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  • 4 Years of Jan Samarth Portal

    Why in the news?

    Jan Samarth Portal has completed four years since its launch on 6 June 2022, marking progress in digital financial inclusion and seamless credit delivery.

    About Jan Samarth Portal

    • A single-window digital platform for credit-linked government schemes.
    • Connects:
      • Beneficiaries
      • Banks
      • Government schemes through one integrated system.
    • Objective:
      • Simplify access to institutional credit.
      • Improve financial inclusion and digital lending.
    • Sectors covered:
      • Agriculture
      • Business
      • Housing
      • Renewable energy
      • Livelihoods.

    Schemes Available on the Portal

    Agriculture and Rural Sector

    • Kisan Credit Card
    • Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
    • Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres Scheme (ACABC)

    Business and Livelihood

    • Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
    • PM SVANidhi
    • Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme
    • Loan for Startups

    Renewable Energy

    • Rooftop Solar Installation Financing.

    Housing

    • Home loans for:
      • Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
      • Lower Income Group (LIG)
      • Middle Income Group (MIG)

    Scale and Impact

    • Applications Processed 54.10 lakh applications processed.
    • Loan Value ₹3,00,951 crore applications processed through the portal.
    • Digital Approvals
    • 49.55 lakh beneficiaries approved.
    • ₹2,76,493.78 crore sanctioned digitally.

    [2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?
    1.Working capital for maintenance of farm assets
    2.Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks
    3.Consumption requirements of farm households
    4.Post-harvest expenses
    5.Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    [A] 1, 2 and 5 only

    [B] 1, 3 and 4 only

    [C] 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

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

  • Empowering India’s Annadatas

    Why in the news?

    The Government of India highlighted major achievements and reforms in the agriculture sector over the past 12 years, focusing on farmer welfare, productivity, infrastructure, digital agriculture, and allied sectors.

    Growth in the Agriculture Sector

    • Agriculture and allied sector GVA increased from:
      • ₹20.9 lakh crore (2014-15)
      • to ₹48.7 lakh crore (2023-24).
    • Sector contributes:
      • About 18% of total Gross Value Added (GVA).

    Foodgrain Production

    • Total foodgrain production increased from:
      • 265.05 million tonnes (2013-14)
      • to 357.73 million tonnes (2024-25).

    Major Crops

    • Rice production: 150.18 million tonnes in 2024-25.
    • Wheat production: 117.94 million tonnes.
    • Maize production: 43.40 million tonnes.

    Oilseeds

    • Production reached: 42.99 million tonnes in 2024-25.

    Important Agricultural Schemes

    Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

    • Provides: ₹6,000 annual income support through DBT.
    • Beneficiaries: Over 9.44 crore farmer families.

    Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

    • Crop insurance scheme covering: Entire crop cycle.
    • Claims disbursed: ₹1.96 lakh crore till December 2025.

    MSP Reforms

    • MSP fixed at: Minimum 1.5 times cost of production since 2018-19.
    • MSP announced for: 22 mandated crops.

    Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

    • Operative accounts: Increased to 7.81 crore in 2024-25.

    Sustainable Agriculture

    Irrigation

    • Irrigation coverage increased from: 49.3% to 55% of gross cropped area.

    Soil Health Card Scheme

    • Nearly: 26 crore soil health cards issued.

    Organic Farming

    • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana promotes organic farming.
    • 18.84 lakh hectares covered under PKVY.

    Natural Farming

    • National Mission on Natural Farming covered:
      • 9 lakh hectares
      • 19 lakh farmers.

    Renewable Energy in Agriculture

    PM KUSUM

    • Promotes solar pumps and solarisation of agriculture.
    • Benefited: Over 21.77 lakh farmers.

    Cooperatives and FPOs

    Ministry of Cooperation

    • Established in: 2021.

    Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)

    • 10,000 FPOs registered by February 2026.

    Digital Agriculture

    Digital Agriculture Mission

    • Farmer IDs created: 7.63 crore.
    • Crop plots digitized: 23.5 crore.

    Namo Drone Didi

    • Promotes drone usage by women SHGs.
    • Approved outlay: ₹1,261 crore.

    National Pest Surveillance System

    • Covers:
      • 66 crops and 432 pest species.

    Allied Sector Achievements

    Dairy

    • India remains: World’s largest milk producer.
    • Milk production: Increased to 247.87 million tonnes in 2024-25.

    Fisheries

    • Fish production: Increased from 9.58 MT to 19.78 MT.

    Beekeeping

    • Honey exports increased by: 240%.

    Ethanol Blending Programme

    • Ethanol blending reached: 20% in ESY 2025-26.

