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Which Country is the Largest Producer of Tamarind in the World?

Did you know that tamarind is one of the most widely used tropical fruits in the world? Its sweet and tangy pulp is used in many dishes, sauces, drinks, and traditional remedies. Because of its unique flavor and long shelf life, tamarind has become an important crop in several warm regions.

Tamarind trees grow best in hot climates with plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil. These long-living trees can produce fruit for many decades, making them valuable for farmers and rural communities. The hardy nature of the tree also allows it to grow in areas with limited rainfall.

Many countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America cultivate tamarind on a large scale. The fruit is widely used in local cuisines, especially in curries, chutneys, soups, and beverages. It is also an important ingredient in the food processing industry.

Global demand for tamarind has increased over the years due to its culinary, medicinal, and nutritional value. As a result, some countries have developed large plantations and efficient harvesting systems to meet both domestic and international demand.

Among all producing nations, one country clearly stands out as the largest producer of tamarind in the world, playing a major role in the global supply of this popular tropical fruit.

Largest Producer of Tamarind in the World

India is the largest producer of tamarind in the world. Tamarind trees grow widely across the country, both in farms and in natural landscapes. Because the fruit is an important ingredient in Indian cuisine and food industries, the country produces large quantities every year to meet domestic and regional demand.

What is Imli called in English?

The Hindi word “Imli” is called tamarind in English. Tamarind is the fruit of the tamarind tree and is known for its sour pulp, which is used to add flavor to many dishes.

Major Tamarind Producing States in India

Tamarind is mainly produced in the southern and central parts of India. The warm climate and dry conditions in these regions support healthy tree growth. Major producing states include Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Maharashtra. These states contribute a large share of the country’s total tamarind production.

Why India Produces the Most Tamarind?

There are several reasons why India leads global tamarind production. The country has a climate that suits tamarind trees perfectly, with warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall. Tamarind is also widely used in Indian cooking, which creates strong demand. In addition, the trees grow naturally in many rural and forest areas, increasing overall production.

Ideal Climate for Tamarind Cultivation

Tamarind trees grow best in tropical and subtropical climates. They require warm temperatures, moderate rainfall, and long dry seasons for proper fruit development. These climatic conditions are found in many parts of India, making the country highly suitable for tamarind farming.

Economic Importance of Tamarind

Tamarind plays an important role in India’s food and agricultural economy. The fruit is used in food processing, spice mixtures, beverages, and sauces. Tamarind products are also traded in domestic markets and exported to nearby countries, contributing to regional trade.

Uses of Tamarind

Tamarind has many uses in everyday life. Its pulp is used to prepare curries, chutneys, soups, and drinks. In addition to cooking, tamarind is also used in traditional medicine, natural food preservation, and pharmaceutical products.

Interesting Facts About Tamarind

Tamarind trees are long-living plants and can produce fruit for many decades. The tree is considered a multipurpose resource because almost every part of it is useful. The pulp is used for food, the seeds are used in industrial products, and the wood can be used for various purposes. Tamarind has also been part of Indian agriculture and food culture for centuries.

Which Country is the Largest Olives Producer in the World?

Did you know that olives have been grown for thousands of years and are considered one of the oldest cultivated fruits in the world? These small fruits are widely used to make olive oil, a key ingredient in many cuisines. Because of their rich taste and health benefits, olives are produced in many countries with warm climates.

Olive trees grow best in regions that have mild winters and hot, dry summers. This type of climate is commonly found around the Mediterranean region, where olive farming has been an important part of agriculture for centuries. Many farmers depend on olive cultivation for their livelihood.

Today, olives are used in a wide variety of foods such as salads, pizzas, pasta, and traditional dishes. Olive oil, which is extracted from the fruit, is also highly valued for cooking and for its nutritional benefits. As a result, global demand for olives and olive oil continues to grow.

Because of this rising demand, several countries cultivate olives on a very large scale. However, one particular country stands out for producing more olives than any other nation in the world.

In the following sections, we will explore which country holds the top position in olive production and why it has become the world’s leading producer.

Which Country Produces the Most Olives?

