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The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, a flagship initiative by the Government of India, aims to provide rooftop solar installations to 1 crore households across the country. Nearly a year after its launch, the scheme has achieved 8.5% of its target, with 8.5 lakh households already benefiting from solar power. This initiative not only promotes renewable energy but also makes electricity affordable for millions of Indians.
Why in the News?
The PM Surya Ghar scheme was officially launched on February 15, 2024, with the ambitious goal of installing rooftop solar systems in 1 crore households.
As of now, 8.5 lakh households have installed solar connections, marking 8.5% progress toward the target.
Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi announced that the target is likely to be achieved within the next 2-3 years.
Key Takeaways
Target: 1 crore household rooftop solar installations.
Progress: 8.5 lakh installations completed so far (8.5% of the target).
Subsidy Details:
60% subsidy for systems up to 2 kW capacity.
40% subsidy for additional capacity between 2 kW and 3 kW.
Subsidy capped at 3 kW capacity.
Financial Benefits:
₹30,000 subsidy for 1 kW systems.
₹60,000 subsidy for 2 kW systems.
₹78,000 subsidy for 3 kW systems.
Installation Pace: Daily installations have increased from 3,000 to 9,000, with plans to cover 12 lakh households in 2024-25.
Do You Know?
The scheme was first announced in January 2024 following the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
India’s renewable energy capacity has grown by 200% in the last decade, from 75.52 GW in 2014 to 220 GW in 2024.
The cost of solar power has decreased by 80%, from ₹10.95 per unit in 2010-11 to ₹2.15 per unit today, making India a global leader in affordable renewable energy.
Static Points About PM Surya Ghar Scheme
Launch Date: February 15, 2024.
Budget: ₹75,000 crore.
Objective: To provide affordable and clean energy to households through rooftop solar installations.
Eligibility: All households in India.
Application Portal: Surya Ghar Portal.
Target Completion: 2-3 years.
Challenges and Progress
Slow Pace: As of October 2023, only 5 lakh installations were completed out of 20 lakh applications, leading to concerns about delays.
Reasons for Delay: Rain-related disruptions and logistical challenges.
Government Response: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has assured that the pace of installations is accelerating, with plans to cover 12 lakh households in 2024-25.
Significance of the Scheme
Affordable Energy: The scheme makes solar power accessible to low- and middle-income households through substantial subsidies.
Environmental Impact: Promotes the use of clean energy, reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Economic Growth: Supports India’s goal of adding 50 GW of renewable energy annually, boosting the renewable energy sector.
Conclusion
The PM Surya Ghar scheme is a transformative initiative that aligns with India’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development. While the progress has been steady, the government’s focus on accelerating installations and addressing challenges ensures that the scheme will achieve its target in the coming years. By empowering households with affordable solar energy, the scheme not only enhances energy security but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable future for India.

What’s the ongoing story: 
On Monday, the stock market opened with a massive dip, especially the tech-heavy Nasdaq, which dropped by about 3 per cent. This is its worst performance in the last two years. This drop has been attributed to the meteoric rise of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, which has in the last few weeks grabbed global attention after it unveiled its AI models — DeepSeek-V3 and DeepSeek-R1, a reasoning model.
Key Takeaways:
• Owing to its optimal use of scarce resources, DeepSeek has been pitted against US AI powerhouse OpenAI, as it is widely known for building large language models. DeepSeek-V3, one of the first models unveiled by the company, earlier this month surpassed GPT-4o and Claude 3.5 Sonnet in numerous benchmarks.
• DeepSeek-V3 stands out because of its architecture, known as Mixture-of-Experts (MOE).
• The MOE models are like a team of specialist models working together to answer a question, instead of a single big model managing everything.
• The DeepSeek-V3 model is trained on 14.8 trillion tokens, which includes large, high-quality datasets that offer the model greater understanding of language and task-specific capabilities.
• Additionally, the model uses a new technique known as Multi-Head Latent Attention (MLA) to enhance efficiency and cut costs of training and deployment, allowing it to compete with some of the most advanced models of the day.
• Even as the AI community was marveling at the DeepSeek-V3, the Chinese company launched its new model, DeepSeek-R1. The new model comes with the ability to think, a capability that is also known as test-time compute. The R1 model has the same MOE architecture, and it matches, and often surpasses, the performance of the OpenAI frontier model in tasks like math, coding, and general knowledge. R1 is reportedly 90-95 per cent more affordable than OpenAI-o1.
