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Type: Prelims Only

  • Nepal on Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura Dispute

    Why in the news?

    Shisir Khanal, Foreign Minister of Nepal, stated that Nepal seeks resolution of the Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura border dispute with India through diplomatic means and is not seeking third-party mediation.

    Key Highlights

    • Nepal reiterated its claim over the Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura trijunction.
    • Nepal clarified: Contact with the United Kingdom was regarding access to historical documents, not mediation.
    • India’s stand: Border issue should be resolved through existing bilateral mechanisms. No scope for third-party intervention.
    • Issue resurfaced after India announced the 2026 Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra route through Lipulekh Pass.
    • Nepal protested to India and China regarding use of the disputed area.

    About the Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura Dispute

    • Tri-junction area involving: India, Nepal and China (Tibet Autonomous Region).

    Strategic Importance

    • Lipulekh Pass: An important Himalayan mountain pass.
      • Used for: Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra and Trade with Tibet.

    Origin of the Dispute

    Treaty of Sugauli (1816)

    • Signed between British East India Company and Kingdom of Nepal.
    • Treaty defined Kali River as western boundary of Nepal.

    Core Issue

    • Disagreement over Origin/source of Kali River.
    • Nepal claims Limpiyadhura is the river’s origin. Hence Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura belong to Nepal.
    • India maintains a different interpretation of river origin and boundary alignment.

    Recent Developments

    2020 Map Controversy

    • Nepal released a new political map including Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura.
    • Nepal amended constitution to incorporate the map.

    Nepal’s New Political Context

    • Current government led by Balendra Shah.The
    • Foreign Minister said Nepal seeks a development-focused relationship with India. Wants to move beyond “old geopolitical baggage”.

    India-Nepal Cooperation

    • Recent Developments: Operationalisation of Peer-to-peer cross-border digital payment system.
    • Agreement Between: Nepal Clearing House Ltd and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

    About Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra

    • Pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar.
    • Sacred to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Bon followers.
    • Indian routes Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim).

    [2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. The value of Indo-Sri Lanka trade has consistently increased in the last decade.
    2.“Textile and textile articles” constitute an important item of trade between India and Bangladesh.
    3. In the last five years, Nepal has been the largest trading partner of India in South Asia.

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

  • India’s Health Transformation

    Why in the news?

    India highlighted major achievements in healthcare over the past 12 years, focusing on universal health coverage, affordable healthcare, digital health, disease control, and healthcare infrastructure expansion.

    Key Highlights

    • Over 44 crore families are insured under Ayushman Bharat.
    • More than 1.86 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are operational.
    • Over: 47 crore telemedicine consultations delivered.
    • 12 new AIIMS have been operational since 2014.
    • Generic medicines available: 50–90% cheaper through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
    • Maternal and child mortality have significantly reduced.
    • TB incidence and malaria deaths declined sharply.

    Ayushman Bharat Programme

    Ayushman Bharat is India’s flagship universal health coverage programme launched in 2018.

    Four Pillars

    1. AB-PMJAY
    2. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
    3. PM-ABHIM
    4. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

    AB-PMJAY

    • Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
    • World’s largest publicly funded health insurance scheme.
    • Provides: ₹5 lakh annual insurance per family.
    • Covers: About 12 crore vulnerable families.
    • 44.14 crore Ayushman cards issued.
    • 12.03 crore hospitalisations covered.
    • Treatment worth: ₹1.80 lakh crore provided.
    • 36,218 hospitals empanelled.
    • Extends insurance coverage to: All citizens above 70 years.

    Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs)

    • Purpose: Community-level comprehensive primary healthcare centres.
    • Preventive healthcare, Diagnostics, Mental healthcare, Teleconsultation, Free medicines, and Emergency care.
    • 1.86 lakh+ centres operational.
    • Over 540 crore cumulative footfall.

    PM-ABHIM

    • Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission
    • Objective: Strengthen healthcare infrastructure and pandemic preparedness.
    • Integrated public health labs.
    • Critical care hospital blocks.
    • Urban and rural wellness centres.
    • Disease surveillance systems.
    • Outlay: ₹64,180 crore.

    Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

    • Objective: Develop citizen-centric digital healthcare ecosystem.
    • ABHA: Ayushman Bharat Health Account.
    • 14-digit digital health ID.
    • Portable digital health records.
    • Paperless healthcare access.
    • Better health data integration.
    • 20.49 crore app registrations.
    • 27,328 healthcare facilities connected.

    National Health Mission (NHM)

    • National Rural Health Mission
    • National Urban Health Mission.
    • Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan: Free antenatal care for pregnant women.
    • Janani Suraksha Yojana: Promotes institutional deliveries.
    • Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram: Free delivery and treatment for mothers and newborns.
    • Mission Indradhanush: Vaccinate partially immunised and unvaccinated children and pregnant women.
      • 5.46 crore children vaccinated.
      • 1.32 crore pregnant women covered.
      • WHO Recognition: India declared free from maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015.

    U-WIN Platform

    • Purpose: Digital immunisation tracking platform.
    • 11.87 crore children registered.
    • 3.96 crore pregnant women registered.

    Tuberculosis Elimination

    • Programme: National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme
    • Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Community participation for TB elimination.
    • Support System: Nikshay Mitras provide nutritional and social support.

    Malaria Elimination

    • National Framework for Malaria Elimination launched in 2016.
    • Goal: Eliminate malaria by 2027.
    • Other Disease Control Achievements Improvements in: HIV/AIDS, Kala-azar, Dengue, Japanese Encephalitis, Leprosy, and Lymphatic Filariasis.

    COVID-19 Response

    • 220 crore vaccine doses administered.
    • Testing labs expanded: From 14 to 3,400.
    • Oxygen-supported beds increased significantly.
    • Vaccine Maitri: Vaccines supplied to nearly 100 countries.

    Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

    • Screenings Conducted Over: 60 crore cancer screenings.
    • Diseases Covered: Oral cancer, Breast cancer, Cervical cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension.

    Affordable Healthcare

    • Jan Aushadhi Kendras: Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
    • Benefits: Generic medicines available at 50–80% lower prices.

    AMRIT Pharmacies

    • Objective: Provide discounted life-saving medicines and implants.
    • Impact: ₹8,400 crore patient savings.

    Emergency Healthcare

    Ambulance Services

    • Dial 108: Medical emergencies.
    • Dial 102: Pregnant women and child transport.

    Digital Healthcare

    • eSanjeevani
    • 47 crore+ teleconsultations.
    • 2.34 lakh healthcare providers onboarded.

    Tele-MANAS

    • Purpose: Mental health tele-counselling service.
    • Coverage: Available in 20 languages across all States and UTs.
    • i-DRONE: Drone-based delivery of: Medicines, Vaccines, and Blood samples.
    • AI-enabled Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS).
    • “Cough Against TB” tool for TB screening.
    • MadhuNetrAI for diabetic retinopathy detection.

    Medical Education Expansion

    • Medical colleges more than doubled since 2014.
    • 157 new nursing colleges approved.
    • AYUSH Integration: Ministry of AYUSH established in 2014.
      • AYUSH facilities integrated with public health centres.
      • AYUSH Visa introduced in 2023.

    [2022] With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements:
    1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
    2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
    3. It has seamless portability across the country.
    .Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Scientists Discover New Species in Angola’s Lisima Plateau

    Why in the news?

    Wildlife experts under the Wilderness Project discovered several new insect and spider species during an expedition to the Lisima Plateau in Angola.

    Newly Identified Species

    • 8 new dragonfly species.
    • 3 new grasshopper species.
    • Around:
      • 60 new butterflies and moths.

    Other Notable Discoveries

    • Armoured predatory cricket.
    • New copper caterpillar species and butterfly.
    • Fluorescent crowned crab spider.
    • Blood-orange ladybird orb-web spider.

    Fluorescent Crowned Crab Spider

    • Special Feature: Fluoresces under ultraviolet (UV) light.
    • Fluorescence may help:
      • Communication
      • Camouflage
      • Predator avoidance.

    Ladybird Orb-Web Spider

    • Feature: Mimics ladybirds using bright coloration.
    • Purpose: Warns predators about:
      • Toxicity
      • Bitter taste.
    • Example of: Mimicry in nature.

