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  • Sound Waves for Energy-Efficient Next-Generation Computing

    Why in the news?

    Researchers from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) have discovered a new mechanism to generate and control spin currents using sound waves, opening avenues for low-power computing, spintronics, and quantum technologies.

    Key Highlights

    • Researchers developed a method to generate magnon-based spin currents using Surface Acoustic Waves (SAWs).
    • The study was published in Physical Review B.
    • It offers a pathway towards Energy-efficient electronics, Quantum computing, Next-generation communication technologies.

    Why is this Important?

    • Limitations of Conventional Electronics: Traditional electronics use: Movement of electric charge (electrons)
    • Problems: Heat generation, Energy loss, Reduced efficiency at smaller scales

    What is Spintronics?

    Spintronics (Spin Electronics) is a technology that uses the Spin of electrons. Along with their charge to process and store information.

    Advantages

    • Lower power consumption.
    • Faster processing speeds.
    • Reduced heat generation.
    • Higher data storage density.

    What are Magnons?

    Magnons are Quanta of spin waves or collective disturbances in the magnetic ordering of a material.

    What are Surface Acoustic Waves (SAWs)?

    Surface Acoustic Waves are Sound waves that travel along the surface of a material.

    Characteristics

    • Cause tiny mechanical vibrations.
    • Commonly used in: Mobile communication filters, Sensors, Signal processing devices.

    [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

  • Infrastructure at the Core of India’s Development (PIB)

    Why in the news?

    The Government highlighted major infrastructure achievements over the past 12 years across transport, logistics, water, housing, energy, and digital sectors, emphasizing their role in achieving Viksit Bharat 2047.

    1. Railways

    • Railway budgetary support increased from ₹32,000 crore (2014-15) to ₹2.78 lakh crore (2026-27).
    • Railway electrification:
      • About 20% before 2014
      • 99.6% by March 2026
      • 69,873 route km electrified.
    • Vande Bharat trains: 162 services operational (April 2026).
    • Vande Bharat Sleeper: launched in January 2026.
    • Amrit Bharat Express: 60 services operational.
    • Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor
      • Length: 508 km
      • Design speed: 320 kmph.
    • Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (2023): 208 stations redeveloped out of 1,338 identified.
    • Kavach:
      • Indigenous Automatic Train Protection System.
      • Operational on 3,103 route km.
      • Installed on 4,277 locomotives.
    • Train accidents declined from 135 (2014-15) to 16 (2025-26).

    Important Railway Projects

    • Chenab Bridge (2025): World’s highest railway arch bridge. Height: 359 m above Chenab River.
    • Anji Khad Bridge: India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge.
    • Pamban Bridge (2025): India’s first vertical-lift railway sea bridge.
    • Bairabi-Sairang Railway Line: Connects Mizoram. Length: 51.38 km.

    Roads and Highways

    • India’s road network: 63.73 lakh km and Second largest globally.
    • National Highways:
      • 91,287 km (FY14)
      • 1,46,566 km (March 2026).
    • Four-lane and above highways: 18,371 km to 45,516 km.
    • Access-controlled expressways: 3,644 km operational.

    PMGSY

    • Rural habitations connected: 99.6% eligible habitations.
    • Completed roads: 4.11 lakh km (2014-26).
    • Bridges completed: 10,293.

    Bharatmala Pariyojana

    • Approved: 2017.
    • Roads completed: 22,590 km.

    Landmark Projects

    • Z-Morh (Sonamarg) Tunnel, Sudarshan Setu, Maitri Setu over Feni River, Atal Tunnel, Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Tunnel, Dhola-Sadiya Bridge.

    2. Civil Aviation

    • Operational airports: 74 (2014) and 165 (2026).
    • Investments: Over ₹1.4 lakh crore.

    UDAN

    • Launched: 2016.
    • Routes operational: 665 routes.
    • Connected: 95 airports/heliports/water aerodromes.
    • Beneficiaries: Over 1.64 crore passengers.
    • Modified UDAN (2026): Outlay: ₹28,840 crore.

    Digi Yatra

    • Facial recognition-based travel.
    • Operational at 38 airports.

    GAGAN

    • Operational since 2015.
    • World’s first equatorial Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS).

    3. Metro and RRTS

    • Metro network: 248 km (2014) to 1,155+ km (2026).
    • India has the third-largest metro network.
    • Metro cities: 5 to 26.