• The R1, an open-sourced model, is powerful and free. While O1 is a thinking model that takes time to mull over prompts to produce the most appropriate responses, one can see R1’s thinking in action, meaning the model, while producing the output to the prompt, also shows its chain of thought.
• R1 arrives at a time when industry giants are pumping billions into AI infrastructure. DeepSeek has essentially delivered a state-of-the-art model that is competitive. Moreover, the company has invited others to replicate their work by making it open-source.
• The release of R1 raises serious questions about whether such massive expenditures are necessary and has led to intense scrutiny of the industry’s current approach.
Do You Know:
• DeepSeek is a Chinese AI company based out of Hangzhou founded by entrepreneur Liang Wenfeng. He is also the CEO of quantitative hedge fund High Flyer. Wenfeng reportedly began working on AI in 2019 with his company, High Flyer AI, dedicated to research in this domain. DeepSeek has Wenfeng as its controlling shareholder, and according to a Reuters report, HighFlyer owns patents related to chip clusters that are used for training AI models.
• What sets DeepSeek models apart is their performance and open-sourced nature with open weights, which essentially allows anyone to build on top of them. The DeepSeek-V3 has been trained on a meager $5 million, which is a fraction of the hundreds of millions pumped in by OpenAI, Meta, Google, etc., into their frontier models.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a historic milestone with its 100th launch, successfully deploying the NVS-02 satellite, part of India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system. This landmark event underscores India’s growing prowess in space technology and its commitment to self-reliance in critical sectors.
Why in the News?
ISRO completed its 100th launch on Wednesday, marking a significant achievement in India’s space journey.
The GSLV-F15 rocket, equipped with an indigenous cryogenic stage, lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
The mission successfully placed the NVS-02 satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), strengthening India’s regional navigation capabilities.
Key Takeaways
Historic Milestone: This launch marks ISRO’s 100th mission, a testament to its decades of innovation and excellence.
NavIC Satellite: The NVS-02 is the second satellite in the NavIC series, designed to enhance India’s regional navigation services.
Payload Details: Over 100 launches, ISRO has deployed 548 satellites, including 433 foreign satellites, lifting a total of 120 tonnes of payload.
Indigenous Technology: The mission highlights India’s advancements in cryogenic technology and atomic clock development, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative.
Do You Know?
NavIC System: NavIC is India’s independent regional navigation satellite system, providing Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services across India and up to 1,500 km beyond its borders.
Services Offered:
Standard Positioning Service (SPS): Accuracy of better than 20 metres and timing accuracy of 40 nanoseconds.
Restricted Service (RS): For authorized users, ensuring secure and precise navigation.
Future Plans: ISRO plans to deploy five second-generation NavIC satellites to enhance the constellation and ensure service continuity.
Static Points About NavIC Satellite
Full Name: Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC).
Purpose: Provides accurate navigation and timing services for India and the surrounding region.
Satellites: Currently includes 7 satellites in the first generation (IRNSS) and is expanding with the NVS series.
Applications: Used in transportation, disaster management, geodetic data collection, and personal navigation devices (PNDs).
Global Recognition: NavIC is recognized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for use in maritime navigation.
Significance of the Mission
Technological Leap: The successful launch of NVS-02 demonstrates India’s capability in developing indigenous cryogenic engines and atomic clocks, critical for satellite navigation.
Strategic Independence: NavIC reduces India’s reliance on foreign navigation systems like GPS, ensuring strategic autonomy in defense and civilian applications.
Economic Impact: Strengthening the NavIC ecosystem supports industries like aviation, shipping, and telecommunications, boosting economic growth.
Conclusion
ISRO’s 100th launch is a proud moment for India, showcasing its technological advancements and commitment to self-reliance. The deployment of the NVS-02 satellite not only strengthens the NavIC system but also reinforces India’s position as a global leader in space technology. As ISRO continues to innovate, the NavIC constellation will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s future in navigation and beyond.

The 23rd National Para Athletics Championship 2025, set to be held in Tamil Nadu, marks another milestone in India’s journey towards promoting para sports and fostering inclusivity. The unveiling of the official logo and mascot on January 16, 2025, has added excitement to the event, which aims to empower athletes with disabilities and provide them with a platform to showcase their talents.
