PM Surya Ghar—Muft Bijli Yojana    
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month    
Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India
(TAPI) Pipeline    
Subarnarekha River    
Light Tank Zorawar    

1.    PM Surya Ghar—Muft Bijli Yojana
Context:
•    The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has released draft guidelines for central financial assistance and payment security mechanisms under the PM Surya Ghar—Muft Bijli Yojana.
•    The union cabinet approved the scheme with a Rs 75,000 crore budget to benefit 1 crore families in February 2024.

PM Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana About:
•    A central scheme to promote solar rooftop systems by offering financial subsidies and ease of installation.
•    Aims to provide free electricity to 1 crore households through rooftop solar units.
•    Households can receive up to 300 units of free electricity each month.
Implementation Agencies:

•    National Level: Managed by the National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA).
•    State Level: Managed by State Implementation Agencies (SIAs), typically DISCOMs or Power/Energy Departments.
Role of DISCOMs:
•    DISCOMs facilitate net metering, conduct inspections, and oversee solar installation commissioning.
Subsidy Structure:
•    Subsidies for solar rooftop systems (capped at 3 kW capacity):
o    60% subsidy for systems up to 2 kW.
o    40% subsidy for systems between 2 kW and 3 kW.
Additional Features:
•    Model Solar Villages: Each district will have a Model Solar Village to promote rural solar adoption.
•    Incentives for Local Bodies: Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions will receive incentives for promoting rooftop solar.
Expected Benefits Economic Benefits:
•    Reduced electricity bills for households and potential for earning income by selling surplus power to DISCOMs.
•    A 3 kW system can generate over 300 units of electricity per month, aligning with the scheme's goal.
Solar Power Generation:
•    The scheme aims to add 30 GW of solar capacity through residential installations, generating 1000 billion units (BUs) over the system’s 25-year lifetime.
Environmental Impact:
•    It will reduce CO2 emissions by 720 million tonnes, contributing to sustainability.  
Job Creation:
•    Expected to create around 17 lakh direct jobs across manufacturing, logistics,

Answer: C) The scheme provides 300 units of free electricity to households with rooftop solar installations.

installation, and maintenance sectors.        

Challenges in Implementation Household Reluctance:
•    Reluctance due to free electricity provided by some states and territories.
Restricted Space Use:
•    Limited terrace space, shading, and property ownership issues complicate adoption for smaller households (1-2 kW systems).
Operational Strain on DISCOMs:
•    The net metering system financially burdens DISCOMs, making them unpaid storage facilities for homeowners.
Storage Integration:
•    Lack of storage systems with rooftop solar could lead to grid management challenges like the “duck curve”—where electricity demand is low during high solar production but surges afterward.
Quality Assurance:
•    Difficulty in assessing system quality makes customers vulnerable to substandard services and performance issues.

Prelims Question:
Which of the following is a feature of the PM Surya Ghar—Muft Bijli Yojana?
A)    Households will receive a 100% subsidy for solar systems up to 2 kW.
B)    The scheme is limited to urban households only.
C)    The scheme provides 300 units of free electricity to households with rooftop solar installations.
D)    DISCOMs are exempt from providing net metering services under this scheme.

Mains Question:
Discuss the potential benefits and challenges of the PM Surya Ghar—Muft Bijli Yojana in promoting solar energy adoption in India. How can these challenges be addressed to ensure the success of the scheme?

2.    Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Context:
The American Association for Cancer Research recognizes September as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, focusing on raising awareness about this gynecological cancer.

Facts Related to Ovarian Cancer What is Ovarian Cancer?
•    A cancerous tumor that forms in the ovaries, which are female reproductive glands producing eggs and hormones.
•    Cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and form a tumor.
Epidemiology:  
•    In India, ovarian cancer contributes to 6.6% of all women’s cancers and is among the top 3 cancers (after breast and cervical cancer) affecting women.
•    In 2022, India reported 47,333 new ovarian cancer cases and 32,978 deaths.
Symptoms:
•    Common symptoms include bloating,

•    Genetic counseling for women with a family history or BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations.
•    A healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants.
•    Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
•    Regular gynecological check-ups for monitoring reproductive health.

pelvic or abdominal pain, loss of        

appetite, frequent urination, indigestion, constipation, and fatigue.
•    These symptoms often lead to misdiagnosis or delayed treatment.
Types of Ovarian Cancer:
•    Type I: Less common, diagnosed early, better prognosis.
•    Type II: More aggressive, often diagnosed at an advanced stage, responsible for the majority of ovarian cancer deaths.
Survival Rates:
•    Survival rates depend on the stage of diagnosis. About 20% of patients with

Prelims Question:
Which of the following statements regarding Ovarian Cancer is correct?
1.    The CA125 blood test is an effective routine screening test for ovarian cancer.
2.    Ovarian cancer has a strong hereditary component, often linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.
A)    1 only
B)    2 only
C)    Both 1 and 2
D)    Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B) 2 only

advanced ovarian cancer can be disease-        

free at 10 years with optimal treatment.
Screening Challenges:
•    There are no effective screening tests for ovarian cancer. The CA125 blood test is used for monitoring diagnosed cases but is not recommended for routine screening due to its limited specificity.
Genetic Factors:
•    Hereditary component: About 65-85% of hereditary cases are linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Women with these mutations face a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Lifestyle Factors:
•    Potential risk factors include talcum powder usage, exposure to chemicals in hair products, and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
Reducing Risk

Mains Question:
Discuss the challenges in early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer and suggest preventive measures to reduce the incidence of this cancer in women.