    Notable Developments

    • Kolkata: India’s first underwater metro tunnel.
    • Kochi: India’s first Water Metro.
    • Namo Bharat: Delhi-Meerut RRTS.

    4. Ports and Waterways

    • Major port capacity: 873 MMTPA (2014) to 1,726 MMTPA (2026).
    • Cargo handled: 581 MMT to 915 MMT.
    • Vessel turnaround: 94 hours to 48.8 hours.

    Sagarmala Programme

    • Launched: 2015.
    • Projects completed: 78.

    Inland Waterways

    • National Waterways: 5 (2014) to 111 (2026).
    • Operational waterways: 32.
    • Cargo movement: 29 MMT to 218 MMT.

    Jal Marg Vikas Project

    • On National Waterway-1.
    • Stretch: Varanasi to Haldia.

    Arth Ganga

    • Community jetties: 66 operational.

    5. Industrial Infrastructure

    • Industrial parks mapped: 4,220.
    • Plug-and-play parks: 272 operational.
    • Industrial smart cities approved: 20.

    BHAVYA Scheme

    • Approved: March 2026.
    • Objective: Develop 100 plug-and-play industrial parks.

    6. Logistics

    PM GatiShakti

    • Launched: 2021.
    • GIS platform integrating: 58 Ministries/Departments.
    • Data layers: 3,202+.

    National Logistics Policy

    • Launched: 2022.
    • India’s Logistics Performance Index rank: 54 (2014) to 38 (2023).

    Digital Logistics Platforms

    • ULIP (2022).
    • Logistics Data Bank (2016).
    • NETC FASTag (2016).

    PRAGATI

    • Launched: 2015.
    • Projects reviewed: 382.
    • Value: ₹85 lakh crore.

    7. Water Infrastructure

    Jal Jeevan Mission

    • Launched: 2019.
    • Rural tap coverage: 17% at launch to 81.94% (June 2026).
    • Households covered: 15.86 crore.

    Other Initiatives

    • PMKSY (2015), Namami Gange (2014), Ken-Betwa Link Project (2021, FloodWatch India App, and Dam Safety Act, 2021.

    8. Housing

    PMAY-U

    • Launched: 2015.
    • Houses sanctioned: 125.31 lakh.
    • Houses completed: 98.10 lakh.
    • PMAY-U 2.0: One crore additional beneficiaries by 2028-29.

    PMAY-G

    • Launched: 2016.
    • Houses completed: 3.06 crore.

    SWAMIH Fund

    • Launched: 2019.
    • Corpus: ₹15,531 crore.

    AMRUT

    • Launched: 2015.
    • Projects sanctioned: ₹2.79 lakh crore.

    9. Energy

    • Installed capacity: 248 GW (2014) to 532.74 GW (2026).
    • Power shortage: 4.2% to 0.03%.

    Renewable Energy

    India is: 3rd largest clean energy capacity holder and 4th largest installed wind energy producer.

    Important Schemes

    • PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (2024).
    • GOBARdhan Scheme (2018).
    • Saubhagya Scheme (2017).

    International Initiatives

    • International Solar Alliance: 125 member countries.
    • Global Biofuels Alliance: 33 countries and 14 organisations.

    10. LPG and Clean Cooking

    • LPG coverage: 55.9% (2014) to 107.2% (2026).
    • LPG consumers: 14.51 crore to 33.39 crore.

    PM Ujjwala Yojana

    • Launched: 2016.
    • Additional 25 lakh connections approved in FY26.

    11. Digital Infrastructure

    • Internet connections: 25.15 crore to 100.29 crore.
    • Broadband:6.1 crore to 99.56 crore.
    • Monthly data usage: 61.66 MB to 24.01 GB.

    PM-WANI

    • Launched: 2020.
    • Wi-Fi hotspots: 4.10 lakh+.

    5G

    • Available in 99.9% districts.
    • 5.08 lakh BTS installed.

    JAM Trinity

    • Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile.

    UPI

    • March 2026: 2,264 crore transactions and ₹29.53 lakh crore value.
    • Operational in UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius, and Qatar.

    Important Digital Platforms

    • DigiLocker, UMANG, Common Service Centres, eHospital, PM e-Vidya, DIKSHA, SWAYAM.

    [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

  • Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan (PMSMA)

    Why in the news?

    The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan (PMSMA) completed 10 years on 9 June 2026. Since its launch in 2016, over 7.5 crore pregnant women have received antenatal care services under the scheme.

