SNIPPETS 30 APRIL 2026

Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI): Type: Central Sector+ Ministry: Ministry of Finance+ Aim: Financial assistance provided to the State Governments in the form of a 50-year interest free loan for capital expenditure +The Mines Ministry instituted ₹5,000 crore incentive scheme incorporated under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for FY 2026-27+  Incentive scheme aims to facilitate and expedite mine operationalization, increase mineral production, enhance revenue collection by States, and improve overall governance of the mining sector

Cerium-Magnesium Changesite: It is a rare earth-bearing phosphate mineral with distinctive physical and chemical characteristics+ Colourless, transparent, with a glass-like lustre+ It is also fragile and shows shell-like fracture, and glows under UV light+ Scientific Significance: Helps understand volcanic processes on the Moon and distribution of rare earth elements+ Its fluorescence makes it valuable in development of more efficient LEDs.

Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH): HKH region extends 3,500 km over eight countries from Afghanistan in the west to Myanmar in the east+ Other countries include Bangladesh, Bhuta, China, India, Nepal, and Pakistan+ It is the source of ten large Asian river systems – the Amu Darya, Indus, Ganges, Brahmaputra (Yarlungtsanpo), Irrawaddy, Salween (Nu), Mekong (Lancang), Yangtse (Jinsha), Yellow River (Huanghe), and Tarim (Dayan)+ According to ICIMOD Report, snow persistence in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) declines sharply for fourth consecutive year.