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Type: Prelims Only

  • VOC Port: Model for Green Maritime Growth

    Why in News?

    Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted V. O. Chidambaranar Port Authority as a model for sustainable maritime development, releasing its first Sustainability Report and launching several green and digital initiatives.

    Key Highlights

    • Net carbon emissions reduced by 45%.
    • Renewable energy offsets nearly 94% of the port’s energy consumption equivalent.
    • Carbon intensity per tonne of cargo reduced by nearly 50% over the last four years.
    • Recognized as a Scope-2 Emission Free Port for its transition to clean energy.

    Green Hydrogen Initiative

    • Hosts India’s first Green Hydrogen pilot project at a major port.
    • Featured in an Indian Institute of Management Calcutta case study titled “The Hydrogen Pivot”.

    Education & Innovation

    • Kendriya Vidyalaya, VOC Port commenced academic activities for the 2026-27 session.
    • MoU signed with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya for Maritime logistics research, Skill development, Sustainable port operations, and Centre of Excellence in Maritime Logistics & Port Management.

    Digital Transformation

    • Launched PortGPT, making VOC Port the first major port in India to introduce an enterprise-grade generative AI mobile application for Operational efficiency, Knowledge management, and Data-driven decision-making.

    Scope-2 Emissions

    • Indirect greenhouse gas emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heating, or cooling consumed by an organization.
    • Defined under the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol.

    Green Hydrogen

    • Produced through electrolysis of water using renewable energy.
    • Emits zero carbon dioxide during production.
    • Key pillar of India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.

    [2023] Consider the following pairs :
    Port—–Well known as
    1.Kamarajar Port—-First major port in India registered as a company
    2.Mundra Port—–Largest privately owned port in India
    3.Visakhapatnam—-Largest container port in India

    [A] Only one pair

    [B] Only two pairs

    [C] All three pairs

    [D] None of the pairs

  • CPGRAMS 46th Monthly Report (May 2026)

    Why in the news?

    The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) released the 46th CPGRAMS Monthly Report for States/UTs, highlighting public grievance redressal performance and capacity-building initiatives.

    Public Grievance Redressal

    • Public Grievances (PG) received: 85,900
    • PG cases redressed: 84,365
    • Total pending cases (31 May 2026): 2,13,190
    • 22 States/UTs have more than 1,000 pending grievances.

    State Performance

    • Highest disposals:
      • Uttar Pradesh: 27,030 cases
      • Maharashtra: 9,476 cases

    User Participation

    • New CPGRAMS users registered: 65,174
    • Registrations from Uttar Pradesh: 11,365
    • Feedback collected by Call Centre:78,830
      • From States/UTs: 32,283

    Common Service Centres (CSCs)

    • CPGRAMS integrated with 5 lakh+ CSCs and 2.5 lakh Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs).
    • 8,562 grievances registered through CSCs during May 2026.

    Sevottam Scheme

    • FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27 (till May): 1,175 training programmes conducted and 38,693 officers trained.
    • New Initiative: Samadhan Didi, an AI-enabled Voice Chatbot, launched on 30 May 2026 to improve digital public grievance redressal.

    CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System)

    • An online platform for citizens to lodge grievances against Central Ministries, Departments, and States/UTs.
    • Developed and managed by DARPG.
    • Enables tracking, monitoring, and time-bound disposal of grievances.
    • Sevottam Scheme: A quality management framework aimed at improving Citizen charters, Public grievance redressal, and Service delivery excellence

    [2021] With reference to the Union Government, consider the following statements:
    1. N. Gopalaswamy Iyengar Committee suggested that a minister and a secretary be designated solely for pursuing the subject of administrative reform and promoting it.
    2. In 1970, the Department of Personnel was constituted on the recommendation of the Administrative Reforms Commission, 1966, and this was placed under the Prime Minister’s charge.
    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

  • April 2026 Net FDI at Nearly 5-Year High

    Why in News?

    India’s Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rose to $6.6 billion in April 2026, the highest level since May 2021, driven by a sharp increase in gross FDI inflows.

    Key Highlights

    • Net FDI: $6.6 billion in April 2026, up from $917 million in March 2026.
    • Gross FDI Inflows:$15.3 billion, the highest since at least March 2021.
      • Increased 65% year-on-year.
      • Increased 131% over March 2026.
    • April inflows alone accounted for over 16% of total FDI received in FY 2025-26.

    Major Source Countries

    • Japan, Singapore, and Mauritius
    • Together accounted for more than 75% of FDI inflows.

