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Type: Prelims Only

  • May services growth halved to under 10%, data suggests

    Why in the News

    India’s services sector growth appears to have more than halved in May 2026, falling to about 9.5% from around 20.5% in April, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s (MoSPI) new experimental Index of Services Production (ISP). This is the first official monthly measure of services output, exposing a slowdown that no single earlier indicator could confirm.

    What is the Index of Services Production (ISP)?

    1. Purpose: The ISP is MoSPI’s new experimental monthly measure of output across 19 services sub-sectors, released for the first time this month.
    2. Base year: The index uses 2024-25 as its base year and remains at a trial stage.
    3. Gap it fills: Until the ISP, India had no official monthly measure of the services sector, which makes up more than half of GDP; only the private S&P Global services Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) existed.
    4. Counterpart index: The ISP is the services-sector counterpart to the long-existing Index of Industrial Production (IIP), which measures manufacturing and mining output.

    Highlights

    1. Headline decline: Calculations by The Indian Express show services growth fell from around 20.5% in April to approximately 9.5% in May.
    2. Comparison with industry: Even at 9.5%, May services growth remained almost double the 5% expansion recorded by industry under the IIP.
    3. Sub-sector spread: 16 of 19 sub-sectors grew in May, with eight recording double-digit growth, down from 17 growing sub-sectors and 14 in double digits in April.
    4. Leading sub-sector: Accommodation and food led services growth in May at 27.4%, though this was down from 37.2% in April.
    5. IT services slowdown: IT and computer-related services, the highest-weighted sub-sector at 22.47%, saw growth decline to 10.3% in May from 15.2% in April.
    6. Exceptions: Railway transport and air transport were the only sub-sectors that performed better in May than April, though air transport still contracted by 2.8%.

    Why did air transport underperform even as it improved?

    1. War-linked cost pressure: Air transport activity has been hurt by the war in West Asia, which raised fuel costs and pushed airlines to increase fares.
    2. Sequential improvement: Air transport’s May contraction of 2.8% was still an improvement over a 13.9% contraction in April.

    Back2Basics:

    Index of Services Production (ISP)

    • Released by: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
    • Nature: Experimental monthly index
    • Base Year: 2024-25
    • Coverage: 19 services sub-sectors
    • Measures: Monthly output of the services sector
    • Purpose: Official high-frequency indicator of services sector performance
    • Counterpart: Index of Industrial Production (IIP)

    Key Facts

    • India’s first official monthly index for measuring services sector output.
    • Covers the largest contributor to India’s economy, accounting for over 55% of GDP.
    • IT & Computer Services has the highest weight (22.47%) in the index.
    • Compiled using actual production/output data, unlike survey-based indicators.

    ISP vs Services PMI

    • ISP
      • Official index compiled by MoSPI.
      • Measures actual services output.
      • Based on administrative and statistical data.
    • Services PMI
      • Published by S&P Global.
      • Measures business activity and sentiment through surveys.
      • Indicates expansion or contraction, not actual output.

    [2012] In India the overall Index of Industrial Production, the Indices of Eighth Core Industries have combined weight of 37.90%. Which of the following are among those Eight Core Industries?
    1. Cement
    2. Fertilizers
    3. Natural Gas
    4. Refinery products
    5. Textiles
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    [A] 1 and 5 only

    [B] 2, 3 and 4 only

    [C] 1, 2, 3 and 4 only

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

  • IRDAI Reforms to Revamp the Insurance Sector

    Why in News?

    The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) approved a series of reforms to modernise the insurance sector and implement the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025.

    Key Highlights

    • Reforms aim to:
      • Improve ease of doing business.
      • Enhance insurance penetration.
      • Strengthen governance and policyholder protection.
      • Provide greater operational and financial flexibility to insurers.
    • Liberalised norms for Investments. Capital infusion. Corporate restructuring. Transfer of shares and amalgamation of insurers.
    • Policyholders’ Education and Protection Fund (PEPF) operationalised under Section 16A of the IRDA Act, 1999 to Promote insurance awareness. Improve grievance redressal. Trace unclaimed insurance amounts. Enhance policyholder services.
    • Insurance intermediaries reforms:
      • Mandatory tagging of the authorised salesperson with every insurance proposal and policy.
      • Perpetual registration for intermediaries through an annual fee system, replacing periodic renewals.

