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Type: Prelims Only

  • Centre Brings Advanced Cell & Gene Therapies Under CLAA Framework

    Why in News?

    The Central Government has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945 to bring Cell or Stem Cell-derived products, Gene Therapeutic Products, and Xenografts under the Centrally License Approving Authority (CLAA) framework, ensuring uniform regulation across India.

    What is the Amendment?

    • Expands the CLAA framework to include: Cell or Stem Cell-derived products, Gene therapeutic products and Xenografts.
    • These products will now be subject to joint oversight by the Central and State Licensing Authorities.

    What is the CLAA Framework?

    • Established under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
    • Provides joint regulatory supervision by Central Licensing Authority and State Licensing Authorities.
    • Earlier covered critical biological products such as Vaccines, Large Volume Parenterals (IV solutions >100 ml), and Recombinant DNA (r-DNA)-based medicines.
    • The amendment expands its scope to emerging advanced therapies.

    Emerging Therapies Covered

    1. Cell or Stem Cell-derived Products

    • Therapies developed using stem cells or other living cells.
    • Used in Regenerative medicine. CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.

    2. Gene Therapeutic Products

    • Modify or replace defective genes to treat diseases.
    • Include Gene replacement therapy and Gene editing therapies.
    • Used for Genetic disorders and Certain cancers.

    3. Xenografts

    • Animal tissue or organ-derived products transplanted into humans.
    • Examples: Animal-derived heart valves.
    • Applications: Cardiology and Orthopedics.

    Why is the Amendment Important?

    • Ensures uniform regulatory standards across all States.
    • Enhances patient safety through stricter oversight.
    • Strengthens regulation of rapidly evolving medical technologies.
    • Aligns India’s regulatory framework with global best practices.
    • Promotes innovation while ensuring safe adoption of advanced therapies.

    UPSC Prelims Facts

    • CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapy is a form of immunotherapy in which a patient’s T-cells are genetically modified to attack cancer cells.
    • Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into specialized cell types.
    • Gene therapy involves introducing, replacing, or editing genes to treat or prevent diseases.
    • Xenotransplantation refers to transplantation of living cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another, usually from animals to humans.

    [2026] Which of the following statements with regard to genetic medicine is/are correct ?
    1. Genetic medicines correct/compensate for the faulty genes responsible for disease.
    2. Engineered viruses and lipid nanoparticles are used as carriers of the genetic medicine.
    3. Genetic medicines alter the entire DNA sequence.
    Select the answer using the code given below :

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 2 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Coal Imports Decline by Nearly 13% in April 2026

    Why in News?

    India’s coal imports declined by 12.95% in April 2026 compared to April 2025, reflecting the government’s continued push towards import substitution through higher domestic coal production and improved supply logistics.

    Key Highlights

    • Total coal imports fell from 24.27 MT (April 2025) to 21.13 MT (April 2026), a decline of 12.95%.
    • Power sector coal imports declined by 24.89%, from 4.67 MT to 3.51 MT.
    • Imported Coal-Based (ICB) power plants recorded the steepest fall in imports: 3.97 MT → 2.88 MT (down 27.45%).
    • Domestic Coal-Based (DCB) plants importing coal for blending reduced imports by 11.26%: 0.71 MT → 0.63 MT.
    • Import dependence (coal imports as a share of total consumption) declined 21.69% → 19.68%.
    • Coking coal imports increased marginally by 1.34%: 5.93 MT → 6.01 MT, due to limited domestic coking coal availability for the steel industry.

    Reasons for the Decline

    • Increase in domestic coal production.
    • Better coal linkage supplies to thermal power plants.
    • Expansion of First Mile Connectivity (FMC) infrastructure.
    • Improved coal evacuation through coordination with: Ministry of Railways, Coal India Limited (CIL), and Coal subsidiaries.
    • Better monitoring of thermal power plant coal stocks.

    UPSC Prelims Facts

    • Coal India Limited (CIL) is the world’s largest coal-producing company.
    • India has abundant non-coking (thermal) coal reserves but limited high-quality coking coal, making imports necessary for steel production.
    • First Mile Connectivity (FMC) refers to mechanised systems for transporting coal from mines to railway loading points, improving evacuation efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

    [2019] Consider the following statements:
    1. Coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.
    2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.
    3. Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal product.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • MP LEAD Fellowship

    Why in News?

    The Vice President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, addressed participants of the MP LEAD Fellowship, emphasizing ethical leadership, constitutional values, national unity, and public service.

