Category: National and International Current Affairs

PM Modi to Participate in 52nd G7 Summit in France

International

Context

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to participate in the 52nd G7 Summit in France. 

About – 

• Group of Seven (G7): An informal organization of seven of the world’s largest advanced economies, representing about 10% of the population and nearly 30% of global GDP.
• Members: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom, and the United States.
• Presidency: Rotates annually among member states.

Why is the G7 Summit Important?

• Economic Influence: Decisions impact global trade, financial stability, and climate policy.
• Crisis Coordination: Forum for addressing global challenges like pandemics, wars, and geopolitical tensions.
• Multilateralism: Reinforces a rules-based international order through consensus-building.

New Phase in India-Nepal Relations

International

Context

• Recent high-level exchanges between India and Nepal signal efforts by both sides to strengthen bilateral ties despite differences over boundary issues. 

India- Nepal Border Disputes

• India and Nepal argue over a few specific pieces of land. The main areas are Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Susta.

India – Nepal Relations

• India and Nepal share an approximately 1,751 km border.
• Shared Border: The country shares a border with five Indian states – Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
• India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship – Signed in 1950, it forms the special relations that exist between India and Nepal. 
• Defence Cooperation: Both countries conduct Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN alternately in India and in Nepal.  
• The Gorkha regiments of the Indian Army are raised partly by recruitment from hill districts of Nepal. 
• Trade and Economic: India remains Nepal’s largest trade partner and Investment where Indian firms account for 33.5 % of total FDI stock in Nepal.
• Operation Maitri & post-earthquake reconstruction assistance: In the wake of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, GoI was the first responder and carried out its largest disaster relief operation abroad (Operation Maitri). 
• Cultural Ties: The leaders of the two countries have often noted the age-old ‘roti beti’ relationship, which refers to cross-border marriages between people of the two countries.

Project Kusha

GS3/Defence

Context

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has described the indigenous Project Kusha air defence system as a potential game changer for India’s security architecture. 

Project Kusha

• It is an ambitious, indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) defence system.
• It is designed to act as a powerful, multi-layered air defence shield that can detect and destroy advanced enemy targets at long distances.
• Developed by – Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 
• Multi-Tier Interception: The system features three types of interceptor missiles to stop threats at different distances:

1. M1 interceptor with a range of around 150 km
2. M2 interceptor with a range of around 250 km
3. M3 interceptor with a range of 350-400 km

Significance – 

• Countering the S-400 and Global Comparisons – Project Kusha is often called India’s homegrown answer to Russia’s famous S-400 Triumf air defence system.
• The project is also linked to the broader “Mission Sudarshan Chakra”, an initiative aimed at building a multi-layered air and missile defence shield for India by 2035.

Indigenous AI Model Varya

Science and Technology

Context

• The IndiaAI Mission has supported the launch of Varya, an indigenous AI-powered video generation model developed by Avataar.

Varya

• Varya is a distilled video generation model that converts text prompts and images into videos.
• It is designed to generate culturally relevant visual content reflecting India’s regions, festivals, traditions, clothing, food, and everyday life.
• The platform follows the workflow, from Idea to Video to Story, allowing users to create and extend visual narratives through simple prompts.

Four Sites on Nicobar West Coast Identified for Coral Translocation

GS3/Environment

Context

• Coral colonies and giant clams that will be impacted due to the work on the transhipment port proposed at Galathea Bay as part of the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) mega project will be translocated to four sites on the west coast.

The Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project 

• It is conceived by NITI Aayog and launched in 2021.
• It is a ₹72,000–₹81,000 crore mega-infrastructure initiative. 
• It is aimed at transforming India’s southernmost island into a major strategic  and economic hub. 
• Significance – The project is a centerpiece of India’s Maritime Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. 

Core Components

• International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT): At Galathea Bay, aiming to handle 14.2 million TEUs to capture regional cargo.
• Greenfield International Airport: A dual-use facility for tourism and defense.
• Integrated Township: Planned development to accommodate a projected population of 6.5 lakh by 2050.
• Power Plant: A 450 MVA gas and solar-based facility. 

Connect with the basics – CORAL REEFS 

• Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse ecosystems of the planet.

Formation & Symbiotic relationship – (Coral polyps + zooxanthellae)

• They are formed when Coral polyps, the animals primarily responsible for building reefs, develop a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae, which live in its tissues. 
• Formation – Coral reefs begin to form when free-swimming coral larvae attach to submerged rocks or other hard surfaces along the edges of islands or continents. 
• The coral provides a protected environment and the compounds zooxanthellae need for photosynthesis. 
• In return, the algae produce carbohydrates that the coral uses for food, as well as oxygen. The algae also helps the coral remove waste. 

FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS FOR FORMATION

• Warm tropical oceans with minimum temperature of 20 degree (30 degree north and 25 degree south latitudes)
• Oceanic water free of sedimentation
• Transparent parts of ocean bodies 
• Relatively low salinity ocean bodies

TYPES OF REEF FORMATIONS

• Fringing reefs – They are the most common, projecting seaward directly from the shore, forming borders along the shoreline and surrounding islands. 
• Barrier reefs – Grow at border shorelines, but at a greater distance. They are separated from their adjacent land mass by a lagoon of open, often deep water. 
• Atoll – If a fringing reef forms around a volcanic island that subsides completely below sea level while the coral continues to grow upward, an atoll forms. Atolls are usually circular or oval, with a central lagoon. 

DISTRIBUTION IN INDIA 

• The Gulf of Kutch  

1. The West Coast of India 
2. The Lakshadweep Islands 
3. The Gulf of Mannar 
4. Palk Bay
5. Andaman and Nicobar Group of Islands 

THREATS 

• Destructive fishing practices, Overfishing, Careless tourism, Pollution, Sedimentation, Coral mining, Climate change. 

CORAL BLEACHING

• When corals face stress by changes in conditions such as temperature, light, or nutrients, they expel the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae living in their tissues, causing them to turn completely white. This phenomenon is called coral bleaching.

Causes of Coral Bleaching

CORAL REEFS 

• Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse ecosystems of the planet.

Formation & Symbiotic relationship – (Coral polyps + zooxanthellae)

• They are formed when Coral polyps, the animals primarily responsible for building reefs, develop a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae, which live in its tissues. 
• Formation – Coral reefs begin to form when free-swimming coral larvae attach to submerged rocks or other hard surfaces along the edges of islands or continents. 
• The coral provides a protected environment and the compounds zooxanthellae need for photosynthesis. 
• In return, the algae produce carbohydrates that the coral uses for food, as well as oxygen. The algae also helps the coral remove waste. 

FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS FOR FORMATION

• Warm tropical oceans with minimum temperature of 20 degree (30 degree north and 25 degree south latitudes)
• Oceanic water free of sedimentation
• Transparent parts of ocean bodies 
• Relatively low salinity ocean bodies

TYPES OF REEF FORMATIONS

• Fringing reefs – They are the most common, projecting seaward directly from the shore, forming borders along the shoreline and surrounding islands. 
• Barrier reefs – Grow at border shorelines, but at a greater distance. They are separated from their adjacent land mass by a lagoon of open, often deep water. 
• Atoll – If a fringing reef forms around a volcanic island that subsides completely below sea level while the coral continues to grow upward, an atoll forms. Atolls are usually circular or oval, with a central lagoon. 