    About Lisima Plateau

    • Remote plateau region in: Angola.

    Hydrological Importance

    • Feeds four major African river systems:
      • Congo River
      • Okavango River
      • Zambezi River
      • Cuanza River.

    Global Biodiversity Context

    • Around 8.7 million species exist globally.
    • Only about: 1.5 million species are documented.
    • Extinction Concern: More than 800 animal species extinct since 1500 due to human activities.

    [2023] Consider the following statements:
    1.Some mushrooms have medicinal properties.
    2.Some mushrooms have psycho- active properties.
    3.Some mushrooms have insecticidal properties.
    4.Some mushrooms have bioluminescent properties.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] Only three

    [D] All four

  • Delhi Bird Atlas 2026

    Why in the news?

    The Delhi Bird Atlas released on 5 June 2026 documented bird distribution and abundance across Delhi for the first time and stated that Delhi ranks second among world capitals in bird diversity after Nairobi.

    Bird Diversity in Delhi

    • Total bird species recorded in Delhi: 471 species.
    • Additional: 22 species not re-recorded since 1975.
    • First-year survey findings:
      • 221 species recorded.
      • 200 species in winter.
      • 152 species in summer.

    Categories

    • 126 resident species.
    • 81 winter migrants.
    • 14 summer migrants.

    Why Delhi Has High Bird Diversity

    • Northern edge of the Aravalli Range.
    • Presence of:
      • Yamuna River floodplains.
      • Sahibi floodplains.
      • Wetlands and urban green spaces.
    • Proximity to: Western Himalayas.
    • Located near: Central Asian Flyway (CAF).

    What is the Central Asian Flyway (CAF)?

    • Major migratory bird route stretching from the Arctic region to the Indian Ocean.
    • Covers: Central Asia and South Asia.
    • Important for migratory waterbirds and shorebirds.
    • India lies at the heart of this flyway.

    [2011] The Himalayan Range is very rich in species diversity. Which one among the following is the most appropriate reason for this phenomenon?

    (a) It has a high rainfall that supports luxuriant vegetative growth.

    (b) It is a confluence of different biogeographical zones.

    (c) Exotic and invasive species have not been invasive species and have not been introduced in this region.

    (d) It has less human interference.

  • 100 Years of Solar Data Reveal Clues About Sun’s Activity Cycle

    Why in News?

    Scientists from Indian Institute of Astrophysics used over 100 years of observations from Kodaikanal Solar Observatory to study how convection patterns on the Sun are linked to the 11-year solar activity cycle.

    Key Highlights

    • Study based on: More than 34,000 Ca II K solar images.
    • Published in: Astrophysical Journal Letters.
    • Researchers examined:
      • Lane widths
      • Intensities
      • Their relation with sunspot numbers and solar cycles.

    Note: The 34,000 Ca II K solar images mean a historic, 100-year-old archive of solar photographs from India’s Kodaikanal Solar Observatory that scientists recently digitized and used to solve mysteries about the Sun’s 11-year magnetic cycle.

    What are Supergranulations?

    • Large-scale convection patterns on the Sun’s surface.
    • Form network-like structures on the solar surface.

    Features

    • Average lifetime: Around 24 hours.
    • Average size: About 30,000 km.
    • Cooler intergranular lane width: Around 6,000 km.

    Note: An intergranular lane is the darker, cooler region found between bright granules (bright cellular structures visible on the Sun’s surface) on the Sun’s surface.

    Major Findings

    Correlation with Solar Cycle

    • Lane widths and intensities strongly correlate with Sunspot activity.

    Latitude Dependence

    • Strongest correlations observed around ±11° to ±22° latitudes.
    • Peak lane-width correlation 18°N and 20°S.
    • Peak intensity correlation 13°N and 14°S.

    Time Lag

    • Lane width correlations peak:
      • During solar maximum.
    • Intensity correlations peak:
      • 1.25 to 1.5 years after solar maximum.
    • Lag varies with latitude:
      • Near zero around ±20°.
      • Increases toward equator.