Spain is the largest producer of olives in the world. The country contributes a significant portion of the global olive supply each year. Large-scale olive farming, modern agricultural methods, and strong export demand help maintain its top position in global production.

Olive cultivation plays an important role in Spain’s agricultural economy. The crop supports thousands of farmers and contributes significantly to the country’s food processing and export industries.

Main Olive-Farming Region in Spain

Most olive production in Spain takes place in the southern region of Andalusia. This area contains vast olive groves that stretch across the countryside and produce millions of tons of olives every year.

Within Andalusia, provinces such as Jaén, Córdoba, and Seville are especially known for large olive plantations. These regions have ideal environmental conditions that help olive trees grow well and produce high-quality fruit.

Check This: Which City is known as the Apple Capital of India?

Why Spain Leads Global Olive Production?

Here are the reasons why Spain holds the title of largest olives producer in the world:

Large Cultivation Area

Spain has millions of hectares of land dedicated to olive farming. Huge plantations spread across southern parts of the country, allowing farmers to produce olives on a very large scale.

Modern Farming Techniques

Spanish farmers use advanced irrigation systems, modern harvesting machines, and improved farming practices. These technologies help increase productivity and ensure efficient harvesting.

Strong Agricultural Infrastructure

The country has a well-developed agricultural network that includes processing plants, storage facilities, and transportation systems. This infrastructure supports large-scale production and distribution of olives and olive products.

Climate Conditions Ideal for Olive Trees

Olive trees grow best in regions with warm summers and mild winters. Spain’s Mediterranean climate provides the perfect environment for this crop. The country receives plenty of sunshine, moderate rainfall, and suitable temperatures that allow olive trees to thrive.

These favorable climate conditions help maintain stable production and ensure good-quality fruit each season.

Spain as the Largest Exporter of Olives

Spain is not only the largest producer but also one of the biggest exporters of olives and olive-based products. The country supplies large quantities of table olives and olive oil to markets around the world.

Spanish olive oil is widely used in cooking and food processing. Strong international demand has helped Spain build a powerful export industry that supports farmers and agricultural businesses.

Other Major Olive-Producing Countries

Although Spain leads global production, several other countries also grow olives on a large scale. Important producers include Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Tunisia.

These countries also benefit from Mediterranean climate conditions, but their production levels are generally lower than Spain’s total output.

Interesting Facts About Olive Production in Spain

  • Long History of Olive Farming: Olive cultivation in Spain dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations in the Mediterranean region introduced olive farming, and it has remained an important agricultural activity ever since.
  • Production for Both Food and Oil: Spain produces olives for direct consumption as well as for making olive oil. This dual purpose strengthens the country’s agricultural industry and ensures continuous demand.
  • Global Demand for Spanish Olives: Spanish olives and olive oil are exported to many countries worldwide. High-quality production and strong trade networks make Spain a key supplier in the international olive market.

President Droupadi Murmu Launches 4 Major Women Welfare Schemes in Delhi

Honorable President Droupadi Murmu on March 2 2026, launched four women-centric welfare schemes of the Delhi Government at the “Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi” programme in New Delhi. The initiatives focus on improving mobility, safety and financial support for women. Among the key highlights was the launch of the Pink National Common Mobility Card and a scheme providing two free LPG cylinders annually to ration card-holding families during Holi and Diwali.

Pink National Common Mobility Card: A Major Step for Women’s Mobility

Key Features of Pink National Common Mobility Card

  • The Pink National Common Mobility Card aims to provide seamless and integrated access to public transport.
  • It supports women’s free bus travel and improves connectivity across Delhi’s transport network.
  • The card promotes cashless, digital ticketing across buses and other transit systems.
  • It enhances safety and convenience for women commuters.

President Droupadi Murmu stated that integrated transport access strengthens women’s independence and ensures safer movement in urban spaces.

Free LPG Cylinders Scheme for Ration Card Holders

One of the most impactful announcements during the launch of the women welfare schemes was the provision of two free LPG cylinders annually.

Highlights of the LPG Support Scheme

  • Beneficiaries: Ration card holding families in Delhi.
  • Frequency: Two free cylinders every year.
  • Distribution Period: During Holi and Diwali festivals.
  • Objective: Reduce household financial burden and promote clean cooking fuel usage.

