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Type: Prelims Only

  • US to announce nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia

    Why in the News?

    The Trump administration is preparing to announce a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia that could include a uranium enrichment facility, drawing bipartisan US Congressional and Israeli non-proliferation concerns.

    Key Highlights

    1. The proposed 30-year agreement could include uranium enrichment capability for Saudi Arabia.
    2. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has stated that Saudi Arabia would pursue nuclear weapons if Iran acquires them.
    3. The agreement requires review by the US Congress before it can be finalised.

    International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    1. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an autonomous international organization established in 1957.
    2. It promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy while preventing its use for military purposes through safeguards and inspections.
    3. It is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
    4. India is one of the 180+ member states of the IAEA.
    5. In 2025, the IAEA Board of Governors declared Iran in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation obligations, the first such finding since 2006.

    New START Treaty

    1. New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) was the last remaining bilateral nuclear arms control treaty between the United States and Russia.
    2. It placed legally binding limits on deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems and provided for mutual inspections.
    3. The treaty officially expired on 5 February 2026, ending more than five decades of legally binding limits on the world’s two largest nuclear arsenals.

    (2018) In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)?

    (a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards.
    (b) The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA.
    (c) The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
    (d) The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG.

  • India using too many powerful antibiotics meant for specific infections: Study

    Why in the News?

    A study published in The Lancet Public Health finds that India overuses ‘Watch’ category antibiotics while underusing ‘Access’ and ‘Reserve’ category drugs under the World Health Organization (WHO)’s AWaRe (Access, Watch, Reserve) classification, raising concerns about the country’s antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trajectory.

    Key Highlights

    1. The study is based on Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) prescription data analysed using the WHO AWaRe classification.
    2. India shows disproportionate use of broad-spectrum ‘Watch’ category antibiotics, which carry a higher risk of antimicrobial resistance.
    3. ‘Access’ category antibiotics (first-line, lower resistance risk) and ‘Reserve’ category antibiotics (last-resort drugs) are comparatively underused.

    Back2Basics

    WHO AWaRe Classification (2017)

    1. Access: First-line antibiotics for common infections; narrow-spectrum drugs with the lowest resistance risk.
    2. Watch: Broad-spectrum antibiotics with higher resistance potential; should be prescribed selectively.
    3. Reserve: Last-resort antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant infections; should be used only when all other options fail.

    Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

    • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is the ability of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) to survive exposure to drugs that would normally kill them or inhibit their growth.
    • It is primarily driven by the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals, and agriculture.

    (2019) Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?

    1. Genetic predisposition of some people
    2. Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
    3. Using antibiotics in livestock farming
    4. Multiple chronic diseases in some people

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 and 2
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1, 3 and 4
    (d) 2, 3 and 4

  • Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Mechanism for Biodiversity Conservation

    Why in News?

    The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has released ₹6.67 crore under the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanism to 11 cotton-growing States for biodiversity conservation and livelihood enhancement. The funds were realised from Bayer Science & Innovation Pvt. Ltd. for research involving 25,431 cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) varieties.

    What is Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS)?

    • Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) is a mechanism under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, ensuring that benefits arising from the commercial use of biological resources are shared fairly with biodiversity conservation efforts and local communities.
    • It implements the principle of fair and equitable sharing of benefits under the Nagoya Protocol.

    Why was the Amount Released?

    • ₹7.62 crore was realised from Bayer Science & Innovation Pvt. Ltd.
    • Since cotton germplasm was accessed through traders and intermediaries, individual benefit claimers could not be identified.
    • Hence, the funds were allocated to State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) based on the geographical distribution of cotton cultivation.

    Allocation Criteria

    • Based on data from the All India Coordinated Research Project on Cotton (AICRP) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
    • Distributed proportionately according to each State’s cotton cultivation area.
    • ₹6.67 crore released to 11 cotton-growing States, while ₹0.95 crore was retained by the NBA as per the Biological Diversity Rules.