    What is the MP LEAD Fellowship?

    • A two month internship programme initiated by Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Ajeet Madhavrao Gopchade.
    • Provides first hand exposure to Governance, Public policy, and Legislative processes
    • Aims to nurture future leaders through practical engagement with democratic institutions.
    • In 2026: 40 fellows were selected from 5,000+ applicants. 62% of the fellows are women, representing diverse regions of India.

    Key Messages by the Vice President

    • Leadership is measured by service, not authority.
    • Citizens should uphold Fundamental Duties along with Fundamental Rights.
    • Rise above region, language, caste, and narrow identities in the national interest.
    • Encouraged youth to dream big, innovate, and contribute to nation building.
    • Reiterated India’s civilisational unity: “Bharat was one, Bharat is one and Bharat will always remain one.”

    Constitutional Values Highlighted

    • Service before power in public life.
    • Unity and integrity of the nation.
    • Ethical leadership and public accountability.
    • Constitutional morality and responsible citizenship.

    UPSC Prelims Facts

    • The Vice President of India is the ex officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
    • The Vice President is elected by an Electoral College consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament.
    • The office of the Vice President is provided under Articles 63 to 71 of the Constitution.
    • Fundamental Duties are listed under Article 51A.

    [2015] “To uphold and protect the Sovereignty, Unity and Integrity of India” is a provision made in the:

    [A] Preamble of the Constitution

    [B] Directive principles of State Policy

    [C] Fundamental Rights

    [D] Fundamental Duties

  • US Supreme Court Upholds Birthright Citizenship

    Why in News?

    The US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, reaffirming that children born in the United States are citizens under the Fourteenth Amendment regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

    What is Birthright Citizenship?

    • Birthright citizenship is the automatic acquisition of citizenship by virtue of birth. There are two main principles:
      • Jus Soli (Right of the Soil): Citizenship is granted based on place of birth.
      • Jus Sanguinis (Right of Blood): Citizenship is determined by the nationality of one or both parents.

    US Position

    • Governed by the Fourteenth Amendment (1868).
    • Provides citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction.
    • Intended originally to guarantee citizenship to formerly enslaved people after the American Civil War.
    • Recognizes limited exceptions: Children of foreign diplomats. Children of enemy forces during hostile occupation.

    [2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:
    1. There is only one citizenship and one domicile.
    2. A Citizen by birth only can become the Head of State.
    3. A foreigner once granted the citizenship cannot be deprived of it under any circumstance.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] 1 and 3

    [D] 2 and 3

  • eSARAS: Digital Marketplace for Women Self-Help Groups

    Why in News?

    The Government highlighted the growing impact of eSARAS, the official digital marketplace for products made by Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) under DAY-NRLM, as a key initiative promoting rural livelihoods, women entrepreneurship and Digital India.

    What is eSARAS?

    • eSARAS (SARAS Aajeevika) is the official e-commerce platform of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
    • Developed by the Ministry of Rural Development.
    • Provides women SHGs direct access to national online markets by eliminating intermediaries.
    • Supports marketing, branding, packaging and logistics.

    Key Features

    • Exclusive marketplace for SHG products.
    • Promotes One District One Product (ODOP) and traditional handicrafts.
    • Product categories include: Home & Living, Apparel & Accessories, Food Products, Personal Care, and Toys & Gifts
    • Integrated with ONDC (11+ buyer apps; 20+ crore potential buyers) and UMANG
    • Supported by eSARAS Mobile App, Fulfilment Centre, SARAS Aajeevika Gallery (New Delhi), and SARAS Shakti premium gift collection

    Key Statistics

    • 8.62 crore women SHG members have access to a digital storefront.
    • 85% linked directly to the Ministry of Rural Development network.
    • DAY-NRLM covers 7,627 blocks across India.
    • Supported by 1.51 crore community cadre members.
    • Over 800 handcrafted products listed on ONDC.

    Significance

    • Promotes women-led entrepreneurship.
    • Provides market access without intermediaries.
    • Preserves traditional crafts and cultural heritage.
    • Enhances rural incomes through digital commerce.
    • Supports Digital India, Atmanirbhar Bharat and inclusive rural development.
    • Encourages formalization of rural enterprises.

