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Type: Prelims Only

  • US Court Strikes Down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Fee

    Why in the news?

    A US federal judge struck down former President Donald Trump’s controversial $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, ruling that the measure amounted to an unlawful tax that could not be imposed without Congressional approval.

    What is the H-1B Visa Programme?

    • The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa issued by the United States.
    • It allows US employers to hire foreign workers in speciality occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree and Specialised knowledge.

    Major Sectors

    • Information Technology (IT), Engineering, Healthcare, Finance, Consulting, and Research

    Annual H-1B Cap

    • General Cap: 65,000 visas annually for most private employers.
    • Additional Cap: 20,000 visas reserved for holders of advanced degrees from US institutions.

    Cap Exempt Entities

    • The following can file H-1B petitions throughout the year: Universities, Non-profit research organisations, and government research institutions.

    In the context of India, which of the following factors is/are contributor/contributors to reducing the risk of a currency crisis? (2019)

    1. The foreign currency earnings of India’s IT sector
    2. Increasing the government expenditure
    3. Remittances from Indians abroad

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Coal Exchange Rules, 2026

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of Coal notified the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026 on 4 June 2026, paving the way for the establishment of Coal Exchanges in India. The initiative aims to modernise coal marketing through transparent, competitive, and market-driven trading.

    Background

    • Legal Basis: The concept of Coal Exchanges emerged from the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2025
    • The amendment:
      • Introduced the concept of a Mineral Exchange.
      • Empowered the Central Government to facilitate transparent mineral trading.
    • Covers: Coal, Processed forms of coal, Other notified minerals.

    What is a Coal Exchange?

    A Coal Exchange is an organised electronic marketplace where multiple buyers and sellers can trade coal through transparent mechanisms.

    • Traditional System: One seller → Many buyers to Exchange-Based System: Many sellers ↔ Many buyers
    • Coal Exchanges will be authorised by the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO).
    • Registration validity: 25 years
    • Establish and operate trading platforms.
    • Frame market rules and bye-laws.
    • Facilitate coal transactions.
    • Ensure compliance with regulations.

    Role of Coal Controller Organisation (CCO)

    • Established in 1945.
    • Functions under the Ministry of Coal.
    • Headquarters Kolkata.
    • Functions
      • Regulates coal quality.
      • Collects and disseminates coal statistics.
      • Ensures compliance with coal grading standards.
      • Registers and regulates Coal Exchanges under the 2026 Rules.

    [2022] In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO)?
    1.CCO is the major source of coal Statistics in Government of India.
    2.It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/ Lignite blocks.
    3.It hears any objection to the Government’s notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas.
    4.It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    [A] 1, 2 and 3

    [B] 3 and 4 only

    [C] 1 and 2 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 4

  • First Export of GI-Tagged Tezpur Litchi to Dubai

    Why in the news?

    The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first export consignment of GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi from Assam to Dubai on 7 June 2026, boosting agricultural exports from the North Eastern Region.

    Key Highlights

    • Product Exported: GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi
    • Quantity: 1 metric tonne
    • Export Destination: Dubai
    • State: Assam
    • Facilitating Agency: APEDA
    • Significance: First international shipment of Tezpur Litchi.

    About Tezpur Litchi

    • Tezpur Litchi is renowned for its: Exceptional sweetness, Bright-red appearance, Distinctive aroma, Superior eating quality, High consumer preference
    • Major Varieties: Bombaya, Bilati, Elaichi, Piyaji, and Sahi

    [2018] With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements:
    1.‘The National ‘Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and ‘directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
    2.‘The Agricultural and Processed Food Product Export Development Authority ‘(APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
    3.Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organised a National Workshop and launched the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme Guidelines (FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31) to accelerate the development of the SHP sector in India.

    About the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme

    • Implementing Ministry: MNRE
    • Scheme Period: FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31
    • Objective:
      • Revival and expansion of the Small Hydro Power sector.
      • Harness untapped hydro potential.
      • Promote renewable energy diversification.
    • Capacity Target: Installation of approximately 1,500 MW of new SHP capacity.
    • Total allocation: ₹2,584.60 crore
    • In India, Small Hydro Power Projects are hydroelectric projects with an installed capacity of up to 25 MW
    • These projects generally involve:
      • Run-of-the-river systems.
      • Minimal reservoir requirements.
      • Lower environmental impacts compared to large dams.

