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  • LokOS: Digital Backbone for Rural Livelihoods

    Why in News?

    The Government highlighted LokOS, the digital platform under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), for strengthening governance, transparency, and financial inclusion of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

    What is LokOS?

    • LokOS (Lok = People, OS = Operating System) is a web and mobile platform for end-to-end digitisation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and their federations.
    • Implemented under DAY-NRLM of the Ministry of Rural Development.
    • Digitises member records, savings, loans, repayments, livelihoods, and convergence with government schemes.

    Key Features

    • End-to-end digital management of SHGs, Village Organizations (VOs), and Cluster Level Federations (CLFs).
    • Aadhaar and bank-linked digital IDs for members.
    • Real-time recording of savings, loans, and repayments.
    • Livelihood profiling and scheme convergence.
    • Role-based administration and real-time dashboards.
    • Digitally tracks nearly ₹2 lakh crore worth of SHG financial transactions annually.

    SHE-LEAPS

    • Self-Help Entrepreneur Livelihoods and Enterprise Application for Prosperity and Sustainability (SHE-LEAPS) launched on 29 June 2026.
    • Operates under LokOS.
    • Supports women SHG members in enterprise creation, business management, and performance tracking.

    Coverage

    • Covers 34 States/UTs, 762 districts, 7,241 blocks, 2.57 lakh Gram Panchayats, and 5.92 lakh villages.
    • Digitally integrates: 94.16 lakh SHGs, 5.62 lakh Village Organizations, 34,314 Cluster Level Federations, and 10.03 crore SHG members

    [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

  • Modified UDAN Scheme (Viksit UDAN)

    Why in News?

    The Prime Minister launched the Modified UDAN Scheme (Viksit UDAN) and inaugurated the New Terminal Building at Jodhpur Airport, marking the next phase of India’s regional aviation expansion.

    About UDAN

    • UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) was launched in October 2016 under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
    • Objective: Make air travel affordable, accessible, and widespread by improving regional connectivity through the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS).

    Achievements of UDAN

    • 669 regional routes operationalised.
    • 95 airports, heliports, and water aerodromes connected.
    • Over 1.66 crore passengers benefited.

    Key Features of Modified UDAN (2026)

    • Approved: 25 March 2026.
    • Outlay: Nearly ₹29,000 crore over 10 years.
    • Develop 100 new aerodromes from unserved airstrips.
      • Note: An aerodrome is any defined location on land or water used for the arrival, departure, and movement of aircraft
    • Develop 200 modern helipads.
    • Continued Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for regional airlines.
    • Operations and Maintenance support for regional airports.
    • Promotes indigenous aircraft such as HAL Dhruv and Dornier under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

    New Terminal Building, Jodhpur Airport

    • Built by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at a cost of ₹480 crore.
    • Area: 23,342 sq. m.
    • Capacity: 20 lakh passengers annually and 1,500 passengers during peak hours.
    • Features 20 check-in counters, 6 aerobridges, advanced baggage handling, and sustainable design targeting a 5-Star GRIHA rating.

    Significance

    • Improves connectivity to Tier-2, Tier-3, and remote regions.
    • Boosts tourism, trade, employment, and regional economic growth.
    • Strengthens last-mile air connectivity.
    • Supports the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

    [2024] Consider the following airports:
    1. Donyi Polo Airport
    2. Kushinagar International Airport
    3. Vijayawada International Airport In the recent past,
    which of the above have been constructed as Greenfield project?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat)

    Why in News?

    The Government highlighted the achievements of MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat) as India’s digital platform for youth engagement, volunteering, leadership, and nation-building.

    What is MY Bharat?

    • Launched in October 2023 under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
    • A Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) platform connecting youth with government, educational institutions, NGOs, and industry.
    • Aims to empower Amrit Peedhi through volunteering, skill development, experiential learning, and civic participation.

    Key Features

    • Digital Volunteerism: Over 1.52 lakh volunteering opportunities (June 2026). Supports online registration, geo-tagging, attendance, certificates, and impact tracking.
    • Experiential Learning: More than 24,900 Experiential Learning Programmes (ELPs). Offers internships, apprenticeships, industry exposure, quizzes, and competitions.
    • Leadership & Career Support: Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament for leadership development. AI-powered resume builder and mentoring. Multilingual quizzes on governance, Constitution, and public policy.