The scheme is expected to benefit economically weaker households and encourage cleaner energy adoption in the capital.

Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana: Financial Security for Girl Child

The third initiative, Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, focuses on long-term financial empowerment of daughters.

Key Provisions

  • ₹56,000 deposited in installments in the name of a girl child.
  • Amount expected to exceed ₹1 lakh with interest by age 21.
  • Maturity amount transferred to Aadhaar-linked bank account upon meeting educational criteria.

Eligibility

  • Annual family income up to ₹1.20 lakh.
  • Delhi residence for last three years.
  • Girl child born in Delhi.
  • Limited to two living girl children per family.
  • Applicable to those pursuing graduate or professional diplomas from recognised institutions.

This scheme aims to promote education and long-term financial stability for girls.

Meri Punji Mera Adhikaar: Ensuring Financial Rights

  • The fourth scheme, Meri Punji Mera Adhikaar which is focuses on clearing pending financial dues and ensuring citizens financial rights are addressed transparently.
  • The initiative strengthens accountability and improves the delivery of government financial commitments in a time-bound manner.

‘Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi’ Programme: Vision Behind the Schemes

The event titled “Sashakt Nari, Samriddh Delhi” reflects the broader goal of empowering women socially and economically.

The four women welfare schemes launched under this initiative focus on,

  • Mobility and safety through the Pink National Common Mobility Card.
  • Financial relief via free LPG cylinders.
  • Strengthening access to public infrastructure.
  • Promoting women’s independence in daily life.

President Droupadi Murmu emphasised that such measures help create a more inclusive and progressive urban environment.

Question

Q. Which card was launched to improve women’s transport access in Delhi?

A) Smart Travel Card
B) Pink National Common Mobility Card
C) Delhi Metro Pink Pass
D) Women Safety Travel Card

Varanasi Creates Guinness Record for Mega Plantation Campaign

Varanasi has entered the Guinness World Records by planting 2,51,446 saplings within one hour. The mega plantation drive was conducted at Sujabad Domari area and successfully surpassed China’s 2018 record of 1,53,981 saplings. The record was officially verified through drone monitoring and a digital counting system, marking a major milestone in India’s urban afforestation efforts.

Guinness World Records: How Varanasi Beat China’s Plantation Record

The plantation drive took place over nearly 350 bighas of land developed as an urban forest.

  • 2,51,446 saplings were planted in exactly one hour and breaking China’s previous 2018 Guinness World Records entry.
  • The record was confirmed by Guinness adjudicator Rishinath after verification through drone surveillance and digital counting systems.
  • The certificate was presented to Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari and Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal.
  • The event was coordinated by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation along with multiple government departments and social organisations.

This achievement has positioned Varanasi as a new global benchmark in mass plantation drives.

Sujabad Domari Urban Forest Developed with Miyawaki Technique

The plantation site at Sujabad Domari has been transformed into an urban forest.

  • The Miyawaki technique was used, a Japanese method that promotes dense and fast-growing forests.
  • Officials expect the area to turn into a thick green cover within 2-3 years.
  • A total of 27 native species were planted, including sheesham, Arjun, teak, bamboo, mango, guava, papaya, ashwagandha, shatavari and giloy.
  • The forest area has been divided into 60 sectors, each named after famous ghats of Kashi such as Dashashwamedh, Manikarnika, Kedar, and Lalita.

Each sector saw plantation of over 4,000 saplings, ensuring uniform distribution across the site.

Massive Participation in the Guinness World Records Drive

The Guinness World Records plantation event witnessed participation from,

  • Indian Army personnel
  • NDRF and CRPF teams
  • Civil DefenSe and Provincial Armed Constabulary
  • Forest and Agriculture Departments
  • Namami Gange and DUDA teams
  • Thousands of students, NCC cadets and NSS volunteers

This large-scale coordination ensured the successful execution of planting 2.51 lakh saplings within the stipulated time.

Irrigation and Survival Plan for 2.51 Lakh Saplings

To ensure long term survival of the saplings planted under the Guinness World Records initiative:

  • A 10.8-km pipeline network has been installed.
  • The system is supported by 10 borewells.
  • Around 360 rain gun irrigation systems have been deployed.

