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Type: Prelims Only

  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    India’s Space Economy Poised to Reach USD 45 Billion

    15 June 2026 | PIBPrelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-16.Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology

    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

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  • Renewable Energy – Wind, Tidal, Geothermal, etc.

    Global Wind Day 2026

    15 June 2026 | PIBPrelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc:

    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

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  • Indian Air Force Updates

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

    13 June 2026 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-16.Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology

    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.

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    1. Railway Reforms

      Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR)

      13 June 2026 | PIBPrelims Only | Economics
      Mains Paper 3: GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc:

      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

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    2. Poverty Eradication – Definition, Debates, etc.

      Antyodaya in Action

      13 June 2026 | PIBPrelims OnlySchemes | Social Justice
      Mains Paper 2: Schemes For Vulnerable Sections

      Why in the news?

      The Government highlighted the progress of welfare initiatives implemented under the Antyodaya approach aimed at ensuring inclusive development of deprived communities.

      Antyodaya

      • Means “rise of the last person”.
      • Inspired by the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi.
      • Focuses on bringing the poorest and most marginalised sections to the forefront of development.

      Key Schemes and Initiatives

      PM JANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan)

      • Launched: November 2023
      • Targets 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 18 States and 1 UT.
      • Budget Outlay: ₹24,104 crore.
      • Implemented through 11 interventions by 9 Ministries.
      • Interventions include: Housing, Road connectivity, Piped water supply, Mobile medical units, Anganwadi centres, Hostels, Electrification, Mobile towers, Multipurpose centres, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, and Vocational skilling

      Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs)

      • Promote value addition and marketing of forest produce.
      • Implemented with support from TRIFED.
      • 491 VDVKs operationalised out of 500 targeted.
      • 38,391 PVTG members trained.

      PM-JUGA (Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan)

      • Launched in October 2024.
      • Convergence of 17 Ministries.
      • Focuses on tribal-majority villages and PVTG habitations.

      Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS)

      • Residential schools for Scheduled Tribe students from Classes VI-XII.
      • Established in tribal-dominated areas.
      • 499 schools operational.
      • 323 schools under construction.
      • Over 1.56 lakh students enrolled.

      Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)

      • Function in 29 States/UTs.
      • Document and preserve tribal languages, traditions, and indigenous knowledge.
      • Supported under the TRI-ECE Scheme.

      Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums

      • 11 museums sanctioned across 10 States.
      • 4 inaugurated and 7 under construction.
      • Honour tribal leaders who fought colonial rule.

      Janjatiya Gaurav Divas

      • Observed on 15 November. Marks the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.

      Scheduled Caste Initiatives

      PM-AJAY (Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana)

      • Launched in 2021.
      • Develops SC-majority villages.
      • Covers: 47,334 villages, 597 districts, and 26 States Over 4 crore beneficiaries.

      DAPSC (Development Action Plan for Scheduled Castes)

      • Framework for SC-targeted expenditure.
      • Covers: 38 Ministries/Departments and 239 schemes.

      SHREYAS (Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme)

      • Launched in 2019.
      • Benefits SC, OBC and EBC students.
      • Includes: Top Class Education, Free Coaching, National Overseas Scholarship, and Fellowships.

      SHRESHTA (Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas)

      • Launched in 2022.
      • Residential education support for SC students (Classes IX-XII).
      • Admission through NETS.

      OBC, DNT (De-notified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes) and EBC (Economically Backward Classes) Schemes

      PM-YASASVI (PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India)

      • Launched in 2021-22.
      • Covers OBC, EBC and DNT students.
      • Includes scholarships and hostel facilities.
      • At least 30% seats reserved for girls.

      PM-DAKSH (Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana)

      • Launched in 2020-21.
      • Provides free skill training.
      • Covers SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, sanitation workers and waste pickers.
      • Over 2.08 lakh beneficiaries trained.

      VISVAS(Vanchit Ikai Samooh aur Vargon ko Aarthik Sahaita)Yojana

      • Provides interest subsidy up to 5% on loans.
      • Promotes entrepreneurship and self-employment.

      SEED (Scheme for Economic Empowerment of DNTs)

      • Launched in February 2022.
      • Components: Free coaching, Health insurance, Livelihood assistance, and Housing support.

      Minority Welfare

      PM VIKAS (Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan)

      • Launched in 2025.
      • Integrates five previous minority welfare schemes.
      • Focuses on skill development and entrepreneurship.

      Sanitation Workers

      NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) Scheme

      • Launched in FY 2023-24.
      • Replaces hazardous manual cleaning with mechanised sanitation.
      • Since June 2024, also covers waste pickers.

      Regional Development

      Aspirational Districts Programme

      • Launched in 2018.
      • Covers 112 districts.
      • Focuses on: Health and Nutrition, Education, Agriculture, Financial Inclusion, and Basic Infrastructure

      Aspirational Blocks Programme

      • Launched in 2023.
      • Covers 500 blocks across 329 districts.

      [2019] Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:
      1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
      2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
      3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
      4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
      Which of the statements given above are correct?