DISTRIBUTION IN INDIA 

• The Gulf of Kutch  

1. The West Coast of India 
2. The Lakshadweep Islands 
3. The Gulf of Mannar 
4. Palk Bay
5. Andaman and Nicobar Group of Islands 

THREATS 

• Destructive fishing practices, Overfishing, Careless tourism, Pollution, Sedimentation, Coral mining, Climate change. 

CORAL BLEACHING

• When corals face stress by changes in conditions such as temperature, light, or nutrients, they expel the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae living in their tissues, causing them to turn completely white. This phenomenon is called coral bleaching.

Causes of Coral Bleaching

Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act

Polity

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958

Polity

Context

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is likely to be withdrawn from almost the entire Northeast by 2027, except for one or two States.

Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)

• AFSPA was originally promulgated by the British in response to the Quit India movement in 1942. 
• After Independence, India decided to retain the Act, which was first brought in as an ordinance and then notified as an Act in 1958.

Where is AFSPA currently invoked?

• Imposed by – AFSPA can be imposed by the Center or the Governor of a state on the state or parts of it after it is declared “disturbed’’ under Section 3 of AFSPA Act.
• Definition of Disturbed areas – The Act defines Disturbed as areas that are “disturbed or dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary’.

Powers granted by the AFSPA Act to armed forces

• The Act gives sweeping powers to the armed forces.
• It allows them to ‘open fire’, even causing death, against any person in contravention to the law or carrying arms and ammunition.
• It gives them powers to arrest individuals without warrants, on the basis of reasonable suspicion and also search premises without warrants.
• It also provides blanket immunity to security personnel involved in such operations. There can be no prosecution or legal proceedings against them without the prior approval of the Center.
• Note – The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is currently in effect in parts of Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Jammu & Kashmir.

SC Invokes Article 142 to Set Aside POCSO Conviction

Polity

Context

• The Supreme Court invoked its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to set aside the conviction of a man under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act).

Article 142 of Indian Constitution

• Article 142 of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court extraordinary power to pass any decree or order necessary to do “complete justice” in any pending matter. 
• Significance – It is designed to bridge statutory gaps and provide equitable relief where strict adherence to existing laws might lead to unfair outcomes.

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012

• It was introduced by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. 
• The Act criminalises both penetrative and non-penetrative sexual assault, sexual harassment, and child pornography, and applies to all children below 18 years of age.
• POCSO is a gender-neutral law and states that minors cannot give valid consent for sexual activity. 
• It ensures child-friendly legal procedures, including special courts, private hearings (in-camera trials), and video-recorded testimonies.
• The Act also punishes those involved in child trafficking for sexual purposes and allows strict penalties based on the seriousness of the crime.
• Source: TH

Shigellosis Outbreak in Kerala

Health

Context

• Kerala has reported 85 confirmed cases and over 70 probable cases of shigellosis (bacillary dysentery) till June 2026.

Shigellosis

• Shigellosis is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella.
• It primarily affects the intestines and causes bacillary dysentery, characterized by severe diarrhoea.
• Symptoms: Fever, diarrhoea (often with blood or mucus), vomiting and nausea, abdominal cramps etc.
• Transmission: Consumption of contaminated food and water, person-to-person contact through the fecal-oral route.

HIMARS

Science & Technology

Context

• Taiwan recently conducted its first-ever live-fire exercise using the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) in the Taiwan Strait, simulating a defence scenario against a potential Chinese military threat.

HIMARS

• It is a US-supplied mobile rocket artillery system manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
• It is mounted on a six-wheeled truck, enabling rapid movement across roads and rough terrain. 
• The system is known for its “shoot-and-scoot” capability, allowing it to fire rockets and quickly relocate to avoid enemy counterattacks. 
• With a range of around 300 km, HIMARS can strike targets across the Taiwan Strait, including coastal areas in China’s Fujian Province. 
• Note – HIMARS has been extensively used by Ukraine during its conflict with Russia and has emerged as one of its key long-range strike systems.

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA)

Polity

Context

• The introduction of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha has posed significant disruption risks to civil society.

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act

• Enacted in – It is an act of Parliament enacted in 1976 and amended in 2010. 
• Objective – To regulate foreign donations and to ensure that such contributions do not adversely affect the internal security of the country.
• Applicability – The Act is applicable to all associations, groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who intend to receive foreign donations.
• Restrictions – The members of legislatures, political parties, government officials, judges and media persons are prohibited from receiving any foreign contributions.

Key Provisions of the 2026 Amendment Bill

• Asset Seizure: The government can take over and sell physical assets (like hospitals or schools) built with foreign funds if an NGO’s license is cancelled or expires.
• Automatic Expiry: If an NGO does not renew its registration in time, it lapses automatically. The state can step in to control its property right away.
• Personal Liability: Key heads, directors, and trustees are held personally liable for any rules broken by the NGO.
• Central Approval: Local police or agencies cannot investigate an NGO under this law without prior approval from the Central Government.
• Lower Jail Time: The maximum jail term for breaking the law drops from 5 years to 1 year, shifting the focus to financial penalties.

Birsa Munda

Art & Culture

Hindu Kush Himalaya

Geography

Context

• The HKH Monsoon Outlook 2026, projects below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region during the 2026 monsoon season.

Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH)

• The HKH mountains extend around 3,500 km over eight countries — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan.
• These mountains are also called the “water towers of Asia” because they are the origins of 10 crucial river systems on the continent — Amu Darya, Indus, Ganga, Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Salween, Mekong, Yangtse, Yellow river, and Tarim.
• These river basins provide water to almost one-fourth of the world’s population and are a significant freshwater source for 240 million people in the HKH region.

Coal Exchange Rules, 2026

Economy

Context

• The Ministry of Coal has notified the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of Coal Exchanges in the country to enable transparent and market-driven coal trading.

Coal Exchange

• A Coal Exchange is an electronic marketplace where coal producers, consumers, traders, and other participants can buy and sell coal through transparent trading mechanisms.
• Significance – It facilitates efficient price discovery based on market demand and supply conditions.

Coal Sector in India

• India is the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of coal.
• India has the fifth-largest coal reserves globally.
• Coal accounts for around 55% of India’s primary commercial energy requirement and about 70% of electricity generation.
• Major coal-producing regions are concentrated in states such as Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal

Dark Patterns

Science and Technology

Context

• According to a report, Indian consumers are losing an estimated ₹25,000 crore to ₹28,000 crore annually due to dark patterns, across online marketplaces.

About

• Definition – Dark patterns are user interface or user experience designs that manipulate, pressure, or mislead people into making choices they might not otherwise make.
• The term ‘dark patterns’ was coined by Harry Brignull in 2010.
• It encompasses a wide range of manipulative practices such as drip pricing, disguised advertising, bait and click, choice manipulation, false urgency and privacy concerns.

