Blog

Major Ports in India Surpass Cargo Target

Economy

Context

• The major ports of India handled 915.17 million tonnes (MT) of cargo in FY 2025–26, exceeding the target of 904 MT and recording a 7.06% year-on-year growth.

About

• There are 14 major ports out of which 12 Major Ports are in Operation and 200 non-major ports (minor ports) in the country.
• New ports: Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra and Galathea Bay Port in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, have been notified as Major Ports.
• While the Major Ports are under the administrative control of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, the non-major ports are under the jurisdiction of respective State Maritime Boards/ State Government.

Operational Major Ports in India

OPEC+

International

Context

• The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries group decided to increase oil production by 206,000 barrels per day amid rising global energy tensions.

OPEC and OPEC+

• The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a permanent, intergovernmental Organization, created at the Baghdad Conference in September 1960, by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
• OPEC Members (12 Nations): The core organization includes Algeria, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.
• Non-OPEC Partners (10 Nations): The extended “Plus” group consists of Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, South Sudan, and Sudan
• OPEC is headquartered at Vienna, Austria.
• In 2016, OPEC formed an alliance with other oil-producing nations to create OPEC+. The 10 countries now in OPEC+ include Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Oman.
• Member states of OPEC hold more than 80% of the world’s proven oil reserves.
• OPEC produces about 40% of the world’s crude oil and its members’ exports make up around 60% of global petroleum trade.

Stagflation

Economy

In Context

• The ongoing US-Israel vs Iran conflict has triggered a sharp energy supply disruption, reviving fears of stagflation.

Stagflation

• Definition: Simultaneous occurrence of stagnant/negative economic growth + high unemployment + high inflation.
• Term Coined By: British politician Iain Macleod (1960s).
• Why It’s Dangerous: Normal monetary policy tools fail, raising interest rates fights inflation  but worsens unemployment; cutting rates boosts growth but fuels inflation further.

Yuva Sangam

Government Initiatives

Context

• Registrations for institution-led exposure tours under Yuva Sangam Phase-VI were held, covering 22 States and Union Territories.

Yuva Sangam

• It is an initiative by the Government of India to strengthen people-to-people connect between youth belonging to different States/UTs of India.
• It was conceptualised by the Ministry of Education and was launched under the banner of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB).

Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB)

• It is a landmark initiative to celebrate the country’s unity in diversity.
• It was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31st October 2015, coinciding with the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Key Initiatives Under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat

• Yuva Sangam: A youth exchange program that allows students and off-campus youth to travel to paired states, focusing on five pillars: Paryatan (Tourism), Parampara (Tradition), Pragati (Progress), Paraspar Sampark (People-to-people connect), and Devshakti (Spiritual connection).
• Bhasha Sangam: An initiative to encourage people to learn basic sentences in different Indian languages, promoting linguistic harmony.
• Educational Integration: Schools and universities across the country conduct EBSB clubs, student exchange trips, and cultural festivals like Kala Utsav.
• Special Events: Celebration of Statehood Days and integration of cultural themes in national events like Bharat Parv.
• Implementation – The Ministry of Education serves as the nodal ministry for coordinating the program

Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI)

Economy

Context

• The West Asia crisis has led to India’s Manufacturing PMI falling from 56.9 in February 2026 compared to 53.9 in March 2026.

Comparison: PMI vs. IIP

Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme

Economy

In Context

• The Union Minister has unveiled India’s roadmap to address this through domestic coal utilisation, with the Coal Gasification Incentive Scheme as a central instrument.

Coal Gasification

• Coal gasification is the process of converting coal into syngas (synthesis gas) — a mixture primarily of hydrogen (H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) — through a reaction with steam and oxygen at high temperatures.

Syngas serves as a feedstock for producing:

• Ammonia → used in fertiliser manufacturing
• Methanol → used as fuel and chemical feedstock
• Hydrogen → clean energy carrier
• Synthetic natural gas → substitute for imported LNG.

