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Type: PIB

  • International Vulture Awareness Day 2026

    Why in News

    The Union Environment Minister led the International Vulture Awareness Day 2026 celebrations on 6 September 2026. The day falls on the first Saturday of September each year.

    Key Points

    1. The collapse: India’s Gyps vulture populations collapsed from tens of millions to near extinction from the mid 1990s. The cause was diclofenac, a painkiller given to cattle. Vultures that fed on treated carcasses suffered fatal kidney failure.
    2. The ban: India banned the veterinary use of diclofenac in 2006. Later restrictions targeted other toxic veterinary drugs such as aceclofenac and ketoprofen.
    3. Conservation effort: The Vulture Action Plan guides recovery through captive breeding and safe zones. Conservation breeding runs at centres such as the one at Pinjore, Haryana. Several Indian vulture species remain Critically Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
    4. Ecological role: Vultures are scavengers that clear carcasses. Their loss raised feral dog numbers and disease risk.

    Prelims angle

    • The diclofenac link to the vulture decline; the 2006 veterinary ban; Gyps species and their Critically Endangered status; vultures as scavengers in the food chain.

    [2012] Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to

    (a) the destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species

    (b) a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle

    (c) scarcity of food available to them

    (d) a widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them.

  • 5th Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards conferred on Swachh Vayu Diwas

    Why in News

    The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change conferred the 5th Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan Awards on best performing cities and wards on 7 September 2026. The date marks Swachh Vayu Diwas, held on the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.

    What it is

    1. Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan: The Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan ranks cities on the actions they take to cut air pollution. It assesses all cities covered by the national clean air effort across three population based categories. Top performers receive cash prizes, trophies and a National Clean Air City certification.
    2. Parent programme: The survey sits under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). NCAP is the national framework to reduce particulate pollution through city specific action plans.

    Static Context

    1. NCAP launch and scope: The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched in 2019. It covers 131 cities across 24 States that failed to meet national ambient air quality standards.
    2. Target: NCAP seeks a reduction in particulate matter of 10 micrometres (PM10) of up to 40 percent, or attainment of the national standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metre, by the financial year 2025 to 2026. The base year for measurement is the financial year 2017 to 2018.
    3. Funding: A sum of ₹19,614.44 crore was allocated to the 131 cities through the financial year 2025 to 2026.
    4. Performance record: In the financial year 2023 to 2024, 95 of 131 cities recorded improved air quality. 21 cities reported PM10 reductions above 40 percent.
    5. Air Quality Index gases: The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Indian cities is calculated on pollutants that include carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.

    [2016] In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?

    1. Carbon dioxide

    2. Carbon monoxide

    3. Nitrogen dioxide

    4. Sulfur dioxide

    5. Methane.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

    “[2015] Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (GS1, 12.5 marks)”

  • Vibrant Villages Programme

    Why in News

    PIB published a Backgrounder on the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) on 6 September 2026, setting out the scheme’s design and its border development record.

    What it is

    1. Core idea: The Vibrant Villages Programme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the comprehensive development of villages along India’s land borders. It reframes the border village as the first village of India rather than the last.
    2. Implementing ministry: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) runs the programme.
    3. Phase I coverage: The first phase covered villages in 46 border blocks across 19 districts in four States and one Union Territory along the northern border with China.
    4. Phase II scale: The second phase, Vibrant Villages Programme II (VVP II), carries an outlay of ₹6,839 crore. It covers 1,954 villages across 334 blocks in 17 States and Union Territories. It extends the model to international land borders beyond the northern frontier.

    Context

    1. Rationale: Border villages face out migration, weak roads and thin connectivity. The scheme saturates them with roads, telecom, housing, drinking water and livelihood support. Reverse migration and local perception management carry a direct security value.
    2. Delivery mode: Development happens through District administrations and Gram Panchayats. Convergence with existing central and state schemes funds the works.
    3. Distinct from BADP: The older Border Area Development Programme (BADP) funds infrastructure in border blocks generally. VVP targets identified border villages for saturation and reverse migration.

