Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the major achievements of India’s science and technology ecosystem over the last 12 years.
Bioeconomy Growth
India’s bioeconomy expanded from about USD 10 billion (2014) to over USD 190 billion (2026).
Target: USD 300 billion by 2030.
Growth driven by innovations in Biotechnology, Genomics, Diagnostics, and Biopharmaceuticals.
Supported by the BioE3 Policy Framework.
Space Sector Achievements
Space economy grew to around USD 8 billion and is projected to reach USD 45 billion in the next decade.
Space startups increased from single digits to over 400.
Major milestones: Chandrayaan-3 became the first mission to land near the Moon’s south pole. Gaganyaan preparations underway.
Future goals: Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035. Indian Moon landing by 2040.
Weather and Climate Services
Weather radars increased from 17 (2014) to nearly 50 operational radars.
Another 50 radars planned under Mission Mausam.
Forecast coverage expanded from 300 cities to nearly 1,700 locations.
Expansion of Lightning detection systems, Rain-monitoring infrastructure, and Nowcast services for short-term forecasts.
Mission Mausam: Initiative aimed at strengthening India’s weather forecasting and disaster resilience capabilities through modern observation and prediction systems.
Biotechnology and Healthcare
India emerged as a global biotechnology hub.
Advances include Affordable CAR-T cell therapy, Genomics and precision medicine, Next-generation antibiotics, and Indigenous diagnostics and vaccines.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island on 15 June 2026
About LRLACM
LRLACM stands for Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile.
It is an indigenously developed cruise missile.
All major subsystems have been developed by DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru is the nodal laboratory.
What is a Cruise Missile?
A guided missile that flies within the atmosphere for most of its trajectory.
Uses aerodynamic lift and propulsion throughout flight.
Designed for high precision strikes against land targets.
Generally flies at low altitudes to avoid radar detection.
Cruise Missile vs Ballistic Missile
Cruise missiles: Powered throughout flight and follow a relatively flat trajectory.
Ballistic missiles: Powered only during the initial phase and then follow a ballistic path under gravity.
[2023] Consider the following statements 1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of fight. 2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
India’s growth story is increasingly being shaped by logistics efficiency rather than income growth alone. There is a structural shift from a “hard-to-serve” economy to a “reachable” economy, where reliable logistics determines whether demand can actually translate into consumption. Also, India has improved from 44th rank in 2018 to 38th rank in 2023 in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI).
What does the shift from a “Hard-to-Serve” to a “Reachable” Economy signify?
Hard-to-Serve Markets: Consumers possess purchasing power but remain disconnected from efficient supply chains.
Reachability: Logistics networks ensure reliable movement of goods irrespective of geographic distance.
Demand Realisation: Consumption materialises only when products are physically available.
Economic Inclusion: Smaller towns and rural markets become part of mainstream consumption networks.
Structural Shift: Market access increasingly matters as much as income growth.
How is India’s Growth Narrative Shifting from Income to Reachability?
Traditional Growth Drivers: Wages, remittances, rural credit, and consumption expenditure have historically dominated macroeconomic discussions.
Emerging Constraint: Distribution efficiency rather than production capacity increasingly determines consumption expansion.
Distance Economics: Physical distance now affects demand realization more than production availability.
Consumption Geography: Growth increasingly depends on whether products can reliably reach underserved markets.
Reachability Paradigm: Economic opportunity is shifting from income availability to market accessibility.
How Have Logistics Reforms Reduced Internal Market Frictions?
Reduced Friction: Policy reforms have steadily lowered internal trade barriers.
Economic Corridors: Strengthen movement of goods across regions.
Line-Haul Predictability: Improves consistency of long-distance freight movement.
Digital Systems: Enhance shipment tracking and visibility.
Supply-Chain Transparency: Reduces uncertainty in inventory planning and replenishment.
Market Integration: Creates a more unified national market.
What Does India’s Logistics Performance Reveal?
World Bank LPI Improvement: India improved from 44th rank (2018) to 38th rank (2023) among 139 countries.
