Prelims Focus 6th August 2026

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)

In News: The Parliamentary Standing Committee has asked the government to accelerate the sewerage and septage management projects under AMRUT 2.0, stating that only 104 out of 594 projects (17.5%) have been completed and 67% are in progress. 

• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was started in June 2015 as a quality of life enhancement for cities.
• It is a centrally sponsored scheme, where the money is distributed among the States and UTs according to their population in urban areas and the number of towns.
• It is designed for the provision of basic services like water supply, sewerage, urban transport and parks.
• It was concerned with creating infrastructure to provide improved services to people, particularly the poor. 

Mining Buffer of 10-km Applies to All Wetland Reserves: SC

In News: The Supreme Court has confirmed that the buffer zone of 10 km for all mining covers all wetland reserves in the country.

• The Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve is located on the confluence of the river Asan and Yamuna in Uttarakhand and is a Ramsar site since 2020.
• Important habitat for migratory water birds and rich aquatic biodiversity.
• The Supreme Court ordered that within 10 km of the area of the reserve no mining activities should be undertaken unless the project proponent gets permission from the Standing Committee of MoEFCC.
• The designation of the wetland as a Ramsar site led to increased attention on actions that might impact the ecological character. 
• The new ruling suggests the same rule would hold true for other wetland conservation reserves in India.

Indigenous Vaccine for African Swine Fever

In News: ICAR has created a live attenuated African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine for pigs of India, known as India’s first indigenous MA-104 Cell Line Based Live Attenuated African Swine Fever (ASF) Vaccine for pigs. 

• The vaccine is recommended for healthy pigs older than 8 weeks of age, and should be given (1 mL) as an intramuscular injection, followed by a booster 14 days after the initial injection.
• It is believed that the local vaccine will significantly cut pig deaths, limit losses and improve the livelihoods of pig farmers throughout the country.
• African Swine Fever (ASF)
  • African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious transboundary animal disease (TBA) with the causative agent being the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV), which targets domestic pigs and wild boar. It is not pathogenic for man. 
  • The disease was first recorded in Kenya in 1909 and is present throughout Africa, Europe and Asia. 
  • ASF has been detected in multiple States and Union Territories in India since it was first detected in 2020, leading to huge loss of pigs, disruption of pig production, restrictions on pig movement and trade, and livelihood losses, especially in the North-Eastern region. 
  • Direct contact with infected pigs, contaminated pork products, wild boars and soft ticks are the means of spread. 
  • High fever, haemorrhages and deaths may approach 100%. This disease is one of the most devastating diseases that affects pigs.

ZED Certification Scheme

In News: The MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme by the Ministry of MSME promotes Zero Defect (high quality, no flaws) and Zero Effect (clean, green environment) manufacturing. It helps small businesses improve productivity, cut waste, and use less energy through Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. 

Core Goals

• Zero Defect: Focuses on top-tier product quality, fewer rejections, and better safety.
• Zero Effect: Focuses on clean technology, less pollution, and safe use of natural resources.

Key Benefits & Subsidies

• Certification Subsidies: Micro, small, and medium units get up to 80%, 60%, and 50% back on certification costs, with a ₹10,000 joining reward. Women-led MSMEs get a 100% free subsidy.
• Financial Help: Get up to ₹50,000 for product testing, ₹2 lakh for expert help, and ₹3 lakh for clean tech.
• Market Support: Banks offer cheaper loans, and many states give extra rewards. 

India–Rwanda Joint Trade Committee

In News: The inaugural session of the India–Rwanda Joint Trade Committee (JTC) was held in New Delhi on July 30–31, 2026, establishing a permanent, structured institutional mechanism to significantly boost bilateral trade, investments, and economic cooperation between the two nations. 

Strategic Importance & Trade Standing

• Investment Powerhouse: India stands as Rwanda’s second-largest foreign investor. 
• Healthcare Lifeline: India is the largest source of Rwanda’s pharmaceutical imports, commanding a 24.5% market share. 
• Institutional Ties: Invest India and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) were formally designated as the main investment focal points under the JTC. 
• Regional Gateway: Rwanda highlighted its unique position as a strategic entry point to major African markets like the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Download as PDF