    Major Initiatives

    • MY Bharat MY Vote campaign for voter awareness.
    • Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 with over 50.42 lakh participants.
    • Nari Shakti Youth Parliament engaging 7,000+ young women.
    • Supports NSS, Nasha Mukt Bharat, Yoga Day, cleanliness drives, and padyatras.
    • Facilitated youth participation at the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026.

    Digital Achievements

    • Guinness World Record (2026): Most users taking an online quiz in one week (390,812 participants).
    • Mobile app available in 22 Indian languages.
    • Over 1 lakh app downloads (July 2026).
    • Provides digital badges, certificates, and verified participation records.

    Future Roadmap

    • MY Bharat 2.0 will leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), multilingual technology, open APIs, and digital credentials.
    • Targets empowering 100 million youth in line with Viksit Bharat@2047.

    [2016] Regarding DigiLocker’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. It is a digital locker system offered by the Government under Digital India Programme.
    2. It allows you to access your e-documents irrespective of your physical location.
    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

  • Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme

    Why in News?

    The Government highlighted the achievements of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, its policy evolution, and clarified common misconceptions regarding E20 fuel.

    What is the EBP Programme?

    • The EBP Programme promotes blending ethanol with petrol to:
    • Reduce crude oil imports and improve energy security.
    • Lower greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Increase farmers’ income.
    • Promote renewable transport fuel.
    • India achieved 20% ethanol blending (E20) in 2025-26, five years ahead of the target.

    Policy Evolution

    • 2003: EBP Programme launched.
    • 2018: National Policy on Biofuels notified.
    • 2021: E20 target advanced from 2030 to 2025-26.
    • 2025-26: 20% blending achieved.

    Key Achievements

    • Ethanol blending: <1.5% (2013-14) → 20% (2025-26)
    • Ethanol production capacity: 421 crore L → ~2,000 crore L
    • Foreign exchange saved: ₹1.90 lakh crore+
    • Crude oil substituted: 310 lakh MT
    • CO₂ emissions reduced: 930 lakh MT
    • Additional farmer income: ₹1.60 lakh crore+

    Feedstocks

    • Sugarcane juice, Molasses, Maize, Surplus rice, and Other approved agricultural biomass

    Key Facts on E20

    • Does not reduce mileage by 30%; actual impact is marginal.
    • No evidence of widespread engine damage after extensive testing.
    • Higher octane fuel improves combustion and lowers emissions.
    • Does not affect vehicle warranty or insurance.
    • Raw sugarcane juice is not mixed with petrol; ethanol is produced through fermentation and distillation.
    • Modern distilleries use Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems.
    • Fuel-grade ethanol contains no sugar and does not attract insects.

    [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

  • Matcha Tea: India’s First Commercially Produced Matcha

    Why in News?

    An Assam tea estate, Chota Tingrai Tea Estate in Tinsukia district, has produced and sold India’s first commercially produced matcha tea at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, marking India’s entry into the premium global matcha market.

    What is Matcha?

    • Matcha is a finely powdered green tea made from specially cultivated shade-grown leaves of Camellia sinensis.
    • Unlike conventional green tea, where leaves are steeped and discarded, the entire powdered leaf is consumed, providing higher nutritional benefits.

    How is Matcha Produced?

    • Tea plants are shaded for 3 to 4 weeks before harvest.
    • Around 90% of sunlight is blocked, resulting in:
      • Increased chlorophyll content (bright green colour).
      • Higher L-theanine (amino acid) levels.
      • Enhanced antioxidants and natural caffeine.
    • Young leaves are Steamed to prevent oxidation, Dried, De-stemmed and de-veined, Stone-ground into a fine green powder.

    How is Matcha Different from Green Tea?

    • Matcha uses shade-grown tea leaves, whereas ordinary green tea is generally grown under normal sunlight.
    • In matcha, the entire powdered leaf is consumed, while in green tea the leaves are steeped in water and then discarded.
    • Matcha contains higher levels of chlorophyll, antioxidants, L-theanine, and natural caffeine.
    • It has a rich umami flavour and vibrant green colour.

    [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

  • India’s High Speed Rail Future: Building a Standardised Path for Expansion

    Why in News?

