1. New start -ups were registerd in 2025
GS Paper III-economy
Context :PM addressed National Startup Day event at Bharat Mandapam, marking decade of Startup India.
- Record 44,000 startups added in 2025, highest single-year jump ever.
- Interacted with innovators in agri, fintech, health sectors.
Background: Startup India Mission
- Launched Jan 16, 2016, to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, job creation.
- Grew from <500 startups (pre-2016) to >2 lakh recognized today.
- India now world’s 3rd largest startup ecosystem.
Key Announcements
- Push for startups in manufacturing, deep tech like AI, semiconductors.
- ₹1 lakh crore R&D scheme, deep tech fund of funds for sunrise sectors.
- India AI Mission: 38,000+ GPUs for affordable computing to startups.
Unicorn Growth
- From 4 unicorns in 2014 to ~125 active now.
- Startups launching IPOs, creating jobs, driving innovation.
- High-value firms from Tier-2/3 cities, villages solving grassroots issues.
Societal Mindset Change
- Risk-taking now mainstream, respected over safe jobs.
- Youth reject comfort zones, focus on real-world solutions.
- Women-led: 45%+ startups have female director/partner.
Government Support: FoF
- Fund of Funds for Startups (FoF): >₹25,000 crore invested via AIFs.
- Seed funds like Startup India Seed Fund, Credit Guarantee Scheme.
- Eased compliances: Jan Vishwas Act decriminalized 180+ provisions.
Fund of Funds 2.0 (2025)
- Phase II approved: ₹10,000 crore corpus in Union Budget.
- Draft guidelines advanced, focus deep tech, high-tech (defense, space).
- AIFs must invest 2x govt contribution in startups.
Why Deep Tech Focus Matters
- Builds economic security, strategic autonomy in AI, quantum, green H2.
- India leads AI talent; needs indigenous tech on local servers.
- Shifts from services to manufacturing leadership globally.
Governance & Economy Linkage
- Startups boost jobs, value chains, self-reliant economy.
- GeM: 35,000 startups got ₹50,000 crore orders.
- iDEX, space/drone reforms open strategic sectors to private innovation.
2. Union govt .panel ask T.N to revise Dugong center plan
GS Paper III-Environment + Ecology
Context :Union Government’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) has asked Tamil Nadu to revise the proposed International Dugong Conservation Centre plan at Manora, Thanjavur district.
What is the Issue
- Proposed ₹40.94-crore centre spans nearly 28,000 sqm in ecologically sensitive coastal area.
- Heavy use of conventional concrete structures in pristine coastal zone.
- Project design does not adopt low-impact or eco-friendly construction methods.
Location – Why Environmentally Sensitive
- Falls largely in CRZ-III (No Development Zone).
- Overlaps with CRZ-I areas containing mangroves and seagrass meadows.
- Area described as pristine with mudflats, seagrasses and natural coastal features.
CRZ-III (No Development Zone)
- Coastal Regulation Zone-III restricts most construction activities.
- Allows only limited development with strict environmental safeguards.
CRZ-I Areas
- Ecologically most sensitive and protected zones.
- Includes mangroves, seagrass beds and other critical coastal habitats.
- Almost no new construction permitted except for defence or essential projects.
Importance of Dugong
- Critically endangered marine mammal (sea cow).
- Keystone species maintaining seagrass ecosystem health.
- Indicator of healthy coastal and marine biodiversity.
Concerns Raised by Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC)
- Excessive concrete-based construction in sensitive zone.
- No clear adoption of low-impact or nature-sensitive design.
- Large built-up area (≈22,000 sqm) inside CRZ-III No Development Zone.
EAC Recommendations
- Substantially revise design to minimise environmental harm.
- Explore timber-based, prefabricated and composite materials.
- Adopt low-impact engineering that blends with natural surroundings.
- Shift as many structures as possible outside No Development Zone.
- Study best eco-friendly practices from similar facilities in India.
Broader Lessons
- Balance conservation goals with minimal ecological footprint.
- Sensitive projects must prioritise nature-based and low-impact designs.
- Strict adherence to CRZ rules is essential for coastal protection.