    [2026] Which of the following statements with respect to the Revamped Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is/are correct?
    1.The period of its implementation is 1st April, 2021 to 31st March, 2026.
    2.The key objective of the Revamped RGSA is to develop the governance capabilities of the Panchayati Raj Institutions to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals.
    3.The share of the Central funding for the Revamed RGSA is 100% for all states and Union Territories.
    Select the answer using the code given below:

    [A] 1 and 2

    [B] 2 only

    [C] 1 and 3

    [D] 2 and 3

  • DGFT opens an Application Programming Interface facility for the Certificate of Origin on the Trade Connect ePlatform

    Why in News

    The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the trade regulator under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, introduced an Open Application Programming Interface (API) facility for the Certificate of Origin (CoO) on its Trade Connect ePlatform on 7 September 2026.

    What it does

    1. Open API for the Certificate of Origin: An Application Programming Interface (API) lets one software system request data from another automatically. The facility lets an exporter’s own software connect directly to the CoO portal. Certificate applications then flow through without manual entry on the government site.
    2. Certificate of Origin defined: A Certificate of Origin is a document that certifies the country in which goods were produced. It decides tariff treatment under trade agreements. A preferential CoO unlocks lower duty under a trade pact. A non preferential CoO only states origin without a duty concession.
    3. Trade Connect ePlatform: The Trade Connect ePlatform is a single window hub of trade information and services. It gives exporters tariff data, certification rules, buyer information and trade event listings. It integrates Indian Missions, Export Promotion Councils and Commodity Boards on one system.
    4. Target users: The facility is aimed at Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) exporters. Automated filing cuts the compliance time for repeat exporters.

    Static Context

    1. Paperless issuance: The CoO platform runs as a single point of issuance and validation for both preferential and non preferential certificates. It replaced physical certificate counters with a secure electronic process.
    2. eCoO 2.0: DGFT earlier upgraded the system to eCoO 2.0, which added back to back certificate issuance for re exported goods.
    3. Governing setup: DGFT functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It administers the Foreign Trade Policy and issues the Importer Exporter Code.

    [2025] What are the challenges before the Indian economy when the world is moving away from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateralism? How can these challenges be met? (GS3, 10 marks)

  • Geothermal Energy

    Why in News

    A PIB Backgrounder on geothermal energy set out the resource, its potential in India, and its place in the clean energy transition.

    Core facts

    1. Definition: Geothermal energy is heat stored within the earth. It is drawn from hot rocks and hot water reservoirs below the surface and used for power generation and direct heating.
    2. Nature of the resource: Geothermal energy is a renewable and baseload source. It supplies power around the clock, unlike solar and wind, which vary with weather and time of day.

    Static Context

    1. India’s potential: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified about 340 geothermal hot spring sites. The estimated geothermal power potential is placed around 10,600 megawatts (MW).
    2. Key geothermal provinces: Major sites include Puga and Chhumathang in Ladakh, Tattapani in Chhattisgarh, Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh, and the Godavari and Cambay basins.
    3. How it works: A geothermal plant taps steam or hot water from a well. The steam drives a turbine. The turbine drives a generator to produce electricity.
    4. Uses beyond power: Direct use includes space heating, greenhouse warming, aquaculture and cold storage. Ladakh has seen pilot efforts for geothermal power and heating.
    5. Nodal ministry: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry for renewable energy sources, including geothermal.
    6. Global comparison: Countries with high geothermal output include the United States, Indonesia, the Philippines, Iceland and Kenya. India’s geothermal capacity remains at an early stage.

    Prelims angle

    1. The location of Puga, Tattapani, Manikaran and other geothermal sites, and the role of the Geological Survey of India in resource mapping.
    2. The classification of geothermal as a renewable and baseload source, and the nodal ministry. Site to state matching is a common format.

    Mains angle

    1. GS Paper 3, infrastructure and energy, and India’s renewable energy mix.
    2. A question can ask how baseload renewable sources such as geothermal complement variable solar and wind in the path to energy security.

    Matching Previous Year Question

    “[2022, GS3, 15] Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030 ? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain.”

  • Geothermal Energy

    Geothermal Energy

    Why in News

    The Press Information Bureau (PIB) published a thematic Backgrounder on Geothermal Energy on 4 September 2026. The piece is a subject explainer written for exam and public awareness value.

