Earlier, 100% FDI under the automatic route was permitted only in the marketplace model of e-commerce; FDI was prohibited in the inventory-based model.

Now, 100% FDI is permitted in the inventory-based e-commerce model exclusively for exports of goods manufactured/produced in India.

Marketplace model: E-commerce entity acts only as a digital platform connecting buyers and sellers; it does not own inventory.

Inventory-based model: E-commerce entity owns inventory and sells goods directly to consumers.

#CA2026
#ECONOMY

Interlink Niyamgiri Odisha Mining Case

PESA, 1996

#GS2mains

Chaur Vikas Yojana (Bihar)
1. Objective: Scientific utilisation of waterlogged chaur (wetland) areas to enhance fish production, rural livelihoods and farmers’ income.

2. Key Features
Five districts identified: East Champaran, Madhubani, Saran, Munger and Bhagalpur.
Focus on scientific aquaculture, hatcheries, fish processing and promotion of eco-tourism.
Promotion of Tilapia farming, freshwater Scampi (giant freshwater prawn) culture and cage culture.

3. Expected Benefits
Converts underutilised wetlands into productive economic assets.
Increases fish productivity from ~3 quintals/ha to 7–8 quintals/ha in targeted wetlands.
Enhances farmers’ income while promoting sustainable use of wetlands.

4. Challenges
Balancing aquaculture expansion with wetland conservation & biodiversity.
Need for quality seed, cold-chain, market linkages & scientific management.
Preventing ecological risks from invasive/exotic species & water pollution.

5. Way Forward
Adopt an integrated wetland management approach

#BIHARspecial

Mundeshwari Bhawani Temple

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Rise of the ‘Forever War’ Era
-Inter-State wars are resurging: According to PRIO (Norway), active inter-State conflicts rose from 2 (2023)—> 4 (2024)—> 8 (2025), the highest since 1946. Examples: Russia–Ukraine, Israel–Iran, India–Pakistan (2025).

-Wars are becoming longer: Unlike the post-Cold War period (1990–2020), current conflicts are prolonged- Russia–Ukraine has crossed 4.5 years, Israel–Hamas/Lebanon has continued for 3 years, while the US–Israel vs Iran confrontation remains unresolved.

-Multipolarity is fuelling proxy wars: Emerging power centres back allies instead of fighting directly. Examples: US & Europe backing Ukraine; Russia and China supporting Iran; China’s military, intelligence and economic support to Pakistan.

-Technology favours defence over offence: Drones, anti-tank, anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles have made rapid victories difficult, leading to wars of attrition. Example: Russia’s inability to achieve a quick victory in Ukraine.

-UN-led security architecture is weakening: Frequent inter-State wars have marginalised the UN, exposing the limitations of collective security and conflict-resolution mechanisms.

-India’s security environment is changing: Pakistan-sponsored terrorism is increasingly treated as an “act of war”. Example: Operation Sindoor (2025) witnessed high-intensity conventional clashes backed by Chinese support to Pakistan.

-Way forward: Build a stable multipolar balance of power, strengthen deterrence, revive UN-led multilateralism, and deepen diplomacy to prevent prolonged “forever wars” from becoming the new normal.

#GS1mains
#ESSAY

Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)
-SPR is an emergency stockpile of crude oil maintained to tackle supply disruptions and energy crises.

-Managed by: Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd. (ISPRL) under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.

-Existing SPR sites (Phase-I): Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Mangaluru (Karnataka) and Padur (Karnataka) with a total capacity of 5.33 MMT.

-Planned expansion (Phase-II): Chandikhol (Odisha – 4 MMT) and Padur Phase-II (2.5 MMT).

-2026 Update: ONGC will reserve half of its proposed 1.75 MMT oil storage facility at Mangaluru for India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

-India’s total crude oil and petroleum storage (SPR + commercial inventories) can currently meet about 74 days of net crude import requirement.

#CA2026

Link : https://t.me/bpscweb/42094

-->Bihar has proposed two Plug-and-Play Industrial Parks under the Centre's BHAVYA scheme.

-->Bihar's proposed industrial parks: Paru (Muzaffarpur) – 700 acres and Bahadurpur (Darbhanga) – 350 acres.

-->BHAVYA (Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana): Central Sector Scheme for developing 100 Plug-and-Play Industrial Parks.

Interlink: https://t.me/bpscweb/41992?single

#BIHARspecial

Nauru has officially changed its name to Republic of Naoero, reviving its indigenous name to reflect its cultural identity and heritage.

It is the world's smallest island republic, located in Micronesia (Oceania) in the central Pacific Ocean; capital – Yaren (de facto); currency – Australian Dollar (AUD).

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Bihar Sterilisation Drive: What It Indicates

1. Gender imbalance in contraception
Data: 98% female vs 2% male sterilisations.
Indicates: Permanent contraception remains highly gender-skewed.

2. Social barriers to vasectomy
Data: Vasectomy constituted only 2% of procedures.
Indicates: Myths, stigma and patriarchal norms continue to discourage male participation.

3. Rising women’s agency
Data: High female acceptance of sterilisation.
Indicates: Greater awareness, empowerment and reproductive decision-making among women.

4. Population challenge
Data: Bihar TFR: 2.9 (SRS 2024) vs India: 1.9.
Indicates: Population stabilisation requires shared responsibility and greater male participation in family planning.

—>Shift from “women-led family planning” to “couple-centred family planning” through IEC campaigns, myth-busting on vasectomy and community counselling.

#BIHARspecial
#ESSAY