Digital India Initiatives

Cross Border UPI Payments Launched in Cambodia

4 June 2026 | PIB Prelims Only | International Relations
Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India
Why in the news?

NPCI International Payments Limited and ACLEDA Bank Plc. launched cross border UPI payments in Cambodia through KHQR, Cambodia’s national QR code system.

Key Highlights
- Indian travellers can now use:
  - Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
    for QR based payments in Cambodia.
- Integration completed through: Bakong’s KHQR system.
- Launch ceremony held in Phnom Penh.
What is UPI?

The Unified Payments Interface (UPI):
- Is a real time digital payment system developed in India.
- Operated by: National Payments Corporation of India.
- Enables: Instant bank to bank transfers using mobile applications.
What is NIPL?

NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL):
- International arm of NPCI.
- Responsible for:
  - Expanding UPI and RuPay globally.
About KHQR
- Cambodia’s national QR code standard.
- Operates through:
  - Bakong payment system.
- Managed by:
  - National Bank of Cambodia.
Features of the Partnership

Phase 1
- Indian travellers in Cambodia can:
  - Scan KHQR codes and make payments.
- Covers:
  - More than 4.5 million Cambodian merchants.
Future Phase
- Cambodian citizens visiting India will also be able to:
  - Use Cambodian banking apps to scan UPI QR codes in India.
Benefits of the Initiative

For Travellers
- Reduces need for:
  - Currency exchange
  - Carrying cash.
- Enables:
  - Seamless digital transactions.
For Merchants
- Access to Indian tourists.
- Faster and secure payments.
- Lower cash handling costs.
Importance of UPI Internationalisation
- Promotes: India’s digital public infrastructure globally.
- Strengthens: FinTech diplomacy.
- Supports: Cross-border digital payments and trade.
Countries Accepting UPI
- UPI is currently accepted in Singapore, United Arab Emirates, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia.
Legal Status of NPCI
- Company Status: Registered as a Non-Profit Company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
- Ownership: Owned and operated by a consortium of major banks in India.
- Regulatory Oversight: It is regulated and supervised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
[2025] Consider the following countries:
I. United Arab Emirates
II. France
III. Germany
IV. Singapore
V. Bangladesh
How many countries amongst the above are there other than India where international merchant payments are accepted under UPI?

[A] Only two

[B] Only three

[C] Only four

[D] All the five
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Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

Niveshak Shivir by IEPFA and SEBI

4 June 2026 | PIB Prelims Only | Economics
Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy
Why in the news?

Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority and Securities and Exchange Board of India will organise a Niveshak Shivir in Bhopal on 5 June 2026 to help investors resolve issues related to unclaimed dividends and shares.

Key Highlights
- Organised by:
  - IEPFA under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
  - SEBI.
- Objective:
  - Investor awareness
  - Grievance redressal
  - Recovery of unclaimed investments.
Services Provided at Niveshak Shivir
- Recovery assistance for:
  - Unclaimed dividends
  - Unclaimed shares.
- On the spot:
  - KYC updation
  - Nomination services.
- Resolution of:
  - Pending IEPFA claim issues.
What is IEPFA?

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA):
- Functions under: Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
- Established to:
  - Protect investor interests.
  - Promote financial literacy and investor awareness.
Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)
- Created under: Companies Act, 2013.
- Unclaimed: Dividends, Shares, and Deposits are transferred to the IEPF after a specified period.
When are Shares/Dividends Transferred to IEPF?
- If dividends remain unclaimed for Seven consecutive years, the related shares are transferred to the IEPF Authority.
What is SEBI?

The Securities and Exchange Board of India:
- Is the regulator of Securities and capital markets in India.
- Established in 1988.
- Statutory status granted in 1992.
Objectives of the Initiative
- Simplify Investor claim process.
- Promote:
  - Financial inclusion
  - Investor protection.
- Strengthen: Transparency in financial markets.
About RTAs

Registrars and Transfer Agents (RTAs):
- Maintain records of:
  - Shareholders
  - Share transfers
  - Dividend payments.
- Assist companies in investor-related services.
[2025] Consider the following statements:
I. India accounts for a very large portion of all equity option contracts traded globally thus exhibiting a great boom.
II. India’s stock market has grown rapidly in the recent past even overtaking Hong Kong’s at some point of time.
III. There is no regulatory body either to warn the small investors about the risks of options trading or to act on unregistered financial advisors in this regard.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

[A] I and Il only

[B] II and III only

[C] I and III only

[D] I, II and III
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Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

Next Generation Nanomedicine for Breast Cancer

4 June 2026 | Discovered / Found PIB Prelims Only | Science and Technology
Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T
Why in the news?

Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute developed a biodegradable nanomedicine platform capable of silencing cancer driving genes in breast cancer cells, offering a promising precision oncology therapy.

Key Highlights
- Research published in: Advanced Healthcare Materials.
- Developed under: Department of Science and Technology.
- Uses: Targeted gene silencing strategy.
- Aim: Effective tumour inhibition with minimal toxicity.
What is Nanomedicine?

Nanomedicine refers to the use of nanoscale materials and technology for:
- Diagnosis
- Drug delivery
- Treatment of diseases.
What is Precision Nanomedicine?
- Precision nanomedicine: Targets disease causing cells specifically.
- Reduces:
  - Damage to healthy tissues.
  - Side effects associated with conventional therapies.
Key Technology Used

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
- Biodegradable nanoparticles with:
  - High drug loading capacity.
  - Tunable surface chemistry.
- Used to deliver: Small interfering RNA (siRNA).
What is siRNA?
- Small interfering RNA (siRNA): Molecules that silence specific genes by preventing protein production.
- Used in:
  - Gene therapy
  - Cancer treatment research.
[2015] With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1.Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology
2.Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2
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Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

Base Year Revision of Wholesale Price Index (WPI)

3 June 2026 | PIB Prelims Only Revived / Restored | Economics
Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy
Why in the news?

The Government of India has revised the base year of the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) from 2011-12 to 2022-23. The revised WPI series and new Producer Price Indices (PPIs) will be released from June 15, 2026.

What is WPI?

The Wholesale Price Index (WPI):
- Measures changes in prices of goods at the wholesale level.
- Tracks inflation from the producer or wholesale market perspective.
- Released by:
  - Office of Economic Adviser under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.
Base Year Revision
- Previous base year: 2011-12.
- New base year: 2022-23.
Why is Base Year Revised?

Base year revision helps:
- Reflect current economic structure.
- Include new products and industries.
- Improve accuracy of inflation measurement.
- Align statistics with changing consumption and production patterns.
Major Changes in Revised WPI Series

Increased Number of Items
- Items increased from: 697 to 957.
Renewable Energy Included

New energy sources added under electricity:
- Solar energy
- Wind energy
- Nuclear electricity
What are Producer Price Indices (PPIs)?
- PPIs measure: Price changes received by producers for goods and services.
How is PPI connected to WPI?
1. WPI is essentially a traditional form of producer price measurement for goods.
2. PPI expands the scope of WPI by:
  - including services,
  - measuring both input and output prices,
  - capturing production stage inflation more accurately.
3. India’s revised WPI and introduction of PPI indicate a gradual transition toward a modern producer inflation framework.
Components Linking WPI and PPI

1. Output Producer Price Index (OPPI)
- Similar to WPI because it measures prices received by producers for selling goods.
- WPI can be viewed as partially comparable to OPPI for goods.
2. Input Producer Price Index (IPPI)
- Measures prices paid by producers for raw materials, fuel, machinery, etc.
- WPI does not capture this aspect separately.
3. Service PPI
- Completely absent in WPI.
- Covers sectors like banking, telecom, insurance, railways, aviation.
[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
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Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

Khet Bachao Abhiyan

1 June 2026 | PIB Prelims Only | Agriculture
Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues
Why in the news?

The Union Ministry of Agriculture launched the nationwide ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ from Raisen district, Madhya Pradesh, on June 1, 2026, to promote sustainable agriculture and soil conservation.