Officials stated that the project is also expected to generate revenue for the Municipal Corporation through an agreement with a private agency, with projected earnings beginning from the third year.

Question

Q. Varanasi entered the Guinness World Records for planting how many saplings in one hour?

A) 1,53,981
B) 2,00,000
C) 2,51,446
D) 3,00,000

Alyssa Healy Smashes 158 in Final ODI For Australia & Bid To Good Bye For Game

The former Australia Captain Alyssa Healy retired from all forms of cricket. When Alyssa Healy walked out for her final ODI in Hobart, she avoided talk of retirement and legacy. The Australian captain smashed a breathtaking 158 off 98 balls, powering Australia to 409/7 and handing India a crushing 185 run defeat. It was a farewell innings that summed up her fearless, attacking style and ensured her ODI career ended on the highest possible note.

Alyssa Healy’s Final ODI Inning

  • Match Venue: Hobart
  • Australia’s Score: 409/7
  • Alyssa Healy’s Knock: 158 off 98 balls
  • India’s Reply: 224 all out in 45.1 overs
  • Result: Australia won by 185 runs

The Alyssa Healy 158 was almost flawless. She reached her first 50 in 49 balls, accelerated to her next 50 in 30 balls, and then blasted her final 50 in just 16 deliveries. It was a masterclass in pacing an innings.

The Acceleration: How Alyssa Healy Destroyed India’s Bowling

  • The innings began with controlled strokeplay, targeting square regions with cuts and pulls.
  • After settling in, Alyssa Healy shifted gears dramatically.
  • She punished young spinner Sree Charani, smashing 23 runs in a single over.
  • Her shots ranged from lofted drives over cover to powerful slogs over long on.
  • Even cramps couldn’t slow her down. With renewed energy, she unleashed a brutal assault that left India struggling to contain the scoring.
  • Interestingly, Healy even bowled two overs later in the match the first time she rolled her arm over in international cricket adding a light-hearted twist to her farewell.

Alyssa Healy ODI Career: Numbers That Define Greatness

Before the Hobart ODI 2026, Alyssa Healy had already built an impressive record:

  • Matches: 125 ODIs
  • Runs: 3,619
  • Average: 35.83
  • Centuries: 7 (now 8 with this 158)
  • Half-centuries: 19
  • Career Strike Rate: 100.69

Finishing with a strike rate above 100 in women’s ODI cricket  especially having debuted in 2010 highlights how ahead of her time Alyssa Healy was as an aggressive opener.

Question

Q. How many runs did Alyssa Healy score in her final ODI match?

A) 146
B) 158
C) 171
D) 132

Kuno National Park Records First Sighting of Endangered Forest Owlet

Just days before the arrival of eight Botswana cheetahs, a major wildlife surprise emerged from Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The park has recorded its first ever sighting of the endangered Forest Owlet. This rare bird which is listed as “Endangered” by the IUCN. It was never documented in Kuno earlier. The discovery significantly expands the known range of the Forest Owlet and signals positive ecological changes in the region under Project Cheetah.

Forest Owlet Found in Kuno National Park

  • First official sighting: The Forest Owlet was spotted in the Parond Beat area of Kuno National Park by local tourism operator Labh Yadav during a routine field visit.
  • Scientific confirmation: Wildlife expert Vivek Patel from the Wildlife Research and Conservation Society, Pune confirmed the identification on the spot.
  • IUCN Status: The Forest Owlet is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, with a global adult population estimated between 250 and 999 individuals.
  • Ecological impact: Officials believe the sighting reflects improving habitat conditions due to conservation efforts linked with Botswana cheetahs and Project Cheetah.
  • Future surveys: The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has announced further surveys to assess the Forest Owlet’s distribution in and around Kuno National Park.

Why Forest Owlet in Kuno National Park Is Significant

  • The Forest Owlet, also known as Blewitt’s Owl is one of the world’s rarest raptors.
  • It was first discovered in 1872 by Irish naturalist F.R. Blewitt in eastern Madhya Pradesh.
  • After 1884, it was believed to be extinct.
  • It was rediscovered after 113 years in 1997 in Maharashtra’s Nandurbar district which is creating global excitement in ornithology.
  • Earlier in Madhya Pradesh, the Forest Owlet was found only in districts such as Khandwa, Burhanpur and Betul, which border Maharashtra.
  • The new sighting in Kuno National Park marks a major expansion in its known geographical range.

