‘Cheetah Mitras’
Context: President Droupadi Murmu recently interacted with ‘Cheetah Mitras’ at Kuno National Park and reviewed progress under India’s flagship Project Cheetah.
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About Project Cheetah
- Project Cheetah is India’s pioneering wildlife conservation programme aimed at reintroducing cheetahs after the species was declared extinct in India in 1952.
- Objective: To establish a self-sustaining cheetah population while restoring grassland and savanna ecosystems and promoting biodiversity conservation.
- Launch: The project was launched on 17 September 2022, with the release of eight cheetahs from Namibia into Kuno National Park.
- Implementing Agency: The project is implemented by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department.
- Cheetah Mitras and Their Role
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- Community Awareness: Cheetah Mitras educate local communities about cheetah behaviour and conservation.
- Conflict Mitigation: They help prevent human-wildlife conflict by reporting sightings and assisting forest officials when cheetahs move outside protected areas.
- Conservation Support: They act as local volunteers and conservation ambassadors, strengthening community participation in wildlife protection.
About Kuno National Park
- Kuno National Park is India’s first cheetah reintroduction site and a key biodiversity landscape in central India.
- Location: It is located in the Sheopur and Morena districts of Madhya Pradesh and is traversed by the Kuno River, a tributary of the Chambal River.
- Key Features
- Habitat: The park comprises dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and savanna ecosystems ideal for cheetahs.
- Biodiversity: It supports leopards, wolves, striped hyenas, sloth bears, chital, sambar, nilgai, and chinkara.
- Conservation Efforts
- Village Relocation: More than 20 villages were voluntarily relocated to create a disturbance-free core habitat.
- Scientific Monitoring: Cheetahs are monitored using radio collars, drones, CCTV systems, and dedicated veterinary support.
- Landscape Restoration: Grassland restoration, invasive species removal, and water conservation measures have improved habitat quality and prey availability.
Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS)
Context: The RBI has issued revised directions for the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) to simplify MSME onboarding and improve access to working capital finance.
New RBI Guidelines for TReDS
- MSME Verification and Direct Credits: TReDS platforms must verify that sellers are genuine MSMEs and ensure discounted funds are credited directly to their bank accounts.
- Credit Guarantee Coverage: Financiers are now permitted to obtain insurance and government-backed credit guarantee cover for TReDS transactions through eligible guarantee funds.
- Minimum Net Worth Requirement: New TReDS operators must maintain a minimum net worth of ₹25 crore, while existing operators have until 31 March 2028 to comply.
About Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS)
- TReDS is an electronic platform that enables MSMEs to convert trade receivables (invoices) into immediate cash by auctioning them to banks and financial institutions.
- Launch: The framework for TReDS was introduced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 2014, with licensed platforms becoming operational in 2018.
- Objective: To reduce working-capital constraints for MSMEs by facilitating quick and transparent financing of trade receivables through a digital marketplace.
- Nodal Body: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulates, authorises, and supervises TReDS platforms under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
- Key Features
- Unified Digital Marketplace: TReDS connects MSME sellers, corporate/government buyers, and banks/NBFCs on a common electronic platform.
- Competitive Bidding: Multiple financiers bid for uploaded invoices, helping MSMEs secure financing at competitive rates.
- Collateral-Free Financing: Funds are provided based on the creditworthiness of the buyer, without requiring collateral from MSMEs.
- Digital Settlement: Transactions are processed electronically, ensuring faster and transparent settlement of payments.
- Mandatory Corporate Participation: Specified large companies are required to onboard TReDS to improve payment discipline towards MSMEs.
- Process for Onboarding MSMEs
- Portal Registration: MSMEs register on an RBI-authorised platform such as Receivables Exchange of India (RXIL), Mynd Solutions (M1xchange) and Invoicemart.
- KYC and Document Submission: Entities submit PAN, GST registration, Udyam certificate, financial statements, and bank account details for verification.
- Digital Agreement and Activation: After execution of a standardised digital agreement and verification, MSMEs can upload invoices for discounting.
Significance: TReDS strengthens MSME liquidity, reduces payment delays, promotes formal credit access, and supports sustainable growth of India’s MSME sector.
Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC)
Context: An explosion at the Barzan Gas Facility in Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City has renewed attention on the world’s largest LNG production hub.
About Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC)
- Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLIC) is the world’s largest Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) production, processing, and export hub, managed by QatarEnergy.
- Location: RLIC is situated on the northeastern coast of Qatar along the Persian Gulf, approximately 80 km northeast of Doha.
- Resource Base: The complex serves as the onshore processing centre for gas extracted from the North Field, the world’s largest non-associated natural gas reservoir.
- Production Capacity: The city houses 14 LNG processing trains, including six mega-trains, making Qatar one of the world’s leading LNG exporters.
- Key Features
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- Barzan Gas Plant: A joint venture between QatarEnergy and ExxonMobil, capable of producing 4 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.
- Refining and GTL Facilities: The complex includes the Laffan Refinery, Pearl GTL, and ORYX GTL, which convert natural gas into liquid fuels and petroleum products.
- Helium Production Hub: RLIC hosts Helium 1 and Helium 2 plants, making Qatar a major global exporter of liquid helium.
- Integrated Utilities: Three major power and desalination plants—Ras Laffan A, B, and C—supply a substantial share of Qatar’s electricity and freshwater requirements.
Strategic Importance: Ras Laffan is central to Qatar’s economy, global energy security, and LNG trade, linking Gulf gas resources to international markets.
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Padma Awards 2026
Context: President Droupadi Murmu presented the remaining Padma Awards 2026 during the Civil Investiture Ceremony-II held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 23, 2026.