    Core facts

    1. Definition: Geothermal energy is heat stored inside the Earth. This heat is tapped through wells at sites with high underground temperature gradients.
    2. Nature of the source: Geothermal power is a renewable and baseload source. It generates around the clock, unlike solar or wind.
    3. Nodal ministry: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the nodal ministry for geothermal energy in India.
    4. Verification note: The release body did not resolve on the source page this run, so release-specific figures are not quoted. The static estimates below come from standard reference data.

    Static Context

    1. India’s first project: India commissioned its first geothermal wells at Puga Valley in the Changthang region of Ladakh. A 1 Megawatt (MW) pilot geothermal plant is planned as the first demonstration scale project.
    2. Implementing agency: The ONGC Energy Centre, a body of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), leads the Puga project with the Ladakh Administration.
    3. Estimated potential: India’s geothermal potential is estimated at about 10,600 MW (standard reference figure).
    4. Survey base: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has documented about 381 hot springs. India has ten geothermal provinces, including the Himalayan, Son Narmada Tapi (SONATA), West Coast, Cambay and Godavari belts.
    5. Key sites: Notable geothermal sites include Puga and Chumathang in Ladakh, Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh, Tattapani in Chhattisgarh, and Bakreshwar in West Bengal.
    6. Policy frame: A National Policy on Geothermal Energy was notified in 2025, with the MNRE as the promoting authority.

    Prelims angle

    1. Nodal ministry: MNRE. Lead agency for Puga: ONGC Energy Centre.
    2. First site: Puga Valley, Ladakh. Survey body: GSI, with about 381 hot springs mapped.
    3. Source character: Renewable and baseload, driven by internal Earth heat.
    4. Geothermal provinces: Himalayan, SONATA, West Coast, Cambay, Godavari and others.

    Mains angle

    GS Paper 3, energy and infrastructure. A question can ask how geothermal energy can add firm renewable baseload capacity to India’s energy mix, and can weigh the high exploration cost and site concentration in the Himalayas against the round the clock output advantage.

    “[2013] Consider the following :

    (1). Electromagnetic radiation

    (2). Geothermal energy

    (3). Gravitational force

    (4). Plate movements

    (5). Rotation of the earth

    (6). Revolution of the earth

    Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth?

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

    (b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only

    (c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4. 5 and 6.

  • NAMASTE Cards distributed to waste pickers in Najafgarh zone

    NAMASTE Cards distributed to waste pickers in Najafgarh zone

    Why in News

    The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) inaugurated distribution of NAMASTE Cards to waste pickers in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Najafgarh Zone on 4 September 2026.

    Core facts

    1. Scheme name: NAMASTE stands for National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem. It is a central scheme for the safety and dignity of sanitation workers.
    2. Implementing bodies: The scheme is run jointly by the MoSJE and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
    3. Event substance: Profiled waste pickers received NAMASTE identity cards. The cards formally recognise the worker and link the worker to scheme benefits.
    4. Officeholder: The distribution was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment. The individual identity is not material to the policy content.

    Static Context

    1. Objective: NAMASTE targets zero fatalities in sanitation work in India. It seeks to end direct human contact with faecal matter in sewer and septic tank cleaning.
    2. Coverage expansion: NAMASTE originally covered sewer and septic tank workers (SSWs). The scheme was later extended to enumerate and cover waste pickers. A national digital application for profiling waste pickers was launched on World Environment Day 2025.
    3. Benefits design: The scheme provides occupational profiling, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits, Ayushman Bharat health cover, and a capital subsidy for sanitation related livelihoods.
    4. Predecessor: NAMASTE subsumed the earlier Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS).
    5. Governing law: Manual scavenging is prohibited under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013.

    Prelims angle

    1. Scheme full form and nodal ministries: NAMASTE is run by the MoSJE with the MoHUA. Expect a purpose or ministry match question.
    2. Beneficiary categories: Sewer and septic tank workers, and waste pickers. The waste picker inclusion is the newest hook.
    3. Benefit bundle: PPE, Ayushman Bharat health cover, capital subsidy, occupational profiling.
    4. Predecessor scheme: SRMS. Governing Act: Manual Scavengers Act, 2013.

