1. Domestic Content Requirement (DCR)

Introduction

• Domestic Content Requirement (DCR) mandates the use of Indian-manufactured solar cells and solar modules in certain solar projects.
• It aims to strengthen India's domestic solar manufacturing industry.

Objectives

• Promote indigenous manufacturing.
• Reduce dependence on imports.
• Encourage domestic value addition.
• Support the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Significance

• Schemes such as PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana will boost the domestic solar industry.
• Encourages local production of solar equipment.

2. Approved List of Cell Manufacturers (ALCM)

Introduction

• ALCM (Approved List of Cell Manufacturers) came into effect to regulate the use of approved solar cells in projects.
• Only government-approved solar cells can be used in specified projects.

Related Initiative: ALMM

• ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) was introduced in 2019.

Key Facts

• A solar cell converts sunlight into electricity.
• Multiple solar cells form a solar module.
• Multiple modules together form a solar power plant.

India's Manufacturing Capacity

• Solar module manufacturing capacity: Approximately 190 GW.
• Solar cell manufacturing capacity: Approximately 25 GW.
• Annual solar installation requirement: Approximately 50 GW.

Challenges

• Domestic solar cell production is insufficient.
• Domestic cells are generally more expensive than imported cells.

3. Universal Disability Pension

Constitutional Basis

Article 41

The State shall provide public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disability.

Section 24 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

• Guarantees social security.
• Provides pension benefits.
• Ensures an adequate standard of living.

Present Situation

• Pension benefits vary across states.
• Eligibility often depends on domicile requirements.
• Many persons with disabilities do not receive equal benefits.

Statistics

• Census 2011 recorded around 2.68 crore persons with disabilities.
• Current estimates range between 4.5 and 6 crore.

Supreme Court's View

• The Right to Life with Dignity is a Fundamental Right.
• RPwD Act, 2016 provides legal safeguards for persons with disabilities.

International Comparison

• South Africa: 0.12–0.15% of GDP.
• Brazil: 0.45–0.50% of GDP.
• Australia: 0.35–0.40% of GDP.
• OECD countries: Around 0.2% of GDP.

Importance

• Promotes social inclusion.
• Improves access to education and employment.
• According to the World Bank and UNDP, excluding persons with disabilities may cost countries 3–7% of GDP.

4. Estonia

Introduction

• Estonia is one of the Baltic countries in Northern Europe.
• Other Baltic countries are Latvia and Lithuania.

Capital

• Tallinn

Currency

• Euro (€)

Membership

• European Union (EU)
• NATO
• Eurozone

Borders

• Russia
• Latvia

Sea

• Baltic Sea

Special Features

• One of the world's most digitally advanced nations.
• Known for e-Governance.
• Strong cybersecurity capabilities.
• Vibrant startup ecosystem.
• Advanced digital public services.

E-Residency Programme

• Allows foreign citizens to establish and manage businesses digitally.
• Provides access to the European market through digital platforms.

Geographical Facts

• Longest River: Võhandu River.
• Highest Point: Suur Munamägi.

India–Estonia Relations

• Growing cooperation in trade, technology, and cybersecurity.
• Potential for collaboration in digital governance and innovation.

5. Project Kusha

Introduction

• Project Kusha is India's indigenous long-range air defence missile system.
• Being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Objective

• Detect, track, and destroy a wide range of aerial threats.
• Create a multi-layered air defence shield for India.

Threats Covered

• Enemy aircraft.
• Fighter jets.
• Drones.
• Cruise missiles.

Development

• Developed at the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.
• Operates under DRDO.

Importance

• Strengthens India's national security.
• Enhances defence self-reliance.
• Improves indigenous defence capabilities.
• Supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Related Missile Systems

Akash Missile

• Surface-to-air missile system.
• Developed by DRDO.
• Capable of intercepting aircraft, helicopters, and drones.

BrahMos Missile

• Supersonic cruise missile.
• Jointly developed by India and Russia.
• Among the world's fastest operational cruise missiles.

Sudarshan Chakra Programme

• Aims to establish a multi-layered missile defence shield.
• Protects military assets and critical infrastructure.

6. Paraquat

Introduction

• Paraquat, also known as Paraquat Dichloride or Methyl Viologen, is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world.
• Herbicides are chemicals used to destroy unwanted plants and weeds.

Uses

• Controls weed growth.
• Eliminates unwanted vegetation in agricultural fields.

WHO Classification

• Classified as a Category-II chemical.
• Considered moderately hazardous and moderately irritating.

Health Effects

Small Exposure

• Can affect the heart.
• May damage kidneys.
• Can affect the liver.
• May impact the lungs.

Large Exposure

• Acute kidney failure.
• Rapid heart rate (Tachycardia).
• Heart failure.
• Liver failure.
• Seizures.
• Respiratory failure.

Symptoms

• Stomach pain.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhoea.
• Swelling in the mouth.

Treatment

• No specific antidote is available.
• Immunosuppressive therapy may be used.
• Charcoal haemoperfusion can help remove the toxin from the blood.

Global Status

• Banned in more than 70 countries.
• Prohibited in China and the European Union.
• Restricted or regulated in several other countries.

Quick Revision

• DCR – Mandatory use of domestically manufactured solar components.
• ALCM – Approved List of Cell Manufacturers.
• Article 41 – Public assistance for disability, sickness, and old age.
• Estonia – Capital: Tallinn; Currency: Euro.
• Project Kusha – Indigenous long-range air defence system.
• BrahMos – India–Russia supersonic cruise missile.
• Paraquat – Widely used but highly toxic herbicide.
• E-Residency – Estonia's digital business programme.