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Type: Prelims Only

  • Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin, May 2026

    Why in the news?

    The National Statistical Office (NSO) released the PLFS Monthly Bulletin for May 2026, showing a marginal softening in labour market conditions, while urban unemployment fell to its lowest level in one year.

    Key Highlights (15 years and above, Current Weekly Status)

    Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

    • Overall LFPR: 54.4%
      • April 2026: 55.0%
      • May 2025: 54.8%
    • Rural LFPR: 56.6%
    • Urban LFPR: 49.8%

    Female LFPR

    • Overall female LFPR: 32.8%
    • Rural female LFPR: 36.7%
    • Urban female LFPR: 24.8%
    • Urban female participation remained broadly stable compared to the previous month.

    Worker Population Ratio (WPR)

    • Overall WPR: 51.4%
      • April 2026: 52.2%
      • May 2025: 51.7%
    • Rural WPR: 53.8%
    • Urban WPR: 46.6%
    • Urban WPR remained largely unchanged.

    Unemployment Rate (UR)

    • Overall UR: 5.5%
    • Rural UR: 5.1%
    • Urban UR: 6.4%
      • April 2026: 6.6%
      • May 2025: 6.9%
    • Urban unemployment reached its lowest level since May 2025.

    Urban Unemployment

    • Female urban UR: 8.2%
    • Male urban UR: 5.9% (unchanged from April 2026).

    About PLFS

    • Conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
    • It is India’s primary survey on employment and unemployment.
    • Since January 2025, the methodology has been modified to provide monthly and quarterly estimates.

    [2020] With reference to the Indian economy after the 1991 economic liberalization, consider the following statements:

    1.Worker productivity (Rs. per worker at 2004 — 05 prices) increased in urban areas while it decreased in rural areas.
    2.The percentage share of rural areas in the workforce steadily increased.
    3.In rural areas, the growth in non-farm economy increased.
    4.The growth rate in rural employment decreased.

    Which of the statements given above is/are Correct?
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 3 and 4 only
    c) 3 only
    d) 1, 2 and 4 only

  • India-Slovakia Relations Elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership

    Why in the news?

    India and Slovakia elevated their bilateral ties to a “Comprehensive Partnership” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bratislava, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia’s establishment in 1993.

    Key Outcomes

    Comprehensive Partnership

    • Bilateral ties formally upgraded to a Comprehensive Partnership.
    • Focus on expanding cooperation across strategic and emerging sectors.

    Defence Cooperation

    • A Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed to enhance defence collaboration.
    • Areas of cooperation Defence technologies, Defence industrial cooperation, Capacity building, and Research and Development (R&D).
    • Defence identified as a key pillar of bilateral relations.

    Labour Mobility

    • MoU signed on labour migration and mobility.
    • Facilitates Movement of workers and Exchange of information between authorities.
    • Both countries agreed to conclude a Social Security Agreement.

    Education and Research

    • MoU signed between higher education authorities.
    • Promotes Academic partnerships, Institutional linkages, Mobility of students and researchers.
    • Special emphasis on STEM fields and humanities.

    Digital Cooperation

    • MoU signed on digital technologies.
    • Areas of collaboration Artificial Intelligence (AI), Semiconductors, Start-ups, Internet of Things (IoT), and 6G standardisation.

    Trade and Investment

    • Commitment to enhance two-way trade and investment.
    • Focus sectors Automobiles, Electronics, Advanced manufacturing, Green technologies, and Railways.
    • India-EU Free Trade Agreement expected to provide additional momentum.

    Counter-Terrorism Cooperation

    • Agreement to establish a Joint Working Group on Terrorism.
    • Both sides strongly condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
    • Called for: Action against terrorists and their sponsors, Effective implementation of the United Nations Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee regime, and Adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) under the UN framework.

    Multilateral Cooperation

    • Reaffirmed commitment to multilateralism.
    • Supported reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), including expansion of permanent and non-permanent membership.
    • Slovakia reiterated support for India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat and India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

    About Slovakia

    • Capital: Bratislava
    • Currency: Euro (€)
    • Member of European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
    • Became an independent country in 1993 following the dissolution of Czechoslovakia.

