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Type: Prelims Only

  • White-rumped Vulture Electrocuted in Mudumalai

    Why in the news?

    A radio-tagged, captive-bred White-rumped Vulture released in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil Nadu) was electrocuted after coming into contact with a power line, marking the failure of the first reintroduction attempt of a captive-bred bird into the landscape.

    White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)

    • Scientific name: Gyps bengalensis
    • IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
    • CITES: Appendix II
    • Distribution: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan. In South India, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve hosts one of the last viable breeding populations.

    Why are White-rumped Vultures Declining?

    • Veterinary use of Diclofenac, causing kidney failure.
    • Electrocution from power lines.
    • Collision with transmission lines.
    • Poisoning from contaminated carcasses.
    • Habitat degradation and food scarcity.

    [2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?

    [A] It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger.

    [B] It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and not it is impossible to prevent its extinction.

    [C] It is endemic to a particular region of India.

    [D] Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.

  • Kisan Sarathi Platform

    Why in News?

    The Government highlighted Kisan Sarathi, India’s integrated digital agro-advisory platform, for strengthening agricultural extension services through technology, multilingual support, and expert-based advisories.

    What is Kisan Sarathi?

    • Launched in July 2021.
    • India’s largest integrated digital agro-advisory platform.
    • Joint initiative of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
    • Implemented by Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute (IASRI) and Digital India Corporation

    Key Features

    • Provides real-time, multilingual, location-specific advisories.
    • Two-way communication through Interactive Information Dissemination System (IIDS).
    • Offers: Weather forecasts, Mandi prices, Crop advisories, Government scheme information, and Expert consultations
    • Covers: Crops, Livestock, Poultry, Fisheries, and Allied sectors

    [2020] In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment agriculture?

    1. Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all corps
    2. Computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
    3. Social Capital development
    4. Free electricity supply to farmers
    5. Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
    6. Setting up of cold storage facilities by the government

    Select the correct answer using the code given below :
    a) 1, 2 and 5 only
    b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
    c) 2, 3 and 6 only
    d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

  • Advancing Electrolyte Engineering for Durable and Affordable Aqueous Batteries

    Why in News?

    Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a novel electrolyte additive that significantly improves the performance and lifespan of Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries (AZIBs).

    What are Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries (AZIBs)?

    • Rechargeable batteries that use zinc metal as the anode and a water-based electrolyte.
    • Considered a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries because they are Safer (non-flammable electrolyte), Low-cost (abundant zinc), Environment-friendly, and Suitable for large-scale energy storage.

    Challenges in AZIBs

    • Growth of zinc dendrites (needle-like deposits causing short circuits)
    • Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) leading to gas formation
    • Corrosion of zinc anode
    • Poor cycling stability and reduced battery life

    Key Innovation

    • Researchers developed an electrolyte additive called BDIM (1,3-bis(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-1H-imidazole-3-ium chloride).
    • BDIM selectively adsorbs on the zinc surface and regulates the Inner Helmholtz Plane (IHP).
    • It displaces water molecules from the electrode surface, thereby:
      • Suppressing hydrogen evolution
      • Reducing corrosion
      • Preventing dendrite formation
      • Enhancing battery lifespan and stability

    Important Concepts

    • Electrolyte: A medium containing ions that enables the flow of electric charge between battery electrodes.
    • Inner Helmholtz Plane (IHP): The innermost layer at the electrode-electrolyte interface where electrochemical reactions occur. Controlling this layer improves battery efficiency and durability.
    • Research Techniques Used
      • Ultramicroelectrode (UME): Tiny electrode (<50 µm) enabling high-resolution electrochemical studies.
      • Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry (FSCV): Technique used to study rapid charge-transfer and zinc deposition mechanisms.

    [2025] In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements:
    I. Cobalt
    II. Graphite
    III. Lithium
    IV. Nickel
    How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] Only three

    [D] All the four

  • Government Introduces Improvement Notice Mechanism under the Legal Metrology Act

    Why in the news?

    The Department of Consumer Affairs has introduced the Improvement Notice mechanism under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026. The reform aims to reduce the compliance burden, promote Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), and encourage voluntary compliance while ensuring consumer protection.

    What is the Improvement Notice Mechanism?