Dark patterns can:

1. Undermine informed consent.
2. Reduce user autonomy.
3. Lead to unintended purchases or data sharing.
4. Erode trust in products and companies.

India’s Laws Related to Dark Patterns

• Consumer Protection Act, 2019 & CCPA Guidelines, 2023: The Consumer Protection Act empowers the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to curb unfair trade practices.
• The CCPA’s Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023 explicitly prohibit deceptive practices such as false urgency, basket sneaking, confirm shaming, and subscription traps.
• Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020: Require transparency in pricing, advertisements, and terms of sale, and prohibit misleading practices on e-commerce platforms.
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: Mandates free, informed, and unambiguous user consent for data processing, thereby discouraging dark patterns that manipulate users into sharing personal data.

Summer Air Pollution and Ground-Level Ozone

Environment

Context

• Several Indian cities witnessed severe summer air pollution in 2026, leading to the reimposition of Stage-I restrictions under GRAP in Delhi.

Summer Causes Ground-Level Ozone

• Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant and is not released directly into the air.
• Formation – It forms when Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) from vehicles and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from industries, paints, solvents, and fuel emissions react under strong sunligh
• Hot summer conditions and heatwaves accelerate this reaction, causing high ozone levels during daytime.
• Ozone and particulate matter can cause serious respiratory illnesses, especially among children, the elderly, and people with lung diseases.

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

• Objective – It is a set of emergency measures implemented in Delhi-NCR to control air pollution based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
• Implementation – It was formulated by the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) and enforced by CAQM from 2021.

GRAP is divided into four stages corresponding to AQI levels:

• Stage I – Poor (AQI 201–300)
• Stage II – Very Poor (AQI 301–400)
• Stage III – Severe (AQI 401–450)
• Stage IV – Severe+ (AQI >450)

Additional Information – Commission for Air Quality Management

• Constituted under: The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
• Jurisdiction: Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Purpose: To coordinate and implement region-wide measures for air quality improvement, replacing the earlier EPCA.

Southwest Monsoon

Geography

Context

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed the arrival of the southwest monsoon in Kerala (June 4, 2026).
• This marks the official start of the rainy season in India.

Southwest Monsoon

• Onset and Retreat: The monsoon season in India generally starts in early June and lasts until September.
• The onset of the monsoon is marked by the arrival of the southwest monsoon winds, which bring moisture-laden air from the Indian Ocean.
• The withdrawal or retreat of the monsoon typically begins in October.
• The northeast monsoon, occurring from October to December, brings rainfall to parts of southern India.
• Monsoon Dynamics: Factors such as the El Niño and La Niña phenomena can influence the strength and distribution of the monsoon.
• Agricultural Impact: The success of the monsoon directly influences crop yields and, consequently, the overall economy of the country.

Connect with the basics- Difference between El Niño and La Niña

Connect with the basics- Difference between El Niño and La Niña

Navachar Mantra Initiative

Economy

News

• Navachar Mantra is a national initiative launched by the Union Minister at IIT Delhi.

Navachar Mantra Initiative

• Launched by – Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
• Objective – to identify, mentor, and scale grassroots innovations originating from Tier-2, Tier-3, and rural India

Key Features

• Target Demographic: Open to Indian citizens aged 18 to 55 residing in aspirational districts and underserved rural or semi-urban geographies.
• Eligibility: Flexible criteria allow individuals with ideas in the validation or early prototype stages to apply; a registered corporate entity or finished market product is not required.
• Focus Sectors: Prioritizes high-impact verticals including Agritech, HealthTech & Wellness, EdTech, Climate Action, Rural Commerce, and MSME Enablement.

Price Stabilisation Fund

Economy

Context

• The Union Cabinet has approved a one-time budgetary support of up to ₹10,000 crore for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to provide Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) price stabilisation support to Scheduled Indian Airlines.

Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) Price Stabilisation Fund

• Financial outlay – ₹10,000 crore
• Objective – It protects Indian airlines from sudden jumps in fuel prices.

How It Works

• Fixed Price: The fund pays oil companies to keep jet fuel prices steady for local airlines.
• The Buffer: When global oil prices go up, the fund covers the extra cost. When prices go down, the money goes back into the fund.
• Rules: Airlines must sign a 36-month deal to buy fuel only from participating oil companies. Foreign airlines cannot use this fund

E85 Fuel Adoption in India

Environment

Context

• The Union Government is considering a policy framework to support the affordable adoption of E85 fuel in India.

E85 Fuel

• E85 is a fuel blend containing 85% ethanol and 15% petrol.
• It can be used in specially designed flex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) that can operate on varying ethanol-petrol blends.
• These vehicles are equipped with modified engines and fuel systems that can automatically adjust to different fuel compositions.

Why is India Promoting E85?

• Enhancing Energy Security: Greater ethanol use can reduce India’s dependence on imported crude oil.
• Reducing Import Bill: If just 1% of annual petrol vehicle sales shift to E85 during the 2026–27 ethanol supply year, India could save around ₹195 crore in foreign exchange.
• Supporting Farmers and Rural Economy: Increased adoption of E85 could generate demand for more than 4 crore litres of ethanol.
• Environmental Benefits: E85 adoption at the projected level could result in a net reduction of nearly 0.86 LMT of CO₂ emissions.

Ethanol

• Ethanol is9% pure alcohol that can be blended with petrol. It can be produced from sugarcane, maize, wheat, etc which are having high starch content.

Ethanol Blending

• Ethanol blending refers to the practice of mixing ethanol with gasoline to create a fuel mixture that can be used in internal combustion engines.

There are a few common blends:

• E10: This is a mixture of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. It is the most common blend and is used widely in many countries.
• E15: This blend contains 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline.
• E85: This is a high-ethanol blend, consisting of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It’s used in flex-fuel vehicles designed to run on higher ethanol content.

Rules Governing Election Symbols in India

Polity

Prime Minister of India

Polity

In News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has overtaken Jawaharlal Nehru as the longest-serving Prime Minister in India to remain in office through consecutive electoral mandates.

Prime Minister of India

• Constitutional Position (Article 75): The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and serves as the head of the Union government, exercising actual executive authority.
• Leader of the Council of Ministers (Article 74): The Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers, which assists and advises the President in carrying out constitutional functions.
• Role: The Prime Minister acts as the chief link between the President and the Council of Ministers,conveying decisions of the Cabinet and advising the President on matters such as appointments, convening Parliament, and dissolution of the Lok Sabha.
• Head of Key Bodies: The Prime Minister presides over several major institutions and councils, including NITI Aayog, the National Integration Council, and the Inter-State Council.

Ayushman Bharat Scheme

Government Schemes

Context

• West Bengal has formally joined the flagship health insurance programme, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), becoming the last state in India to come under its ambit.

Ayushman Bharat

• Launched in – It was launched in 2018
• Objective – To achieve universal health coverage.

