The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (17 June) was celebrated across 813 project areas under the WDC–PMKSY 2.0 (Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0).
WDC–PMKSY 2.0
Implemented by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).
Focuses on:
Soil and water conservation.
Restoration of degraded lands.
Enhancing resilience of rainfed agriculture.
Sustainable watershed development.
Major Interventions
Check dams, Percolation tanks, Farm ponds, Water harvesting and groundwater recharge structures
Key Outcomes
Improved water availability in rainfed areas.
Enables second and third crop cultivation.
Enhances farmers’ income and livelihood security.
Strengthens drought resilience and climate adaptation.
Activities Conducted
Bhoomi Poojan of 1,444 new watershed development works.
Lokarpan (Inauguration) of 8,341 completed watershed assets.
Plantation of 51,299 saplings under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
Public pledge: “For a Developed India, Let Us Build a Drought-Free India.”
Significance
Promotes community-led land and water conservation.
Supports land restoration, water security, and climate resilience.
Contributes to sustainable rural development and combating desertification.
[2016] What is/are the importance/importances of the ‘United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’?
1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships.
2. It has a special focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates allocation of major portions of financial resources to these regions.
3. It is committed to a bottom-up approach, encouraging participation of local people in combating desertification.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI) to ensure transparent certification and regulatory compliance for green hydrogen production.
GHCI
Developed by MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy).
Certifies green hydrogen under the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI Scheme).
Enhances transparency, traceability, and market credibility.
National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)
Launched in 2023.
Outlay: ₹19,744 crore.
Targets by 2030
5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen production.
125 Gigawatt (GW) dedicated renewable energy capacity.
₹8 lakh crore investment.
6 lakh jobs.
Reduction of 50 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions annually.
Key Progress
6 States have dedicated Green Hydrogen Policies; 7 States have integrated hydrogen into existing policies.
Incentives awarded to 15 companies for 3,000 MW (Megawatt) per year electrolyser manufacturing capacity.
Under SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition), incentives approved for 8.62 lakh Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) of green hydrogen production.
Contracts awarded for 30,000 MTPA green hydrogen supply to refineries.
Agreements signed for 6.7 lakh MTPA of Green Ammonia supply to 11 fertilizer plants.
₹84 crore sanctioned for hydrogen injection pilot projects in the steel sector.
₹208 crore allocated for 37 hydrogen-powered vehicles and 9 refuelling stations.
₹113 crore allocated for Research and Development (R&D) projects.
₹100 crore startup fund; first 9 startups approved with ₹22 crore support.
Green Hydrogen
Hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable energy.
A zero-carbon fuel for sectors such as steel, fertilizers, refineries, shipping, and heavy transport.
[2023] With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements: 1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion. 2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation. 3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles. How many of the above statements are correct?
India and Japan adopted the Rules of Implementation for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) on 8 June 2026, operationalising their 2025 Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
What is JCM?
A bilateral mechanism enabling cooperation on projects that reduce or remove Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, generating Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) to help both countries achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Key Features
Joint Committee: Oversees implementation.
Transparent project approval procedures.
Third-party validation and verification of emission reductions.
Sustainable development safeguards.
National registries to track carbon credits.
Corresponding adjustments to prevent double counting.
Significance for India
Supports achievement of NDC targets.
Facilitates Japanese low-carbon technology transfer.
Attracts climate finance and investment.
Strengthens Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) capacity.
Promotes sustainable development and India’s carbon market ecosystem.
[2025] Consider the following statements: Statement I: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustainable development and climate change. Statement II: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change sets out the principles of carbon markets. Statement III: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change intends to promote inter-country non-market strategies to reach their climate targets. 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
Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the major achievements of India’s science and technology ecosystem over the last 12 years.
Bioeconomy Growth
India’s bioeconomy expanded from about USD 10 billion (2014) to over USD 190 billion (2026).
Target: USD 300 billion by 2030.
Growth driven by innovations in Biotechnology, Genomics, Diagnostics, and Biopharmaceuticals.
Supported by the BioE3 Policy Framework.
Space Sector Achievements
Space economy grew to around USD 8 billion and is projected to reach USD 45 billion in the next decade.
Space startups increased from single digits to over 400.
Major milestones: Chandrayaan-3 became the first mission to land near the Moon’s south pole. Gaganyaan preparations underway.
Future goals: Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035. Indian Moon landing by 2040.
Weather and Climate Services
Weather radars increased from 17 (2014) to nearly 50 operational radars.
