Today’s Daily Current Affairs is compiled from trusted sources including The Hindu current affairs, Indian Express current affairs, and PIB current affairs in a structured, exam-oriented format to help UPSC aspirants prepare effectively for Prelims and Mains.
Pink Mobility Card for Women and Free LPG Cylinder Scheme
Why in News
- Droupadi Murmu will launch two major welfare initiatives of the Delhi government.
- The schemes include the Pink National Common Mobility Card for women and a free LPG cylinder scheme for ration card–holding families.
- The launch event titled “Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi” will be held at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
Pink National Common Mobility Card Initiative
- Aimed at providing free bus travel to women in Delhi.
- Enables seamless access to multiple public transport systems through a single smart card.
- Three types of cards to be issued:
- Pink card for eligible women residents.
- Blue card for general commuters.
- Orange card for monthly pass users.
- In the first phase, pink and blue cards will be rolled out; the orange card will follow later.
- Pink card benefits:
- Free travel on Delhi Transport Corporation buses.
- Usable for paid travel on Delhi Metro and Regional Rapid Transit System.
- The card will be linked to Aadhaar and the beneficiary’s mobile number for verification of age, gender, and Delhi residency.
- At least 50 centres will be set up for issuance:
- District Magistrate offices.
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate offices.
- Selected DTC locations.
- Minimal documentation required to ensure a simple and transparent process.
Objectives of the Pink Card Scheme
- Make public transport more accessible and digital.
- Reduce daily travel costs for women.
- Improve access to education, employment, and healthcare.
- Promote women’s mobility and empowerment in the national capital.
- The scheme was highlighted by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta as a step toward inclusive urban transport.
Free LPG Cylinder Scheme
- Two free LPG cylinders per year for ration card–holding families.
- Cylinders to be provided on the occasions of Holi and Diwali.
- Implemented through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Amount equivalent to the prevailing LPG cylinder price will be credited to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the family head.
- Expected to benefit approximately 1.55 million ration card–holding families in Delhi.
Significance
- The initiatives focus on women’s empowerment and household economic relief.
- The mobility card promotes digital, integrated public transport usage.
- The LPG scheme aims to reduce household fuel expenses and support vulnerable families.
- Together, the schemes reflect the Delhi government’s emphasis on social welfare and targeted subsidy delivery.
MPLADS Funds
Why in News
- Uttar Pradesh Receives Over 84% of Out-of-State MPLADS Funds
- Between 2023 and 2026, 21 MPs spent MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) funds outside their usual constituency or State.
- Total out-of-usual-area spending exceeded ₹18 crore, with 84% directed to Uttar Pradesh.
- Of the 530 MPs with “completed works” data, these 21 MPs accounted for all the out-of-area spending; other MPs spent within their own constituencies or States.
What is MPLADS fund?
MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) is a Central Government scheme in India that allows MPs to recommend development works in their constituencies or States. Here’s a clear breakdown:
Key Features
- Purpose:
- To enable MPs to fund locally important developmental projects in areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and sanitation.
- Focuses on creating durable assets for the community.
- Funding Allocation:
- Each MP receives ₹5 crore per year to spend on works in their constituency (Lok Sabha MPs) or State (Rajya Sabha MPs).
- Nominated MPs can recommend works anywhere in India.
- Allowed Works:
- Roads, footpaths, streetlights
- Drinking water facilities
- Schools, playgrounds, and community centers
- Health facilities
- Other projects that benefit local communities
- Rules for Out-of-Area Spending:
- MPs can spend up to ₹50 lakh per year outside their usual constituency or State (raised from ₹25 lakh in 2023).
- Additional spending is allowed for disaster rehabilitation and calamity relief.
- Administration:
- Funds are released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
- Works must be recommended by the MP and executed by local authorities.
- Objective:
- To empower MPs to address local development needs directly.
- Focuses on community-centric development rather than political projects.
Example: A Lok Sabha MP from Uttarakhand can use MPLADS funds to build a school or road in their constituency, while a nominated Rajya Sabha MP could use the money anywhere in India.
Madhya Pradesh CM Releases Gharials, Turtles at Kuno National Park
Why in News
- Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav released gharials and turtles into the Kuno River at Kuno National Park in Sheopur district as part of ongoing conservation efforts.
- The initiative is aimed at strengthening the population of endangered species and complementing the ongoing cheetah reintroduction programme at the park.
Gharial and Turtle Release Initiative
- Species released:
- 53 gharials (28 male and 25 female)
- 25 turtles of the three-striped roofed turtle species (Batagur dhongoka)
- Location: Kuno River near Palpur Fort inside Kuno National Park
- Organising body: National Chambal Sanctuary in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh government
- Objective: Conservation and augmentation of gharial and turtle populations to protect endangered species.
Cheetah Reintroduction at Kuno
- Recent update: Nine cheetahs airlifted from Botswana were released into the national park on the preceding Saturday.
- Current population: Total cheetahs in Kuno National Park have reached 48, including India-born cubs and African-translocated adults.
- Significance: The project is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to restore cheetahs in India and is progressing steadily toward success.
Significance of the Initiative
- Strengthens biodiversity in Kuno National Park and the National Chambal Sanctuary.
- Supports the conservation of critically endangered species like gharials and the three-striped roofed turtle.
- Complements India’s broader wildlife reintroduction programmes, including the cheetah translocation project.
- Demonstrates the state government’s commitment to wildlife conservation and ecosystem protection.
Missile Interceptors in U.S.-Iran War
Why in News
The renewed conflict between the U.S.-led coalition—including Israel and the United Arab Emirates—and Iran has highlighted the role of missile defence systems. These systems aim to protect populations and infrastructure while deterring attacks and giving military leaders more time to respond.
What is Missile Defence?
Missile defence refers to systems designed to detect, track, and destroy incoming missiles before they reach their targets.
- Components:
- Sensors: Satellites and ground-based radars detect missiles.
- Command Centres: Computers and military personnel calculate threats and plan countermeasures.
- Interceptors: Missiles launched to destroy incoming threats, either by proximity explosion or hit-to-kill impact.
- Purpose:
- Save lives and property.
- Deter enemies from launching missile attacks.
- Provide decision-makers time to respond.
How Interceptors Work
- Ground radar scans the sky and locks on targets.
- Engagement Control Station calculates missile trajectories and issues launch commands.
- Interceptors are guided toward targets using onboard seekers.
- Final interception occurs through either a proximity detonation or direct collision.
Example Systems:
- Patriot (U.S.): Tracks fast-moving ballistic missiles; success varies by target type.
- Iron Dome (Israel): Effective against short-range rockets with success rates of 80–97%.
- Ground-based Midcourse Defence (GMD, U.S.): Designed for long-range missile defence but has a test success rate of 55%.
Current U.S.-Allied Missile Defence Deployment
- U.A.E.: Uses South Korean Cheongung II missiles to intercept low-flying Iranian missiles and cruise missiles.
- U.S.: Deploys THAAD and Patriot batteries; also uses Indirect Fire Protection Capability with AIM-9X missiles.
- Israel: Uses Iron Dome for drones, Iron Beam lasers for swarms, and Arrow 2/3 for ballistic missiles.
- Systems are rationed due to high costs:
- PAC-3 MSE interceptors: ~$4 million per shot.
- Saturation attacks by Iran aim to overwhelm stockpiles.