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Type: Prelims Only

  • Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)

    Why in News?

    The government highlighted the achievements of SMAM, including wider access to farm machinery, Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), and drone-based precision farming.

    Key Facts

    • Launched in 2014-15 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under RKVY (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana).
    • Promotes mechanization among small & marginal farmers, women, SC/STs, FPOs, SHGs, and rural entrepreneurs.
    • Supports:
      • Subsidies for farm machinery
      • Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs)
      • Farm Machinery Banks (FMBs)
      • Hi-Tech Hubs
      • Training, testing, and demonstrations
      • Drone-based agriculture

    Financial Assistance

    • 40% subsidy for general farmers.
    • 50% subsidy for SC/STs, small & marginal farmers, and North Eastern States.
    • Funding pattern: 60:40 (Centre:State) for most states, 90:10 for NE & Himalayan states, and 100% Central funding for UTs

    Achievements (2014-15 to 2025-26)

    • ₹9,404.47 crore central assistance.
    • 21.61 lakh farm machines distributed.
    • 27,554 CHCs established.
    • 25,608 Farm Machinery Banks created.
    • 646 Hi-Tech Hubs established.

    Drone Promotion

    • ₹52.5 crore allocated.
    • 40,928 drone demonstrations over 40,918 hectares (2023-24 to 2025-26).
    • ICAR institutes, KVKs, and SAUs receive 100% support (up to ₹10 lakh per drone).
    • FPOs receive 75% grant.

    Special Features

    • 30% of total funds earmarked for women farmers.
    • Special incentives for North Eastern States, including up to 100% subsidy for small machinery.

    Significance

    • Enhances farm productivity and efficiency.
    • Reduces labour dependence and cost of cultivation.
    • Promotes precision farming and post-harvest mechanization.
    • Improves access to modern machinery for small farmers.

    [2023] Which one of the following best describes the concept of ‘Small Farmer Large Field’?

    [A] Resettlement of a large number of people, uprooted from their countries due to war, by giving them a large cultivable land which they cultivate collectively and share the produce

    [B] Many marginal farmers in an area organize themselves into groups and synchronize and harmonize selected agricultural operations

    [C] Many marginal farmers in an area together make a contract with a corporate body and surrender their land to the corporate body for a fixed term for which the corporate body makes a payment of agreed amount to the farmers

    [D] A company extends loans, technical knowledge and material inputs to a number of small farmers in an area so that they produce the agricultural commodity required by the company for its manufacturing process and commercial production

  • Poshan Tracker

    Why in News?

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) highlighted the achievements of the Poshan Tracker, India’s real time nutrition monitoring platform under Mission Poshan 2.0.

    What is Poshan Tracker?

    • Mobile based application launched in March 2021.
    • Developed by MoWCD with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
    • Digital backbone of POSHAN Abhiyaan.
    • Enables real time monitoring of nutrition, beneficiaries, and Anganwadi services.

    About POSHAN Abhiyaan

    • Launched on 8 March 2018.
    • India’s flagship National Nutrition Mission.
    • In 2021, merged with Anganwadi Services and Scheme for Adolescent Girls under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.

    Key Features

    • Aadhaar based beneficiary authentication.
    • Facial Recognition System (FRS) for service verification.
    • Digital home visit scheduler.
    • Poshan Calculator based on WHO Child Growth Standards.
    • Tracks stunting, wasting, underweight, SAM, MAM, and obesity.
    • Provides ECCE learning content and Poshan Helpline (1515).

    Achievements (May 2026)

    • Covers 28 States and 8 UTs.
    • 8.93 crore beneficiaries registered.
    • 7.7 crore children tracked through Aadhaar authenticated database.
    • 6.3 crore children (0 to 5 years) monitored for growth (about 94% coverage).
    • 5.5 crore beneficiaries received Supplementary Nutrition for at least 15 days.

    Significance

    • Enables evidence based nutrition governance.
    • Reduces leakages and duplicate beneficiaries.
    • Strengthens Anganwadi service delivery.
    • Supports Digital India and Viksit Bharat.

    Prelims Facts

    • POSHAN Abhiyaan: 2018.
    • Poshan Tracker: March 2021.
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development.
    • Uses WHO Child Growth Standards.
    • Operates under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.

    [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

  • AISHE 2023-24: India’s Higher Education Enrolment Reaches 4.5 Crore

    Why in News?