It has two key components

1. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri- Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
2. Ayushman Arogya Mandir

Ayushman Arogya Mandir

• Launched in – The Government of India in 2018 announced the creation of 1,50,000 Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) by transforming existing Sub Centres and Primary Health Centres.
• Functions – These centres would deliver Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) bringing healthcare closer to the homes of people covering both maternal and child health services and non-communicable diseases, including free essential drugs and diagnostic services.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

• Objective – The world’s largest health insurance/assurance scheme fully financed by the government.
• Feature – It provides cover of Rs 5 lakhs per family per year, for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization across public and private empaneled hospitals in India.
• Coverage – Over 10.74 crore poor and vulnerable entitled families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) are eligible for these benefits.
• Implementation – The National Health Authority (NHA) is the nodal agency responsible for the nationwide roll-out and implementation of the AB-PMJAY scheme.
• Financing – This scheme is a Centrally sponsored scheme with some Central sector components.
• Note – First Ayushman Arogya Mandir inaugurated in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh.

Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G)

Government schemes

Context

• The government has proposed an interim budget allocation of 95,692 crore rupees to states and union territories to ensure a smooth transition from MNREGA to Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G).

Key Differences

Land Port Management System (LPMS): Vinimay

Economy

In News

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Land Port Management System (LPMS), named ‘Vinimay’, in New Delhi under the Smart Borders initiative.

About

• It is a unified digital platform launched to modernise operations across India’s international land borders.
• Developed by – Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI), a statutory body under the Ministry of Home Affairs established through the Land Ports Authority of India Act, 2010.
• Significance – It achieve Smart Border Management by replacing manual paperwork with end-to-end digital workflows

Additional Information – The Smart Borders Initiative

• It is an Indian government project to secure international borders using advanced technology.
• Implementation – Ministry of Home Affairs to secure India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. It uses technology instead of just human patrolling.

Key features

• Quadrangular Security Grid: Links local people, police, civil officials, and the military with the Border Security Force (BSF).
• High-Tech Tools: Uses drones, anti-drone systems, underground sensors, and thermal cameras. It protects tough areas like rivers and swamps.
• VINIMAY System: A digital platform by the Land Ports Authority of India. It cuts paper paperwork by 90% and tracks trade data in real time.

Shiv Shakti Point

Science and Technology

Context

• Data from Chandrayaan-3’s Pragyan rover has revealed that the soil at Shiv Shakti Point near the Moon’s South Pole is chemically very similar to a lunar meteorite (ALHA 81005) discovered in Antarctica.
• The findings are based on observations made by the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) onboard the rover.

Shiv Shakti Point

• It is the official name of the place on the Moon where India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission landed.
• The mission’s lander, Vikram, successfully touched down at this spot on 23 August 2023.
• With this achievement, India became the first country to land a spacecraft near the lunar south pole.

Chandrayaan-3

• It is India’s third moon mission.
• It was made by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• On August 23, 2023, it landed near the Moon’s South Pole. This made India the first country to reach the south polar region and the fourth country to land on the Moon. August 23 is now celebrated as National Space Day in India.

Key Quick Facts

• Launch Rocket: LVM3-M4 rocket.
• Landing Site: Named Shiv Shakti Point.
• Mission Life: 1 Lunar Day (about 14 Earth days).

The Three Spacecraft Parts

Propulsion Module: Carried the lander close to the Moon. It has 1 payload

• SHAPE (Spectro-polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth): Studies Earth from orbit.

Vikram Lander: The main box that made the soft landing.It has 4 payloads

1. ChaSTE (Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment) : Measures surface temperature.
2. ILSA (Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity): Records moonquakes.
3. RAMBHA-LP (Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive Ionosphere and Atmosphere – Langmuir Probe) :Measures plasma density.
4. LRA (Laser Retroreflector Array) : Measures Moon distance (NASA)

Pragyan Rover: A small 6-wheeled robot. It has 2 payloads.

1. LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscope): Finds elements (found Sulphur).
2. APXS (Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer):  Studies soil minerals.

Why the South Pole Matters

• Water Ice: Deep craters have ice that never melts.
• Resources: This ice can make drinking water, oxygen, and fuel for future astronauts.
• History: The cold preserves old solar system clues.

Battery Energy Storage System

Environment

In News

• The Defence Ministry has approved the establishment of a 250 MW Solar Power Project with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Sitapur (Ex-Cantonment) in Uttar Pradesh.

Battery Energy Storage System

• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) refers to a technology that stores electrical energy in rechargeable batteries for later use.
• It helps balance electricity demand and supply by storing excess power generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind energy.
• Significance – It improves grid stability, reduces power fluctuations, and supports peak load managemen
• It also enhances energy access in remote areas and strengthens energy securit

Major Storage Technologies

Electrochemical (Battery-Based):

• Lithium-ion: Most widely deployed globally, energy density 150 to 300 Wh/kg, round-trip efficiency 90 to 95%, used in EVs and gridscale storage but dependent on imported lithium and cobalt.
• Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP): Safer, cheaper, longer life cycle, increasingly preferred for utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and electric buses.
• Sodium-ion: Abundant domestic sodium, lower cost and reduced geopolitical dependence. Strategically important for India given limited domestic lithium reserves.
• Solid-state: Next-generation with solid electrolyte, higher density and improved safety. Still high cost and limited scalability.
• Flow batteries (Vanadium Redox, ZincBromine): Long-duration storage, minimal degradation, suited for utility-scale renewable integration.

Mechanical and Thermal

• Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH): Most mature large-scale technology globally, using height difference to store and release energy.
• Molten salt and ice thermal storage are used in concentrated solar and industrial applications.

SIPRI Yearbook 2026

Science and Technology

Pride Month

Polity

Context

• June is observed globally as Pride Month to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and raise awareness about issues of equality, inclusion, and human rights.

LGBTQ+ Community

• LGBTQ+ is an umbrella term for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer persons, with ‘+’ representing other identities that are not specifically included in these letters.
• Notably, LGBTQ+ persons do not conform with traditional gender roles and expectations, display sex characteristics that do not fit the typical male or female binary, and their gender identities that differ from the sex they were assigned at birth.
• Pride Month – It commemorates the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and celebrates diversity and inclusion.

India’s Position on LGBTQ+ Rights

• As per census 2011, there were 4.87 lakhs persons in India who opted for “other” in gender category.
• 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.
• Decriminalisation: Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018) decriminalised consensual homosexual acts (Section 377 partially struck down).
• 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.

Zojila Tunnel

Geography

Context

• The Zojila Tunnel achieved its final breakthrough in June 2026, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to establish all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.

Zojila Tunnel

• The Zojila Tunnel is a 14-km-long single-tube, bi-directional road tunnel being constructed beneath the Zojila Pass in the Himalayas.
• It is located at an altitude of approximately 11,578 feet and connects Baltal in Kashmir with Meenamarg in Ladakh.
• The tunnel is designed as a two-lane horseshoe-shaped structure and is among the world’s longest road tunnels at such a high altitude.
• The project is being executed by Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Ltd.
• The tunnel has been constructed using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM).

Strategic Importance

• It will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.
• It will reduce dependence on the snow-bound Zojila Pass, which remains closed during winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanches.
• It will improve military logistics and troop mobility in areas close to the Line of Actual Control.

