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  • International Sickle Cell Day 2026

    Why in the news?

    The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, commemorated International Sickle Cell Day at Omkareshwar and highlighted the achievements of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM).

    National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (2023)

    • Launched to eliminate Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) as a public health problem by 2047.
    • Targets screening of 7 crore people (0-40 years age group) in affected tribal and high-prevalence areas.
    • One of the world’s largest genetic disease screening programmes.
    • So far: Around 2.5 lakh patients identified. Over 20 lakh carriers detected.

    Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

    • A hereditary genetic blood disorder caused by mutation in the haemoglobin gene.
    • Red blood cells become sickle-shaped, reducing oxygen supply.
    • Leads to anaemia, pain episodes, infections, organ damage, and reduced life expectancy.
    • Inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.

    High-Risk Areas in India

    • Predominantly affects tribal populations across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Gujarat, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan

    Madhya Pradesh Initiatives

    • Sickle Mitra Initiative: Trains volunteers, NCC cadets, and civil society members for awareness and patient support.
    • Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan (2025): Screened over 4 lakh women for SCD.

    [2023] Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:
    1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women.
    2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child- birth.
    3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
    4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] Only three

    [D] All four

  • Advancing Electrolyte Engineering for Durable and Affordable Aqueous Batteries

    Why in the news?

    Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a novel electrolyte additive (BDIM) that significantly improves the performance and lifespan of Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries (AZIBs).

    Key Highlights

    • AZIBs are emerging as safer, cheaper, and more sustainable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries.
    • Major challenges:
      • Zinc dendrite formation
      • Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER)
      • Corrosion of zinc anode
      • Poor cycling stability
    • Researchers developed BDIM (1,3-bis(1,3-dicarboxypropyl)-1H-imidazole-3-ium chloride) as an electrolyte additive.
    • BDIM selectively adsorbs on the zinc surface and occupies the Inner Helmholtz Plane (IHP).
    • It displaces water molecules, thereby:
      • Suppressing hydrogen evolution
      • Reducing corrosion
      • Preventing dendrite growth
      • Enhancing battery life and safety
    • Researchers used: Ultramicroelectrode (UME) and Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry (FSCV)
      to study zinc deposition mechanisms.

    Significance

    • Extends battery lifespan without costly material redesign.
    • Improves safety and reliability of rechargeable batteries.
    • Supports large-scale renewable energy and grid-storage applications.
    • Can reduce maintenance costs of energy-storage infrastructure.

    Prelims Facts

    • AZIB Electrolyte: Water-based, making it non-flammable and safer than lithium-ion batteries.
    • Inner Helmholtz Plane (IHP): Region near the electrode surface where electrochemical reactions occur.
    • Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER): Undesirable side reaction that reduces battery efficiency.

  • Qadian-Beas Railway Line Project Revived

    Why in the news?

    The Government of India has revived the Qadian-Beas New Railway Line Project in Punjab after nearly a century. The project was originally approved during 1928-29 by the North-Western Railway but remained incomplete.

    Key Highlights

    • Length: 39.68 km broad-gauge railway line.
    • Cost: Approximately ₹1,400 crore.
    • Implementing Agency: Northern Railway.
    • Route: Qadian (Gurdaspur) – Dhapai – Ghuman – Butala – Sathiala – Beas (Amritsar).
    • Revived under the Socially Desirable Rail Connectivity Programme.

    Infrastructure Features

    • 2 crossing stations (Ghuman and Butala).
    • 11 major bridges and 121 minor bridges.
    • 54 Road Under Bridges (RUBs).
    • Modern signalling and telecommunication systems.
    • Deployment of Kavach, India’s indigenous train collision avoidance system.

    Significance

    • Connectivity: Brings several areas of Punjab’s Majha region onto the railway network. Improves mobility and accessibility for residents.
    • Strategic Importance: Provides an alternative corridor to the Amritsar-Pathankot railway section during emergencies. Enhances resilience of railway operations in northern India.
    • Economic Benefits
      • Better market access for farmers.
      • Faster transportation of agricultural produce.
      • Boost to trade, commerce, and small-scale industries.
      • Employment generation during construction and operation.
    • Tourism: Improves access to major religious destinations including Qadian, Dera Baba Jaimal Singh, Sri Darbar Sahib, Dera Baba Nanak, and Gurdwara Achal Sahib

  • Indigenous Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) Inducted into Indian Coast Guard

    Why in News?

    The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted the first of six indigenously built Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs), or hovercraft, at Goa on 18 June 2026. The vessels are being constructed by Chowgule & Company Private Limited under a Ministry of Defence contract.

    Key Highlights

    • First ACV inducted into ICG service in Goa.
    • Part of a contract for six indigenous hovercraft.
    • Contract signed between the Ministry of Defence and Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd. on 24 October 2024.
    • Supports the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
    • Enhances India’s indigenous maritime manufacturing capability.