Competitiveness Gains: Reflects improvements in logistics infrastructure and service quality.
Infrastructure Modernization: Indicates gradual strengthening of transport and supply-chain ecosystems.
Expressway Connectivity: Supports reliable movement between production and consumption centres.
Competitive Inclusion: Small firms can participate in national markets.
Example: A farm-gate producer operating on thin margins can now serve distant markets with greater confidence due to predictable transportation schedules and reduced delivery uncertainty.
Why Does the Last-Mile Gap Remain India’s Biggest Logistics Challenge?
Operational Reality: Infrastructure efficiency on paper does not always translate into service quality.
Urban Congestion: Causes delays despite improved transport corridors.
Land Constraints: Limit logistics facility expansion.
India’s growth increasingly depends on converting purchasing power into actual consumption through efficient logistics. By improving market reachability and reducing supply-chain frictions, logistics is emerging as a key enabler of demand growth, economic integration, and inclusive development.
Value Addition
The National Logistics Policy (NLP)
It is a comprehensive, cross-sectoral framework launched in 2022, to reduce domestic logistics costs and enhance the global competitiveness of Indian goods.
Managed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the policy optimizes the “soft infrastructure” (processes, digital integration, and regulatory systems) to complement the hard infrastructure built under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
Core Targets (To be Achieved by 2030)
Reduce Costs: Lower India’s logistics cost from 13-14% of GDP to a single-digit global benchmark (under 10%).
Improve Global Ranking: Propel India into the top 25 nations on the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI).
Data-Driven Infrastructure: Build automated Decision Support Systems (DSS) for data-backed logistics planning.
Comprehensive Logistics Action Plan (CLAP)
The NLP executes its objectives through eight critical action areas outlined in the Comprehensive Logistics Action Plan:
Integrated Digital Logistics Systems: Merging multiple ministry platforms into one central gateway.
Physical Asset Standardization: Standardizing containers, trucks, and warehouses to improve service quality.
Human Resource Development: Building unified training modules to skill India’s massive logistics workforce.
State Engagement: Aligning central targets with state-level logistics actions and local city plans.
EXIM Logistics: Addressing structural bottlenecks to ease Export-Import container movement.
Service Improvement Framework: Setting up quick-response cells to clear regulatory and industry roadblocks.
Sectoral Efficiency Plans: Designing specialized movement plans for primary commodities like coal, steel, and grains.
Logistics Park Facilitation: Accelerating the development of Multi-Modal Logistics Parks (MMLPs).
PYQ Relevance
[UPSC 2021] “Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth. Discuss in the light of India’s experience.”
Linkage: The question examines the role of infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, market integration, and inclusive development. The article demonstrates how logistics infrastructure, through Dedicated Freight Corridors, PM Gati Shakti, Bharatmala, digital logistics platforms, and supply-chain reforms, is reducing market frictions and improving reachability
India has announced measures to facilitate ethanol-petrol blends beyond E20, including the decision to permit ethanol blends ranging from 22% to 30% at retail outlets and proposed amendments to recognize E85 and higher blends under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. This is the first major policy move toward creating a flex-fuel vehicle ecosystem in India.
What is E20 Fuel and Why is it Important?
Definition: E20 is a fuel blend containing 20% ethanol and 80% petrol by volume.
Ethanol: Ethyl alcohol produced primarily from sugarcane molasses, sugar syrup, maize, damaged food grains, and agricultural biomass.
National Standard: E20 has become India’s standard petrol blend under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme.
Target Achievement: India advanced its E20 target from 2030 to 2025 and achieved rollout in several regions ahead of schedule.
Strategic Objective: Reduces crude oil imports, improves energy security, lowers carbon emissions, and provides additional income opportunities for farmers.
Supply Diversification: Expands use of domestically produced biofuels.
Agricultural Economy
Farmer Support: Creates stable demand for sugarcane and other ethanol feedstocks.
Regional Benefits: Strong support from agricultural regions, particularly Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, major sugarcane-producing states.
Climate and Decarbonization Goals
Cleaner Fuel: Ethanol blending reduces lifecycle carbon emissions compared with pure petrol.