    Utilisation of Funds

    The funds will support:

    • On-farm and ex-situ biodiversity conservation.
    • Preparation and updation of People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).
    • Ecosystem restoration and Biodiversity Heritage Sites.
    • Documentation of traditional knowledge.
    • Biodiversity research and digital databases.
    • Capacity building of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).
    • Livelihood enhancement and awareness programmes.

    Significance

    • Promotes conservation of India’s rich cotton genetic diversity.
    • Ensures benefits from commercial use of biological resources reach biodiversity-rich regions.
    • Supports implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, especially:
      • Target 13: Fair and equitable benefit sharing.
      • Target 4: Conservation of genetic diversity.

    About National Biodiversity Authority (NBA)

    • Established under: Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
    • Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
    • Nature: Statutory body.
    • Functions: Regulates access to India’s biological resources. Advises on biodiversity conservation. Implements the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing.

    [2023] Consider the following statements:
    1. In Biodiversity the India, Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.
    2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.
    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

  • Commercialisation and Transfer of Government-Developed Technologies

    Why in News?

    The Government informed Parliament about the institutional framework, technology transfer mechanisms, and commercialization of technologies developed by public-funded research institutions such as the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and National Research Development Corporation (NRDC).

    National Research Development Corporation (NRDC)

    • NRDC is an autonomous organization under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).
    • It is the nodal agency for technology transfer, licensing, commercialization, and Intellectual Property (IP) management.
    • Has licensed technologies to 5,100+ entrepreneurs and facilitated filing of 2,100+ Intellectual Properties (IPs).
    • Supports patenting, prototyping, pilot plants, feasibility studies, and export of indigenous technologies.

    Institutional Framework

    • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR): Technology Transfer and Utilisation of Knowledgebase Guidelines.
    • Department of Biotechnology (DBT): Intellectual Property (IP) Guidelines, 2023, enabling institutions to own and license IP through exclusive or non-exclusive agreements.
    • Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science and Technology (DST): Provides financial assistance for commercialization of indigenous technologies.

    Startup & Industry Support

    • Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) has established:
      • 7 Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) under the National Biopharma Mission (NBM).
      • 94 biotechnology incubation/pre-incubation centres across 25 States and Union Territories (UTs).
    • Department of Science and Technology (DST) has established 22 Technology Enabling Centres (TECs) to connect researchers with industry.
    • Incubation centres at IITs and NRDC provide mentorship, testing facilities, funding support, and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment.

    Commercialisation Performance (2023–2025)

    • CSIR: 707 technologies licensed/developed and 452 technologies commercialized/transferred.
    • DBT: 120 technologies licensed/developed and 18 technologies commercialized/transferred.
    • DST: 185 technologies licensed/developed and 36 technologies commercialized/transferred.

    Startup Creation

    • CSIR: Supported 148 startups, generating royalty income and employment for about 7,200 people.
    • DBT: Facilitated 34 startups in healthcare, agritech, diagnostics, and biomanufacturing.
    • NRDC: Supported 13 startups under the Technology Development, Validation and Commercialisation (TDVC) programme.

    [2017] With reference to the “National Intellectual Property Rights Policy” consider the following statements:

    1. It reiterates India’s commitment to Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS agreement.
    2. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating Intellectual Property Rights in India.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?
    a) Only 2
    b) Neither 1 nor 2
    c) Only 1
    d) Both 1 and 2

  • Borophene-Based Green Lubricant Can Help Save Energy

    Why in News?

    Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a borophene-enhanced castor oil lubricant that reduces friction and wear, improving energy efficiency. The research was published in ACS Applied Engineering Materials.

    What is Borophene?

    • A single-atom-thick (2D) allotrope of boron.
    • Possesses high strength, excellent electrical conductivity, and thermal stability.
    • Has applications in batteries, supercapacitors, sensors, fuel cells, and advanced lubricants.