    [2025] Consider the following countries:
    I. Austria
    II. Bulgaria
    III. Croatia
    IV. Serbia
    V. Sweden
    VI. North Macedonia
    How many of the above are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization?

    [A] Only three

    [B] Only four

    [C] Only five

    [D] All the six

  • 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

  • Giant World of Fungi Beneath Our Feet

    Why in News?

    A study published in the journal Science produced the first global map of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, revealing the enormous extent of underground fungal networks and their importance for climate regulation.

    Key Findings

    • Topsoils worldwide contain about 110 quadrillion km of fungal hyphae.
    • This distance is equivalent to nearly one billion trips between the Earth and the Sun.
    • AM fungal networks store around 300 million tonnes of carbon.
    • This is 4 to 6 times the weight of the entire human population.
    • The study analysed data from more than 16,000 soil cores using machine-learning techniques.

    Role in Climate Regulation

    • AM fungi form symbiotic associations with nearly 70% of all plant species.
    • They exchange Nutrients and water with plants, in return for carbon compounds produced through photosynthesis.
    • These networks sequester approximately 4 billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent annually.
    • This equals roughly 11% of global human-related carbon emissions.

    Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Fungi

    • A group of fungi belonging to the phylum Glomeromycota.
    • They colonise plant roots and form mycorrhizae (fungus-root associations).
    • The fungal filaments, called hyphae, extend into the soil and improve nutrient uptake.

    Benefits

    • Enhance absorption of: Phosphorus, Nitrogen, Micronutrients, and Water.
    • Improve plant growth and drought tolerance.
    • Increase soil aggregation and fertility.
    • Contribute to long-term carbon storage.

    Biodiversity Hotspots Identified

    The study found that around 40% of global AM fungal networks occur in grassland ecosystems, including South Sudan, The Tibetan Plateau, and Banni Grasslands.

    Major Threats

    • Croplands contain about 50% lower fungal density compared to natural ecosystems.
    • Grasslands are being converted into agricultural land four times faster than forests.
    • This threatens underground fungal biodiversity and its ecosystem services.

    Why is the Study Important?

    • Highlights fungi as a form of “living infrastructure” supporting ecosystems.
    • Emphasises the need to include soil biodiversity and fungi in climate policy.
    • Strengthens the case for grassland conservation alongside forest protection.

    [2021] Which of the following have species that can establish symbiotic relationship with other organisms?
    1. Cnidarians
    2. Fungi
    3. Protozoa
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Project GIB: Captive Stock Reaches 94 Birds

    Why in the news?

    Union Minister Bhupender Yadav announced that three new chicks have been added under Project Great Indian Bustard (GIB), taking the captive population to 94 birds.

    Key Highlights

    • The three chicks emerged from: 1 wild-collected egg, and 2 captive-laid eggs.
    • Total chicks hatched in the fourth year of captive breeding: 26.
    • The captive breeding population has now increased to 94 birds.
    • More chicks are expected during the current breeding season.

    About the Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

    • Scientific Name: Ardeotis nigriceps
    • One of the heaviest flying birds in the world.
    • Endemic to the Indian subcontinent.
    • State Bird of Rajasthan.
    • Habitat
      • Arid and semi-arid grasslands.
      • Open scrublands.
      • Dry agricultural landscapes.
    • Distribution: Rajasthan (largest population), Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
    • IUCN Status: Critically Endangered.
    • Protection Status: Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
    • Listed in Appendix I of CITES.
    • Included under Appendix I of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

    [2010] With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct?

    1. It is spread over two districts.
    2. There is no human habitation inside the Park.
    3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 2 and 3 only
    c) 1 and 3 only
    d) 1, 2 and 3

  • India’s Space Economy Poised to Reach USD 45 Billion

    Why in the news?

    Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that India’s space economy is expected to grow from USD 8-9 billion to USD 40-45 billion over the next decade, driven by policy reforms, private participation, and innovation.

    Key Highlights

    • India’s space economy is projected to reach USD 40-45 billion in the next decade.
    • The country currently has over 400 space startups, compared to only a handful a few years ago.
    • More than 125 startups and technology innovators participated in the RISE Conclave 2026.