Biofuel Expansion: Supports India’s National Biofuel Policy objectives.
Why is the E20 transition itself still incomplete?
Recent Transition: E20 became the nationwide standard only recently.
Limited Adaptation Time: Many vehicle owners have had insufficient time to assess long-term impacts.
Legacy Fleet: Large numbers of older vehicles remain on roads.
How can higher ethanol blends affect vehicle performance?
Engine Damage Concerns
Water Absorption: Ethanol attracts moisture and is corrosive in nature.
Material Degradation: May affect engine components not designed for higher ethanol content.
Vulnerable Components: Rubber parts, valves, piston heads and fuel-system components may experience wear.
Two-Wheeler Concerns: Older two-wheelers may face greater compatibility challenges.
Mileage Reduction
Lower Energy Density: Ethanol contains less energy than petrol.
Fuel Efficiency Impact: Consumers may experience lower mileage.
Estimated Loss: Mileage reduction could range between 5% and 12%, depending on vehicle design and model year.
Cold Start Problems
Ignition Issues: Higher ethanol content burns at a higher temperature.
Winter Performance: Vehicles may experience difficulty starting during cold mornings.
Are concerns regarding engine damage scientifically established?
Scientific Uncertainty
Government Position: Petroleum Ministry maintains that concerns regarding higher ethanol blends are not fully supported by conclusive scientific evidence.
Industry Assessment: Automobile experts acknowledge that long-term impacts require more extensive studies.
Vehicle Variation: Effects may differ across manufacturers, engine designs and vehicle age.
Long-Term Wear
Potential Risks: Accelerated wear of rubber parts, valves and piston heads remains a concern raised by industry stakeholders.
Data Gap: Long-duration field studies remain limited.
Material Compatibility: Fuel-system components require redesign for higher ethanol concentrations.
Corrosion Resistance: Manufacturers must improve resistance to ethanol-induced corrosion.
Durability Standards: Vehicle endurance testing requirements will increase.
Certification Challenges
Homologation Requirement: New fuel blends require fresh certification.
Current Approval Base: Existing vehicles are largely certified only for E20 compatibility.
Regulatory Delays: Industry seeks greater clarity before implementation.
Cost Implications
Higher Manufacturing Costs: Vehicle redesign increases production costs.
Consumer Burden: Additional costs likely to be passed on to consumers.
What fuel availability and market challenges remain?
Limited Consumer Choice
Single Blend Availability: Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) currently indicate that only one ethanol blend may be available at a given fuel station.
No Fuel Selection: Consumers may not have freedom to choose between multiple blends.
Infrastructure Readiness
Distribution Constraints: Fuel stations require storage and dispensing adjustments.
Supply Chain Adaptation: OMCs must ensure uninterrupted supply of multiple blends.
Pricing Concerns
Vehicle-Fuel Compatibility: Consumers may need to consider both vehicle type and fuel availability.
Market Uncertainty: Pricing structure for higher blends remains unclear.
How has Brazil successfully implemented high ethanol blending?
Oil Shock Origins: Brazil’s ethanol programme began during the 1970s oil crisis.
Integrated Ecosystem: Ethanol production and automobile manufacturing evolved together.
Consumer Choice: Nearly every fuel station offers both petrol and ethanol options.
Flexible Fuel Market: Consumers can choose fuel based on price and availability.
Current Brazilian System
Blended Petrol: Contains approximately 27-32% ethanol.
Pure Ethanol Option: Availability of E100 (hydrous ethanol).
Flex-Fuel Dominance: Majority of vehicles can operate on multiple fuel blends.
Key Difference from India
Consumer Flexibility: Brazil offers fuel choice, whereas India currently lacks such flexibility.
Ecosystem Maturity: Brazil’s transition evolved over decades.
Value Addition
Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP)
Launch: Initiated in 2003, Accelerated under National Biofuel Policy.
Targets
E10 achieved nationwide.
E20 target achieved ahead of schedule in many regions.
Long-term movement toward higher blends and flex-fuel systems.