Forest Owlet and Botswana Cheetahs: Link with Project Cheetah

  • The Forest Owlet sighting comes just before the arrival of eight Botswana cheetahs under Project Cheetah India’s ambitious wildlife reintroduction program.
  • According to senior forest officials, habitat restoration and grassland management for cheetahs may have indirectly improved forest ecosystems.
  • This has likely created better living conditions for species like the Forest Owlet.
  • Unlike most owls that are nocturnal, the Forest Owlet is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day, especially between 6 am and 10 am.
  • It is often seen perched on tall trees even under strong sunlight — a rare trait among owls.

About Forest Owlet

  • The Forest Owlet (Athene blewitti) is endemic to central India, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world.
  • It prefers dry deciduous forests with teak trees.
  • The species faces threats from deforestation, habitat fragmentation and agricultural expansion.

Currently, its presence is recorded in parts of,

  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Maharashtra (Melghat, Toranmal)
  • Gujarat (Dangs, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary)

With Kuno National Park now added to this list, conservationists see new hope for the survival of this endangered species.

Question

Q. The Forest Owlet is currently listed under which category of the IUCN Red List?

A) Vulnerable
B) Critically Endangered
C) Endangered
D) Near Threatened

A Tribe With No Word for “Time”? Inside the Unique World of the Amondawa

The Amondawa tribe, a small Indigenous community in the Amazon rainforest which appears to experience life differently from most modern societies. Their language reportedly has no word for “time”, no months, no years and no numerical ages. Instead of marking life by birthdays or calendars, people move through socially defined life stages and roles. Daily life centres on immediate needs, relationships, and the surrounding natural world rather than abstract schedules or future timelines.

Amondawa Tribe and the “No Word for Time” Claim

The Amondawa tribe first came to wider attention in 1986.

  • Researchers from the University of Portsmouth and the Federal University of Rondonia studied their language and culture.
  • According to Professor Chris Sinha, the tribe can describe events but does not treat time as an independent concept.
  • Time does not “float above events” as an abstract framework.

Importantly, this does not mean the Amondawa cannot understand sequences of events. They clearly can distinguish before and after.

No Clocks, No Years: Life Organized by Stages

The Amondawa do not count age in years.

  • Individuals are identified by life stages, social roles or achievements.
  • Transitions in life are marked by ceremonies and responsibilities not dates.
  • There is no mapping of events onto weeks, months or calendars.
  • The focus remains on events themselves rather than on a linear timeline.

In this system, life is experienced as a series of meaningful changes rather than as movement along a numbered scale of years.

Spatial Mapping of Time: A Missing Concept?

In many languages, people describe time using space-based metaphors. For example,

  • The future is “ahead.”
  • The past is “behind.”
  • The Amondawa reportedly do not use such spatial mapping of time. Words describing movement are used literally for physical landscapes rivers, forests, hills  not for abstract temporal concepts.
  • Some researchers suggest that the absence of clocks, calendars, and advanced number systems may influence this linguistic pattern. Without “time technology,” abstract time may not develop as a separate cultural category.

Amondawa Language and Portuguese Influence

The Amondawa are increasingly exposed to Portuguese.

  • Researchers report they can learn and use temporal concepts from other languages.
  • This suggests abstract time is not beyond their cognitive ability.
  • Rather, it is simply not central to their traditional cultural framework.

As integration with wider Brazilian society grows, traditional ways of thinking about events and life stages may gradually change.

Question

Q. The Amondawa tribe primarily organizes life based on,

A. Calendar years
B. Clock time
C. Life stages and roles
D. Astrological charts

West Bengal Signs MoU with GIZ for Ichhamati & Jalangi Basin Masterplans?