Key Highlights
- Initiative launched under the leadership of Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
- Campaign aims to protect:
  - Soil health
  - Agricultural productivity
  - Long term food security
- It will involve:
  - Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
  - Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutions
  - Agricultural universities
  - State agriculture departments
Major Objectives
- Promote balanced use of fertilisers
- Encourage:
  - Natural farming
  - Soil testing
  - Green manuring
  - Water conservation
- Spread awareness regarding:
  - Soil Health Cards
  - Climate resilient agriculture
  - Alternative crops in low rainfall areas
- Identify counterfeit:
  - Seeds
  - Fertilisers
  - Pesticides
Important Concerns Highlighted
- Rising temperatures
- Excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides
- Declining soil fertility
- Increasing climate crisis affecting agriculture
Government Schemes Linked with Campaign

The campaign seeks convergence with:
- PM Kisan Samman Nidhi
- Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
- Crop Insurance Scheme
- Soil Health Card Scheme
- Agricultural Mechanisation programmes
- Pulses and Oilseeds Mission
Consider the following statements:
The nation-wide ‘Soil Health Card Scheme’ aims at
1. expanding the cultivable area under irrigation.
2. enabling the banks to assess the quantum of loans to be granted to farmers on the basis of soil quality.
3. checking the overuse of fertilizers in farmlands.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 3 only

[C] 2 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3
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Foreign Policy Watch- India-Central Asia

Sacred Relics of Buddha’s Chief Disciples Enshrined in Mongolia

1 June 2026 | PIB Prelims Only | Art and Culture
Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture
Why in the news?

The sacred relics of Arhat Sariputra and Arhat Mahamoggallana, the two chief disciples of Lord Buddha, were ceremonially enshrined at Gandantegchenling Monastery during Buddha Purnima (Vesak Day) 2026.

Key Highlights
- The relics were brought from India to Mongolia for a 10 day exposition from 31 May to 10 June 2026.
- The exposition was inaugurated in the presence of:
  - Lakshman Prasad Acharya
  - Atul Malhari Gotsurve
  - Buddhist leaders and representatives of the International Buddhist Confederation.
- The relics are preserved at the stupas of Sanchi Stupa.
About the Relics

Arhat Sariputra
- One of the foremost disciples of Gautama Buddha.
- Known for wisdom and deep understanding of Buddhist philosophy.
Arhat Mahamoggallana
- Another chief disciple of Buddha.
- Famous for spiritual powers and meditative attainments.
India-Mongolia Relations
- India and Mongolia share strong Buddhist civilisational ties.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier described the two nations as “spiritual neighbours.”
- The event coincides with:
  - 70 years of diplomatic relations
  - 10 years of Strategic Partnership
[2023] With reference to ancient India, consider the following statements::
1. The concept of Stupa is Buddhist in origin.
2.Stupa was generally a repository of relics.
3.Stupa was a votive and commemorative structure in Buddhist tradition.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

[A] Only one

[B] Only two

[C] All three

[D] None
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Civil Aviation Sector – CA Policy 2016, UDAN, Open Skies, etc.

SkyCast System

30 May 2026 | First / Record PIB Prelims Only | Science and Technology
Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields
Why in the news?

Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first SkyCast System at Indira Gandhi International Airport under Mission Mausam.

What is SkyCast?

SkyCast is an advanced integrated aviation weather monitoring and forecasting system that provides:
- Real-time weather intelligence
- Fog monitoring
- Turbulence detection
- High-impact weather forecasting
Key Features
- Helps reduce:
  - Flight delays
  - Diversions
  - Cancellations
- Provides short-term weather alerts to pilots and air traffic controllers
- Monitors atmosphere up to nearly 3 km above airport
Technologies Used

SkyCast integrates:
- Radar Wind Profiler
- SODAR
- Microwave Radiometer
- Ground-based Fog Aerosol Spectrometer (GFAS)
- Lidar-based Ceilometer
[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
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Indian Army Updates

BSF Border Security Infrastructure in Gujarat

30 May 2026 | First / Record PIB Prelims Only | Internal Security
Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates
Why in the news?

Amit Shah inaugurated the G-7 and G-13 Border Out Posts (BOPs) in Bhuj, Gujarat, and highlighted plans to strengthen border security through advanced technology and CISF-style security grids.

Key Highlights
- New BOPs inaugurated along the India-Pakistan border in Gujarat
- Focus on:
  - Technological fencing
  - Smart border security
  - Territorial security concept
  - Leak-proof security grid
About BSF (Border Security Force):
- India’s “First Line of Defence”
- Comes under the Ministry of Home Affairs
- Guards borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh
- Operates in extreme conditions from:
  - Desert regions
  - Marshlands
  - Forests
  - High-altitude areas
Strategic Areas

Sir Creek
- The marshy disputed region between India and Pakistan
- Security-sensitive coastal area
Harami Nala
- Creek area near Sir Creek
- Vulnerable to infiltration and smuggling
[2023] Which one of the following is the best example of repeated falls in sea level, giving rise to present-day extensive marshland?