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan (PMSMA)

Government Schemes

Context

• The 10th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) was observed.

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA)

• Launched on – June 9, 2016,
• Objective – It provides free, comprehensive antenatal care to pregnant women — particularly those in their second and third trimesters — at designated government health facilities on the 9th of every month.
• Key Services: Under PMSMA, pregnant women receive:

1. Clinical examinations and risk assessment;
2. Blood and urine tests;
3. Ultrasonography;
4. Essential medicines and supplements;
5. Counselling on nutrition, birth preparedness, and safe pregnancy practices.

• The Doctor Volunteer System: The programme encourages voluntary participation of private-sector specialists, including obstetricians, gynaecologists, radiologists, and physicians, to provide antenatal care services on the 9th of every month.
• In 2022, the government launched the Extended PMSMA (e-PMSMA) to strengthen tracking and follow-up of high-risk pregnancies.
• Note – India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) declined from 130 per lakh live births (2014–16) to 87 per lakh live births (2022–24).

Additional Information- Maternal Health Initiatives

1. Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY): Gives cash to poor women who choose to give birth in a hospital instead of at home.
2. Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) – Makes hospital births 100% free. Covers medicine, food, tests, and free rides to and from the hospital.
3. Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) – It Promises dignified care with zero tolerance for being turned away by a hospital.
4. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) – Gives direct cash (₹5,000 for the first child and ₹6,000 for a second girl child) to buy nutritious food.
5. LaQshya: Upgrades the quality and safety of hospital delivery rooms.

Preventive Detentions

Polity

Context

• The Allahabad High Court recently raised concerns over the alleged misuse of preventive detention laws.

Preventive Detention

• Preventive detention refers to the detention of a person without trial in order to prevent them from committing an act that may threaten public order, national security, or other vital state interests.
• Unlike punitive detention, which is imposed as punishment after conviction by a court of law, preventive detention is based on the apprehension that a person may engage in activities prejudicial to:

1. Security of the State;
2. Defence of India;
3. Public order;
4. Foreign affairs; or
5. Maintenance of essential supplies and services.

• The Constitution divides the legislative power to enact preventive detention laws between the Union and the States.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 22(3) of the Constitution provides for preventive detention laws,
• Article 22(4) contain the following safeguards against abuse of this power:
• No law providing for preventive detention shall authorise the detention of a person for a longer period than three months. Detention beyond this 3-month period requires clearance from an Advisory Board.
• The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 has reduced the period of detention without obtaining the opinion of an advisory board from three to two months.
• However, this provision has not yet been brought into force, hence, the original period of three months still continues.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

Government Schemes

Context

• The Union Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has indicated that subsidised LPG cylinders for households under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) have been reduced from nine to four.

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana

• Launched in – May 2016
• Implementation – Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
• Objective -To give free LPG (gas) connections to poor women to replace dirty cooking fuels.
• Key Benefits: The government pays ₹1,600 for the connection setup. In Ujjwala 2.0, the first refill and stove are free.
• There is also a ₹300 subsidy per cylinder for up to 12 refills a year.
• Eligibility: Only adult women from poor households (like SC/ST or low-income families) who do not already have a gas connection.
• Scale: Over 10.3 crore connections have been given out so far.

Gallantry Awards

Defence

Context

• President conferred Gallantry Awards to the personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and State and Union Territory Police during the Defence Investiture Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Gallantry Awards

• Honoured by – Government of India
• It is given to honour acts of bravery, sacrifice, and exceptional courage by members of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and civilians.
• They are classified as wartime (gallantry in the face of enemy) and peacetime awards.
• Administered by: Ministry of Defence (for armed forces) and Ministry of Home Affairs (for police and civilians).
• Awarded by: President of India.
• These gallantry awards are announced twice in a year – first on the occasion of the Republic Day and then on the occasion of the Independence Day.
• Wartime Gallantry Awards: Param Vir Chakra (PVC), Mahavir Chakra (MVC) and Vir Chakra.
• Peacetime Gallantry Awards: Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra.

Gallantry Awards

• Order of Precedence: Param Vir Chakra (PVC), Ashoka Chakra (AC), Maha Vir Chakra (MVC), Kirti Chakra (KC), Vir Chakra (VrC), Shaurya Chakra (SC).
• All six awards can be conferred posthumously.

Tejas

Syllabus: GS3/Defence

Context

• The Defence Minister reviewed the progress of major ongoing projects of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) where delays in the delivery of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A was also discussed.

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A

• It is an advanced, 5-generation multirole fighter jet built in India.
• Developed by- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
• The aircraft is designed to be a multi-role aircraft capable of taking up offensive air support, close combat and ground attack roles at ease.
• Advanced Radar: Uses an AESA Radar (including the indigenous Uttam radar) to track multiple targets at once.
• Electronic Warfare: Equipped with a jamming suite to protect the jet from enemy missiles.
• Smart Weapons: Can fire Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles like the Indian-made Astra.
• Mid-Air Refueling: Features a probe to refuel in the sky, which helps it fly longer distances.
• Engine: Powered by the American GE F404-IN20 turbofan engine.

Herbicide-Tolerant Mustard Hybrids

Syllabus: GS3/ Agriculture

Context

• India is set to begin large-scale cultivation of imidazolinone-resistant (IMI-resistant) mustard hybrids during the 2026–27 rabi season.

IMI-Resistant Mustard Hybrids

• These are mustard hybrids resistant to imidazolinone (IMI) herbicides.
• They have been developed through mutation breeding, not through genetic modification (GM).
• Mutation breeding involves selecting and preserving naturally occurring genetic mutations that confer desirable traits.

Connect with the basics – Gene Editing Technology

• It refers to technology that permits the change of an organism’s DNA by allowing genetic material to be added, removed, or altered at particular locations in the genome.

CRISPR Cas9 Technology

• Acronym – Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats.
• Significance – With the use of the gene editing technique CRISPR, researchers can modify the DNA of living things.
• An enzyme called Cas9 functions as molecular scissors, guided by RNA molecules created to precisely match a certain DNA sequence.
• GE (Genome Editing): Involves precise modification of specific genes within an organism’s genome without introducing foreign genes, resulting in targeted genetic changes.
• GM (Genetically Modified): Involves the insertion of foreign genes from unrelated organisms into an organism’s genome to confer specific traits or characteristics.

Regulatory Bodies

• GEAC (Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee): It is a regulatory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).GEAC is responsible for evaluating and approving genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
• Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB): Ensures safe handling of GMOs that may impact biodiversity under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Nagoya-Kuala Lumpur.

MPC Retains Repo Rate, Lowers Growth Forecast

Economy

Surha Tal: India’s 100th Ramsar Site

Environment

Context

• Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, has been designated as India’s 100th Ramsar Site.

About

• Established in 1991,
• The sanctuary is centred around Surha Tal, a natural perennial oxbow lake formed by the shifting course of the Ganga River.
• It is located in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, near the confluence of the Ganga and Ghaghara rivers.
• It hosts several migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia, including the Greylag Goose, Pintail, Common Teal, and Bar-headed Goose.
• Local species include Sarus crane, Heron, and Cormorant.

