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  • India-U.K. Critical Minerals Partnership

    Why in the news?

    India and the United Kingdom launched the Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO) to strengthen cooperation in critical minerals, clean energy, and resilient supply chains.

    Key Highlights

    • Observatory launched: Critical Minerals Global Supply Chain Observatory (GSCO).
    • Objective: Monitor and analyse global critical mineral supply chains using data-driven systems.
    • Aim:
      • Expand cooperation in:
        • Critical minerals
        • Technology sharing
        • Clean energy transition
        • Supply chain resilience
    • Jointly operated by:
      • Technology Innovation in Exploration and Mining Foundation (TEXMiN)
      • Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad
      • University of Cambridge
    • First announced during:
      • Visit of Keir Starmer to India in October 2025.
    • Indian side:
      • Union Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy highlighted the role of the initiative in strengthening global supply chains.
    • Other areas discussed during India-U.K. talks:
      • Trade
      • Defence
      • AI
      • Climate cooperation
      • Technology
      • Education
      • People-to-people ties
    • External Affairs Minister: S. Jaishankar held discussions with U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

    What are Critical Minerals?

    • Critical minerals are minerals essential for:
      • Clean energy technologies
      • Electronics
      • Defence manufacturing
      • Electric vehicles
      • Renewable energy systems
    • Examples: Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, Graphite, and Rare Earth elements
    • Importance: Supply disruptions can affect economic and national security.

    [2025] Consider the following statements:
    I. India has joined the Minerals Security Partnership as a member.
    II. India is a resource-rich country in all the 30 critical minerals that it has identified.
    III. The Parliament in 2023 has amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowering the Central Government to exclusively auction mining lease and composite license for certain critical minerals.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] I and II only

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I and III only

    [D] I, II and III

  • First World Yogasana Championship 2026

    Why in the news?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first-ever World Yogasana Championship in Ahmedabad through a video message.

    Key Highlights

    • Event: First World Yogasana Championship 2026.
    • Venue: Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
    • Significance: Marks a new phase in the global recognition of Yogasana as a competitive sport.
    • Prime Minister’s remarks:
      • Expressed confidence that Yogasana may eventually be included in:
        • Olympics
        • Other multi-sport international events.
    • Timing:
      • Championship organized ahead of:
        • International Day of Yoga celebrated annually on 21 June.
    • Theme of International Yoga Day 2026: “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”.
    • Global support for Yoga:
      • Around 190 countries supported India’s proposal at the United Nations for International Yoga Day.
    • “Yoga 365” campaign:
      • Initiative of the Ministry of Ayush to encourage daily yoga practice.
    • Opportunities highlighted:
      • Careers for:
        • Athletes
        • Trainers
        • Sports scientists
        • Researchers
        • Event managers

    About International Day of Yoga

    • Declared by the United Nations
    • First celebrated on 21 June 2015.
    • Origin: Proposal introduced by India in the UN General Assembly in 2014.
    • Objective: Promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through yoga.

    [2025] Consider the following statements in respect of the first Kho Kho World Cup:
    I. The event was held in Delhi, India.
    II. Indian men beat Nepal with a score of 78-40 in the final to become the World Champion in men category.
    III. Indian women beat Nepal with a score of 54-36 in the final to become the World Champion in women category.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] I only

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I and III only

    [D] I, II and III

  • APEDA Facilitates Export of Millet Functional Foods to New Zealand

    Why in the news?

    Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first-ever sea shipment of botanical-infused ready-to-cook millet functional foods from Karnataka to New Zealand.

    Key Highlights

    • Export consignment:
      • One metric tonne of value-added millet-based functional foods.
    • Exporter:
      • M/s Infini Agrotek LLP, Bengaluru.
    • Shipment flagged off on:
      • 3 June 2026.
    • Product category:
      • Botanical-infused ready-to-cook millet functional foods.
    • Trade promotion support:
      • Exporter participated in:
        • World Food India 2025
        • Indus Food 2025
        • Gulfood 2026
    • Outcome:
      • APEDA-supported networking helped secure export orders from New Zealand.
    • Significance:
      • Expands global market access for Indian millet products.
      • Promotes value-added agri exports.
      • Expected to improve incomes of millet-growing farmers.
      • Strengthens India’s agri-export ecosystem.

    About APEDA

    • The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is a statutory body established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    • Headquartered in New Delhi, APEDA is responsible for developing, promoting, and regulating the export of agricultural and processed food products from India.

