Author: instakas

Sangita Kalanidhi Award

Syllabus: Miscellaneous

Context

• Veena player Jayanthi Kumaresh has been announced the coveted Sangita Kalanidhi at the 100th Conference and Concerts of The Music Academy, Madras.
• Bharatanatyam dancer Narendra G will be conferred the Nritya Kalanidhi award.

Sangita Kalanidhi Award

• Instituted in 1942 by The Music Academy, Madras.
• It is regarded as the highest honour in Carnatic music, often described as the “Nobel Prize of Carnatic music.”
• The award comprises a gold medal and a ‘birudu patra’ (citation).

Additional Information – Music Academy, Madras

• It originated as an offshoot of the All India Congress Session of 1927 held in Chennai (then Madras).
• It was established to promote and standardise Carnatic music traditions.
• The Academy organizes the annual Music and Dance Festival, one of the most prominent cultural events in the Carnatic tradition.
• The Academy also confers several awards, including the Sangita Kala Acharya, TTK Award, and Musicologist Award.

Jnanpith Award

Syllabus: Miscellaneous

Context

• Tamil poet and lyricist Vairamuthu has been selected for the Jnanpith Award for the year 2025.

Vairamuthu

• He is the third Tamil litterateur to receive the award after Akilan (1975) and Jayakanthan (2002), and the first to be honoured for Tamil poetry, while the earlier awardees were recognised for prose.
• He has written over 8,000 songs, won seven National Film Awards for lyrics, and earned the honorific “Kaviperarasu” (Emperor of Poets).
• The award, however, has been met with sharp criticism from some writers, artists and activists who point to sexual harassment allegations made against him during the #MeToo movement in India.

About Jnanpith Award (also spelled Gyanpeeth Award)

• Instituted in 1961 by the Bharatiya Jnanpith,
• It is India’s highest literary honour, awarded annually to an Indian author for outstanding contribution to literature.
• Bharatiya Jnanpith is a literary and research organization founded by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain and Rama Jain.
• It is awarded for the work in 22 languages recognized by the Constitution of India and, from 2013, in the English language.
• The award carries a ₹11 lakh cash prize, citation, and a bronze statuette of Vagdevi (Saraswati).
• The first recipient was Malayalam writer G. Sankara Kurup in 1965 for Odakkuzhal.

Western Tragopan: King of Birds

Syllabus: GS3/Environment

Context

• The Western Tragopan, a rare Himalayan pheasant, faces increasing threats due to forest loss and human pressures.

Western Tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus),

• It is also known as Jujurana or “king of birds,” is one of the rarest and most stunning pheasant species in the world.
• Habitat and Distribution: Found in temperate and subalpine forests at 2,400–3,600 m (occasionally down to 2,000 m in winter).
• From Swat Valley (Pakistan) across Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh to Uttarakhand.
• Diet: They are omnivores, feeding on berries, seeds, buds, shoots, and insects.
• Major Threats: Forest degradation, climate change, and human disturbances.
• Conservation Status: It is listed as Vulnerable by BirdLife International and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Do you know?

• The bird is also the state bird of Himachal Pradesh, highlighting its cultural and ecological value.

Paid Menstrual Leave May Hurt Women’s Careers: SC

Health & Society

Context

• The Supreme Court expressed apprehensions that a law making paid leave during menstrual pain compulsory may damage the careers of young women and deprive them of equal opportunities.

Menstrual Leave

• Menstrual leave refers to paid or unpaid leave granted to women during menstruation when they experience health issues such as:
• Dysmenorrhea: painful menstrual cramps
• Endometriosis: a disorder where tissue similar to uterine lining grows outside the uterus

Highlights of the SC Judgement

• Such a move could create a psychological barrier among women that they are inferior to men as they can’t work when they are menstruating.
• The Court encouraged “voluntary” initiatives in this regard by States like Odisha, Karnataka and Kerala, which gives leave to students in State-run universities and institutions up to 60 days’ leave annually for menstrual pain.

Arguments in Favour of Paid Menstrual Leave

• Promotes Gender-Sensitive Workplaces: Recognises biological realities of women and promotes inclusivity and empathy in the workplace.
• Aligns with Constitutional Principles: Supports Article 42 of the Constitution of India, which directs the state to ensure just and humane conditions of work.
• Improves Productivity and Well-being: Allows women to rest during periods of pain or discomfort, leading to better overall performance and morale.
• Health and Human Rights Perspective: Upholds women’s right to health, dignity, and bodily autonomy.
• De-stigmatising Menstruation: Recognising menstrual health in workplace policy can help break social taboos & promote gender equality.
• Global Alignment: Reflects global best practices, countries like Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Spain have similar policies.