    Mains angle

    GS Paper 2, welfare schemes for vulnerable sections. A question can frame the shift from a rehabilitation model (SRMS) to a mechanisation and formalisation model (NAMASTE), and ask whether profiling and card based inclusion secures the rights of informal sanitation workers.

    “[2016] Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to

    (a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of livelihood

    (b) release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood

    (c) eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers

    (d) release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them.

  • 16th Aero India set for Bengaluru in February 2027

    16th Aero India set for Bengaluru in February 2027

    Why in the News

    The 16th Aero India will be held in Bengaluru from 8 to 12 February 2027.

    Static Context

    1. Nature: Aero India is Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, held once every two years.
    2. Venue: The event is held at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru.
    3. Organiser: The Ministry of Defence organises the exhibition through its Department of Defence Production.
    4. Purpose: The show promotes indigenous defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat policy and draws global original equipment manufacturers and delegations.
    5. Last edition: The 15th edition was held in February 2025 at Bengaluru.

    Prelims Angle

    1. Aero India is held at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru.
    2. It is a biennial event.
    3. The organising ministry is the Ministry of Defence.

    Mains Angle

    1. GS3, defence and indigenous manufacturing: A question can ask how such platforms advance defence exports and self reliance.
    2. The procurement side: It can probe how exhibition led engagement translates into actual technology transfer.
  • Cyber Physical Systems and India’s national mission

    Cyber Physical Systems and India’s national mission

    Why in the News

    Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) and India’s mission to build national capacity in the field were profiled.

    Core Facts

    1. Definition: Cyber Physical Systems integrate computation, networking and physical processes. Sensors and actuators link software control to physical machines.
    2. Applications: Uses span smart manufacturing, autonomous systems, healthcare and defence.
    3. National effort: The National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) drives India’s work in this area.
    4. Nodal department: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) implements the mission.

    Static Context

    1. Mission approval: The mission was approved in 2018 and carries an outlay of about 3,660 crore rupees over five years.
    2. Hub model: The mission set up 25 Technology Innovation Hubs (TIHs) at institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Institute of Science.
    3. Scope: Covered technologies include Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, robotics and machine learning.

    Prelims Angle

    1. The nodal department for NM-ICPS is the DST.
    2. The mission runs through Technology Innovation Hubs.
    3. The definition of a Cyber Physical System is a likely conceptual hook.

    Mains Angle

    1. GS3, awareness in the field of Information Technology and robotics: A question can ask how emerging technologies serve the economy and national security.
    2. The capacity side: It can probe skilling and research capacity.

    “[2020] With the present 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:

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only

    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 2, 4 and 5 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • India joins the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek

    India joins the 26th SCO Summit in Bishkek

    Why in the News

    The Prime Minister participated in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, on 1 September 2026.

    Core Facts

    1. Host: The Kyrgyz Republic hosted the summit at Bishkek, and it holds the rotating SCO chair for the 2025 to 2026 cycle.
    2. India’s status: India is a full member of the SCO.
    3. Focus areas: The SCO works on regional security, counter terrorism, and connectivity.

    Static Context

    1. Founding: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a permanent intergovernmental security and economic bloc, was founded in 2001 at Shanghai, growing from the Shanghai Five grouping of 1996.
    2. Members: Members include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus.
    3. India’s accession: India became a full member in 2017 at the Astana Summit.
    4. Institutions: The Secretariat is in Beijing, and the Regional Anti Terrorist Structure (RATS), the SCO body for security and counter terrorism coordination, is in Tashkent.

    Prelims Angle

    1. SCO founding year is 2001, the RATS headquarters is at Tashkent and the Secretariat is at Beijing.
    2. India joined as a full member in 2017.
    3. Membership of the SCO versus other bodies is a classic trap.

    Mains Angle

    1. GS2, groupings and agreements affecting India’s interests: A question can ask how India balances its role in the SCO amid China and Russia dominance.
    2. The functional side: It can probe counter terrorism cooperation and connectivity.

    “[2022] Consider the following :

    1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

    2. Missile Technology Control Regime

    3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

    India is a member of which of the above ?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3