India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) based retail inflation rose to 4.4% in June 2026, crossing the RBI’s 4% target for the first time since January 2025.
Key Highlights
CPI: Consumer Price Index, the primary measure of retail inflation.
Retail inflation:4.4% (June 2026), up from 3.93% in May.
Food inflation:5.05%, the highest under the new CPI series.
Major drivers:
Rising food prices due to an uneven monsoon.
Higher fuel prices amid the West Asia crisis.
Supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions.
Transport inflation rose to 4.3% (from 1.7%) because of fuel costs.
Inflation in personal care & miscellaneous goods/services reached 16.7%, driven by higher gold and silver prices.
About Inflation Targeting
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) follows a Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework.
Inflation target: 4% ± 2% (2% to 6%).
Inflation is measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) compiled by the National Statistics Office (NSO).
[2022] In India which one of the following is responsible for maintaining for prices stability by controlling inflation?
CSIR organised ASPIRE-SHAKTI: Celebrating Women in STEM at its headquarters and released the ASPIRE-SHAKTI Compendium, highlighting the achievements of women researchers.
Key Highlights
CSIR: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
DSIR: Department of Scientific & Industrial Research
STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
CSIR-ASPIRE was launched on International Women’s Day 2023 to support women scientists as independent Principal Investigators (PIs).
Out of 2,878 proposals from 969 institutions, 301 women researchers were selected (~10% selection rate).
Research outcomes include:
253+ SCI-indexed publications
15+ patent filings
20+ international conference presentations
Training of 300+ research fellows.
Next phase will focus on:
Commercialisation of innovations
Industry and startup linkages
Technology translation
Greater participation from the North-East, Ladakh, and Tier-2/Tier-3 institutions.
About CSIR-ASPIRE
ASPIRE: A Special Call for Research Grants for Women Scientists
Implemented by CSIR-Human Resource Development Group (CSIR-HRDG).
Supports women researchers across Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, and Interdisciplinary Sciences.
Aims to promote women-led research, innovation, and scientific leadership.
[2018] Consider the following statements : Human capital formation as a concept is better explained in terms of a process which enables 1. individuals of a country to accumulate more capital. 2. increasing the knowledge, skill levels and capacities of the people of the country. 3. accumulation of tangible wealth. 4. accumulation of intangible wealth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Indian Navy recently commissioned INS Mahendragiri, INS Dunagiri, INS Sanshodhak, and INS Agray, strengthening India’s indigenous maritime capabilities.
Key Highlights
Three indigenous naval classes strengthen India’s layered maritime security:
Nilgiri Class: Stealth Frigates (Project 17A)
Sandhayak Class: Survey Vessel (Large)
Arnala Class: Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC)
Designed by the Warship Design Bureau (WDB) with high indigenous content under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Protect India’s 11,098 km coastline, 2.4 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and sea lanes carrying ~90% of India’s trade by volume.
About the Three Classes
Nilgiri Class (Project 17A): Next-generation stealth guided missile frigates for anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
Equipped with BrahMos missiles, advanced radar, sonar, and helicopters.
Sandhayak Class: Conducts hydrographic surveys, seabed mapping, and nautical charting.
Supports the Blue Economy, navigation safety, and disaster relief.
Arnala Class: Designed for coastal anti-submarine warfare in shallow waters.
Equipped with lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, and shallow-water sonar.
Strategic Significance
Strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous shipbuilding.
Supports SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) visions.
Enhances maritime security, defence exports, and the Blue Economy.
[2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
Bharat Tex 2026, India’s largest global textile exhibition, will be held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 14 to 17 July 2026
Key Highlights
Organised by the Bharat Tex Trade Federation (BTTF) with support from the Ministry of Textiles.
Based on the 5F Vision: Farm → Fibre → Factory → Fashion → Foreign.
Participation of 1,600+ exhibitors, 7,000+ buyers, and delegates from 20+ countries.
Over 4,000 Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings, 100+ Business-to-Government (B2G) meetings, and 30+ Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) expected.
Covers the complete textile value chain including fibre, yarn, fabric, apparel, home textiles, and technical textiles.
Features 100+ knowledge sessions on sustainability, technical textiles, Industry 5.0, innovation, and exports.
Includes Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) Textile Sustainability Awards 2026 and AI-enabled digital business matchmaking.
About Bharat Tex
India’s flagship global textile and apparel exhibition.
Promotes exports, investment, innovation, sustainability, and international partnerships.