    Outward FDI

    • Gross outflows: $8.7 billion (up 13.7% YoY).
    • Outward FDI by Indian companies: $4.8 billion, the highest on record since at least March 2021.
    • Around 80% of outward FDI was directed to United States and Cayman Islands
    • Major sectors Financial and insurance services, Business services, and Manufacturing

    Significance

    • Marks a strong recovery after six consecutive months of negative net FDI up to February 2026.
    • Reflects renewed investor confidence and stronger capital inflows into the Indian economy.

    Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

    • Investment by a foreign entity in a business located in another country with a lasting interest and management control (generally 10% or more equity ownership).
    • Includes Greenfield investments, Brownfield investments, and Reinvested earnings

    FDI vs FPI

    • FDI: Long-term investment with management control.
    • FPI (Foreign Portfolio Investment): Investment in financial assets without management control; generally more volatile.

    [2021] Consider the following:
    1. Foreign currency convertible bonds
    2. Foreign institutional investment with certain conditions
    3. Global depository receipts
    4. Non-resident external deposits
    Which of the above can be included in Foreign Direct Investments?

    [A] 1, 2 and 3

    [B] 3 only

    [C] 2 and 4

    [D] 1 and 4

  • Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator Report (Jan-Mar 2026)

    Why in News?

    TRAI released the Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicator Report for the quarter ending 31 March 2026, highlighting growth in telecom, internet, broadband, DTH, and broadcasting sectors.

    Telecom

    • Total telephone subscribers: 1,330.58 million (↑1.87% QoQ).
    • Tele-density:93.26%: Urban: 151.47% and Rural: 60.46%
    • Private operators’ market share: 92.32%.

    Internet & Broadband

    • Internet subscribers: 1,092.79 million (↑6.24% QoQ).
    • Broadband subscribers: 1,065.88 million.
    • Wireless internet: 1,046.26 million.
    • Wired internet: 46.54 million.
    • Internet penetration: 76.59 per 100 population.

    Wireless Services

    • Wireless (Mobile + FWA) subscribers: 1,282.33 million.
    • Wireless (Mobile) subscribers: 1,265.73 million.
    • 5G FWA subscribers: 16.61 million.
    • Average wireless data usage: 26.70 GB/subscriber/month.

    Revenue & Usage

    • Monthly Wireless ARPU: ₹196.04.
    • Minutes of Usage (MOU): 1,017 minutes/subscriber/month.
    • Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR): ₹86,716 crore.

    Broadcasting

    • Private satellite TV channels: 917
    • Pay TV channels: 342
    • Private FM channels: 390 across 120 cities
    • Pay DTH subscribers: 49.05 million
    • Community Radio Stations: 564.

    Prelims Pointer

    • TRAI is a statutory body established under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
    • It regulates telecom services, ensures consumer protection, promotes competition, and recommends licensing and spectrum policies.
    • Tele-density = Number of telephone connections per 100 population.

    [2019] With reference to communications technologies, what is/are the difference/differences between LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution)?
    1. LTE is commonly marketed as 3G and VoLTE is commonly marketed as advanced 3G.
    2. LTE is data-only technology and VoLTE is voice-only technology.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] Both 1 and 2

    [D] Neither 1 nor 2

  • India’s Emerging Technology Ecosystem

    Why in the news?

    The Government highlighted India’s progress in AI, semiconductors, quantum technologies, supercomputing, cloud computing, blockchain, and biotechnology as key pillars of Viksit Bharat 2047.

    Digital India

    • Internet connections: 25.15 crore (2014) → 102.86 crore (2026).
    • Broadband: 6.1 crore → 99.56 crore.
    • 5G services cover 99.9% of districts.
    • Data cost reduced from ₹269/GB to ₹8-10/GB.

    Supercomputing

    • National Supercomputing Mission (2015): ₹4,500 crore.
    • 38 supercomputers with 47 petaflops capacity.
    • Indigenous PARAM Rudra series developed.

    Semiconductor Ecosystem

    • Semicon India Programme (2021): ₹76,000 crore.
    • ISM 2.0 (2026-27): ₹1,000 crore.
    • 12 projects worth ₹1.64 lakh crore approved.
    • DLI Scheme: 24 companies supported; 7 chips fabricated.

    National Quantum Mission

    • Approved in 2023 with ₹6,003.65 crore.
    • Focus: Quantum Computing, Communication, Sensing, Materials.
    • 1,000 km secure quantum communication network demonstrated.
    • India’s first Quantum Valley coming up in Amaravati.

    IndiaAI Mission

    • Approved in 2024 with ₹10,300+ crore.
    • 38,000+ GPUs common computing facility.
    • AI Kosh: 12,115 datasets and 306 AI models.
    • Around 89% of new startups use AI.

