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

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: PIB

  • Borophene-Based Green Lubricant Can Help Save Energy

    Why in News?

    Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a borophene-enhanced castor oil lubricant that reduces friction and wear, improving energy efficiency. The research was published in ACS Applied Engineering Materials.

    What is Borophene?

    • A single-atom-thick (2D) allotrope of boron.
    • Possesses high strength, excellent electrical conductivity, and thermal stability.
    • Has applications in batteries, supercapacitors, sensors, fuel cells, and advanced lubricants.

    Key Findings

    • Adding 0.1 wt.% borophene to castor oil reduced friction by about 42%.
    • Improves load-bearing capacity and wear resistance.
    • Disperses uniformly in castor oil without chemical modification.

    How Does It Work?

    Borophene forms a tribofilm (a thin protective layer) on metal surfaces, reducing direct metal-to-metal contact, friction, and wear.

    Why is Castor Oil Used?

    • Renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic.
    • Borophene enhances its performance, making it suitable as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based lubricants.

    Significance

    • Reduces energy losses due to friction.
    • Increases machinery lifespan and efficiency.
    • Promotes eco-friendly lubricants for sustainable manufacturing.

    Prelims Facts

    • Borophene: Two-dimensional allotrope of boron.
    • Lubricant Base: Castor oil.
    • Friction Reduction: About 42%.
    • Protective Layer: Tribofilm.
    • Research Institute: IASST, Guwahati.
    • Ministry: Department of Science and Technology (DST).

  • AAROH: Annual Report on Mine Closure

    Why in News?

    The Ministry of Coal will release AAROH (Annual Report on Mine Closure) on 22 July 2026, highlighting India’s progress in scientific mine closure. The event will also witness the signing of the India-Germany Implementation Agreement on mine closure, inauguration of Coal NEER Plants, and MoUs under the Revised Jharia Master Plan.

    Key Highlights

    • AAROH is the first comprehensive annual report documenting India’s scientific mine closure efforts.
    • For the first time since Independence, 42 coal mines have been scientifically closed according to approved mine closure plans.
    • The report showcases:
      • Scientific land reclamation.
      • Ecological restoration.
      • Sustainable post-mining land use.
      • Community-centric rehabilitation and livelihood generation.

    Frameworks for Scientific Mine Closure

    The Ministry of Coal has developed dedicated frameworks and digital tools to ensure scientific and sustainable mine closure:

    • RECLAIM (Resourceful Engagement and Community-Led Action in Integrated Mine Closure) Framework promotes community participation and stakeholder engagement during mine closure.
    • L.I.V.E.S. (Livelihood, Inclusion, Value, Environment and Sustainability) Framework provides guidelines for sustainable mine closure and productive post-mining land use.
    • SUVIKALP (Sustainable Utilisation of Vast Land Resources through Intelligent Planning) is an interactive decision-support tool for identifying suitable post-mining land-use options.

    International Cooperation

    • The Ministry of Coal will sign an Implementation Agreement with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Germany.
    • The partnership aims to:
      • Build institutional capacity.
      • Facilitate knowledge sharing.
      • Adopt international best practices in scientific mine closure and post-mining development.

    Community Development Initiatives

    • Coal NEER Plants will be inaugurated to provide safe and sustainable drinking water in coal-bearing regions.
    • Tripartite MoUs will be signed among BCCL, JRDA, and private industries for establishing vocational training centres under the Revised Jharia Master Plan.

    Significance

    • Promotes environmentally responsible mining practices.
    • Restores degraded mining landscapes and biodiversity.
    • Converts abandoned mines into productive assets for agriculture, tourism, forestry, renewable energy, or industrial use.
    • Enhances livelihood opportunities through skill development and community participation.

    [2022] In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO)?
    1.CCO is the major source of coal Statistics in Government of India.
    2.It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/ Lignite blocks.
    3.It hears any objection to the Government’s notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas.
    4.It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    [A] 1, 2 and 3

    [B] 3 and 4 only

    [C] 1 and 2 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 4

  • India’s Renewable Energy Installed Capacity Nearly Quadruples Since 2014

    Why in News?

    The Union Government informed the Rajya Sabha that India’s installed renewable energy (RE) capacity has increased from 76.38 GW in 2014 to 288.58 GW (as of 30 June 2026), marking nearly a fourfold increase.