Showcases India’s textile manufacturing capabilities and strengthens its position in global value chains.
Government Initiatives
PM MITRA: Prime Minister Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel Parks
PLI Scheme: Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Textiles
NTTM: National Technical Textiles Mission
SAMARTH: Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector
[2022] Which of the following activities constitute real sector in the economy? 1. Farmers harvesting their crops 2. Textile mills converting raw cotton into fabrics 3. A commercial bank lending money to a trading company 4. A corporate body issuing Rupee Denominated Bonds overseas. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
The Ministry of Textiles released a PIB article, “Weaving Sustainability into India’s Textile Future”, highlighting initiatives to promote a circular economy across India’s textile value chain.
Key Highlights
India’s textile sector contributes about 2% of GDP, 11% of manufacturing Gross Value Added (GVA), employs 45 million+ people, and accounts for ~4% of global textile exports.
Over 70% of the 7.8 million tonnes of textile waste generated annually is recovered through recycling, upcycling, downcycling, or reuse.
Circular economy activities support 40 to 45 lakh livelihoods, especially women in collection and sorting.
Major recycling hubs include Panipat (Haryana), Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra), and Mongolpuri (Delhi).
Major Government Initiatives
PM MITRA (Prime Minister Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) Parks with Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and sustainable infrastructure.
NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production) for certified organic fibres.
Jute ICARE (Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise) for scientific and sustainable jute cultivation.
NTTM (National Technical Textiles Mission) supports conversion of textile waste into advanced materials.
RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) through:
MSE GIFT (Micro and Small Enterprise Green Investment and Financing for Transformation)
MSE SPICE (Micro and Small Enterprise Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy)
CCTS (Carbon Credit Trading Scheme) under the ICM (Indian Carbon Market) includes the textile sector.
Eco Mark Scheme, 2024 promotes eco labelled textile products.
Bharat Tex showcases sustainable and circular textile innovations.
Significance
Promotes resource efficiency, recycling, and green manufacturing.
Reduces waste, water use, energy consumption, and hazardous chemicals.
Enhances export competitiveness and supports India’s climate goals.
Creates green jobs and strengthens the circular economy.
[2025] Consider the following statements: Statement I: Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases. Statement II: Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs. Statement III : Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process. 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
CSIR National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR NIScPR) conducted a five day skill training programme (6 to 10 July 2026) on AI enabled Institutional Repositories using DSpace under the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative (Phase III).
Key Highlights
Aimed at training library professionals, researchers, academicians, students, and IT professionals.
Focused on developing and managing AI enabled institutional repositories using the open source DSpace platform.
Training covered:
DSpace architecture and administration
Linux and DSpace installation
Dublin Core metadata management
Repository customization and backup
AI based metadata extraction and semantic search
Included hands on laboratory sessions and exposure to SARAL AI and the NIScPR Herbarium.
25 participants from universities, research institutions, and libraries completed the programme.
About CSIR NIScPR
Constituent laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Established in 2021 through the merger of:
NISCAIR: National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources.
NISTADS: National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies.
Promotes science communication, policy research, scholarly publishing, and digital knowledge management.
About DSpace
Open source software for creating and managing institutional digital repositories.
Preserves and provides open access to research publications, theses, datasets, and other scholarly content.
Supports metadata standards such as Dublin Core and enables long term digital preservation.
[2020] With the print state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? 1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units 2. Create meaningful short stories and songs 3. Disease diagnosis 4. Text -to -Speech Conversion 5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Lakhanpur (Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir) has been selected among the first towns approved under the PM SVANidhi Street Food Hub Initiative.
Key Highlights
Lakhanpur, the gateway to Jammu & Kashmir, will develop a Street Food Hub across two clusters covering 1,754.25 sq. m.
Will promote Dogra cuisine and improve facilities for pilgrims, tourists, and local vendors.
The project aims to transform Lakhanpur into a culinary tourism destination.
About the Initiative
Implemented by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under PM SVANidhi.
Plans to establish up to 50 Street Food Hubs across India.
Focuses on organized, hygienic food streets, tourism promotion, and sustainable livelihoods.
Preference to towns with:
Tourism and heritage significance.
Unique local cuisine.
Convergence with Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and UNESCO Creative Cities.
Financial Support
₹4 crore per project: 30% first instalment, 50% second instalment, and 20% after completion
Additional ₹25 lakh incentive for cities with a notified Street Vending Plan.
