💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (August Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: PIB

  • Glaw Lake becomes Arunachal Pradesh’s first Ramsar site

    Why in the News

    Glaw Lake has been designated as Arunachal Pradesh’s first Ramsar Site, making it the state’s first Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

    What is the Ramsar Convention?

    • International treaty: An intergovernmental treaty for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
    • Adopted: 2 February 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.
    • Came into force: 1975.
    • Objective: Promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands through national action and international cooperation.
    • India: A Contracting Party to the Convention.

    What is a Ramsar Site?

    • A wetland designated under the Ramsar Convention for its international ecological importance.
    • Selected based on criteria such as:
      • Unique wetland ecosystems.
      • Biodiversity significance.
      • Habitat for threatened species.
      • Importance for migratory waterbirds.

    Why is Glaw Lake Significant?

    • Location: Arunachal Pradesh.
    • First Ramsar Site: It is the first Wetland of International Importance from the state.
    • Recognition: Enhances conservation of the Eastern Himalayan wetland ecosystem.
    • Implementation: Designated under the Ramsar Convention with the involvement of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Wetlands Division.

    [2019] With reference to Wetlands, consider the following statements:
    1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
    2. They are covered with hydric soils.
    3. Wetlands are often referred to as Kidneys of the Earth.
    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

  • Cabinet approves 5-year extension of PM-KISAN scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet approved a five-year extension of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with an outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore. The annual assistance of ₹6,000 per farmer remains unchanged.

    What is PM-KISAN?

    • Launched in February 2019.
    • A Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
    • Provides ₹6,000 per year to eligible landholding farmer families in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
    • Fully funded by the Central Government.

    Key Highlights

    • Scheme extended till 2030-31.
    • Total outlay: ₹3.15 lakh crore.
    • 23rd instalment (June 2026): Over 9.49 crore farmers received ₹18,984 crore.
    • Since launch, over ₹4.47 lakh crore has been transferred through 23 instalments.
    • Women beneficiaries have received over ₹1.06 lakh crore.

    Significance

    • Provides assured income support for purchasing seeds, fertilisers and other inputs.
    • Reduces dependence on informal credit.
    • Promotes financial inclusion through DBT.
    • Strengthens farmers’ income security.

    Challenges

    • Annual assistance (₹6,000) has remained unchanged since 2019 despite rising input costs.
    • Excludes tenant farmers and sharecroppers due to land ownership criteria.
    • Errors in Aadhaar and land records may exclude genuine beneficiaries.
    • Uniform benefit irrespective of landholding size or farm distress.

    Features of PM-KISAN

    • Type: Central Sector Scheme.
    • Funding: 100% Central Government.
    • Transfer Mode: Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
    • Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

    Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

    • Introduced to transfer subsidies directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
    • Reduces leakages and improves transparency.
    • Uses the JAM Trinity: Jan Dhan Accounts, Aadhaar, and Mobile

    Related Schemes

    • PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
    • Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
    • PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)
    • e-NAM (National Agriculture Market)

    [2015, GS3, 12.5 marks] In what way could replacement of price subsidy with direct benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss.”

    [2020] Consider the following statements:
    1.Aadhaar metadata cannot be stored for more than three months.
    2.State cannot enter into any contract with private corporations for sharing of Aadhaar data.
    3.Aadhaar is mandatory for obtaining insurance products.
    4.Aadhaar is mandatory for getting benefits funded out of the Consolidated Fund of India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 4 only

    [B] 2 and 4 only

    [C] 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3 only

  • National Advisory Board on Management of Genetic Resources (NABMGR)

    Why in the News?

    The reconstituted National Advisory Board on Management of Genetic Resources (NABMGR) held its first meeting on 29 July 2026 at ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, to strengthen India’s agrobiodiversity conservation and promote the sustainable utilization of genetic resources for food security, climate resilience, and Viksit Bharat.

    What is NABMGR?

    • A national advisory body constituted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
    • First constituted: 2011. Reconstituted: 2026.
    • Chairman: Dr. R.S. Paroda. Co-Chairman: Dr. M.L. Jat (Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR).

    Objectives

    • Recommend national policies on agrobiodiversity.
    • Promote integrated management of Plant genetic resources, Animal genetic resources, Fish genetic resources, Microbial genetic resources, and Insect genetic resources
    • Advise on national and international issues related to genetic resources.

