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  • Industrial growth hits 23 month high of 7.3% in June, IIP data shows

    Why in News?

    The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded 7.3% growth in June, a 23 month high, driven by manufacturing, electricity and capital goods, per Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) data.

      Key Highlights

      1. Headline growth: Industrial growth reached 7.3% in June, its highest in 23 months.
      2. Sectoral drivers: Manufacturing grew 7.8%, electricity 10.6%, and capital goods 14.2%.
      3. Breadth: 19 of 23 manufacturing groups posted growth.
      4. Risk flags: Analysts cite a weak monsoon and the West Asia war as risks to sustaining this growth pace.

      What is the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)?

      1. The IIP is a monthly indicator measuring the volume of industrial production in the economy.
      2. It is compiled and released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under MoSPI.
      3. It reflects the performance of the mining, manufacturing and electricity sectors.
      4. Base Year: 2022-23.

      Components of IIP

      1. Manufacturing: Largest contributor with about 77% weight.
      2. Mining: Around 14% weight.
      3. Electricity: Around 8% weight.
      4. Use-Based Classification: Primary Goods, Capital Goods, Intermediate Goods, Infrastructure/Construction Goods, Consumer Durables, and Consumer Non-Durables

      [2012] In India the overall Index of Industrial Production, the Indices of Eighth Core Industries have combined weight of 37.90%. Which of the following are among those Eight Core Industries?
      1. Cement
      2. Fertilizers
      3. Natural Gas
      4. Refinery products
      5. Textiles
      Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

      [A] 1 and 5 only

      [B] 2, 3 and 4 only

      [C] 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

      [D] 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

    1. Investment Friendliness Index (IFI)

      Why in News?

      NITI Aayog launched the Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) to assess and improve the investment ecosystem across States and UTs through competitive and cooperative federalism.

      What is IFI?

      • A data driven index that benchmarks how effectively States and UTs attract and sustain investments by evaluating their policy, regulatory, institutional, and infrastructure ecosystem.

      Background

      • Proposed after the 9th NITI Aayog Governing Council Meeting (2024).
      • Announced in the Union Budget 2025-26.

      Key Features

      • Covers 28 States and 8 UTs.
      • Based on 84 indicators using: Secondary data and Investor perception survey.

      Eight Pillars

      • Infrastructure. Business Climate, Resources, Government Policy, Regulatory Ease, Institutional Environment, Financial Health, and Environmental Resilience

      Performance Categories

      • Top Performers: Above 50
      • Frontrunners: 45 to 50
      • Emerging Performers: 40 to <45
      • Aspiring States: Below 40

      Top Performers

      • Overall: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Odisha.
      • Hilly & NE States: Uttarakhand.
      • UTs & City States: Goa.

      Significance

      • Promotes competitive and cooperative federalism.
      • Encourages State level reforms and ease of investment.
      • Supports Viksit Bharat @2047 and Viksit Rajya @2047.

      [2019] Which one of the following is not a sub-index of the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business Index’?

      [A] Maintenance of law and order

      [B] Paying taxes

      [C] Registering property

      [D] Dealing with construction permits

    2. India Approves First Dengue Vaccine (QDENGA)

      Why in News?

      India has approved its first dengue vaccine, QDENGA (TAK-003), developed by Takeda Biopharmaceuticals, after receiving market authorization from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

      Key Highlights

      • First dengue vaccine approved in India.
      • Approved for individuals aged 4 to 60 years.
      • Type: Live attenuated tetravalent vaccine.
      • Protects against all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4).
      • Dosage: Two doses administered 3 months apart.
      • Can be given irrespective of previous dengue infection.
      • No pre-vaccination screening is required.

      Clinical Performance

      • Based on 19 Phase I, II and III clinical trials involving over 28,000 participants.
      • Phase III (TIDES) trial enrolled 20,000+ participants across eight dengue-endemic countries.
      • 80.2% efficacy against confirmed dengue (12 months after second dose).
      • 90.4% efficacy against dengue-related hospitalization (18 months).
      • Long-term studies showed sustained protection for up to 7 years.

      Global Status

      • Approved in 43 countries.
      • WHO recommends its use in high dengue transmission settings.
      • Received WHO prequalification.
      • Included in the national immunization programmes of Brazil and public programmes in Argentina, Colombia, and Indonesia.