Conclusion
India’s transition beyond E20 marks the next phase of its energy security and biofuel strategy. Higher ethanol blends and flex-fuel vehicles can reduce crude oil dependence, strengthen farmer incomes, and support climate goals. However, the success of this transition will depend on a calibrated rollout, scientific validation of engine compatibility, adequate fuel infrastructure, consumer choice, and industry preparedness. The challenge is not merely increasing ethanol content but creating a reliable and economically viable flex-fuel ecosystem, as demonstrated by Brazil’s experience.
PYQ Relevance
[UUPSC 2018] Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Comment on the progress made in India in this regard.
Linkage: The question examines India’s efforts towards achieving energy security through sustainable and alternative energy sources. India’s transition from E20 to higher ethanol blends (E25, E85 and flex-fuel vehicles) represents a major component of its clean energy and energy security strategy. Ethanol blending reduces crude oil imports, supports decarbonisation of the transport sector, and contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
A study published in the journal Science produced the first global map of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, revealing the enormous extent of underground fungal networks and their importance for climate regulation.
Key Findings
Topsoils worldwide contain about 110 quadrillion km of fungal hyphae.
This distance is equivalent to nearly one billion trips between the Earth and the Sun.
AM fungal networks store around 300 million tonnes of carbon.
This is 4 to 6 times the weight of the entire human population.
The study analysed data from more than 16,000 soil cores using machine-learning techniques.
Role in Climate Regulation
AM fungi form symbiotic associations with nearly 70% of all plant species.
They exchange Nutrients and water with plants, in return for carbon compounds produced through photosynthesis.
These networks sequester approximately 4 billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent annually.
This equals roughly 11% of global human-related carbon emissions.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Fungi
A group of fungi belonging to the phylum Glomeromycota.
They colonise plant roots and form mycorrhizae (fungus-root associations).
The fungal filaments, called hyphae, extend into the soil and improve nutrient uptake.
Benefits
Enhance absorption of: Phosphorus, Nitrogen, Micronutrients, and Water.
Improve plant growth and drought tolerance.
Increase soil aggregation and fertility.
Contribute to long-term carbon storage.
Biodiversity Hotspots Identified
The study found that around 40% of global AM fungal networks occur in grassland ecosystems, including South Sudan, The Tibetan Plateau, and Banni Grasslands.
Major Threats
Croplands contain about 50% lower fungal density compared to natural ecosystems.
Grasslands are being converted into agricultural land four times faster than forests.
This threatens underground fungal biodiversity and its ecosystem services.
Why is the Study Important?
Highlights fungi as a form of “living infrastructure” supporting ecosystems.
Emphasises the need to include soil biodiversity and fungi in climate policy.
Strengthens the case for grassland conservation alongside forest protection.
[2021] Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms? 1. Cnidarians 2. Fungi 3. Protozoa Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that three new chicks have been added under Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB), taking the captive population to 94 birds.
Key Highlights
The three chicks emerged from: 1 wild-collected egg, and 2 captive-laid eggs.
Total chicks hatched in the fourth year of captive breeding:26.
The captive breeding population has now increased to 94 birds.
More chicks are expected during the current breeding season.
About the Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
Scientific Name: Ardeotis nigriceps
One of the heaviest flying birds in the world.
Endemic to the Indian subcontinent.
State Bird of Rajasthan.
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid grasslands.
Open scrublands.
Dry agricultural landscapes.
Distribution: Rajasthan (largest population), Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered.
Protection Status:Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Listed in Appendix I of CITES.
Included under Appendix I of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
[2010] With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?
1. It is spread over two districts. 2. There is no human habitation inside the Park. 3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct answer using the code given below: a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that India’s space economy is expected to grow from USD 8-9 billion to USD 40-45 billion over the next decade, driven by policy reforms, private participation, and innovation.
Key Highlights
India’s space economy is projected to reach USD 40-45 billion in the next decade.
The country currently has over 400 space startups, compared to only a handful a few years ago.
More than 125 startups and technology innovators participated in the RISE Conclave 2026.
Factors Driving Growth
Liberalisation and reforms in the space sector.
