Why in the News?
India’s GDP grew 8.2% in Q2 of FY 2025-26 (July–September), marking a six-quarter high, supported mainly by manufacturing and services.
However, economists flagged concerns over low nominal GDP growth (8.7%), which signals subdued economic activity and potential stress on fiscal targets.
Key Data
- Real GDP growth (Q2 FY26): 8.2%
- Real GDP growth (Q1 FY26): 7.8%
- Growth in H1 FY26: 8%
- Nominal GDP growth: 8.7% (vs Budget assumption of 10.1%)
- Last higher GDP growth: Q4 FY24
- Government revised full-year growth forecast: “7% or higher”
Why High Real but Low Nominal Growth?
- Nominal GDP = Real GDP + Inflation (GDP deflator)
- A very low deflator (~0.5%) boosted real growth artificially
- Indicates inflation in tradable/manufactured goods is low, not necessarily high economic momentum
- Low nominal growth → Lower tax revenues, harder to meet fiscal deficit target of 4.4%
Sector-wise Performance
1. Manufacturing
- Growth: 9.1% (six-quarter high)
- Reasons:
- Corporate earnings showed strong growth
- Low base effect (growth was only 2.1% last year)
2. Services
- Growth: 9.2%
- Within services:
- Financial, real estate, professional services: 10.2% (nine-quarter high)
- Public admin, defence & other services: 9.7%
3. Agriculture
- 3.5% (lower than 4.1% last year)
- Slight moderation due to uneven monsoon patterns
Fiscal Concerns
- Nominal GDP shortfall may:
- Reduce tax buoyancy
- Pressure fiscal deficit (target: 4.4%)
- Lower denominator for deficit calculation
- Lower capital expenditure visible (“no upswing in GFCF”)
Opposition Criticism
- IMF recently rated India’s national accounts ‘C’, the second-lowest grade
- Claims real GDP inflated using unrealistically low deflator
- Points to weak private investment and thin capital formation
| With reference to Indian economy, consider the following statements : (2015)
(1) The rate of growth of Real Gross Domestic product has steadily increased in the last decade.
(2) The Gross Domestic product at market prices (in rupees) has steadily increased in the last decade.
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
The Government of India approved a new scheme called Tex-RAMPS to strengthen research, data systems, innovation, and competitiveness in India’s textiles sector.
The scheme aligns with India’s push to make its textiles ecosystem future-ready, technologically advanced, and globally competitive.
What is Tex-RAMPS?
Tex-RAMPS = Textiles Focused Research, Assessment, Monitoring, Planning and Start-up Scheme. It is a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Ministry of Textiles.
Outlay & Duration
- Total Outlay: ₹305 crore
- Period: FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31
- Co-terminus with the upcoming Finance Commission cycle
Objectives
To future-proof India’s textiles & apparel (T&A) ecosystem by:
- Strengthening research and innovation
- Building robust data systems
- Enhancing global competitiveness
- Supporting start-ups
- Improving capacity development across the sector
| Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (2019)
(a) Department of Science and Technology
(b) Ministry of Employment
(c) NITI Aayog
(d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship |
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Why in the News?
A study published in Nature (Nov 2025) found that grey seal milk contains 332 different oligosaccharides—33% more than human breast milk, previously considered the most complex.
Key Findings
Highest Oligosaccharide Diversity
- Grey seal milk contains 332 oligosaccharides
(Human milk: ~100).
- This is the largest number ever recorded in any mammal’s milk.
Functions of Oligosaccharides
- Boost immunity (protect against bacteria & viruses).
- Support gut microbiome formation.
- Aid digestive tract development.
- Provide energy and growth support for pups.
|
Why Grey Seal Milk is So Complex?
- Grey seals:
- Live in harsh, high-risk environments.
- Mothers fast for ~18 days while feeding pups.
- Pups grow extremely rapidly during this period.
- Complex sugars help pups survive extreme conditions and develop strong immunity quickly.
Study Details
- Conducted by the University of Gothenburg (Sweden).
- Samples collected from Atlantic grey seals on a small Scottish island.
- Analytical method used: Deep mass spectrometry.
- A very advanced method of mass spectrometry that can detect hundreds to thousands of molecules in a sample with very high accuracy.
| Consider the following:
1. Bats
2. Bears
3. Rodents
The phenomenon of hibernation can be observed in which of the above kinds of animals?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3 only
(d) Hibernation cannot be observed in any of the above
This PYQ is chosen because it directly addresses the peculiar biological feature (hibernation) that allows mammals to survive challenging environmental conditions, which conceptually mirrors the adaptive features of the grey seal |
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Why in the news?
A new study (Current Pharmaceutical Analysis, 2025) suggests that common plant molecules from Aloe vera—especially Beta sitosterol—may inhibit key enzymes associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Findings are based entirely on in silico (computer simulation) techniques.
What is Computer Simulation (In Silico Research)?
- Computer simulation, often called in silico research, refers to the use of computational tools and algorithms to model biological, chemical, or physical processes.
- It allows scientists to predict molecular interactions, drug behavior, and biological outcomes without physical experiments.
|
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
- Most common form of dementia.
- Characterised by:
- Memory loss
- Cognitive decline
- Accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles
- Loss of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter linked to learning and memory.
- Enzymes involved in acetylcholine breakdown:
- Acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
- Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)
- Current drugs (e.g., donepezil, rivastigmine) work by inhibiting these enzymes but do not stop disease progression.
Why Aloe vera?
- Used for 3000+ years in traditional medicine.
- Contains bioactive compounds such as Beta sitosterol, Succinic acid, polysaccharides, and phenolics.
Major Findings
- Beta sitosterol showed strong binding affinity to both enzymes:
- AChE: −8.6 kcal/mol
- BChE: −8.7 kcal/mol
- The binding strength is higher than that of other screened compounds like Succinic acid.
- ADMET results suggest:
- Good absorption
- Low toxicity
- Favourable pharmacokinetic profile
| Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned? (2022)
(a) Cloud Services
(b) Quantum Computing
(c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
(d) Wireless Communication Technologies
This PYQ is chosen because it tests a fundamental concept related to the cutting edge of computational power and modelling, which is the operational domain of computer simulation. |
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Why in the news?
According to a study published in Canadian Family Physician, Vitamin B12 deficiency often shows early dermatological symptoms—such as pigmentation, dryness, and inflammation—before neurological or hematological complications appear.
What is Vitamin B12?
- Water-soluble vitamins are essential for: Red blood cell formation, Nerve function, DNA synthesis and Cell growth and repair
Why Skin Shows Early Signs?
- B12 deficiency → reduced RBC production → low oxygen delivery to skin → visible skin changes.
- Weak immunity and impaired nerve function further worsen dermatological issues.
| High-Risk Groups
More prone to Vitamin B12 deficiency:
- Vegetarians/vegans
- Adults > 50 years
- Individuals with:
- Gastritis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease
- Those taking:
- Antacids (PPIs/H2 blockers)
- Metformin
- People with poor nutrient absorption
|
| Consider the following pairs: Vitamin : Deficiency disease (2014)
1. Vitamin C : Scurvy
2. Vitamin D : Rickets
3. Vitamin E : Night Blindness
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 only (d) None |
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