Arguments Against

• Risk of Workplace Discrimination: Employers may become reluctant to hire or promote women, viewing them as less productive or more costly.
• Informal Sector Dominance: Nearly 88% of India’s workforce is in the informal sector, where formal leave policies are largely absent.
• Implementation Challenges in the Private Sector: Ensuring compliance and monitoring across diverse industries could be difficult.

Existing Menstrual Leave Policies in India

• India does not have a national law on menstrual leave, but some states have introduced policies.
• Bihar was the first state to introduce menstrual leave (1992) for government employees.
• Some companies have introduced voluntary menstrual leave policies like Zomato, Swiggy.

 Additional Information – Karnataka Menstrual Leave Policy-2025

• Women in the state of Karnataka will be entitled to up to 12 menstrual leaves annually.
• This development marks a significant step in recognising menstrual health at a workplace and rights issue.
• The Dr. Sapna S committee was appointed by the Karnataka government to study and recommend menstrual leave policy
• Significance – It aims to create a more inclusive and stigma-free workplace and is considered a landmark decision in India, as it covers both government and private sectors comprehensively.

Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026

News-

• The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment.

Major Highlights of the Bill

• The Bill aims to amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
• Definition of Transgender Person: It seeks to narrow the definition of “transgender person” and clarifies that persons with different sexual orientations or self perceived sexual identities will not fall within the definition of transgender persons under the Act.
• Changes To Recognition Of Gender Identity: The District Magistrate will issue a certificate of identity after examining the recommendation of a designated medical board headed by a Chief Medical Officer or Deputy Chief Medical Officer.

Additional Information – LGBTQIA+

• LGBTQIA+ is an umbrella term for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual persons, with ‘+’ representing other identities that are not specifically included in these letters.

India’s Position on LGBTQIA+ Rights

• As per census 2011, there were 4.87 lakhs persons in India who opted for “other” in gender category.
• Decriminalisation: Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018) decriminalised consensual homosexual acts (Section 377 partially struck down).
• Transgender Rights: NALSA v. Union of India (2014) recognised the right to self-identify gender.
• It recognises transgender as the “third gender” upholding their fundamental rights.
• Constitutional Provisions: Article 14 – Right to equality, Article 15 – No discrimination on grounds of sex and Article 21 – Right to life and personal liberty.
• Legislation: The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 provides legal recognition of transgender identity.

Challenges Faced by the Transgenders

• Societal Issues: Trans persons face deep-rooted societal prejudices, leading to ostracisation from families and communities.
• Lack of Access to Education: High school dropout rates due to bullying, harassment, and gender-based violence.
• Barriers in Employment: Trans persons face widespread discrimination in hiring and the workplace. Often forced into informal, unsafe, and exploitative sectors, like begging or sex work, due to lack of opportunities.
• Healthcare Exclusion: They face lack of gender-affirmative healthcare, discrimination by medical staff, and unavailability of hormonal and surgical services in public hospitals.
• High mental health burden due to social rejection and isolation.
• Violence and Abuse: Prone to verbal, physical, and sexual violence both in public and private spaces.
• Political Underrepresentation: Low political visibility and representation in mainstream parties and institutions.
• Lack of policy-making participation hinders the articulation of their needs.

Government Initiatives

• National Portal for Transgender Persons – launched in 2020, enables online applications for identity certificates and access to benefits.
• SMILE (Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise)Scheme, introduced in 2022, provides livelihood, skill training, and shelter support through Garima Greh centres and Ayushman Bharat TG Plus health coverage.
• National Council for Transgender Persons: It serves as a statutory body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to safeguard and promote the rights of transgender persons in India.

Kharg Island

Syllabus: GS1/Geography

Context

• Recently, U.S. forces struck military targets at Kharg Island in Iran.

Kharg Island

• It is often referred to as the ‘Orphan pearl’.
• It is a small island in the northeastern Persian Gulf, approximately 25 kilometres off the coast of Iran’s Khuzestan Province.
• Despite its modest size, it is the single most important oil export terminal in Iran and one of the most strategically significant energy chokepoints in the world.
• Almost all Iranian crude destined for international markets is loaded here before passing through the Strait of Hormuz into global shipping lanes.

Do you know?