    The Ministry of Education has released the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2022-23 and 2023-24, showing that India’s higher education enrolment has reached 4.5 crore, reflecting significant improvements in access, gender parity, and participation of socially disadvantaged groups.

    Key Highlights

    • Total higher education enrolment reached 4.5 crore in 2023-24.
    • Enrolment increased by 31.5% from 3.42 crore in 2014-15.
    • Data was collected from 59,533 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
    • Institutional participation in the survey exceeded 90%.

    Gender Parity

    • Gender Parity Index (GPI) stood at 1.08 in 2023-24.
    • Female participation has remained higher than male participation for seven consecutive years.
    • Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): Overall GER: 30, and Female GER: 31.2
    • Female teachers increased to 7.78 lakh, constituting 44.9% of the total teaching workforce.

    Inclusion of Marginalised Communities

    • Scheduled Castes (SC): Enrolment increased by 51.4% since 2014-15. Total enrolment reached 69.72 lakh. GER increased from 18.9 to 27.8.
    • Scheduled Tribes (ST):Enrolment increased by 75.7%. Total enrolment reached 28.83 lakh. GER increased from 13.5 to 22.8.
    • Other Backward Classes (OBC): Enrolment increased by 60.2%. Student strength rose from 1.13 crore to 1.80 crore.

    STEM Education

    • STEM enrolment crossed 1.02 crore students.
    • Female share in STEM increased from 38.4% in 2014-15 to 44% in 2023-24.
    • Total teachers in higher education increased to 17.32 lakh.

    About AISHE

    • All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) was launched in 2011 by the Ministry of Education.
    • It is India’s primary database on higher education.
    • Covers: Universities, Colleges, and Standalone institutions
    • Collects information on: Student enrolment, Teachers, Infrastructure, Courses, Examination results, and Finance
    • Data is self-reported by institutions through an online Data Capture Format (DCF) portal.
    • The Ministry conducts validation and scrutiny, while data accuracy is the responsibility of the participating institutions.

    Key Indicators Used in AISHE

    • Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): Percentage of students enrolled in higher education compared to the total population in the 18 to 23 years age group.
    • Gender Parity Index (GPI): Ratio of female GER to male GER. GPI = 1 indicates equal participation. GPI > 1 indicates higher female participation.

    [2017] What is the aim of the programme ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’?

    [a] Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and government’s education system and local communities.

    [b] Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies.

    [c] Strengthening India’s scientific research institutions in order to make India a scientific and technological power.

    [d] Developing human capital by allocating special funds for health care and education of rural and urban poor, and organizing skill development programmes and vocational training for them.

    1. India and Indonesia Launch Joint Restoration Project at Prambanan Temple

      Why in News?

      India and Indonesia have launched a joint conservation and restoration project at the Prambanan Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia.

      Key Highlights

      • Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto jointly inaugurated the restoration project.
      • The project aims to conserve and restore the historic Prambanan Temple Complex.
      • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the lead agency from the Indian side.
      • The initiative reflects the deep civilisational, cultural, and historical ties between India and Indonesia.
      • It also strengthens bilateral cooperation in heritage conservation and cultural diplomacy.

      About Prambanan Temple

      • Located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
      • Built in the 9th century CE during the Mataram Kingdom.
      • It is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and one of the largest in Southeast Asia.
      • Dedicated to the Trimurti: Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver), and Shiva (Destroyer)
      • The tallest temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, standing about 47 metres high.
      • The temple walls depict episodes from the Ramayana and Bhagavata Purana.
      • Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

      Architectural Features

      • Built in the classical Hindu temple architecture style.
      • Constructed mainly using andesite stone.
      • Characterised by tall, pointed towers and intricate stone carvings.
      • The temple complex originally consisted of 240 temples, though many are now in ruins.

      Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

      • Established in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham.
      • Functions under the Ministry of Culture.
      • Responsible for:
        • Conservation of protected monuments and archaeological sites.
        • Archaeological excavations.
        • Preservation of cultural heritage.
        • Maintenance of ancient monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

      Significance of the Project

      • Reinforces India’s cultural diplomacy under the Act East Policy.
      • Highlights the spread of Indian civilisation, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sanskrit culture in Southeast Asia.
      • Promotes cooperation in heritage conservation, tourism, and archaeological research.
      • Strengthens the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

      [2025] Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime State, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands?

      [A] Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta)

      [B] Prataparudra (Kakatiya)

      [C] Rajendra 1 (Chola)

      [D] Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala)

    2. DRDO Successfully Tests Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket

      Why in News?