Aditya-L1 Mission

Science and Tech

News

• ISRO invites proposals from the Indian solar physics community to analyse data from the Aditya-L1 mission.

Aditya-L1 mission

• Uniqueness – Aditya-L1 is the first space-based Indian observatory to study the Sun. It will be launched by the PSLV-C57.
• Note – The solar mission will not see the spacecraft actually go to the sun, it will instead create a space observatory at a point from which the sun can be observed even during an eclipse.
• The spacecraft is planned to be placed in a halo orbit around the Lagrange point 1 (L1), around 1.5 million km from the Earth, of the Sun-Earth system.

Major objectives of the mission

• The mission will focus on study of the Solar upper atmospheric (chromosphere and corona) dynamics.
• It will also identify what drives space weather, along with the origin, composition and dynamics of the solar wind.

Additional Information – International Solar Missions

INS Taragiri

Defence

Context

• INS Taragiri, a Nilgiri-class stealth guided missile frigate, has been commissioned into the Indian Navy.

INS Taragiri

• It is the 4th of the 7 Project 17A multi-mission stealth guided missile frigates.
• It was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
• It is named after the Taragiri hill ranges of Uttarakhand.
• About 75% of the ship is indigenously built.

Key Features

• It is designed for multi-role operations across air, surface and sub-surface warfare.
• It is equipped with MF-STAR radar, MRSAM, Barak air defence missiles, and BrahMos missiles.

Additional Information – Project 17A (P-17A)

• Objective: To build seven advanced stealth guided-missile frigates for the Indian Navy.
• Key Manufacturers: The project is split between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai (4 ships) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata (3 ships).
• Design: Designed in-house by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB).
• Indigenization: Approximately 75% of the content is indigenous, involving over 200 MSMEs, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) initiative.

List of Seven Frigates

1. INS Nilgiri – Commissioned Jan 2025
2. INS Himgiri – Commissioned Aug 2025
3. INS Udaygiri – Commissioned Aug 2025
4. INS Taragiri – Commissioned April 2026
5. INS Dunagiri  – Delivered March/April 2026
6. INS Vindhyagiri – Under sea trials/outfitting
7. INS Mahendragiri – Under construction/outfitting

INS Aridhaman

Defence

In News

• INS Aridaman, part of India’s Arihant-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) fleet, has been commissioned as a more advanced platform than its predecessors — INS Arihant (commissioned 2016) and INS Arighaat (commissioned 2024).

Key Features

• It is larger than INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, with a displacement of about 7,000 tonnes.
• It can carry up to 24 K-15 Sagarika missiles, or 8 K-4 / K-5 missiles.
• The K-4 missile has a range of about 3,500 km.
• These are nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).
• India’s Nuclear Submarine Programme – It was developed through collaboration between DRDO, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), the Navy, and private defence firms, with technical assistance from Russia in the early phases.

Kar Saathi

Economy

Context

• An AI-enabled digital chatbot platform launched by the Income Tax Department to provide 24×7 guidance on direct tax matters under the new Income Tax Act, 2025 framework.

Kar Saathi

• It provides round-the-clock assistance for queries related to ITR filing, tax provisions, forms, notices, deductions, refunds, and compliance.
• It brings all direct tax-related resources such as forms, challans, e-payment, e-verification, and FAQs under one platform.
• Supports taxpayer grievance resolution and compliance queries.

Connect with the basics –

Direct Tax

• A direct tax is paid straight to the government by the person or business that earns the income or profit.
• The burden of this tax cannot be shifted to anyone else; you are solely responsible for paying it.
• Governing Body: Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

Key Examples:

• Income Tax: Paid by individuals on their annual earnings.
• Corporate Tax: Paid by companies on their yearly profits.
• Capital Gains Tax: Levied on profits from selling assets like property or stocks.
• Securities Transaction Tax (STT): Charged on the sale and purchase of securities on stock exchanges.

