Why in News?

• QNu Labs, BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar successfully demonstrated India’s first 5.56-km free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) link.
• The quantum-generated keys were used with BISAG-N’s Vedic Kavach platform for secure end-to-end encryption and decryption of messages.

Technology & Key Technical Features

• QKD is a method of sharing encryption keys using the laws of quantum physics, so that any attempt to eavesdrop disturbs the quantum state and can be detected.
• Free-space QKD sends quantum signals (usually photons) through air or open space, unlike fibre-based QKD that uses optical cables.
• The trial achieved a Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) below 5% and a secure key rate of 230-260 bps.
• QNu Labs’ Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT) system keeps the transmitter and receiver aligned over the link.
• The trial combined two layers: Armos, QNu Labs’ hardware-based QKD device; and Vedic Kavach, BISAG-N’s software-based post-quantum cryptography (PQC) platform with quantum random number generation (QRNG).
• The combined design stays resilient even if the physical quantum channel is temporarily unavailable.

Significance & Strategic Applications

• Safer communication: QKD shares encryption keys in a way that exposes any eavesdropping, giving stronger security for sensitive data.
• Ready for the quantum era: Future quantum computers may break today’s encryption (such as RSA), so QKD and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) help protect long-term secrets.
• Layered security: The trial combined hardware QKD (Armos) with software PQC (Vedic Kavach), so communication can continue even if the quantum channel fails.
• Lab to field: A real 5.56 km link with a QBER below 5% shows the technology can work outside the laboratory.
• Base for satellites: Free-space links need no cables and are the foundation for satellite-based quantum communication over longer distances.
• National security: Quantum-safe channels can protect defence, government and critical infrastructure networks.
• Self-reliance: An Indian start-up, BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar built it together, supporting the National Quantum Mission and Atmanirbharta.
• Limitation: The key rate (230-260 bps) and distance are small, so this is a proof of concept and not yet a national network.

Why in News?

• NABKISAN Finance Ltd., a NABARD subsidiary, listed India’s first Social Bond dedicated to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) on the NSE on 1 October 2026.
• The bond raised ₹180 crore to support WASH facilities in rural and underserved areas.

Key Features & Bond Structure

• A Social Bond is a debt instrument whose proceeds are used only for projects with a positive social outcome, such as water, health, housing or education.
• The bond is a five-year instrument with a coupon of 8.10% and maturity in September 2031.
• It is rated CRISIL AAA (Stable) and CARE AAA (Stable), the highest domestic credit ratings.
• Water.org acted as Technical Advisor and Knowledge Partner.

NABARD, Bond Types & Regulatory Framework

• NABARD: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development is India’s apex development finance institution for agriculture and rural development.
• It was set up on 12 July 1982 under the NABARD Act, 1981, on the recommendation of the B. Sivaraman Committee, and is headquartered in Mumbai.
• Green bonds: fund environmental projects, such as renewable energy.
• Social bonds: fund projects with social benefits.
• Sustainability bonds: fund a mix of green and social projects.
• Sustainability-linked bonds: the bond’s terms depend on the issuer meeting sustainability targets, rather than on how the proceeds are used.
• Regulation: SEBI has a framework for ESG debt securities, which covers green, social and sustainability bonds.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, the global goal this bond supports.

Why in News?

• On Gandhi Jayanti, over 1,850 Gram Panchayats and villages observed Jal Arpan under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0.
• For the first time, Har Ghar Jal Certificates were issued in regional languages, with 346 certificates generated.

Key Features & Implementation Mechanism

• Jal Arpan: Under JJM 2.0, completed water supply schemes are formally handed over to Gram Panchayats and VWSCs for operation and maintenance.
• Digital Module: The Jal Arpan module records the handover digitally and supports local management.
• Har Ghar Jal Certificate: Available in Hindi, English and 17 regional languages.
• Coverage: Over 15.96 crore rural households (82%+) have tap water connections under JJM.

JJM Framework, Funding & Constitutional Linkages

• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Launched on 15 August 2019 to provide Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) to rural households. It is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• JJM 2.0: Focuses on sustainable water supply, better services and community ownership beyond the original 2024 target.
• Funding: Costs are shared by the Centre and States, with greater Central support for North-Eastern and Himalayan States.
• Constitutional Link: Drinking water is included in the Eleventh Schedule (Entry 11) under Article 243G, linked to Panchayati Raj.

Why in News?

• An Indian Parliamentary Delegation, led by Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, is attending the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, from 5–9 October 2026.
• The theme focuses on good governance, inclusion, trust and empowering communities.

IPU: Structure, Membership & India’s Linkage

• IPU: The global organisation of national parliaments, founded in 1889 by Frédéric Passy and William Randal Cremer.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
• Membership: Its members are national parliaments, not governments or individuals. It has about 180 member parliaments.
• Assemblies: Held twice a year, and they are the main policy-making meetings of the IPU.
• Governing Council: The main decision-making body of the IPU, with representatives of member parliaments.
• UN link: The IPU has permanent observer status at the United Nations.
• Focus areas: Democracy, human rights (including through its Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians), gender equality, peace and sustainable development.
• India’s link: India’s participation is organised through the Indian Parliamentary Group, which is the IPU’s national group for India. The Lok Sabha Speaker typically chairs it, and the Rajya Sabha Chairman is also associated with it.

Why in News?

• The Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) launched Special Campaign 6.0 on 2 October 2026 to promote cleanliness across ICAR institutes.
• At ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute (CCARI), Goa, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan honoured Safai Mitras under the Shramik Samman programme.

Key Activities & Campaign Components

• Activities included Shramdaan, plogging, Special Gram Sabhas and Swachhata Sabhas, dustbin distribution, and plantation under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam“.
• The campaign also promoted vermicomposting of water hyacinth and the systematic review and disposal of old files.

Institutional Framework, Schemes & Key Concepts

• ICAR: India’s apex body for agricultural research, education and extension. Established in 1929, headquartered in New Delhi.
• DARE: Established in 1973 under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare; ICAR works as an autonomous body under it.
• Swachh Bharat Mission: Launched on 2 October 2014; 2 October is observed as Swachh Bharat Diwas.
• Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: Tree plantation campaign launched on 5 June 2024 (World Environment Day).
• Plogging: Combining jogging with picking up litter; originated in Sweden.
• Vermicomposting: Uses earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.
• Water Hyacinth: An invasive aquatic weed that can block water bodies.