    About DAY-NRLM

    • Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Rural Development.
    • Aims to reduce rural poverty through: Women’s Self Help Groups, Financial inclusion, Skill development, and Sustainable livelihoods, and Enterprise promotion

    [2023] Consider the following statements:
    1. The Self-Help Group (SHG) programme was originally initiated by the State Bank of India by providing microcredit to the financially deprived.
    2. In an SHG, all members of a group take responsibility for a loan that an individual member takes.
    3. The Regional Rural Banks and Scheduled Commercial Banks support SHGs.
    How many of the above statements are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None

  • VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 Comes into Force

    Why in News?

    The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) [VB-G RAM G] Act, 2025 came into force across India on 1 July 2026, replacing and expanding the rural employment guarantee framework.

    What is VB-G RAM G?

    • A statutory rural employment guarantee programme aimed at strengthening livelihoods and creating durable rural assets.
    • Guarantees 125 days of wage employment annually to eligible rural households, replacing the earlier 100-day guarantee.
    • Focuses on Rural livelihood security, Natural resource conservation, Agricultural productivity, Women-led development, and Creation of durable community assets

    Key Features

    • Statutory guarantee: 125 days of wage employment.
    • Minimum daily wage: No notified wage below ₹300.
    • National average wage: Increased from ₹298.8 to ₹327.4 per day (over 10% increase).
    • Wage hikes of 15 to 25% in States such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
    • Interim allocation: ₹95,692.31 crore released to States/UTs for implementation.

    Objectives

    • Enhance rural employment security.
    • Promote sustainable livelihood opportunities.
    • Strengthen climate-resilient and productive rural assets.
    • Improve agricultural productivity through resource conservation.
    • Increase women’s participation and economic empowerment.
    • Ensure transparent, technology-driven implementation.

    Implementation Measures

    • Launch of the VB-G RAM G software platform.
    • Distribution of Rural Employment Guarantee Cards.
    • Digital monitoring and timely wage payments.
    • Focus on outcome-based asset creation.

    [2021] With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements:
    1. All casual workers are entitled for Employees Provident Fund Coverage.
    2. All casual workers are entitled for regular working hours and overtime payment.
    3. The government can by a notification specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account.
    Which of the above statement are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • India’s First PinS Instrument Approach Procedure for Helicopter Operations

    Why in News?

    India has approved its first Private Point in Space (PinS) Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations at Undavalli Heliport (Andhra Pradesh). The procedure was developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

    What is PinS (Point in Space)?

    • A satellite based instrument approach procedure designed specifically for helicopters.
    • Enables helicopters to fly safely under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) even when heliports lack conventional landing systems.
    • Uses GNSS/GAGAN enabled Performance Based Navigation (PBN) instead of ground based navigation aids.
    • Developed according to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

    How does PinS work?

    • Guides helicopters to a predefined Point in Space (PinS) using satellite navigation.
    • From the PinS point, the helicopter either lands visually if weather permits, or continues under instrument guidance where applicable.
    • Improves operations during poor visibility, rain, fog and difficult terrain.

    Significance

    • Enhances aviation safety and operational reliability.
    • Enables all weather helicopter connectivity.
    • Improves access to remote, hilly and strategically important locations.
    • Reduces dependence on expensive ground based navigation infrastructure.
    • Supports: Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Disaster relief operations, Char Dham and other pilgrimage services, Tourism, Offshore oil and gas operations, Corporate aviation, and Regional connectivity under UDAN.

    Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)

    • Flight operations conducted primarily using cockpit instruments rather than visual references.
    • Essential during poor weather and low visibility.

    Performance Based Navigation (PBN)

    • Navigation based on aircraft performance standards using satellite navigation.
    • Improves route efficiency, safety and fuel savings.

    GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation)

    • India’s Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS).
    • Developed jointly by ISRO and AAI.
    • Enhances the accuracy and integrity of GPS signals for civil aviation.

    [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

  • India Adds 709 New Species to Its Biodiversity Database

    Why in News?

    India added 709 new species to its faunal database and 353 plant taxa in 2025, reaffirming its status as one of the world’s mega-diverse countries.