• Iran is the third-largest producer in Organization Of The Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), accounting for roughly 4.5% of global oil supply.

Failure of Atomic Clock Cripples ISRO’s NavIC

Syllabus: GS3/ Science and Technology

Context

• India’s indigenous navigation satellite system Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) has suffered a setback after the failure of the IRNSS-1F satellite due to malfunction of its last operational rubidium atomic clock.

Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)

• It was launched in 2013.
• Established by – Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• It is India’s autonomous regional navigation satellite system, designed to fulfill both civilian and military navigational needs.
• NavIC was erstwhile known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
• Purpose – It provides precise Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services within India and extends up to 1,500 km beyond the country’s borders, forming its primary service area.
• NavIC is designed with a constellation of 7 satellites and a network of ground stations operating 24 x 7.
• Three satellites of the constellation are placed in geostationary orbit and four satellites are placed in inclined geosynchronous orbit.
• Significance – It provides location accuracy better than 20 meters and timing accuracy better than 40 nanoseconds across the core service area.

Thorium can Power India’s 100 GWe by 2047 Mission

Syllabus: GS3/Energy Sector

Context

• The SHANTI Act 2025 represents a watershed moment for India’s atomic energy programme; however, resolving the challenges of thorium utilisation is urgent.

India’s Thorium Reserves

• India has one of the largest reserves of thorium in the world.
• Together, Kerala and Odisha account for over 70% of India’s thorium.
• India has been developing a three-stage nuclear program, with thorium-based reactors being a critical part of the third stage.
• Challenges: Extracting thorium from ores requires high amounts of energy and creates significant waste.
• It includes challenges such as the need for advanced reactor technology and economic viability.

Need for Thorium Utilization

• Reduce Reliance on Imports: The growth of nuclear generation capacity currently depends heavily on imported uranium.
• Domestic uranium ores are lean and costly to extract, though this does provide some insulation against supply disruptions.

Significance of Thorium for India

• Resource Advantage: India has limited uranium but abundant thorium reserves, mainly in coastal and riverine sands.
• Nuclear Behaviour: Thorium is not fissile like uranium; it is fertile and converts into uranium-233 after absorbing neutrons, which can then sustain nuclear fission.
• Strategic Fit: Integral to India’s long-term three-stage nuclear power programme.

India’s Three-stage nuclear programme

• India established the Atomic Energy Commission in 1948.
• In 1956, Asia’s first research reactor, Apsara, was commissioned at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Trombay.
• Note – India was the second Asian nation to build a nuclear power plant in 1969 at Tarapur, just after Japan and long before China.
• India has a three-phase programme of nuclear power visioned by Dr Homi J Bhabha, the father of India’s nuclear programme.

1. First Stage (Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors – PHWRs)
2. Second Stage (Fast Breeder Reactors – FBRs)
3. Third Stage (Advanced Heavy Water Reactors – AHWRs)

Rajasthan’s Property Bill

Syllabus: GS2/Polity

Context

• The Rajasthan Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property in Disturbed Areas Bill was passed by the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly.
• Rajasthan becomes the second state in India, after Gujarat, to implement such a bill.

Rajasthan Prohibition of Transfer of Immovable Property in Disturbed Areas Bill

• Aim: To regulate property transactions in areas that the government declares as “disturbed”.
• Under the proposed law, Section 3(1,2) states that the State government may declare any area within the State as a ‘disturbed area’ if it considers that communal violence, riots, or public disorder exist or are likely to occur.
• Once a locality is notified, any transfer of immovable property, including land, houses or commercial establishments, would require prior approval from the District Magistrate.
• Property transactions carried out without such permission would be treated as legally invalid.
• The law also provides penalties for property transfers carried out without the required permission.
• Concern – The Bill has also drawn attention in relation to Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law.

Do you Know?

• Note – The right to property was removed as a fundamental right by the 44th Amendment to the Constitution in 1978.
• It remains protected under Article 300A, which states that no person can be deprived of property except by authority of law.

Dandi March

Syllabus: GS1/ Modern History of India

Context

• The Vice President of India recently paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and the freedom fighters involved in the Dandi March (1930).

