Mains Paper 3: Food Processing & Related Industries In India
Why in the news?
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first export consignment of GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi from Assam to Dubai on 7 June 2026, boosting agricultural exports from the North Eastern Region.
Key Highlights
Product Exported: GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi
Quantity: 1 metric tonne
Export Destination: Dubai
State: Assam
Facilitating Agency: APEDA
Significance: First international shipment of Tezpur Litchi.
About Tezpur Litchi
Tezpur Litchi is renowned for its: Exceptional sweetness, Bright-red appearance, Distinctive aroma, Superior eating quality, High consumer preference
Major Varieties: Bombaya, Bilati, Elaichi, Piyaji, and Sahi
[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?
Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
Why in the news?
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organised a National Workshop and launched the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme Guidelines (FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31) to accelerate the development of the SHP sector in India.
About the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme
Implementing Ministry: MNRE
Scheme Period: FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31
Objective:
Revival and expansion of the Small Hydro Power sector.
Harness untapped hydro potential.
Promote renewable energy diversification.
Capacity Target: Installation of approximately 1,500 MW of new SHP capacity.
Total allocation: ₹2,584.60 crore
In India, Small Hydro Power Projects are hydroelectric projects with an installed capacity of up to 25 MW
These projects generally involve:
Run-of-the-river systems.
Minimal reservoir requirements.
Lower environmental impacts compared to large dams.
[2024] Recently, the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?
Researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) have discovered a new mechanism to generate and control spin currents using sound waves, opening avenues for low-power computing, spintronics, and quantum technologies.
Key Highlights
Researchers developed a method to generate magnon-based spin currents using Surface Acoustic Waves (SAWs).
The study was published in Physical Review B.
It offers a pathway towards Energy-efficient electronics, Quantum computing, Next-generation communication technologies.
Why is this Important?
Limitations of Conventional Electronics: Traditional electronics use: Movement of electric charge (electrons)
Problems: Heat generation, Energy loss, Reduced efficiency at smaller scales
What is Spintronics?
Spintronics (Spin Electronics) is a technology that uses the Spin of electrons. Along with their charge to process and store information.
Advantages
Lower power consumption.
Faster processing speeds.
Reduced heat generation.
Higher data storage density.
What are Magnons?
Magnons are Quanta of spin waves or collective disturbances in the magnetic ordering of a material.
What are Surface Acoustic Waves (SAWs)?
Surface Acoustic Waves are Sound waves that travel along the surface of a material.
Characteristics
Cause tiny mechanical vibrations.
Commonly used in: Mobile communication filters, Sensors, Signal processing devices.
[2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?
Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.
Why in the news?
The Government highlighted major infrastructure achievements over the past 12 years across transport, logistics, water, housing, energy, and digital sectors, emphasizing their role in achieving Viksit Bharat 2047.
1. Railways
Railway budgetary support increased from ₹32,000 crore (2014-15) to ₹2.78 lakh crore (2026-27).
India’s Logistics Performance Index rank: 54 (2014) to 38 (2023).
Digital Logistics Platforms
ULIP (2022).
Logistics Data Bank (2016).
NETC FASTag (2016).
PRAGATI
Launched: 2015.
Projects reviewed: 382.
Value: ₹85 lakh crore.
7. Water Infrastructure
Jal Jeevan Mission
Launched: 2019.
Rural tap coverage: 17% at launch to 81.94% (June 2026).
Households covered: 15.86 crore.
Other Initiatives
PMKSY (2015), Namami Gange (2014), Ken-Betwa Link Project (2021, FloodWatch India App, and Dam Safety Act, 2021.
8. Housing
PMAY-U
Launched: 2015.
Houses sanctioned: 125.31 lakh.
Houses completed: 98.10 lakh.
PMAY-U 2.0: One crore additional beneficiaries by 2028-29.
PMAY-G
Launched: 2016.
Houses completed: 3.06 crore.
SWAMIH Fund
Launched: 2019.
Corpus: ₹15,531 crore.
AMRUT
Launched: 2015.
Projects sanctioned: ₹2.79 lakh crore.
9. Energy
Installed capacity: 248 GW (2014) to 532.74 GW (2026).
Power shortage: 4.2% to 0.03%.
Renewable Energy
India is: 3rd largest clean energy capacity holder and 4th largest installed wind energy producer.
Important Schemes
PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (2024).
GOBARdhan Scheme (2018).
Saubhagya Scheme (2017).
International Initiatives
International Solar Alliance: 125 member countries.
Global Biofuels Alliance: 33 countries and 14 organisations.
10. LPG and Clean Cooking
LPG coverage: 55.9% (2014) to 107.2% (2026).
LPG consumers: 14.51 crore to 33.39 crore.
PM Ujjwala Yojana
Launched: 2016.
Additional 25 lakh connections approved in FY26.
11. Digital Infrastructure
Internet connections: 25.15 crore to 100.29 crore.
Broadband:6.1 crore to 99.56 crore.
Monthly data usage: 61.66 MB to 24.01 GB.