Connect with the basics – Ramsar Convention

• A Ramsar site is a wetland designated as one of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
• Ramsar Convention – It is one of the inter-governmental accords to preserve the wetlands of international importance.
• It was signed on February 2, 1971 in Ramsar, Iran and came into force in 1975.
• India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.

Ramsar Facts

• Total: 100 sites (As of June 2026).
• India has the most sites in Asia.
• 100th Site: Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal) in Uttar Pradesh (Added June 2026).
• Top State: Tamil Nadu (20 sites), followed by Uttar Pradesh (13 sites).
• First Sites: Chilika Lake (Odisha) and Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) in 1981.
• Sizes: Sundarban (West Bengal) is the largest. Renuka (Himachal Pradesh) is the smallest.

Montreux Record (Threatened Sites)

• What it is: A register of Ramsar sites facing ecological danger from pollution or human interference.Active Indian Sites:
• Only two sites—Keoladeo National Park (Rajasthan) and Loktak Lake (Manipur).
• Removed- Chilika Lake was removed after successful recovery.

Isobutanol

Science & Technology

Context

• As India expands its biofuel strategy beyond ethanol, the government is evaluating the use of diesel blended with up to 15% isobutanol to reduce dependence on crude oil imports.

Isobutanol

• Chemical Profile: It is a clear, colorless liquid with a mild alcoholic odor. It is one of the four isomers of butanol.
• Traditional Use: It has long served as an industrial solvent in paints, lacquer, coatings, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides.
• Production: It can be created from petrochemicals or by fermenting biomass like sugarcane syrup, molasses, and grains using engineered microbes.

Why Isobutanol Over Ethanol for Diesel Blending

• India successfully implemented a 20% ethanol blending mandate for petrol, but ethanol failed to mix properly with diesel.

Significance for India

• Import Substitution: Blending up to 10% isobutanol into diesel can slash India’s high crude oil import bills.
• Climate & Emission Targets: It burns cleaner, reducing harmful particulate emissions. This helps achieve India’s Net-Zero emission goal by 2070 and aligns with the National Policy on Biofuels.

Jan Samarth Portal

Government Schemes

Context

• The Jan Samarth Portal has completed four years of promoting digital financial inclusion and seamless credit delivery.

Jan Samarth Portal

• Launched in – 2022
• Objective – It is a single-window digital platform for availing benefits under 16 credit-linked government schemes.
• Significance – It facilitates access to institutional credit across sectors such as agriculture, business, housing, renewable energy, and livelihoods.
• Available in 8 languages, the portal has onboarded 269 lending institutions, including banks, NBFCs, and cooperative banks.

Additional information – Digital financial inclusion schemes

Core Pillars: The JAM Trinity

1. Jan Dhan: Zero-balance bank accounts for the unbanked.
2. Aadhaar: Biometric digital ID for instant e-KYC verification.
3. Mobile: Core tool to access mobile banking apps.

Key Schemes

• PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): World’s largest financial inclusion drive. Over 56 crore accounts. Offers free RuPay cards, ₹2 lakh accident cover, and ₹10,000 overdraft.
• UPI: Real-time mobile payment network. Handles over 80% of India’s retail digital payments.
• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Sends government subsidies straight into Aadhaar-linked accounts. This stops corruption and cuts state waste.
• Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS): Rural biometric banking via local agents (Bank Mitras). No smartphone required.
• Jan Suraksha Schemes: Cheap, auto-debit security. Includes PMSBY (₹20/year accident cover), PMJJBY (₹436/year life cover), and Atal Pension Yojana (unorganised sector pension).
• Unified Lending Interface (ULI): Nationwide platform that speeds up digital loans by instantly linking land and financial data.

Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM)

Polity

PM E-DRIVE

Environment

Context

• The Delhi Government has announced the induction of 2,800 new low-floor electric buses under the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE)
• Objective – to strengthen public transport and accelerate the transition towards sustainable urban mobility.

PM E-DRIVE

• The scheme was launched by the Government of India in 2024 to accelerate the transition towards electric mobility.
• The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹10,900 crore.
• Duration: Initially approved for two years (2024–26), its duration has now been extended to 31 March 2028, while retaining the same outlay.

Objectives:

• To accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country.
• To develop a robust EV charging infrastructure.
• To strengthen the domestic EV manufacturing ecosystem.
• To reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower vehicular emissions.
• To promote the Make in India initiative through the Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP).
• The scheme supports the procurement of 14,028 electric buses across nine major cities with populations exceeding 40 lakh.

Major Abhilasha Barak Conferred UN Award

International

Context

• Prime Minister congratulated Major Abhilasha Barak on being conferred the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.

About

• Major Barak is currently serving with the United Nations mission in Lebanon, has been honoured with the award for her outreach efforts with women and girls during her deployment in the West Asian nation.
• She is also the first woman combat helicopter pilot of the Indian Army.
• Nomination – Each year, the awardee is selected from among candidates nominated by force commanders and heads of mission from all peace operations.
• India is among the largest troop and police contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions.

United Nations peacekeepers

• The United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers, commonly known as the ‘Blue Helmets’
• They are military, police, and civilian personnel deployed by the United Nation
• Objective – to help countries transition from conflict to peace.
• Duties – It includes protecting civilians, preventing conflict, strengthening security, and supporting peace processes.
• Peacekeeping operations are authorized by the UN Security Council and supported by member states, with personnel drawn from many countries around the world.

Food Planet Prize 2026

Miscellaneous

Context

• The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) programme has won the Food Planet Prize 2026.

About the Prize

• The Food Planet Prize was established in 2019 by the Curt Bergfors Foundation, Sweden.
• It is regarded as the world’s largest environmental award dedicated to transforming global food systems.
• The award carries a prize of US$ 1.5 million (about ₹14 crore).
• Note – APCNF’s selection marks the first time an Indian initiative has won the award.

Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF)

• Launched in 2016
• Launched by – Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS)
• Mandate – the programme promotes natural farming by reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
• Uniqueness – it covers over 8,000 villages and nearly 18 lakh farmer families, making it one of the world’s largest community-led agroecology initiatives.
• The Andhra Pradesh model is now being studied and replicated in several Indian states, as well as countries like Sri Lanka and Zambia.

Additional Information – Natural Farming

• It is a chemical free farming, involving livestock (preferably local breed of cow) integrated natural farming methods and diversified crop systems rooted in the Indian traditional knowledge.
• It is largely based on on-farm biomass recycling with major stress on biomass mulching, use of on-farm cow dung-urine formulations; maintaining soil aeration and exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs.

National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

• Launched in – November 2024
• It is a centrally sponsored Scheme
• Objective – to promote chemical-free, ecosystem-based natural farming rooted in traditional knowledge.

India–Venezuela

International

Context

• Acting President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, visited India and held talks with PM Modi.

