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  • Exercise Pitch Black 2026

    Why in News?

    The Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at Darwin, Australia, from 20 July to 7 August 2026.

    Key Highlights

    • Host: Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Australia.
    • Venue: RAAF Base Darwin, Northern Australia.
    • Frequency: Biennial (held every two years).
    • Theme: Multinational air combat exercise with a strong emphasis on night flying over sparsely populated regions of northern Australia.
    • History: Conducted for 45 years; one of the largest editions in terms of participating air forces.

    Indian Air Force Participation

    • Aircraft Deployed:
      • Rafale multirole fighter aircraft.
      • C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlift aircraft.
      • IL-78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft.
    • Personnel: Pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers, and other operational experts.
    • Previous Participation: 2018, 2022, 2024, and 2026.

    Objectives

    • Enhance multinational interoperability among participating air forces.
    • Validate expeditionary air operations over long distances.
    • Improve Large Force Employment (LFE) capabilities.
    • Strengthen defence cooperation and operational partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
    • Exchange operational best practices in realistic combat scenarios.

    [2025] With reference to India’s defense, consider the following pairs:
    Aircraft type Description
    1. Dornier-228 Maritime patrol aircraft
    2. IL-76 Supersonic combat aircraft
    3. C-17 Globe Master IIIMilitary transport aircraft
    How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All the three

    [D] None

  • Lakhpati Didi Mission: Roadmap for 6 Crore Lakhpati Didis

    Why in News?

    The Ministry of Rural Development, in collaboration with BRLPS-JEEVIKA, organised a two-day Regional Workshop to prepare a strategy and roadmap for achieving the national target of 6 Crore Lakhpati Didis.

    Key Highlights

    • Objective: Formulate a Strategy, Roadmap, and Annual Action Plan (FY 2026–27) for creating 6 Crore Lakhpati Didis.
    • Organised by: Ministry of Rural Development with BRLPS-JEEVIKA at BIPARD, Gaya (Bihar).
    • Key Focus Areas:
      • Farm and non-farm livelihoods.
      • Enterprise promotion and value addition.
      • Digital Management Information System (MIS).
      • Market linkages and convergence.
      • Climate-resilient livelihoods.
    • Major Outcomes:
      • Strategy for sustainable income enhancement.
      • Greater use of digital platforms and data-driven planning.
      • Strengthening community institutions and SHGs.
      • MoU signed between BRLPS-JEEVIKA and Arunachal State Rural Livelihood Mission (ArSRLM) for knowledge sharing.
    • Milestone Achieved: 3 Crore Lakhpati Didis; next target is 6 Crore.

    About Lakhpati Didi Initiative

    • Launched under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
    • Aims to enable women Self-Help Group (SHG) members to earn a sustainable annual household income of at least ₹1 lakh through diversified livelihood activities.
    • Focuses on financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, skill development, and market access.

    [2023] Consider the following statements:
    1. The Self-Help Group (SHG) programme was originally initiated by the State Bank of India by providing microcredit to the financially deprived.
    2. In an SHG, all members of a group take responsibility for a loan that an individual member takes.
    3. The Regional Rural Banks and Scheduled Commercial Banks support SHGs.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None

  • 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

  • CCPA Penalises SpiceJet for Use of Dark Patterns

    Why in News?

    The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed a ₹1 lakh penalty on SpiceJet for using dark patterns on its flight booking platform, violating consumer protection laws.

    Key Highlights

    • Violation: Use of dark patterns that manipulated consumer choices.
    • Dark Patterns Identified:
      • Forced Action: Automatic enrolment into SpiceClub via pre-ticked checkbox.
      • Interface Interference: Default selection of the company’s preferred options.
      • Trick Question: Confusing and negatively worded consent language.
    • Legal Violations:
      • Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
      • Rule 4(9) of the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020.
      • Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023.
    • CCPA’s Observation: Consumer consent must be explicit, informed, and voluntary; consent obtained through pre-ticked checkboxes or deceptive interfaces is invalid.

    Prelims Facts

    • Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA):
      • Established under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
      • Functions under the Department of Consumer Affairs.
      • Protects consumer rights and regulates unfair trade practices, misleading advertisements, and unfair contracts.
    • Dark Patterns: User interface designs that deceive or manipulate consumers into making unintended choices.