Key Highlights of Padma Awards 2026
- Total Awardees: A total of 131 Padma Awards were announced in 2026, comprising 5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awards.
- Padma Vibhushan: The award, India’s second-highest civilian honour, was conferred on distinguished personalities, including Dharmendra (Posthumous) for exceptional and distinguished service.
- Padma Bhushan: Notable recipients included Mammootty, one of India’s most acclaimed actors, and renowned playback singer Alka Yagnik for their outstanding contributions to arts and culture.
- Padma Shri: Prominent awardees included actor R. Madhavan, Telugu actors Murali Mohan and Rajendra Kumar, and Satish Shah (Posthumous) for contributions in their respective fields.
About Padma Awards (UPSC Pre 2021)
- The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honors of India announced annually on the eve of Republic Day.
- It is provided in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
- The ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is given to people who have done outstanding and remarkable service.
- The ‘Padma Bhushan’ is awarded for excellent service of a high order.
- The ‘Padma Shri’ is given to those who have shown great service in different fields.
- Eligibility: Individuals from all backgrounds, irrespective of race, occupation, position, or gender, can qualify for these awards.
- Nevertheless, government employees, excluding doctors and scientists, are not eligible, including those employed in public sector undertakings (PSUs).
- Fields Recognized: Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science & Engineering, Trade & Industry, Medicine, Literature & Education, Civil Service, Sports.
- Padma Awards Selection Process
- Padma Awards are granted based on recommendations from the annually formed Padma Awards Committee appointed by the Prime Minister.
- The public can participate in the nomination process, including the option of self-nomination.
- Award does not amount to title under Article 18(1): Article 18(1) abolishes all titles and prohibits the state from conferring titles on any individual, whether they are a citizen or a non-citizen.
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- Padma Awards are not prohibited under Article 18 because these honors do not confer any special legal status or privileges
- They are meant to acknowledge and encourage excellence and service in various fields, contributing to national development and pride.
- The total number of awards to be given in a year (excluding posthumous awards and to NRI/foreigners/OCIs) should not be more than 120.
- A higher category of Padma award can be conferred on a person only where a period of at least five years has elapsed since the conferment of the earlier Padma award.
- However, in highly deserving cases, a relaxation can be made by the Awards Committee.
- The awards are presented by the President of India every year, and the awardees are presented a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.
Significance
- The Padma Awards recognise distinguished contributions in fields such as art, literature, science, medicine, public affairs, sports, social work, and civil service, reflecting India’s commitment to honouring excellence and public service.
PM Modi Meets BRICS National Security Advisors
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met National Security Advisors and senior security officials of BRICS countries and emphasised the growing role of BRICS in addressing emerging global security challenges.
- India, which assumed the BRICS Chairmanship for 2026
About the Meeting
- Theme of Discussions: The BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting focused on non-traditional security challenges, including cybersecurity, digital vulnerabilities, and AI-driven threats.
- Chair of the Meeting: The two-day meeting in New Delhi was chaired by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
- Theme of India’s BRICS Presidency: India’s 2026 BRICS Chairmanship is guided by the theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
Key Points
- Role of BRICS in Global Security: PM Modi stressed that BRICS has an important role in enhancing cooperation in an increasingly complex global security environment.
- Cooperation on Shared Security Challenges: He called for deeper collaboration on common concerns such as terrorism, cybersecurity, and challenges arising from emerging technologies
About BRICS
- Nature: BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of emerging economies.
- Members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (the original five), alongside six nations that joined subsequent expansions: Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
- Objective: To promote cooperation on economic, political, security, and developmental issues and strengthen the voice of the Global South in global governance.
- Demographic Strength: 40% of the global population.
- Economic Weight: 26% of global GDP.
- Trade Influence: 26% of global trade.
India Becomes World’s Top Ship Recycling Nation
Context: According to the latest report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, India has emerged as the world’s largest ship recycling nation in 2025, achieving a key target under Maritime India Vision 2030 five years ahead of schedule.
- Global Leader: India’s share in global ship recycling increased from 30.1% (2024) to 35.4% (2025), making it the world’s top ship recycling country.
- Growth: Ship recycling volume rose by nearly 60%, from 1.86 million Gross Tons (GT) in 2024 to 2.99 million GT in 2025.
- Legal Framework: India enacted the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 to align domestic regulations with the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (HKC) of IMO.
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Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030
- Launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to transform India into a leading global maritime nation through port-led development.
- Objective: Aims to modernize ports, improve multimodal connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and enhance port efficiency to global standards.
- Blue Economy & Maritime Industries: Promotes shipbuilding, ship repair, ship recycling, coastal shipping, inland waterways, and maritime clusters to boost economic growth and employment.
- Green & Smart Maritime Sector: Emphasizes decarbonization, renewable energy, green hydrogen, digitalization, automation, and sustainable port operations to create future-ready ports.
Government Initiatives for Ship Recycling Sector
- Ratification of Hong Kong Convention (2019): India became one of the early countries to ratify the convention, promoting global best practices in ship recycling.
- HKC-Compliant Recycling Facilities: Around 115 ship recycling yards have been upgraded to meet international safety and environmental standards.
- Financial Assistance for Yard Modernisation: Government provided ₹53.5 crore to upgrade ship recycling facilities and improve safety and environmental compliance.
- Ship-breaking Credit Note Scheme: Provides a credit note worth 40% of the scrap value of a recycled ship, usable for up to 5% of the cost of a new vessel built in India, encouraging both recycling and domestic shipbuilding.
- International Market Access Efforts: Government is pursuing inclusion of Indian recycling facilities in the European Union’s approved list of ship recycling yards, enhancing global competitiveness.
24 Jun 2026