    [2024] Recently, the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?

    [A] Irrigation of terraced crop fields

    [B] Lift irrigation of cereal crops

    [C] Long duration energy storage

    [D] Rainwater harvesting system

  • Sound Waves for Energy-Efficient Next-Generation Computing

    Why in the news?

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

    Key Highlights

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

    Why is this Important?

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

    What is Spintronics?

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

    Advantages

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

    What are Magnons?

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

    What are Surface Acoustic Waves (SAWs)?

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

    Characteristics

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

    [2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

    [A] Cloud Services

    [B] Quantum Computing

    [C] Visible Light Communication Technologies

    [D] Wireless Communication Technologies

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

    Why in the news?

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

    1. Railways

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

    Important Railway Projects

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

    Roads and Highways

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

    PMGSY

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

    Bharatmala Pariyojana

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

    Landmark Projects

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

    2. Civil Aviation

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

    UDAN

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

    Digi Yatra

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

    GAGAN

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

    3. Metro and RRTS

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

    Notable Developments

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

    4. Ports and Waterways

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

    Sagarmala Programme

    • Launched: 2015.
    • Projects completed: 78.

    Inland Waterways

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

    Jal Marg Vikas Project

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

    Arth Ganga

    • Community jetties: 66 operational.

    5. Industrial Infrastructure

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

    BHAVYA Scheme

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

    6. Logistics

    PM GatiShakti

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

    National Logistics Policy

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

    Digital Logistics Platforms

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

    PRAGATI

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

    7. Water Infrastructure

    Jal Jeevan Mission

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

    Other Initiatives

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

    8. Housing

    PMAY-U

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

    PMAY-G

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

    SWAMIH Fund

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

    AMRUT

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

    9. Energy

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

    Renewable Energy

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

    Important Schemes

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

    International Initiatives

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

    10. LPG and Clean Cooking

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

    PM Ujjwala Yojana

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

    11. Digital Infrastructure

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

    PM-WANI

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

    5G

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

    JAM Trinity

    • Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile.

    UPI

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

    Important Digital Platforms

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

    [2025] Consider the following statements:
    I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028.
    II. Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection system, development in collaboration with Germany.
    III. ‘Kavach’ system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section.
    Which of the statements given above are not correct?

    [A] I and II only

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I and III only

    [D] I, II and III

  • Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyaan (PMSMA)

    Why in the news?

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

    About PMSMA

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

    Beneficiaries

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

    Key Features

    Monthly ANC Services

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

    Service Package

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

    High-Risk Pregnancy (HRP) Identification

    What is a high-risk pregnancy?

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

    PMSMA Screens for 25 HRP Conditions

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

    Follow-up Mechanism

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

    Extended PMSMA (2022)

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

    Features

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

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

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] Both 1 and 2

    [D] Neither 1 nor 2

  • Report on Datasets for State Finance Commissions (SFCs)

    Why in the news?

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

    Key Highlights

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

    Why is the Report Important?

    According to the Chief Economic Adviser:

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

    Major Recommendations

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

    State Finance Commission (SFC)

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

    [2025] Consider the following statements :
    I. Panchayats at the intermediate level exist in all States.
    II. To be eligible to be a Member of a Panchayat at the intermediate level, a person should attain the age of thirty years.
    III. The Chief Minister of a State constitutes a commission to review the financial position of Panchayats at the intermediate levels and to make recommendations regarding the distribution of net proceeds of taxes and duties, leviable by the State, between the State and Panchayats at the intermediate level.
    Which of the statements given above are not correct?

    [A] I and II only

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I and III only

    [D] I, II and III

  • IMI-Resistant Mustard Hybrids

    Why in the news?

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

    Key Highlights

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

    What is Orobanche?

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

    What are IMI-Resistant Mustard Hybrids?

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

    Scientific Basis

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

    In resistant hybrids:

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

    Advantages

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

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

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

  • Zojila Tunnel

    Why in the news?

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

    Key Highlights

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

    Strategic Importance

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

    Construction Method

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

    Key features of NATM:

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

    Q. With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following statements::
    1. East-West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral Project connects Dibrugarh and Surat.
    2. Trilateral Highway connects Moreh in Manipur and Chiang Mai in Thailand via Myanmar.
    3. Bangladesh- China- India- Myanmar Economic Corridor connects Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh with Kunming in China.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None