Indirect Tax

• An indirect tax is levied on the consumption of goods and services.
• Unlike direct taxes, the burden is transferable; a shopkeeper pays the tax to the government but recovers that cost from you through the selling price.
• Governing Body: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

Key Examples:

• Goods and Services Tax (GST): The primary indirect tax in India that replaced multiple older taxes like VAT and service tax.
• Customs Duty: Imposed on goods imported into or exported out of India.
• Excise Duty: Still applicable to limited items like petroleum products and alcohol

E20 Petrol

Environment

Context

• India has officially mandated the nationwide rollout of E20 petrol at all fuel stations from April 1, 2025.

E20 petrol

• It refers to a fuel blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol.
• Objective – It is a critical part of India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, which aims to reduce reliance on crude oil imports and lower vehicular emissions.
• Target Advancement: The initial target for 20% blending was 2030, but it was advanced to 2025–26 under the amended National Policy on Biofuels (2022).

Significance for India

India’s Push for Piped Natural Gas

Science and Tech

Context

• India is accelerating the expansion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to reduce import dependence, improve energy security, and transition towards a cleaner fuel mix.

Types of Gases

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG):

• Composition: Propane and Butane.
• State & Storage: Stored as a liquid under moderate pressure in cylinders.
• Usage: Domestic cooking, water heating, and small-scale industrial applications.
• Key Characteristic: Heavier than air; collects on the ground if leaked.

Piped Natural Gas (PNG):

• Composition: Primarily Methane.
• State & Storage: Delivered as a gas through underground pipelines.
• Usage: Residential kitchens, commercial cooking, and industries.
• Key Characteristic: Continuous supply; no need for cylinder storage.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG):

• Composition: Primarily Methane.
• State & Storage: Compressed to high pressure (200-250 bar) in tanks.
• Usage: Vehicles (cars, buses, autos) and low-pressure industrial burners.
• Key Characteristic: Cleaner burning than petrol/diesel.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG):

• Composition: Primarily Methane.
• State & Storage: Cooled to roughly –160°C to become a liquid for transport.
• Usage: Transporting natural gas over long distances by sea, power generation.
• Key Characteristic: Volume is reduced by 600 times, making it easy to store in bulk.

India’s Shift Towards Piped Natural Gas (PNG)

• Reducing Import Dependence: India imports nearly 60% of its LPG requirement, with a large share coming from West Asia and supply routes like Strait of Hormuz are geopolitically vulnerable.
• Economic Efficiency: PNG eliminates logistics costs associated with cylinder transportation and storage.
• Pricing can be more stable compared to LPG, which is sensitive to global oil prices.
• Environmental Benefits: Natural gas burns cleaner than LPG, producing fewer pollutants and greenhouse gases.

India’s Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System

Environment

Context

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) received the National Award for e-Governance 2025 for its indigenously developed Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System (MHEW-DSS).

Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System (MHEW-DSS)

• Launched in 2024, it is a digital platform that automates decision-making in critical weather forecasting processes and provides forecast and warning services to the public, government, and non-government agencies, as well as specific stakeholders.
• Developed under Mission Mausam, the system has automated 90% of weather data processing and improved forecast accuracy by 30%, while reducing preparation time from six hours to three.
• It integrates real-time data from satellites, radars, and ground and upper air-based sensors into a centralized GIS-enabled platform, replacing outdated manual workflows.

India Meteorological Department (IMD)

• It was established in 1875 and completed 150 years of service in 2025.
• Functions under – Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• Objective – It is a government agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology in India.

Mission Mausam

• It is an ambitious multi-faceted initiative launched by Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
• Objective – to transform the country into a “weather-ready and climate-smart” nation. It aims to dramatically improve the accuracy and lead time of weather and climate forecasts.

Indonesia

Geography

Context

• A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck the Northern Molucca Sea off Indonesia’s Ternate island.