    Cloud Computing

    • MeghRaj: Government cloud platform.
    • 2,323 government departments using MeghRaj (2026).

    Blockchain

    • National Blockchain Framework (2021).
    • 3 crore+ property documents verified through blockchain.
    • Supports Vishvasya Blockchain Stack and Digital Rupee (e₹) pilots.

    Biotechnology

    • Sector size: USD 190 billion (2026).
    • 94 BioNEST incubators across 25 States/UTs.
    • Key initiatives: National Biopharma Mission, BioE3 Policy.

    Research & Skilling

    • ANRF (2024) operationalized.
    • RDI Scheme (2025): ₹1 lakh crore corpus.
    • FutureSkills PRIME: 27.53 lakh registrations.
    • Chips to Startup (C2S): Targets 85,000 semiconductor professionals.

    Global Technology Indicators

    • Global Innovation Index: Rank 81 (2015) → 38 (2025).
    • 2,100+ Global Capability Centres (GCCs) employing 2.36 million professionals.
    • India AI Impact Summit 2026: Declaration adopted by 92 countries.

    [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

  • DAE Inaugurates VDPP and 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell

    Why in News?

    The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) inaugurated the Versatile Deuterated Compounds Production Plant (VDPP) and commissioned the 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell at the Heavy Water Board Facilities (HWBF), Vadodara, strengthening India’s indigenous capabilities in strategic nuclear materials.

    Versatile Deuterated Compounds Production Plant (VDPP)

    • Established for indigenous production of high-purity deuterated compounds and solvents.
    • Supports:
      • Advanced scientific research
      • Strategic applications
      • Frontier technologies
    • Reduces dependence on imports of specialized deuterated materials.

    What are Deuterated Compounds?

    • Compounds in which hydrogen (¹H) is replaced by deuterium (²H or D), a stable isotope of hydrogen containing one proton and one neutron.
    • Used in Nuclear technology, NMR spectroscopy, Pharmaceutical research, and Chemical and biological studies

    24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell

    • India’s first indigenous industrial-scale prototype for producing nuclear-grade sodium.
    • Nuclear-grade sodium serves as the coolant in Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs).
    • Represents a major step toward self-reliance in strategic nuclear materials.

    Significance

    • Strengthens India’s Fast Breeder Reactor Programme.
    • Supports the second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme.
    • Promotes AtmaNirbhar Bharat in critical nuclear technologies.
    • Enhances long-term energy security and technological self-reliance.

  • India’s Space Odyssey: Prelims Quick Revision

    Why in News?

    The Government highlighted India’s achievements under Space Vision 2047, focusing on self-reliance, commercialization, and human spaceflight.

    Major Missions

    • Chandrayaan-3 (2023): First soft landing near Moon’s south pole; confirmed sulphur.
    • Chandrayaan-4 (2027): Lunar sample return mission.
    • LUPEX (2027-28): ISRO-JAXA mission to explore lunar polar ice.
    • Mangalyaan: First country to reach Mars on maiden attempt.
    • Aditya-L1: India’s first solar observatory at Sun-Earth L1.
    • Venus Orbiter Mission: Planned for 2028.
    • Gaganyaan: India’s first human spaceflight programme.
    • Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): First module by 2028.

    Space Technology

    • SpaDeX (2025): India became 4th nation to achieve autonomous space docking.
    • NavIC: Indigenous navigation system covering India and 1,500 km beyond.
    • VIKRAM3201: First indigenous 32-bit space microprocessor.
    • RLV-TD: Developing reusable launch vehicle technology.

    Space Economy

    • Space startups: 1 (2014) → 400+ (2026).
    • Space economy: $8 billion, targeted to reach $40-45 billion by 2030.
    • Major reforms: IN-SPACe, NSIL, Indian Space Policy 2023, Liberalised FDI.

    Launch Infrastructure

    • Operational launch vehicles: PSLV, GSLV, LVM3.
    • NGLV under development (30-ton LEO capacity).
    • Second spaceport: Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu.
    • Third launch pad approved at Sriharikota.

    International Cooperation

    • NISAR: ISRO-NASA
    • TRISHNA: ISRO-CNES
    • LUPEX: ISRO-JAXA
    • Human spaceflight cooperation with ESA and Russia.

    Space Applications

    • Disaster management, Telemedicine, PM e-VIDYA, India-WRIS, Potential Fishing Zone advisories, and Satellite Aided Search and Rescue (SASAR).

  • Rakhigarhi Skeletons Undergo DNA Analysis & Facial Reconstruction

    Why in News?