      The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. The test validated its user defined minimum strike range of 60 km and demonstrated high precision strike capability.

      Key Highlights

      • Successfully validated the minimum strike range of 60 km.
      • The rocket executed all planned in flight manoeuvres and accurately hit the designated target.
      • It followed the predicted trajectory with high precision.
      • Launched from an in service Pinaka launcher, demonstrating compatibility with multiple Pinaka rocket variants.
      • This enhances operational flexibility for the Indian Army.

      Development

      • Designed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune.
      • Developed in collaboration with the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune.
      • Supported by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad and Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
      • Flight trial coordinated by the Integrated Test Range (ITR) and Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Chandipur.

      About Pinaka Rocket System

      • Pinaka is an indigenously developed Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL).
      • Developed by DRDO for the Indian Army.
      • Named after Lord Shiva’s bow, Pinaka.
      • Provides rapid, high volume artillery fire against enemy positions.
      • Mounted on a high mobility vehicle.
      • Can fire 12 rockets in about 44 seconds.
      • Suitable for: Area suppression, Counter battery fire, Destruction of troop concentrations, and Neutralising enemy logistics and command centres

      Pinaka Variants

      • Pinaka Mk I: Range of about 37 to 40 km.
      • Guided Pinaka: Precision guided rocket with a range of about 75 km.
      • Pinaka Enhanced Range (ER): Range of about 90 km.
      • Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR): Maximum range of about 120 km, while the latest test validated a user defined strike range of 60 km.

      [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

    3. Mission Drishti Loses Communication After Solar Storm

      Why in News?

      Mission Drishti, developed by Bengaluru based GalaxEye, lost communication after a geomagnetic solar storm affected the satellite during the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP).

      Key Highlights

      • Launched on 3 May 2026 aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg, California.
      • World’s first OptoSAR satellite, combining optical imaging and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
      • India’s largest privately developed Earth observation satellite.
      • Radiation from the solar storm likely affected a critical onboard system, causing communication loss.
      • Recovery efforts are ongoing, but chances of recovery are currently low.

      What is OptoSAR?

      • Integrates optical cameras with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
      • Provides high-resolution imaging in all weather conditions, including through clouds and at night.
      • Useful for disaster management, agriculture, defence, mapping, and environmental monitoring.

      Significance

      • Validated several indigenous satellite technologies and mission operations.
      • Strengthens India’s private space ecosystem.
      • Lessons from the mission will improve future spacecraft reliability.
      • GalaxEye plans to launch two next-generation OptoSAR satellites within the next 24 months.

      [2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?:
      1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
      2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
      3. Power grids could be damaged.
      4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
      5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
      6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed
      7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
      Select the correct answer using the code given below;

      [A] 1, 2, 4 and 5 only

      [B] 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only

      [C] 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only

      [D] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and

    4. IoT Based Smart Health Tracker for Himalayan Yaks

      Why in News?

      Scientists have developed an Internet of Things (IoT) based smart system to monitor the health, movement, and stress of high altitude yaks in the Himalayan region.

      Key Highlights

      • Developed by scientists from ICAR National Research Centre on Yak (NRC-Y), Dirang (Arunachal Pradesh) and Assam Don Bosco University.
      • The device is attached to a collar worn by the yak.
      • Features:
        • Geo-fencing to track movement.
        • Real time health monitoring.
        • Early prediction of stress and illness.
      • Helps monitor livestock in remote border areas where physical surveillance is difficult.

      Significance

      • Improves yak health and productivity.
      • Supports the livelihoods of Himalayan pastoral communities (Brokpas).
      • Reduces livestock loss and enables timely veterinary intervention.
      • Demonstrates the use of IoT in precision livestock farming.

      Prelims Facts

      • Scientific name: Bos grunniens
      • Known as the “Ship of the Himalayas.”
      • Found above 8,000 feet.
      • India has about 58,000 yaks (20th Livestock Census), with nearly half in Ladakh; others are found in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

      [2018] When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day’s weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step’ out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a message to your office accordingly. In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following terms best applies to the above scenario?

      [A] Border Gateway Protocol

      [B] Internet of Things

      [C] Internet Protocol

      [D] Virtual Private Network

    5. Index of Services Production (ISP)

      Why in News?

      The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the report of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on compiling the Index of Services Production (ISP) with base year 2024-25. The trial ISP series will be released on 14 July 2026.