    India is developing a standardised template for future High Speed Rail (HSR) corridors based on the experience of the Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project. The initiative aims to reduce costs, accelerate construction, strengthen indigenous manufacturing, and create a nationwide bullet train network.

    Standardised High Speed Rail Model

    • MAHSR will serve as the blueprint for future bullet train corridors.
    • Common engineering standards for Piers and viaducts, Ballastless tracks, Station structures, Overhead electrification, and Signalling systems
    • Site specific foundation designs based on soil conditions.
    • Benefits:
      • Faster project execution
      • Lower construction costs
      • Easier maintenance and spare part management
      • Uniform training and procurement

    Indigenous Manufacturing under Make in India

    • Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and BEML are developing 280 kmph indigenous high speed trainsets.
    • Indian companies are manufacturing Slab track systems, Construction equipment, and High speed rail components
    • Aditya Complex (Bengaluru) supports manufacturing of B-28 coaches.
    • IITs, skill development, and Japanese technology transfer are strengthening domestic capabilities.

    Mumbai Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR)

    • India’s first bullet train corridor, Length: 508 km, Stations: 12, Design Speed: 350 kmph, Operational Speed: 320 kmph, Travel Time: About 1 hour 58 minutes, Expected first operation: August 2027, and First operational section: Surat to Vapi

    Technical Features

    • Technology: Based on Japanese Shinkansen technology
    • Electrification: 2×25 kV AC overhead traction system. More than 20,000 OHE masts
    • Power Infrastructure: 12 traction substations. 2 depot substations. 16 distribution substations
    • Track System: J-Slab ballastless track technology introduced in India for the first time.
    • Rolling Stock Depots: Sabarmati, Surat, and Thane

    [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?

    [A] I and II only

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I and III only

    [D] I, II and III

  • MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asoochna Kendra)

    Why in News?

    The Government highlighted the achievements of MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asoochna Kendra), the National Narcotics Helpline, as a technology-driven platform supporting the vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat through citizen participation, digital reporting, counselling, and rehabilitation.

    What is MANAS?

    • MANAS (Madak Padarth Nishedh Asoochna Kendra) is India’s National Narcotics Helpline.
    • Launched: 18 July 2024.
    • Implemented by: Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
    • Developed in collaboration with the Digital India Corporation (DIC).
    • A secure digital platform for:
      • Reporting drug-related offences.
      • Seeking counselling.
      • Accessing rehabilitation support.

    Key Features

    • Accessible through: Helpline: 1933, Official web portal, Email, and UMANG app
    • Allows anonymous reporting of Drug trafficking. Drug peddling. Illegal cultivation of narcotic plants.
    • Addiction-related calls are transferred to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment’s de-addiction helpline (14446).
    • Features: Digital ticket generation. Workflow management. Smart IVRS (under development). Chatbot support. Multilingual and regional language assistance (being expanded).

    [2024] Consider the following activities:
    1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft
    2. Monitoring of precipitation
    3. Tracking the migration of animals
    In how many of the above activities can the radars be used?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None

  • Centre Brings Advanced Cell & Gene Therapies Under CLAA Framework

    Why in News?

    The Central Government has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945 to bring Cell or Stem Cell-derived products, Gene Therapeutic Products, and Xenografts under the Centrally License Approving Authority (CLAA) framework, ensuring uniform regulation across India.

    What is the Amendment?

    • Expands the CLAA framework to include: Cell or Stem Cell-derived products, Gene therapeutic products and Xenografts.
    • These products will now be subject to joint oversight by the Central and State Licensing Authorities.

    What is the CLAA Framework?

    • Established under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
    • Provides joint regulatory supervision by Central Licensing Authority and State Licensing Authorities.
    • Earlier covered critical biological products such as Vaccines, Large Volume Parenterals (IV solutions >100 ml), and Recombinant DNA (r-DNA)-based medicines.
    • The amendment expands its scope to emerging advanced therapies.

    Emerging Therapies Covered

    1. Cell or Stem Cell-derived Products

    • Therapies developed using stem cells or other living cells.
    • Used in Regenerative medicine. CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.

    2. Gene Therapeutic Products

    • Modify or replace defective genes to treat diseases.
    • Include Gene replacement therapy and Gene editing therapies.
    • Used for Genetic disorders and Certain cancers.

