Prelims Focus 16th July 2026

16/07/2026

22 3 minutes read

PM-UDAY Scheme

In News: Recently, the Delhi CM has asked the central government for financial support of ₹100 crore for the first phase of the Delhi government’s Pradhan Mantri Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY) in the national capital.

Pradhan Mantri –Unauthorised Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY)

It was introduced by the NCT of Delhi (Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Unauthorised Colonies) Regulations, 2019 on 29 October 2019.
A website of the DDA is provided for issuance of Conveyance Deeds (Government land) & Authorisation Slips (Private land). At the end of 31 March 2026, approximately 40 000 documents have been issued.
Certificates of Regularisation and provision of civic infrastructure would be issued by the MCD and local bodies.
This is meant to give ownership, transfer and mortgage rights to the residents of eligible unauthorised colonies in Delhi based on documents such as General Power of Attorney (GPA), Agreement to sell, receipts for payment, etc., and possession documents.
This does not include colonies in areas of prohibition like forests, protected monuments, road rights of way, ridge areas, 69 affluent unauthorised colonies, floodplains of Yamuna etc.

Direct Seeded Rice (DSR)

In News: Recently, the Chhattisgarh government issued an advisory to focus on prioritising Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) over the traditional transplanting method against the backdrop of the uncertainty of rainfall due to El Niño.

Direct Seedings of Rice is defined as cultivation technique of direct seeding rice (DSR) which is growing rice seed directly in the main field without transplanting seedlings. Also referred to as ‘tar-wattar’.
It can be done through wet seeding (broadcast or drum seeder) or by dry seeding (broadcast or seed cum-fertilizer drill).

Long March 10B Rocket

In News: After separation, China successfully landed its first reusable rocket, with a very precise landing at the sea-based Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site.

China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) developed and produced the two-stage medium-lift, partially-reusable rocket, the Long March 10B, also known as CZ-10B.
It is a commercial version of China’s Long March 10A which is being developed for crewed moon missions, featuring the removal of the third stage and side boosters.
It is 63 meters long, weighs approximately 760,000 kg at liftoff and will be able to deliver up to 16,000 kg to low Earth orbit in reusable mode.
Seven are liquid oxygen–kerosene engines on the booster, and one is a liquid oxygen–methane engine on the upper stage.

Atmanirbhar Panchayat Program

In News: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj promotes financial self-reliance through the Atmanirbhar Panchayat Program by helping local bodies enhance their Own Source Revenue (OSR). By maximizing local resources, taxes, and fees, Panchayats can reduce dependence on state and central grants to fund local community development and infrastructure.

Key Features of the Program

Eligibility: Gram Panchayats must have a minimum OSR of Rs. 50 lakh, while Block Panchayats need an OSR of Rs. 1 crore. Both must have at least three years of tenure remaining.
Support & Funding: Selected proposals receive technical assistance to develop bankable projects, with funding facilitated through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), bank financing, and government schemes.
Institutional Partners: The Ministry collaborates with institutions like NABARD and HUDCO for project development and financial facilitation.
Outreach: The program’s hybrid workshops have rapidly expanded across multiple states, including Telangana, Gujarat, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.

Abathsahayeswarar Temple

In News: The 1,300-year-old Abathsahayeswarar Temple at Thukkachi, Tamil Nadu, earned the prestigious UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Distinction for its exemplary restoration.

Significance

Chola Legacy: Commissioned by Emperor Vikrama Chola (1118–1135 CE) and expanded by his successors, Rajaraja II and Kulothunga III.
Architectural Blueprint: Built as a precursor and prototype to the grand, UNESCO-listed Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram.
Structural Blueprint: Features a unique Madakoil design (an elevated temple structure built on an artificial hillock or platform) and a striking five-tiered Rajagopuram (entrance tower).
Divine Dedication: Features Shiva as Lord Abathsahayeswarar, paired with a separate shrine for the goddess Soundaranayaki.