3. Jallikattu
Jallikattu is in the news due to Pongal 2026 events, with Tamil Nadu approving the first event on Jan 3 at Thatchankurichi and Madras HC ruling on Jan 15 Avaniyapuram organization. Recent HC decisions affirm state control over private committees for safety and compliance.
Definition
- Traditional Tamil bull-taming sport where participants grip a bull’s hump and ride it for distance/time.
- Held during Pongal harvest festival, symbolizing bravery, strength, agrarian roots.
Objectives
- Test tamers’ courage, skill; promote native bull breeds conservation.
- Celebrate rural Tamil culture, community bonding during harvest season.
Cultural & Regional Significance
- Core Tamil Nadu identity, UNESCO intangible heritage linked to Pongal.
- Concentrated in Madurai, Pudukkottai districts; venues like Avaniyapuram birthplace.
Variants
- Vaadivaasal: Bulls released from arena gate, tamers cling while running.
- Vadam Vali: Street chase variant where bulls run through village paths.
Historical & Literary References
- Traced to Sangam literature (2nd century BCE), ancient bull sports in Tamil texts.
- Depicted in Silappatikaram epic as Eru Thazhuvuthal ritual.
Legal Battle: AWBI vs Nagaraja (2014)
- SC banned Jallikattu, bull races as cruel under PCA Act 1960 Sec 3,11.
- Ruled bulls as “performing animals,” TN 2009 Act repugnant to PCA.
Constitutional & Legal Provisions
- PCA Act 1960 amended 2017 via Constitution (100th Amendment) to allow.
- TN Regulation of Jallikattu Act 2009 + SOPs for welfare, safety norms.
Related to Cultural Rights
- Art 29(1) protects Tamil cultural practices; SC 2017 noted as “cultural right”.
- Entry in Constitution 9th Schedule post-2017 shields from judicial review.
Recent Developments & Legal Status
- Jan 2026: First event approved Thatchankurichi under SOPs, online portal.
- Madras HC (Jan 7): State alone organizes major events like Avaniyapuram, no private rights.
- Legal: Allowed with regulations; ~500 events/year, focus animal fitness, crowd control.
4. Chabahar port
GS Paper II -Polity & International Relations
Context :US President Trump announced new 25% tariffs on countries trading with Iran (Jan 12, 2026).
- India’s existing US sanctions waiver for Chabahar Port valid only till April 26, 2026.
- MEA confirmed ongoing talks with both US and Iran to continue Chabahar operations.
What is Chabahar Port
- Strategic deep-sea port in southeastern Iran on Gulf of Oman.
- Key gateway for India to access Afghanistan and Central Asia.
- Bypasses Pakistan; part of India’s INSTC and connectivity projects.
Background of US Waiver
- US imposed sanctions on Iran after 2018 JCPOA withdrawal.
- India received specific sanctions waiver for Chabahar development and operations.
- Waiver periodically extended; latest valid till April 26, 2026.
What Happened Now
- Trump reintroduced 25% extra tariff threat on nations trading with sanctioned Iran.
- Media reports suggested India may wind down Chabahar work (later clarified as incorrect).
- MEA stated India-Iran-US talks continue; no decision to exit project.
Impacts on India
- Risk of new US sanctions or tariffs if waiver not renewed post-April 2026.
- Potential delay or halt in Chabahar expansion affecting Afghan trade.
- Challenges to India’s strategic access to Central Asia without Pakistan route.
Why is the US Doing This
- Trump’s “America First” policy aims to isolate Iran economically.
- Pressure on countries (including allies) to reduce all dealings with Iran.
- Leverage to force Iran into new nuclear or regional concessions.
India’s Options Ahead
- Negotiate extension/renewal of sanctions waiver with US.
- Seek carve-out or exemption specifically for Chabahar project.
- Accelerate talks with Iran for long-term operational agreement.
- Explore multilateral diplomacy to protect strategic connectivity interests.
- Prepare contingency plans if waiver expires without renewal.
5. NITI Aayog report: Achieving Efficiencies in MSME Sector through Convergence of Schemes
Context :Launched by NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam and Member Arvind Virmani at key MSME policy event.