    About PMSMA

    • Launched: 9 June 2016
    • Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
    • Objective:
      • Ensure safe pregnancy and childbirth.
      • Provide free and quality antenatal care (ANC).
      • Identify and manage high-risk pregnancies (HRPs).

    Beneficiaries

    • Pregnant women in Second trimester (13-27 weeks) and Third trimester (28 weeks till delivery)
    • Special focus on High-risk pregnancies and Women missing routine ANC services

    Key Features

    Monthly ANC Services

    • Conducted on the 9th of every month.
    • Available at designated government health facilities.

    Service Package

    • Clinical examination, Blood and urine tests, Ultrasonography, Free medicines, Nutrition counselling, Birth preparedness counselling, and Safe pregnancy awareness

    High-Risk Pregnancy (HRP) Identification

    What is a high-risk pregnancy?

    • Pregnancies with conditions that increase the risk of complications for the mother or baby.

    PMSMA Screens for 25 HRP Conditions

    • Important conditions include: Severe anaemia, HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, Gestational diabetes, Pregnancy-induced hypertension, Hypothyroidism, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Hepatitis B, Twin/multiple pregnancy, Previous Caesarean section, History of stillbirth, Teenage pregnancy, Advanced-age pregnancy, Negative blood group

    Follow-up Mechanism

    • HRPs linked to nearest: First Referral Unit (FRU)
    • Individual tracking till safe delivery.

    Extended PMSMA (2022)

    • Launched in January 2022.
    • Purpose: Strengthen follow-up care for high-risk pregnancies.

    Features

    • Additional ANC visits.
    • Continuous monitoring.
    • SMS reminders to: Beneficiary and ASHA worker
    • Financial incentives for pregnant women and Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA)

    [2024] With reference to the ‘Pradhan Manti Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan’, consider the following statements:
    1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenatal care services to women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy and six months post-delivery health care service in any government health facility.
    2. Under this scheme, private sector health care providers of certain specialties can volunteer to provide service at nearby government health facilities.
    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

  • Report on Datasets for State Finance Commissions (SFCs)

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of Panchayati Raj released the Report of the Committee on Datasets for State Finance Commissions to strengthen evidence-based fiscal decentralisation and improve financial governance of local bodies.

    Key Highlights

    • Released by V. Anantha Nageswaran.
    • The report aims to strengthen: Fiscal decentralisation, Local public finance, and Data-driven governance
    • Focuses on improving data availability for Panchayats and State Finance Commissions (SFCs)

    Why is the Report Important?

    According to the Chief Economic Adviser:

    • Better data leads to better governance.
    • Sound fiscal decisions require: Reliable data, Timely data, and Granular (local-level) data
    • Effective delivery of services such as: Drinking water, Roads, Street lighting, Anganwadi services depend on empowered local governments.

    Major Recommendations

    • Panchayat-Level Fiscal Database: Creation of comprehensive databases on: Revenue, Expenditure, Assets, Liabilities.
    • Use of Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI): Classification of PAI indicators for SFC analysis and recommendations.
    • State Finance Commission Cells: Dedicated SFC Cells in State Governments, to support: Data collection, Research, Technical analysis
    • Standardised Accounting Framework: Uniform accounting and reporting systems across States.
    • Common Reporting Framework: Standard format for SFC reports. Enables comparison and consistency.
    • Data Handbooks: Publication of comprehensive Panchayat data handbooks.
    • State Finance Commission Manual: Preparation of a standard operational guide for future SFCs.

    State Finance Commission (SFC)

    • Constitutional Basis: Article 243-I: Provides for constitution of a State Finance Commission by the Governor every five years.
    • Functions
      • Review financial position of Panchayats.
      • Recommend distribution of State taxes, Duties, Tolls, Fees between State Government and local bodies.
      • Suggest measures to improve local finances.

    [2025] Consider the following statements :
    I. Panchayats at the intermediate level exist in all States.
    II. To be eligible to be a Member of a Panchayat at the intermediate level, a person should attain the age of thirty years.
    III. The Chief Minister of a State constitutes a commission to review the financial position of Panchayats at the intermediate levels and to make recommendations regarding the distribution of net proceeds of taxes and duties, leviable by the State, between the State and Panchayats at the intermediate level.
    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

  • IMI-Resistant Mustard Hybrids

    Why in the news?

    India is set to begin large-scale cultivation of imidazolinone-resistant (IMI-resistant) mustard hybrids during the 2026-27 rabi season to tackle the parasitic weed Orobanche (Phelipanche), which significantly reduces mustard yields.