    Key Recommendations

    • Strengthen pre-breeding programmes to utilize conserved germplasm.
    • Identify unexplored regions for systematic germplasm collection (2026–2031).
    • Develop an integrated national genetic resources management framework.
    • Mainstream traditional and underutilized crop varieties, animal breeds, fish species, microbes, and insects.
    • Strengthen implementation of Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
    • Expedite establishment of the National Safety Genebank (NSG) before ICAR’s centenary (2028–29).
    • Enhance international collaboration, especially with Central Asia and South-East Asia, for germplasm exchange.

    Significance

    • Conserves India’s rich agrobiodiversity.
    • Broadens the genetic base for developing climate-resilient, high-yielding crops and livestock.
    • Strengthens food, nutrition and livelihood security.
    • Supports sustainable agriculture and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    • Promotes scientific collaboration and evidence-based policy making.

    Important Institutions Mentioned

    • ICAR – Indian Council of Agricultural Research
    • ICAR-NBPGR – National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources
    • National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)
    • Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
    • Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
    • Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
    • National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB)

    Value Addition

    • Agrobiodiversity: It refers to the variety and variability of plants, animals, fish, microorganisms and insects used directly or indirectly for food, agriculture and ecosystem services.
    • Germplasm: The hereditary genetic material (seeds, tissues, pollen, embryos, etc.) preserved for crop and livestock improvement.
    • Pre-breeding: The process of transferring useful genes from wild relatives or unadapted genetic resources into breeding materials to develop improved varieties.
    • Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS): A mechanism under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.
    • National Safety Genebank (NSG): A secure backup repository for conserving valuable genetic resources against natural disasters or accidental loss.

    [2012] How does the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) help in protecting the Indian agriculture?
    1. NBA checks the biopiracy and protects the indigenous and traditional genetic resources.
    2. NBA directly monitors and supervises the scientific research on genetic modification of crop plants.
    3. Application for Intellectual Property Rights related to resources genetic/biological cannot be made without approval of NBA.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 Only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026

    Why in News?

    The Rajya Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending legal protection to Vande Mataram by making its intentional disruption or prevention a punishable offence.

    Key Highlights

    • Amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
    • Makes intentional disruption or prevention of the singing of Vande Mataram punishable.
    • Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
    • Seeks to accord the National Song legal protection similar to the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana).
    • Passed by the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote.

    About the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971

    • The Act penalises insults to: National Flag, Constitution of India, and National Anthem
    • The 2026 amendment adds protection for the National Song (Vande Mataram).

    Vande Mataram

    • Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
    • Originally appeared in the novel Anandamath (1882).
    • Adopted as the National Song on 24 January 1950.
    • Only the first two stanzas are accorded official status.

    Prelims Facts

    • National Anthem: Jana Gana Mana by Rabindranath Tagore.
    • National Song: Vande Mataram by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
    • 24 January 1950: Constituent Assembly adopted Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem while according Vande Mataram equal honour as the National Song.

    [2025] Consider the following pairs:
    Provision in the Constitution of India State under
    I. Separation of Judiciary from the Executive in the Public services of the StateThe Directive principles of the State policy
    II. Valuing and preserving of the rich Heritage of our composite cultureThe Fundamental Duties
    III. Prohibition of employment of children below the age of 14 years in factoriesThe Fundamental Rights
    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All the three

    [D] None

  • India Becomes Free from Left Wing Extremism (LWE)

    Why in News?

    The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced that India became free from Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in March-April 2026, following sustained implementation of the National Policy and Action Plan (2015).

    Key Highlights

    • No district is currently categorized as LWE-affected.
    • LWE-affected districts reduced from: 126 (2014) → 90 (2018) → 70 (2021) → 38 (2024) → 8 (2025) → 0 (2026).
    • 37 districts are now classified as Legacy & Thrust Districts for continued security and development support.
    • 1 district remains a District of Concern for continued surveillance.

    National Policy and Action Plan (2015)

    • Adopts a Whole-of-Government Approach focusing on: Security operations. Infrastructure and connectivity. Welfare and development. Protection of tribal rights. Good governance and financial inclusion.

    Major Government Initiatives

    Security Measures

    • Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme.
    • Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF).
    • Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS).
    • Assistance to Central Agencies for LWE Management (ACALWEMS).
    • Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Policy for Maoist cadres.

    Development Measures

    • 15,189 km roads constructed in LWE areas.
    • 9,497 telecom towers commissioned.
    • 179 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) functional.
    • 47 ITIs and 49 Skill Development Centres established.
    • 6,025 post offices with banking services opened.
    • Security camps are being converted into Jan Suvidha Kendras.