    Key Highlights

    • India’s total renewable energy installed capacity reached 288.58 GW by 30 June 2026.
    • Solar power contributes the largest share with 162.15 GW.
    • Wind power accounts for 57.44 GW.
    • Hydro power contributes 57.24 GW.
    • Bio power contributes 11.75 GW.

    Non-Fossil Fuel Electricity Capacity

    • Total installed non-fossil fuel electricity capacity stands at 297.36 GW.
    • It comprises: 288.58 GW from renewable energy. 8.78 GW from nuclear power.

    Investment in Renewable Energy (FY 2014 to FY 2026)

    • The renewable energy sector attracted USD 45.72 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
    • Domestic financial institutions deployed ₹12.32 lakh crore towards the sector.
    • Major financing institutions include IREDA, PFC, REC, IIFCL, NaBFID, SIDBI, along with 12 Public Sector Banks.

    Significance

    • Solar energy has become India’s largest renewable energy source.
    • Strengthens India’s progress towards its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Net Zero by 2070 target.
    • Improves energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
    • Encourages green jobs, private investment, and domestic manufacturing.
    • Supports the growth of emerging sectors such as Green Hydrogen and battery storage.

    Challenges

    • Integrating intermittent renewable energy into the power grid.
    • Scaling up energy storage infrastructure.
    • Land acquisition and transmission bottlenecks.
    • Financial stress of power distribution companies (DISCOMs).

    [2022] Consider the following statements:
    1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India.
    2. Kerala has a fully solar powered International Airport.
    3. Goa has the largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2

    [B] 2 only

    [C] 1 and 3

    [D] 3 only

  • White Gold: India’s Cotton Story

    Why in News?

    The Government released “White Gold: India’s Cotton Story – From Seed to Shirt”, highlighting India’s global leadership in cotton production and new initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and sustainability.

    Key Highlights

    • India is the only country cultivating all four recognized cotton species.
    • Ranks: 1st in global cotton acreage. 2nd in production and consumption.
    • Cotton production (2025–26, provisional): 290.91 lakh bales.
    • Domestic consumption: 328 lakh bales.
    • Contributes nearly 19% of global fibre production.
    • Supports livelihoods of 6 million farmers and employment for 40–50 million people in allied sectors.

    Four Cotton Species

    • Gossypium arboreum (Asian cotton)
    • Gossypium herbaceum (Asian cotton)
    • Gossypium hirsutum (American upland cotton; ~90% of India’s hybrid cotton)
    • Gossypium barbadense (Egyptian cotton)

    Bt Cotton

    • Genetically modified cotton containing genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
    • Commercially introduced in 2002.
    • Resistant to bollworms, reducing insecticide use and improving yields.

    Major Cotton Growing Zones

    • Northern: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan
    • Central: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh
    • Southern: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
    • Also cultivated in Tamil Nadu and Odisha.

    Government Initiatives

    Mission for Cotton Productivity (2025–26)

    • Five-year mission with an outlay of ₹5,659.22 crore.
    • Target: Increase production from 297 lakh bales to 498 lakh bales by 2031.
    • Focus on: Climate-resilient varieties, Pest-resistant seeds, Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton, and Advanced breeding and biotechnology.

    Minimum Support Price (MSP)

    • Procurement by Cotton Corporation of India (CCI).
    • MSP (2026–27): Medium Staple: ₹8,267/quintal and Long Staple: ₹8,667/quintal

    Special Project on Cotton (NFSM)

    • Promotes: High Density Planting System (HDPS), Closer Spacing Planting System, and ELS cotton technologies.
    • Demonstrations recorded 30–40% yield improvement.

    Kapas Kisan App

    • Digital platform for Farmer registration, MSP procurement slot booking, Aadhaar-linked payments, and SMS updates.

    Kasturi Cotton Bharat

    • National branding and traceability initiative.
    • Features: QR-code certification, Blockchain-based traceability, and NABL-accredited quality testing.
    • Promotes Indian cotton as a premium global brand.

    Economic Importance

    • Cotton is known as “White Gold”.
    • Integral to the textile value chain and India’s export earnings.
    • Cottonseed provides: Edible oil, Animal feed, Biomass fuel, and Surgical cotton and medical products.