    About IRDAI

    • Statutory regulator established under the IRDA Act, 1999.
    • Regulates, promotes, and ensures orderly growth of the insurance sector.
    • Headquarters: Hyderabad.

    Prelims Facts

    • IRDA Act, 1999 established IRDAI.
    • PEPF aims to strengthen insurance literacy and policyholder protection.
    • The reforms implement the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Act, 2025.

    [2019] In India, which of the following bodies/mechanisms review the functioning of independent regulators like PFRDA, IBBI, AERA, and PNGRB?
    1.Ad Hoc Committees appointed by the Parliament.
    2.Parliamentary Standing Committees.
    3.NITI Aayog.
    4.Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC).
    5.Finance Commission.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 1, 3, and 4

    [C] 2, 4, and 5

    [D] 2 only

  • Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026

    Why in News?

    The Rajya Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, extending legal protection to Vande Mataram by making its intentional disruption or prevention a punishable offence.

    Key Highlights

    • Amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
    • Makes intentional disruption or prevention of the singing of Vande Mataram punishable.
    • Punishment: Imprisonment up to 3 years, or fine, or both.
    • Seeks to accord the National Song legal protection similar to the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana).
    • Passed by the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote.

    About the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971

    • The Act penalises insults to: National Flag, Constitution of India, and National Anthem
    • The 2026 amendment adds protection for the National Song (Vande Mataram).

    Vande Mataram

    • Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
    • Originally appeared in the novel Anandamath (1882).
    • Adopted as the National Song on 24 January 1950.
    • Only the first two stanzas are accorded official status.

    Prelims Facts

    • National Anthem: Jana Gana Mana by Rabindranath Tagore.
    • National Song: Vande Mataram by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay.
    • 24 January 1950: Constituent Assembly adopted Jana Gana Mana as the National Anthem while according Vande Mataram equal honour as the National Song.

    [2025] Consider the following pairs:
    Provision in the Constitution of India State under
    I. Separation of Judiciary from the Executive in the Public services of the StateThe Directive principles of the State policy
    II. Valuing and preserving of the rich Heritage of our composite cultureThe Fundamental Duties
    III. Prohibition of employment of children below the age of 14 years in factoriesThe Fundamental Rights
    How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All the three

    [D] None

  • CPGRAMS Report for States/UTs (June 2026)

    Why in News?

    The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the 47th monthly report on the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) for States/UTs for June 2026.

    Key Highlights

    • Public Grievances Received: 96,190
    • Grievances Redressed: 93,170
    • Pending Cases (30 June 2026): 2,16,032
    • 23 States/UTs have over 1,000 pending grievances.
    • Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest disposals (31,460), followed by Maharashtra (7,619).

    CPGRAMS

    • CPGRAMS is an online grievance redress platform of the Government of India.
    • Developed and monitored by DARPG.
    • Enables citizens to submit and track grievances against government departments.
    • Integrated with over 5 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) through 2.5 lakh Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs).

    Sevottam Scheme

    • Capacity-building initiative to improve public service delivery and grievance redress.
    • FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27 (till June): 1,196 training programmes conducted. Around 39,509 officers trained.

    Other Highlights

    • 83,544 new users registered on CPGRAMS in June 2026.
    • Feedback Call Centre collected 75,318 feedbacks, including 33,092 from States/UTs.
    • 6,262 grievances were registered through CSCs.
    • A dedicated Review Module for senior-level monitoring has been operational since 6 June 2025.

    Prelims Facts

    • DARPG: Department under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.
    • CPGRAMS: National online portal for public grievance redressal.
    • Sevottam Scheme: Focuses on improving service delivery and grievance redress mechanisms in government.

    [2021] With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements:
    1. N. Gopalaswamy Iyengar Committee suggested that a minister and a secretary be designated solely for pursuing the subject of administrative reform and promoting it.
    2. In 1970, the Department of Personnel was constituted on the recommendation of the Administrative Reforms Commission, 1966, and this was placed under the Prime Minister’s charge.
    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

  • Celebrating 25 Years of the Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT)

    Why in News?