Increasing private sector participation.
Expansion of the startup ecosystem.
Collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions.
Focus on innovation-led growth under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
India’s Space Achievements
Chandrayaan-3 established India among leading space-faring nations.
Gaganyaan is India’s upcoming human space mission.
India has demonstrated cost-effective execution of complex missions, including the Mars Orbiter Mission.
Space Technology in Governance
India is increasingly using space applications for development through:
PM Gati Shakti for integrated infrastructure planning.
Urban development programmes.
Drone-enabled monitoring systems.
Project implementation and monitoring.
Improved transparency and efficiency in service delivery.
PSLV Mission Anomaly
The analysis of the recent Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) anomaly has been completed.
Causes have been identified.
Corrective measures have been initiated for future missions.
RISE Conclave 2026
Theme: “Innovation & Entrepreneurship Driven Growth for Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Brought together researchers, startups, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Showcased innovations in Aerospace technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Deep-tech, and Agri-food technologies.
[2025] GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN? I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity. II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management. III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Promotion of Hybrid and Round-the-Clock (RTC) renewable projects.
International Cooperation
India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce launched in 2026.
Cooperation with Belgium focuses on offshore wind and R&D.
Offshore wind partnership with Denmark, initiated in 2019, was renewed in 2025.
[2025] Consider the following statements about ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’: I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and upskilling, under scheme component of capacity building. Which of the statements given above are correct?
India has unveiled the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, marking a major structural reform in the coal sector. For the first time, coal will be traded through regulated exchange platforms similar to power exchanges
What are the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026?
The Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, notified by the Ministry of Coal, establish a legally binding framework for transparent, electronic “many-to-many” spot mineral trading. Regulated by the Coal Controller Organisation, the rules aim to improve price discovery and market access for consumers.
Key Features of the Rules
Electronic Trading: The system transitions coal marketing from the traditional “one-to-many” bilateral model to an efficient, competitive digital trading platform where multiple buyers and sellers can transact.
Mandatory Physical Delivery: All transactions must culminate in physical delivery of the coal. These are supported by independent quality verification to ensure contractual compliance.
Regulatory Oversight: The Coal Controller Organisation acts as the central market regulator, handling the registration, supervision, and auditing of exchanges, as well as enforcing safeguards against market manipulation.
Registration Validity: Eligible entities (incorporated as companies under the Companies Act, 2013) are granted authorizations to establish and operate exchanges for 25 years.
Financial Obligations: Operators pay a ₹50 Lakh one-time registration fee, a ₹3 Lakh application fee, and an annual fee calculated as either ₹30 Lakh or 0.02% of the total trading volume, capped at ₹5 Crore.
How can coal exchanges transform India’s coal market structure?
Market-Based Trading: Establishes regulated platforms for buying and selling coal through transparent mechanisms.
Price Discovery: Creates market-driven price signals instead of relying primarily on bilateral negotiations.
Transparency: Reduces opacity associated with traditional contractual arrangements.
Competition: Enables broader participation by producers and consumers.
Secondary Markets: Facilitates development of coal trading beyond primary allocation channels.
Why is the existing coal allocation mechanism considered inadequate?
Long-Term Contracts: Most coal transactions currently occur through long-duration agreements, particularly for the power sector.
Auction Dependence: Significant volumes are allocated through auctions where prices may rise substantially.
Coal India Dominance: Non-regulated consumers often depend on Coal India auctions.
Premium Pricing: Coal is frequently sold at premiums to the highest bidder.
Limited Market Signals: Existing mechanisms provide inadequate real-time information regarding shortages and surpluses.
What lessons can be drawn from India’s power exchange experience?
Market Signalling: Power exchanges evolved into indicators of scarcity and surplus conditions.
What institutional safeguards are required for successful implementation?
Volatility Management: Ensures protection against excessive price fluctuations.
Dispute Resolution: Provides mechanisms for conflict settlement.
Logistics Integration: Strengthens transportation and delivery systems.
Regulatory Oversight: Ensures compliance and market integrity.