    Key Highlights

    • Mustard is a major oilseed crop in India.
    • India imported around 16 million tonnes of edible oil and Worth nearly ₹1.6 lakh crore in 2024-25.
    • The new hybrids are resistant to IMI herbicides
    • Main target Orobanche/Phelipanche, a root parasitic weed.

    What is Orobanche?

    https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/Qei5WJuL-Rr_xTIzlCInNirTBQpRVL3O34CGG6B68RBWV0IAE1OJC19nfEHxPF8pd4N3UBIyCrDEXg4K_8VjNBKQchGiadQ9D4C-Nh_wdl2OaRZ_ZT9no0h2Jadoxh9AhOsPBZJHloSRD_kA2CRmo_W98rssDji6_lHfc2ADRkM4lB-50F4ZX-LttuPjq6Wt?purpose=fullsize
    • A parasitic weed that attaches to mustard roots. Draws water and nutrients from the host plant
    • Causes major yield losses in mustard cultivation.
    • Difficult to remove manually because it grows below the soil surface.

    What are IMI-Resistant Mustard Hybrids?

    • These are mustard varieties resistant to imidazolinone herbicides.
    • Developed Through: Mutation Breeding. Not a genetically modified (GM) crop. Scientists select and preserve naturally occurring mutations.

    Scientific Basis

    • The resistance is linked to changes in the Acetolactate Synthase (ALS) enzyme
    • Normally, IMI herbicides inhibit the ALS enzyme. The plant dies.

    In resistant hybrids:

    • A DNA mutation changes ALS structure.
    • Herbicide cannot inhibit the enzyme.
    • Crop survives while weeds die.

    Advantages

    • Effective control of Orobanche.
    • Reduces labour requirement for manual weeding.
    • Helps improve mustard productivity.
    • Supports reduction in edible oil imports.
    • Useful in labour-scarce periods during the rabi season.

    [2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements :
    1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
    2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridise.
    3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 3 only
    [B] 2 only
    [C] 2 and 3
    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Zojila Tunnel

    Why in the news?

    The strategically important Zojila Tunnel achieved its final breakthrough on June 9, 2026, with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari overseeing the final blasting from the Kargil side. The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.

    Key Highlights

    • Length: 13.14 km
    • Altitude: 11,578 feet
    • Cost: Over ₹6,800 crore
    • Connects: Baltal (Kashmir) and Meenamarg/Drass (Ladakh)
    • Travel time reduced: From 3 hours to 20 minutes
    • Constructed by: Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd
    • Tunnel type: Single-tube, bi-directional, two-lane road tunnel
    • Geological Zone: Seismic Zone IV

    Strategic Importance

    • Ensures all-weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh.
    • Critical for the movement of Troops, Defence equipment, and Supplies to the Line of Actual Control (LAC)
    • Reduces dependence on the snow-prone Zojila Pass.
    • Enhances India’s strategic preparedness in border regions.

    Construction Method

    • The tunnel was constructed using the: New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM)

    Key features of NATM:

    • Sequential excavation
    • Immediate support using: Shotcrete and Rock bolting
    • Continuous geotechnical monitoring
    • Suitable for fragile Himalayan geology

    Q. 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

  • Nepal on Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura Dispute

    Why in the news?

    Shisir Khanal, Foreign Minister of Nepal, stated that Nepal seeks resolution of the Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura border dispute with India through diplomatic means and is not seeking third-party mediation.

    Key Highlights

    • Nepal reiterated its claim over the Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura trijunction.
    • Nepal clarified: Contact with the United Kingdom was regarding access to historical documents, not mediation.
    • India’s stand: Border issue should be resolved through existing bilateral mechanisms. No scope for third-party intervention.
    • Issue resurfaced after India announced the 2026 Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra route through Lipulekh Pass.
    • Nepal protested to India and China regarding use of the disputed area.

    About the Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura Dispute

    • Tri-junction area involving: India, Nepal and China (Tibet Autonomous Region).

    Strategic Importance

    • Lipulekh Pass: An important Himalayan mountain pass.
      • Used for: Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra and Trade with Tibet.

    Origin of the Dispute

    Treaty of Sugauli (1816)

    • Signed between British East India Company and Kingdom of Nepal.
    • Treaty defined Kali River as western boundary of Nepal.

