that capture sunlight from both sides, maximizing energy efficiency.
• By 2030, India aims for metro systems to be primarily powered by renewable energy, utilizing advancements in energy storage, smart grid integration, and sustainable construction.

Haryana’s proposed 3,858-hectare Aravali Safari Park in Gurugram and Nuh, set to be the world’s largest, has sparked controversy.

• Currently, the largest curated safari park outside Africa is Sharjah Safari, spanning 2,000 acres, opened in February 2022.
• The Aravali Safari Park will feature animal enclosures, guest accommodations, dining, and recreational facilities. The Haryana Tourism Department has begun the tender process.
• The Aravalli Range, one of the world’s oldest fold mountains, now consists of residual hills with elevations between 300m to 900m.
• Stretching 800 km from Himmatnagar (Gujarat) to Delhi, it spans Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Delhi, with a 692 km stretch in India.
• The range is divided into Sambhar Sirohi and Sambhar Khetri ranges in Rajasthan.

Rekha Gupta, a BJP leader and Shalimar Bagh MLA, has been appointed as the 9th Chief Minister of Delhi, bringing the party back to power after 27 years. The BJP won a decisive majority, securing 44 of 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly elections on February 8, 2025.

• She is the fourth woman to hold the post in Delhi, following Sushma Swaraj, Sheila Dikshit, and Atishi Marlena.
• Delhi is the capital city of India.
• Situated in northern India, Delhi is bordered by the state of Haryana on three sides and Uttar Pradesh to the east.
• It is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb.
• The Yamuna River flows through Delhi.

It is celebrated annually on 21 February to raise awareness about linguistic diversity and promote multilingualism.

• Highlights the importance of language preservation and cultural diversity worldwide.
• First proclaimed by UNESCO on 17 November 1999, it aims to protect endangered languages and encourage linguistic inclusivity.
• The 2025 theme for International Mother Language Day is “Silver Jubilee Celebration,” marking its 25th anniversary.

The Dharamsala Municipal Corporation received the National SKOCH Award 2024 for excellence in waste management and sanitation.

About the SKOCH Award

• Established in:2003 by the SKOCH Group (founded in 1997).
• Organized by:SKOCH Group, a leading Indian think tank focusing on governance, economics, and social development.
• Recognizes:Best practices in governance, finance, technology, and environmental sustainability.
• Significance:One of India’s highest independent honors in governance and development.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDKY) during the Union Budget presentation.

• The scheme aims to boost agricultural productivity, irrigation, crop diversification, and financial access for farmers in 100 districts with low productivity, moderate crop intensity, and low credit access.
• Inspired by:Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) to enhance rural prosperity and farm income.
• Ministries Involved:
  • Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
  • Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
  • Department of Financial Services
  • NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development)

Key Features:

• District Selection Criteria:
  • Low agricultural productivity
  • Moderate cropping intensity
  • Limited access to farm credit
• Funding:No separate budget; implemented through convergence of existing agricultural schemes.
• Beneficiaries:Around 7 crore farmers expected to benefit.

The Devolution Index (DI) 2024 was released by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), New Delhi.

• It ranks states based on six key dimensions: Framework, Functions, Finances, Functionaries, Capacity Enhancement, and Accountability.
• Karnataka Tops Devolution Index 2024.

Overall Ranking

1. Karnataka– 23 (Top State)
2. Kerala– 59
3. Tamil Nadu– 38
4. Maharashtra– 44
5. Uttar Pradesh– 07
6. Gujarat– 26

• National Average Score:89
• Moderate Performers:Bihar, Assam, Sikkim, Uttarakhand

Top States in Key Dimensions

Framework (Legal & Institutional Structure)

• Kerala (83.56), Maharashtra (74.74), Karnataka (74.43)
• Assesses laws, elections, and reservation policies for Panchayati Raj

Functions (Powers Delegated to Panchayats)

• Tamil Nadu (60.24), Karnataka (57.62), Odisha (57.46)
• Evaluates taxation powers and autonomy of Gram Panchayat

Finances (Fiscal Decentralization & Funding)

• Karnataka (70.65), Kerala (62.89), Tamil Nadu (55.78)
• Examines fund releases under the 15th Finance Commission

Accountability (Transparency & Governance Monitoring)

• Karnataka (81.33), Kerala (81.18), Maharashtra (80.36)
• Karnataka excels in social audits, Gram Sabha transparency, and anti-corruption measure

Functionaries (Manpower & Resources at Panchayats)

• Gujarat (90.94), Tamil Nadu (84.25), Kerala (82.99)
• Evaluates the number of trained Panchayat officials

Capacity Enhancement (Training & Skill Development)

• Telangana (86.19), Tamil Nadu (84.29), Gujarat (83.96)
• Karnataka is among the top 10 statesin training Panchayat officials