Another 50 radars planned under Mission Mausam.
Forecast coverage expanded from 300 cities to nearly 1,700 locations.
Expansion of Lightning detection systems, Rain-monitoring infrastructure, and Nowcast services for short-term forecasts.
Mission Mausam: Initiative aimed at strengthening India’s weather forecasting and disaster resilience capabilities through modern observation and prediction systems.
Biotechnology and Healthcare
India emerged as a global biotechnology hub.
Advances include Affordable CAR-T cell therapy, Genomics and precision medicine, Next-generation antibiotics, and Indigenous diagnostics and vaccines.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island on 15 June 2026
About LRLACM
LRLACM stands for Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile.
It is an indigenously developed cruise missile.
All major subsystems have been developed by DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru is the nodal laboratory.
What is a Cruise Missile?
A guided missile that flies within the atmosphere for most of its trajectory.
Uses aerodynamic lift and propulsion throughout flight.
Designed for high precision strikes against land targets.
Generally flies at low altitudes to avoid radar detection.
Cruise Missile vs Ballistic Missile
Cruise missiles: Powered throughout flight and follow a relatively flat trajectory.
Ballistic missiles: Powered only during the initial phase and then follow a ballistic path under gravity.
[2023] Consider the following statements 1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of fight. 2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that three new chicks have been added under Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB), taking the captive population to 94 birds.
Key Highlights
The three chicks emerged from: 1 wild-collected egg, and 2 captive-laid eggs.
Total chicks hatched in the fourth year of captive breeding:26.
The captive breeding population has now increased to 94 birds.
More chicks are expected during the current breeding season.
About the Great Indian Bustard (GIB)
Scientific Name: Ardeotis nigriceps
One of the heaviest flying birds in the world.
Endemic to the Indian subcontinent.
State Bird of Rajasthan.
Habitat
Arid and semi-arid grasslands.
Open scrublands.
Dry agricultural landscapes.
Distribution: Rajasthan (largest population), Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered.
Protection Status:Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Listed in Appendix I of CITES.
Included under Appendix I of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
[2010] With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?
1. It is spread over two districts. 2. There is no human habitation inside the Park. 3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct 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
Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that India’s space economy is expected to grow from USD 8-9 billion to USD 40-45 billion over the next decade, driven by policy reforms, private participation, and innovation.
Key Highlights
India’s space economy is projected to reach USD 40-45 billion in the next decade.
The country currently has over 400 space startups, compared to only a handful a few years ago.
More than 125 startups and technology innovators participated in the RISE Conclave 2026.
Factors Driving Growth
Liberalisation and reforms in the space sector.
Increasing private sector participation.
Expansion of the startup ecosystem.
Collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions.
Focus on innovation-led growth under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
India’s Space Achievements
Chandrayaan-3 established India among leading space-faring nations.
Gaganyaan is India’s upcoming human space mission.
India has demonstrated cost-effective execution of complex missions, including the Mars Orbiter Mission.
Space Technology in Governance
India is increasingly using space applications for development through:
PM Gati Shakti for integrated infrastructure planning.
Urban development programmes.
Drone-enabled monitoring systems.
Project implementation and monitoring.
Improved transparency and efficiency in service delivery.
PSLV Mission Anomaly
The analysis of the recent Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) anomaly has been completed.
Causes have been identified.
Corrective measures have been initiated for future missions.
RISE Conclave 2026
Theme: “Innovation & Entrepreneurship Driven Growth for Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Brought together researchers, startups, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers.
Showcased innovations in Aerospace technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Deep-tech, and Agri-food technologies.
[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.
Promotion of Hybrid and Round-the-Clock (RTC) renewable projects.
International Cooperation
India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce launched in 2026.
Cooperation with Belgium focuses on offshore wind and R&D.
Offshore wind partnership with Denmark, initiated in 2019, was renewed in 2025.
[2025] Consider the following statements about ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’: I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector. II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels. III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and upskilling, under scheme component of capacity building. Which of the statements given above are correct?
The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project, India’s first bullet train corridor, has achieved major construction milestones in 2026 and is expected to commence operations from August 2027.
About MAHSR
India’s first High-Speed Rail (HSR) corridor.
Foundation stone laid in September 2017.
Corridor Length: 508 km.
Connects: Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli
Implemented by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL).
The corridor comprises 12 stations
Sabarmati Station: Planned as a multimodal transport hub.
Integrates: Bullet Train, Metro, BRTS, and Conventional Railways.