    Other Initiatives

    • Special Central Assistance (SCA) for infrastructure.
    • Tribal Youth Exchange Programme (TYEP).
    • Civic Action Programme (CAP) to improve community engagement.
    • Distribution of over 21 lakh Forest Rights Act title deeds.

    [2023] Consider the following statements:
    1. According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances.
    2. The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to a person being held for preventive detention.
    3. According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002, confession of the accused before the police cannot be used as evidence.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None

  • CPGRAMS Report for States/UTs (June 2026)

    Why in News?

    The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the 47th monthly report on the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) for States/UTs for June 2026.

    Key Highlights

    • Public Grievances Received: 96,190
    • Grievances Redressed: 93,170
    • Pending Cases (30 June 2026): 2,16,032
    • 23 States/UTs have over 1,000 pending grievances.
    • Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest disposals (31,460), followed by Maharashtra (7,619).

    CPGRAMS

    • CPGRAMS is an online grievance redress platform of the Government of India.
    • Developed and monitored by DARPG.
    • Enables citizens to submit and track grievances against government departments.
    • Integrated with over 5 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) through 2.5 lakh Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs).

    Sevottam Scheme

    • Capacity-building initiative to improve public service delivery and grievance redress.
    • FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27 (till June): 1,196 training programmes conducted. Around 39,509 officers trained.

    Other Highlights

    • 83,544 new users registered on CPGRAMS in June 2026.
    • Feedback Call Centre collected 75,318 feedbacks, including 33,092 from States/UTs.
    • 6,262 grievances were registered through CSCs.
    • A dedicated Review Module for senior-level monitoring has been operational since 6 June 2025.

    Prelims Facts

    • DARPG: Department under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
    • CPGRAMS: National online portal for public grievance redressal.
    • Sevottam Scheme: Focuses on improving service delivery and grievance redress mechanisms in government.

    [2021] With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements:
    1. N. Gopalaswamy Iyengar Committee suggested that a minister and a secretary be designated solely for pursuing the subject of administrative reform and promoting it.
    2. In 1970, the Department of Personnel was constituted on the recommendation of the Administrative Reforms Commission, 1966, and this was placed under the Prime Minister’s charge.
    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

  • Celebrating 25 Years of the Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT)

    Why in News?

    The Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) at Hanle, Ladakh, completed 25 years of operation. The occasion was marked by a conference highlighting its scientific achievements and future expansion plans.

    Key Highlights

    • Location: Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), Hanle, Ladakh (4,517 m).
    • Managed by: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
    • First Light: 26 September 2000; dedicated to the nation in 2001.
    • Named after Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.
    • Operated remotely from Bengaluru via INSAT-3B since 2001.

    Why is Hanle Important?

    • Over 250 clear nights annually.
    • Very low atmospheric water vapour and minimal light pollution.
    • Ideal for optical and near-infrared astronomy.
    • Protected under the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve.

    Major Scientific Contributions

    • Studies of gamma-ray bursts, comets, exoplanets, supernovae, variable stars, galaxies, and active galactic nuclei (AGN).
    • Contributed to the discovery of TRAPPIST-1b.

    Key Instruments

    • HFOSC – Optical camera and spectrograph.
    • uTIRSPEC – Near-infrared spectrometer.
    • HESP – High-resolution Echelle spectrograph.

    Future Plans

    The Union Budget announced:

    • 3.7-m Upgraded Himalayan Chandra Telescope (UHCT).
    • 13.7-m National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope (NLOT) at Hanle.

    Prelims Facts

    • HCT: 2-m optical telescope at Hanle, Ladakh.
    • Nodal Agency: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
    • Administrative Ministry: Department of Science and Technology (DST).
    • Hanle Dark Sky Reserve: India’s first Dark Sky Reserve.

    [2016] With reference to ‘Astrosat’,’ the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
    2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.
    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

  • Pollens Help Trace Why the Harappan Civilization Shrank

    Why in News?

    A study by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) has used pollen preserved in lake sediments from Deoria Tal (Garhwal Himalaya) to reconstruct past climate. The findings suggest that a prolonged weakening of the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) and the 4.2 ka climatic event contributed to the decline and eastward migration of the Harappan Civilization.

    Key Findings

    • Analysis of pollen and spores reconstructed vegetation and monsoon history over the last ~5,100 years.
    • Around 4200 years BP [Before Present](4.2 ka event), the region experienced an abrupt cool and dry climate with a weakened ISM.
    • Reduced monsoon weakened the perennial river systems of the Indus and Ghaggar-Hakra, making agriculture difficult.
    • This likely triggered the migration of Harappan populations towards the Ganga plains, contributing to the shrinking of the civilization.
    • The study establishes a strong link between abrupt climate change and changes in ancient human settlements.

