Prelims
National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)
Overview
- National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) is India’s first sovereign wealth fund, established in 2015.
- It functions as a fund manager investing in infrastructure and allied sectors across India.
- NIIF is anchored by the Government of India but operates with independent investment decisions.
- It serves as a collaborative investment platform for domestic and international investors.
- The fund focuses on deploying equity capital into India’s infrastructure ecosystem.
Ownership and Structure
- The Government of India owns 49% of NIIF, ensuring strategic alignment with national priorities.
- Remaining ownership lies with institutional investors, both Indian and global.
- NIIF is professionally managed by experts with experience in infrastructure and investment domains.
- Assets under management exceed $4.9 billion, making it India’s largest infrastructure fund.
- NIIF funds are registered as Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) with SEBI.
Investment Scope and Strategy
- NIIF invests across infrastructure, private equity, and diversified sectors in India.
- Investments span greenfield, brownfield, and stalled projects, ensuring flexibility.
- The objective is generating attractive risk-adjusted returns for long-term investors.
- NIIF leverages government association while maintaining commercial viability.
Funds Managed by NIIF
- NIIF Master Fund:
- Invests in roads, ports, airports, power, and core infrastructure.
- It is the largest infrastructure-focused fund in India.
- NIIF Private Markets Fund:
- Invests in funds managed by third-party infrastructure fund managers.
- NIIF Strategic Opportunities Fund:
- Focuses on large-scale businesses and strategic greenfield projects.
- India–Japan Fund:
- NIIF’s first bilateral fund, targeting environmental preservation.
- Promotes collaboration between Indian and Japanese companies in India.
- Target corpus is US$600 million.
- Government of India contributes 49%; JBIC contributes 51%.
Significance
- NIIF strengthens infrastructure financing, reduces public fiscal burden, and attracts global capital.
- It plays a critical role in supporting long-term infrastructure-led economic growth in India.
New Ramsar Sites in India
Recent Designations
- Siliserh Lake (Rajasthan) and Kopra Jalashay (Chhattisgarh) were recently designated Ramsar Sites.
- The designation highlights their ecological, hydrological and biodiversity significance.
Siliserh Lake
- Located in Alwar district, Rajasthan, within the buffer zone of Sariska Tiger Reserve.
- A human-made lake, constructed in 1845 by Maharaja Vinay Singh.
- Originally built to supply drinking water to Alwar city.
- Situated in a semi-arid region, serving as a crucial regional water source.
- Biodiversity
- Supports 149 bird species and 17 mammal species.
- Key species include vulnerable river tern and endangered tiger.
- Hosts over 1% of the biogeographic population of black stork (Ciconia nigra).
Kopra Jalashay
- Located near Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh.
- A reservoir in the upper catchment of the Mahanadi River.
- Strong hydrological and ecological connectivity creates diverse habitats.
- Biodiversity
- Supports more than 60 migratory bird species.
- Acts as nesting, feeding and stop-over site for migratory birds.
- Notable fauna include vulnerable greater spotted eagle and endangered Egyptian vulture.
Ratle Hydroelectric Project
Overview
- An 850 MW run-of-river hydroelectric project on the Chenab River.
- Located in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Institutional Framework
- Implemented by Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL).
- RHPCL is a joint venture between NHPC (51%) and JKSPDC (49%).
- Construction is undertaken by Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL).
Technical Features
- Includes a 133-metre high and 194.8-metre long concrete gravity dam.
- Comprises a diversion dam and underground powerhouse on the right bank.
- Underground powerhouse houses four 205 MW Francis turbines and one 30 MW auxiliary unit.
Output and Issues
- Expected annual generation is 3,137 GWh of electricity.
- Pakistan alleges violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960.
- MEIL has raised concerns regarding local interference and security threats.
Supernova
What is a Supernova?
- A supernova is a catastrophic explosion of a massive star.
- It represents the largest explosive events in the universe.
Types of Supernovae
- Type I: Star accumulates matter from a companion, triggering nuclear runaway.
- Type II: Star exhausts nuclear fuel and collapses under gravity.
Key Characteristics
- Emits more energy in seconds than the Sun emits over its lifetime.
- Can outshine entire galaxies for days or months.
- Visible across vast cosmic distances.
- Primary source of heavy elements in the universe.
Frequency
- Around 2–3 supernovae per century occur in Milky Way–like galaxies.
- Astronomers observe hundreds annually in distant galaxies.
Chenchu Tribe
Identity and Distribution
- Food-gathering tribe primarily inhabiting Nallamalai forests, Andhra Pradesh.
- Classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
- Also found in Telangana, Karnataka and Odisha.
Social Organisation
- Language spoken is Telugu, a Dravidian language.
- Village is called a “Penta”, consisting of kin-based hut clusters.
- Small conjugal families are common, with gender equality in status.
- Peddamanishi acts as village elder and maintains social harmony.
Livelihood
- Primarily depend on forest-based hunting and food gathering.
- Use bow, arrow and knife for subsistence.
- Collect and sell forest produce like honey, tubers, beedi leaf and tamarind.
- Minimal interest in money or material accumulation.
Religion
- Worship multiple deities and have adopted select Hindu practices.
- Strong historical association with Srisailam Temple.
- Enjoy special privileges at the temple.