    [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

  • Catalyst that Transforms to Perform

    Why in the news?

    Scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences and collaborating institutions discovered how a catalyst changes its structure during water electrolysis for green hydrogen production. The study was published in Materials Horizons.

    Key Highlights

    • Researchers studied:
      • Molybdenum carbide (Mo₂C), an earth-abundant catalyst used in hydrogen production.
    • Molybdenum Carbide is a compound made of molybdenum and carbon that acts as an efficient catalyst in hydrogen production and other industrial chemical reactions
    • Key Features
      • Considered an earth-abundant catalyst because molybdenum is more available and cheaper than precious metals like platinum.
      • Exhibits platinum-like catalytic properties in some reactions.
      • Has high thermal stability and good electrical conductivity.
    • Role in Hydrogen Production
      • Mo₂C is widely studied for: Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) in water splitting.
      • Electrochemical production of green hydrogen.
      • Improving efficiency while reducing dependence on expensive noble-metal catalysts.

    About Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER)

    • HER is the electrochemical reaction where hydrogen gas is produced from water during electrolysis.
    • It occurs at the cathode. (The cathode is the electrode where reduction occurs and hydrogen gas is produced.)
      • Note: Anode: The anode is the electrode where oxidation occurs. In water electrolysis, oxygen is produced at the anode through the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER).
    • Efficient catalysts are required to reduce energy consumption and improve hydrogen production efficiency.

    About Green Hydrogen

    • Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources through electrolysis of water.
    • It is considered a clean fuel because it emits no carbon dioxide during use.

    [2023] With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:
    1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
    2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
    3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None

  • MY Bharat Receives Guinness World Records Recognition

    Why in News?

    Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) received the Guinness World Records title for the “Most Users to Take an Online Quiz in One Week”. The recognition was awarded after 390,812 participants successfully completed the quiz during the assessment period.

    Key Highlights

    • The record was achieved through the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders’ Dialogue (VBYLD) Quiz.
    • Quiz objective: Promote youth participation and awareness regarding Viksit Bharat@2047.
    • Conducted through:
      • MY Bharat portal under the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
    • Participation:
      • Over 50.42 lakh youth participated.
      • Covered all 28 States and 8 Union Territories.
    • Guinness assessment period:
      • 25 October to 31 October 2025.
    • During the assessment:
      • More than 8.39 lakh quiz participations recorded.
      • 390,812 participants certified after digital forensic audits and verification.
    • MY Bharat registrations:
      • 2.19 crore registrations within three years.
    • Union Minister:
      • Mansukh Mandaviya stated that nearly 65% of India’s population is below 35 years of age.
    • Significance:
      • Demonstrates digital youth engagement.
      • Encourages volunteering, leadership development, experiential learning, and community participation.
      • Supports the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

    About Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)

    • Launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
    • Objective: To provide a technology-driven institutional platform for youth development and participation.

    Focus Areas

    • Leadership development
    • Volunteerism
    • Skill enhancement
    • Community participation
    • Nation building initiatives

    [2018] Consider the following statements :
    Human capital formation as a concept is better explained in terms of a process which enables
    1. individuals of a country to accumulate more capital.
    2. increasing the knowledge, skill levels and capacities of the people of the country.
    3. accumulation of tangible wealth.
    4. accumulation of intangible wealth.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2

    [B] 2 only

    [C] 2 and 4

    [D] 1, 3 and 4

  • India’s Green Transformation

    Why in the news?

    The Government of India highlighted major achievements in environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, climate action, and sustainable development over the last 12 years.

    Forest and Green Cover

    • India’s forest and tree cover reached 8.27 lakh sq. km (25.17% of geographical area).
    • Forest carbon stock stands at 30.43 billion tonnes.
    • Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority undertook over 3.2 lakh hectares of compensatory afforestation between FY 2020-21 and 2024-25.
    • “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign planted 262.4 crore saplings till December 2025.

    River Rejuvenation

    • Namami Gange Programme launched for restoration of the River Ganga.
    • 524 projects worth ₹43,030 crore sanctioned till February 2026.
    • Industrial BOD load reduced from 26 TPD (2017) to 10.75 TPD (2024).
    • Gangetic dolphin population estimated at 6,327.

    Wetland Conservation

    • Wetland conservation strengthened under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA).
    • India’s Ramsar sites increased from 26 in 2014 to 99 by April 2026.