      [A] 1, 2 and 3

      [B] 2, 3 and 4

      [C] 1, 2 and 4

      [D] 1, 3 and 4

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    3. Electoral Reforms In India

      Supreme Court Dismisses Meenakshi Natarajan’s Plea Against Rejection of Rajya Sabha Nomination

      13 June 2026 | Prelims Only | Polity
      Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

      Why in the news?

      The Supreme Court dismissed Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan’s plea challenging the rejection of her Rajya Sabha nomination from Madhya Pradesh, reiterating that courts should not ordinarily interfere in an ongoing electoral process.

      Background

      • Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan was the party’s sole candidate for one of the three Rajya Sabha seats from Madhya Pradesh.
      • The Returning Officer (RO) rejected her nomination on 9 June 2026 for allegedly failing to disclose a pending criminal proceeding in Hyderabad in Form 26 (election affidavit).
      • Subsequently, BJP candidates Tarun Chugh, Rajneesh Agrawal, and Mahesh Kewat were elected unopposed.

      Key Constitutional Principle

      • Article 329(b) of the Constitution: Bars judicial interference in electoral matters during the election process.
      • Provides that elections to Parliament or State Legislatures can be challenged only through an election petition in the manner prescribed by law.

      Supreme Court’s Ruling

      • The Court held that it had no jurisdiction under Articles 32 or 226 to interfere with the RO’s decision during an ongoing election.
      • Recognising exceptions for “patent” or “glaring” errors would amount to adding principles not envisaged under Article 329(b).
      • The appropriate remedy available to Ms. Natarajan is to file an election petition before the competent High Court.

      Reliance on Precedent

      • N.P. Ponnuswami v. Returning Officer: Established the principle of non-interference during the electoral process.
      • Election-related disputes arising before completion of elections must ordinarily be resolved through election petitions.

      Arguments by Meenakshi Natarajan

      • Senior Advocate A.M. Singhvi argued that: The RO committed a “patent error”.
        • Under Section 33A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, disclosure is required only in cases where charges have been framed.
        • Allowing her candidature would facilitate, rather than obstruct, free and fair elections.

      Counter Arguments

      • Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi argued that:
        • The right to contest elections is a statutory right, not a fundamental right.
        • Therefore, an Article 32 petition is not maintainable.
      • The Election Commission of India contended that:
        • All pending criminal proceedings must be disclosed, irrespective of the stage of the case.
        • The proper remedy is an election petition.

      Court’s Clarification

      • The dismissal of the writ petition will not prejudice any election petition that Ms. Natarajan may file before the concerned High Court.

      Prelims Pointers

      • Article 329(b): Election disputes can be challenged only through election petitions.
      • Article 32: Remedy for enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
      • Article 226: High Courts’ writ jurisdiction.
      • Section 33A, Representation of the People Act, 1951: Disclosure of criminal antecedents by candidates.
      • Form 26: Affidavit containing details relating to assets, liabilities, educational qualifications, and criminal cases.
      • Returning Officer (RO): Scrutinises nomination papers and conducts the election process.

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    4. Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

      Supreme Court Recognises Homemakers as “Nation Builders”

      12 June 2026 | First / RecordPrelims Only | Social Justice
      Mains Paper 2: Schemes For Vulnerable Sections

      Why in News?

      The Supreme Court held that unpaid domestic work performed by homemakers must be assigned a minimum notional value of ₹30,000 per month while calculating compensation in motor accident death cases. The Court described homemakers as “nation builders.”

      Background

      • The case arose from the death of Reshma in a road accident in Punjab (November 2001).
      • Her husband and three children sought compensation before the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT).
      • 2003: MACT awarded compensation.
      • The High Court enhanced it to ₹8.43 lakh with 7.5% interest.
      • The matter later reached the Supreme Court.

      Key Observations

      • Homemakers make significant contributions to families, society, and nation-building.
      • The Court recommended replacing the term “housewife” with “homemaker” to recognise the dignity and value of unpaid care work.

      Major Directions

      • Minimum valuation: Unpaid domestic work to be valued at ₹30,000 per month under the head “Loss of Domestic Care.”
      • Periodic revision: The amount shall increase by 10% every three years.
      • Homemakers with paid employment: ₹30,000 per month for domestic care shall be added to their actual income while computing compensation.
      • MACT timelines: Motor Accident Claims Tribunal cases should ordinarily be disposed of within one year.

      Loss of Domestic Care

      • Recognises the economic value of unpaid services such as: Childcare, Cooking and cleaning. Elderly care, Household management, Emotional and social support

      Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT)

      • A specialised tribunal established under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
      • It adjudicates compensation claims arising from motor vehicle accidents and determines liability and compensation payable to victims or their dependents.

      [2021] ‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India?

      [A] Article 15

      [B] Article 19

      [C] Article 21

      [D] Article 29

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    5. Skilling India – Skill India Mission,PMKVY, NSDC, etc.