    [2020] “The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.” Which one of the following is that crop?

    a) Cotton
    b) Jute
    c) Sugarcane
    d) Tea

  • Core Industries Index (ICI) Revised Series

    Why in News?

    The Index of Core Industries (ICI) grew by 5% in June 2026, the highest growth in the last five months. The government also released a new ICI series with base year 2022–23, replacing the 2011–12 series.

    Key Highlights

    • Growth: ICI increased by 5% (YoY) in June 2026, up from 3.2% in May 2026.
    • Base Year Revised: Updated from 2011–12 to 2022–23.
    • Coverage Expanded: Iron ore has been added as the 9th core industry.
    • Methodology Updated: Sectoral weights and estimation methods have been revised.
    • Fastest Growing Sector: Iron ore (43.9% growth), largely due to a low statistical base.
    • Other sectors recording positive growth: Electricity: 9.8%, Cement: 9.8%, Steel: 4.6%, Coal: 1.4%
    • Sectors recording contraction: Crude Oil: –4.2%, Natural Gas: –7.4%, Refinery Products: –4.7%, Fertilisers: –3.3%

    About the Index of Core Industries (ICI)

    • Published by the Office of the Economic Adviser (OEA) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
    • Measures the performance of core industrial sectors.
    • Serves as a leading indicator of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
    • Accounts for about 40% of the weight in the IIP.
    • Nine Core Industries (Base Year 2022–23): Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilisers, Steel, Cement, Electricity, and Iron Ore (newly added)

      [2016] 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.

    1. WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS)

      Why in News?

      India has deposited its Instrument of Acceptance for the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS), becoming the 123rd WTO Member to join the Agreement.

      Key Highlights

      • Adopted: At the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12), Geneva, June 2022.
      • Entered into Force: 15 September 2025, after acceptance by two-thirds of WTO Members.
      • Nature: First WTO multilateral agreement with an environmental sustainability objective.
      • Objective: Promote sustainable use and conservation of marine fisheries resources while ensuring fair global trade.

      Major Provisions

      • Prohibits subsidies for:
        • Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
        • Fishing of overfished stocks.
        • Harmful fishing practices leading to overexploitation of marine resources.
      • Provides special and differential treatment (S&DT) for developing and least-developed countries.

      What is Outside its Scope?

      • Aquaculture (fish farming).
      • Inland fisheries (rivers, lakes, reservoirs).

      Significance for India

      • Protects the interests of traditional and small-scale fishers.
      • Disciplines subsidies provided to large industrial distant-water fishing fleets, creating a more level playing field.
      • Enhances India’s image as a responsible and sustainable seafood exporter.
      • India’s aquaculture-based shrimp exports, which form a major share of seafood exports, remain outside the Agreement’s scope.

      India’s Fisheries Management Framework

      • Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025.
      • Guidelines for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas by Indian-Flagged Fishing Vessels, 2025.
      • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for fisheries infrastructure, conservation and capacity building.

      About the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

      • Negotiated under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.6, which calls for eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies.
      • Applies mainly to marine wild capture fisheries and fishing-related activities at sea.
      • Seeks to balance marine conservation, livelihood protection, and rules-based international trade.

      [2017] Consider the following statements:

      1. India has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of WTO.
      2. TFA is a part of WTO’s Bali Ministerial Package of 2013.
      3. TFA came into force in January 2016.

      Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

      [A] 1 and 2 only

      [B] 1 and 3 only

      [C] 2 and 3 only

      [D] 1, 2 and 3

    2. Shrinking Yamuna Floodplains & Rising Flood Risk

      Why in News?

      A study by University of Delhi (DU) and Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal, published in the Journal of the Geological Society of India, found that the Yamuna’s floodplains in Delhi have shrunk by nearly one-third over the last century, increasing flood vulnerability.

      Key Highlights

      • Study Area: 50-km stretch of the Yamuna in Delhi.
      • Methodology: Historical maps (1799 onwards) and satellite imagery (up to 2024).
      • Major Findings:
        • River channel narrowed by ~68%.
        • Formative discharge declined by ~89%.
        • Around 45 sq km (one-third) of floodplains disconnected by embankments.
        • Sediment deposits reduced from 20 sq km (1985) to 4 sq km (2020).
      • Major Causes:
        • Barrages (Hathnikund, Wazirabad, Okhla).
        • Embankments.
        • Rapid urbanisation and floodplain encroachment.