    3. Xenografts

    • Animal tissue or organ-derived products transplanted into humans.
    • Examples: Animal-derived heart valves.
    • Applications: Cardiology and Orthopedics.

    Why is the Amendment Important?

    • Ensures uniform regulatory standards across all States.
    • Enhances patient safety through stricter oversight.
    • Strengthens regulation of rapidly evolving medical technologies.
    • Aligns India’s regulatory framework with global best practices.
    • Promotes innovation while ensuring safe adoption of advanced therapies.

    UPSC Prelims Facts

    • CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy is a form of immunotherapy in which a patient’s T-cells are genetically modified to attack cancer cells.
    • Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cell types.
    • Gene therapy involves introducing, replacing, or editing genes to treat or prevent diseases.
    • Xenotransplantation refers to transplantation of living cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another, usually from animals to humans.

    [2026] Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct ?
    1. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease.
    2. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine.
    3. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence.
    Select the answer using the code given below :

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 2 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Coal Imports Decline by Nearly 13% in April 2026

    Why in News?

    India’s coal imports declined by 12.95% in April 2026 compared to April 2025, reflecting the government’s continued push towards import substitution through higher domestic coal production and improved supply logistics.

    Key Highlights

    • Total coal imports fell from 24.27 MT (April 2025) to 21.13 MT (April 2026), a decline of 12.95%.
    • Power sector coal imports declined by 24.89%, from 4.67 MT to 3.51 MT.
    • Imported Coal-Based (ICB) power plants recorded the steepest fall in imports: 3.97 MT → 2.88 MT (down 27.45%).
    • Domestic Coal-Based (DCB) plants importing coal for blending reduced imports by 11.26%: 0.71 MT → 0.63 MT.
    • Import dependence (coal imports as a share of total consumption) declined 21.69% → 19.68%.
    • Coking coal imports increased marginally by 1.34%: 5.93 MT → 6.01 MT, due to limited domestic coking coal availability for the steel industry.

    Reasons for the Decline

    • Increase in domestic coal production.
    • Better coal linkage supplies to thermal power plants.
    • Expansion of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) infrastructure.
    • Improved coal evacuation through coordination with: Ministry of Railways, Coal India Limited (CIL), and Coal subsidiaries.
    • Better monitoring of thermal power plant coal stocks.

    UPSC Prelims Facts

    • Coal India Limited (CIL) is the world’s largest coal-producing company.
    • India has abundant non-coking (thermal) coal reserves but limited high-quality coking coal, making imports necessary for steel production.
    • First Mile Connectivity (FMC) refers to mechanised systems for transporting coal from mines to railway loading points, improving evacuation efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

    [2019] Consider the following statements:
    1. Coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.
    2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.
    3. Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal product.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • MP LEAD Fellowship

    Why in News?

    The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, addressed participants of the MP LEAD Fellowship, emphasizing ethical leadership, constitutional values, national unity, and public service.

    What is the MP LEAD Fellowship?

    • A two month internship programme initiated by Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade.
    • Provides first hand exposure to Governance, Public policy, and Legislative processes
    • Aims to nurture future leaders through practical engagement with democratic institutions.
    • In 2026: 40 fellows were selected from 5,000+ applicants. 62% of the fellows are women, representing diverse regions of India.

    Key Messages by the Vice President

    • Leadership is measured by service, not authority.
    • Citizens should uphold Fundamental Duties along with Fundamental Rights.
    • Rise above region, language, caste, and narrow identities in the national interest.
    • Encouraged youth to dream big, innovate, and contribute to nation building.
    • Reiterated India’s civilisational unity: “Bharat was one, Bharat is one and Bharat will always remain one.”

    Constitutional Values Highlighted

    • Service before power in public life.
    • Unity and integrity of the nation.
    • Ethical leadership and public accountability.
    • Constitutional morality and responsible citizenship.

    UPSC Prelims Facts

    • The Vice President of India is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
    • The Vice President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament.
    • The office of the Vice President is provided under Articles 63 to 71 of the Constitution.
    • Fundamental Duties are listed under Article 51A.

    [2015] “To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India” is a provision made in the:

    [A] Preamble of the Constitution

    [B] Directive principles of State Policy

    [C] Fundamental Rights

    [D] Fundamental Duties