  • Revised Index of Core Industries (ICI) Series (Base Year 2022–23)

    Why in News?

    The Office of Economic Adviser (OEA), DPIIT will release the revised Index of Core Industries (ICI) with base year 2022–23 on 20 July 2026, replacing the 2011–12 series.

    Key Highlights

    • New Base Year: 2022–23 (replaces 2011–12).
    • Compiled by: Office of Economic Adviser (OEA), DPIIT.
    • Frequency: Monthly.
    • Major Change: Iron Ore added as a new core industry, increasing the total from 8 to 9.
    • Steel Index: Compiled using gross production data instead of net production.
    • Coal Sector: Only Raw Coal retained; Coal Middlings and Washed Coal excluded to avoid double counting.
    • Weights: Derived from the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) 2022–23 released by MoSPI.

    Nine Core Industries (2022–23 Series)

    • Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilisers, Steel, Cement, Electricity, and Iron Ore (Newly Added)
    • Index of Core Industries (ICI):
      • Measures the performance of core industrial sectors.
      • Represents infrastructure and industrial activity.
      • Forms a key indicator of industrial growth and serves as an input for the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

    [2015] In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which one of the following is given the highest weight?

    [A] Coal production

    [B] Electricity generation

    [C] Fertilizer production

    [D] Steel production

  • Ultrafast Organic Anodes for Next-Generation Rechargeable Batteries

    Why in News?

    Researchers from IACS and SNBNCBS have developed a porous organic anode material based on a Covalent Organic Framework (COF) that enables ultrafast charging lithium-ion batteries while maintaining high durability.

    Key Highlights

    • Developed by: Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) and S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS) under DST.
    • Material Used: Covalent Organic Framework (COF) – a porous crystalline organic material.
    • Major Achievement: Battery reaches 80% charge in just over one minute.
    • Advantages:
      • Faster lithium-ion transport.
      • Higher energy storage capacity.
      • Long cycle life and improved durability.
      • Safer and low-cost organic battery electrodes.
    • Dual-Ion Capability: Can store both lithium ions and sodium ions, paving the way for affordable sodium-ion batteries.
    • Applications: Electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops, grid-scale renewable energy storage.

    What is a Covalent Organic Framework (COF)?

    • A highly porous, crystalline organic material made of light elements (C, H, O, N, B).
    • Features: High surface area. Tunable pore size. Lightweight and chemically stable. Enables rapid ion movement, making it ideal for battery electrodes.

    [2025] In the context of electric vehicle batteries, consider the following elements:
    I. Cobalt
    II. Graphite
    III. Lithium
    IV. Nickel
    How many of the above usually make up battery cathodes?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] Only three

    [D] All the four

  • Magnetic Trees Help Researchers Unearth Hidden Flow in the Sun’s Upper Atmosphere

    Why in News?

    Scientists from ARIES (DST) and partner institutions have discovered that the Sun’s meridional plasma flow extends into the upper chromosphere, providing the first observational evidence supporting the “Magnetic Tree” hypothesis. The study was published in The Astrophysical Journal.

    Key Highlights

    • Meridional Flow: Slow movement of hot plasma from the Sun’s equator toward the poles, acting as a conveyor belt for magnetic fields and regulating the 11 year solar cycle.
    • Major Discovery: The poleward plasma flow continues up to 3,000 km above the Sun’s visible surface (upper chromosphere), linking the Sun’s surface with its upper atmosphere.
    • Magnetic Tree Hypothesis: Magnetic structures in the upper atmosphere remain connected to deeper layers, similar to branches connected to a tree’s trunk and roots.
    • Technique Used: Researchers analysed 27 years of radio observations from Japan’s Nobeyama Radioheliograph using a novel image correlation technique.
    • Flow Speed: Plasma moves toward the poles at 5 to 15 m/s, comparable to speeds in the Sun’s lower layers.
    • Solar Cycle Link: Flow patterns vary with the Sun’s 11 year solar cycle and differ between hemispheres depending on magnetic activity.
    • Space Weather Significance: Improves understanding of the solar dynamo, solar storms, and space weather affecting satellites, GPS, communication systems, and power grids.

