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Type: Prelims Only

  • Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (Revised Guidelines)

    Why in News?

    The Union Health Ministry has launched the revised operational guidelines for Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB), upgrading it to Anaemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan with a strengthened 7×7×7 framework, digital monitoring and expanded beneficiary coverage.

    What is Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB)?

    • Launched in 2018 under the National Health Mission (NHM).
    • Aims to reduce anaemia through a life-cycle approach.
    • Supports the POSHAN Abhiyaan and Anemia Reduction Strategy.

    Key Changes

    • 7×7×7 Strategy (Earlier 6×6×6): Added Low Birth Weight (LBW) babies (0 to 6 months) as the 7th beneficiary group.
    • New Intervention: Introduces “Eating Right” to promote: Iron-rich diets, Dietary diversity, and Nutrition counselling
    • Digital Monitoring: New institutional mechanism for digital tracking and programme monitoring.
    • T4 Strategy (Earlier T3): Test, Treat, Talk, and Track (new addition)
    • Better Clinical Management: Severe anaemia in pregnant/lactating women: Ferric Carboxymaltose and Iron Sucrose (IV therapy)
    • Integrated Digital Ecosystem:
      • JANANI Portal: Pregnant women
      • RBSK Portal: Children
      • U-WIN Portal: Child health records
      • Integrated into a unified AMB Abhiyaan Portal

    Causes of Anaemia

    • Iron deficiency, Folate deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Worm infestations, Infections, Inherited blood disorders, and Poor dietary diversity

    NFHS-5 Highlights

    • Children (6 to 59 months): 67.1%
    • Women (15 to 49 years): 57%
    • Pregnant women: 52.2%
    • Adolescent girls (15 to 19 years): 59.1%

    Significance

    • Early intervention for vulnerable infants.
    • Improved diagnosis and follow-up.
    • Promotes nutrition-sensitive interventions.
    • Strengthens digital health governance.
    • Supports reduction in maternal and child morbidity.

    [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

  • DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing)

    Why in the news?

    The Government highlighted DIKSHA, India’s flagship digital learning platform, for its role in advancing inclusive, multilingual and technology-enabled school education.

    What is DIKSHA?

    • Launched in 2017.
    • National digital platform for school education under PM e-Vidya.
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education.
    • Developed by NCERT through CIET.
    • Known as “One Nation, One Digital Platform.”

    Key Features

    • Curriculum-aligned content from FLN to Class XII.
    • QR-coded Energised Textbooks.
    • Videos, AR/VR, simulations and virtual labs.
    • Adaptive assessments and question banks.
    • Teacher training through NISHTHA.
    • Inclusive features: ISL videos, DAISY, Text-to-Speech.
    • Offline access and multilingual support.

    Platform Highlights

    • Federated architecture allowing States/UTs to upload content.
    • Supports 135 languages (128 Indian + 7 foreign).
    • NCERT textbooks translated into 22 Scheduled Languages.

    Key Statistics (June 2026)

    • Registered Users: 2.25 crore
    • Daily Active Users: ~3 lakh
    • Learning Sessions: 575.25 crore, Learning Minutes: 6,691.82 crore
    • Electronic Contents: 3.67 lakh, Energised Textbooks: 7,687, Virtual Labs: 614+, Courses: 347, Course Enrolments: 18.77 crore

    Significance

    • Supports NEP 2020 and PM e-Vidya.
    • Promotes digital, multilingual and inclusive education.
    • Enables personalized learning and teacher capacity building.
    • Strengthens Digital India and equitable access to quality education.

    [2016] `SWAYAM’, an initiative of the Government of India, aims at

    [A] promoting the Self-Help Groups in rural areas

    [B] providing financial and technical assistance to young start-up entrepreneurs

    [C] promoting the education and health of adolescent girls

    [D] providing affordable and quality education to the citizens for free

  • Digital India Completes 11 Years of Transformation

    Why in the news?

    The Digital India Programme completes 11 years on 1 July 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s digital transformation. Over the past decade, India has developed one of the world’s largest Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) ecosystems, transforming governance, healthcare, education, agriculture, finance and public service delivery.

    What is Digital India?

    • Launched on 1 July 2015.
    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
    • Vision: Digital infrastructure as a core utility to every citizen, Governance and services on demand, and Digital empowerment of citizens.

