India’s First Private Gold Mine Context: India’s first large-scale private gold mine will be launched in Andhra Pradesh. The project is developed by Geomysore Services India Pvt Ltd, with backing from Thriveni Earthmovers and Deccan Gold. The mine is located in Kurnool district, covering about 598 hectares across Jonnagiri, Erragudi, and Pagidirayi villages. It is expected to produce around 1 tonne (1,000 kg) of gold annually for nearly 15 years. The project will help reduce India’s dependence on gold imports, which exceed 800 tonnes per year. It represents a shift from state-controlled mining to private sector participation. Advanced technologies such as open-pit mining and carbon-in-leach extraction will be used. Open-pit mining Open-pit mining involves removing surface layers of rock to extract minerals found near the ground, making it cost-effective for large-scale operations. Carbon-in-leach extraction Carbon-in-leach extraction is a method where crushed ore is treated with cyanide, and activated carbon is used to absorb and recover the gold efficiently. Current Facts Measles Highly contagious and serious airborne viral disease. Caused by a virus belonging to the paramyxovirus family. Infections spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing. Initially infects the respiratory tract then spreads throughout the body Can lead to: Severe illness, Complications, Death in serious cases The State’s immunisation coverage stands at 99%. The Measles-Rubella vaccine, administered at nine and 18 months - has about 85% efficacy and provides adequate protection. India’s Bioeconomy Growth and Key Achievements Context: Addressing an international conference, the Union Minister highlighted bioeconomy-driven growth, projecting the sector to reach $1 trillion by 2047. The bioeconomy refers to the utilisation, management, and conservation of biological resources, along with associated science, technology, and innovation, to deliver products and services across sectors while promoting sustainability. India’s Bioeconomy The sector expanded from $10 billion in 2014 to about $195.3 billion in 2025,…