[A] Bhitarkanika Mangroves

[B] Marakkanam Salt Pans

[C] Naupada Swamp

[D] Rann of Kutch
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Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

NFHS-6 (2023-24)

30 May 2026 | First / Record PIB Prelims Only | Social Justice
Mains Paper 2: Health & Education
Why in the news?

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), showing major improvements in maternal health, child nutrition, immunisation, and financial protection.

About NFHS
- Conducted by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai
- Covers population, health, nutrition, and family welfare indicators
- NFHS-6 surveyed about 6.79 lakh households across 715 districts
Key Findings

Maternal and Child Health
- (Hospital) Institutional deliveries increased: 88.6% → 90.6%
- ANC coverage: 92.6% → 95.9%
- Four or more ANC visits: 58.5% → 65.2%
- Skilled birth attendance: 89.4% → 91.3%
Child Immunisation
- Full immunisation: 83.8% → 87.1%
- Over 96% children received at least one vaccine
- Rotavirus vaccine coverage: 36.4% → 85.4%
- 95.6% vaccinations delivered through public health facilities
Nutrition Indicators
- Stunting reduced: 35.5% → 29.3%
- Severe wasting reduced: 7.7% → 5.2%
- Breastfeeding within one hour of birth: 41.8% → 50.1%
Family Planning
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR): 2.0
- Contraceptive prevalence: 66.7% → 69.1%
Health Insurance Coverage
- Household coverage under health insurance schemes: 41.0% → 60.2%
- Reflects expansion of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)
Women’s Empowerment
- Women using the internet: 33.3% → 64.3%
- Women operating their own bank accounts: 78.6% → 89.0%
- Women owning mobile phones: 53.9% → 63.6%
[2022] The total fertility rate in an economy is defined as:

[A] the number of children born per 1000 people in the population in a year.

[B] the number of children born to a couple in their lifetime in a given population.

[C] the birth rate minus death rate.

[D] the average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-bearing age.
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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Subhash Chandra Bose: the paradox of a revolutionary theory and praxis

14 April 2026 | Explained PIB | History
Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History
Why in the News?

Subhas Chandra Bose’s ideological framework has regained relevance amid contemporary debates on strong leadership, state-led development, and the balance between democracy and efficiency. His synthesis of Vedantic values with socialist policies and centralized governance offers an alternative model of nation-building, contrasting with the Gandhian approach.

How did Bose reconcile Indian spirituality with Western philosophical frameworks?
1. Vedantic Foundation: Rooted early thought in Advaita Vedanta; believed reality is spiritual and unified. Example: Influence of Swami Vivekananda
2. Doctrine of Maya: Viewed world as illusion but not escapist. This facilitated revolutionary engagement
3. Hegelian Dialectics: Adopted conflict as driver of progress. (Thesis-Antithesis-Synthesis framework)
4. Synthesis Approach: Combined Eastern spirituality with Western rationalism. This was a unique ideological blend
5. Moral Evolution: Considered conflict as moral and necessary and this shaped his revolutionary outlook.
Why did Bose shift from idealism to pragmatic socialism?
1. Rejection of Absolutism: Moved away from pure idealism and adopted pragmatic politics.
2. Historical Materialism Influence: Recognized role of material conditions in shaping society.
3. Critique of Gandhian Methods: Found non-violence inadequate for rapid transformation.
4. Industrial Imperative: Identified industrialization as key to poverty eradication
5. Global Influences: Inspired by Soviet planning and European models. Example: Exposure to Germany and USSR
What was Bose’s concept of ‘harmonious equality’?