- Proposes merging overlapping schemes as MSMEs contribute 30% GDP, employ 28.7 crore.
- Aligns with Union Budget push for efficient public spending on 6.3+ crore units.
Report Overview
- Policy blueprint by ASCI for NITI Aayog, evaluating central MSME schemes across credit, skills, marketing.
- Advocates information (data sharing) and process convergence to cut redundancies, enhance outreach.
- Analyzes GDP role (29-30%), 46% export share despite 1% direct exporters.
MSME Sector Highlights
- Rural spread: ~51% units in villages, facing informality and credit gaps.
- Budget surge: From ₹6,717 crore (2019-20) to higher allocations, needing better utilization.
- Key schemes: PMEGP, PM Vishwakarma, CGTMSE for jobs, formalization.
Convergence Benefits
- Single digital portal: Reduces multiple logins, eligibility checks via AI chatbots, dashboards.
- Cluster synergy: Merges SFURTI-MSE-CDP for traditional industries, unified funding.
- Skilling alignment: Three-tier model for entrepreneurs, artisans, avoiding beneficiary overlap.
Major Challenges
- Silos: Ministries resist data sharing, e.g., MSME-Rural Development overlaps in coir clusters.
- Targeted dilution: Risks to SC/ST Hub, NER MSMEs during mergers.
- Field gaps: DICs lack tech skills; legacy IT blocks real-time tracking.
Key Suggestions
- AI central portal: One-stop for schemes, finance, markets with mobile access.
- Marketing wing: Unified fairs, expos, buyer meets for scale.
- Innovation merge: ASPIRE into MSME Innovative for rural incubators.
Flagship Protections
- Keep PMEGP, PM Vishwakarma independent due to massive scale.
- Ring-fence SC/ST Hub, NER programs for vulnerable focus.
- Joint training for smooth transitions, outcome monitoring
6. An exploration of India’s diplomacy
GS Paper II-IR
Context :Global controls by China tighten lithium, cobalt, rare earths supply for EVs, batteries, renewables.
- India signs dozen agreements (2021-2026) across Australia, Japan, Africa, Latin America, Canada.
- Domestic refining weakness undermines strategic autonomy despite expanded partnerships.
Minerals’ Role in Clean Energy
- Essential for lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper in EVs, wind turbines, solar panels, semiconductors.
- Production concentrated in few nations, raising supply disruption vulnerabilities.
- Export restrictions heighten urgency for diversified, secure sourcing strategies.
India’s Diplomacy Expansion
- Bilateral pacts across continents mark shift from trade imports to long-term access deals.
- Aligns external ties with domestic auction reforms, critical minerals mission.
- Emphasizes responsible sourcing, ESG standards for sustainable markets.
Australia-Japan as Key Allies
- Australia: Stable reserves, Critical Minerals Partnership targets 5 lithium-cobalt projects.
- Japan: Post-China curbs model via stockpiling, recycling, R&D resilience building.
- Both offer investment coordination, long-term planning lessons.
Africa’s Strategic Position
- Namibia (lithium, uranium), Zambia (copper, cobalt) provide raw material access.
- Builds on existing trade; needs long-term ties over transactional deals.
- Challenges: Regulatory flux, China’s dominance raise competition costs.
Geopolitics Across Regions
- US: Volatile trade but TRUST Initiative aids joint processing, clean tech.
- EU: Battery regs align on recycling, ESG for compliance partnerships.
- Russia: Nickel-cobalt rich but sanctions limit logistics, financing.
- West Asia: Proximity advantage offset by weak mining institutions.
Latin America’s Rising Role
- Argentina-Chile-Peru-Brazil key for copper, lithium; KABIL’s $200M Argentina lithium deal.
- Hindalco expands copper assets amid China-Western competition.
- Late entry demands value-added processing over raw extraction focus.
Need for Value-Chain Integration
- Access alone fails without domestic refining, midstream processing capacity.
- Prevents dependency; builds tech for batteries, recycling competitiveness.
- Country pacts insufficient—requires institutional coordination, domestic reforms.