Indonesia

Basic Geography:

• World’s largest archipelagic state, located between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, off mainland Southeast Asia.
• Major islands: Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan (Borneo), Sulawesi, Papua.
• It shares land borders with East Timor (Timor-Leste), Papua New Guinea, and Malaysia.
• Capital: Jakarta (on the island of Java); new capital being developed — Nusantara in Kalimantan

Tectonic Setting:

• Located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the seismically active belt where ~90% of the world’s earthquakes occur.
• The Molucca Sea — where the recent earthquake originated — is a highly active tectonic zone in Indonesia’s northern region.

Additional Information – Ring of Fire

• Known as – The Ring of Fire also referred to as the Circum-Pacific Belt is present along the land borders of the Pacific Ocean.
• Features – It is characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
• Significance – It consists of 75% of Earth’s volcanoes i.e. more than 450 volcanoes are located along the Ring of Fire.
• Reason for the occurrence – The abundance of volcanoes and earthquakes along the Ring of Fire is due to the frequent movement of tectonic plates in this area.

Volcanoes in India

• Barren Island, Andaman Islands (India’s only active volcano)
• Narcondam, Andaman Islands
• Baratang, Andaman Islands
• Deccan Traps, Maharashtra

NCERT Granted Deemed University Tag

Government Initiatives

In News

• The Ministry of Education has declared the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) an Institution Deemed to be a University.

Impact of the Decision

• NCERT can now start courses and academic programmes and also award degrees.
• It has also been asked to begin research programmes, doctoral programmes, and innovative academic programmes.
• NCERT should also gradually expand into other academic domains in line with UGC norms and regulations, and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Additional Information – The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)

• It is an autonomous organisation established in 1961
• Mandate – It assists and advises Central and State governments on policies and programmes aimed at improving the quality of school education.

Key Roles and Functions

• Curriculum Development: NCERT is the nodal agency for developing the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which sets the standard for school education in India.
• Textbook Publication: It publishes model textbooks for Classes I to XII in English, Hindi, and Urdu.
• Educational Research & Training: It promotes research in school education and provides pre-service and in-service training for teachers.
• Digital Initiatives: Through platforms like ePathshala and DIKSHA, it offers free digital access to textbooks, audio, and video resources.

FCRA Amendment Bill 2026

Polity & Governance

Context

• Recently, the Union Government has deferred discussion on the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 which triggered political controversy, especially ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections.

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA)

• Mandate– It is a key legislation that regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign funds by individuals, NGOs, and associations in India.
• It is administered by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Significance – It aims to ensure foreign contributions do not affect national interest, sovereignty, or public order.

Provisions of FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026

New “Designated Authority” to Take Over Assets

• What it does: If an NGO’s registration is cancelled, surrendered, or even if it simply expires and isn’t renewed, this authority can step in and take control of all its foreign funds and assets (like buildings or equipment bought with foreign money).
• Permanent Takeover: If the registration is not restored within a certain timeframe, the government can permanently take these assets, sell them, or transfer them to other government departments.

Personal Liability for “Key Functionaries”

• The Bill expands the definition of “key functionary” to include directors, partners, trustees, and anyone in a management role.

Automatic Ending of Registration

• How it works: Under the new rules, an FCRA registration will automatically lapse if it expires and hasn’t been renewed, or if a renewal request is rejected.
• Strict Timelines: The Bill also sets fixed timelines for how quickly organisations must use the foreign funds they receive.

Changes to Investigations and Penalties

• Centralised Approval: Local police or state agencies now need prior approval from the Central Government before they can even start an investigation into an FCRA-related complaint.
• Reduced Prison Time: The maximum jail term for breaking FCRA rules is being reduced from five years to one year, though fines still apply.