    • It allows first-time procedural or regulatory non-compliance to be corrected before penal proceedings begin.
    • A Legal Metrology Officer issues an Improvement Notice, identifying the deficiency and providing reasonable time for rectification.
    • If the entity complies within the prescribed period:
      • No penal action or unnecessary litigation.
    • If the entity Fails to comply, or Repeats the violation, Penal provisions under the Legal Metrology Act continue to apply.

    Objectives

    • Promote Ease of Doing Business (EoDB).
    • Encourage voluntary compliance.
    • Reduce compliance costs and litigation.
    • Foster trust-based governance.
    • Allow regulators to focus on serious and deliberate violations.

    Significance for UPSC

    • Example of Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.
    • Reflects the philosophy of the Jan Vishwas Act.
    • Balances Consumer protection, Regulatory efficiency, and Ease of Doing Business
    • Shifts regulation from a punitive approach to a facilitative approach.

    Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026

    • The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 is a reform aimed at promoting Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) by shifting from a punitive compliance regime to a trust-based governance framework.
    • It amends several Central laws to reduce unnecessary penalties for minor procedural violations while retaining strict action for serious offences.

    Legal Metrology Act, 2009

    • Legal Metrology is the application of laws and regulations to weights, measures, measuring instruments, and packaged commodities to ensure accuracy, fairness in trade, and consumer protection.
    • Enacted: 2009 (came into force in 2011)
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
    • Department: Department of Consumer Affairs

    [2022] In India which one of the following is responsible for maintaining for prices stability by controlling inflation?

    [A] Department of Consumer Affairs

    [B] Expenditure Management Commission

    [C] Financial Stability and Development Council

    [D] Reserve Bank of India

  • Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Revised Guidelines)

    Why in News?

    The Union Health Ministry has launched the revised operational guidelines for Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB), upgrading it to Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan with a strengthened 7×7×7 framework, digital monitoring and expanded beneficiary coverage.

    What is Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB)?

    • Launched in 2018 under the National Health Mission (NHM).
    • Aims to reduce anaemia through a life-cycle approach.
    • Supports the POSHAN Abhiyaan and Anemia Reduction Strategy.

    Key Changes

    • 7×7×7 Strategy (Earlier 6×6×6): Added Low Birth Weight (LBW) babies (0 to 6 months) as the 7th beneficiary group.
    • New Intervention: Introduces “Eating Right” to promote: Iron-rich diets, Dietary diversity, and Nutrition counselling
    • Digital Monitoring: New institutional mechanism for digital tracking and programme monitoring.
    • T4 Strategy (Earlier T3): Test, Treat, Talk, and Track (new addition)
    • Better Clinical Management: Severe anaemia in pregnant/lactating women: Ferric Carboxymaltose and Iron Sucrose (IV therapy)
    • Integrated Digital Ecosystem:
      • JANANI Portal: Pregnant women
      • RBSK Portal: Children
      • U-WIN Portal: Child health records
      • Integrated into a unified AMB Abhiyaan Portal

    Causes of Anaemia

    • Iron deficiency, Folate deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Worm infestations, Infections, Inherited blood disorders, and Poor dietary diversity

    NFHS-5 Highlights

    • Children (6 to 59 months): 67.1%
    • Women (15 to 49 years): 57%
    • Pregnant women: 52.2%
    • Adolescent girls (15 to 19 years): 59.1%

    Significance

    • Early intervention for vulnerable infants.
    • Improved diagnosis and follow-up.
    • Promotes nutrition-sensitive interventions.
    • Strengthens digital health governance.
    • Supports reduction in maternal and child morbidity.

    [2023] Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:
    1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women.
    2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child- birth.
    3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
    4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] Only three

    [D] All four

  • DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing)

    Why in the news?

    The Government highlighted DIKSHA, India’s flagship digital learning platform, for its role in advancing inclusive, multilingual and technology-enabled school education.

    What is DIKSHA?

    • Launched in 2017.
    • National digital platform for school education under PM e-Vidya.
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education.
    • Developed by NCERT through CIET.
    • Known as “One Nation, One Digital Platform.”

    Key Features

    • Curriculum-aligned content from FLN to Class XII.
    • QR-coded Energised Textbooks.
    • Videos, AR/VR, simulations and virtual labs.
    • Adaptive assessments and question banks.
    • Teacher training through NISHTHA.
    • Inclusive features: ISL videos, DAISY, Text-to-Speech.
    • Offline access and multilingual support.