Dandi March

• The British colonial government had imposed a monopoly on the production and sale of salt and levied a salt tax, making even this basic necessity expensive for Indians.
• In 1930, Gandhiji declared that he would lead a march to break the salt law as it was sinful to tax salt since it is such an essential item of food.
• Gandhiji with his 78 followers started Salt Satyagraha March on 12th March 1930 from Sabarmati Ashram and reached Dandi after 24 days on 6 th April 1930.
• He broke the salt law by picking up natural salt from the seashore and boiling seawater to make salt.
• The Salt Satyagraha became the starting point of the Civil Disobedience Movement.
• The Dandi March inspired similar protests across different regions like in Tamil Nadu led by C. Rajagopalachari & in Kerala organized by K. Kelappan, popularly known as Kerala Gandhi.
• After Gandhi’s arrest, Sarojini Naidu led a nonviolent protest at the Dharasana Salt Works on 21 May 1930.

Bull Sharks in Iran’s Karun River

Syllabus: GS1/ Geography

Context

• Recent discussions about unusual wildlife habitats have highlighted the presence of bull sharks in Iran’s Karun River near the city of Ahvaz.

Karun River

• The Karun River is the largest and only navigable river in Iran.
• It originates in the Zagros Mountains.
• It flows through southwestern Iran and eventually joins the Shatt al-Arab, which is formed by the confluence of the Tigris River and Euphrates River.
• The Shatt al-Arab then empties into the Persian Gulf.

Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas)

• Biological Features: Bull sharks are one of the few shark species capable of surviving in both saltwater and freshwater.
• They possess specialised osmoregulation mechanisms that allow them to control salt concentration in their bodies.
• This adaptation enables them to travel far inland through river systems.
• Global Distribution: Bull sharks have been recorded in several rivers across the world, like; Mississippi River (USA), Amazon River, Zambezi River and Ganges River.
• Conservation Status: It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

UNSC Condemning Iran Attacks on Gulf

Syllabus: GS2/IR

Context

• India co-sponsored a resolution at the UN Security Council that condemned the attacks by Iran against Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan.
• India along with 134 countries that demanded the “immediate cessation of all attacks by Iran” against GCC countries Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.
• The resolution was passed with 13 UNSC members voting in favour while Russia and China abstained.
• It also condemned “any actions or threats by Iran aimed at obstructing international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz”.

Additional Information – Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

• It is a political and economic union of six Arabian Peninsula countries
• Members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Establishment: Founded on May 25, 1981, through an agreement signed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• Objectives: To achieve unity and coordination among member states in all fields, including economic, security, cultural, and social cooperation.
• Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Purple Potatoes

Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture

Context

• A young farmer from Punjab has gained attention for cultivating purple potatoes using seed tubers imported from Bolivia.

Purple potatoes

• Cultivated in – Andean region of South America, especially Peru and Bolivia.
• Purple potatoes are naturally pigmented potato varieties with deep purple skin and flesh.
• The tubers are deep purple both externally and internally due to a high concentration of anthocyanins, natural antioxidants responsible for the colour.
• The thicker peel gives them a longer shelf life than conventional potatoes.
• The crop duration is around 90–100 days, with sowing generally done in October–November.
• They are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and are considered beneficial for people managing conditions such as diabetes or joint pain.

Do You Know?

• India has developed its own purple potato variety Kufri Jamunia, launched in 2024 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Potato Cultivation

• India is the world’s second top producer and consumer of potato after China; in 2020, it saw a production of 51.30 million tonnes.
• Among the states in India, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal lead the production, followed by Bihar.
• Potato is a cool-season crop and best suited to well-drained sandy loam soils.

Assam’s GI-tagged Joha Rice

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• India has facilitated the export of 25 metric tonnes of Assam’s GI-tagged Joha Rice to the United Kingdom and Italy.

Joha Rice

• It is an aromatic indigenous rice variety, which received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2017.
• It is gaining recognition in premium global markets for its distinctive fragrance, fine grain texture and rich taste.
• The leading districts in Joha rice production are: Nagaon, Baksa, Goalpara, Sibsagar, Majuli, Chirang and Golaghat.
• This strong production base provides a good opportunity to create a surplus for exports and enhance farmers’ income.

Connect with the basics – Geographical Indication or GI Tag

• It is a name or a sign given to certain products related to a specific geographical location or origins like a region, town, or country.
• A certification for unique products – GI Tag may be regarded as a certification for a particular product with certain specific qualities or has a specific reputation because of its geographical origin.
• GI Tags can be issued for wine and spirit drinks, foodstuffs, agricultural products, handicrafts, and industrial products.
• Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) – At the International level, GI is governed by the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
• Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act – In India, Geographical Indications registration is administered by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which came into force in September 2003.
• Darjeeling tea  – The first product in India to be accorded with the GI tag was Darjeeling tea in 2004-05.