Parliament Passes Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Bill, 2026

Economy

Context

• The Parliament has passed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016

• It provides a time-bound process for resolving insolvency in companies and among individuals.
• Insolvency definition – It is a situation where individuals or companies are unable to repay their outstanding debt.
• Bankruptcy definition – It is a situation whereby a court of competent jurisdiction has declared a person or other entity insolvent, having passed appropriate orders to resolve it and protect the rights of the creditors. It is a legal declaration of one’s inability to pay off debts.
• Significance – It aims to remove bottlenecks, streamline the corporate insolvency resolution process and protect the last mile funding in order to boost investment in financially distressed sectors.

Adjudicating authority

• National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for companies and LLPs.
• Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) for individuals and partnership firms.

Key Features of IBC (Amendment) Bill, 2026

• Timelines for liquidation: The Bill adds that NCLT must pass the order for liquidation within 30 days from the date of the application or intimation. 
• It also specifies that liquidation proceedings must be completed in 180 days, extendable by up to 90 days.
• Mandatory Admission: The bill mandates that the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) must admit an insolvency application within 14 days if the default is proven and the application is complete, removing judicial discretion on this timeline.
• Cross-Border Insolvency: Introduces a framework to deal with insolvency cases involving foreign assets/creditors.

Qdenga (TAK-003)

Health

Context

• Qdenga, developed by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, has received clearance from the Drugs Controller General of India for individuals aged 4–60 years.

Qdenga (TAK-003)

• TAK-003 is a live-attenuated, tetravalent dengue vaccine, containing weakened forms of all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4) to stimulate immunity.

India’s first indigenous dengue vaccine

• DengiAll is an indigenous, tetravalent, single-dose dengue vaccine candidate being developed by Panacea Biotec in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
• It is designed to fight all four serotypes and is currently in Phase III trials.

Additional Information – Dengue

• Pathogen – Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus (DENV).
• DENV is an RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family with four serotypes (DENV-1 to 4).
• Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, rash.
• Transmission: The virus is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes Aegypti mosquito.
• There is a possibility of maternal transmission of Dengue (from a pregnant mother to her baby), transmission via blood products, organ donation and transfusions.
• Prevention: There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue, so prevention relies on controlling mosquito populations and raising public awareness.
• The mosquitoes that spread dengue are active during the day. The best way of protection is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

GLP-1 Therapy

Health

Context

• Multiple variants of GLP-1 drugs have been recently introduced in the Indian market, and concerns have emerged regarding their on-demand availability.
• GLP-1 medication was approved by the United States’ Food & Drug Administration in 2005.

GLP-1 drugs

• Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are medications developed to treat both type 2 diabetes and obesity by correcting hormonal imbalance.
• They slow down the gastric emptying, increasing the feeling of fullness.
• This decreases patients’ appetites and thereby leads to their weight loss.
• To ensure ethical pharmaceutical practices in the supply chain of GLP-1, the Drug Controller General of India has intensified its regulatory surveillance against the drug’s unauthorised sale and promotion.
• In India, the drug can be prescribed only by endocrinologists, internal medicine specialists and cardiologists.

Additional Information – Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)

• Established under – It is the Central Drug Authority and is responsible for carrying out duties entrusted by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act,1940.
• Responsibilities:
  • Adoption of drugs.
  • clinical trials, please.
  • establishing the criteria for drugs.
  • control over the country’s imported drugs’ quality.
  • Coordination of state drug control organizations’ effort

Other Drug Regulatory Bodies in India

• Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI): It is in charge of approving licenses for specific kinds of medications. He or she also serves as the head of the CDSCO department of the Indian government.
• Drug Price Control Order (DPCO): To keep certain necessary medications in India accessible for the general people, the DPCO controls their prices.
• Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940: This act regulates domestic drug use.

Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) Completed 10 Years

Schemes

In News

• PMAY-G completes 10 years of implementation in 2026, marking a decade of India’s flagship rural housing mission.

Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G)

• Aim: Provide “Housing for All” in rural areas — financial assistance to eligible rural households, including houseless families and those living in zero, one, or two-room kutcha houses, to construct pucca homes with basic amenities.
• Beneficiary Selection: Using housing deprivation parameters from the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), 2011, verified by Gram Sabhas.
• Funding Pattern: 60:40 (Centre:State) in plain areas; 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan states.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).

Financial Assistance:

• Minimum unit size of 25 sq. m.
• ₹1.20 lakh in plain areas; ₹1.30 lakh in hilly/North-Eastern states.
• Additional ₹12,000 for toilet construction via convergence with Swachh Bharat Mission.

Reforms in the Scheme

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Financial assistance released directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, eliminating middlemen.
• Geo-tagging: Time and date-stamped photographs uploaded at every construction stage for real-time monitoring.
• AI-driven monitoring: AI and Machine Learning tools for anomaly detection; Aadhaar face authentication (including eye-blink detection) to verify beneficiaries and prevent fraud.
• Village-level Functionaries: Each sanctioned house is tagged to a local functionary who follows up with the beneficiary.
• Social Audits: Every Gram Panchayat conducts a formal social audit at least once a year.

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026

Economy

In News

• The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, was passed by the Parliament of India on April 2, 2026.
• This legislation is a significant expansion of the government’s decriminalisation initiative, following the original Jan Vishwas Act of 2023.

Key Objectives & Impact

• Mandate – The Bill aims to enhance Ease of Doing Business and Ease of Living by transitioning from a punitive to a trust-based governance model.
• Decriminalisation: It decriminalises 717 provisions across 79 Central Acts.
• Scale: In total, the Bill amends 784 provisions administered by 23 different Ministries.
• Offence Rationalisation: More than 1,000 minor offences have been rationalised, shifting from criminal imprisonment to civil penalties, administrative fines, or warnings.

Major Provisions

• Adjudication Mechanism: It provides for the appointment of Adjudicating Officers to handle inquiries and determine penalties, and Appellate Authorities to hear appeals, thereby reducing the burden on the court system.
• Graduated Response: For first-time or minor lapses, the Bill introduces “warning-first” principles.
• Dynamic Penalties: Most fines and penalties will see a 10% increment every three years to maintain their deterrent effect.
• Key Acts Amended: Major laws affected include the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Ammonium Nitrate

Science and Tech

Context

• Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Ltd. and Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd. recently signed an agreement for a Coal to Ammonium Nitrate Project.

Ammonium Nitrate

• A white, crystalline, water-soluble solid, not found in nature; synthetically produced by reacting ammonia with nitric acid.
• It is hygroscopic in nature and under high heat, it decomposes explosively, releasing nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).
• Example: 2015 Tianjin (China) explosion and 2020 Beirut port explosion.
• One of the world’s most widely used chemicals serving dual roles as a fertiliser and an industrial explosive.
• It is listed as a hazardous chemical under Hazardous Chemicals Rules, 1989.

E-3 Sentry AWACS

Defence

Context

• Iran’s missile and drone strike on Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base has reportedly destroyed a US E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft.

E-3 Sentry (AWACS)

• The E-3 Sentry is an airborne early warning and control aircraft developed by Boeing for advanced surveillance and battle management.
• The aircraft is commonly known as AWACS, which stands for Airborne Warning and Control System.
• It is equipped with a distinctive rotating radar dome mounted above its fuselage that enables long-range detection and tracking of aerial targets.

Airborne Warning and Control System in India

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates three Israeli-origin Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) mounted on Russian Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft.
• These systems, known as “eyes in the sky,” provide 360-degree radar coverage, with capabilities to detect aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones at ranges of 370–500 km.
• The NETRA Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system is an indigenous, multi-sensor platform developed by DRDO, primarily designed for aerial surveillance, target identification, and command-and-control capabilities.
• It is based on the Brazilian Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft.

Rice’s Whale

Environment

Context

• The US expansion of oil and gas drilling could push the Rice Whale to extinction.