PM SVANidhi
Launched: 2020, Ministry: MoHUA
Objective: Provide collateral-free working capital loans to street vendors and promote financial inclusion through interest subsidy and digital payments.
Significance
Enhances livelihoods of street vendors.
Promotes local cuisine and tourism.
Improves food hygiene and visitor experience.
[2015] Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has been launched for
[A] providing housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates
[B] Promoting women’s Self-Help Groups in backward areas
[C] promoting financial inclusion in the country
[D] providing financial help to marginalised communities
The Vice President of India recently addressed the 15th Graduation Ceremony of the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar.
About NISER
Established in 2006.
An Autonomous Institute under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India.
Located about 20 km south of Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Equipped with advanced laboratories, computational facilities, library, and residential hostels.
Affiliated with the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, a deemed-to-be university under the DAE.
Objectives
Develop high quality human resources in basic sciences.
Promote excellence in scientific research and innovation.
Contribute to India’s knowledge economy through education and research.
Major Activities
Science Education: Centre of excellence for undergraduate and postgraduate education in basic sciences.
Offers: Five year Integrated M.Sc.Ph.D. programmes in pure and applied sciences.
Scientific Research: Conducts theoretical and experimental research in frontier areas of science. Has seven Schools specializing in different scientific disciplines.
Science Outreach and Policy: Promotes scientific temper through outreach programmes for students and the public. Faculty members contribute to national science policy formulation through various government committees.
About Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)
Established in 2005.
A Deemed to be University under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
Headquartered in Mumbai.
Integrates academic programmes of premier DAE institutions to promote advanced education and research in science, engineering, and technology.
[2015] Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was given to which of the following?
The Central Government has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945 to tighten regulation of high alcohol containing medicinal formulations, removing their exemption under Schedule K and bringing them under Schedule H1.
Key Highlights
Schedule K exemption removed for medicinal formulations containing:
More than 12% v/v ethyl alcohol, and
Pack size exceeding 30 mL.
Such products must now obtain manufacturing and sale licenses under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Shifted to Schedule H1, making them:
Available only on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP).
Subject to strict sale records and monitoring.
Targets misuse of formulations such as cardamom tincture, ginger tincture, and other aromatic preparations, some containing 80 to 90% v/v ethyl alcohol.
Ensures availability for genuine therapeutic use while preventing diversion for intoxication.
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
Regulates the import, manufacture, distribution and sale of drugs and cosmetics in India.
Administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Implemented through the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and State Drug Controllers.
Supported by the Drugs Rules, 1945, which prescribe standards, licensing, labeling and schedules.
Schedule K
Lists specified drugs exempted from certain licensing provisions under defined conditions.
Intended mainly for low risk preparations or specified categories of sale.
The amendment removes exemption for high alcohol formulations exceeding the prescribed threshold.
Schedule H1
Introduced to regulate drugs prone to misuse and antimicrobial resistance.
Drugs can be sold only on a registered medical practitioner’s prescription.
Pharmacists must:
Maintain a separate register recording patient and prescriber details.
Preserve records for at least three years.
Originally covered certain antibiotics, anti TB medicines and other critical drugs; now also includes specified high alcohol medicinal formulations.
[2018] Consider the following statements:
1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954. 2. The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) amended two Footwear Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to promote ease of doing business while strengthening domestic footwear manufacturing.
Key Amendments
Legacy stock clearance deadline extended from 31 July 2026 to 31 July 2027.
Allows manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to clear existing seasonal inventory.
After the deadline, only BIS-certified footwear can be sold.
R&D Import Exemption
Manufacturers can import up to 4,500 pairs of footwear samples annually for Research & Development (R&D).
Samples:
Must be marked “NOT FOR SALE”.
Cannot be sold commercially.
Must be disposed of as scrap after use.
Year-wise import records must be maintained.
Purpose
Support product design, testing, and innovation.
Reduce compliance burden.
Facilitate domestic manufacturing under Make in India.
Strengthen India’s quality ecosystem in line with the “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” vision.
Quality Control Orders (QCOs)
Issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) framework.
Mandate compliance with prescribed Indian Standards.
Aim to ensure product quality, consumer safety, and curb substandard imports.
About DPIIT
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is a central government department under the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Established in 1995, it acts as the nodal agency for formulating overall industrial policies, driving the Startup India initiative, and managing inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) frameworks.
Significance
Improves ease of doing business.
Encourages innovation and R&D.
Enhances quality assurance.
Boosts competitiveness of India’s footwear industry.
[2017] Consider the following statements:
The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes.
AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