Why in the News?
The logo and mascot for the 23rd National Para Athletics Championship were unveiled on January 16, 2025, symbolizing the spirit of determination and resilience among para athletes.
The event, to be held in Tamil Nadu, highlights India’s commitment to promoting para sports and creating an inclusive society.
The championship serves as a qualifier for international competitions, offering Indian para athletes a chance to shine on the global stage.
Key Takeaways
Event: 23rd National Para Athletics Championship 2025.
Location: Tamil Nadu.
Logo and Mascot: Represent the dynamic nature of para athletics and the inclusive spirit of the event.
Objective: To provide a platform for para athletes to compete, celebrate their achievements, and inspire others.
Significance: Part of India’s ongoing efforts to promote para sports and empower athletes with disabilities.
Do You Know?
The championship has been held annually, offering a competitive environment for para athletes to hone their skills.
The event is a qualifier for international competitions, enhancing opportunities for Indian para athletes globally.
India will host the Para Athletics World Championships for the first time in New Delhi from September 26 to October 5, 2025, further elevating the profile of para sports in the country.
Static Points About the 23rd National Para Athletics Championship 2025
Date: To be held in 2025 (specific dates to be announced).
Venue: Tamil Nadu.
Organizer: Paralympic Committee of India.
Participants: Top para athletes from across India.
Purpose: To promote inclusivity, empower athletes with disabilities, and provide a platform for national and international competition.
Significance of the Event
Empowerment: The championship empowers para athletes by providing them with opportunities to compete and excel.
Inclusivity: It sends a strong message of inclusivity, ensuring equal opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
Inspiration: The event inspires others by showcasing the achievements and resilience of para athletes.
Looking Ahead: Para Athletics in India
The 23rd National Para Athletics Championship sets the stage for the Para Athletics World Championships 2025, to be held in New Delhi from September 26 to October 5, 2025.
This will be the first time India hosts the World Championships, offering a global platform for Indian para athletes.
These events reflect India’s dedication to promoting para sports and creating an inclusive environment for all athletes.
Conclusion
The 23rd National Para Athletics Championship 2025 is more than just a sporting event; it is a celebration of resilience, determination, and inclusivity. By providing a platform for para athletes to showcase their talents, India is taking significant steps towards building a more inclusive society. As the country prepares to host the Para Athletics World Championships later in 2025, the future of para sports in India looks brighter than ever.

Why in the news?
Every year on January 30, we honour the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, the guiding light of India’s struggle for independence. This day, observed as Martyrs’ Day or Shaheed Diwas, marks a moment of reflection on the profound sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom. It is a solemn reminder of the tragedy that unfolded in 1948 when the man who championed peace and non-violence was silenced by Nathuram Godse.
Martyrs’ Day Date:
Annually, January 30 is observed as Martyrs’ Day to commemorate the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. On this day in 1948, Gandhi was assassinated in the Birla House compound in New Delhi, after one of his regular multi-faith prayer meetings. Nathuram Godse, a member of the Hindu Mahasabha who opposed Gandhi’s views on the partition of India, fired three bullets at him, ending his life instantly. Gandhi’s last words, as recounted, were “Hey Ram".
Martyrs’ Day History:
The events of January 30, 1948, remain etched in the nation’s memory. On that day, as Gandhi made his way to an evening prayer meeting at Birla Bhavan in Delhi, he was accompanied by his grandnieces. Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, confronted him and fired three shots into his chest. Gandhi died on the spot.
Every year since, Indians remember this tragic loss by observing Mahatma Gandhi Punyatithi, honouring his unparalleled contribution to the nation.
Martyrs’ Day Significance:
Mahatma Gandhi’s influence extended far beyond India’s independence struggle. He was a global advocate for peace, non-violence, and justice.
Through his leadership in movements like the Non-cooperation Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Khilafat Movement, Quit India Movement and Champaran Satyagraha, Gandhi united millions under the banner of truth and non-violence.
His Salt Satyagraha in 1930, a march from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi, remains a historic symbol of resistance.
Observing Martyrs’ Day reminds us to uphold these values in our own lives, striving for a society built on harmony and mutual respect.
Facts about Mahatma Gandhi:
Full Name – Mahatma Gandhi's full name was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. He was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, India.
Father of the Nation – He is widely regarded as the "Father of the Nation" in India for his role in India's struggle for independence from British rule.
Philosophy of Non-Violence – He strongly believed in Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satyagraha (truth and civil disobedience), which became the foundation of India's freedom movement.
Role in Indian Independence – Gandhi played a key role in major movements like the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920), Civil Disobedience Movement (1930), and Quit India Movement (1942) against British rule.
Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) – In 1930, he led the Dandi March, a 240-mile walk to protest against the British salt tax, which became a symbol of resistance.
Simple Living – Gandhi lived a very simple life, wore khadi (hand-spun cloth), and promoted self-reliance through the Swadeshi Movement.
Time in South Africa – Before returning to India, Gandhi spent 21 years in South Africa, where he fought against racial discrimination and developed his principles of Satyagraha.
Imprisonment – He was jailed multiple times by the British authorities for leading protests and movements against their rule.
Assassination – On January 30, 1948, Gandhi was assassinated in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse, who opposed his views on Hindu-Muslim unity.
Legacy – His teachings of non-violence inspired many global leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and the Dalai Lama. His birthday, October 2, is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti in India and International Day of Non-Violence worldwide.
Note: Martyr's Day is observed to honor the sacrifices of those who gave their lives for India's freedom. Key dates include January 30 for Gandhi, March 23 for Bhagat Singh, and others, inspiring national unity, reflection, and future generations to uphold the values of justice and patriotism.

In a groundbreaking move, the Government of Andhra Pradesh is set to launch WhatsApp Governance on January 30, offering 161 public services through the popular messaging platform. This initiative marks a significant step towards paperless governance and hassle-free service delivery, positioning Andhra Pradesh as a pioneer in digital innovation.
Why in the News?
Andhra Pradesh becomes the first state in India to introduce WhatsApp Governance, revolutionizing how citizens access government services.
The initiative aims to provide 161 services across various departments, eliminating the need for physical visits to government offices.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu emphasized the importance of cybersecurity and data protection to ensure the success of this digital transformation.
Key Takeaways
Launch Date: January 30, 2025.
Services Offered: Initially, 161 services from departments like Endowments, Energy, APSRTC, Revenue, Anna Canteen, CMRF, and Municipal Administration will be available.
Objective: To provide paperless, hassle-free, and accessible public services to citizens.
Partnership: The state government signed an agreement with Meta (parent company of WhatsApp) on October 22, 2024, to implement this initiative.
Leadership: The launch will be officiated by IT and HRD Minister N. Lokesh.
Do You Know?
WhatsApp Governance allows citizens to access government services directly through WhatsApp, reducing the need for physical visits to offices.
Andhra Pradesh is the first state in India to adopt this innovative approach, setting a benchmark for other states.
The initiative aligns with the state’s broader vision of becoming a leader in digital governance and technology-driven public service delivery.
Static Points About WhatsApp Governance
Platform: WhatsApp, a widely used messaging app with over 2 billion users globally.
Services: Initially, 161 services will be offered, with plans to expand further.
Departments Covered: Endowments, Energy, APSRTC, Revenue, Anna Canteen, CMRF, and Municipal Administration.
Benefits:
Convenience: Citizens can access services from anywhere.
Efficiency: Reduces paperwork and processing time.
Transparency: Enhances accountability in service delivery.
Cybersecurity: The government has emphasized strengthening forensic and cybersecurity frameworks to prevent data breaches.
Significance of the Initiative
Digital Transformation: WhatsApp Governance is a major step towards digitizing public services, making them more accessible and efficient.
Citizen-Centric Approach: By eliminating the need for physical visits, the initiative prioritizes citizen convenience and saves time.
Role Model: Andhra Pradesh’s initiative sets an example for other states to adopt similar technology-driven governance models.
Conclusion
The launch of WhatsApp Governance in Andhra Pradesh is a landmark achievement in India’s journey towards digital governance. By leveraging the power of WhatsApp, the state is not only simplifying access to public services but also setting a new standard for efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly governance. As this initiative rolls out, it promises to transform the way citizens interact with the government, paving the way for a more connected and digitally empowered society.
About WhatsApp:
Original author(s): Brian Acton, Jan Koum
Developer(s): Meta Platforms, Will Cathcart (Head of WhatsApp)
Initial release: February 2009