      About Dengue

      • Cause: Dengue virus (Flavivirus).
      • Vector: Female Aedes aegypti mosquito (also Aedes albopictus).
      • Transmission: Mosquito-borne (not spread directly from person to person).
      • Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, and bleeding in severe cases.
      • Severe Form: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS).

      [2023] ‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?

      [A] Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes.

      [B] Converting crop residues into packing material.

      [C] Producing biodegradable plastics.

      [D] Producing biochar from thermo- chemical conversion of biomass

    3. India Secures Three New Codex Standards for Spices

      Why in News?

      The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) adopted global standards for Large Cardamom, Coriander, and Vanilla at its 49th Session (CAC49) in Geneva. India also became Co-Chair of a new Electronic Working Group (EWG) on risk analysis for new food products.

      Key Highlights

      • Three Codex Standards Adopted: Large Cardamom, Coriander, and Vanilla.
      • Codex Commission: Jointly established by FAO and WHO to develop international food safety and quality standards.
      • India’s Role:
        • Hosts the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH).
        • Spices Board India serves as the Secretariat of CCSCH.
      • Significance:
        • Harmonised global quality standards for spices.
        • Improves market access, fair trade, and export competitiveness.
      • Large Cardamom: Indigenous to the North-Eastern Himalayan region of India.
      • New Leadership Role: India accepted as Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group (EWG) on risk analysis for new food products.

      Prelims Facts

      • Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC):
        • Established in 1963 by FAO and WHO.
        • Develops science-based international food standards.
        • Protects consumer health and promotes fair practices in food trade.
      • Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH): Hosted by India. Secretariat: Spices Board India.

      [2022] With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements:
      1. The Tea Board is a statutory body.
      2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
      3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
      4. The Board has overseas office at Dubai and Moscow.
      Which of the statements given above are correct?

      [A] 1 and 3

      [B] 2 and 4

      [C] 3 and 4

      [D] 1 and 4

    4. Engineering Biology Roadmap 2035

      Why in News?

      The Government launched the Roadmap: “Building India as a Leading Bioeconomy Powerhouse by 2035” and announced India’s first Engineering Biology undergraduate course to develop a future-ready biotechnology workforce.

      Key Highlights

      • First Engineering Biology Graduation Course to be introduced in India.
      • Objective: Build a sovereign biotechnology ecosystem by integrating engineering, biology, medicine and AI.
      • IITs are preparing interdisciplinary programmes in collaboration with medical institutions.
      • Focus on AI-driven biology, synthetic biology and advanced biomanufacturing.
      • Bioeconomy Growth Fund: Proposed ₹50,000 crore to support innovation and commercialization.
      • Emphasis on industry-academia partnerships, talent development and indigenous biomanufacturing.

      What is Engineering Biology?

      • Engineering Biology is an interdisciplinary field that applies engineering principles to biological systems for designing and modifying organisms to develop useful products and technologies.

      Applications

      • Precision medicine and gene therapies, CAR-T cell therapy, Sustainable biofuels and bio-based chemicals, Climate-resilient agriculture, Alternative proteins and food systems, and Environmental remediation

      India’s Bioeconomy: Key Facts

      • Grew from ~USD 10 billion (2014) to ~USD 95 billion (2026).
      • Expected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030.
      • Roadmap targets USD 700 billion by 2035.
      • Over 11,000 biotechnology startups.
      • Nearly 100 bio-incubators.
      • Annual growth rate: 15 to 18%.
      • Contributes around 4.8% of GDP.

      Government Initiatives

      • BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Employment and Environment)
      • Promotion of AI-enabled biology and synthetic biology.
      • Strengthening bio-manufacturing and biotechnology innovation ecosystem.
      • Expansion of biotechnology education and skilled workforce.

      Prelims Facts

      • Synthetic Biology: Designing or modifying biological systems for useful applications.
      • Biomanufacturing: Using living organisms or biological processes to manufacture products.
      • CAR-T Cell Therapy: Personalized immunotherapy where a patient’s T cells are genetically modified to attack cancer cells.
      • DNA Vaccine: Uses genetically engineered DNA to trigger an immune response.

      [2025] With reference to monoclonal antibodies, often mentioned in news, consider the following statements:
      I. They are man-made proteins.
      II. They stimulate immunological function due to their ability to bind to specific antigens.
      III. They are used in treating viral infections like that of Nipah virus.
      Which of the statements given above are correct?

