News In Short 01-06-2026

Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar

Syllabus: GS1/ Personalities

Context

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar on her birth anniversary.

About Ahilyabai Holkar (1725–1795)

• She was the celebrated queen of the Holkar dynasty who ruled the Malwa kingdom in the 18th century.
• Revered as the “Philosopher Queen” for her enlightened and people-centric governance.
• Born in Chondi village, Ahmednagar (Maharashtra) and married to Khanderao Holkar, son of Malhar Rao Holkar. After the deaths of her husband, father-in-law and son, she assumed the administration of Malwa in 1767.

Major Contributions

• She is remembered for her model of justice, welfare-oriented governance, and cultural preservation.
• Ahilyabai rebuilt important temples such as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Somnath Temple in the 18th century.
• She promoted women’s education, widow remarriage, and opposed practices like sati.
• She also worked for the upliftment of tribal communities and lower castes.
• Under her rule, Maheshwar and Indore became major trade centres, and the famous Maheshwari saree tradition flourished.

Source: PIB

PM SVANidhi Scheme Completes Six Years

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance, GS3/ Economy

Context

• PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme, has completed six years of empowering street vendors through affordable collateral-free credit, digital inclusion and social security.

About PM SVANidhi Scheme

• PM SVANidhi is a Central Sector Scheme launched on 1 June 2020 to provide affordable working capital loans to street vendors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Implementing Agencies: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) & Department of Financial Services.
• Eligible criteria: Street vendors in possession of Certificate of Vending/Identity Card issued by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• Key Features of the PM SVANidhi Scheme
  • Working Capital Loan: Collateral-free loans of ₹15,000, ₹25,000, and ₹50,000 are provided in three progressive tranches with interest subsidy and credit guarantee support.
  • UPI-linked RuPay Credit Cards: Vendors successfully repaying the second tranche are eligible for UPI-linked RuPay Credit Cards with limits up to ₹30,000.
  • Digital Adoption: Street vendors are eligible for cashback incentives of up to ₹1,600 on retail and wholesale digital transactions.
  • SVANidhi se Samriddhi (SSS): Socio-economic profiling of beneficiaries and their families is undertaken to link them with eight selected Central welfare schemes and create a holistic social security net. 

Source: PIB

Shangri-La Dialogue

Syllabus: GS2/ International Relation

In News

• India has officially signed a deal to supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Vietnam, as confirmed at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.
  • The BrahMos is a highly advanced, joint-venture missile system developed by India and Russia.

About

• Also known as the Asia Security Summit, it is Asia’s premier defence and security forum.
• Established in 2002, it is held annually at Singapore’s Shangri-La Hotel.
• Organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), London, with support from Singapore’s Ministry of Defence.
• The dialogue focuses on both traditional security issues (territorial disputes, military cooperation) and non-traditional challenges (terrorism, cybersecurity, climate change).
• It includes keynote speeches, plenary sessions, breakout discussions and bilateral meetings.
• India’s Raisina Dialogue is considered to be modelled on the Shangri-La Dialogue.

Source: LM

Banni Grasslands

Syllabus: GS3/ Environment

Context

• The proposed solar project by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited in Gujarat’s Banni grasslands has raised concerns over its impact on local communities, biodiversity, and wetlands.

About Banni Grassland

• The Banni grasslands in Kachchh are among Asia’s largest natural grasslands and support pastoral communities such as the Fakirani Jat.
• The region contains over 70 species of nutritious grasses and supports grazing of camels, buffaloes, sheep, and goats.
• Nearby Chhari Dhand Wetland Conservation Reserve is a Ramsar site important for migratory birds and local biodiversity.

Concerns Over the Solar Project

• The proposed project covers nearly 4,500 acres across 16 villages and lies close to eco-sensitive areas.
• Local communities fear loss of grazing land, cultural spaces, graveyards, and traditional livelihoods.
• Conservationists warn that solar infrastructure, light pollution, and human activity may disturb bird habitats and migratory routes.
• Solar panels may also disorient birds, increasing collision risks.
• Concerns have also been raised regarding weak implementation of safeguards related to pasturelands and the Forest Rights Act, 2006.

Source: TH