    Key Findings

    • Adding 0.1 wt.% borophene to castor oil reduced friction by about 42%.
    • Improves load-bearing capacity and wear resistance.
    • Disperses uniformly in castor oil without chemical modification.

    How Does It Work?

    Borophene forms a tribofilm (a thin protective layer) on metal surfaces, reducing direct metal-to-metal contact, friction, and wear.

    Why is Castor Oil Used?

    • Renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic.
    • Borophene enhances its performance, making it suitable as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based lubricants.

    Significance

    • Reduces energy losses due to friction.
    • Increases machinery lifespan and efficiency.
    • Promotes eco-friendly lubricants for sustainable manufacturing.

    Prelims Facts

    • Borophene: Two-dimensional allotrope of boron.
    • Lubricant Base: Castor oil.
    • Friction Reduction: About 42%.
    • Protective Layer: Tribofilm.
    • Research Institute: IASST, Guwahati.
    • Ministry: Department of Science and Technology (DST).

  • AAROH: Annual Report on Mine Closure

    Why in News?

    The Ministry of Coal will release AAROH (Annual Report on Mine Closure) on 22 July 2026, highlighting India’s progress in scientific mine closure. The event will also witness the signing of the India-Germany Implementation Agreement on mine closure, inauguration of Coal NEER Plants, and MoUs under the Revised Jharia Master Plan.

    Key Highlights

    • AAROH is the first comprehensive annual report documenting India’s scientific mine closure efforts.
    • For the first time since Independence, 42 coal mines have been scientifically closed according to approved mine closure plans.
    • The report showcases:
      • Scientific land reclamation.
      • Ecological restoration.
      • Sustainable post-mining land use.
      • Community-centric rehabilitation and livelihood generation.

    Frameworks for Scientific Mine Closure

    The Ministry of Coal has developed dedicated frameworks and digital tools to ensure scientific and sustainable mine closure:

    • RECLAIM (Resourceful Engagement and Community-Led Action in Integrated Mine Closure) Framework promotes community participation and stakeholder engagement during mine closure.
    • L.I.V.E.S. (Livelihood, Inclusion, Value, Environment and Sustainability) Framework provides guidelines for sustainable mine closure and productive post-mining land use.
    • SUVIKALP (Sustainable Utilisation of Vast Land Resources through Intelligent Planning) is an interactive decision-support tool for identifying suitable post-mining land-use options.

    International Cooperation

    • The Ministry of Coal will sign an Implementation Agreement with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Germany.
    • The partnership aims to:
      • Build institutional capacity.
      • Facilitate knowledge sharing.
      • Adopt international best practices in scientific mine closure and post-mining development.

    Community Development Initiatives

    • Coal NEER Plants will be inaugurated to provide safe and sustainable drinking water in coal-bearing regions.
    • Tripartite MoUs will be signed among BCCL, JRDA, and private industries for establishing vocational training centres under the Revised Jharia Master Plan.

    Significance

    • Promotes environmentally responsible mining practices.
    • Restores degraded mining landscapes and biodiversity.
    • Converts abandoned mines into productive assets for agriculture, tourism, forestry, renewable energy, or industrial use.
    • Enhances livelihood opportunities through skill development and community participation.

    [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

  • India’s Renewable Energy Installed Capacity Nearly Quadruples Since 2014

    Why in News?

    The Union Government informed the Rajya Sabha that India’s installed renewable energy (RE) capacity has increased from 76.38 GW in 2014 to 288.58 GW (as of 30 June 2026), marking nearly a fourfold increase.

    Key Highlights

    • India’s total renewable energy installed capacity reached 288.58 GW by 30 June 2026.
    • Solar power contributes the largest share with 162.15 GW.
    • Wind power accounts for 57.44 GW.
    • Hydro power contributes 57.24 GW.
    • Bio power contributes 11.75 GW.