    What is an Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV)?

    • A hovercraft that travels on a cushion of pressurised air.
    • Can operate over Water, Mudflats, Marshes, Sandbanks, Shallow and coastal areas
    • Combines features of both marine vessels and aircraft.

  • 10th India-Thailand Defence Dialogue (2026)

    Why in the news?

    The 10th India-Thailand Defence Dialogue was held in Bangkok on 16 June 2026 to review bilateral defence cooperation and discuss regional and global security issues.

    Key Highlights

    • Reviewed the full spectrum of India-Thailand defence cooperation.
    • Discussed the evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific.
    • Reaffirmed commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
    • Reviewed progress in:
      • Military-to-military engagements.
      • Capacity-building initiatives.
      • Training exchanges.
      • Maritime cooperation.

    Defence Industry Cooperation

    • Agreed to deepen collaboration in:
      • Defence manufacturing.
      • Research and development (R&D).
      • Innovation.
      • Capability development.
    • Aim: Promote mutually beneficial partnerships between the defence ecosystems of both countries.

    Regional & Multilateral Cooperation

    • Discussed cooperation under Association of Southeast Asian Nations-led mechanisms.
    • Reaffirmed commitment to addressing shared security challenges through dialogue and collaboration.

    India-Thailand Relations

    • Bilateral ties elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2025.
    • Thailand is an important partner in India’s:
      • Act East Policy.
      • Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
      • Maritime and regional connectivity efforts.

    [2023] With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements::
    1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.
    2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.
    3. Bangladesh- China- India- Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None

  • World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026

    Why in the news?

    The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (17 June) was celebrated across 813 project areas under the WDC–PMKSY 2.0 (Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0).

    WDC–PMKSY 2.0

    • Implemented by the Department of Land Resources (DoLR) under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).
    • Focuses on:
      • Soil and water conservation.
      • Restoration of degraded lands.
      • Enhancing resilience of rainfed agriculture.
      • Sustainable watershed development.

    Major Interventions

    • Check dams, Percolation tanks, Farm ponds, Water harvesting and groundwater recharge structures

    Key Outcomes

    • Improved water availability in rainfed areas.
    • Enables second and third crop cultivation.
    • Enhances farmers’ income and livelihood security.
    • Strengthens drought resilience and climate adaptation.

    Activities Conducted

    • Bhoomi Poojan of 1,444 new watershed development works.
    • Lokarpan (Inauguration) of 8,341 completed watershed assets.
    • Plantation of 51,299 saplings under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
    • Public pledge: “For a Developed India, Let Us Build a Drought-Free India.”

    Significance

    • Promotes community-led land and water conservation.
    • Supports land restoration, water security, and climate resilience.
    • Contributes to sustainable rural development and combating desertification.

    [2016] What is/are the importance/importances of the ‘United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’?

    1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships.

    2. It has a special focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates allocation of major portions of financial resources to these regions.

    3. It is committed to a bottom-up approach, encouraging participation of local people in combating desertification.

    A 1 only

    B 2 and 3 only

    C 1 and 3 only

    D 1, 2 and 3

  • Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI) & National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) launched the Green Hydrogen Certification Portal of India (GHCI) to ensure transparent certification and regulatory compliance for green hydrogen production.

    GHCI

    • Developed by MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy).
    • Certifies green hydrogen under the Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme of India (GHCI Scheme).
    • Enhances transparency, traceability, and market credibility.

    National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)

    • Launched in 2023.
    • Outlay: ₹19,744 crore.

    Targets by 2030

    • 5 Million Metric Tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen production.
    • 125 Gigawatt (GW) dedicated renewable energy capacity.
    • ₹8 lakh crore investment.
    • 6 lakh jobs.
    • Reduction of 50 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions annually.

    Key Progress

    • 6 States have dedicated Green Hydrogen Policies; 7 States have integrated hydrogen into existing policies.
    • Incentives awarded to 15 companies for 3,000 MW (Megawatt) per year electrolyser manufacturing capacity.
    • Under SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition), incentives approved for 8.62 lakh Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) of green hydrogen production.
    • Contracts awarded for 30,000 MTPA green hydrogen supply to refineries.
    • Agreements signed for 6.7 lakh MTPA of Green Ammonia supply to 11 fertilizer plants.
    • ₹84 crore sanctioned for hydrogen injection pilot projects in the steel sector.
    • ₹208 crore allocated for 37 hydrogen-powered vehicles and 9 refuelling stations.
    • ₹113 crore allocated for Research and Development (R&D) projects.
    • ₹100 crore startup fund; first 9 startups approved with ₹22 crore support.

