Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) Scheme
Syllabus: GS2/Governance
Context
- The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament criticised the government for implementation of the Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) scheme.
- The panel was examining a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report that highlighted significant delays and shortfalls in both financial and physical progress under the scheme.
SANKALP Scheme
- It is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
- It was launched in 2018, SANKALP was originally scheduled for completion by 2023 but was later extended to 2024.
- It was designed to strengthen short‑term skill training through better institutional frameworks, enhanced industry linkages, and targeted inclusion of marginalised communities.
- Funding: The scheme was slated to be financed through a World Bank loan of ₹3,300 crore, State leverage of ₹660 crore, and industry leverage of ₹495 crore.
Source: TH
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Syllabus: GS2/ Governance
Context
- The Vice President of India, stated that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has moved from being a peripheral activity to becoming central to national progress, at the National CSR Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
What Is Corporate Social Responsibility?
- It is a management concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and interactions with their stakeholders.
- Types of Corporate Social Responsibility:
- Environmental responsibility: Sustainability, climate action, waste management, and conservation.
- Ethical responsibility: Fair business practices, transparency, and governance.
- Philanthropic responsibility: Donations, education, healthcare, and community welfare.
- Economic responsibility: Long-term value creation while supporting social objectives.
CSR Applicability in India
- The CSR in India is statutory obligation and is governed by Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.
- It encourages companies to spend 2% of their average net profit in the previous three years on CSR activities.
- The provisions of CSR applies to every company fulfilling any of the following conditions in the preceding financial year:
- Net worth of more than Rs.500 crore,
- Turnover of more than Rs.1000 crore,
- Net profit of more than Rs.5 crore.
Source: AIR
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)
Syllabus: GS3/ Economy
In News
- The US Supreme Court ruled that President Trump lacked authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 to impose broad import tariffs, citing limits on presidential power over taxation and the “major questions” doctrine.
About
- Enacted in 1977, IEEPA empowers the President to address “unusual and extraordinary” foreign threats to national security, foreign policy, or the economy after declaring a national emergency.
- It has been used historically for sanctions, asset freezes, and blocking transactions, but the Court held it does not extend to unilateral tariffs, which encroach on Congress’s constitutional taxing authority.
- In response, the President invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to proclaim a new 10% temporary tariff on goods from all countries, effective immediately, as a balance-of-payments measure.
Source: TH
Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
Syllabus: GS3/ Defence
In News
- India assumed the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) from Thailand.
About Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)
- It is a voluntary naval forum launched by the Indian Navy in 2008 to boost maritime cooperation among littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- IONS promotes mutual understanding among navies through biennial conclaves of chiefs, working groups, and activities like workshops and exercises.
- Key focus areas include maritime security (anti-piracy), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), and capacity building to address regional threats collaboratively.
- It features a rotating chairmanship (India held it multiple times) and divides 25 member states into four sub-regions: South Asian (e.g., India, Bangladesh, Maldives), West Asian, Southeast Asian/Australian, and East African. Nine observers participate; no fixed headquarters exists.
Source: PIB
Smooth-Coated Otters
Syllabus: GS3/ Species in News
In News
- The Uttarakhand Forest Department recently confirmed the presence of smooth-coated otters in Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, signaling a healthy freshwater ecosystem as these animals serve as key bio-indicators.
About Smooth-Coated Otters
- Smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) thrive only in pristine rivers and wetlands with abundant fish and minimal pollution.
- In India, the populations are mostly located in protected areas like Corbett, Kaziranga, and southern reserves.
- They are classified as vulnerable by IUCN and under Schedule I of India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
- The species faces threats from habitat loss, pollution, and human-wildlife conflict.
Source:TH
Bela Gram Emerge as First Net-zero Village
Syllabus: GS3/Environment
In News
- Recently, Bela Gram has become India’s first net-zero panchayat.
Do you know?
- Net zero means reducing carbon emissions to a minimal level that can be absorbed by nature or other removal methods, leaving no excess in the atmosphere.
- Achieving net zero requires a major transformation in production, consumption, and transportation.
- The energy sector, responsible for about three-quarters of greenhouse gas emissions, is crucial; switching from coal, gas, and oil to renewable energy like wind and solar can significantly cut emissions and help combat climate change.
Bela Gram
- It is situated in the Bhandara district of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.
- It was recognized as India’s first net-zero panchayat during Mumbai Climate Week 2026 for its sustainable and carbon-neutral initiatives.
- The panchayat leadership plays a vital role in shaping localised climate action and combating climate change.
- It planted over 90,000 trees, transitioned from smoky chulhas to LPG.
- It installed solar panels, promoted waste segregation, and eliminated single-use plastics.
- It received the 2024 Rashtriya Panchayat Puraskar.
Other panchayat-led climate initiatives across India
- Perinjanam, Kerala – “Solar Gramam” project: 850 households became rooftop solar prosumers, reducing bills by 80% and lowering emissions.
- Siyari, Jharkhand – Water conservation, revived lakes, solar irrigation, streetlights, and plantation of thousands of fruit and shade trees using District Mineral Fund support.
- Badakichab, Odisha – Indigenous women mapped commons and planted over 16,000 trees on 10 hectares of unused land, restoring forests.
- Garhi, Bihar – Built 45 mud check dams, 90 boulder dams, and ponds to tackle water scarcity, flash floods, and soil erosion.
- Kolar, Karnataka – Revived lakes and groundwater, reduced chemical fertilizer use, and implemented climate-resilient agriculture practices.
Source :TH
Red Sanders
Syllabus: GS3/Environment
Context
- The busy Tirupati pilgrimage route has made Red Sanders smuggling easier in southern Andhra Pradesh.
Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus)
- Endemic Species: Found only in three districts of southern Andhra Pradesh — Chittoor, Nellore, and YSR Kadapa.
- Largest Reserve: Located in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve, part of the Eastern Ghats, covering about 4,755 sq km.
- Growth: A slow-growing species that takes 25–40 years to reach maturity.
- Conservation Status:
- Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
- Included under CITES, which strictly regulates international trade.
- Protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Do you know?
- Red Sanders gained global attention in the 1960s when Japanese instrument makers discovered its exceptional tonal quality for crafting the shamisen.
Source: DTE
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