      Key Highlights

      • ISP will be India’s first monthly indicator to measure short-term performance of the services sector.
      • Services contribute about 53% of India’s Gross Value Added (GVA).
      • It will complement the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

      Data Sources

      • GST aggregated data for market-based services.
      • Administrative data from Railways, Aviation, Banking and Insurance.
      • ASISSE data for Health and Education.

      Technical Features

      • Base Year: 2024-25
      • Index Type: Laspeyres Volume Index
      • Classification: 2-digit NIC 2025
      • Weights: Gross Value Added (GVA)
      • Release: Monthly, within 60 days of the reference month.

      Significance

      • Provides a high-frequency indicator for the services sector.
      • Improves economic policymaking and monitoring.
      • Enhances India’s statistical system using GST-based data.

      [2020] With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct?

      1. India’s merchandise exports are less than its merchandise imports.
      2.India’s imports of iron and steel, chemicals, fertilisers and machinery have decreased in recent years.
      3.India’s exports of services are more than its imports of services.
      4.India suffers from an overall trade/current account deficit.
      Select the correct answer using the code given below:
      a) 1 and 2 only
      b) 2 and 4 only
      c) 3 only
      d) 1, 3 and 4 only

    6. India and Costa Rica Hold First JETCO Meeting

      Why in News?

      India and Costa Rica held the first Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting virtually on 6 to 7 July 2026 to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties.

      Key Highlights

      • Bilateral merchandise trade reached USD 391 million in 2025-26.
      • Both sides reviewed trade, investment, and regulatory frameworks.
      • Cooperation areas include:
        • Standards and certification
        • Food safety
        • Pharmaceutical regulation
        • Export certification
      • India highlighted opportunities in pharmaceuticals, digital technologies, manufacturing, and innovation.
      • Costa Rica shared its experience in Central American regional trade integration.

      What is JETCO?

      • A bilateral mechanism established under the MoU on Economic Cooperation.
      • It reviews trade and investment, resolves trade issues, and promotes business, regulatory, and institutional cooperation.

      Significance

      • Strengthens India’s engagement with Latin America.
      • Facilitates trade by reducing non-tariff barriers.
      • Expands opportunities in high-value sectors and innovation.

      Prelims Facts

      • Capital: San José
      • Currency: Costa Rican Colón
      • Region: Central America
      • No standing army since 1948.

      [2023] Which one of the following countries has been suffering from decades of civil strife and food shortages and was in news in the recent past for its very severe famine?

      [A] Angola

      [B] Costa Rica

      [C] Ecuador

      [D] Somalia

    7. INS Mahendragiri (Project 17A Stealth Frigate)

      Why in News?

      The Indian Navy will commission INS Mahendragiri (F38), the sixth Project 17A indigenous stealth frigate, at Visakhapatnam on 11 July 2026.

      Note: Project 17A is a ₹45,000-crore Indian Navy initiative to build seven advanced Nilgiri-class stealth frigates.

      Key Highlights

      • Named after the Mahendragiri Hills in the Eastern Ghats.
      • Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB).
      • Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai.
      • Features over 75% indigenous content, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
      • Powered by Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion for high speed and long endurance.

      Features

      • Advanced stealth design with reduced radar signature.
      • Equipped with:
        • Surface-to-Surface Missiles (SSM)
        • Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM)
        • Electronic Warfare (EW) systems
        • Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) systems
        • Integrated Combat Management System (CMS)
      • High degree of automation and enhanced survivability.

      Operational Roles

      • Anti-air warfare, Anti-surface warfare, Anti-submarine warfare, Maritime security, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), Search and Rescue (SAR), and Indo-Pacific presence missions

      Significance

      • Strengthens India’s indigenous warship-building capability.
      • Enhances the Indian Navy’s blue-water combat capability.
      • Boosts the domestic defence ecosystem, including MSMEs.
      • Reinforces India’s role as the Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

      [2026] Which of the following statements with regard to stealth technology is/are correct ?
      1. Stealth objects have a very small radar cross-section and are coated with Radar Absorbing Material.
      2. Stealth objects can be detected using specific frequencies.
      3. Stealth objects are coated with metamaterials to increase the scattering of electromagnetic radiation.
      Select the answer using the code given below :

      [A] 1 only

      [B] 2 and 3 only

      [C] 1 and 2 only

      [D] 1, 2 and 3