Key Outcomes of the Visit

• Towards a Long-Term Energy Partnership: Both sides discussed moving from spot purchases to long-term crude oil supply contracts. 
• Cooperation in Critical Minerals: Discussions covered critical minerals, gold, and diamond mining. 
• Cooperation in Other Sectors: Agriculture and farm mechanization, Animal husbandry, Transportation and logistics, Automotive manufacturing, Science and technology.

Significance of Venezuela for India

• Energy Security: Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves.
• India is the world’s third-largest consumer of crude oil and imports more than 85% of its oil requirements.
• Indian refineries are well-equipped to process Venezuela’s heavy crude oil.
• Stronger ties can deepen India’s engagement with the Latin American region and reduce overdependence on traditional energy suppliers.
• Securing Critical Minerals for Future Industries: Venezuela possesses significant reserves of critical minerals, including rare earth elements, nickel, and other strategic resources.
• India’s Latin America Outreach: Venezuela serves as an important gateway for expanding India’s economic and diplomatic engagement in Latin America.

Venezuela

• • Location: Venezuela is located on the northern coast of South America.
  • It is bordered by Colombia to the west, Brazil to the south, Guyana to the east, and the Caribbean Sea lies to the north.

• Capital: Caracas.

Major Physiographic Regions:

• Northwestern Venezuela is traversed by the northeastern extension of the Andes.
• The Lake Maracaibo Basin is a major geological and geographical region in northwestern Venezuela.
• Llanos the vast, tropical savanna plains occupying over 250,000 square kilometers of central Venezuela.

Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme, 2026

Government Schemes

Context

• The Department of Higher Education has invited applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026. 

About

• Launched in  – 2026

• • Implementation- It is a flagship national initiative by the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. 

• Objective- : To bring Indian-origin researchers working abroad to leading Indian institutions for high-impact research in priority sectors.

Key DetailsGoal: 

• Aim – Bring top global Indian talent back to India.
• Target – Select 120 researchers over 5 years.
• Funding – Up to ₹5 crore in grants (and up to ₹14 crore total package).

Who Can Apply?

• Indian nationals, OCIs, and PIOs working abroad fit into three tracks:

1. Young Research Fellows: Up to 5 years after PhD.
2. Senior Fellows: 5 to 10 years after PhD.
3. Research Chairs: 10 or more years after PhD.

Focus Areas & Locations

• Sectors: 13 fields like AI, Semiconductors, Space, Health, and Green Energy.
• Host Places: Top institutes like IISc, major IITs, and national labs.

Neelkanth Mishra Appointed as World Bank Executive Director

International

Context

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Neelkanth Mishra as Executive Director, World Bank Headquarters, Washington, DC, for a tenure of three years. 
• He succeeds Parameswaran Iyer, who has held the position since February 2023.
• The Executive Director is part of the World Bank’s board, which oversees policies, lending decisions and development priorities. 

World Bank

• It was founded in 1944.
• The World Bank is like a cooperative, made up of 189 member countries. 
• It provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries to reduce poverty and promote economic development.

Main Institutions of the World Bank Group:

• IBRD (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development): It lends to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries.
• IDA (International Development Association): It provides low-interest loans and grants to the poorest countries.
• IFC (International Finance Corporation): It supports private-sector development.
• MIGA (Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency): It encourages foreign investment by providing guarantees.
• ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes): It resolves investment disputes.

Flagship Reports by World Bank – 

• World Development Report (WDR): The premier annual report focusing on a specific, critical aspect of development economics (e.g., jobs, digital dividends, or climate change).
• Global Economic Prospects (GEP): Examines global economic trends and prospects, with a specific focus on emerging markets and developing economies.
• Poverty and Shared Prosperity Report: Tracks the World Bank’s goals of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity.
• Human Capital Index (HCI): Measures the contributions of health and education to the productivity of the next generation of workers.

India–UK Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO)

International

In News

• The India–UK Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO) has been formally launched. 

About

• It is a joint digital platform launched in New Delhi on June 4, 2026.
• Launched by – IIT-ISM Dhanbad (through its TEXMiN foundation) & University of Cambridge.
• Objective – It tracks minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel across the globe. It warns of risks like war, export blocks, or price changes.

Significance – 

• It helps governments plan trade and build mineral stockpiles.
• These minerals power electric vehicles, solar panels, and defense tools. 
• The project helps both nations secure raw materials and reduce their dependence on single countries like China.

National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM)

• Launch: The NCMM was approved by the Union Cabinet of India in January 2025, with a total outlay of approximately ₹16,300 crore over a period of 7 years (up to 2030–31).
• It is anchored under the Ministry of Mines.
• Objectives: Ensure a reliable and sustainable domestic supply of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, rare earth elements (REEs), titanium, and others.
• Reduce India’s import dependence for minerals vital to the energy transition (EVs, solar panels, wind turbines, batteries) and defence/electronics sectors.

Kaziranga Records First Yellow-throated Marten

Environment

Context

• Kaziranga National Park has confirmed the presence of a yellow-throated marten for the first time.

Yellow-throated Marten

• • Scientific name: Martes flavigula.
  • It belongs to the weasel family (Mustelidae), which also includes otters, badgers, and wolverines.
  • It is a diurnal (active during the day), tree‑climbing mustelid that assists seed dispersal, a role that supports healthy forest regeneration and ecosystem balance. 
  • Distribution – It is found across the Himalayas, South Asia, Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and parts of Russia. 
  • In India, the yellow-throated marten is found across the Himalayan region and in other parts of the northeastern region, including Assam. 

• IUCN Status: Least Concern.

• It is protected as a Schedule II animal under India’s Wildlife Protection Act.

Additional Information- Kaziranga National Park

• It is located in the northeastern state of Assam.

• • It was established in 1908 as a reserve forest and became a national park in 1974.
  • It was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1985.
• It is the largest habitat of theIndian rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis).

Padma Barrage

Geography & Environment

Context

• Bangladesh has approved a large river engineering project called the Padma barrage, on the Padma river, which is Bangladesh’s stretch of the Ganga, in Rajbari district. 

Padma River

• The Padma River is one of the largest and most important rivers in Bangladesh. 
• It is the main distributary of the Ganges River after the Ganges enters Bangladesh from India. 
• The Padma flows southeast, joins the Jamuna River (the lower Brahmaputra), and later merges with the Meghna River before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
• It is a major part of the world’s largest delta system, the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna Delta. 

Additional Information – Ganga River System

The Ganga River System is India’s largest river basin. 

• Origin – The river starts as the Bhagirathi from the Gangotri Glacier.
• Name: It becomes the Ganga when it joins the Alaknanda at Devprayag.
• RiverLength: It is 2,525 km long.
• States: It flows through five states: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal.
• The Delta: It splits in West Bengal. One part goes to Bangladesh (called Padma). It helps form the Sundarbans Delta, the biggest delta in the world.

Important Tributaries

• Left-Bank (North): Ramganga, Gomti, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi.
• Right-Bank (South): Yamuna (the longest one) and Son.

Key Exam Facts

• National River: Named India’s National River in 2008.
• Ganga Dolphin: This is India’s National Aquatic Animal. It is endangered.
• Namami Gange: The main government project to clean and protect the river.