    Significance of Study

    • Helps understand:
      • Solar dynamics
      • Magnetic flux transport
      • Solar irradiance variations.
    • Important for:
      • Future solar cycle prediction.
      • Understanding UV radiation changes from the Sun.
    • Confirms:
      • Supergranular properties are influenced by solar magnetic activity.

    About Kodaikanal Solar Observatory

    • Located in: Kodaikanal.
    • Known for: One of the world’s longest continuous solar observation datasets.
    • Operated by: Indian Institute of Astrophysics.

    About Solar Cycle

    • The Sun undergoes an approximately: 11-year cycle of magnetic activity.
    • Characterized by variation in:
      • Sunspots
      • Solar flares
      • Solar radiation.
    • Solar maximum: Period of highest solar activity.
    • Solar minimum: Period of lowest solar activity.

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

    [A] 1, 2, 4 and 5 only

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

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

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

  • India Showcases Carbon Credit Trading Scheme at WTO

    Why in the news?

    India showcased its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) and renewable energy standards during the WTO Trade and Environment Week 2026 held in Geneva.

    Key Highlights

    • Event: WTO Trade and Environment Week 2026.
    • Theme of India’s session:
      • “Showcase of India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme and Standardization in Renewable Energy”.
    • Focus areas:
      • Sustainable development
      • Clean energy transition
      • Carbon markets
      • Renewable energy standards
      • Climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

    India’s Climate Achievements

    Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity

    • Share of non-fossil fuel-based installed electricity capacity: 53.21% as of March 2026.
    • Target: 50% by 2030.
    • Achieved nearly five years ahead of schedule.

    Emissions Intensity

    • India reduced emissions intensity of GDP by: 37.38% between 2005 and 2022.
    • NDC target: 33–35% reduction by 2030.
    • Achieved ahead of timeline.

    Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS)

    • Objective: Develop a national carbon market in India.

    Features

    • National electronic carbon credit trading platform.
    • Uses market-based mechanisms to Reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Promote low-carbon technologies.

    Importance

    • Encourages industries to:
      • Improve energy efficiency.
      • Reduce carbon emissions.
      • Participate in carbon trading.

    Green Hydrogen Standards

    • Under National Green Hydrogen Mission
    • Focus: Emission thresholds and technical standards for classifying hydrogen as “Green Hydrogen”.
    • Purpose: Ensure Transparency, Credibility, Investor confidence, Development of green hydrogen ecosystem.

    India’s Climate Principles

    India highlighted: Equity, Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), Multilateral cooperation.

    India-Japan Discussions at WTO

    • India and Japan discussed:
      • Transparency in climate-related trade measures.
      • Concerns regarding unilateral trade-restrictive environmental measures.
    • Focus: Avoiding unnecessary barriers to international trade.

    About WTO Trade and Environment Week

    • Organized under: World Trade Organization
    • Purpose: Discuss links between Trade, Climate change, Sustainability, and Environmental regulations.

    [2025] Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change is frequently discussed in global discussions on sustainable development and climate change.
    Statement II: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change sets out the principles of carbon markets.
    Statement III: Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change intends to promote inter-country non-market strategies to reach their climate targets.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    [A] Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I

    [B] Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of them explains Statement I

    [C] Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I

    [D] Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

  • E85 Fuel Rollout in India

    Why in the news?

    Hardeep Singh Puri launched E85 fuel at an Indian Oil Corporation retail outlet in New Delhi on World Environment Day 2026.

    What is E85 Fuel?

    • E85 is a high ethanol-blended fuel containing: 80–85% ethanol and 14–19% petrol.
    • Designed specifically for: Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs).

    What are Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs)?

    • Vehicles capable of operating on: Ethanol blends from E20 to E100.
    • They automatically adjust engine functioning according to fuel blend composition.

    Rollout Plan

    • Initial rollout: 48 retail outlets of Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
    • Expansion target: 500 outlets by December 2026. 5,000 outlets by December 2027.
    • Goal: Raise ethanol blending levels to nearly 26% by 2030-31.

