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Type: Prelims Only

  • National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)

    Why in News?

    The Vice President of India recently addressed the 15th Graduation Ceremony of the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar.

    About NISER

    • Established in 2006.
    • An Autonomous Institute under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India.
    • Located about 20 km south of Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
    • Equipped with advanced laboratories, computational facilities, library, and residential hostels.
    • Affiliated with the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, a deemed-to-be university under the DAE.

    Objectives

    • Develop high quality human resources in basic sciences.
    • Promote excellence in scientific research and innovation.
    • Contribute to India’s knowledge economy through education and research.

    Major Activities

    • Science Education: Centre of excellence for undergraduate and postgraduate education in basic sciences.
      • Offers: Five year Integrated M.Sc. Ph.D. programmes in pure and applied sciences.
    • Scientific Research: Conducts theoretical and experimental research in frontier areas of science. Has seven Schools specializing in different scientific disciplines.
    • Science Outreach and Policy: Promotes scientific temper through outreach programmes for students and the public. Faculty members contribute to national science policy formulation through various government committees.

    About Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)

    • Established in 2005.
    • A Deemed to be University under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
    • Headquartered in Mumbai.
    • Integrates academic programmes of premier DAE institutions to promote advanced education and research in science, engineering, and technology.

    [2015] Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was given to which of the following?

    [A] Bhabha Atomic Research Centre

    [B] Indian Institute of Science

    [C] Indian Space Research Organization

    [D] Tata Institute of Fundamental Research

  • China Achieves First Controlled Recovery of Reusable Rocket Booster

    Why in News?

    China has successfully conducted its first controlled recovery of an orbital class reusable rocket booster during the maiden launch of the Long March 10B carrier rocket, marking a significant milestone in its reusable space technology.

    Key Highlights

    • Long March 10B successfully placed its payload into the designated orbit.
    • After stage separation, the first stage booster returned safely and was captured on a sea based platform using a net capture system.
    • This marks China’s first successful controlled recovery of an orbital class rocket booster.
    • The achievement follows SpaceX, which became the first to recover an orbital class rocket booster in December 2015.
    • Two previous Chinese attempts at vertical landing in December 2025 had failed.

    What is a Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)?

    • A launch vehicle designed to recover and reuse some or all of its components after launch.
    • Typically, the first stage booster is recovered since it accounts for a major share of launch costs.
    • Recovery methods include:
      • Vertical landing on land or drone ships (SpaceX).
      • Sea based platform recovery using net capture (Long March 10B).
    • Reusability significantly lowers the cost of access to space.

    Benefits of Reusable Rocket Technology

    • Reduces launch costs through multiple reuse of boosters.
    • Enables higher launch frequency.
    • Improves commercial viability of space missions.
    • Supports deep space exploration and satellite deployment.
    • Reduces manufacturing time and resource consumption.

    China’s Long March Rocket Family

    • Developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT).
    • Serves as China’s primary family of orbital launch vehicles.
    • Used for: Satellite launches. Human spaceflight missions. Lunar and deep space exploration.
    • Long March 10 is being developed for China’s future crewed Moon missions.

    India’s Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Programme

    • Developed by ISRO.
    • Aims to create a fully reusable space transportation system.
    • Key milestones:
      • RLV-TD (Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Demonstrator) first flew in 2016.
      • LEX (Landing Experiment) successfully demonstrated autonomous runway landing in 2023.
      • LEX-02 and LEX-03 further validated autonomous landing technologies.
    • Intended to reduce launch costs and improve access to space.

    [2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements :
    1.PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
    2.Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
    3.GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors, and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 and 3

    [C] 1 and 2

    [D] 3 only

  • Government Tightens Regulation of High Alcohol Containing Drug Formulations

    Why in News?

    The Central Government has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945 to tighten regulation of high alcohol containing medicinal formulations, removing their exemption under Schedule K and bringing them under Schedule H1.

    Key Highlights

    • Schedule K exemption removed for medicinal formulations containing:
      • More than 12% v/v ethyl alcohol, and
      • Pack size exceeding 30 mL.
    • Such products must now obtain manufacturing and sale licenses under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
    • Shifted to Schedule H1, making them:
      • Available only on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP).
      • Subject to strict sale records and monitoring.
    • Targets misuse of formulations such as cardamom tincture, ginger tincture, and other aromatic preparations, some containing 80 to 90% v/v ethyl alcohol.
    • Ensures availability for genuine therapeutic use while preventing diversion for intoxication.

    Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

    • Regulates the import, manufacture, distribution and sale of drugs and cosmetics in India.
    • Administered by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
    • Implemented through the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and State Drug Controllers.
    • Supported by the Drugs Rules, 1945, which prescribe standards, licensing, labeling and schedules.