    Green Hydrogen

    • Hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable energy.
    • A zero-carbon fuel for sectors such as steel, fertilizers, refineries, shipping, and heavy transport.

    [2023] With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:
    1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
    2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
    3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None

  • India-Japan Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) under Article 6.2

    Why in the news?

    India and Japan adopted the Rules of Implementation for the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) on 8 June 2026, operationalising their 2025 Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.

    What is JCM?

    A bilateral mechanism enabling cooperation on projects that reduce or remove Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, generating Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) to help both countries achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

    Key Features

    • Joint Committee: Oversees implementation.
    • Transparent project approval procedures.
    • Third-party validation and verification of emission reductions.
    • Sustainable development safeguards.
    • National registries to track carbon credits.
    • Corresponding adjustments to prevent double counting.

    Significance for India

    • Supports achievement of NDC targets.
    • Facilitates Japanese low-carbon technology transfer.
    • Attracts climate finance and investment.
    • Strengthens Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) capacity.
    • Promotes sustainable development and India’s carbon market ecosystem.

    Challenges

    • Establishing robust MRV systems.
    • Ensuring environmental integrity.
    • Equitable sharing of credits and benefits.
    • Aligning projects with national priorities.

    Value Addition

    • Article 6.2: Cooperative approaches using ITMOs.
    • Article 6.4: UN-supervised carbon market mechanism.
    • Article 6.8: Non-market approaches.

    [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

  • 12 Years of India’s Scientific Transformation

    Why in the news?

    Union Minister Jitendra Singh highlighted the major achievements of India’s science and technology ecosystem over the last 12 years.

    Bioeconomy Growth

    • India’s bioeconomy expanded from about USD 10 billion (2014) to over USD 190 billion (2026).
    • Target: USD 300 billion by 2030.
    • Growth driven by innovations in Biotechnology, Genomics, Diagnostics, and Biopharmaceuticals.
    • Supported by the BioE3 Policy Framework.

    Space Sector Achievements

    • Space economy grew to around USD 8 billion and is projected to reach USD 45 billion in the next decade.
    • Space startups increased from single digits to over 400.
    • Major milestones: Chandrayaan-3 became the first mission to land near the Moon’s south pole. Gaganyaan preparations underway.
    • Future goals: Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035. Indian Moon landing by 2040.

    Weather and Climate Services

    • Weather radars increased from 17 (2014) to nearly 50 operational radars.
    • Another 50 radars planned under Mission Mausam.
    • Forecast coverage expanded from 300 cities to nearly 1,700 locations.
    • Expansion of Lightning detection systems, Rain-monitoring infrastructure, and Nowcast services for short-term forecasts.
    • Mission Mausam: Initiative aimed at strengthening India’s weather forecasting and disaster resilience capabilities through modern observation and prediction systems.

    Biotechnology and Healthcare

    • India emerged as a global biotechnology hub.
    • Advances include Affordable CAR-T cell therapy, Genomics and precision medicine, Next-generation antibiotics, and Indigenous diagnostics and vaccines.
    • India’s COVID-19 vaccines showcased domestic scientific capability.

    CSIR Innovations

    The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) expanded its outreach through:

    • Aroma Mission promoting high-value aromatic crops.
    • Steel slag road technology converting industrial waste into road-building material.
    • Technologies in healthcare, energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.

    Deep Ocean Technologies

    • Development of Matsya 6000, India’s manned submersible.
    • Development of Varaha, an indigenous deep-sea mining system.

    Major Scientific Initiatives

    • Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
    • National Quantum Mission
    • National Supercomputing Mission
    • Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund
    • National Geospatial Policy

    Nuclear Energy Reforms

    • Opening of the nuclear energy sector to greater private participation.
    • Expected to boost Investment, Innovation, and Capacity creation.

    [2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

    [A] Cloud Services

    [B] Quantum Computing

    [C] Visible Light Communication Technologies

    [D] Wireless Communication Technologies

  • DRDO Successfully Flight-Tests Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM)

    Why in the news?

    The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the flight test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island on 15 June 2026

    About LRLACM

    • LRLACM stands for Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile.
    • It is an indigenously developed cruise missile.
    • All major subsystems have been developed by DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners.
    • The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bengaluru is the nodal laboratory.

    What is a Cruise Missile?

    • A guided missile that flies within the atmosphere for most of its trajectory.
    • Uses aerodynamic lift and propulsion throughout flight.
    • Designed for high precision strikes against land targets.
    • Generally flies at low altitudes to avoid radar detection.

    Cruise Missile vs Ballistic Missile

    • Cruise missiles: Powered throughout flight and follow a relatively flat trajectory.
    • Ballistic missiles: Powered only during the initial phase and then follow a ballistic path under gravity.

    [2023] Consider the following statements
    1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of fight.
    2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] Both 1 and 2

    [D] Neither 1 nor 2