Rice’s Whale (Balaenoptera ricei)

• Belonging to the baleen whale family Balaenopteridae.
• It is one of the rarest whale species, with fewer than 100 individuals remaining.
• Range and Habitat: It is endemic to the northern Gulf of Mexico and lives year‑round within this region without undertaking long migrations.
• Diet: Primarily feeds on small fish and squid.
• Threat: Oil drilling, vessel strikes, and climate change.
• Conservation status: It is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Do you know?

• The International Whaling Commission (IWC) was established in 1946 as the global body responsible for management of whaling and conservation of whales.
• Currently, the IWC has more than 80 member countries, including India.

Sanand as India’s Semiconductor Hub

Economy

Context

• Recently, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated a semiconductor assembly and test facility by Kaynes Semicon in Sanand, Gujarat. 

• • The project is part of the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
  • It marks India’s push toward becoming a global semiconductor manufacturing hub.

• Sanand is being positioned as a critical link in the global semiconductor supply chain.

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) 

• Launched in – December 2021

• Implementation- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Launched in December 2021

• Objective – to build a sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem

India-Semiconductor Mission 2.0 

• It was unveiled in the Union Budget 2026–27, 
• It focuses on semiconductor equipment and materials to create a “full-stack Indian semiconductor ecosystem.”

Additional Information – Government Schemes

• Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme: Financial and infrastructure su pport for chip design startups; target of 100+ domestic semiconductor design firms.
• PLI Scheme for Electronics Manufacturing: Boosts demand-side ecosystem, linked with mobile manufacturing growth.
• Chips-to-Startup Programme: Access to EDA tools and fabrication support; covers 300+ institutions.
• National Critical Minerals Mission & Rare Earth Corridor: To reduce dependence on China (rare earths) and Taiwan (fabs).

Global Supply Chain & Strategic Positioning

• India’s membership in Pax Silica — a U.S.-led initiative — aims to secure supply chains for critical technologies including semiconductors and AI. 

Pax Silica Initiative

• Objective – It is a US-led strategic initiative to build a secure, prosperous, and innovation-driven silicon supply chain from critical minerals.
• Members – Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and Australia.

Cooperatives of India

Economy

Context

• Centre has  informed Lok Sabha that only 3.49 lakh cooperatives are in profit.

Connect with the basics – Cooperatives

• A cooperative (or co-op) is an organization or business that is owned and operated by a group of individuals who share a common interest, goal, or need. 
• The main purpose of a cooperative is to meet the economic, social, or cultural needs of its members, rather than to maximize profits for external shareholders.

Benefits of Cooperatives

• Democratic Control: Members have a voice in decision-making.
• Economic Participation: Profits are distributed based on usage or contribution, not capital invested.
• Community Focus: Co-ops often aim to benefit local communities by keeping resources and profits within the group.
• Better Services/Prices: By pooling resources, cooperatives often offer better services or prices than for-profit businesses.

97th Constitutional Amendment Act 2011

• It established the right to form cooperative societies as a fundamental right (Article 19).
• It included a new Directive Principle of State Policy on the Promotion of Cooperative Societies (Article 43-B).
• It added a new Part IX-B to the Constitution titled “The Co-operative Societies” (Articles 243-ZH to 243-ZT). 

Legal Framework and Support for Cooperatives:

• In India, cooperatives are governed by the Cooperative Societies Act, which is implemented at both the state and national levels.
• The Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act (2002): This law regulates cooperatives that operate in more than one state.
• The National Cooperative Policy (2002): Aimed at creating an enabling environment for the cooperative movement, it focuses on improving governance, member participation, and financial sustainability.
• The Ministry of Cooperation: Established in 2021, this ministry focuses on supporting the growth of cooperatives in India, including reforming their governance and providing financial support.
• National Cooperation Policy 2025: It aims to build on the unique strengths of India’s cooperative tradition, promote economic democratization, and uplift rural economies through collective participation.