Operation White Hammer

Syllabus: GS3/Internal Security

Context

• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recently raided an illegal Alprazolam manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh as part of Operation “White Hammer.”

Alprazolam

• It is a psychotropic substance regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
• Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine drug used to treat anxiety disorders and commonly marketed under brand names such as Xanax.
• India is one of the world’s largest producers of generic medicines, which sometimes leads to misuse of pharmaceutical chemicals for illicit drug trade.

Legal Framework in India

• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985: Regulates production, possession, sale, transport, and consumption of narcotic and psychotropic substances.
• Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940: Regulates manufacture, quality, and sale of pharmaceutical drugs in India.

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

• It is India’s premier anti-smuggling intelligence agency & functions under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.

Operation Sagar Bandhu

Syllabus: GS2/IR; GS3/Defence

Context

• The Indian Army has launched a Major Bridge Project in Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu.

About

• The bridge will connect Colombo, the capital city, with the key economic centre of Puttalam along a vital coastal corridor passing through Chilaw District.
• The project reflects India’s engineering assistance to support Sri Lanka’s infrastructure recovery and connectivity.
• It is aligned with India’s Neighbourhood First Policy and broader regional cooperation initiatives.

Background

• India launched Operation Sagar Bandhu in November 2025 as a First Responder following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah.
• The operation aimed to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka.

Savitribai Phule

Syllabus: GS1/Personality in News

Context

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to Savitribai Phule on her death anniversary.

About Savitribai Phule (1831 – 1897)

• Born in Naigaon village of Maharashtra’s Satara district.
• In 1840, at the age of nine, she married Jyotirao Phule, who was just 13 at the time.
• Formally recognised as India’s first female teacher. In 1848, the couple established the country’s first school for girls in Bhidewada, Pune.
• In 1863, Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai began Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha, India’s first home dedicated to prohibiting infanticide.
• She also advocated inter-caste marriages, widow remarriage, and eradication of child marriage, sati, and dowry systems, among other social issues.
• In 1873, the Phule’s set up the Satyashodhak Samaj (‘Truth-seekers’ society’), a platform open to all, irrespective of their caste, religion or class hierarchies, with the sole aim of bringing social equity.
• Literary works: Kavya Phule (Poetry’s Blossoms) in 1854 and Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar (The Ocean of Pure Gems), in 1892.

Kurumba Painting

Syllabus: GS1/ Culture

In News

• The Kurumba art tradition is facing the threat of extinction due to declining practitioners.

About

• Kurumba paintings trace back over 3,000 years, linked to rock art sites like Ezhuthupaarai in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris; they were practiced by the Kurumba tribe.
• The Kurumba tribe is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• Originally they were painted over the house walls, temple walls or during festivals and artists derive natural pigments from forest sources like tree resins.
• These folk paintings illustrate rituals, festivals, honey hunting, nature, animals, and daily community activities using simple linear motifs, dots, lines, and geometric patterns.
• Source: IE

Fiscal Health Index 2026

Syllabus: GS2/Polity and Governance

Context

• NITI Aayog has released the second annual edition of Fiscal Health Index (FHI 2026.
• Key Highlights of FHI 2026
• Overall State Rankings:
• Odisha remains the top-performing state, further improving its fiscal score.
• Goa and Jharkhand also feature among the Achiever states.
• Gujarat and Maharashtra continue to remain in the top five.
• Haryana shows a notable improvement by gaining three ranks.
• States Showing Recovery:
• Bihar, Karnataka, and Telangana demonstrate moderate improvement in fiscal performance.
• Low-Performing States:
• Punjab, West Bengal, and Kerala continue to remain at the bottom of the rankings, reflecting persistent fiscal stress.
• NE and Himalayan States:
• Evaluated separately for the first time, Arunachal Pradesh tops as Achiever (strong revenue growth), followed by Uttarakhand;
• Himachal Pradesh and Manipur lag due to weak own-revenues (<5% GSDP) and fiscal stress from high committed expenditures.
• Policy Recommendations:
• Priorities include boosting own-tax capacity (e.g., property, excise reforms), elevating capex to 5%+ GSDP, enhancing public financial management via digitization, and curbing off-budget borrowings to ensure debt sustainability below 25-30% GSDP.
• Fiscal Health Index
• FHI initiative assesses the fiscal health of states in India.
• Sub Indices: Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability.
• Data for the index is sourced from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).