    Nine Pillars of Digital India

    • Broadband Highways, Universal Access to Mobile Connectivity, Public Internet Access Programme, e-Governance: Reforming Government through Technology, e-Kranti: Electronic Delivery of Services, Information for All, Electronics Manufacturing, IT for Jobs, and Early Harvest Programmes

    Major Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

    • Digital Identity: Aadhaar, Aadhaar-enabled DBT, e-KYC, and Aadhaar App
    • Digital Payments: UPI, BHIM, and NPCI ecosystem
    • Digital Governance: DigiLocker, UMANG, GSTN, GeM, and ONDC
    • Health: CoWIN, eSanjeevani, ORS, eHospital, eBloodBank, and Tele MANAS
    • Agriculture: AgriStack, e-NAM, Kisan e-Mitra, and Kisan Sarathi
    • Education: DIKSHA, SWAYAM, SWAYAM Prabha, PM e-Vidya, and APAAR ID

    Key Achievements

    • India handles nearly 49% of global real-time digital payment transactions through UPI.
    • Digital economy contributes around 12 to 14% of GDP.
    • BharatNet has connected about 97% of Gram Panchayats.
    • DigiLocker has over 70 crore users.
    • UPI transactions crossed 24,000 crore in FY 2025-26.
    • ONDC has expanded to 1,000 cities.
    • AgriStack has generated over 9 crore Farmer IDs.

    Significance

    • Strengthens Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
    • Improves ease of living and ease of doing business.
    • Promotes financial inclusion through Aadhaar, UPI and DBT.
    • Enhances transparency and reduces leakages.
    • Supports inclusive governance through digital service delivery.
    • Accelerates innovation, startups and AI-driven growth.

    [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

  • NFSA Draft Amendment on Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY)

    Why in News?

    The Union Government has released a draft amendment to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, inviting public comments until 13 July 2026.

    Proposed Amendment

    • Every AAY beneficiary will receive 7 kg of foodgrains per month, subject to a maximum of 35 kg per household, free of cost.
    • Earlier: Every AAY household received 35 kg/month, irrespective of family size.

    Rationale

    • Remove inequity between small and large households.
    • Ensure a fairer per capita allocation.
    • Better align foodgrain entitlements with nutritional needs.

    Concerns

    • Kerala and other non-BJP ruled states argue that smaller households, especially in southern states, will receive less foodgrain, reducing overall allocations.
    • Activists warn of a possible North-South disparity due to differences in average family size.
    • Delay in the Census has prevented revision of AAY beneficiary lists, leaving many poor families excluded.
    • Right to Food Campaign demands:
      • 14 kg foodgrains per person.
      • Inclusion of pulses and edible oil under NFSA to ensure nutritional security.

    [2018] With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements:

    1. The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains.

    2. The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card.

    3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take‑home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    A 1 and 2

    B 2 only

    C 1 and 3

    D 3 only

  • Myanmar Replaces Afghanistan as Major Opium Source

    Why in News?

    The NCB Annual Report 2026 states that after the Taliban’s 2022 ban on opium cultivation in Afghanistan, Myanmar has become a major global opium source, increasing drug trafficking along India’s eastern borders.

    Key Highlights

    • Myanmar’s illicit opium cultivation increased by 56% (2021 to 2023), reaching 45,200 hectares.
    • The Manipur corridor (NH-102) is the primary route for heroin and methamphetamine entering India.
    • Champhai (Mizoram) is another major trafficking route via Myanmar’s Chin State.
    • The Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) has become a major hub for opium and methamphetamine (Yaba) production.

    Border Security Concerns

    • Porous India-Myanmar border and the Free Movement Regime (FMR) facilitate cross-border trafficking.
    • Northeastern states, especially Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland, are increasingly used as transit and distribution hubs.

    Drone-Based Trafficking

    • Drone smuggling from Pakistan rose from 3 incidents (2021) to 305 incidents (2025).
    • In 2025, 468 kg of narcotics were seized through drones, with Punjab accounting for 298 cases.

    Other Trafficking Routes

    • Eastern Route: Myanmar → Manipur/Mizoram → Assam → Rest of India.
    • Western Route: Afghanistan → Pakistan → Punjab/Rajasthan.
    • Maritime Route: Pakistan → Gujarat/Maharashtra via fishing vessels.

    Government Response

    • Enhanced border surveillance and drone detection.
    • Intelligence-led operations by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
    • Increased international cooperation against cross-border narcotics trafficking.

    Prelims Facts

    • Golden Triangle: Myanmar, Laos, Thailand.
    • Golden Crescent: Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran.
    • Yaba: Methamphetamine + caffeine tablets.
    • FMR: Allows border residents to cross the India-Myanmar border without a visa within prescribed limits.

  • DAE Inaugurates World’s First Nuclear Heat Based Hydrogen Production Facility

    Why in News?

