Jalvahak Scheme
Jalvahak Scheme unveiled to boost cargo movement
- A cargo promotion initiative designed to incentivize the movement of long-haul cargo through India’s national waterways.
- Launched by – Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).
- Implementing Agencies – Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Inland & Coastal Shipping Limited (ICSL).
Perseverance Rover
NASA’s Perseverance Rover climbed to the top of Jezero crater rim on Mars.
- Target – Jezero Crater, Mars.
- Objective – Seek signs of ancient life and collect samples of rock and regolith (broken rock and soil) for possible Earth return.
- Carries a radioisotope power system (RPS) that produces a dependable electricity flow using the heat of plutonium-238‘s radioactive decay as its fuel.
Dark Eagle Anti Missile System
United States successfully tested the new Dark Eagle Anti-missile System.
- Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW)
- Jointly developed by – US Army and Navy.
- Features a 2-stage ballistic missile equipped with a gliding hypersonic warhead (C-HGB) capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 17.
Algorithmic Trading
SEBI proposed a framework to allow retail investors to participate in algorithmic trading through stock brokers.
- Also called Automated trading
- Uses a computer program that follows a defined set of instructions to place a trade.
- Key Provisions –
- Stock Brokers’ Role – Provide algo services under strict controls, including 2-factor authentication and unique vendor keys.
- API Usage – Retail investors developing their own algorithms must register them and limit usage to family members.
- Stock Exchanges’ Responsibilities – Categorize algorithms as “white-box” (transparent logic) or “black-box” (opaque logic)
Restricted Return InvITs
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a framework for Restricted Return InvITs to enhance investor security.
- A model where returns are structured with downside protection (a floor) and/or an upside cap.
- It is different from traditional InvITs, where returns are directly tied to full performance of the underlying infrastructure assets
- Downside protection – If the InvIT’s returns fall below guaranteed minimum, sponsors must provide funds to ensure unit holders receive a baseline return.
- Upside cap – If the InvIT’s returns exceed a threshold, excess will go to the sponsor.