    [2016] With reference to ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, consider the following statements:
    1. Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year.
    2. This scheme covers post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains.
    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

  • India’s Biodiversity: Commitments and Achievements

    Why in News?

    The Government of India highlighted recent achievements and policy measures related to biodiversity conservation, governance, and sustainable use under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

    Biodiversity Governance Structure

    • India follows a three-tier biodiversity governance system:
      • National Biodiversity Authority at national level
      • State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)
      • Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at local level.
    • India has:
      • More than 2,76,653 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
      • Over 2,72,648 People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).

    Note: Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are local-level statutory bodies in India, mandated by the Biological Diversity Act of 2002.

    About Biodiversity

    • Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms including:
      • Plants
      • Animals
      • Microorganisms
      • Ecosystems.

    Biological Diversity Act, 2002

    • India’s principal law for:
      • Biodiversity conservation
      • Sustainable use
      • Fair and equitable benefit sharing.

    Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023

    • Promotes:
      • Research and innovation
      • Traditional knowledge-based practices
      • Community participation.

    Important Concepts

    People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR)

    • Local biodiversity database prepared by BMCs.
    • Records:
      • Biological resources
      • Traditional knowledge
      • Local species and habitats.

    Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

    • Ensures benefits from biological resources are shared with local communities.

    Nagoya Protocol

    • Supplementary agreement under CBD adopted in Nagoya, Japan in 2010.
    • Focuses on fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

    Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)

    • Adopted during CBD COP-15 in Montreal in 2022.
    • Global target:
      • Halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

    National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 2024-2030)

    • Aligns India’s biodiversity goals with KMGBF.
    • Promotes:
      • Whole-of-government
      • Whole-of-society approach.

    Key Achievements

    Forests and Protected Areas

    • Forest and tree cover: 8.27 lakh sq. km (25.17% of geographical area).
    • Protected areas: More than 1,134 protected areas covering 1.88 lakh sq. km.

    Species Conservation

    • Tiger population increased from: 2,226 (2014) to 3,682.

    Community Participation

    • National campaign underway for digitisation of PBRs into e-PBRs.

    ABS Achievements

    • ₹145 crore released to beneficiaries till May 2026.
    • Benefited around 11,000 BMCs (Biodiversity Management Committees).

    [2023] Consider the following statements:
    1. In Biodiversity the India, Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
    2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.
    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

  • First World Yogasana Championship 2026

    Why in the news?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first-ever World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad through a video message.

    Key Highlights

    • Event: First World Yogasana Championship 2026.
    • Venue: Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
    • Significance: Marks a new phase in the global recognition of Yogasana as a competitive sport.
    • Prime Minister’s remarks:
      • Expressed confidence that Yogasana may eventually be included in:
        • Olympics
        • Other multi-sport international events.
    • Timing:
      • Championship organized ahead of:
        • International Day of Yoga celebrated annually on 21 June.
    • Theme of International Yoga Day 2026: “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”.
    • Global support for Yoga:
      • Around 190 countries supported India’s proposal at the United Nations for International Yoga Day.
    • “Yoga 365” campaign:
      • Initiative of the Ministry of Ayush to encourage daily yoga practice.
    • Opportunities highlighted:
      • Careers for:
        • Athletes
        • Trainers
        • Sports scientists
        • Researchers
        • Event managers

    About International Day of Yoga

    • Declared by the United Nations
    • First celebrated on 21 June 2015.
    • Origin: Proposal introduced by India in the UN General Assembly in 2014.
    • Objective: Promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through yoga.

    [2025] Consider the following statements in respect of the first Kho Kho World Cup:
    I. The event was held in Delhi, India.
    II. Indian men beat Nepal with a score of 78-40 in the final to become the World Champion in men category.
    III. Indian women beat Nepal with a score of 54-36 in the final to become the World Champion in women category.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] I only

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I and III only

    [D] I, II and III

  • APEDA Facilitates Export of Millet Functional Foods to New Zealand

    Why in the news?

    Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first-ever sea shipment of botanical-infused ready-to-cook millet functional foods from Karnataka to New Zealand.

    Key Highlights

    • Export consignment:
      • One metric tonne of value-added millet-based functional foods.
    • Exporter:
      • M/s Infini Agrotek LLP, Bengaluru.
    • Shipment flagged off on:
      • 3 June 2026.
    • Product category:
      • Botanical-infused ready-to-cook millet functional foods.
    • Trade promotion support:
      • Exporter participated in:
        • World Food India 2025
        • Indus Food 2025
        • Gulfood 2026
    • Outcome:
      • APEDA-supported networking helped secure export orders from New Zealand.
    • Significance:
      • Expands global market access for Indian millet products.
      • Promotes value-added agri exports.
      • Expected to improve incomes of millet-growing farmers.
      • Strengthens India’s agri-export ecosystem.