    Ethanol Blending Achievements

    • Ethanol blending increased from 1.53% in 2014 to 20% in 2026.
    • India achieved 20% ethanol blending target five years ahead of schedule.
    • Benefits achieved:
      • Saved over ₹1.84 lakh crore in foreign exchange.
      • Replaced nearly 302 lakh metric tonnes of crude oil imports.

    Benefits of E85

    Economic Benefits

    • E85 priced nearly ₹20 per litre cheaper than conventional petrol.
    • Can generate Demand for over 312 crore litres of ethanol if FFV adoption increases.
    • Could transfer Nearly ₹12,403 crore to farmers annually.

    Environmental Benefits

    • Reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by: Around 61% compared to petrol.
    • Higher ethanol blending: Improves combustion efficiency and Reduces particulate matter emissions.
    • Potential reduction: 66.4 lakh metric tonnes of CO₂ annually.

    [2025] Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: Of the two major ethanol producers in the world, i.e., Brazil and the United States of America, the former produces more ethanol than the latter.
    Statement II: Unlike in the United States of America where corn is the principal feedstock for ethanol production, sugarcane is the principal feedstock for ethanol production in Brazil.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

    [A] Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I

    [B] Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I

    [C] Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct

    [D] Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

  • 4 Years of Jan Samarth Portal

    Why in the news?

    Jan Samarth Portal has completed four years since its launch on 6 June 2022, marking progress in digital financial inclusion and seamless credit delivery.

    About Jan Samarth Portal

    • A single-window digital platform for credit-linked government schemes.
    • Connects:
      • Beneficiaries
      • Banks
      • Government schemes through one integrated system.
    • Objective:
      • Simplify access to institutional credit.
      • Improve financial inclusion and digital lending.
    • Sectors covered:
      • Agriculture
      • Business
      • Housing
      • Renewable energy
      • Livelihoods.

    Schemes Available on the Portal

    Agriculture and Rural Sector

    • Kisan Credit Card
    • Agriculture Infrastructure Fund
    • Agri Clinics and Agri Business Centres Scheme (ACABC)

    Business and Livelihood

    • Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
    • PM SVANidhi
    • Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme
    • Loan for Startups

    Renewable Energy

    • Rooftop Solar Installation Financing.

    Housing

    • Home loans for:
      • Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
      • Lower Income Group (LIG)
      • Middle Income Group (MIG)

    Scale and Impact

    • Applications Processed 54.10 lakh applications processed.
    • Loan Value ₹3,00,951 crore applications processed through the portal.
    • Digital Approvals
    • 49.55 lakh beneficiaries approved.
    • ₹2,76,493.78 crore sanctioned digitally.

    [2020] Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes?
    1.Working capital for maintenance of farm assets
    2.Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks
    3.Consumption requirements of farm households
    4.Post-harvest expenses
    5.Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    [A] 1, 2 and 5 only

    [B] 1, 3 and 4 only

    [C] 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

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

  • Empowering India’s Annadatas

    Why in the news?

    The Government of India highlighted major achievements and reforms in the agriculture sector over the past 12 years, focusing on farmer welfare, productivity, infrastructure, digital agriculture, and allied sectors.

    Growth in the Agriculture Sector

    • Agriculture and allied sector GVA increased from:
      • ₹20.9 lakh crore (2014-15)
      • to ₹48.7 lakh crore (2023-24).
    • Sector contributes:
      • About 18% of total Gross Value Added (GVA).

    Foodgrain Production

    • Total foodgrain production increased from:
      • 265.05 million tonnes (2013-14)
      • to 357.73 million tonnes (2024-25).

    Major Crops

    • Rice production: 150.18 million tonnes in 2024-25.
    • Wheat production: 117.94 million tonnes.
    • Maize production: 43.40 million tonnes.

    Oilseeds

    • Production reached: 42.99 million tonnes in 2024-25.

    Important Agricultural Schemes

    Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

    • Provides: ₹6,000 annual income support through DBT.
    • Beneficiaries: Over 9.44 crore farmer families.

    Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

    • Crop insurance scheme covering: Entire crop cycle.
    • Claims disbursed: ₹1.96 lakh crore till December 2025.

    MSP Reforms

    • MSP fixed at: Minimum 1.5 times cost of production since 2018-19.
    • MSP announced for: 22 mandated crops.

    Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

    • Operative accounts: Increased to 7.81 crore in 2024-25.

    Sustainable Agriculture

    Irrigation

    • Irrigation coverage increased from: 49.3% to 55% of gross cropped area.

    Soil Health Card Scheme

    • Nearly: 26 crore soil health cards issued.

    Organic Farming

    • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana promotes organic farming.
    • 18.84 lakh hectares covered under PKVY.

    Natural Farming

    • National Mission on Natural Farming covered:
      • 9 lakh hectares
      • 19 lakh farmers.

    Renewable Energy in Agriculture

    PM KUSUM

    • Promotes solar pumps and solarisation of agriculture.
    • Benefited: Over 21.77 lakh farmers.

    Cooperatives and FPOs

    Ministry of Cooperation

    • Established in: 2021.

    Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)

    • 10,000 FPOs registered by February 2026.

    Digital Agriculture

    Digital Agriculture Mission

    • Farmer IDs created: 7.63 crore.
    • Crop plots digitized: 23.5 crore.

    Namo Drone Didi

    • Promotes drone usage by women SHGs.
    • Approved outlay: ₹1,261 crore.

    National Pest Surveillance System

    • Covers:
      • 66 crops and 432 pest species.

    Allied Sector Achievements

    Dairy

    • India remains: World’s largest milk producer.
    • Milk production: Increased to 247.87 million tonnes in 2024-25.

    Fisheries

    • Fish production: Increased from 9.58 MT to 19.78 MT.

    Beekeeping

    • Honey exports increased by: 240%.

    Ethanol Blending Programme

    • Ethanol blending reached: 20% in ESY 2025-26.

    [2016] With reference to ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, consider the following statements:
    1. Under this scheme, farmers will have to pay a uniform premium of two percent for any crop they cultivate in any season of the year.
    2. This scheme covers post-harvest losses arising out of cyclones and unseasonal rains.
    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

  • India’s Biodiversity: Commitments and Achievements

    Why in News?

    The Government of India highlighted recent achievements and policy measures related to biodiversity conservation, governance, and sustainable use under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

    Biodiversity Governance Structure

    • India follows a three-tier biodiversity governance system:
      • National Biodiversity Authority at national level
      • State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs)
      • Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at local level.
    • India has:
      • More than 2,76,653 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs)
      • Over 2,72,648 People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).

    Note: Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are local-level statutory bodies in India, mandated by the Biological Diversity Act of 2002.

    About Biodiversity

    • Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms including:
      • Plants
      • Animals
      • Microorganisms
      • Ecosystems.

    Biological Diversity Act, 2002

    • India’s principal law for:
      • Biodiversity conservation
      • Sustainable use
      • Fair and equitable benefit sharing.

    Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023

    • Promotes:
      • Research and innovation
      • Traditional knowledge-based practices
      • Community participation.

    Important Concepts

    People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR)

    • Local biodiversity database prepared by BMCs.
    • Records:
      • Biological resources
      • Traditional knowledge
      • Local species and habitats.

    Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)

    • Ensures benefits from biological resources are shared with local communities.

    Nagoya Protocol

    • Supplementary agreement under CBD adopted in Nagoya, Japan in 2010.
    • Focuses on fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.

    Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)

    • Adopted during CBD COP-15 in Montreal in 2022.
    • Global target:
      • Halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

    National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 2024-2030)

    • Aligns India’s biodiversity goals with KMGBF.
    • Promotes:
      • Whole-of-government
      • Whole-of-society approach.

    Key Achievements

    Forests and Protected Areas

    • Forest and tree cover: 8.27 lakh sq. km (25.17% of geographical area).
    • Protected areas: More than 1,134 protected areas covering 1.88 lakh sq. km.

    Species Conservation

    • Tiger population increased from: 2,226 (2014) to 3,682.

    Community Participation

    • National campaign underway for digitisation of PBRs into e-PBRs.

    ABS Achievements

    • ₹145 crore released to beneficiaries till May 2026.
    • Benefited around 11,000 BMCs (Biodiversity Management Committees).

    [2023] Consider the following statements:
    1. In Biodiversity the India, Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
    2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.
    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