    The Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) at Hanle, Ladakh, completed 25 years of operation. The occasion was marked by a conference highlighting its scientific achievements and future expansion plans.

    Key Highlights

    • Location: Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), Hanle, Ladakh (4,517 m).
    • Managed by: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
    • First Light: 26 September 2000; dedicated to the nation in 2001.
    • Named after Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar.
    • Operated remotely from Bengaluru via INSAT-3B since 2001.

    Why is Hanle Important?

    • Over 250 clear nights annually.
    • Very low atmospheric water vapour and minimal light pollution.
    • Ideal for optical and near-infrared astronomy.
    • Protected under the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve.

    Major Scientific Contributions

    • Studies of gamma-ray bursts, comets, exoplanets, supernovae, variable stars, galaxies, and active galactic nuclei (AGN).
    • Contributed to the discovery of TRAPPIST-1b.

    Key Instruments

    • HFOSC – Optical camera and spectrograph.
    • uTIRSPEC – Near-infrared spectrometer.
    • HESP – High-resolution Echelle spectrograph.

    Future Plans

    The Union Budget announced:

    • 3.7-m Upgraded Himalayan Chandra Telescope (UHCT).
    • 13.7-m National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope (NLOT) at Hanle.

    Prelims Facts

    • HCT: 2-m optical telescope at Hanle, Ladakh.
    • Nodal Agency: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
    • Administrative Ministry: Department of Science and Technology (DST).
    • Hanle Dark Sky Reserve: India’s first Dark Sky Reserve.

    [2016] With reference to ‘Astrosat’,’ the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.
    2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] Both 1 and 2

    [D] Neither 1 nor 2

  • Pollens Help Trace Why the Harappan Civilization Shrank

    Why in News?

    A study by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) has used pollen preserved in lake sediments from Deoria Tal (Garhwal Himalaya) to reconstruct past climate. The findings suggest that a prolonged weakening of the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) and the 4.2 ka climatic event contributed to the decline and eastward migration of the Harappan Civilization.

    Key Findings

    • Analysis of pollen and spores reconstructed vegetation and monsoon history over the last ~5,100 years.
    • Around 4200 years BP [Before Present](4.2 ka event), the region experienced an abrupt cool and dry climate with a weakened ISM.
    • Reduced monsoon weakened the perennial river systems of the Indus and Ghaggar-Hakra, making agriculture difficult.
    • This likely triggered the migration of Harappan populations towards the Ganga plains, contributing to the shrinking of the civilization.
    • The study establishes a strong link between abrupt climate change and changes in ancient human settlements.

    How Did Scientists Reconstruct the Past?

    • Sediment core collected from Deoria Tal in Uttarakhand.
    • Pollen analysis (Palynology) reconstructed past vegetation and climate.
    • Chronology established using 10 AMS Radiocarbon (¹⁴C) dates on Trapa (water chestnut) seed cases.
    • Changes in the Oak/Pine pollen ratio served as an indicator of changing temperature and monsoon strength.

    What is the 4.2 ka Event?

    • A major global climatic event that occurred around 4200 years ago.
    • Characterized by:
      • Weak Indian Summer Monsoon.
      • Cooler and drier climate.
      • Widespread droughts across several ancient civilizations.
    • Linked to the decline of civilizations such as Harappan Civilization, Akkadian Empire, and Old Kingdom of Egypt

    Why Did the Monsoon Weaken?

    Researchers attribute the weakened ISM to multiple interacting climatic factors:

    • Southward shift of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
    • Strong El Niño conditions.
    • Strong negative phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD).
    • Reduced Northern Hemisphere summer insolation.

    Other Climate Phases Identified

    • Roman Warm Period (2500 to 1450 cal yr BP): Strong ISM and higher agricultural productivity.
    • Medieval Climate Anomaly (1050 to 650 cal yr BP): Strong monsoon due to northward ITCZ.
    • Little Ice Age (650 to 100 cal yr BP / CE 1350 to 1850): Weak ISM associated with stronger westerlies, ENSO and southward ITCZ.