    Non-Fossil Fuel Electricity Capacity

    • Total installed non-fossil fuel electricity capacity stands at 297.36 GW.
    • It comprises: 288.58 GW from renewable energy. 8.78 GW from nuclear power.

    Investment in Renewable Energy (FY 2014 to FY 2026)

    • The renewable energy sector attracted USD 45.72 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
    • Domestic financial institutions deployed ₹12.32 lakh crore towards the sector.
    • Major financing institutions include IREDA, PFC, REC, IIFCL, NaBFID, SIDBI, along with 12 Public Sector Banks.

    Significance

    • Solar energy has become India’s largest renewable energy source.
    • Strengthens India’s progress towards its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Net Zero by 2070 target.
    • Improves energy security by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
    • Encourages green jobs, private investment, and domestic manufacturing.
    • Supports the growth of emerging sectors such as Green Hydrogen and battery storage.

    Challenges

    • Integrating intermittent renewable energy into the power grid.
    • Scaling up energy storage infrastructure.
    • Land acquisition and transmission bottlenecks.
    • Financial stress of power distribution companies (DISCOMs).

    [2022] Consider the following statements:
    1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India.
    2. Kerala has a fully solar powered International Airport.
    3. Goa has the largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2

    [B] 2 only

    [C] 1 and 3

    [D] 3 only

  • White Gold: India’s Cotton Story

    Why in News?

    The Government released “White Gold: India’s Cotton Story – From Seed to Shirt”, highlighting India’s global leadership in cotton production and new initiatives to improve productivity, quality, and sustainability.

    Key Highlights

    • India is the only country cultivating all four recognized cotton species.
    • Ranks: 1st in global cotton acreage. 2nd in production and consumption.
    • Cotton production (2025–26, provisional): 290.91 lakh bales.
    • Domestic consumption: 328 lakh bales.
    • Contributes nearly 19% of global fibre production.
    • Supports livelihoods of 6 million farmers and employment for 40–50 million people in allied sectors.

    Four Cotton Species

    • Gossypium arboreum (Asian cotton)
    • Gossypium herbaceum (Asian cotton)
    • Gossypium hirsutum (American upland cotton; ~90% of India’s hybrid cotton)
    • Gossypium barbadense (Egyptian cotton)

    Bt Cotton

    • Genetically modified cotton containing genes from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
    • Commercially introduced in 2002.
    • Resistant to bollworms, reducing insecticide use and improving yields.

    Major Cotton Growing Zones

    • Northern: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan
    • Central: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh
    • Southern: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
    • Also cultivated in Tamil Nadu and Odisha.

    Government Initiatives

    Mission for Cotton Productivity (2025–26)

    • Five-year mission with an outlay of ₹5,659.22 crore.
    • Target: Increase production from 297 lakh bales to 498 lakh bales by 2031.
    • Focus on: Climate-resilient varieties, Pest-resistant seeds, Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton, and Advanced breeding and biotechnology.

    Minimum Support Price (MSP)

    • Procurement by Cotton Corporation of India (CCI).
    • MSP (2026–27): Medium Staple: ₹8,267/quintal and Long Staple: ₹8,667/quintal

    Special Project on Cotton (NFSM)

    • Promotes: High Density Planting System (HDPS), Closer Spacing Planting System, and ELS cotton technologies.
    • Demonstrations recorded 30–40% yield improvement.

    Kapas Kisan App

    • Digital platform for Farmer registration, MSP procurement slot booking, Aadhaar-linked payments, and SMS updates.

    Kasturi Cotton Bharat

    • National branding and traceability initiative.
    • Features: QR-code certification, Blockchain-based traceability, and NABL-accredited quality testing.
    • Promotes Indian cotton as a premium global brand.

    Economic Importance

    • Cotton is known as “White Gold”.
    • Integral to the textile value chain and India’s export earnings.
    • Cottonseed provides: Edible oil, Animal feed, Biomass fuel, and Surgical cotton and medical products.