    The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) has inaugurated the world’s first hydrogen production facility based on the Copper-Chlorine (Cu-Cl) Thermochemical Cycle using nuclear process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) at Kalpakkam.

    Key Highlights

    • First in the world to produce hydrogen using the Cu-Cl thermochemical cycle powered by nuclear heat.
    • Established at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam.
    • Uses process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) instead of fossil fuels.
    • Technology developed indigenously by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
    • Serves as a technology demonstrator for future commercial-scale nuclear hydrogen production.

    What is the Copper-Chlorine (Cu-Cl) Thermochemical Cycle?

    The Cu-Cl cycle is a series of chemical reactions that split water into hydrogen and oxygen using heat and electricity.

    Process

    • Water reacts with copper and chlorine compounds.
    • High-temperature nuclear heat drives most of the reactions.
    • Hydrogen gas is produced while intermediate chemicals are recycled.

    Advantages

    • Operates at lower temperatures (≈500°C) than many other thermochemical cycles.
    • Higher thermodynamic efficiency.
    • Requires less electricity.
    • Produces zero greenhouse gas emissions when powered by nuclear energy.

    Why Use Nuclear Heat?

    • Fast reactors generate both Carbon-free electricity and High-temperature process heat.
    • Using this heat:
      • Reduces dependence on natural gas for hydrogen production.
      • Improves overall reactor efficiency.
      • Enables continuous hydrogen production irrespective of weather conditions.

    Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR)

    • Located at IGCAR, Kalpakkam.
    • India’s only operating fast reactor research facility.
    • Commissioned in 1985.
    • Uses liquid sodium as coolant.
    • Produces plutonium while generating power.

    [2023] Consider the following heavy industries:
    1. Fertilizer plants
    2. Oil refineries
    3. Steel plants
    Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All three

    [D] None

  • Netra AEW&C System Receives Final Operational Clearance (FOC)

    Why in the news?

    The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate of the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The system had received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2017.

    What is Netra AEW&C?

    • Netra is an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system developed indigenously by DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in collaboration with the IAF and Indian industry.
    • Mounted on a modified Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft.
    • Functions as a “flying radar”, providing airborne surveillance, early warning, command and battle management.

    Key Features

    • 360° situational awareness through networked surveillance.
    • Detects and tracks: Fighter aircraft, Cruise missiles, Drones/UAVs, Helicopters, and Surface targets.
    • Provides: Airspace surveillance, Threat detection, Target tracking, Battle management, and Command and control support.
    • Enhances interoperability with ground-based and airborne assets.

    Prelims Pointers

    • AEW&C: Airborne Early Warning and Control system for surveillance and battle management.
    • FOC (Final Operational Clearance): Certification that a defence system is fully operational and combat-ready.
    • IOC (Initial Operational Clearance): Limited operational induction after successful initial trials.
    • CABS: Centre for Airborne Systems, a DRDO laboratory responsible for airborne surveillance systems.

    [2025] With reference to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), consider the following statements:
    I. All types of UAVs can do vertical landing.
    II. All types of UAVs can do automated hovering.
    III. All types of UAVs can use battery only as a source of power supply.
    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All the three

    [D] None

  • AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 Portal

    Why in News?

    The Ministry of Civil Aviation, in collaboration with Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, an upgraded digital health declaration portal, to strengthen health surveillance at India’s international Points of Entry following the Ebola (Bundibugyo virus disease) outbreak in Central Africa.

    Why was AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 Introduced?

    • WHO declared the Ebola/Bundibugyo Virus Disease (BVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 17 May 2026 under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005.
    • To prevent the import and spread of the disease through international travel.

    What is AIR SUVIDHA 2.0?

    AIR SUVIDHA 2.0 is a contactless online Passenger Health Self-Declaration Portal for international travellers arriving in India.

    Key Features

    • Passengers must submit an online Self-Declaration Form (SDF) before arrival.
    • Form can be filled up to 24 hours before travel.
    • Captures: 21-day travel history, Exposure history, and Symptoms, if any.
    • Enables paperless and contactless health screening.
    • Real-time data sharing with Airport Health Officer (AHO), Bureau of Immigration, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), and State Surveillance Officers.
    • Enables early identification, screening, and referral of high-risk passengers.

    Benefits

    • Strengthens surveillance at Points of Entry (PoEs).
    • Supports rapid outbreak detection and response.
    • Reduces delays through digital processing.
    • Enhances coordination among aviation, immigration, and health authorities.

    What is a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC)?

    • The highest level of global public health alert declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005.
    • Declared when an extraordinary public health event: Poses a risk of international disease spread and Requires a coordinated international response.

    What is Ebola (Bundibugyo Virus Disease)?