National Shipping Board (NSB)

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

In News

• The government held a high-level interaction with the National Shipping Board (NSB) to address emerging challenges in India’s shipping sector amid evolving global geopolitical dynamics.
• About National Shipping Board (NSB)
• It is India’s apex advisory body on shipping and maritime matters, constituted under Section 23 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
• It works under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• Its primary role is to advise the central government on shipping policies and maritime development.
• Its chairperson is appointed by the Central Government.
• Source: PIB

International Energy Agency (IEA)

Economy

Context

• India is not going to join the International Energy Agency (IEA) initiative to release strategic oil reserves as part of an effort to cool oil prices.
• India is the world’s third-largest oil-importing and consuming nation, and has 5.33 million tonnes of underground strategic reserves. But they are only 80% filled currently.
• India is not a full member of IEA and does not have an obligation to follow the mandate of the international body. 

India’s Oil Imports

• India imports nearly 88% of its crude oil requirements from around 41 countries.
• Roughly half of those supplies in February passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

International Energy Agency (IEA)

• Established: In 1974.

• • Founding members – Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United States.
  • Reason: It was created when major oil-exporting countries drastically reduced oil supplies, causing severe economic disruptions in industrialized nations.
  • Mandate: IEA’s original mandate was to ensure that oil supplies were kept stable, and potential disruptions in future were anticipated and prevented through timely action.

• Members: The membership was kept open only for OECD countries.

• • There are now 33 full members with Colombia being inducted as 33rd members recently.
  • Associate Members: In 2015, IEA opened the doors for non-OECD countries to become associate members.
  • Note – The associate members participate in the policy discussions and activities, but do not have decision-making rights. 

• India became an associate member in 2017. There are 13 associate members right now.

Additional information – Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD)

• • It is an intergovernmental organisation that promotes economic development, policy coordination, and global cooperation.
  • Motto: “Better Policies for Better Lives.”
  • Established in 1961, succeeding the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC).

• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• Membership: 38 member countries (mainly developed economies). India is not a member.

Black Rain in Tehran

Syllabus: GS3/ Environment

Context

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of “black rain” and toxic air pollution in Tehran, following attacks on oil facilities.

What is “Black Rain”?

• “Black rain” refers to rainfall contaminated with soot, ash, oil particles, and chemical pollutants that are released into the atmosphere after large fires or explosions.
• Instead of clear water droplets, the rain carries dark, oily particles, giving it a black or grey appearance.
• Such rain usually occurs when massive fires release pollutants into the air and rainfall absorbs these particles before reaching the ground.
• Historically, similar phenomena were observed after the Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, when radioactive soot and debris mixed with rainwater.
• Source: IE

Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) provides timely, affordable, and collateral-free credit to farmers, including small, marginal, tenant farmers and SHGs/JLGs.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

• The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme, introduced in 1998, was designed to simplify and expedite farmers’ access to short-term institutional credit for crop production.
• It provides working capital and investment credit for allied activities and covers post-harvest and marketing expenses, thereby offering comprehensive financial support to enhance farm incomes.
• Under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS), the loan limit has been enhanced to Rs. 5 lakh, with collateral-free credit raised to Rs. 2 lakh per borrower.

Eligible Beneficiaries of KCC: It extends coverage to:

• individual farmers and joint borrowers who are owner-cultivators,
• tenant farmers, oral lessees, and sharecroppers.
• In addition, the scheme also includes Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), including groups formed by tenant farmers and sharecroppers.

SIPRI Report on Arms

Syllabus: GS3/Defence

Context

• The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Arms Transfers Database (1950–2025) was updated recently.

Major Highlights

• The volume of international transfers of major arms in 2021–25 was 9.2% higher than in 2016–20. This was the biggest increase since 2011–15.
• The five largest suppliers of major arms in 2021–25 were the United States, France, Russia, Germany and China.
• Top five importers are Ukraine, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Pakistan accounted for 35% of global imports.
• Europe accounted for 33% of global arms imports, followed by Asia and Oceania at 31% and West Asia at 26%.
• Arms exports by the USA increased by 27% between 2016–20 and 2021–25, giving it a 42% share of total global arms exports.
• India accounted for 8.2% of total global arms imports between 2021 and 2025, making it the second-largest importer of major weapons systems.
• The largest share of Indian arms imports came from Russia, at 40% a significantly smaller share than in 2016–20 (51%) and almost half that in 2011–15 (70%).
• India is increasingly turning to Western suppliers including France, Israel and the United States.