    Factors Driving Growth

    • Liberalisation and reforms in the space sector.
    • Increasing private sector participation.
    • Expansion of the startup ecosystem.
    • Collaboration among industry, academia, and research institutions.
    • Focus on innovation-led growth under the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

    India’s Space Achievements

    • Chandrayaan-3 established India among leading space-faring nations.
    • Gaganyaan is India’s upcoming human space mission.
    • India has demonstrated cost-effective execution of complex missions, including the Mars Orbiter Mission.

    Space Technology in Governance

    India is increasingly using space applications for development through:

    • PM Gati Shakti for integrated infrastructure planning.
    • Urban development programmes.
    • Drone-enabled monitoring systems.
    • Project implementation and monitoring.
    • Improved transparency and efficiency in service delivery.

    PSLV Mission Anomaly

    • The analysis of the recent Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) anomaly has been completed.
    • Causes have been identified.
    • Corrective measures have been initiated for future missions.

    RISE Conclave 2026

    • Theme: “Innovation & Entrepreneurship Driven Growth for Viksit Bharat 2047.”
    • Brought together researchers, startups, investors, industry leaders, and policymakers.
    • Showcased innovations in Aerospace technologies, Artificial Intelligence, Deep-tech, and Agri-food technologies.

    [2025] GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) uses a system of ground stations to provide necessary augmentation. Which of the following statements is/are correct in respect of GAGAN?
    I. It is designed to provide additional accuracy and integrity.
    II. It will allow more uniform and high quality air traffic management.
    III. It will provide benefits only in aviation but not in other modes of transportation.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    [A] I, II and III

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I only

    [D] I and II only

  • Global Wind Day 2026

    Why in the news?

    India will host the Global Wind Day 2026 Conference on 15 June 2026 in Goa under the theme “Wind Energy: From Ambition to Acceleration.”

    About Global Wind Day

    • Celebrated annually on 15 June.
    • Promotes awareness about wind energy and its role in addressing climate change.

    India’s Wind Energy Status

    • India ranks 4th globally in installed wind power capacity.
    • Installed capacity increased from 21.04 GW (2014) to 56.09 GW (March 2026).
    • An additional 28 GW is under implementation.
    • Record addition of 6.05 GW was achieved in 2025-26.

    Wind Resource Potential

    • Estimated potential:
      • 695.5 GW at 120 m hub height.
      • 1,163.9 GW at 150 m hub height.
    • Rajasthan has the highest assessed potential.
    • Over 900 wind-monitoring stations have been installed across India.

    Manufacturing Highlights

    • Wind turbine manufacturing capacity increased to 24 GW.
    • The sector has achieved 70-80% indigenisation.
    • Strong domestic supply chains exist for blades, towers, and gearboxes.

    Key Government Initiatives

    • ₹6,853 crore VGF approved for 1,000 MW offshore wind projects off Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
    • ₹500 crore disbursed under the Generation Based Incentive (GBI) Scheme in 2025-26.
    • 500 MW Contracts for Difference (CfD) pilot project launched.
    • Dedicated Wind Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) introduced.
    • Green Energy Open Access Rules notified.
    • Promotion of Hybrid and Round-the-Clock (RTC) renewable projects.

    International Cooperation

    • India-UK Offshore Wind Taskforce launched in 2026.
    • Cooperation with Belgium focuses on offshore wind and R&D.
    • Offshore wind partnership with Denmark, initiated in 2019, was renewed in 2025.

    [2025] Consider the following statements about ‘PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana’:
    I. It targets installation of one crore solar rooftop panels in the residential sector.
    II. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy aims to impart training on installation, operation, maintenance and repairs of solar rooftop systems at grassroot levels.
    III. It aims to create more than three lakhs skilled manpower through fresh skilling, and upskilling, under scheme component of capacity building.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] I and II only

    [B] I and III only

    [C] II and III only

    [D] I, II and III

  • Project Kusha: India’s Indigenous Long-Range Air Defence System

    Why in the news?

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Project Kusha as a “game changer” for India’s security architecture and stated that its significance had been demonstrated during Operation Sindoor.

    What is Project Kusha?

    • An indigenous long-range air defence missile system being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
    • Intended to provide a multi-layered air defence shield against diverse aerial threats.
    • Often viewed as India’s indigenous counterpart to advanced systems like the Russian S-400 Triumf.