    • A severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, one of the species of the Ebola virus.
    • Spread through:
      • Direct contact with infected blood or body fluids.
      • Contaminated objects.
      • Infected animals.
    • Symptoms: Fever. Weakness. Vomiting and diarrhoea. Internal and external bleeding in severe cases.

  • Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026

    Why in News?

    The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has notified the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026 to ease industry compliance while maintaining product quality and strengthening domestic supply chains.

    What are Quality Control Orders (QCOs)?

    • Quality Control Orders (QCOs) are mandatory regulations issued by the Central Government under the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act, 2016.
    • They require specified products to conform to Indian Standards (IS) and obtain BIS certification before manufacture, import, sale, or distribution.
    • Objectives:
      • Ensure consumer safety and product quality.
      • Prevent substandard imports.
      • Promote standardisation and manufacturing excellence.
      • Improve global competitiveness of Indian products.

    What is the Transition Facilitation (Quality Control) Order, 2026?

    The Order introduces a risk-based alternative compliance mechanism to facilitate a smooth transition to QCO compliance without compromising quality standards.

    Key Features

    • Allows manufacturers to procure inputs from suppliers licensed under:
      • Scheme II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 (Product Certification Scheme),
      • instead of only relying on Scheme I (ISI Mark Scheme).
    • Permissions will be granted based on:
      • Technical capability.
      • Compliance history.
      • Technology adoption and innovation.
      • Research and design capabilities.
      • Contribution to domestic supply chains.
    • Manufacturers with three consecutive years of default-free QCO compliance are also eligible for the benefits.
    • Maintains consumer protection while reducing compliance bottlenecks.

    BIS Certification Schemes

    • Scheme I (ISI Mark Scheme): Product testing and factory inspection. Mandatory use of the ISI Mark. Applicable to products covered under QCOs.
    • Scheme II: Simplified product certification framework. Intended for specific categories where alternative conformity assessment is permitted. Facilitates flexible sourcing while ensuring quality.

    Significance

    • Strengthens domestic value chains.
    • Encourages technology upgradation and innovation.
    • Reduces regulatory burden on industry.
    • Enhances Ease of Doing Business.
    • Improves integration with global supply chains.
    • Ensures continued consumer confidence in product quality.

    Prelims Pointers

    • DPIIT: Department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry responsible for industrial policy, startup promotion, and quality ecosystem.
    • Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):
      • National Standards Body of India.
      • Established under the BIS Act, 2016.
      • Functions under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
      • Formulates Indian Standards and operates certification schemes, including the ISI Mark.

  • Venezuela Earthquake

    Why in News?

    A powerful doublet earthquake (Magnitude 7.2 followed by 7.5) struck Venezuela, killing over 188 people and injuring more than 1,500. It is the strongest earthquake to hit Venezuela in 126 years.

    Key Highlights

    • Two major earthquakes struck within one minute, making it a doublet earthquake.
    • Epicentres were located west of Caracas, near the coastal town of Morón.
    • Tremors were felt in Colombia and Brazil.
    • The earthquakes occurred at shallow depths (10 km and 22 km), resulting in severe ground shaking.
    • International humanitarian assistance was offered by India, the United States, the United Nations, China, Brazil, and others.

    Why Did the Earthquake Occur?

    • Plate Boundary: Venezuela lies along the boundary between the Caribbean Plate and the South American Plate.
    • Strike-slip Faulting: The Caribbean Plate moves eastward relative to the South American Plate, causing horizontal movement along faults.
    • Active Fault Zone: The earthquake occurred near the El Pilar Fault System, one of the most active fault systems in northern Venezuela.
    • Shallow-focus Earthquake: Shallow earthquakes release energy close to the Earth’s surface, leading to greater destruction.
    • Doublet Earthquake: Two large earthquakes occurring almost simultaneously amplify structural damage.

    Prelims Pointers

    • Earthquake: Sudden release of energy in the Earth’s crust due to movement along faults.
    • Focus (Hypocentre): Point inside the Earth where an earthquake originates.
    • Epicentre: Point on the Earth’s surface directly above the focus.
    • Shallow-focus earthquakes: Depth less than 70 km; generally cause maximum damage.
    • Strike-slip fault: Fault where two blocks move horizontally past each other.
    • Doublet earthquake: Two major earthquakes of similar magnitude occurring close together in time and location.

    [2023] Consider the following statements :
    1. In a seismograph, P waves are recorded earlier than S waves.
    2. In P waves, the individual particles vibrate to and fro in the direction of wave propagation whereas in S waves, the particles vibrate up and down at right angles to the direction of wave propagation.
    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