    Platform Highlights

    • Federated architecture allowing States/UTs to upload content.
    • Supports 135 languages (128 Indian + 7 foreign).
    • NCERT textbooks translated into 22 Scheduled Languages.

    Key Statistics (June 2026)

    • Registered Users: 2.25 crore
    • Daily Active Users: ~3 lakh
    • Learning Sessions: 575.25 crore, Learning Minutes: 6,691.82 crore
    • Electronic Contents: 3.67 lakh, Energised Textbooks: 7,687, Virtual Labs: 614+, Courses: 347, Course Enrolments: 18.77 crore

    Significance

    • Supports NEP 2020 and PM e-Vidya.
    • Promotes digital, multilingual and inclusive education.
    • Enables personalized learning and teacher capacity building.
    • Strengthens Digital India and equitable access to quality education.

    [2016] `SWAYAM’, an initiative of the Government of India, aims at

    [A] promoting the Self-Help Groups in rural areas

    [B] providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs

    [C] promoting the education and health of adolescent girls

    [D] providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free

  • Digital India Completes 11 Years of Transformation

    Why in the news?

    The Digital India Programme completes 11 years on 1 July 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s digital transformation. Over the past decade, India has developed one of the world’s largest Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ecosystems, transforming governance, healthcare, education, agriculture, finance and public service delivery.

    What is Digital India?

    • Launched on 1 July 2015.
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
    • Vision: Digital infrastructure as a core utility to every citizen, Governance and services on demand, and Digital empowerment of citizens.

    Nine Pillars of Digital India

    • Broadband Highways, Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity, Public Internet Access Programme, e-Governance: Reforming Government through Technology, e-Kranti: Electronic Delivery of Services, Information for All, Electronics Manufacturing, IT for Jobs, and Early Harvest Programmes

    Major Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

    • Digital Identity: Aadhaar, Aadhaar-enabled DBT, e-KYC, and Aadhaar App
    • Digital Payments: UPI, BHIM, and NPCI ecosystem
    • Digital Governance: DigiLocker, UMANG, GSTN, GeM, and ONDC
    • Health: CoWIN, eSanjeevani, ORS, eHospital, eBloodBank, and Tele MANAS
    • Agriculture: AgriStack, e-NAM, Kisan e-Mitra, and Kisan Sarathi
    • Education: DIKSHA, SWAYAM, SWAYAM Prabha, PM e-Vidya, and APAAR ID

    Key Achievements

    • India handles nearly 49% of global real-time digital payment transactions through UPI.
    • Digital economy contributes around 12 to 14% of GDP.
    • BharatNet has connected about 97% of Gram Panchayats.
    • DigiLocker has over 70 crore users.
    • UPI transactions crossed 24,000 crore in FY 2025-26.
    • ONDC has expanded to 1,000 cities.
    • AgriStack has generated over 9 crore Farmer IDs.

    Significance

    • Strengthens Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
    • Improves ease of living and ease of doing business.
    • Promotes financial inclusion through Aadhaar, UPI and DBT.
    • Enhances transparency and reduces leakages.
    • Supports inclusive governance through digital service delivery.
    • Accelerates innovation, startups and AI-driven growth.

    [2022] Consider the following:
    1. Aarogya Setu
    2. COWIN
    3. DigiLocker
    4. DIKSHA
    Which of the above are built on to open-source digital platforms?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2, 3 and 4 only

    [C] 1, 3 and 4 only

    [D] 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • NFSA Draft Amendment on Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)

    Why in News?

    The Union Government has released a draft amendment to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, inviting public comments until 13 July 2026.

    Proposed Amendment

    • Every AAY beneficiary will receive 7 kg of foodgrains per month, subject to a maximum of 35 kg per household, free of cost.
    • Earlier: Every AAY household received 35 kg/month, irrespective of family size.

    Rationale

    • Remove inequity between small and large households.
    • Ensure a fairer per capita allocation.
    • Better align foodgrain entitlements with nutritional needs.