    Schedule K

    • Lists specified drugs exempted from certain licensing provisions under defined conditions.
    • Intended mainly for low risk preparations or specified categories of sale.
    • The amendment removes exemption for high alcohol formulations exceeding the prescribed threshold.

    Schedule H1

    • Introduced to regulate drugs prone to misuse and antimicrobial resistance.
    • Drugs can be sold only on a registered medical practitioner’s prescription.
    • Pharmacists must:
      • Maintain a separate register recording patient and prescriber details.
      • Preserve records for at least three years.
    • Originally covered certain antibiotics, anti TB medicines and other critical drugs; now also includes specified high alcohol medicinal formulations.

    [2018] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 replaced the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954.
    2. The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) is under the charge of Director General of Health Services in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
    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

  • Australia Repatriates Three Antiquities to India

    Why in News?

    Australia announced the repatriation of three Chola-era antiquities stolen from temples in Tamil Nadu during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit.

    Key Highlights

    • Australia will return:
      • Bronze Trident (Trishul) of Goddess Bhadrakali
      • Granite Nandi idol
      • Basalt sculpture of six-headed Karthikeya (Shanmukha)
    • The artefacts date to the 11th-12th century (Chola period).
    • They were housed in the National Gallery of Australia.

    Legal Basis

    • Repatriation is being carried out under the India-Australia Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT).
    • Investigation by the Tamil Nadu Idol Wing CID established that the artefacts were illegally removed from temples and trafficked overseas.

    Original Temples

    • Bhadrakali Trident: Sri Kasi Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Kollumangudi, Tiruvarur.
    • Karthikeya Idol: Naganathaswamy Temple, Manambadi, Thanjavur.
    • Nandi Idol: Identified as originating from a temple in Tamil Nadu.

    [2025] Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime State, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands?

    [A] Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta)

    [B] Prataparudra (Kakatiya)

    [C] Rajendra 1 (Chola)

    [D] Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala)

  • India-Australia Civil Nuclear & Strategic Partnership

    Why in News?

    India and Australia signed 18 agreements, including a landmark Civil Nuclear Energy Agreement enabling commercial uranium exports from Australia to India, along with pacts on defence, maritime security, critical minerals, and trade.

    Civil Nuclear Cooperation

    • Australia will commercially supply uranium for India’s civilian nuclear power plants.
    • Builds on the India-Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (2014).
    • Supports India’s clean energy and non-fossil fuel targets.

    Defence & Maritime Cooperation

    • Signed a Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation.
    • Launched the India-Australia Maritime Security Collaboration Roadmap.
    • Cooperation in Maritime law enforcement, Maritime domain awareness, Shipbuilding, repair and maintenance, Defence industrial collaboration, Interoperability and information sharing

    Critical Minerals & Technology

    • Launched the Australia-India Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains.
    • Agreed to establish a Critical Minerals Corridor to strengthen resilient supply chains.

    Trade & Investment

    • Decided to expedite negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
    • Agreed to move forward on a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).

    Energy Security

    • Joint framework to ensure reliable supplies of Coal, Natural gas, Diesel and other liquid fuels

    Education

    • Approval granted for Victoria University to establish a campus in Gurugram.
    • Flinders University received a Letter of Intent to open a campus in Bengaluru.

    [2020] In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA safeguards” while others are not ?

    a) Some use uranium and others use thorium
    b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies
    c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises
    d) Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned

  • Footwear Quality Control Orders (QCOs)

    Why in News?

    The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) amended two Footwear Quality Control Orders (QCOs) to promote ease of doing business while strengthening domestic footwear manufacturing.

    Key Amendments

    • Legacy stock clearance deadline extended from 31 July 2026 to 31 July 2027.
    • Allows manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to clear existing seasonal inventory.
    • After the deadline, only BIS-certified footwear can be sold.

    R&D Import Exemption

    • Manufacturers can import up to 4,500 pairs of footwear samples annually for Research & Development (R&D).
    • Samples:
      • Must be marked “NOT FOR SALE”.
      • Cannot be sold commercially.
      • Must be disposed of as scrap after use.
      • Year-wise import records must be maintained.

    Purpose

    • Support product design, testing, and innovation.
    • Reduce compliance burden.
    • Facilitate domestic manufacturing under Make in India.
    • Strengthen India’s quality ecosystem in line with the “Zero Defect, Zero Effect” vision.

    Quality Control Orders (QCOs)

    • Issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) framework.
    • Mandate compliance with prescribed Indian Standards.
    • Aim to ensure product quality, consumer safety, and curb substandard imports.

    About DPIIT

    • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is a central government department under the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    • Established in 1995, it acts as the nodal agency for formulating overall industrial policies, driving the Startup India initiative, and managing inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) frameworks.

