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1. The Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Maharashtra saw PM Modi felicitating 11 lakh new "Lakhpati Didis," women who have achieved an annual income of over Rs 1 lakh through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). A revolving fund of Rs 2,500 crore and Rs 5,000 crore in bank loans were disbursed to support SHGs. Initiated under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), the Lakhpati Didi initiative empowers women through diversified livelihoods, training, and financial support. Since its start in 2023, it has transformed one crore women’s lives, with the target increased to 3 crore.
2. Recently, a group of orcas attacked a sailboat off Spain’s coast, with over 700 such interactions recorded near the Strait of Gibraltar since 2020. Theories about this behavior include playful exploration by young orcas or a traumatic response, possibly triggered by entanglement in fishing lines. One female orca, White Gladis, is believed to have undergone such trauma, influencing her behavior. Orcas, the largest dolphins, use echolocation for communication and hunting. Each pod has unique sounds, and they are apex predators with a varied diet, including fish, seals, and even whales.
3. The Union Minister of Textiles recently attended the 'Shilp Didi Mahotsav' at Dilli Haat, highlighting the Shilp Didi Programme aimed at empowering female artisans. Launched on a pilot basis for 100 days by the Ministry of Textiles, the programme identified 100 women artisans from 72 districts across 23 states, representing 30 crafts. It focuses on economic empowerment and financial independence, offering e-training, e-commerce onboarding, entrepreneurship development, and marketing opportunities. Additional artisan support initiatives include the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana, Mega Cluster Scheme, National Handicraft Development Programme, Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme, and One District One Product.
4. India recently commissioned its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arighat (S-3), under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project. INS Arighat joins INS Arihant, which became operational in 2018, enhancing India’s nuclear triad. While similar in size and displacement to INS Arihant, INS Arighat can carry more K-15 missiles. It is powered by an 83 MW pressurised light-water reactor with Russian assistance and features four vertical launch system tubes for Sagarika SLBMs (K-15), with a range over 700 km. The third SSBN, INS Aridhaman, capable of carrying K-4 missiles with a 3,500 km range, is set for commissioning next year. SSBNs are vital for nuclear deterrence due to their stealth and retaliatory capabilities.
5. The Ministry of Home Affairs recently approved the creation of five new districts in Ladakh, raising the Union Territory's total to seven. The new districts—Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang—aim to enhance local governance and development in Ladakh, addressing the challenges of its vast and remote terrain. This move is part of the Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) to boost civilian and military infrastructure. The Ladakh administration will form a committee to finalize the new districts' structure and submit a report within three months. Political reactions are mixed, with calls for elected councils and greater local autonomy. District creation in India is generally a state function, with 718 districts currently in the country.
6. The Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare (DoPPW) recently held the 7th Anubhav Awards ceremony to honor retiring and retired Central Government employees for their contributions. Launched in March 2015 on the Prime Minister's direction, the Anubhav Awards aim to document and share the experiences of these employees, promoting good governance and administrative reforms via the Anubhav Portal. Eligible employees can submit write-ups up to 8 months before retirement and 1 year afterward. The 7th ceremony awarded 5 Anubhav Awards and 10 Jury Certificates to personnel from 9 ministries/departments, recognizing their valuable insights and experiences.