Prelims Pinpointer 30-04-2026

Green Tax

What is Green Tax?

• An environmental tax imposed on old and polluting vehicles.
• Aims to internalise environmental costs of vehicular emissions.
• Functions as a fiscal instrument to improve urban air quality.
• Key Provisions in India
  • Transport vehicles (>8 years): Tax levied during fitness certificate renewal.
  • Personal vehicles (>15 years): Tax imposed at registration renewal stage.
  • Tax rate: 10%–25% of road tax.
  • Public transport vehicles (e.g., buses) face relatively lower tax burden.

Objectives of Green Tax

• Reduce emissions of CO, NOx, and particulate matter (PM).
• Promote clean mobility (electric, hybrid, alternative fuels).
• Implement Polluter Pays Principle.
• Generate dedicated funds for pollution control measures.

Legal and Constitutional Basis

• Constitutional Provisions
  • Article 21: Right to life includes clean and healthy environment.
  • Article 48A: State to protect and improve environment.
  • Article 51A(g): Duty of citizens to protect natural environment.
• Statutory Backing
  • Motor Vehicles Act, 1988: Framework for registration and fitness renewal.
  • Air Act, 1981: Provides for control of air pollution.
  • Environment Protection Act, 1986: Empowers government for environmental regulation.

• Judicial Principle
  • Polluter Pays Principle: Polluters must bear environmental costs.
• Federal Aspect
  • Road tax and vehicle regulation fall under State jurisdiction.
  • States decide implementation and rate structure within central guidelines.

Green Tax vs Carbon Tax

Aspect	Green Tax	Carbon Tax
Scope	Transport sector	Economy-wide
Basis	Vehicle age, type, pollution	CO₂ emissions
Objective	Reduce local air pollution	Reduce greenhouse gases
Level	State-level implementation	National-level policy
Focus	PM, NOx, CO reduction	Climate change mitigation

Creamy Layer

About Creamy Layer

• Refers to the socially advanced and economically better-off section within OBCs.
• These individuals are excluded from reservation benefits in:
  • Education
  • Government jobs
  • Welfare schemes

Eligibility Criteria (Creamy Layer)

• Income Criterion
  • Annual family income exceeds ₹8 lakh.
• Service-Based Criteria
  • Children of Group A/Class I officers are excluded.
  • If a person is promoted to Group A before 40 years, children fall under creamy layer.
  • If both parents are Group B/Class II officers, children are excluded.
• Other Categories Included
  • Holders of constitutional posts.
  • PSU employees, professionals, businesspersons, and high-income groups.
  • Individuals with significant property/wealth holdings.
• Armed Forces Criteria
  • Officers above the rank of Lieutenant Colonel fall under creamy layer.

IN–SLN DIVEX 2026

Overview

• The India–Sri Lanka bilateral diving exercise (IN–SLN DIVEX 2026) was conducted in Colombo. It reflects strengthening maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Participating Forces
  • Indian Navy deployed INS Nireekshak.
  • Sri Lanka Navy participated with specialised diving teams.

Nature of Exercise

• Focus on underwater operations and diving expertise.
• Includes:
  • Deep-sea diving
  • Mixed gas diving drills
  • Search, rescue, and salvage operations

Objectives

• Enhance interoperability between Indian and Sri Lankan navies.
• Improve underwater search and rescue capabilities.
• Strengthen operational coordination and professional synergy.

Additional CooperationIndia provided BHISM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri) cubes.Portable medical units for disaster response and emergency care.

E-PRAAPTI Portal

Context: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to launch E-PRAAPTI portal. It aims to tracking and activation of inoperative EPF accounts through digital interface.

About E-PRAAPTI Portal

• Full form: EPF Aadhaar-Based Access Portal for Tracking Inoperative Accounts.
• A digital platform for:
  • Identification of old/inoperative EPF accounts
  • Linking with Universal Account Number (UAN)
  • Activation and profile updation
• Key Features
  • Uses Aadhaar-based authentication for secure access.
  • Initially member ID-based system.
  • Future expansion to include users without member ID details.
  • Reduces manual intervention and documentation burden.
• Key Terms
  • Inoperative EPF Account
    • EPF account with no contributions for a prolonged period.
  • Universal Account Number (UAN)
    • A unique 12-digit number assigned to EPFO members.
    • Enables portability and consolidation of multiple EPF accounts.

About Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)

• A statutory body established under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
• Administered by the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
• Governance Structure: Managed by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT).
  • Representatives of: Government (Central + State), Employers, Employees
• Major Schemes under EPFO
  • Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952 (EPF) for retirement savings.
  • Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 (EPS) for pension benefits.
  • Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 1976 (EDLI) for insurance cover.
• EPFiGMS (Grievance Portal)
  • EPF i-Grievance Management System (EPFiGMS) is a customised digital grievance redressal platform.
  • Enables:
    • Online complaint filing
    • Automatic routing to concerned office
    • Faster grievance resolution

World Gold Council (WGC)

About WGC

• A non-profit association of leading gold mining companies.
• Established in 1987 by major gold producers.
• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
• Comprises ~33 member companies, primarily gold mining firms.

Nature of Organisation

• Functions as a market development organisation for gold industry.
• Works to promote usage, demand, and sustainability of gold.

Key Objectives

• Maximise long-term growth of gold demand and industry potential.
• Promote gold consumption across sectors (jewellery, investment, technology).
• Ensure fairness and sustainability in gold mining practices.

Key Initiatives

• Quarterly Gold Demand Trends Report
  • Analysis based on:
    • Sector-wise demand (jewellery, investment, central banks)
    • Geographical distribution
• Key Contributions
  • Creator of the first Gold Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF).
  • Covers markets accounting for ~75% of global gold consumption.

E100 (100% Ethanol Fuel)

Context: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed recognising E100 (100% ethanol) as an approved automotive fuel. The amendment relates to Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), Rule 115 governing alternative fuels.

What is E100?

• E100 refers to 100% ethanol used as fuel in vehicles.
• Differs from blended fuels like:
  • E10: 10% ethanol
  • E20: 20% ethanol
  • E85: 85% ethanol
• E100 enables pure ethanol-powered vehicles, not just blended fuel systems.

Key Provision in Draft Notification

• Vehicles earlier approved for up to E85 can now be certified for E100.
• Enables homologation and type approval of E100-compatible vehicles.
  • Homologation is the official certification process ensuring that vehicles comply with:
    • Technical standards
    • Safety norms
    • Environmental regulations
• Role of Certification Agencies: Agencies like Automotive Research Association of India conduct testing and certification.

Vikram VT-21

Context: The DRDO has unveiled the Vikram VT-21 Advanced Armoured Platform. It is proposed as a potential solution for the Indian Army’s Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) requirement.

What is Vikram VT-21?

• An Advanced Armoured Platform (AAP) designed for modern battlefield conditions.
• Built with enhanced mobility, protection, and firepower capabilities.
• Variants
  • Wheeled variant: Faster, suited for roads and urban terrain.
  • Tracked variant:  Better grip and performance in rough/off-road terrain.

Key Features

• Mobility
  • High power-to-weight ratio ensures better speed and agility.
  • Capable of crossing obstacles, trenches, and steep terrains.
• Protection
  • Provides STANAG Level 4 & 5 protection (NATO standard).
  • Resistant to heavy gunfire, blasts, and artillery fragments.
• Amphibious Capability
  • Equipped with hydro-jet propulsion for water crossing.

Weapon Systems

• Fitted with 30 mm crewless (remotely operated) turret.
• Equipped with:
  • 7.62 mm PKT machine gun
  • Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM)
• Enhances precision strike capability against armoured targets.

What is FICV?

• Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) is a next-generation combat vehicle for Indian Army.
• Need
  • Replace ageing BMP-2 fleet (in service since 1980s).
  • Adapt to modern network-centric warfare.
• Network-Centric Warfare (Concept)
  • Integration of sensors, communication systems, and combat units.
  • Enables real-time information sharing and faster decision-making.

Mekong River

Basic Features

• Longest river in Southeast Asia.
• 7th longest in Asia and 12th longest in the world.
• Total length: ~4,350 km (2,700 miles).
• Drainage basin: ~795,000 sq km.

Origin & Course

• Originates in southeastern Qinghai (China) on the Tibetan Plateau.
• Source region: Sanjianyuang (Three-River Source Area).
• Countries Traversed (6): China → Myanmar → Laos → Thailand → Cambodia → Vietnam
• Important Cities: Vientiane (Laos) and Phnom Penh (Cambodia) lie on its banks.
• Drainage & Delta
  • Empties into the South China Sea near Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).
  • Forms the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam.
• Delta Significance
  • One of the world’s most fertile rice-producing regions.
  • Known as a major global rice bowl.

Tributaries

• Left-bank Tributaries (High Rainfall Areas)
  • Nam Ou
  • Nam Khan
  • Tha
• Right-bank Tributaries (Lower Relief Areas)
  • Ruak
  • Kok
  • Tonle Sap
  • Mun