    Significance

    • Improves ease of doing business.
    • Encourages innovation and R&D.
    • Enhances quality assurance.
    • Boosts competitiveness of India’s footwear industry.

    [2017] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes.
    2. AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

    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

  • Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)

    Why in News?

    The government highlighted the achievements of SMAM, including wider access to farm machinery, Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs), and drone-based precision farming.

    Key Facts

    • Launched in 2014-15 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under RKVY (Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana).
    • Promotes mechanization among small & marginal farmers, women, SC/STs, FPOs, SHGs, and rural entrepreneurs.
    • Supports:
      • Subsidies for farm machinery
      • Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs)
      • Farm Machinery Banks (FMBs)
      • Hi-Tech Hubs
      • Training, testing, and demonstrations
      • Drone-based agriculture

    Financial Assistance

    • 40% subsidy for general farmers.
    • 50% subsidy for SC/STs, small & marginal farmers, and North Eastern States.
    • Funding pattern: 60:40 (Centre:State) for most states, 90:10 for NE & Himalayan states, and 100% Central funding for UTs

    Achievements (2014-15 to 2025-26)

    • ₹9,404.47 crore central assistance.
    • 21.61 lakh farm machines distributed.
    • 27,554 CHCs established.
    • 25,608 Farm Machinery Banks created.
    • 646 Hi-Tech Hubs established.

    Drone Promotion

    • ₹52.5 crore allocated.
    • 40,928 drone demonstrations over 40,918 hectares (2023-24 to 2025-26).
    • ICAR institutes, KVKs, and SAUs receive 100% support (up to ₹10 lakh per drone).
    • FPOs receive 75% grant.

    Special Features

    • 30% of total funds earmarked for women farmers.
    • Special incentives for North Eastern States, including up to 100% subsidy for small machinery.

    Significance

    • Enhances farm productivity and efficiency.
    • Reduces labour dependence and cost of cultivation.
    • Promotes precision farming and post-harvest mechanization.
    • Improves access to modern machinery for small farmers.

    [2023] Which one of the following best describes the concept of ‘Small Farmer Large Field’?

    [A] Resettlement of a large number of people, uprooted from their countries due to war, by giving them a large cultivable land which they cultivate collectively and share the produce

    [B] Many marginal farmers in an area organize themselves into groups and synchronize and harmonize selected agricultural operations

    [C] Many marginal farmers in an area together make a contract with a corporate body and surrender their land to the corporate body for a fixed term for which the corporate body makes a payment of agreed amount to the farmers

    [D] A company extends loans, technical knowledge and material inputs to a number of small farmers in an area so that they produce the agricultural commodity required by the company for its manufacturing process and commercial production

  • Poshan Tracker

    Why in News?

    The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) highlighted the achievements of the Poshan Tracker, India’s real time nutrition monitoring platform under Mission Poshan 2.0.

    What is Poshan Tracker?

    • Mobile based application launched in March 2021.
    • Developed by MoWCD with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
    • Digital backbone of POSHAN Abhiyaan.
    • Enables real time monitoring of nutrition, beneficiaries, and Anganwadi services.

    About POSHAN Abhiyaan

    • Launched on 8 March 2018.
    • India’s flagship National Nutrition Mission.
    • In 2021, merged with Anganwadi Services and Scheme for Adolescent Girls under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.

    Key Features

    • Aadhaar based beneficiary authentication.
    • Facial Recognition System (FRS) for service verification.
    • Digital home visit scheduler.
    • Poshan Calculator based on WHO Child Growth Standards.
    • Tracks stunting, wasting, underweight, SAM, MAM, and obesity.
    • Provides ECCE learning content and Poshan Helpline (1515).

    Achievements (May 2026)

    • Covers 28 States and 8 UTs.
    • 8.93 crore beneficiaries registered.
    • 7.7 crore children tracked through Aadhaar authenticated database.
    • 6.3 crore children (0 to 5 years) monitored for growth (about 94% coverage).
    • 5.5 crore beneficiaries received Supplementary Nutrition for at least 15 days.

    Significance

    • Enables evidence based nutrition governance.
    • Reduces leakages and duplicate beneficiaries.
    • Strengthens Anganwadi service delivery.
    • Supports Digital India and Viksit Bharat.

    Prelims Facts

    • POSHAN Abhiyaan: 2018.
    • Poshan Tracker: March 2021.
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development.
    • Uses WHO Child Growth Standards.
    • Operates under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.

    [2023] Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:
    1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women.
    2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child- birth.
    3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
    4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] Only three

    [D] All four

  • AISHE 2023-24: India’s Higher Education Enrolment Reaches 4.5 Crore

    Why in News?