    How Did Scientists Reconstruct the Past?

    • Sediment core collected from Deoria Tal in Uttarakhand.
    • Pollen analysis (Palynology) reconstructed past vegetation and climate.
    • Chronology established using 10 AMS Radiocarbon (¹⁴C) dates on Trapa (water chestnut) seed cases.
    • Changes in the Oak/Pine pollen ratio served as an indicator of changing temperature and monsoon strength.

    What is the 4.2 ka Event?

    • A major global climatic event that occurred around 4200 years ago.
    • Characterized by:
      • Weak Indian Summer Monsoon.
      • Cooler and drier climate.
      • Widespread droughts across several ancient civilizations.
    • Linked to the decline of civilizations such as Harappan Civilization, Akkadian Empire, and Old Kingdom of Egypt

    Why Did the Monsoon Weaken?

    Researchers attribute the weakened ISM to multiple interacting climatic factors:

    • Southward shift of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
    • Strong El Niño conditions.
    • Strong negative phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).
    • Reduced Northern Hemisphere summer insolation.

    Other Climate Phases Identified

    • Roman Warm Period (2500 to 1450 cal yr BP): Strong ISM and higher agricultural productivity.
    • Medieval Climate Anomaly (1050 to 650 cal yr BP): Strong monsoon due to northward ITCZ.
    • Little Ice Age (650 to 100 cal yr BP / CE 1350 to 1850): Weak ISM associated with stronger westerlies, ENSO and southward ITCZ.

    [2026] Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns:
    I. There is wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning wheels.
    II. Weights and measurement scales, complete with graduations have been discovered.
    III. There are houses built in large part with baked bricks, around relatively spacious courtyards, with their own wells, bathing platforms, and large rooms.
    Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements?
    1. Statement I suggests that spinning was a laborious activity done at home.
    2. Statement II suggests the extent of the scientific knowledge that the Harappans possessed.
    3. Statement III suggests the emergence of a common property system.
    Select the answer using the code given below :

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • 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. India’s Record Exports in FY 2025-26

      Why in News?

      India recorded its highest-ever exports of US$ 863.1 billion in FY 2025-26, driven by strong merchandise and services exports and growing benefits from recent Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), particularly with the UAE, UK, Australia, Oman and EFTA.

      Key Highlights

      • Record exports: India’s total exports reached US$ 863.1 billion in FY 2025-26.
        • Merchandise exports: US$ 441.8 billion
        • Services exports: US$ 421.3 billion
      • Top FTA export destinations:
        • ASEAN: US$ 38.4 billion
        • UAE (CEPA): US$ 37.4 billion
        • SAFTA: US$ 25.8 billion
        • UK (CETA): US$ 13.4 billion
        • Singapore (CECA): US$ 11.9 billion
      • Recent FTAs boosted exports:
        • UAE CEPA: 4.45 lakh Certificates of Origin issued; export tariff lines increased from 7,546 to 8,053.
        • Australia ECTA: Certificates of Origin rose from 1,482 (FY21) to an average 45,500+ annually after implementation.
        • Mauritius CECPA: Export tariff lines increased by 20.9%.
        • Oman CEPA: June 2026 exports grew 54.7% month-on-month and 189.6% year-on-year.
        • India-EFTA TEPA: Over 7,885 Certificates of Origin issued since October 2025.
      • Labour-intensive sectors benefited most: Textiles & apparel, Leather & footwear, Gems & jewellery, Marine products, Carpets, Handicrafts, Agricultural products
      • Trade facilitation initiatives:
        • Trade e-Connect: Provides market intelligence, tariff information, Rules of Origin guidance and FTA advisory.
        • Trade Intelligence & Analytics (TIA) Portal: Offers commodity-wise trade analytics and real-time export monitoring.

      Significance

      • Diversifies export markets and products.
      • Enhances global value chain integration.
      • Boosts manufacturing and employment in labour-intensive industries.
      • Improves India’s competitiveness through preferential tariff access.

      [2023] Consider the following statements:
      Statement-I: India accounts for 3.2% of global export of goods.
      Statement-II: Many local companies and some foreign companies operating in India have taken advantage of India’s Production-linked Incentive’ scheme.
      Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

      [A] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-ll is the correct explanation for Statement-I.

      [B] Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-l is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.

      [C] Statement-l is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.

      [D] Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.