    Core Issue

    • Disagreement over Origin/source of Kali River.
    • Nepal claims Limpiyadhura is the river’s origin. Hence Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura belong to Nepal.
    • India maintains a different interpretation of river origin and boundary alignment.

    Recent Developments

    2020 Map Controversy

    • Nepal released a new political map including Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura.
    • Nepal amended constitution to incorporate the map.

    Nepal’s New Political Context

    • Current government led by Balendra Shah.The
    • Foreign Minister said Nepal seeks a development-focused relationship with India. Wants to move beyond “old geopolitical baggage”.

    India-Nepal Cooperation

    • Recent Developments: Operationalisation of Peer-to-peer cross-border digital payment system.
    • Agreement Between: Nepal Clearing House Ltd and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

    About Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra

    • Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
    • Sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Bon followers.
    • Indian routes Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim).

    [2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.
    2.“Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.
    3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 2 only
    c) 3 only
    d) 1, 2 and 3

  • India’s Health Transformation

    Why in the news?

    India highlighted major achievements in healthcare over the past 12 years, focusing on universal health coverage, affordable healthcare, digital health, disease control, and healthcare infrastructure expansion.

    Key Highlights

    • Over 44 crore families are insured under Ayushman Bharat.
    • More than 1.86 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational.
    • Over: 47 crore telemedicine consultations delivered.
    • 12 new AIIMS have been operational since 2014.
    • Generic medicines available: 50–90% cheaper through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
    • Maternal and child mortality have significantly reduced.
    • TB incidence and malaria deaths declined sharply.

    Ayushman Bharat Programme

    Ayushman Bharat is India’s flagship universal health coverage programme launched in 2018.

    Four Pillars

    1. AB-PMJAY
    2. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
    3. PM-ABHIM
    4. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

    AB-PMJAY

    • Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
    • World’s largest publicly funded health insurance scheme.
    • Provides: ₹5 lakh annual insurance per family.
    • Covers: About 12 crore vulnerable families.
    • 44.14 crore Ayushman cards issued.
    • 12.03 crore hospitalisations covered.
    • Treatment worth: ₹1.80 lakh crore provided.
    • 36,218 hospitals empanelled.
    • Extends insurance coverage to: All citizens above 70 years.

    Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs)

    • Purpose: Community-level comprehensive primary healthcare centres.
    • Preventive healthcare, Diagnostics, Mental healthcare, Teleconsultation, Free medicines, and Emergency care.
    • 1.86 lakh+ centres operational.
    • Over 540 crore cumulative footfall.

    PM-ABHIM

    • Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission
    • Objective: Strengthen healthcare infrastructure and pandemic preparedness.
    • Integrated public health labs.
    • Critical care hospital blocks.
    • Urban and rural wellness centres.
    • Disease surveillance systems.
    • Outlay: ₹64,180 crore.

    Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

    • Objective: Develop citizen-centric digital healthcare ecosystem.
    • ABHA: Ayushman Bharat Health Account.
    • 14-digit digital health ID.
    • Portable digital health records.
    • Paperless healthcare access.
    • Better health data integration.
    • 20.49 crore app registrations.
    • 27,328 healthcare facilities connected.

    National Health Mission (NHM)

    • National Rural Health Mission
    • National Urban Health Mission.
    • Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan: Free antenatal care for pregnant women.
    • Janani Suraksha Yojana: Promotes institutional deliveries.
    • Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram: Free delivery and treatment for mothers and newborns.
    • Mission Indradhanush: Vaccinate partially immunised and unvaccinated children and pregnant women.
      • 5.46 crore children vaccinated.
      • 1.32 crore pregnant women covered.
      • WHO Recognition: India declared free from maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015.

    U-WIN Platform

    • Purpose: Digital immunisation tracking platform.
    • 11.87 crore children registered.
    • 3.96 crore pregnant women registered.

    Tuberculosis Elimination

    • Programme: National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme
    • Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Community participation for TB elimination.
    • Support System: Nikshay Mitras provide nutritional and social support.

    Malaria Elimination

    • National Framework for Malaria Elimination launched in 2016.
    • Goal: Eliminate malaria by 2027.
    • Other Disease Control Achievements Improvements in: HIV/AIDS, Kala-azar, Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis, Leprosy, and Lymphatic Filariasis.

    COVID-19 Response

    • 220 crore vaccine doses administered.
    • Testing labs expanded: From 14 to 3,400.
    • Oxygen-supported beds increased significantly.
    • Vaccine Maitri: Vaccines supplied to nearly 100 countries.

    Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

    • Screenings Conducted Over: 60 crore cancer screenings.
    • Diseases Covered: Oral cancer, Breast cancer, Cervical cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension.

    Affordable Healthcare

    • Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
    • Benefits: Generic medicines available at 50–80% lower prices.

    AMRIT Pharmacies

    • Objective: Provide discounted life-saving medicines and implants.
    • Impact: ₹8,400 crore patient savings.

    Emergency Healthcare

    Ambulance Services

    • Dial 108: Medical emergencies.
    • Dial 102: Pregnant women and child transport.

    Digital Healthcare

    • eSanjeevani
    • 47 crore+ teleconsultations.
    • 2.34 lakh healthcare providers onboarded.

    Tele-MANAS

    • Purpose: Mental health tele-counselling service.
    • Coverage: Available in 20 languages across all States and UTs.
    • i-DRONE: Drone-based delivery of: Medicines, Vaccines, and Blood samples.
    • AI-enabled Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS).
    • “Cough Against TB” tool for TB screening.
    • MadhuNetrAI for diabetic retinopathy detection.

    Medical Education Expansion

    • Medical colleges more than doubled since 2014.
    • 157 new nursing colleges approved.
    • AYUSH Integration: Ministry of AYUSH established in 2014.
      • AYUSH facilities integrated with public health centres.
      • AYUSH Visa introduced in 2023.

    [2022] With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements:
    1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
    2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
    3. It has seamless portability across the country.
    .Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Scientists Discover New Species in Angola’s Lisima Plateau

    Why in the news?

    Wildlife experts under the Wilderness Project discovered several new insect and spider species during an expedition to the Lisima Plateau in Angola.

    Newly Identified Species

    • 8 new dragonfly species.
    • 3 new grasshopper species.
    • Around:
      • 60 new butterflies and moths.

    Other Notable Discoveries

    • Armoured predatory cricket.
    • New copper caterpillar species and butterfly.
    • Fluorescent crowned crab spider.
    • Blood-orange ladybird orb-web spider.

    Fluorescent Crowned Crab Spider

    • Special Feature: Fluoresces under ultraviolet (UV) light.
    • Fluorescence may help:
      • Communication
      • Camouflage
      • Predator avoidance.

    Ladybird Orb-Web Spider

    • Feature: Mimics ladybirds using bright coloration.
    • Purpose: Warns predators about:
      • Toxicity
      • Bitter taste.
    • Example of: Mimicry in nature.

    About Lisima Plateau

    • Remote plateau region in: Angola.

    Hydrological Importance

    • Feeds four major African river systems:
      • Congo River
      • Okavango River
      • Zambezi River
      • Cuanza River.

    Global Biodiversity Context

    • Around 8.7 million species exist globally.
    • Only about: 1.5 million species are documented.
    • Extinction Concern: More than 800 animal species extinct since 1500 due to human activities.

    [2023] Consider the following statements:
    1.Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.
    2.Some mushrooms have psycho- active properties.
    3.Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.
    4.Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] Only three

    [D] All four

  • Delhi Bird Atlas 2026

    Why in the news?

    The Delhi Bird Atlas released on 5 June 2026 documented bird distribution and abundance across Delhi for the first time and stated that Delhi ranks second among world capitals in bird diversity after Nairobi.

    Bird Diversity in Delhi

    • Total bird species recorded in Delhi: 471 species.
    • Additional: 22 species not re-recorded since 1975.
    • First-year survey findings:
      • 221 species recorded.
      • 200 species in winter.
      • 152 species in summer.

    Categories

    • 126 resident species.
    • 81 winter migrants.
    • 14 summer migrants.

    Why Delhi Has High Bird Diversity

    • Northern edge of the Aravalli Range.
    • Presence of:
      • Yamuna River floodplains.
      • Sahibi floodplains.
      • Wetlands and urban green spaces.
    • Proximity to: Western Himalayas.
    • Located near: Central Asian Flyway (CAF).

    What is the Central Asian Flyway (CAF)?

    • Major migratory bird route stretching from the Arctic region to the Indian Ocean.
    • Covers: Central Asia and South Asia.
    • Important for migratory waterbirds and shorebirds.
    • India lies at the heart of this flyway.

    [2011] The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?

    (a) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth.

    (b) It is a confluence of different biogeographical zones.

    (c) Exotic and invasive species have not been invasive species and have not been introduced in this region.

    (d) It has less human interference.