    Key Terms

    • Chromosphere: Layer of the Sun’s atmosphere located above the photosphere and below the corona.
    • Solar Dynamo: Process by which plasma motion generates the Sun’s magnetic field.
    • Space Weather: Conditions caused by solar activity that influence Earth’s technological systems.

    [2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?:
    1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
    2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
    3. Power grids could be damaged.
    4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
    5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
    6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed
    7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below;

    [A] 1, 2, 4 and 5 only

    [B] 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only

    [C] 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only

    [D] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and

  • 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

  • PARIVARTAN Scheme

    Why in News?

    The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has approved the operational guidelines for the PARIVARTAN Scheme to replace old, polluting trucks and buses in the National Capital Region (NCR) with cleaner vehicles.

    Key Highlights

    • Full Form: PARIVARTAN – Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions
    • Approved by Union Cabinet: 3 June 2026
    • Total Outlay:₹9,585 crore
      • Central Government Support: ₹5,041 crore
    • Targets replacement of old trucks and buses with Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) compliant vehicles, or Electric Vehicles (EVs).
    • Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
    • Funding Agency: National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB)
    • States Covered: The following have notified 10-year Motor Vehicle Tax concession and registration fee waiver in Delhi (NCT), Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh

    Incentives under the Scheme

    • Motor Vehicle Tax concession.
    • Registration fee waiver.
    • 5% interest subvention on vehicle loans.
    • Minimum 8% Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) discount on eligible vehicles.
    • Monthly fuel voucher support for eligible diesel and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) replacement vehicles.
    • One-time financial assistance for electric replacement vehicles.
    • Support for Certificate of Deposit (CoD) trading.

    Digital Implementation

    The scheme will operate through an integrated digital platform linked with:

    • VAHAN – National Vehicle Registry
    • V-Scrap – Vehicle scrapping portal
    • DigiELV – Digital End-of-Life Vehicle platform
    • Public Financial Management System (PFMS)
    • Participating lenders and fuel voucher systems.

    About NCRPB

    • Full Form: National Capital Region Planning Board
    • Established: 1985 under the National Capital Region Planning Board Act, 1985
    • Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
    • Responsible for coordinated planning and development of the National Capital Region (NCR).

    [2025] Consider the following types of vehicles:
    I. Full battery Electric vehicles
    II. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
    III. Fuel cell electric hybrid vehicles
    How many of the above are considered as alternative powertrain vehicles?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All the three

    [D] None

  • ICAR Foundation Day 2026

    Why in News?

    The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 98th Foundation Day (16 July 2026), highlighting its achievements in climate resilient agriculture, biofortified crops and technology dissemination.

    Key Highlights

    • Established: 16 July 1928
    • India’s apex organization for agricultural research, education and extension under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
    • During 2025-26, ICAR developed 386 improved varieties across 44 crops: 94% are climate resilient and 29 varieties are biofortified.
    • Released: 43 improved crop varieties, 17 agricultural technologies and 14 publications
    • New technologies include:
      • Climate resilient and salinity/alkalinity tolerant rice varieties
      • Export-oriented mango production technology
      • India’s first indigenous African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine
      • Digital Swine Disease Atlas
      • Affordable cassava harvester for smallholders.
    • 72 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with 51 industry partners for commercialization of ICAR technologies.
    • 18 international MoUs signed to strengthen global agricultural cooperation.
    • ICAR technologies reached: Nearly 1 crore farmers directly. Over 5 crore farmers through media and social media.

    Economic Impact

    • Agriculture, horticulture, livestock and fisheries generated an additional economic value of about ₹1.70 lakh crore in 2025-26.
    • Agricultural research alone contributed an estimated ₹55,000 crore.

    About ICAR

    • Full Form: Indian Council of Agricultural Research
    • Established: 16 July 1928
    • Headquarters: New Delhi
    • Parent Department: Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE)
    • Parent Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
    • Coordinates: Agricultural research, Agricultural education and Extension services through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
    • Played a major role in: Green Revolution, Food and nutritional security, Development of improved crop varieties, Livestock, fisheries and horticulture research, and Climate resilient agriculture

    [2021] In the context of India’s preparation for climate-smart agriculture, consider the following statements:
    1. The ‘Climate-Smart village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the climate change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme.
    2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under consultative group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.
    3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1,2 and 3