    About APEDA

    • The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    • Headquartered in New Delhi, APEDA is responsible for developing, promoting, and regulating the export of agricultural and processed food products from India.

    [2018] With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements:
    1.‘The National ‘Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and ‘directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
    2.‘The Agricultural and Processed Food Product Export Development Authority ‘(APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
    3.Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • MY Bharat Receives Guinness World Records Recognition

    Why in News?

    Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) received the Guinness World Records title for the “Most Users to Take an Online Quiz in One Week”. The recognition was awarded after 390,812 participants successfully completed the quiz during the assessment period.

    Key Highlights

    • The record was achieved through the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue (VBYLD) Quiz.
    • Quiz objective: Promote youth participation and awareness regarding Viksit Bharat@2047.
    • Conducted through:
      • MY Bharat portal under the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
    • Participation:
      • Over 50.42 lakh youth participated.
      • Covered all 28 States and 8 Union Territories.
    • Guinness assessment period:
      • 25 October to 31 October 2025.
    • During the assessment:
      • More than 8.39 lakh quiz participations recorded.
      • 390,812 participants certified after digital forensic audits and verification.
    • MY Bharat registrations:
      • 2.19 crore registrations within three years.
    • Union Minister:
      • Mansukh Mandaviya stated that nearly 65% of India’s population is below 35 years of age.
    • Significance:
      • Demonstrates digital youth engagement.
      • Encourages volunteering, leadership development, experiential learning, and community participation.
      • Supports the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

    About Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)

    • Launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
    • Objective: To provide a technology-driven institutional platform for youth development and participation.

    Focus Areas

    • Leadership development
    • Volunteerism
    • Skill enhancement
    • Community participation
    • Nation building initiatives

    [2018] Consider the following statements :
    Human capital formation as a concept is better explained in terms of a process which enables
    1. individuals of a country to accumulate more capital.
    2. increasing the knowledge, skill levels and capacities of the people of the country.
    3. accumulation of tangible wealth.
    4. accumulation of intangible wealth.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2

    [B] 2 only

    [C] 2 and 4

    [D] 1, 3 and 4

  • India’s Green Transformation

    Why in the news?

    The Government of India highlighted major achievements in environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, climate action, and sustainable development over the last 12 years.

    Forest and Green Cover

    • India’s forest and tree cover reached 8.27 lakh sq. km (25.17% of geographical area).
    • Forest carbon stock stands at 30.43 billion tonnes.
    • Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority undertook over 3.2 lakh hectares of compensatory afforestation between FY 2020-21 and 2024-25.
    • “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign planted 262.4 crore saplings till December 2025.

    River Rejuvenation

    • Namami Gange Programme launched for restoration of the River Ganga.
    • 524 projects worth ₹43,030 crore sanctioned till February 2026.
    • Industrial BOD load reduced from 26 TPD (2017) to 10.75 TPD (2024).
    • Gangetic dolphin population estimated at 6,327.

    Wetland Conservation

    • Wetland conservation strengthened under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA).
    • India’s Ramsar sites increased from 26 in 2014 to 99 by April 2026.

    Mangrove and Coastal Ecosystems

    • Mangrove cover increased from 4,628 sq. km (2013) to 4,992 sq. km (2023).
    • Blue Flag certified beaches increased to 18 in 2025-26.

    Wildlife Conservation

    • Project Tiger: Tiger population increased from 2,226 (2014) to 3,682 (2022).
    • Project Cheetah: India’s cheetah population reached 53.
    • Asiatic lion population increased to 891 in 2025.
    • India hosts nearly 60% of the global wild Asian elephant population.

    Waste Management and Circular Economy

    • Solid waste processing increased from 17% (2014) to over 77% (2024).
    • 1,138 dumpsites remediated across 1,048 cities.
    • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks expanded for plastics, batteries, tyres, e-waste, and used oil.

    Climate and Global Leadership

    • India achieved its target of reducing emissions intensity by 33-35% from 2005 levels ahead of schedule.
    • Non-fossil sources account for 52.57% of installed power capacity (February 2026).
    • Major global initiatives led by India:
      • International Solar Alliance
      • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
      • International Big Cat Alliance
      • Mission LiFE

    [2025] Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases.
    Statement II: Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs.
    Statement III : Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    [A] Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

    [B] Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I

    [C] Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I

    [D] Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

  • Cross Border UPI Payments Launched in Cambodia

    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

  • Niveshak Shivir by IEPFA and SEBI

    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

  • Next Generation Nanomedicine for Breast Cancer

    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