    The Ministry of Education has released the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2022-23 and 2023-24, showing that India’s higher education enrolment has reached 4.5 crore, reflecting significant improvements in access, gender parity, and participation of socially disadvantaged groups.

    Key Highlights

    • Total higher education enrolment reached 4.5 crore in 2023-24.
    • Enrolment increased by 31.5% from 3.42 crore in 2014-15.
    • Data was collected from 59,533 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
    • Institutional participation in the survey exceeded 90%.

    Gender Parity

    • Gender Parity Index (GPI) stood at 1.08 in 2023-24.
    • Female participation has remained higher than male participation for seven consecutive years.
    • Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): Overall GER: 30, and Female GER: 31.2
    • Female teachers increased to 7.78 lakh, constituting 44.9% of the total teaching workforce.

    Inclusion of Marginalised Communities

    • Scheduled Castes (SC): Enrolment increased by 51.4% since 2014-15. Total enrolment reached 69.72 lakh. GER increased from 18.9 to 27.8.
    • Scheduled Tribes (ST):Enrolment increased by 75.7%. Total enrolment reached 28.83 lakh. GER increased from 13.5 to 22.8.
    • Other Backward Classes (OBC): Enrolment increased by 60.2%. Student strength rose from 1.13 crore to 1.80 crore.

    STEM Education

    • STEM enrolment crossed 1.02 crore students.
    • Female share in STEM increased from 38.4% in 2014-15 to 44% in 2023-24.
    • Total teachers in higher education increased to 17.32 lakh.

    About AISHE

    • All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) was launched in 2011 by the Ministry of Education.
    • It is India’s primary database on higher education.
    • Covers: Universities, Colleges, and Standalone institutions
    • Collects information on: Student enrolment, Teachers, Infrastructure, Courses, Examination results, and Finance
    • Data is self-reported by institutions through an online Data Capture Format (DCF) portal.
    • The Ministry conducts validation and scrutiny, while data accuracy is the responsibility of the participating institutions.

    Key Indicators Used in AISHE

    • Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): Percentage of students enrolled in higher education compared to the total population in the 18 to 23 years age group.
    • Gender Parity Index (GPI): Ratio of female GER to male GER. GPI = 1 indicates equal participation. GPI > 1 indicates higher female participation.

    [2017] What is the aim of the programme ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’?

    [a] Achieving 100% literacy by promoting collaboration between voluntary organizations and government’s education system and local communities.

    [b] Connecting institutions of higher education with local communities to address development challenges through appropriate technologies.

    [c] Strengthening India’s scientific research institutions in order to make India a scientific and technological power.

    [d] Developing human capital by allocating special funds for health care and education of rural and urban poor, and organizing skill development programmes and vocational training for them.

    1. India and Indonesia Launch Joint Restoration Project at Prambanan Temple

      Why in News?

      India and Indonesia have launched a joint conservation and restoration project at the Prambanan Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia.

      Key Highlights

      • Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto jointly inaugurated the restoration project.
      • The project aims to conserve and restore the historic Prambanan Temple Complex.
      • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is the lead agency from the Indian side.
      • The initiative reflects the deep civilisational, cultural, and historical ties between India and Indonesia.
      • It also strengthens bilateral cooperation in heritage conservation and cultural diplomacy.

      About Prambanan Temple

      • Located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
      • Built in the 9th century CE during the Mataram Kingdom.
      • It is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and one of the largest in Southeast Asia.
      • Dedicated to the Trimurti: Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Preserver), and Shiva (Destroyer)
      • The tallest temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, standing about 47 metres high.
      • The temple walls depict episodes from the Ramayana and Bhagavata Purana.
      • Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

      Architectural Features

      • Built in the classical Hindu temple architecture style.
      • Constructed mainly using andesite stone.
      • Characterised by tall, pointed towers and intricate stone carvings.
      • The temple complex originally consisted of 240 temples, though many are now in ruins.

      Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

      • Established in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham.
      • Functions under the Ministry of Culture.
      • Responsible for:
        • Conservation of protected monuments and archaeological sites.
        • Archaeological excavations.
        • Preservation of cultural heritage.
        • Maintenance of ancient monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

      Significance of the Project

      • Reinforces India’s cultural diplomacy under the Act East Policy.
      • Highlights the spread of Indian civilisation, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sanskrit culture in Southeast Asia.
      • Promotes cooperation in heritage conservation, tourism, and archaeological research.
      • Strengthens the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

      [2025] Who among the following led a successful military campaign against the kingdom of Srivijaya, the powerful maritime State, which ruled the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Java and the neighbouring islands?

      [A] Amoghavarsha (Rashtrakuta)

      [B] Prataparudra (Kakatiya)

      [C] Rajendra 1 (Chola)

      [D] Vishnuvardhana (Hoysala)