      [A] I and II only

      [B] II and III only

      [C] I and III only

      [D] 1, II and III

    5. India’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train

      Why in News?

      Indian Railways is set to launch India’s first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset, marking a major step towards green and sustainable rail transportation.

      Key Highlights

      • First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train in India.
      • Route: Jind–Sonipat section (Northern Railway), Haryana.
      • Train Configuration: 10 coaches
      • Passenger Capacity: Around 2,600 passengers (largest hydrogen passenger train globally in terms of capacity).
      • Operational Speed: 75 km/h
      • Design Speed: 110 km/h
      • Generates electricity onboard using hydrogen and oxygen, eliminating the need for overhead electric lines.
      • By-products: Only water vapour and heat (near-zero emissions at the point of use).

      How Does It Work?

      • Uses a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell.
      • Hydrogen stored in cylinders reacts with oxygen from the atmosphere.
      • The electrochemical reaction generates electricity to power traction motors.
      • The train consists of: 2 Hydrogen Driving Power Cars (DPCs) and 8 Trailer Coaches (TCs)
      • Each DPC produces 1,200 kW (1,600 hp) of power.

      Hydrogen Refuelling Facility

      • Located at Jind, Haryana.
      • India’s largest railway hydrogen refuelling facility.
      • Hydrogen is Produced through electrolysis, Compressed to 500 bar, and Dispensed at 350 bar.
      • Stores nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen.
      • Approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).

      Safety Features

      • Hydrogen leak detectors.
      • Heat, flame and smoke detection systems.
      • Continuous ventilation.
      • Automatic hydrogen shut-off system.
      • Fire suppression systems.
      • Third-party safety assessment by TÜV SÜD (Germany).
      • Designed according to NFPA-2 and ISO 19880 standards.

      Indigenous Development

      • Developed under Indian Railways.
      • Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) formulated technical specifications.
      • Medha Servo Drives integrated the train.
      • Integral Coach Factory (ICF) designed the train exterior.

      Global Significance

      • Countries operating or testing hydrogen trains include Germany, France, Italy, China, and Japan
      • India’s train is among the largest-capacity hydrogen-powered passenger trains and includes a complete hydrogen ecosystem from production to refuelling.

      Future Plans

      • Hydrogen technology is proposed for heritage railways, including the Kalka–Shimla Railway.
      • Supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission and India’s Net Zero goals

      [2026] Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct ?
      1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS).
      2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.
      3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
      Select the answer using the code given below :

      [A] 1 only

      [B] 2 and 3 only

      [C] 2 only

      [D] 1, 2 and 3

    6. PM SVANidhi Street Food Hub Initiative

      Why in News?

      Lakhanpur (Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir) has been selected among the first towns approved under the PM SVANidhi Street Food Hub Initiative.

      Key Highlights

      • Lakhanpur, the gateway to Jammu & Kashmir, will develop a Street Food Hub across two clusters covering 1,754.25 sq. m.
      • Will promote Dogra cuisine and improve facilities for pilgrims, tourists, and local vendors.
      • The project aims to transform Lakhanpur into a culinary tourism destination.

      About the Initiative

      • Implemented by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under PM SVANidhi.
      • Plans to establish up to 50 Street Food Hubs across India.
      • Focuses on organized, hygienic food streets, tourism promotion, and sustainable livelihoods.
      • Preference to towns with:
        • Tourism and heritage significance.
        • Unique local cuisine.
        • Convergence with Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and UNESCO Creative Cities.

      Financial Support

      • ₹4 crore per project: 30% first instalment, 50% second instalment, and 20% after completion
      • Additional ₹25 lakh incentive for cities with a notified Street Vending Plan.

      PM SVANidhi

      • Launched: 2020, Ministry: MoHUA
      • Objective: Provide collateral-free working capital loans to street vendors and promote financial inclusion through interest subsidy and digital payments.

      Significance

      • Enhances livelihoods of street vendors.
      • Promotes local cuisine and tourism.
      • Improves food hygiene and visitor experience.

      [2015] Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has been launched for

      [A] providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates

      [B] Promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas

      [C] promoting financial inclusion in the country

      [D] providing financial help to marginalised communities

    7. India’s First PinS Instrument Approach Procedure for Helicopter Operations

      Why in News?

      India has approved its first Private Point in Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations at Undavalli Heliport (Andhra Pradesh). The procedure was developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

      What is PinS (Point in Space)?