    [2026] Consider the following statements about the archaeological findings in Harappan towns:
    I. There is wide occurrence of spindle-whorls in the houses but absence of spinning wheels.
    II. Weights and measurement scales, complete with graduations have been discovered.
    III. There are houses built in large part with baked bricks, around relatively spacious courtyards, with their own wells, bathing platforms, and large rooms.
    Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the above statements?
    1. Statement I suggests that spinning was a laborious activity done at home.
    2. Statement II suggests the extent of the scientific knowledge that the Harappans possessed.
    3. Statement III suggests the emergence of a common property system.
    Select the 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

  • Cauvery Water Regulation Committee directs Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs a day to Tamil Nadu

    Why in the news?

    The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) has directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water per day for 15 days to Tamil Nadu amid drought conditions. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has urged the Prime Minister to review the Centre’s stand on the proposed Mekedatu Dam project, further intensifying the inter-state water dispute.

    Key Highlights

    • CWRC directive: Karnataka has been directed to release 3,500 cusecs per day for 15 days to Tamil Nadu.
    • Reason: The order was issued due to drought conditions and the need to ensure downstream water availability.
    • Parallel dispute: Tamil Nadu has sought a review of the Centre’s position on the Mekedatu Dam project proposed by Karnataka.
    • Possible appeal: Karnataka may challenge the CWRC’s direction before the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

    About the Cauvery River

    • Originates at Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri Hills, Karnataka.
    • Flows through Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with a small catchment in Kerala.
    • Empties into the Bay of Bengal.
    • Total length is about 805 km.
    • Left-bank: Harangi, Hemavathi, Shimsha, Arkavathi.
    • Right-bank: Kabini, Bhavani, Noyyal and Amaravathi.

    Cauvery Water Management Mechanism

    Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)

    • Constituted in 2018 under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
    • Implements the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment on Cauvery water sharing.
    • Supervises reservoir operations and ensures implementation of water-sharing arrangements.

    Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC)

    • Functions under the CWMA.
    • Monitors reservoir levels, rainfall and inflows.
    • Recommends monthly water releases among basin States.

    What is the Mekedatu Project?

    • Proposed by Karnataka on the Cauvery River near Mekedatu.
    • Intended to provide drinking water to Bengaluru and generate hydroelectric power.
    • Tamil Nadu opposes the project, arguing that it could affect downstream water availability and violate the Supreme Court’s allocation.

    Constitutional and Legal Provisions

    • Article 262: Empowers Parliament to legislate on inter-State river water disputes.
    • Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956: Provides for adjudication of river water disputes through tribunals.
    • Supreme Court Judgment (2018): Modified the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award and directed the establishment of the CWMA.

    “[2013, GS2, 10 marks] Constitutional mechanisms to resolve the inter-state water disputes have failed to address and solve the problems. Is the failure due to structural or process inadequacy or both? Discuss.”

    [2020] Which of the following Protected Areas are located in Cauvery basin?

    1.Nagarhole National Park
    2.Papikonda National Park
    3.Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
    4.Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 3 and 4 only
    c) 1, 3 and 4 only
    d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Madhya Pradesh farmers march to Bhopal demanding 100% moong procurement at MSP

    Why in News?

    Around 2,000 Madhya Pradesh farmers under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha marched to Bhopal demanding 100% moong procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP), against the current 25% cap under the central Price Support Scheme, along with fixes to fertiliser distribution.

    Key Highlights

    1. Scale: Around 2,000 farmers marched to Bhopal.
    2. Organiser: March organised under the Samyukt Kisan Morcha banner.
    3. Demand: 100% moong procurement at MSP, against the current 25% cap.
    4. Scheme cited: Current cap operates under the central Price Support Scheme.
    5. Additional demand: Fixes to fertiliser distribution.

    What is the Price Support Scheme (PSS)?

    1. A component of the PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan).
    2. Implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
    3. Provides physical procurement of notified pulses, oilseeds and copra at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) when market prices fall below MSP.
    4. Procurement is undertaken by Central Nodal Agencies in coordination with State governments.

    What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)?

    1. MSP is the minimum price at which the government purchases crops from farmers to protect them from sharp price declines.
    2. Recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) and announced by the Central Government.
    3. MSP is currently announced for 23 crops.