PM-WANI
Launched: 2020.
Wi-Fi hotspots: 4.10 lakh+.
5G
Available in 99.9% districts.
5.08 lakh BTS installed.
JAM Trinity
Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile.
UPI
March 2026: 2,264 crore transactions and ₹29.53 lakh crore value.
Operational in UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius, and Qatar.
Important Digital Platforms
DigiLocker, UMANG, Common Service Centres, eHospital, PM e-Vidya, DIKSHA, SWAYAM.
[2025] Consider the following statements: I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028. II. Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection system, development in collaboration with Germany. III. ‘Kavach’ system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section. Which of the statements given above are not correct?
Mains Paper 2: GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Why in the news?
The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan (PMSMA) completed 10 years on 9 June 2026. Since its launch in 2016, over 7.5 crore pregnant women have received antenatal care services under the scheme.
About PMSMA
Launched: 9 June 2016
Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Objective:
Ensure safe pregnancy and childbirth.
Provide free and quality antenatal care (ANC).
Identify and manage high-risk pregnancies (HRPs).
Beneficiaries
Pregnant women in Second trimester (13-27 weeks) and Third trimester (28 weeks till delivery)
Special focus on High-risk pregnancies and Women missing routine ANC services
Key Features
Monthly ANC Services
Conducted on the 9th of every month.
Available at designated government health facilities.
Service Package
Clinical examination, Blood and urine tests, Ultrasonography, Free medicines, Nutrition counselling, Birth preparedness counselling, and Safe pregnancy awareness
High-Risk Pregnancy (HRP) Identification
What is a high-risk pregnancy?
Pregnancies with conditions that increase the risk of complications for the mother or baby.
PMSMA Screens for 25 HRP Conditions
Important conditions include: Severe anaemia, HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, Gestational diabetes, Pregnancy-induced hypertension, Hypothyroidism, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Hepatitis B, Twin/multiple pregnancy, Previous Caesarean section, History of stillbirth, Teenage pregnancy, Advanced-age pregnancy, Negative blood group
Follow-up Mechanism
HRPs linked to nearest: First Referral Unit (FRU)
Individual tracking till safe delivery.
Extended PMSMA (2022)
Launched in January 2022.
Purpose: Strengthen follow-up care for high-risk pregnancies.
Features
Additional ANC visits.
Continuous monitoring.
SMS reminders to: Beneficiary and ASHA worker
Financial incentives for pregnant women and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA)
[2024] With reference to the ‘Pradhan Manti Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, consider the following statements: 1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility. 2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialties can volunteer to provide service at nearby government health facilities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the Report of the Committee on Datasets for State Finance Commissions to strengthen evidence-based fiscal decentralisation and improve financial governance of local bodies.
Key Highlights
Released by V. Anantha Nageswaran.
The report aims to strengthen: Fiscal decentralisation, Local public finance, and Data-driven governance
Focuses on improving data availability for Panchayats and State Finance Commissions (SFCs)
Why is the Report Important?
According to the Chief Economic Adviser:
Better data leads to better governance.
Sound fiscal decisions require: Reliable data, Timely data, and Granular (local-level) data
Effective delivery of services such as: Drinking water, Roads, Street lighting, Anganwadi services depend on empowered local governments.
Major Recommendations
Panchayat-Level Fiscal Database: Creation of comprehensive databases on: Revenue, Expenditure, Assets, Liabilities.
Use of Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI): Classification of PAI indicators for SFC analysis and recommendations.
State Finance Commission Cells: Dedicated SFC Cells in State Governments, to support: Data collection, Research, Technical analysis
Standardised Accounting Framework: Uniform accounting and reporting systems across States.
Common Reporting Framework: Standard format for SFC reports. Enables comparison and consistency.
Data Handbooks: Publication of comprehensive Panchayat data handbooks.
State Finance Commission Manual: Preparation of a standard operational guide for future SFCs.
State Finance Commission (SFC)
Constitutional Basis: Article 243-I: Provides for constitution of a State Finance Commission by the Governor every five years.
Functions
Review financial position of Panchayats.
Recommend distribution of State taxes, Duties, Tolls, Fees between State Government and local bodies.
Suggest measures to improve local finances.
[2025] Consider the following statements : I. Panchayats at the intermediate level exist in all States. II. To be eligible to be a Member of a Panchayat at the intermediate level, a person should attain the age of thirty years. III. The Chief Minister of a State constitutes a commission to review the financial position of Panchayats at the intermediate levels and to make recommendations regarding the distribution of net proceeds of taxes and duties, leviable by the State, between the State and Panchayats at the intermediate level. Which of the statements given above are not correct?
Mains Paper 2: GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources., Schemes For Vulnerable Sections
Why in the news?
India highlighted major achievements in healthcare over the past 12 years, focusing on universal health coverage, affordable healthcare, digital health, disease control, and healthcare infrastructure expansion.
Key Highlights
Over 44 crore families are insured under Ayushman Bharat.
More than 1.86 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational.
Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram: Free delivery and treatment for mothers and newborns.
Mission Indradhanush: Vaccinate partially immunised and unvaccinated children and pregnant women.
5.46 crore children vaccinated.
1.32 crore pregnant women covered.
WHO Recognition: India declared free from maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015.
U-WIN Platform
Purpose: Digital immunisation tracking platform.
11.87 crore children registered.
3.96 crore pregnant women registered.
Tuberculosis Elimination
Programme: National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme
Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Community participation for TB elimination.
Support System: Nikshay Mitras provide nutritional and social support.
Malaria Elimination
National Framework for Malaria Elimination launched in 2016.
Goal: Eliminate malaria by 2027.
Other Disease Control Achievements Improvements in: HIV/AIDS, Kala-azar, Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis, Leprosy, and Lymphatic Filariasis.
COVID-19 Response
220 crore vaccine doses administered.
Testing labs expanded: From 14 to 3,400.
Oxygen-supported beds increased significantly.
Vaccine Maitri: Vaccines supplied to nearly 100 countries.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Screenings Conducted Over: 60 crore cancer screenings.
Diseases Covered: Oral cancer, Breast cancer, Cervical cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension.
Affordable Healthcare
Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
Benefits: Generic medicines available at 50–80% lower prices.
AMRIT Pharmacies
Objective: Provide discounted life-saving medicines and implants.
Impact: ₹8,400 crore patient savings.
Emergency Healthcare
Ambulance Services
Dial 108: Medical emergencies.
Dial 102: Pregnant women and child transport.
Digital Healthcare
eSanjeevani
47 crore+ teleconsultations.
2.34 lakh healthcare providers onboarded.
Tele-MANAS
Purpose: Mental health tele-counselling service.
Coverage: Available in 20 languages across all States and UTs.
i-DRONE: Drone-based delivery of: Medicines, Vaccines, and Blood samples.
AI-enabled Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS).
“Cough Against TB” tool for TB screening.
MadhuNetrAI for diabetic retinopathy detection.
Medical Education Expansion
Medical colleges more than doubled since 2014.
157 new nursing colleges approved.
AYUSH Integration: Ministry of AYUSH established in 2014.
AYUSH facilities integrated with public health centres.
AYUSH Visa introduced in 2023.
[2022] With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: 1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it. 2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately. 3. It has seamless portability across the country. .Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Scientists from Indian Institute of Astrophysics used over 100 years of observations from Kodaikanal Solar Observatory to study how convection patterns on the Sun are linked to the 11-year solar activity cycle.
Key Highlights
Study based on: More than 34,000 Ca II K solar images.
Published in: Astrophysical Journal Letters.
Researchers examined:
Lane widths
Intensities
Their relation with sunspot numbers and solar cycles.
Note: The 34,000 Ca II K solar images mean a historic, 100-year-old archive of solar photographs from India’s Kodaikanal Solar Observatory that scientists recently digitized and used to solve mysteries about the Sun’s 11-year magnetic cycle.
What are Supergranulations?
Large-scale convection patterns on the Sun’s surface.
Form network-like structures on the solar surface.
Features
Average lifetime: Around 24 hours.
Average size: About 30,000 km.
Cooler intergranular lane width: Around 6,000 km.
Note: An intergranular lane is the darker, cooler region found between bright granules (bright cellular structures visible on the Sun’s surface) on the Sun’s surface.
Major Findings
Correlation with Solar Cycle
Lane widths and intensities strongly correlate with Sunspot activity.
Latitude Dependence
Strongest correlations observed around ±11° to ±22° latitudes.
Peak lane-width correlation 18°N and 20°S.
Peak intensity correlation 13°N and 14°S.
Time Lag
Lane width correlations peak:
During solar maximum.
Intensity correlations peak:
1.25 to 1.5 years after solar maximum.
Lag varies with latitude:
Near zero around ±20°.
Increases toward equator.
Significance of Study
Helps understand:
Solar dynamics
Magnetic flux transport
Solar irradiance variations.
Important for:
Future solar cycle prediction.
Understanding UV radiation changes from the Sun.
Confirms:
Supergranular properties are influenced by solar magnetic activity.
About Kodaikanal Solar Observatory
Located in: Kodaikanal.
Known for: One of the world’s longest continuous solar observation datasets.
Operated by: Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
About Solar Cycle
The Sun undergoes an approximately: 11-year cycle of magnetic activity.
Characterized by variation in:
Sunspots
Solar flares
Solar radiation.
Solar maximum: Period of highest solar activity.
Solar minimum: Period of lowest solar activity.
[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;
Focus: Avoiding unnecessary barriers to international trade.
About WTO Trade and Environment Week
Organized under: World Trade Organization
Purpose: Discuss links between Trade, Climate change, Sustainability, and Environmental regulations.
[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
Potential reduction: 66.4 lakh metric tonnes of CO₂ annually.
[2025] Consider the following statements: Statement I: Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter. Statement II: Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[A] Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
[B] Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
[C] Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
[D] Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