Zimbabwe

Geography

Context

• India and Zimbabwe agreed to enhance bilateral defence ties by expanding existing cooperation.

About

• Zimbabwe is a landlocked country situated in south-central Africa between the Limpopo and Zambezi rivers, covering an area of over 390,000 sq km.
• It is bounded by Zambia to the north and northwest, South Africa to the south, Mozambique to the east and northeast, and Botswana to the southwest.
• Zimbabwe lies entirely north of the Tropic of Capricorn and forms part of the southern African plateau.
• The Victoria Falls, located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is the world’s largest sheet of falling water.

National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2026

Polity

Context

• The Government of India has announced the winners of the National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2026.
• A total of 17 initiatives were selected across seven award categories, comprising 10 Gold Awards, 6 Silver Awards, and 1 Jury Award.

National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG)

• Mandate- The awards are presented annually to promote excellence in e-governance and digital public service delivery.
• They recognize innovative use of technology to improve governance, transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric services.
• It is instituted by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
• The awards cover initiatives implemented by Ministries, Departments, States, UTs, Districts, Urban Local Bodies, and Gram Panchayats.

Major Award-Winning Initiatives (Gold and Silver Awardees)

• • Agri Stack: Developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
  • Creates a digital ecosystem for farmers through unique farmer identities and land-linked databases. 
  • It facilitates targeted delivery of subsidies, crop insurance, credit, advisories, and government schemes.
  • e-Jagriti: It is a digital platform for filing and tracking consumer complaints, and developed by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.

• Mahakumbh 2025 Digital Governance Model: Implemented by the Prayagraj Mela Authority.

• It demonstrated large-scale use of technology in managing one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
• Blood Bag Traceability and Citizen Interaction Portal: It is developed by Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council (K-DISC) and enables end-to-end tracking of blood units from donation to transfusion.
• AI-enabled Clinical Decision Support system in eSanjeevani telemedicine service: It is developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

Government Schemes

News

• The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament recently raised serious concerns about the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) as the scheme appears to have been training people for industries that aren’t necessarily hiring.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

• Objective – It is a government scheme to train youth in useful job skills. 
• It started in 2015 under the Skill India Mission.
• Implementation – Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Targeted beneficiary – School dropouts and unemployed youth.

Key features – 

• Short-Term Training (STT): Free training in digital skills, life skills, and trade work.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Exams and certificates for people who already have skills but no official degree.
• Special Projects: Custom training for unique jobs or tough areas like tribal regions

PMKVY 4.0?

• Modern Skills: Focuses on new tech like AI, robotics, drones, and 5G.
• Real Work Experience: Includes on-the-job training.
• Skill India Digital Hub: Uses a digital app for easy signup and tracking.

Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) Initiative

Governance

Mission Senehjori

Government schemes

Context

• Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) has launched Mission Senehjori,
• It is a flagship initiative to transform Assam’s Muga silk sector into a globally competitive luxury textile ecosystem.

About

• The mission aims to strengthen host-plant cultivation, modernise reeling infrastructure, promoting Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) & expanding global market access under the unified “Senehjori” brand.
• Implementation – Government of Assam, the Central Silk Board, the Ministry of Textiles, and other central agencies.

Central Silk Board

• It is a statutory body under the Union Ministry of Textiles, established by the Central Silk Board Act, 1948 (later amended as Central Silk Board (Amendment) Act, 2006).
• Mandate – It is responsible for formulating policies and implementing programs for the development of sericulture and silk industry.
• Headquarter: Bengaluru, Karnataka

Sericulture Basics

• Sericulture involves cultivating silkworms (primarily Bombyx mori for mulberry silk) that feed on leaves like mulberry, oak, castor, and arjun to spin cocoons.
• These are processed into yarn and fabric, blending agriculture and industry.
• Note – India is the only country that produces all 4 major varieties of natural silk.

1. Mulberry Silk (70% of India’s total output);
2. Tasar (Tussar) Silk (Derived from wild silkworms);
3. Eri Silk (aka ‘Ahimsa Silk’);
4. Muga Silk (A Geographical Indication (GI) product).

• Assam produces around 90% of the world’s Muga silk
• India is today the second-largest producer of silk globally, accounting for nearly 25% of global silk output, next only to China.

Right to be Forgotten

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance

Context

• The Delhi High Court held that the Right to be Forgotten is an important part of the fundamental right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Right to be Forgotten

• It is the right to ask organizations to remove your personal data from the internet, search engines, and public databases under specific conditions.
• It helps people protect their online reputation and privacy so they are not permanently judged by past mistakes or outdated information

How It Works

• The right to be forgotten is also called the right to erasure.
• It allows you to ask a company or search engine (like Google) to delete or hide links about you.
• You can usually ask for your data to be removed if the information is outdated, incorrect, or irrelevant.

Position of the Right to be Forgotten in India

• India does not yet have a specific law on the Right to be Forgotten.
• However, the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 and several court judgments have recognised this right.
• The Supreme Court’s K.S. Puttaswamy judgment (2017) recognised informational privacy as part of the right to privacy.

Meteor Explosion

Science & technology

Context

• NASA has confirmed that a bright fireball meteor exploded in the sky

Asteroid vs. Meteoroid vs. Meteorite:

• Asteroid: Small rocky body orbiting the Sun.
• Meteoroid: Smaller particle from an asteroid or comet orbiting the Sun.
• Meteor: A meteoroid that enters Earth’s atmosphere, creating a streak of light (shooting star).
• Meteorite: A meteor that survives its passage through the atmosphere and lands on Earth’s surface

Additional information – Global Asteroid Missions

• DART Mission (NASA, 2022): The first planetary defense test aimed at changing an asteroid’s trajectory by crashing a probe into it, specifically targeting the binary asteroid Didymos.
• OSIRIS-REx (NASA, 2016-2023): Sample return mission to asteroid Bennu, providing insights into the solar system’s formation.
• Hayabusa2 (JAXA, 2014-2020): Successfully collected samples from asteroid Ryugu, including essential ingredients for life.
• Lucy Mission (NASA, 2021-Present): A 12-year journey to study multiple Jupiter Trojan asteroids.
• Hera Mission (ESA, 2024 Launch): Will study the impact crater produced by DART to analyze its deflection success.
• Tianwen-2 (China, 2025 Planned): A mission to sample the near-Earth asteroid Kamo’oalewa

RudraM-II

Science & technology

Context

• India successfully flight-tested the indigenous RudraM-II Air-to-Surface Missile, strengthening its indigenous defence and precision-strike capabilities.

RudraM-II

• Type – It is an air-to-surface missile
• Developed by – Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, the nodal DRDO laboratory.
• Speed – Mach 5.5,
• Range – 300 km
• Payload capacity – 200 kg.
• Significance – It can be deployed from aircraft like Sukhois flying at altitudes ranging from 3 to 15 km.
• The new missile will eventually replace the older Russian-origin Kh-31 anti-radiation missiles currently in service.

Do You Know?

• RudraM-I, the earlier variant in the RudraM series, has a range of 100–250 km and can attain speeds of up to Mach 2.