sipri report on arms

• About SIPRI
• SIPRI is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. It is based in Stockholm.
• It was established in 1966, SIPRI provides data, analysis and recommendations, based on open sources, to policymakers, researchers, media and the interested public.
• Funding: It was established on the basis of a decision by the Swedish Parliament and receives a substantial part of its funding in the form of an annual grant from the Swedish Government.
• The Institute also seeks financial support from other organizations in order to carry out its research.
• Source: SIPRI

Proton Accelerator Facility to Come up in Visakhapatnam

Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology

In News

• Andhra Pradesh will host a high-energy proton accelerator in Visakhapatnam as part of India’s long-term nuclear research programme.
• A proton is a subatomic particle with a positive electrical charge. It is found in every atomic nucleus of every element.

About the Project

• The high-energy proton accelerator in Visakhapatnam will generate high-energy neutrons for converting thorium into uranium fuel.
• The facility benefits from Visakhapatnam’s technological ecosystem and sea access for cooling.
• The project is linked to the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT).
• Importance
• The proton accelerator is being developed as part of India’s long-term nuclear programme.
• It is a strategically important technology that may take decades to become fully operational.
• It will generate high-energy neutrons through spallation reactions to convert India’s abundant thorium into uranium fuel for reactors.
• Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT)
• It was established in 1984 under the Department of Atomic Energy.
• It leads research in particle accelerators and laser technologies with applications in space, defence, communications, and medical science.
• It also runs national-scale labs where industries, hospitals, and institutions conduct experiments.

Haleem

Syllabus: Miscellaneous

Context

• Amid shortage of commercial LPG, there are apprehensions that haleem will be pushed off the Ramzan menu in Hyderabad.

About the Haleem

• Haleem is a GI-tagged seasonal delicacy served during the Islamic holy month of Ramzan in Hyderabad, that is shipped across the country by multiple restaurant chains.
• Cooked over wood-fired ovens — known as ‘bhatti’ — for nearly 12 hours, the wheat, meat, and spices are turned into a gooey consistency by evening and is part of the fast-breaking food items at Iftaar.
• Source: TH

National Highways Green Cover Index (NH-GCI)

Syllabus: Miscellaneous

Context

• NHAI in coordination with ISRO has released the first-of-its-kind Annual Report on the National Highways Green Cover Index (NH-GCI) 2025–26.

About

• The assessment uses high-resolution satellite sensors to detect chlorophyll content, enabling an objective and technology-driven measure of vegetation along highways.
• The NH-GCI value is expressed as a percentage, indicating the proportion of land covered by green cover within the Right of Way (RoW) of National Highways.
• The index measures vegetation along both sides of highways at a granularity of one kilometre.
• Approximately 30,000 km of National Highways spanning 24 States have been covered for the period July–December 2024.

Stranded Renewable Power and Grid Constraints in India

Syllabus: GS3/ Energy

Context

• At the Bharat Climate Forum 2026, energy experts highlighted a critical risk in India’s energy transition that renewable power generation is increasing rapidly, but grid and institutional constraints are preventing its efficient utilisation.

India’s Renewable Energy Sector

• India’s total renewable energy capacity reached 253.96 GW in November 2025, representing an increase of over 23% from 205.52 GW in 2024.
• Solar installed capacity reached 132.85 GW followed by Wind at around 53.99 GW.

India’s Global Position:

• India ranks 3rd globally in solar power installed capacity.
• India ranks 4th in wind power installed capacity.
• India ranks 4th in total renewable energy installed capacity worldwide.
• The leading states in India for renewable energy capacity are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
• The country aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 as part of its climate commitments.

Challenges in India’s Renewable Energy Transition

• Transmission Congestion and Stranded Power: In Rajasthan, around 23 GW of renewable capacity has been commissioned, but grid evacuation capacity is only 18.9 GW, leaving over 4,000 MW of power stranded during peak solar hours.
• Unequal Curtailment of Renewable Projects: Renewable projects with Permanent General Network Access (GNA) continue to transmit power normally while projects with Temporary GNA (T-GNA) often face complete shutdown during peak hours.
• This unequal treatment creates financial losses for developers who invested in projects after obtaining necessary approvals.
• Under-utilisation of Transmission Infrastructure: High-capacity transmission lines such as 765 kV corridors are designed to evacuate large amounts of electricity (around 6000 MW). In reality, many operate at only 600–1000 MW, which is less than 20% of their designed capacity.
• These projects involve huge investments of ₹4,000–₹5,000 crore per corridor, and their costs are ultimately borne by electricity consumers.
• Institutional and Governance Issues: The grid operator Grid Controller of India Limited focuses mainly on grid stability, while no clear utilisation benchmarks or review mechanisms exist to address persistent underuse of transmission assets.
• Technical Constraints in Grid Operation: Grid operators cite technical risks such as voltage oscillations and potential grid instability when renewable energy injection increases rapidly.
• Technologies such as STATCOMs, reactive power compensators, and advanced protection systems can help address these issues but are not deployed at sufficient scale.