    “[2018, GS3, 10 marks] What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low-income trap?”

    [2020] Consider the following statements:

    1.In the case of all cereals, pulses and oil-seeds, the procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is unlimited in any State/UT of India.
    2.In the case of cereals and pulses, the MSP is fixed in any State/UT at a level to which the market price will never rise.

    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

  • ICMR-NICPR validates oral therapy SHetA2 to block HPV’s cancer causing proteins

    Why in News?

    The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (ICMR-NICPR) has validated an oral small molecule therapy, SHetA2, that blocks Human Papillomavirus (HPV)’s cancer causing proteins, potentially treating pre-cancerous and cancerous cervical lesions. The molecule has been transferred to Emcure for larger human trials.

      Key Highlights

      1. Therapy: SHetA2, an oral small molecule drug.
      2. Mechanism: Blocks HPV oncoproteins (E6 and E7), which drive cervical cancer development.
      3. Target: Designed to treat pre-cancerous (CIN) and cancerous cervical lesions.
      4. Validating body: ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (ICMR-NICPR).
      5. Next stage: Technology transferred to Emcure for advanced human clinical trials.
      6. Significance: Represents a potential non-surgical, oral treatment for HPV-related cervical disease.

      What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

      1. HPV is a common DNA virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes.
      2. It is transmitted mainly through sexual contact.
      3. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, especially HPV-16 and HPV-18, is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
      4. HPV is also associated with cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina, penis and oropharynx.

      How Does SHetA2 Work?

      1. Inhibits the activity of HPV’s E6 and E7 oncoproteins.
      2. Restores the function of tumour suppressor proteins (p53 and Rb), allowing abnormal cells to undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis).
      3. May help prevent progression from pre-cancerous lesions to invasive cervical cancer.

      Significance

      1. Offers a non-invasive oral treatment option for HPV-related cervical lesions.
      2. May reduce the need for surgical procedures in early-stage disease.
      3. Supports India’s efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers among women.
      4. Demonstrates the growing role of indigenous biomedical research and public-private collaboration.

      Government Initiatives

      1. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) includes cervical cancer screening.
      2. Introduction of Cervavac, India’s indigenous HPV vaccine, to expand cervical cancer prevention.
      3. Promotion of HPV vaccination, screening and early diagnosis under national health programmes.

      [2021] Consider the following statements:
      1. Adenoviruses have single-stranded DNA genomes whereas retroviruses have double-stranded DNA genomes.
      2. Common cold is sometime caused by an adenovirus whereas AIDS is caused by a retrovirus.
      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

    1. All four dengue virus serotypes found co-circulating nationally, ICMR-VRDL study finds

      Why in News?

      A two year Indian Council of Medical Research-Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ICMR-VRDL) surveillance study finds all four dengue virus serotypes co-circulating nationally, raising hyperendemicity concerns and complicating future vaccine rollout.

        Key Highlights

        1. Study duration: Conducted over two years through nationwide surveillance.
        2. Conducting body: ICMR-Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) Network.
        3. Key concern: Simultaneous circulation of all serotypes indicates hyperendemicity, increasing the risk of severe dengue and complicating vaccine strategies.
          • Note: A serotype is a distinct subgroup or variation of a microorganism (such as a bacterium or virus) classified by the specific antigens found on its surface

        What is Dengue?

        1. Dengue is a viral disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV).
        2. It is transmitted by the female Aedes aegypti mosquito (also Aedes albopictus).
        3. The virus has four distinct serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4.
        4. Infection with one serotype provides lifelong immunity only against that serotype and temporary protection against the others.

        What is Hyperendemicity?

        1. Hyperendemicity refers to the simultaneous circulation of multiple serotypes of the same pathogen in a region.
        2. It increases the likelihood of secondary infections, which can lead to severe dengue due to Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE).

        About the ICMR-VRDL Network

        • Established by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
        • Functions as a nationwide network for diagnosis, surveillance and research on viral diseases.
        • Supports early detection and monitoring of emerging and re-emerging viral infections.

        [2017] Consider the following statements:
        1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
        2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.
        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