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.