Government Initiatives to Improve Clean Energy Utilisation

• Green Energy Corridor (GEC): Aims to strengthen the transmission infrastructure to evacuate renewable energy efficiently from generation points to demand centres.
• PM-KUSUM Scheme: Promotes installation of solar pumps and grid-connected solar power plants in rural areas to reduce diesel usage and support farmers.
• National Green Hydrogen Mission: Seeks to promote the production and use of green hydrogen to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in sectors like refining, steel, and fertilisers.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Provides financial incentives for domestic manufacturing of high-efficiency solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and advanced battery storage systems.
• Renewable Energy Hybrid Policy: Encourages setting up of projects that combine solar and wind energy in the same location to increase capacity utilisation and reliability.

International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026)

Syllabus: GS3/Agriculture

Context

• The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026).

About

• Workforce shift: Rural men are moving to non-farm jobs leading to women replacing them in agriculture.
• Rise in women’s participation:
• Employment in agriculture surged by 135% in a decade.
• Women now account for 42% of the agricultural workforce.
• 2 in 3 working women are engaged in agriculture.
• This still remains lower than the rest of the world, women’s work participation was in the range 57%-63% in a majority of countries.
• In 2023-24, there were at least 117.6 million women working in agriculture (of whom 21.7 million were hired workers, 95.1 million were self-employed and 0.8 million were regular workers).
• The estimated male workforce in agriculture was 127.5 million.
• Economic Impact: Women’s greater participation has not translated into higher income for the economy, as agriculture’s share of the national GVA fell from 15.3% in 2017-18 to 14.4% in 2024-25.

Challenges Faced by Women in Agriculture

• Unpaid Labour: Nearly half of the women in agriculture are unpaid family workers, with their numbers jumping 2.5 times from 23.6 million to 59.1 million in just eight years.
• In States such as Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, more than 80% of women workers are in agriculture, and over half of them receive no wages.
• Systemic Inequities: Women as farmers, own only 13-14% of land holdings, and earn 20-30% less than men for equivalent work.
• Asset ownership, decision-making power, and access to credit and government support remain male-dominated, trapping women in low-value activities.
• Digital Divide: Barriers in digital literacy, language, affordability of devices limits the participation in modern agri-markets.
• Therefore, the feminisation of agriculture; has, in a way, reinforced inequities rather than enabling women’s economic empowerment.

Emerging Opportunities

• High-Value Segments: With global demand rising for organic products and superfoods, India’s value chains for tea, spices, millets and certified organic produce are poised for expansion in sectors where women are already strongly represented.
• Geographical Indications, branding initiatives, and support for meeting export standards can help women producers shift from subsistence farming toward premium, value-added product markets.
• Digital Innovations: Digital innovations can play a decisive role in bridging this gap.
• Platforms such as e-NAM, mobile-based advisory services, voice-assisted applications, and precision agriculture tools are already connecting women to markets, knowledge systems, and financial services.
• These solutions help formalise women’s labour while expanding access to schemes, credit, and fair pricing.

Government Initiatives for Women in Agriculture

• Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP): Under National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), supports women farmers in sustainable agriculture, livestock, and NTFP (non-timber forest produce).
• Joint Land Titles: States encouraged to issue land pattas in joint names of husband and wife.
• Priority Sector Lending (PSL): Mandates credit flow to women farmers.
• Rural women SHGs & FPOs: Supported through NABARD and DAY-NRLM.
• Agri-Clinics & Agri-Business Centres (ACABC): Special provisions for women agri-entrepreneurs.
• Digital Literacy: Initiatives like Digital Sakhi, BHASHINI platform for multilingual access to agri-services.
• Maternity Benefits & Health Schemes: Support women farmers’ welfare indirectly.
• Support for Women FPOs: Encouraged under the 10,000 FPOs Scheme (2020) with special provision for women-led groups.
• GI Tags, Branding, and Export Facilitation: Helps women producers in spices, tea, millets, organic produce.