Subhas Chandra Bose’s concept of “harmonious equality” was rooted in his ideology of Samyavada (Samya: concord/harmony; vada: doctrine), a doctrine of synthesis designed to blend the best elements of foreign ideologies with India’s spiritual traditions, rather than blindly copying them. It was a vision for a “thoroughly modern and Socialist State” that achieved total liberation from both colonial rule and internal socio-economic inequalities
1. Samyavada Doctrine: Advocated synthesis of socialism and nationalism
2. Rejection of Extremes: Opposed both capitalism and orthodox communism. Equality Principle: Emphasized social and economic equality
3. Dialectical Balance: Viewed ideologies as evolving through conflict and not static. He did not see Fascism or communism as finalities but as stages in the dialectical process. In the Indian Struggle (1934), he argued that India’s role was to work out a synthesis.
4. Indian Contextualization: Adapted socialism to Indian conditions and avoided blind imitation.
How did Bose envision political freedom beyond independence?
1. Comprehensive Freedom: Extended beyond colonial rule and it included social and economic justice.
2. Redistribution of Wealth: Ensured equitable distribution across classes.
3. Anti-Caste Measures: Focused on removal of caste inequalities
4. Gender Equality: Advocated equal rights for women
5. Communal Harmony: Emphasized elimination of religious divisions
Why did Bose advocate authoritarian governance during reconstruction?
1. Strong State Requirement: Supported centralized authority for nation-building
2. Temporary Authoritarianism: Suggested limited period of dictatorship
3. Administrative Efficiency: Ensured rapid decision-making and implementation
4. Planned Economy: Favored state control over production and distribution
5. Forward Bloc Vision: Proposed disciplined, centralized political organization.
What are the contradictions in Bose’s political philosophy?
1. Democracy vs Authority: Advocated freedom but supported authoritarianism
2. Spiritualism vs Materialism: Combined metaphysical beliefs with socialist economics
3. Nationalism vs Internationalism: Inspired by global ideologies but rooted in Indian nationalism.
4. Revolution vs Stability: Promoted radical change yet sought structured governance
5. Ethical Conflict: Justified conflict as moral necessity and raises ethical concerns.
6. Bose Vs Gandhi: Subhas Chandra Bose failed to win the confidence of Mahatma Gandhi mainly because of deep differences in ideology, methods, and political strategy within the Indian national movement.
Conclusion

Bose’s philosophy reflects a complex synthesis of spirituality, socialism, and authoritarian governance. It offers an alternative framework for nation-building but raises critical concerns regarding democratic values and ethical limits of power.

PYQ Relevance

[UPSC 2016] Highlight the differences in the approach of Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom.

Linkage: UPSC often frames questions on contrasting ideological approaches within the freedom struggle, making comparisons like Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi highly relevant for Mains. This theme links to broader areas such as ideological diversity, methods of resistance, and models of nation-building, which are frequently tested directly or indirectly.
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Type: PIB

Why in the news?

Key Highlights

What is UPI?

What is NIPL?

About KHQR

Features of the Partnership

Phase 1

Future Phase

Benefits of the Initiative

Importance of UPI Internationalisation

Countries Accepting UPI

Legal Status of NPCI

Why in the news?

Key Highlights

Services Provided at Niveshak Shivir

What is IEPFA?

Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)

When are Shares/Dividends Transferred to IEPF?

What is SEBI?

Objectives of the Initiative

About RTAs

Why in the news?

Key Highlights

What is Nanomedicine?

What is Precision Nanomedicine?

Key Technology Used

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

What is siRNA?

Why in the news?

What is WPI?

Base Year Revision

Why is Base Year Revised?

Major Changes in Revised WPI Series

Increased Number of Items

Renewable Energy Included

What are Producer Price Indices (PPIs)?

How is PPI connected to WPI?

Components Linking WPI and PPI

1. Output Producer Price Index (OPPI)

2. Input Producer Price Index (IPPI)

3. Service PPI

Why in the news?

Key Highlights

Major Objectives

Important Concerns Highlighted

Government Schemes Linked with Campaign

Why in the news?

Key Highlights

About the Relics

Arhat Sariputra

Arhat Mahamoggallana

India-Mongolia Relations

Why in the news?

What is SkyCast?

Key Features

Technologies Used

Why in the news?

Key Highlights

About BSF (Border Security Force):

Strategic Areas

Why in the news?

About NFHS

Key Findings

Why in the News?

How did Bose reconcile Indian spirituality with Western philosophical frameworks?

Why did Bose shift from idealism to pragmatic socialism?

What was Bose’s concept of ‘harmonious equality’?

How did Bose envision political freedom beyond independence?

Why did Bose advocate authoritarian governance during reconstruction?

What are the contradictions in Bose’s political philosophy?

Conclusion

PYQ Relevance