    Faunal Discoveries

    • 709 additions: 483 species new to science. 226 species recorded for the first time in India.
    • Total recorded fauna: 1,05,953 species.
    • Top States: Kerala (98), West Bengal (76), Karnataka (67), and Arunachal Pradesh (65)
    • Major Groups: Hymenoptera (106), Lepidoptera (65), Diptera (64), Arachnida (64), Coleoptera (55), and Pisces (50)
    • Notable Discoveries
      • Myotis himalaicus (Himalayan bat)
      • Ptyctolaemus mamdaphaensis & P. siangensis (green fan-throated lizards)
      • Lycodon irwini (Irwin’s wolf snake)

    Floral Discoveries

    • 353 plant taxa added: 221 new to science. 132 new distributional records.
    • Top States: Arunachal Pradesh (49), Uttarakhand (39), and Kerala (37)
    • Composition: Angiosperms: 154, Pteridophytes: 3, Bryophytes: 13, Lichens: 62, Fungi: 93, Algae: 22, Microbes: 6
    • Notable Discoveries
      • Polystichum siangense (fern)
      • Miliusa beddomei (custard apple relative)
      • Hericium indicum (edible tooth fungus)

    [2022] With reference to “Gucchi” sometimes mentioned in the news, consider the following statements:
    1. It is a fungus.
    2. It grows in some Himalayan Forest areas.
    3. It is commercially cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of north-eastern India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 3 only

    [C] 1 and 2

    [D] 2 and 3

  • Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) & APAAR

    Why in News?

    The UGC mandated all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to upload students’ academic credits to the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) portal by 30 June 2026, highlighting the progress of ABC and APAAR under NEP 2020.

    Academic Bank of Credits (ABC)

    • A digital repository of academic credits established by the Ministry of Education and regulated by the UGC.
    • Enables students to store, transfer and redeem academic credits earned from recognised institutions.
    • Supports multiple entry and exit, credit mobility and lifelong learning under NEP 2020.

    APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry)

    • A unique 12 digit student ID under the One Nation, One Student ID initiative.
    • Linked with Aadhaar, DigiLocker and the ABC system.
    • Stores academic records from school, higher education and skill education.
    • 26.3 crore verified APAAR IDs generated (June 2026).

    How ABC Works

    • Students receive an ABC/APAAR ID.
    • HEIs upload credits directly to the ABC portal.
    • Credits can be transferred across institutions.
    • Credits remain valid for 7 years (or as prescribed).
    • Certificates are issued through the National Academic Depository (NAD).

    Key Features

    • Credit transfer across institutions.
    • Multiple Entry and Exit (MEE): Certificate: 1 year, Diploma: 2 years, Degree: 3 or 4 years
    • Up to 40% credits can be earned through SWAYAM.
    • Aligned with the National Credit Framework (NCrF).
    • Secure digital records through NAD-DigiLocker integration.

    Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

    • Part of Digital India.
    • Supported by: DigiLocker, NAD, CSCs, SAMARTH ERP
    • Future integration with Bharat Praman Chain (India’s sovereign blockchain platform) for tamper-proof academic credentials.

    [2022] Consider the following:
    1. Aarogya Setu
    2. COWIN
    3. DigiLocker
    4. DIKSHA
    Which of the above are built on to open-source digital platforms?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2, 3 and 4 only

    [C] 1, 3 and 4 only

    [D] 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Nine Years of GST (2017 to 2026)

    Why in News?

    India completed 9 years of GST on 1 July 2026. The government highlighted the impact of GST 2.0 (2025 reforms) in simplifying taxation and improving compliance.

    GST at a Glance

    • Introduced on 1 July 2017 under the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016.
    • Destination based tax on the supply of goods and services.
    • Replaced 17 taxes and 13 cesses under the One Nation, One Tax framework.

    Constitutional Provisions

    • Article 246A: Power to levy GST.
    • Article 269A: IGST on inter-State supplies.
    • Article 279A: GST Council.

    GST Council

    • Constitutional body promoting cooperative federalism.
    • Chaired by the Union Finance Minister.
    • Recommends tax rates, exemptions and GST policies.

    GST 2.0 (2025)

    • Simplified rate structure with 5% and 18% as primary slabs.
    • 40% GST on luxury and sin goods.
    • Faster registration, refunds and simplified return filing.

    MSME Support

    • Registration threshold increased to ₹40 lakh.
    • Composition Scheme limit raised to ₹1.5 crore.
    • QRMP Scheme for taxpayers with turnover up to ₹5 crore.

    Digital Reforms

    • GSTN, e-Invoicing and AI-driven analytics.
    • Automated ITC matching and pre-filled returns.
    • Better compliance and fraud detection.

    Performance

    • GST taxpayers: 66.5 lakh (2017) → 1.65 crore (May 2026).
    • GST collections: ₹7.4 lakh crore (2017-18) → ₹22.27 lakh crore (2025-26).

    [2017] What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’?
    1. It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India.
    2. It will drastically reduce the ‘Current Account Deficit’ of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves.
    3. It will enormously increase the growth and size of economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3