    Concerns

    • Kerala and other non-BJP ruled states argue that smaller households, especially in southern states, will receive less foodgrain, reducing overall allocations.
    • Activists warn of a possible North-South disparity due to differences in average family size.
    • Delay in the Census has prevented revision of AAY beneficiary lists, leaving many poor families excluded.
    • Right to Food Campaign demands:
      • 14 kg foodgrains per person.
      • Inclusion of pulses and edible oil under NFSA to ensure nutritional security.

    [2018] With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements:

    1. The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains.

    2. The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.

    3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take‑home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    A 1 and 2

    B 2 only

    C 1 and 3

    D 3 only

  • Myanmar Replaces Afghanistan as Major Opium Source

    Why in News?

    The NCB Annual Report 2026 states that after the Taliban’s 2022 ban on opium cultivation in Afghanistan, Myanmar has become a major global opium source, increasing drug trafficking along India’s eastern borders.

    Key Highlights

    • Myanmar’s illicit opium cultivation increased by 56% (2021 to 2023), reaching 45,200 hectares.
    • The Manipur corridor (NH-102) is the primary route for heroin and methamphetamine entering India.
    • Champhai (Mizoram) is another major trafficking route via Myanmar’s Chin State.
    • The Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) has become a major hub for opium and methamphetamine (Yaba) production.

    Border Security Concerns

    • Porous India-Myanmar border and the Free Movement Regime (FMR) facilitate cross-border trafficking.
    • Northeastern states, especially Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, are increasingly used as transit and distribution hubs.

    Drone-Based Trafficking

    • Drone smuggling from Pakistan rose from 3 incidents (2021) to 305 incidents (2025).
    • In 2025, 468 kg of narcotics were seized through drones, with Punjab accounting for 298 cases.

    Other Trafficking Routes

    • Eastern Route: Myanmar → Manipur/Mizoram → Assam → Rest of India.
    • Western Route: Afghanistan → Pakistan → Punjab/Rajasthan.
    • Maritime Route: Pakistan → Gujarat/Maharashtra via fishing vessels.

    Government Response

    • Enhanced border surveillance and drone detection.
    • Intelligence-led operations by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
    • Increased international cooperation against cross-border narcotics trafficking.

    Prelims Facts

    • Golden Triangle: Myanmar, Laos, Thailand.
    • Golden Crescent: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran.
    • Yaba: Methamphetamine + caffeine tablets.
    • FMR: Allows border residents to cross the India-Myanmar border without a visa within prescribed limits.

  • DAE Inaugurates World’s First Nuclear Heat Based Hydrogen Production Facility

    Why in News?

    The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has inaugurated the world’s first hydrogen production facility based on the Copper-Chlorine (Cu-Cl) Thermochemical Cycle using nuclear process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at Kalpakkam.

    Key Highlights

    • First in the world to produce hydrogen using the Cu-Cl thermochemical cycle powered by nuclear heat.
    • Established at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam.
    • Uses process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) instead of fossil fuels.
    • Technology developed indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
    • Serves as a technology demonstrator for future commercial-scale nuclear hydrogen production.

    What is the Copper-Chlorine (Cu-Cl) Thermochemical Cycle?

    The Cu-Cl cycle is a series of chemical reactions that split water into hydrogen and oxygen using heat and electricity.

    Process

    • Water reacts with copper and chlorine compounds.
    • High-temperature nuclear heat drives most of the reactions.
    • Hydrogen gas is produced while intermediate chemicals are recycled.

    Advantages

    • Operates at lower temperatures (≈500°C) than many other thermochemical cycles.
    • Higher thermodynamic efficiency.
    • Requires less electricity.
    • Produces zero greenhouse gas emissions when powered by nuclear energy.

    Why Use Nuclear Heat?

    • Fast reactors generate both Carbon-free electricity and High-temperature process heat.
    • Using this heat:
      • Reduces dependence on natural gas for hydrogen production.
      • Improves overall reactor efficiency.
      • Enables continuous hydrogen production irrespective of weather conditions.

    Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR)

    • Located at IGCAR, Kalpakkam.
    • India’s only operating fast reactor research facility.
    • Commissioned in 1985.
    • Uses liquid sodium as coolant.
    • Produces plutonium while generating power.

    [2023] Consider the following heavy industries:
    1. Fertilizer plants
    2. Oil refineries
    3. Steel plants
    Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None