    Mangrove and Coastal Ecosystems

    • Mangrove cover increased from 4,628 sq. km (2013) to 4,992 sq. km (2023).
    • Blue Flag certified beaches increased to 18 in 2025-26.

    Wildlife Conservation

    • Project Tiger: Tiger population increased from 2,226 (2014) to 3,682 (2022).
    • Project Cheetah: India’s cheetah population reached 53.
    • Asiatic lion population increased to 891 in 2025.
    • India hosts nearly 60% of the global wild Asian elephant population.

    Waste Management and Circular Economy

    • Solid waste processing increased from 17% (2014) to over 77% (2024).
    • 1,138 dumpsites remediated across 1,048 cities.
    • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks expanded for plastics, batteries, tyres, e-waste, and used oil.

    Climate and Global Leadership

    • India achieved its target of reducing emissions intensity by 33-35% from 2005 levels ahead of schedule.
    • Non-fossil sources account for 52.57% of installed power capacity (February 2026).
    • Major global initiatives led by India:
      • International Solar Alliance
      • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
      • International Big Cat Alliance
      • Mission LiFE

    [2025] Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: Circular economy reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases.
    Statement II: Circular economy reduces the use of raw materials as inputs.
    Statement III : Circular economy reduces wastage in the production process.
    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

  • U.S. Proposal for 12.5% Tariff on India under Section 301

    Why in the news?

    The Office of the United States Trade Representative proposed a 12.5% tariff on imports from India and several other countries for allegedly failing to effectively enforce prohibitions on goods produced using forced labour.

    Key Highlights

    • Proposed tariff: 12.5% on imports from 54 countries including India.
    • Investigation launched under: Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act, 1974.
    • The proposal is: Not final yet.
    • Public hearings scheduled for: July 7, 2026.

    What is Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act?

    Section 301 empowers the U.S. government to:

    • Investigate unfair trade practices by foreign countries.
    • Impose:
      • Tariffs
      • Trade restrictions
        if practices are seen as harmful to U.S. commerce.

    Reason for the Investigation

    The U.S. alleged that some countries:

    • Failed to effectively prevent imports of goods produced using: Forced labour.

    India’s Response

    The Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated that:

    • India remains engaged with the U.S. regarding:
      • Section 301 proceedings
      • Interim trade agreement negotiations.

    Timeline of Key Events

    • March 2026: USTR launched investigations.
    • June 2026: U.S. trade delegation visited India.
    • June 22: Deadline for hearing participation requests.
    • July 6: Deadline for written submissions.
    • July 7: Public hearings.

    Sectors Likely to be Impacted

    Labour intensive sectors may face major impact:

    • Textiles
    • Garments
    • Leather products
    • Carpets
    • Brassware

    What is Forced Labour?

    According to international labour standards:

    • Forced labour refers to work extracted under threat, coercion or without voluntary consent.

    [2018] International Labour Organization’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to –

    A Child labour

    B Adaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change

    C Regulation of food prices and food security

    D Gender parity at the workplace

  • Cross Border UPI Payments Launched in Cambodia

    Why in the news?

    NPCI International Payments Limited and ACLEDA Bank Plc. launched cross border UPI payments in Cambodia through KHQR, Cambodia’s national QR code system.

    Key Highlights

    • Indian travellers can now use:
      • Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
        for QR based payments in Cambodia.
    • Integration completed through: Bakong’s KHQR system.
    • Launch ceremony held in Phnom Penh.

    What is UPI?

    The Unified Payments Interface (UPI):

    • Is a real time digital payment system developed in India.
    • Operated by: National Payments Corporation of India.
    • Enables: Instant bank to bank transfers using mobile applications.

    What is NIPL?

    NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL):

    • International arm of NPCI.
    • Responsible for:
      • Expanding UPI and RuPay globally.

    About KHQR

    • Cambodia’s national QR code standard.
    • Operates through:
      • Bakong payment system.
    • Managed by:
      • National Bank of Cambodia.

    Features of the Partnership

    Phase 1

    • Indian travellers in Cambodia can:
      • Scan KHQR codes and make payments.
    • Covers:
      • More than 4.5 million Cambodian merchants.

    Future Phase

    • Cambodian citizens visiting India will also be able to:
      • Use Cambodian banking apps to scan UPI QR codes in India.

    Benefits of the Initiative

    For Travellers

    • Reduces need for:
      • Currency exchange
      • Carrying cash.
    • Enables:
      • Seamless digital transactions.