    Objectives

    • Protect military assets and strategic installations.
    • Defend critical infrastructure and civilian areas.
    • Enhance India’s indigenous air defence capabilities.
    • Strengthen strategic autonomy under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

    Threats It Is Expected to Counter

    • Fighter aircraft, Cruise missiles, Ballistic missiles, Drones and UAVs, Precision-guided munitions, and Stand-off weapons

    Mission Sudarshan Chakra

    • Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 2025 Independence Day address.
    • Envisages a nationwide multi-layered missile defence shield.
    • Aims to protect: Military establishments, Critical infrastructure, and Civilian population centres.
    • Project Kusha is expected to be an important component of this vision.

    [2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?

    [A] An Israeli radar system

    [B] India’s indigenous anti-missile programme

    [C] An American anti-missile system

    [D] A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea.

  • Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR)

    Why in News?

    The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project, India’s first bullet train corridor, has achieved major construction milestones in 2026 and is expected to commence operations from August 2027.

    About MAHSR

    • India’s first High-Speed Rail (HSR) corridor.
    • Foundation stone laid in September 2017.
    • Corridor Length: 508 km.
    • Connects: Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli
    • Implemented by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL).
    • The corridor comprises 12 stations
    • Sabarmati Station: Planned as a multimodal transport hub.
    • Integrates: Bullet Train, Metro, BRTS, and Conventional Railways.

    Speed and Travel Time

    • Design Speed: 350 km/h
    • Operational Speed: 320 km/h
    • Mumbai-Ahmedabad journey time: Around 1 hour 58 minutes
    • High-Speed Rail refers to rail systems operating at more than 250 km/h.

    Technology Used

    • Developed using Japanese Shinkansen technology.
    • Introduces India’s first domestic high-speed rail ecosystem.

    Major Technical Features

    • J-Slab ballastless track technology.
    • 2×25 kV overhead traction system.
    • More than 20,000 OHE masts (Overhead Equipment Mast) is a vital vertical steel support used in railway electrification
    • 12 traction substations (electrical substation that converts power from the public electricity grid into the specific voltage, current, and frequency required to power railways, trams, or trolleybuses)
    • 16 distribution substations (electrical facility that receives high-voltage power from transmission or sub-transmission systems and “steps down” the voltage to medium levels).
    • Rolling stock depots at: Sabarmati, Surat, and Thane.

    Engineering Highlights

    Elevated Corridor

    • Around 90% of the corridor is elevated.
    • Uses Full Span Launching Method (FSLM).
    • FSLM is about 10 times faster than conventional segmental construction.
    • River Bridges: Total: 25 river bridges: Gujarat: 21. Maharashtra: 4.
    • Steel Bridges: 28 steel bridges over highways, canals, rivers and railway lines.

    India’s First Undersea Rail Tunnel

    • Located beneath Thane Creek.
    • Tunnel Length: 21 km.
    • Undersea Stretch: 7 km.
    • Uses: Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) and New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM).
    • TBM cutter head diameter: 13.6 metres (largest in an Indian railway project).

    Safety Systems

    • Early Earthquake Detection System: 28 seismometers. Detects primary waves and triggers automatic power shutdown.
    • Rainfall Monitoring System: 6 rain gauge stations. Provides real-time rainfall data to the Operation Control Centre (OCC).
    • Wind Speed Monitoring System: 14 anemometer stations. Monitors wind speed and direction. Speed restrictions imposed when wind speeds exceed prescribed thresholds.

    Economic Significance

    • Expected to generate: Around 4,000 direct jobs. 35,000 to 40,000 indirect jobs.
    • Supports Make in India through technology transfer and domestic manufacturing.
    • Dedicated High-Speed Rail Training Institute established at Vadodara.

    Union Budget 2026-27: Proposed High-Speed Rail Corridors

    • Delhi-Varanasi, Varanasi-Patna-Siliguri, Chennai-Bengaluru, Bengaluru-Hyderabad, Chennai-Hyderabad, Mumbai-Pune, and Pune-Hyderabad

    [2023] Consider the following statements :
    1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves.
    2. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation, whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation.
    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