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Type: Prelims 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. India Approves First Dengue Vaccine (QDENGA)

      Why in News?

      India has approved its first dengue vaccine, QDENGA (TAK-003), developed by Takeda Biopharmaceuticals, after receiving market authorization from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

      Key Highlights

      • First dengue vaccine approved in India.
      • Approved for individuals aged 4 to 60 years.
      • Type: Live attenuated tetravalent vaccine.
      • Protects against all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, DENV-4).
      • Dosage: Two doses administered 3 months apart.
      • Can be given irrespective of previous dengue infection.
      • No pre-vaccination screening is required.

      Clinical Performance

      • Based on 19 Phase I, II and III clinical trials involving over 28,000 participants.
      • Phase III (TIDES) trial enrolled 20,000+ participants across eight dengue-endemic countries.
      • 80.2% efficacy against confirmed dengue (12 months after second dose).
      • 90.4% efficacy against dengue-related hospitalization (18 months).
      • Long-term studies showed sustained protection for up to 7 years.

      Global Status

      • Approved in 43 countries.
      • WHO recommends its use in high dengue transmission settings.
      • Received WHO prequalification.
      • Included in the national immunization programmes of Brazil and public programmes in Argentina, Colombia, and Indonesia.

      About Dengue

      • Cause: Dengue virus (Flavivirus).
      • Vector: Female Aedes aegypti mosquito (also Aedes albopictus).
      • Transmission: Mosquito-borne (not spread directly from person to person).
      • Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, and bleeding in severe cases.
      • Severe Form: Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) and Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS).

      [2023] ‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?

      [A] Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes.

      [B] Converting crop residues into packing material.

      [C] Producing biodegradable plastics.

      [D] Producing biochar from thermo- chemical conversion of biomass

    3. 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

    4. 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

    5. 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

    6. 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

    7. Lakhpati Didi Mission: Roadmap for 6 Crore Lakhpati Didis

      Why in News?

      The Ministry of Rural Development, in collaboration with BRLPS-JEEVIKA, organised a two-day Regional Workshop to prepare a strategy and roadmap for achieving the national target of 6 Crore Lakhpati Didis.

      Key Highlights

      • Objective: Formulate a Strategy, Roadmap, and Annual Action Plan (FY 2026–27) for creating 6 Crore Lakhpati Didis.
      • Organised by: Ministry of Rural Development with BRLPS-JEEVIKA at BIPARD, Gaya (Bihar).
      • Key Focus Areas:
        • Farm and non-farm livelihoods.
        • Enterprise promotion and value addition.
        • Digital Management Information System (MIS).
        • Market linkages and convergence.
        • Climate-resilient livelihoods.
      • Major Outcomes:
        • Strategy for sustainable income enhancement.
        • Greater use of digital platforms and data-driven planning.
        • Strengthening community institutions and SHGs.
        • MoU signed between BRLPS-JEEVIKA and Arunachal State Rural Livelihood Mission (ArSRLM) for knowledge sharing.
      • Milestone Achieved: 3 Crore Lakhpati Didis; next target is 6 Crore.

      About Lakhpati Didi Initiative

      • Launched under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
      • Aims to enable women Self-Help Group (SHG) members to earn a sustainable annual household income of at least ₹1 lakh through diversified livelihood activities.
      • Focuses on financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, skill development, and market access.

      [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

    8. India Secures Three New Codex Standards for Spices

      Why in News?

      The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) adopted global standards for Large Cardamom, Coriander, and Vanilla at its 49th Session (CAC49) in Geneva. India also became Co-Chair of a new Electronic Working Group (EWG) on risk analysis for new food products.

      Key Highlights

      • Three Codex Standards Adopted: Large Cardamom, Coriander, and Vanilla.
      • Codex Commission: Jointly established by FAO and WHO to develop international food safety and quality standards.
      • India’s Role:
        • Hosts the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH).
        • Spices Board India serves as the Secretariat of CCSCH.
      • Significance:
        • Harmonised global quality standards for spices.
        • Improves market access, fair trade, and export competitiveness.
      • Large Cardamom: Indigenous to the North-Eastern Himalayan region of India.
      • New Leadership Role: India accepted as Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group (EWG) on risk analysis for new food products.

      Prelims Facts

      • Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC):
        • Established in 1963 by FAO and WHO.
        • Develops science-based international food standards.
        • Protects consumer health and promotes fair practices in food trade.
      • Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH): Hosted by India. Secretariat: Spices Board India.

      [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