Speed and Travel Time
Design Speed: 350 km/h
Operational Speed: 320 km/h
Mumbai-Ahmedabad journey time: Around 1 hour 58 minutes
High-Speed Rail refers to rail systems operating at more than 250 km/h.
Technology Used
Developed using Japanese Shinkansen technology.
Introduces India’s first domestic high-speed rail ecosystem.
Major Technical Features
J-Slab ballastless track technology.
2×25 kV overhead traction system.
More than 20,000 OHE masts (Overhead Equipment Mast) is a vital vertical steel support used in railway electrification
12 traction substations (electrical substation that converts power from the public electricity grid into the specific voltage, current, and frequency required to power railways, trams, or trolleybuses)
16 distribution substations(electrical facility that receives high-voltage power from transmission or sub-transmission systems and “steps down” the voltage to medium levels).
Rolling stock depots at: Sabarmati, Surat, and Thane.
Engineering Highlights
Elevated Corridor
Around 90% of the corridor is elevated.
Uses Full Span Launching Method (FSLM).
FSLM is about 10 times faster than conventional segmental construction.
River Bridges: Total: 25 river bridges: Gujarat: 21. Maharashtra: 4.
Steel Bridges: 28 steel bridges over highways, canals, rivers and railway lines.
India’s First Undersea Rail Tunnel
Located beneath Thane Creek.
Tunnel Length: 21 km.
Undersea Stretch: 7 km.
Uses: Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) and New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM).
TBM cutter head diameter: 13.6 metres (largest in an Indian railway project).
Safety Systems
Early Earthquake Detection System:28 seismometers. Detects primary waves and triggers automatic power shutdown.
Rainfall Monitoring System: 6 rain gauge stations. Provides real-time rainfall data to the Operation Control Centre (OCC).
Wind Speed Monitoring System:14 anemometer stations. Monitors wind speed and direction. Speed restrictions imposed when wind speeds exceed prescribed thresholds.
Economic Significance
Expected to generate: Around 4,000 direct jobs. 35,000 to 40,000 indirect jobs.
Supports Make in India through technology transfer and domestic manufacturing.
Dedicated High-Speed Rail Training Institute established at Vadodara.
Union Budget 2026-27: Proposed High-Speed Rail Corridors
Delhi-Varanasi, Varanasi-Patna-Siliguri, Chennai-Bengaluru, Bengaluru-Hyderabad, Chennai-Hyderabad, Mumbai-Pune, and Pune-Hyderabad
[2023] Consider the following statements : 1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves. 2. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation, whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Government highlighted the progress of welfare initiatives implemented under the Antyodaya approach aimed at ensuring inclusive development of deprived communities.
Antyodaya
Means “rise of the last person”.
Inspired by the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.
Focuses on bringing the poorest and most marginalised sections to the forefront of development.
Key Schemes and Initiatives
PM JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan)
Launched: November 2023
Targets 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 18 States and 1 UT.
Budget Outlay: ₹24,104 crore.
Implemented through 11 interventions by 9 Ministries.
Interventions include: Housing, Road connectivity, Piped water supply, Mobile medical units, Anganwadi centres, Hostels, Electrification, Mobile towers, Multipurpose centres, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, and Vocational skilling
Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs)
Promote value addition and marketing of forest produce.
Covers SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, sanitation workers and waste pickers.
Over 2.08 lakh beneficiaries trained.
VISVAS(Vanchit Ikai Samooh aur Vargon ko Aarthik Sahaita)Yojana
Provides interest subsidy up to 5% on loans.
Promotes entrepreneurship and self-employment.
SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs)
Launched in February 2022.
Components: Free coaching, Health insurance, Livelihood assistance, and Housing support.
Minority Welfare
PM VIKAS (Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan)
Launched in 2025.
Integrates five previous minority welfare schemes.
Focuses on skill development and entrepreneurship.
Sanitation Workers
NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem)Scheme
Launched in FY 2023-24.
Replaces hazardous manual cleaning with mechanised sanitation.
Since June 2024, also covers waste pickers.
Regional Development
Aspirational Districts Programme
Launched in 2018.
Covers 112 districts.
Focuses on: Health and Nutrition, Education, Agriculture, Financial Inclusion, and Basic Infrastructure
Aspirational Blocks Programme
Launched in 2023.
Covers 500 blocks across 329 districts.
[2019] Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: 1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory. 2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status. 3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far. 4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs. Which of the statements given above are correct?