    For Merchants

    • Access to Indian tourists.
    • Faster and secure payments.
    • Lower cash handling costs.

    Importance of UPI Internationalisation

    • Promotes: India’s digital public infrastructure globally.
    • Strengthens: FinTech diplomacy.
    • Supports: Cross-border digital payments and trade.

    Countries Accepting UPI

    • UPI is currently accepted in Singapore, United Arab Emirates, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia.

    Legal Status of NPCI

    • Company Status: Registered as a Non-Profit Company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
    • Ownership: Owned and operated by a consortium of major banks in India.
    • Regulatory Oversight: It is regulated and supervised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.

    [2025] Consider the following countries:
    I. United Arab Emirates
    II. France
    III. Germany
    IV. Singapore
    V. Bangladesh
    How many countries amongst the above are there other than India where international merchant payments are accepted under UPI?

    [A] Only two

    [B] Only three

    [C] Only four

    [D] All the five

  • Niveshak Shivir by IEPFA and SEBI

    Why in the news?

    Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority and Securities and Exchange Board of India will organise a Niveshak Shivir in Bhopal on 5 June 2026 to help investors resolve issues related to unclaimed dividends and shares.

    Key Highlights

    • Organised by:
      • IEPFA under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
      • SEBI.
    • Objective:
      • Investor awareness
      • Grievance redressal
      • Recovery of unclaimed investments.

    Services Provided at Niveshak Shivir

    • Recovery assistance for:
      • Unclaimed dividends
      • Unclaimed shares.
    • On the spot:
      • KYC updation
      • Nomination services.
    • Resolution of:
      • Pending IEPFA claim issues.

    What is IEPFA?

    The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA):

    • Functions under: Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
    • Established to:
      • Protect investor interests.
      • Promote financial literacy and investor awareness.

    Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)

    • Created under: Companies Act, 2013.
    • Unclaimed: Dividends, Shares, and Deposits are transferred to the IEPF after a specified period.

    When are Shares/Dividends Transferred to IEPF?

    • If dividends remain unclaimed for Seven consecutive years, the related shares are transferred to the IEPF Authority.

    What is SEBI?

    The Securities and Exchange Board of India:

    • Is the regulator of Securities and capital markets in India.
    • Established in 1988.
    • Statutory status granted in 1992.

    Objectives of the Initiative

    • Simplify Investor claim process.
    • Promote:
      • Financial inclusion
      • Investor protection.
    • Strengthen: Transparency in financial markets.

    About RTAs

    Registrars and Transfer Agents (RTAs):

    • Maintain records of:
      • Shareholders
      • Share transfers
      • Dividend payments.
    • Assist companies in investor-related services.

    [2025] Consider the following statements:
    I. India accounts for a very large portion of all equity option contracts traded globally thus exhibiting a great boom.
    II. India’s stock market has grown rapidly in the recent past even overtaking Hong Kong’s at some point of time.
    III. There is no regulatory body either to warn the small investors about the risks of options trading or to act on unregistered financial advisors in this regard.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] I and Il only

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I and III only

    [D] I, II and III

  • Next Generation Nanomedicine for Breast Cancer

    Why in the news?

    Scientists from Agharkar Research Institute developed a biodegradable nanomedicine platform capable of silencing cancer driving genes in breast cancer cells, offering a promising precision oncology therapy.

    Key Highlights

    • Research published in: Advanced Healthcare Materials.
    • Developed under: Department of Science and Technology.
    • Uses: Targeted gene silencing strategy.
    • Aim: Effective tumour inhibition with minimal toxicity.

    What is Nanomedicine?

    Nanomedicine refers to the use of nanoscale materials and technology for:

    • Diagnosis
    • Drug delivery
    • Treatment of diseases.

    What is Precision Nanomedicine?

    • Precision nanomedicine: Targets disease causing cells specifically.
    • Reduces:
      • Damage to healthy tissues.
      • Side effects associated with conventional therapies.

    Key Technology Used

    Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

    • Biodegradable nanoparticles with:
      • High drug loading capacity.
      • Tunable surface chemistry.
    • Used to deliver: Small interfering RNA (siRNA).

    What is siRNA?

    • Small interfering RNA (siRNA): Molecules that silence specific genes by preventing protein production.
    • Used in:
      • Gene therapy
      • Cancer treatment research.

    [2015] With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?
    1.Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology
    2.Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy
    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