      Key Term: Formative Discharge

      • Also called Channel-Maintaining Discharge.
      • The long-term river flow that shapes the river channel, transports sediment, and maintains its flood-carrying capacity.
      • Floodplains: Flat, low-lying areas adjacent to a river that are periodically inundated during floods. Act as natural buffers by storing excess floodwater, recharging groundwater, and supporting biodiversity.
        • Encroachment and embankments reduce their flood-moderating capacity.

      [2026] Consider the following assertion:
      In the Pleistocene period either the Yamuna once flowed into the Indus, or the Sutlej flowed into the Yamuna and one major tributary of either had shifted from the Ganga to the Indus or vice versa.
      Which of the following is/are the basis of the above assertion?
      1. The Nadi-Sukta of the Rigveda
      2. The explorations of the Sutlej and the Yamuna by Robert Bruce Foote
      3. The presence of the same species of dolphins in both the Indus and the Ganga river systems
      Select the answer using the code given below:

      [A] 1 only

      [B] 2 only

      [C] 1 and 2

      [D] 3

    3. Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 Success

      Why in News?

      The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology (DST) congratulated Skyroot Aerospace on the successful Vikram-1 mission, highlighting its early recognition through the National Technology Start-up Award 2022.

      Key Highlights

      • Vikram-1 became India’s first successful private orbital launch vehicle, marking a major milestone for the private space sector.
      • Skyroot Aerospace received the National Technology Start-up Award 2022 from TDB-DST.
      • The award recognised Skyroot’s indigenous:
        • Cryogenic propulsion
        • Liquid propulsion
        • Solid propulsion technologies
      • Skyroot has also submitted a proposal under the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund, currently under TDB’s consideration.

      About Technology Development Board (TDB)

      • Established: 1996.
      • Statutory body under the Department of Science & Technology (DST).
      • Functions under the Technology Development Board Act, 1995.
      • Objective: Promote development and commercialization of indigenous technologies.
      • Supports innovation through financial assistance (equity, loans, grants) to industries and start-ups.

      Prelims Value Addition

      National Technology Start-up Award

      • Instituted by the Technology Development Board (TDB).
      • Presented annually on National Technology Day (11 May).
      • Recognises start-ups developing innovative indigenous technologies with high commercialization potential.

      [2026] Consider the following statements with regard to involvement of private entities in India’s space programme :
      1. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency formed to facilitate participation of private entities.
      2. Agnikul Cosmos launched the world’s first flight using 3D-printed rocket engine.
      3. Skyroot Aerospace has developed liquid fuel for GSLV.
      Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

      [A] 1 only

      [B] 2 and 3 only

      [C] 1 and 2 only

      [D] 1, 2 and 3

    4. International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026

      Why in News?

      India won 1 Gold and 3 Silver medals at the 37th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) 2026, held in Vilnius, Lithuania.

      Key Highlights

      • Host: Vilnius, Lithuania.
      • Participants: 307 students from 78 countries.
      • India’s Performance: 1 Gold and 3 Silver medals.
      • India’s Overall IBO Medal Tally: 17 Gold, 69 Silver, 17 Bronze, and 1 Honourable Mention
      • This was India’s 26th participation in the IBO.

      About the International Biology Olympiad (IBO)

      • International Biology Olympiad (IBO) is an annual global biology competition for secondary school students.
      • Established: 1990.
      • Hosted by a different country every year.
      • Includes theoretical and practical examinations.
      • Covers Cell & Molecular Biology, Genetics, Evolution, Plant & Animal Biology, Ecology, and Biosystematics.

      Prelims Value Addition

      Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE)

      • HBCSE is a constituent institution of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR).
      • It coordinates India’s Science Olympiad Programme and prepares Indian teams for international Olympiads.

      [2026] X’, born in the UK, was conferred the Nobel Prize in 2025. He was a professor in an American university when this prize was announced. Identify X’:

      [A] Michel H. Devoret

      [B] Richard Robson

      [C] John Clarke

      [D] Joel Mokyr

    5. 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