    The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has sent nearly 5,000-year-old skeletons excavated from Rakhigarhi, Haryana, for DNA analysis and facial reconstruction to gain insights into the people of the Harappan Civilization.

    Key Highlights

    • Five skeletons recovered:
      • 3 females and 2 males (preliminary assessment).
      • Estimated age: 30-40 years.
    • Scientific Institutions Involved:
      • Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), Kolkata: Anthropological study and facial reconstruction.
      • Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow: Ancient DNA analysis.
    • Objectives of the Study:
      • Determine ancestry and genetic profile.
      • Identify cause of death and possible diseases.
      • Reconstruct facial features and physical appearance.
      • Estimate height, lifestyle, and social status.
      • Reconstruct the palaeo-environment of the Harappan period.
    • Three additional disturbed burials with fragmentary remains were also discovered at Mound No. 7, the site’s ancient cemetery.

    About Rakhigarhi

    • Located in Hisar district, Haryana.
    • Largest known site of the Indus Valley (Harappan) Civilization.
    • Flourished during 2600-1900 BCE (Mature Harappan Phase).
    • Known for Planned urban settlement, Drainage system, Granaries, Cemetery remains, and Craft production

    Ancient DNA (aDNA)

    • DNA extracted from ancient bones, teeth, or other biological remains.
    • Used to study Human migration, Evolution, Population genetics, Ancient diseases

    [2021] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?

    [A] Dholavira

    [B] Kalibangan

    [C] Rakhigarhi

    [D] Ropar

  • Abhigyan App and NAFIS

    Why in the news?

    The Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, launched Abhigyan, a mobile application developed by the National Crime Records Bureau that enables police personnel to identify suspects through portable fingerprint scanning linked to the national fingerprint database.

    Abhigyan App

    • Enables police officers to capture fingerprints using portable scanners and smartphones.
    • Connected to the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS).
    • Can match fingerprints with national records in about 35 seconds.
    • Features:
      • Real-time identification
      • Mobile access to criminal records
      • Two-factor authentication
      • Field-level policing support

    National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS)

    • Launched in 2022 by NCRB.
    • A centralized biometric database of Criminal suspects, Arrested persons, Convicts, and Prison inmates
    • Contains over 1.3 crore fingerprint records.
    • Facilitates nationwide sharing and matching of fingerprint data.

    Legal Basis

    • Based on the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022.
    • Authorizes collection of biometric measurements including Fingerprints, Palm prints, Iris and retina scans, Photographs, and Biological samples

    Significance

    • Faster identification of repeat offenders and absconders.
    • Strengthens inter-state criminal tracking.
    • Supports crime investigation and law enforcement.
    • Raises concerns regarding Privacy, Data protection, and Scope of biometric collection from individuals not formally accused.

    Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022

    • Replaced the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920.
    • Expands the categories of persons whose biometric data can be collected.
    • NCRB is designated as the central repository of records.
    • Data may generally be retained for 75 years, subject to prescribed conditions.

    [2018] In addition to fingerprint scanning, which of the following can be used in the biometric identification of a person?
    1. Iris scanning
    2. Retinal scanning
    3. Voice recognition
    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

  • Right to Walk on Footpaths Declared a Fundamental Right

    Why in the news?

    The Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment authored by Justice P. S. Narasimha, held that the right to walk safely on demarcated and well-maintained footpaths is a Fundamental Right, which takes precedence over the privilege of motorized vehicles.

    Right to Walk as a Fundamental Right

    • Derived from Article 19(1)(d): Right to move freely throughout the territory of India.
    • Also linked with:
      • Article 21: Right to life and personal liberty.
      • Article 19(1)(a): Freedom of expression.
      • Article 19(1)(b): Right to assemble peacefully.
      • Article 19(1)(c): Right to form associations.

    Court’s Observations

    • Walking is the most basic form of human movement and is intrinsically connected to life and dignity.
    • Public spaces cannot become monopolies of motorized vehicles.
    • If a road exists, authorities have an enforceable duty to provide and maintain footpaths.
    • Pedestrian rights must override the convenience of motorized traffic.

    Directions to Government

    • Create a statutory framework recognizing the right to walk.
    • Establish a dedicated regulatory body for:
      • Planning pedestrian infrastructure.
      • Enforcement and monitoring.
      • Providing remedies for violations.
    • Judgment sent to Ministries of:
      • Housing & Urban Affairs
      • Rural Development
      • Road Transport & Highways

    Case Background

    • The ruling arose from the death of a five-year-old child who was run over by a truck while walking to school with his father.
    • The Court awarded compensation exceeding ₹11 lakh.

    [2018] Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement?

    (a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution.

    (b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV.

    (c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III.

    (d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution.