Polity 

Cabinet decision: National Commission for Safai Karamcharis gets 3-yr extension - Indian Express

Context

The Union Cabinet has approved a three-year extension for the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK), extending its tenure until March 31, 2028. This decision comes ahead of the Commission’s scheduled expiry on March 31, 2025. 

About the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)

• The NCSK was established in 1994 under the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993 as a statutory body.
• After the Act lapsed in 2024, the Commission continued as a non-statutory body, but its role expanded under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.

Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013

The Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 was enacted to eliminate manual scavenging and rehabilitate those engaged in it. 

Economy 

Growth Push: RBI Cuts Repo Rate by 0.25%- THE HINDU

Context

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lowered the repo rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 6.25%, marking the first rate cut since May 2020. The decision was taken by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to support economic growth amid expectations that inflation will ease to 4.4% in this quarter and 4.2% through 2025-26.

This move follows the Union Budget 2025-26, which introduced ₹1 lakh crore in income tax breaks to stimulate urban demand. The repo rate cut is expected to further boost consumption by making loans cheaper.

About the Repo Rate

The repo rate is the interest rate at which the RBI lends to commercial banks. A cut in the repo rate reduces borrowing costs for banks, which in turn can lower lending rates for businesses and consumers.

Environment 

India Achieves Historic Milestone of 100 GW Solar Power Capacity-PIB 

Context

• India has reached a significant milestone by surpassing 100 GW of installed solar power capacity, reinforcing its position as a global leader in renewable energy. 
• This achievement aligns with the country’s commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable future, contributing to its ambitious goal of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030. 

About India’s Solar Power Growth

• Rapid Expansion: India’s solar power capacity has grown exponentially from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 100 GW in 2025, marking a 3,450% increase over a decade.
• Current Status: As of January 31, 2025, India has 100.33 GW of installed solar capacity, with an additional 84.10 GW under implementation and 47.49 GW under tendering.
• Regional Contributions: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh have been leading contributors to India’s total solar installations.

Future Prospects & Government Initiatives

• PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana: Launched in 2024, this initiative has already facilitated nearly 9 lakh rooftop solar installations, making solar energy accessible to millions of households.
• Target for 2030: India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, with solar playing a crucial role in this transition.
• Solar Manufacturing Boom: The government is providing policy support to increase domestic solar module production, targeting a capacity of 100 GW by 2030.

India’s achievement of 100 GW solar power capacity marks a significant step in its journey toward energy security and sustainability. With continued investments, supportive policies, and innovation, India is well on its way to becoming a global leader in renewable energy, paving the path for a greener and more self-reliant future.

A surge of dead sea turtles in the sand- The Hindu

Context

The sudden and alarming surge in the deaths of Olive Ridley sea turtles along the Chennai and Chengalpattu coastlines has raised serious concerns among conservationists and environmentalists. 

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)

General Information:

• Common Name: Olive Ridley (named after its olive-green colored shell).
• Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea.
• Size: Smallest and most abundant sea turtle species in the world.

Habitat & Distribution:

• Found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
• Inhabits coastal bays, estuaries, and open ocean regions.
• Typically forages offshore in surface waters and can dive up to 150 meters (500 feet) to feed.

Nesting & Reproduction:

• Known for Arribada, a unique mass nesting behavior where thousands of females lay eggs on the same beach.
• Nesting occurs twice per season, with an average clutch size of over 110 eggs.
• The incubation period lasts 52-58 days.
• Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is the world’s largest rookery for Olive Ridley turtles.

Conservation & Protection Status:

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest legal protection in India).
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.
• CITES: Appendix I (prohibiting international trade).

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