The Government of West Bengal has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with German development agency GIZ and the State Mission for Clean Ganga (SMCG) to prepare basin-based masterplans for the Ichhamati and Jalangi rivers. The agreement, signed on February 23, 2026 which marks the first structured basin level river planning initiative in the state. While experts have welcomed the move and activists stress that implementation and community consultation will determine its success.

Basin-Based Masterplan for Ichhamati and Jalangi Rivers

The project falls under the State’s ‘Nodi Bandhan’ initiative which is announced in the 2025-26 budget with an allocation of ₹200 crore. The objective is to develop comprehensive, basin-based masterplans for river sub basins across West Bengal.

Out of the state’s 39 river sub basins, Ichhamati and Jalangi have been selected first.

The tripartite agreement involves,

  • Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
  • State Mission for Clean Ganga (SMCG)
  • West Bengal’s Irrigation and Waterways Department

The initiative aligns with the broader goals of the National Mission for Clean Ganga.

Scope of the Masterplans: What Will Be Done?

According to officials, the basin-based masterplan for the Ichhamati and Jalangi rivers will focus on,

  • Ensuring increased water flow through dredging.
  • Diverting surplus water from other basins.
  • Removing pollution and environmental hazards.
  • Minimizing riverbank erosion.
  • Enhancing groundwater recharge.
  • Flood mitigation measures.
  • Boosting irrigation supply.

The planning process is expected to be completed within one year, after which implementation will begin upon regulatory approvals.

Why Ichhamati and Jalangi Are at Risk

Ichhamati River

The Ichhamati river flows for nearly 200 km between India and Bangladesh and forms part of the international boundary.

Key challenges include,

  • Severe siltation and stagnation.
  • Rampant pollution from Basirhat, Hasnabad and Taki.
  • Industrial and domestic waste discharge.
  • Water hyacinth infestation.
  • Eutrophication due to excessive nutrients.
  • Decline in fisheries and local livelihoods.

The river is also a vital source of sediment for the Sundarbans delta.

Jalangi River

The Jalangi river, a distributary of the Ganga (Padma in Bangladesh), flows through Murshidabad and Nadia before merging with the Bhagirathi-Hooghly.

Major concerns include,

  • Heavy siltation reducing water flow.
  • Municipal sewage discharge in Krishnanagar.
  • Industrial effluents.
  • Toxic heavy metals like nickel and iron.
  • Severe riverbank erosion.

Experts warn that shifting of the Padma channel has accelerated siltation at the offtake point and turning sections of the river shallow and nearly non-functional outside the monsoon.

Transboundary River Management Challenges

Both Ichhamati and Jalangi are transboundary rivers, meaning that actions upstream in Bangladesh influence water flow and quality in India.

Some concerns include,

  • Polluted water inflow from across the border.
  • Reduced upstream water discharge.
  • Lack of coordinated international river governance.

Sustainable revival will require diplomatic and hydrological coordination beyond state-level planning.

Implementation: The Real Test Ahead

River experts have welcomed the masterplan initiative but cautioned that implementation remains the key challenge.

Kalyan Rudra, river expert and chairman of the State Pollution Control Board, noted that water flow in these rivers is gradually receding due to upstream changes.

Local activists have raised concerns about,

  • Encroachments along riverbanks.
  • Illegal fencing of river stretches.
  • Waste dumping.
  • Hyacinth overgrowth.
  • Lack of enforcement of environmental norms.

India’s Transboundary Rivers by Neighboring Countries

India-Bangladesh (54 rivers shared)

River Key Facts/Issues
Ganga (Padma in Bangladesh) Tributaries: Left – Gomti, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi; Right – Yamuna, Son, Punpun, Damodar.
Ghaghara Origin: Tibetan Plateau; joins Ganga near Patna; high monsoon discharge.
Son Flows 487 miles from Kaimur Range; joins Ganga above Patna.
Teesta Originates in Himalayas; flows through Sikkim & West Bengal; Bangladesh seeks fair water allocation.
Feni 1,147 km² catchment; 535 km² in India; bridge: Maitri Setu links India & Bangladesh.
Kushiyara Distributary of Barak; starts in Assam, tributaries from Nagaland & Manipur.
Brahmaputra (Jamuna in Bangladesh) Origin: Chemayungdung glacier (Tibet); tributaries: Subansiri, Kameng, Manas, Dhansiri; joins Ganga in Bangladesh to form Padma.
Meghna Formed by Surma & Kushiyara; meets Padma in Chandpur.

