Sahakar Sarathi Initiative
- The Government of India has operationalised Sahakar Sarathi, a Shared Service Entity, to strengthen and modernise Rural Cooperative Banks across the country.
- Aims to enable RCBs to deliver standardised, technology-driven banking services comparable to other regulated banking institutions.
- It was registered on 21 July 2025 after RBI approval.
- Services include common and modern Core Banking Solutions, digital payment platforms such as AePS and UPI, and related digital channels.
India’s First Wildlife Safe Road
- The National Highways Authority of India has introduced India’s first wildlife-safe road on National Highway 45 in Madhya Pradesh.
- Aim: To reduce animal-vehicle collisions while balancing highway development with wildlife conservation in ecologically sensitive regions.
- The project passes through Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
Lithium refinery in Telangana
- Singareni Collieries Company (SCCL) and Hyderabad-based Altmin have signed a memorandum of understanding.
- The project aims to set up India’s first large-scale battery-grade lithium refinery.
- The refinery will be located in Hyderabad, Telangana.
- The refinery is targeted to commence operations by 2027.
- The project includes plans to secure long-term raw material supply via overseas mineral assets, strengthening India’s energy security.
- The initiative aims to reduce India’s dependence on imported refined lithium.
- Lithium is a critical mineral for EVs, batteries, and the clean energy transition.
Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan Initiative
- It’s a flagship programme jointly led by the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Tourism.
- The initiative focuses on opening strategically significant border locations to tourism.
- Cho La and Dok La pass open for tourists under the “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” initiative.
- This vision aligns with the Government of India’s Vibrant Villages Programme, which seeks to accelerate development in border areas.