3.    Turkmenistan-Afghanistan- Pakistan-India (TAPI) Pipeline
Context:
•    Afghanistan is set to begin work on the TAPI Pipeline, a landmark USD 10 billion project that aims to enhance regional energy connectivity, benefiting Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
TAPI Pipeline Overview: 
•    Purpose: To transport natural gas from Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh gas field to India via Afghanistan and Pakistan.
•    Length: Approximately 1,814 km.
•    Capacity: Delivers around 33 billion cubic meters (BCM) of natural gas annually.
•    Distribution: Afghanistan will receive 5%, and Pakistan and India will each receive 47.5% of the supply.
Significance of the TAPI Pipeline
1.    Environmental Impact:
•    Provides a cleaner energy alternative to coal, reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
•    Crucial for India’s transition to cleaner energy and meeting Net-Zero Emissions Target.
•    Addresses air pollution in major cities like
Delhi, Mumbai, Karachi, and Islamabad.
2.    Economic Benefits:
•    Provides economic growth opportunities in Afghanistan and Pakistan through transit fees and job creation.
•    Could spur investment in renewable energy and related industries.
3.    Strategic Influence:
•    Serves as a counter to the Iran-Pakistan- India (IPI) pipeline, supported by Iran and Russia.
•    For India, the TAPI pipeline strengthens connectivity with Central Asia, enhancing energy security and regional influence.
Challenges Facing the TAPI Pipeline:
1.    Security Concerns:
•    The pipeline passes through conflict zones in Afghanistan, posing challenges related to political instability and security.
2.    Financing and Administration:
•    Securing sufficient funding is difficult, as it relies on private investors and Asian Development Bank funding.
•    Involvement of four countries complicates administration and management.

3.    Conflicts between India and Pakistan:
•    Political tensions between India and Pakistan may affect cooperation and the long-term success of the project.
4.    Environmental Concerns:
•    While cleaner than coal, natural gas extraction and transportation pose risks like water pollution and potential earthquakes from fracking.
India’s Efforts to Enhance Influence in Central Asia:
•    Trade Routes: India’s strategic investments like the Chabahar Port and potential free trade agreements aim to secure trade routes and enhance economic presence.
•    Military and Security: India has military bases in Tajikistan and conducts joint exercises, enhancing its defense partnerships in Central Asia.
•    Geopolitical Competition: India faces competition from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and growing influence in the region.

Prelims Question:
Which of the following countries are part of the TAPI pipeline project?
1.    Turkmenistan
2.    Afghanistan
3.    Pakistan
4.    Iran
A)    1, 2, and 3 only
B)    1, 2, 3, and 4
C)    1 and 4 only
D)    2, 3, and 4 only
Answer: A) 1, 2, and 3 only

Mains Question:
Analyse the significance of the Turkmenistan- Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline. How 
does the pipeline impact India’s energy security and regional influence?

4.    Subarnarekha River
About:
•    The Subarnarekha River is one of the longest east-flowing interstate rivers in India, traversing through Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
•    Subarnarekha means "Streak of Gold", a reference to its history of gold deposits along its course.
Course:
•    Origin: The river originates near Nagri village in Ranchi District, Jharkhand, at an elevation of 600 m.
•    It flows eastward through Chota Nagpur Plateau and Hundrugbagh waterfall, crossing West Bengal, and eventually joining the Bay of Bengal at Kirtania port in Odisha.
•    The river spans a length of 395 km, passing through key industrial towns like Jamshedpur, Chaibasa, Ranchi, and Bhadrak.
Basin Boundaries:
•    North-West: Chhotanagpur Plateau
•    South-West: Brahmani basin
•    South: Burhabalang basin
•    South-East: Bay of Bengal Tributaries:
•    Main tributaries include:
o    Kanchi
o    Kharkai
o    Karkari Significance:
•    The Subarnarekha basin supports various industries and agriculture. The river has cultural and economic importance for the regions it traverses.

Prelims Question:
Question: With reference to the Subarnarekha River, consider the following statements:
1.    It originates from the Chhota Nagpur Plateau.
2.    It flows through the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
3.    It joins the Brahmani River before flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only

Mains Question:
Question:
Discuss the significance of the Subarnarekha River in the socio-economic development of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. How does its course influence industrial and agricultural activities in these regions?

5.    Light Tank Zorawar
About:
•    Light Tank Zorawar is an indigenously designed and developed tank.
•    Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro Limited.
Features:
•    Designed to operate in varying terrains, from high-altitude areas to island territories and marginal terrains.
•    It is highly transportable for rapid deployment to meet any operational requirements. 
•    Equipped with modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Drone Integration, advanced situational awareness, and amphibious operation capability.
•    Weighs less than 25 tonnes with a high power-to-weight ratio, along with superior firepower and protection.
Who was Zorawar?
•    Named after Zorawar Singh Kahluria, a 19th-century military general who served under Jammu's Raja Gulab Singh.
•    Renowned for his conquests in the Himalayas, including Ladakh, Tibet, Baltistan, and Skardu.

Prelims Question:
Question:
With reference to the Light Tank Zorawar, consider the following statements:
1.    It is designed for amphibious operations.
2.    It weighs over 50 tonnes.
3.    It is equipped with modern technologies like AI and Drone Integration.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only
C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 3 only

Mains Question:
Question:
Discuss the strategic importance of indigenously developed light tanks like Zorawar for India’s defence, especially in high-altitude and amphibious operations. How does it enhance India’s operational capabilities in varying terrains?