India-China

  • Brahmaputra/Yarlung Tsangpo: Eastern side; tributaries Subansiri & Lohit.
  • Indus River System: Western side; tributaries include Sutlej.
  • Agreements: 2 MoUs for hydrological info from China.

India-Pakistan

  • Indus River System: Includes Indus, Sutlej, Chenab, Jhelum, Beas, Ravi.
  • Treaty: 1960 Indus Waters Treaty: Allocates western rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum) to Pakistan, eastern rivers (Beas, Ravi, Sutlej) to India.

India-Nepal

  • Major rivers: Kosi, Gandak, Rapti, Narayani, Kali/Sharda.

Question

Q. The Ichhamati river is a transboundary river between India and,

A. Nepal
B. Bhutan
C. Bangladesh
D. Myanmar

Maharashtra Launches Divyang Sahayak Portal for Easy Online Disability Schemes

Maharashtra State government has launched the Divyang Sahayak Portal. Which is described as India’s first fully integrated online platform for disability welfare schemes. Announced in February 2026 the portal removes paperwork and physical visits for persons with disabilities. It enables online applications, real-time tracking, automatic approvals, and AI-based grievance redressal. The initiative aims to strengthen implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and ensure faster, transparent delivery of benefits.

What Is Divyang Sahayak Portal?

The Divyang Sahayak Portal is a one stop digital platform for persons with disabilities in Maharashtra.

  • It allows citizens to search, apply and track welfare schemes without remembering scheme names.
  • The system uses demographic data to automatically suggest eligible schemes.
  • It eliminates manual paperwork and reduces procedural delays.
  • Officials say it improves implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
  • The entire process from application to approval is handled online.
  • Built-in timelines ensure that applications are not stuck at any stage.

The Divyang Sahayak Portal aims to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left out.

Key Features of Divyang Sahayak Portal in Maharashtra

Fully digital application process for individuals and institutions.

  • No need to submit physical documents.
  • Real-time tracking of application status.
  • Built-in Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure timely approvals.
  • Auto-forward system if officials delay action.
  • Integrated grievance redressal mechanism.
  • Dedicated department dashboard for monitoring.

The Divyang Sahayak Portal is designed to improve transparency and accountability in welfare scheme delivery.

Technology Behind Divyang Sahayak Portal: API and AI Integration

The portal uses Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to connect with existing government databases.

  • Currently integrated with Unique Disability ID (UDID) system.
  • Linked with Aadhaar through Meri Pehchan and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) platform.
  • Integration with PAN, GST, bank details, e-Sign and other systems is underway.
  • AI tools scan uploaded documents and flag incomplete files.
  • AI helps in grievance redressal by sorting and summarising complaints.

The use of AI and API makes the Divyang Sahayak Portal faster and more efficient.

Modules of Divyang Sahayak Portal: Complete Digital Structure

The portal is structured into 11 modules.

  • Currently, four modules are ready to go live.
  • Includes unified scheme delivery system.
  • Citizen grievance redressal system.
  • Institution information management system.
  • Digital marketplace for persons with disabilities.
  • Budget utilisation monitoring tools.
  • Accessibility audit management.
  • Early intervention centre and rehabilitation centre management.
  • Remaining modules will be launched in phases to expand the Divyang Sahayak Portal’s capabilities.

About Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016

  • The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 replaced the earlier 1995 law to expand rights and protections for persons with disabilities in India.
  • It increased the number of recognised disabilities from 7 to 21 and strengthened provisions for education, employment, accessibility and social security.
  • The Act mandates government departments to ensure equal opportunities and proper implementation of welfare schemes.
  • The Divyang Sahayak Portal directly supports this law by improving access, transparency and monitoring of disability benefits in Maharashtra.

