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Type: Prelims Only

  • Food Processing Industry: Issues and Developments

    SAPLING Dialogue 2026 Concludes

    Why in the news?

    The two-day SAPLING (South Asian Policy Leadership for Improved Nutrition and Growth) Dialogue 2026 concluded on 10 June 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, with a call for a concrete action plan for the holistic development of the food processing sector in South Asia.

    About SAPLING Dialogue 2026

    • Jointly organised by: Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India and World Bank Group
    • Venue: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
    • Duration: 9-10 June 2026
    • Participants: Around 200 delegates.

    Participants Included

    • Policymakers, Industry leaders, International organisations, Development partners, Researchers, Startups, Financial institutions, and Representatives from South Asian countries

    Theme

    “Unlocking Value: Advancing Food Processing for Employment Generation and Sustainable Growth in South Asia”

    Key Objectives

    • Strengthen resilient, inclusive and sustainable food systems in South Asia.
    • Promote regional cooperation in food processing.
    • Encourage value addition in agriculture.
    • Facilitate technology adoption in the sector.
    • Generate employment opportunities.
    • Enhance farmer incomes and rural development.
    • Support MSMEs and women entrepreneurs.

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

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] Both 1 and 2

    [D] Neither 1 nor 2

  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Axolotl: Mexico City’s Unofficial World Cup Mascot Facing Extinction

    Why in the news?

    Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the axolotl has emerged as Mexico City’s unofficial mascot. However, conservationists have raised concerns that the popularity of the critically endangered amphibian has not translated into meaningful efforts to protect its rapidly disappearing habitat.

    About Axolotl

    • Common name: Axolotl
    • Scientific name: Ambystoma mexicanum
    • Group: Amphibian (salamander).
    • Endemic to: Mexico, particularly the canals of Xochimilco in Mexico City.
    • Name derived from: The Nahuatl word meaning “water monster”.

    Unique Features

    • Exhibits neoteny, retaining larval characteristics throughout its life.
    • Remains aquatic throughout its life cycle.
    • Breathes through External gills and oxygen absorption through its skin.
    • Extraordinary regenerative ability can regrow limbs, Parts of the spinal cord, Heart tissue, and Portions of the brain.

    Conservation Status

    • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered.
    • Wild populations have witnessed a drastic decline.

    [2019] Consider the following statements:
    1. Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.
    2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
    3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

    Taiwan Fires HIMARS in Anti-Invasion Drill

    Why in the news?

    Taiwan conducted a live-fire exercise using the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) on its west coast for the first time, simulating strikes against an invading force from China and demonstrating its “shoot-and-scoot” capability.

    HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System)

    • Full form: High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
    • Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin.
    • Country of origin: United States.
    • Type: Wheeled Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
    • Mounted on: A 6×6 military truck chassis.
    • Designed for: Precision long-range strikes.

    Range

    • Approximately 300 km (190 miles) using long-range precision rockets.
    • From western Taiwan, it can potentially strike targets in China’s Fujian Province across the Taiwan Strait.

    What is “Shoot-and-Scoot”?

    • A battlefield tactic used by mobile artillery systems.
    • Involves:
      1. Moving to a firing position.
      2. Launching rockets.
      3. Immediately relocating before enemy counter-attacks.

    [2022] Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?

    a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.

    b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea.
    c) A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities.
    d) Though International Court, of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian countries claim them.

  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Birsa Munda and the Evolution of Adivasi Identity and Rights

    Why in the news?

    On 9 June 2026, the death anniversary of Birsa Munda was observed across Jharkhand. Several tribal organisations pledged to protect his legacy amid renewed debates over the delisting of tribal converts from the Scheduled Tribes list, bringing Birsa’s ideas on Adivasi identity, land rights, and self-rule back into focus.

    Who was Birsa Munda?

    • Born: 15 November 1875, Ulihatu (present-day Jharkhand).
    • Died: 9 June 1900, Ranchi Jail.
    • Belonged to the Munda tribe.
    • Revered as: Dharti Aba (“Father of the Earth”) and “Bhagwan” by followers.
    • Tribal leader, social reformer, religious preacher, and anti-colonial freedom fighter.

    Ulgulan (The Great Tumult)

    • Tribal uprising led by Birsa Munda during 1899-1900.
    • “Ulgulan” means Great Tumult.
    • Centred in the Chotanagpur Plateau.

    Causes

    • Encroachment on tribal lands.
    • Exploitative practices of:
      • British administration,
      • Zamindars,
      • Moneylenders,
      • “Dikus” (non-tribal outsiders).
    • Erosion of traditional tribal institutions.
    • Missionary influence and socio-cultural disruptions.

    Objectives

    • Restoration of traditional land rights.
    • End of British rule.
    • Expulsion of exploitative outsiders.
    • Establishment of tribal self-rule.

    Concept of “Disum”

    • Refers to self-rule or autonomous tribal governance.
    • Reflected Birsa’s vision of Adivasi sovereignty, Community control over resources, and Cultural autonomy.

    Dombari Buru

    • Major centre of the Ulgulan.
    • In January 1899, thousands gathered to assert tribal rights.
    • British troops opened fire on the gathering.
    • Remembered in Adivasi memory as a massacre.
    • Became a symbol of tribal resistance.

    Khuntkatti System

    • Traditional Munda system of collective land ownership.
    • Village lands belonged to descendants of original settlers called Khuntkattidars.
    • Combined land rights with customary governance.

    Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act, 1908

    Background

    • Enacted following decades of tribal resistance, including Birsa’s movement.

    Objectives

    • Prevent transfer of tribal land to non-tribals.
    • Legally recognise customary tribal land rights.
    • Protect Khuntkatti tenure systems.

    [2020] With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Trumult is the description of which of the following events?

    (a) The Revolt of 1857
    (b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921
    (c) The Indigo Revolt of 1859-60
    (d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-United States

    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 and Mining Sector

    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

  • GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags

    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

  • Dams and Hydroprojects

    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

  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    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

  • Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

    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