Settlement Systems: Facilitates efficient trading and delivery.
Conclusion
The Coal Exchange Rules, 2026 represent a shift from administrative allocation towards market-based coal governance. Their success will depend on quality standardisation, liquidity creation, Coal India’s participation, efficient logistics, and strong regulatory oversight. If implemented effectively, coal exchanges can become an important mechanism for balancing regional shortages, improving transparency, and strengthening India’s energy security.
Value Addition
Coal Sector at a Glance
Coal accounts for around 70% of India’s electricity generation.
India is the second-largest coal producer globally.
Coal India Limited produces roughly 80% of India’s domestic coal output.
Major coal-producing states: Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.
About the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO)
The Coal Controller Organisation (CCO) is a subordinate office under the Ministry of Coal. Established in 1916 during World War I, it is one of the oldest regulatory bodies in India’s energy sector.
Headquartered in Kolkata, the CCO operates field offices across major mining hubs including Delhi, Dhanbad, Ranchi, Bilaspur, Nagpur, Sambalpur, and Kothagudem.
Core Regulatory Functions: The CCO derives its executive powers from various statutes, including the Colliery Control Rules, 2004, the Collection of Statistics Act, 2008, and the Coal Bearing Areas Act, 1957. Its primary responsibilities include:
Production and Grade Surveillance: The CCO inspects collieries to verify the correctness of declared coal classes, grades, and sizes. It establishes and enforces strict coal grading and quality standards.
Dispute Resolution: It serves as the official appellate authority to resolve quality and grade conflicts between coal producers and consumers.
Mine Approvals: No coal mine, seam, or section can be opened, reopened, or sub-divided without formal opening/reopening permissions from the CCO. It also approves Mining and Mine Closure Plans.
Captive Mine Monitoring: The organization tracks and monitors the development and progress of captive coal and lignite blocks allocated to various companies.
Statistical Authority: The CCO acts as the primary source for national coal statistics. It collects monthly production data and publishes the Provisional Coal Statistics and Coal Directory of India.
Land Acquisition Hearing Authority: Under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition & Development) Act, the Coal Controller hears legal objections regarding the government’s acquisition of coal-bearing land.
New Role Under the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026: Following the notification of the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, the CCO’s regulatory footprint has significantly expanded:
Central Market Regulator: The government designated the CCO as the apex statutory body to register, regulate, and audit electronic Coal Exchanges in India.
Platform Authorization: The CCO processes registrations for eligible entities, granting them 25-year operational licenses to run digital spot trading platforms.
Market Surveillance: It monitors exchange activities to prevent market manipulation, ensure fair price discovery, and resolve stakeholder grievances.
Coal India Limited (CIL)
Coal India Limited (CIL) is a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) that serves as the backbone of India’s energy security infrastructure.
Production Volume: World’s largest coal-producing company, accounting for roughly 80% of India’s total domestic coal output.
Operates under the Ministry of Coal.
Plays a central role in India’s energy security architecture.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Project Kusha as a “game changer” for India’s security architecture and stated that its significance had been demonstrated during Operation Sindoor.
What is Project Kusha?
An indigenous long-range air defence missile system being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Intended to provide a multi-layered air defence shield against diverse aerial threats.
Often viewed as India’s indigenous counterpart to advanced systems like the Russian S-400 Triumf.
Objectives
Protect military assets and strategic installations.
Defend critical infrastructure and civilian areas.
Enhance India’s indigenous air defence capabilities.
Strengthen strategic autonomy under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Threats It Is Expected to Counter
Fighter aircraft, Cruise missiles, Ballistic missiles, Drones and UAVs, Precision-guided munitions, and Stand-off weapons
Mission Sudarshan Chakra
Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2025 Independence Day address.
Envisages a nationwide multi-layered missile defence shield.
Aims to protect: Military establishments, Critical infrastructure, and Civilian population centres.
Project Kusha is expected to be an important component of this vision.
[2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?
[A] An Israeli radar system
[B] India’s indigenous anti-missile programme
[C] An American anti-missile system
[D] A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea.