Question

Q. Which state launched the Divyang Sahayak Portal?

A) Gujarat
B) Maharashtra
C) Karnataka
D) Tamil Nadu

Japan, South Korea, Malaysia Partner with Gujarat to Strengthen Chip Ecosystem

Gujarat’s semiconductor ecosystem has received a fresh investment push of over ₹1,600 crore. This comes from with proposals from Japan, South Korea and Malaysia aimed at strengthening the state’s chip manufacturing value chain. Announced during the Gujarat Semiconnect conference in Gandhinagar, the investments span manufacturing units, semiconductor chemicals, advanced instrumentation, R&D centres and high tech startups. The move reinforces Gujarat’s growing status as a semiconductor hub following major projects in Sanand and Dholera.

Gujarat Semiconductor Ecosystem ₹1,600 Crore Investment Push

The ₹1,600 crore semiconductor boost reflects increasing global confidence in Gujarat’s electronics sector. The investments aim to build an end to end semiconductor ecosystem, covering raw materials, advanced equipment, manufacturing and innovation.

Countries involved include,

  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Malaysia

These proposals complement existing large-scale semiconductor projects in Gujarat.

Japan’s Horiba Group to Set Up R&D Centre in Ahmedabad

Japan’s Horiba Group, through its Indian arm Horiba India Pvt Ltd, signed an MoU with the Gujarat government to establish a dedicated R&D centre in Ahmedabad.

The centre will focus on,

  • Semiconductor grade mass flow controllers
  • Advanced instrumentation technologies

This move enhances local R&D capabilities and supports precision manufacturing within the Gujarat semiconductor ecosystem.

Malaysia’s Hotayi Electronic to Invest ₹250 Crore in Sanand

Malaysia based Hotayi Electronic signed an agreement to establish a ₹250 crore electronics manufacturing facility at Sanand GIDC.

Key details,

  • Focus on SSD and memory module production
  • Supply high-precision components for semiconductor industries
  • Expected to create employment for around 1,000 people
  • Sanand continues to evolve as a key electronics and semiconductor manufacturing cluster.

Semiconductor Grade Chemicals and Equipment Manufacturing

A major proposal includes,

  • ₹750 crore facility by Hi-Spec Ltd to manufacture semiconductor grade hydrofluoric acid a critical chemical for wafer processing.
  • Additionally, Kiansh International Technologies, in collaboration with a South Korean partner, will invest ₹25 crore to manufacture gas abatement systems and scrubbers for semiconductor and solar industries.
  • These investments strengthen upstream supply chain resilience within the Gujarat semiconductor ecosystem.

Rohm Semiconductor Partners with Suchi Semicon

Japanese chipmaker Rohm Semiconductor has partnered with Gujarat based Suchi Semicon.

The partnership will bring,

  • IC packaging capabilities
  • Test solutions for domestic and global markets

This collaboration integrates advanced packaging expertise into the local semiconductor value chain.

₹500 Crore Boost for High-Tech Startup SpectraGaze

Kaynes Semicon, a subsidiary of Kaynes Technology India Ltd, has committed ₹500 crore to Ahmedabad-based startup SpectraGaze Systems.

The investment aims to advance capabilities in,

  • Outer space imaging
  • Semiconductor technologies
  • High tech innovation areas

This signals a shift toward deep-tech and space-linked semiconductor applications.

Building an End to End Semiconductor Ecosystem

The ₹1,600 crore investment wave represents a deliberate strategy to build a resilient semiconductor ecosystem in Gujarat.

It covers,

  • Raw materials (hydrofluoric acid)
  • Manufacturing units
  • IC packaging and testing
  • Advanced instrumentation
  • R&D centres
  • High-tech startups

Such diversification reduces import dependence and strengthens India’s role in the global semiconductor value chain.

Gujarat’s Semiconductor Momentum

  • Gujarat has emerged as a focal point of India’s semiconductor ambitions, with large projects in Sanand and Dholera drawing global attention.
  • Policy support, land availability and industrial infrastructure have accelerated investment inflows.
  • The ₹1,600 crore semiconductor ecosystem boost further consolidates Gujarat’s position as a preferred destination for electronics and chip manufacturing investments.

Question

Q. The ₹750 crore investment in Gujarat’s semiconductor ecosystem is for manufacturing,

A) Lithium batteries
B) Hydrofluoric acid
C) Solar panels
D) Memory chips

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