Bab el-Mandab Strait

Geography

In News

• Concerns have risen over the possible disruption of the Bab el-Mandab Strait, following the entry of the Iran-backed Houthis of Yemen into the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Bab el-Mandab Strait

• It is also known in Arabic as the “Gate of Tears,” is located at the southern tip of the Red Sea.
• It lies between Yemen on one side and the Horn of Africa on the other.
• It connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, and further with the Indian Ocean.
• It is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.

Strategic Importance

• The Bab el-Mandab accounts for roughly 10–12% of global oil and natural gas shipments.
• It is strategically important because it connects with the Suez Canal, which further links it to  the Mediterranean Sea.
• It is also linked to the SUMED pipeline, making it a vital corridor for global energy and trade flows.

Additional Information – SUMED (Suez-Mediterranean) pipeline

• It is a 200-mile pipeline in Egypt connecting Ain Sukhna on the Red Sea to Sidi Kerir on the Mediterranean.
• It is a strategic alternative to the Suez Canal for transporting Persian Gulf oil to Europe and North America,

Key Details :

• Purpose: Key crude oil transportation route to bypass the Suez Canal, vital for energy security during congestion.
• Route: Connects Ain Sukhna (Gulf of Suez, Red Sea) to Sidi Kerir (near Alexandria, Mediterranean).
• Capacity: Roughly 2.5 million barrels per day.
• Ownership: Operated by the Arab Petroleum Pipeline Company (joint venture between Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar).

Samrat Samprati

Art & Culture

In News

• The Prime Minister inaugurated the Samrat Samprati Sangrahalay (Jain Heritage Museum) at Koba Tirth in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Samrat Samprati

• • A Mauryan emperor and grandson of emperor Ashoka.
  • Also known by the names Indrapalit, Sangat, and Vigatashok.
  • His life is described in Jain scriptures including Sampratikatha, Parishistaparva, and Prabhavakcharita.
  • Referred to as ‘Jain Ashoka’ for his pivotal role in spreading Jainism and the principle of ahimsa (non-violence) across the subcontinent.
  • PM Modi noted that Samrat Samprati expanded ahimsa from the throne and propagated Satya (Truth), Asteya (non-stealing), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) with detachment and selflessness — treating power as service and sadhana. Prime Minister of India

• Known to have built and repaired many Jain temples across the subcontinent.

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe)

Science & Technology

In News

• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has opened applications for the second edition of IN-SPACe’s Model Rocketry Competition.

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) 

• It is a single-window, autonomous nodal agency under the Department of Space (DOS). 
• Established by the Government of India in June 2020, 
• It acts as a bridge between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs), including private companies and academia. 
• Chairman: Dr. Pawan Kumar Goenka.
• Headquarters: Located in Bopal, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Key Functions & Roles

• IN-SPACe is responsible for promoting, enabling, authorising, and supervising the space activities of private players in India: 
• Facilitation: Provides NGEs with access to ISRO infrastructure and technical expertise to build and launch space missions.
• Promotion: Focuses on expanding the Indian space economy through initiatives like the ₹500 crore Technology Adoption Fund (TAF) and the Satellite Bus as a Service (SBaaS).

Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026

Environment

Context

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026.

The Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026

• Notified by – Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
• It will come into full effect on April 1, 2026.
• These rules supersede the SWM Rules, 2016 and aim to transition India toward a Circular Economy and a “Zero Waste” model.

Key Provisions of SWM Rules, 2026

• Source Segregation: Mandates separating waste into four streams: wet, dry, sanitary, and special care (hazardous).
• Bulk Generators: Entities producing 100 kg/day must handle wet waste locally or adopt Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
• Fuel Usage: Industries and cement plants must increase Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) usage from 5% to 15% within six years.
• Digital Monitoring: A centralized CPCB portal will track the entire waste life cycle.
• Compliance: Stricter “Polluter Pays” enforcement and mandatory, time-bound remediation of legacy landfill sites.