      • A satellite based instrument approach procedure designed specifically for helicopters.
      • Enables helicopters to fly safely under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) even when heliports lack conventional landing systems.
      • Uses GNSS/GAGAN enabled Performance Based Navigation (PBN) instead of ground based navigation aids.
      • Developed according to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

      How does PinS work?

      • Guides helicopters to a predefined Point in Space (PinS) using satellite navigation.
      • From the PinS point, the helicopter either lands visually if weather permits, or continues under instrument guidance where applicable.
      • Improves operations during poor visibility, rain, fog and difficult terrain.

      Significance

      • Enhances aviation safety and operational reliability.
      • Enables all weather helicopter connectivity.
      • Improves access to remote, hilly and strategically important locations.
      • Reduces dependence on expensive ground based navigation infrastructure.
      • Supports: Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Disaster relief operations, Char Dham and other pilgrimage services, Tourism, Offshore oil and gas operations, Corporate aviation, and Regional connectivity under UDAN.

      Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)

      • Flight operations conducted primarily using cockpit instruments rather than visual references.
      • Essential during poor weather and low visibility.

      Performance Based Navigation (PBN)

      • Navigation based on aircraft performance standards using satellite navigation.
      • Improves route efficiency, safety and fuel savings.

      GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation)

      • India’s Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS).
      • Developed jointly by ISRO and AAI.
      • Enhances the accuracy and integrity of GPS signals for civil aviation.

      [2025] GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
      I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
      II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
      III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
      Select the correct answer using the code given below.

      [A] I, II and III

      [B] II and III only

      [C] I only

      [D] I and II only

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

      Why in News?

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

      Key Highlights

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

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

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

      Process

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

      Advantages

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

      Why Use Nuclear Heat?

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

      Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR)

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

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

      [A] Only one

      [B] Only two

      [C] All three

      [D] None

    9. Index of Services Production (ISP)

      Why in the news?

      The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will launch the Index of Services Production (ISP) in July 2026 as India’s first monthly indicator to measure short term growth in the services sector.

      What is ISP?

      • Index of Services Production (ISP) is a monthly high frequency indicator that measures changes in the real output (volume) of the formal services sector relative to a base year.
      • It is the services sector counterpart of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

      Key Highlights

      • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
      • Base Year: 2024-25.
      • First Trial Release: 14 July 2026 (for 2025-26 and April 2026).
      • Release Frequency: Monthly, with a 60 day time lag.
      • Compiled using a fixed weight Laspeyres Volume Index.
      • Weights are based on Gross Value Added (GVA) of service sectors.

      Objectives

      • Complement the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
      • Provide high frequency data on the services sector.
      • Improve economic forecasting and business cycle analysis.
      • Strengthen evidence based policymaking.

      Coverage

      • Included Sectors: Wholesale and retail trade, Transport, Banking and insurance, Telecommunications, Hotels and restaurants, Real estate, Professional, scientific and technical services, Arts, entertainment and recreation
      • To be Included Later: Health services and Education services (after availability of ASISSE data).

      Data Sources

      • Administrative data: Air Transport, Railways, Banking and Insurance.
      • GST (GSTR-1 outward supplies): Most service industries.
      • Annual Survey of Incorporated Services Sector Enterprises (ASISSE): Health and Education.

      Why is ISP Important?

      • Services contribute over 50% of India’s Gross Value Added (GVA) since 2013-14.
      • Provides timely tracking of service sector performance.
      • Enables faster policy response and economic monitoring.
      • Aligns India with international statistical practices.

      Limitations

      • Covers only the formal services sector.
      • Excludes: Public administration and defence, Government health and education, Social work without accommodation, Household services, Activities of extraterritorial organisations, Gambling and betting, Other predominantly non market and informal services.

      What is the proposed compilation formula?

      • ISP is proposed to be compiled using a fixed-weight Laspeyres Volume Index
        • Measures changes in output using fixed base year weights.
        • Widely used for indices such as IIP due to ease of comparison over time.

      [2020] Consider the following statements:
      1.The weightage of food in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI).
      2.The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which the CPI does.
      3.The Reserve Bank of India uses WPI as its key measure of inflation to decide changes in policy rates.
      Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

      [A] 1 and 2 only

      [B] 2 and 3 only

      [C] 1 and 3 only

      [D] 1, 2 and 3