    [2020] “The crop is subtropical in nature. A hard frost is injurious to it. It requires at least 210 frost-free days and 50 to 100 centimeters of rainfall for its growth. A light well-drained soil capable of retaining moisture is ideally suited for the cultivation of the crop.” Which one of the following is that crop?

    a) Cotton
    b) Jute
    c) Sugarcane
    d) Tea

  • Core Industries Index (ICI) Revised Series

    Why in News?

    The Index of Core Industries (ICI) grew by 5% in June 2026, the highest growth in the last five months. The government also released a new ICI series with base year 2022–23, replacing the 2011–12 series.

    Key Highlights

    • Growth: ICI increased by 5% (YoY) in June 2026, up from 3.2% in May 2026.
    • Base Year Revised: Updated from 2011–12 to 2022–23.
    • Coverage Expanded: Iron ore has been added as the 9th core industry.
    • Methodology Updated: Sectoral weights and estimation methods have been revised.
    • Fastest Growing Sector: Iron ore (43.9% growth), largely due to a low statistical base.
    • Other sectors recording positive growth: Electricity: 9.8%, Cement: 9.8%, Steel: 4.6%, Coal: 1.4%
    • Sectors recording contraction: Crude Oil: –4.2%, Natural Gas: –7.4%, Refinery Products: –4.7%, Fertilisers: –3.3%

    About the Index of Core Industries (ICI)

    • Published by the Office of the Economic Adviser (OEA) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
    • Measures the performance of core industrial sectors.
    • Serves as a leading indicator of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
    • Accounts for about 40% of the weight in the IIP.
    • Nine Core Industries (Base Year 2022–23): Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilisers, Steel, Cement, Electricity, and Iron Ore (newly added)

      [2016] In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which one of the following is given the highest weight?

      (a) Coal Production

      (b) Electricity generation

      (c) Fertilizer production

      (d) Steel production.

    1. WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS)

      Why in News?

      India has deposited its Instrument of Acceptance for the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS), becoming the 123rd WTO Member to join the Agreement.

      Key Highlights

      • Adopted: At the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12), Geneva, June 2022.
      • Entered into Force: 15 September 2025, after acceptance by two-thirds of WTO Members.
      • Nature: First WTO multilateral agreement with an environmental sustainability objective.
      • Objective: Promote sustainable use and conservation of marine fisheries resources while ensuring fair global trade.

      Major Provisions

      • Prohibits subsidies for:
        • Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
        • Fishing of overfished stocks.
        • Harmful fishing practices leading to overexploitation of marine resources.
      • Provides special and differential treatment (S&DT) for developing and least-developed countries.

      What is Outside its Scope?

      • Aquaculture (fish farming).
      • Inland fisheries (rivers, lakes, reservoirs).

      Significance for India

      • Protects the interests of traditional and small-scale fishers.
      • Disciplines subsidies provided to large industrial distant-water fishing fleets, creating a more level playing field.
      • Enhances India’s image as a responsible and sustainable seafood exporter.
      • India’s aquaculture-based shrimp exports, which form a major share of seafood exports, remain outside the Agreement’s scope.

      India’s Fisheries Management Framework

      • Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025.
      • Guidelines for Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the High Seas by Indian-Flagged Fishing Vessels, 2025.
      • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for fisheries infrastructure, conservation and capacity building.

      About the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

      • Negotiated under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.6, which calls for eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies.
      • Applies mainly to marine wild capture fisheries and fishing-related activities at sea.
      • Seeks to balance marine conservation, livelihood protection, and rules-based international trade.

      [2017] Consider the following statements:

      1. India has ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) of WTO.
      2. TFA is a part of WTO’s Bali Ministerial Package of 2013.
      3. TFA came into force in January 2016.

      Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

      [A] 1 and 2 only

      [B] 1 and 3 only

      [C] 2 and 3 only

      [D] 1, 2 and 3