      Marketing of Divyangjan Vishwakarma Products through One Station One Product (OSOP)

      12 June 2026 | PIBPrelims OnlySchemes | Social Justice
      Mains Paper 2: Schemes For Vulnerable Sections

      Why in the news?

      The Ministry of MSME is promoting the products of Divyangjan Vishwakarma artisans through the One Station One Product (OSOP) initiative under the PM Vishwakarma (PMV) Scheme, providing dedicated retail spaces at railway stations to improve market access and livelihoods.

      PM Vishwakarma (PMV) Scheme

      • A flagship scheme of the Government of India.
      • Launched to support traditional artisans and craftspeople.

      Objectives

      • Recognition of artisans and craftspeople.
      • Issuance of PM Vishwakarma certificates and ID cards.
      • Skill upgradation and training.
      • Access to modern tools and technology.
      • Market linkages. Financial assistance. Improved livelihood opportunities.

      One Station One Product (OSOP)

      • A marketing initiative under PM Vishwakarma.
      • Dedicated retail outlets are established at selected high-footfall railway stations.
      • Designed specifically to promote products made by Divyangjan Vishwakarma artisans.

      Objectives

      • Expand market reach.
      • Increase product visibility.
      • Enhance sales opportunities.
      • Promote sustainable livelihoods.
      • Foster economic inclusion and financial independence.

      Achievements under OSOP

      • Total Beneficiaries: 28 Divyangjan artisans facilitated.
      • States Covered: 12 States/UTs
      • Total Stalls: 28 stalls

      [2023] Consider the following statements with reference to India:
      1. According to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006, the ‘medium enterprises are those with and machinery between is crore and 25 crore.
      2. All bank loans to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector.
      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

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    6. Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

      Odisha’s Groundwater Revival under ‘Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari’

      12 June 2026 | PIBPrelims Only | Environment
      Mains Paper 3: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

      Why in News?

      Odisha has emerged as a model for community-led groundwater conservation under the initiative ‘Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari’, transforming monsoon rainfall into a sustainable source of groundwater recharge through rooftop rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge structures.

      What is ‘Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari’?

      • A nationwide approach promoting: Water conservation through people’s participation.
      • Based on the principle of “Whole of Government, Whole of Society.”
      • Encourages Community ownership, Scientific water management, and Rainwater harvesting.

      Objective

      • Recharge groundwater aquifers.
      • Improve water security.
      • Build resilience against future water stress.
      • Promote sustainable use of water resources.

      Odisha’s Groundwater Recharge Strategy

      • The State captures rainwater where it falls and channels it into underground aquifers through Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting
      • Rainwater collected from: Schools, Colleges, Government offices, Institutional buildings, is filtered and directed into recharge wells.
      • Recharge Structures in Water Bodies: Ponds, Tanks, Community water bodies, allowing excess monsoon runoff to percolate underground.

      CHHATA Scheme

      • Focuses on Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Systems (RRHS).
      • Implements recharge systems in institutional buildings.

      Functions

      • Collection of rooftop runoff.
      • Filtration of rainwater.
      • Recharge of groundwater through bore wells.

      Benefits

      • Improves groundwater levels.
      • Reduces seasonal water shortages.
      • Supports urban groundwater revival.

      ARUA Scheme

      • About: Facilitates groundwater recharge through ponds and tanks.
      • Construction of Recharge Shafts.

      Functions

      • Diverts surplus surface runoff.
      • Enhances deep aquifer recharge.
      • Reduces loss of monsoon water.

      [2022] Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?

      [A] Central water Commission

      [B] Central Ground Water Board

      [C] Central Ground Water Authority

      [D] National Water Development Agency

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    7. Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

      BIS Releases IS 20201:2026 for Community Seed Bank Management

      12 June 2026 | First / RecordPIBPrelims Only | Agriculture
      Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

      Why in the news?

      The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Department of Consumer Affairs has released IS 20201:2026 – Community Seed Bank Management: Requirements, providing the first standardised framework for the management of Community Seed Banks (CSBs) in India.

      What is IS 20201:2026?

      • Title: IS 20201:2026 Community Seed Bank Management – Requirements
      • Released by: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
      • Parent Ministry: Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
      • Developed by: Biodiversity Sectional Committee (EED 06) Under BIS’s Environment and Ecology Department (EED).

      Objective

      The standard seeks to:

      • Conserve indigenous seed varieties.
      • Protect agricultural biodiversity.
      • Promote community-led seed conservation.
      • Enhance climate resilience in agriculture.
      • Ensure long-term food and nutritional security.
      • Empower farmers through decentralised seed systems.

      What are Community Seed Banks (CSBs)?

      Community Seed Banks are Decentralised, community-managed repositories that collect, conserve, multiply, store, and exchange locally adapted seeds.

      Functions

      • Preservation of traditional crop varieties.
      • Seed exchange among farmers.
      • Maintenance of seed diversity.
      • Supply of quality seeds during climatic shocks.
      • Protection of farmers’ knowledge.

      [2017] Consider the following statements:

      1. The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes.

      2. AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

      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

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