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Type: Prelims Only

  • Magnetic Trees Help Researchers Unearth Hidden Flow in the Sun’s Upper Atmosphere

    Why in News?

    Scientists from ARIES (DST) and partner institutions have discovered that the Sun’s meridional plasma flow extends into the upper chromosphere, providing the first observational evidence supporting the “Magnetic Tree” hypothesis. The study was published in The Astrophysical Journal.

    Key Highlights

    • Meridional Flow: Slow movement of hot plasma from the Sun’s equator toward the poles, acting as a conveyor belt for magnetic fields and regulating the 11 year solar cycle.
    • Major Discovery: The poleward plasma flow continues up to 3,000 km above the Sun’s visible surface (upper chromosphere), linking the Sun’s surface with its upper atmosphere.
    • Magnetic Tree Hypothesis: Magnetic structures in the upper atmosphere remain connected to deeper layers, similar to branches connected to a tree’s trunk and roots.
    • Technique Used: Researchers analysed 27 years of radio observations from Japan’s Nobeyama Radioheliograph using a novel image correlation technique.
    • Flow Speed: Plasma moves toward the poles at 5 to 15 m/s, comparable to speeds in the Sun’s lower layers.
    • Solar Cycle Link: Flow patterns vary with the Sun’s 11 year solar cycle and differ between hemispheres depending on magnetic activity.
    • Space Weather Significance: Improves understanding of the solar dynamo, solar storms, and space weather affecting satellites, GPS, communication systems, and power grids.

    Key Terms

    • Chromosphere: Layer of the Sun’s atmosphere located above the photosphere and below the corona.
    • Solar Dynamo: Process by which plasma motion generates the Sun’s magnetic field.
    • Space Weather: Conditions caused by solar activity that influence Earth’s technological systems.

    [2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?:
    1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
    2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
    3. Power grids could be damaged.
    4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
    5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
    6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed
    7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below;

    [A] 1, 2, 4 and 5 only

    [B] 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only

    [C] 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only

    [D] 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and

  • Engineering Biology Roadmap 2035

    Why in News?

    The Government launched the Roadmap: “Building India as a Leading Bioeconomy Powerhouse by 2035” and announced India’s first Engineering Biology undergraduate course to develop a future-ready biotechnology workforce.

    Key Highlights

    • First Engineering Biology Graduation Course to be introduced in India.
    • Objective: Build a sovereign biotechnology ecosystem by integrating engineering, biology, medicine and AI.
    • IITs are preparing interdisciplinary programmes in collaboration with medical institutions.
    • Focus on AI-driven biology, synthetic biology and advanced biomanufacturing.
    • Bioeconomy Growth Fund: Proposed ₹50,000 crore to support innovation and commercialization.
    • Emphasis on industry-academia partnerships, talent development and indigenous biomanufacturing.

    What is Engineering Biology?

    • Engineering Biology is an interdisciplinary field that applies engineering principles to biological systems for designing and modifying organisms to develop useful products and technologies.

    Applications

    • Precision medicine and gene therapies, CAR-T cell therapy, Sustainable biofuels and bio-based chemicals, Climate-resilient agriculture, Alternative proteins and food systems, and Environmental remediation

    India’s Bioeconomy: Key Facts

    • Grew from ~USD 10 billion (2014) to ~USD 95 billion (2026).
    • Expected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030.
    • Roadmap targets USD 700 billion by 2035.
    • Over 11,000 biotechnology startups.
    • Nearly 100 bio-incubators.
    • Annual growth rate: 15 to 18%.
    • Contributes around 4.8% of GDP.

    Government Initiatives

    • BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Employment and Environment)
    • Promotion of AI-enabled biology and synthetic biology.
    • Strengthening bio-manufacturing and biotechnology innovation ecosystem.
    • Expansion of biotechnology education and skilled workforce.

    Prelims Facts

    • Synthetic Biology: Designing or modifying biological systems for useful applications.
    • Biomanufacturing: Using living organisms or biological processes to manufacture products.
    • CAR-T Cell Therapy: Personalized immunotherapy where a patient’s T cells are genetically modified to attack cancer cells.
    • DNA Vaccine: Uses genetically engineered DNA to trigger an immune response.

    [2025] With reference to monoclonal antibodies, often mentioned in news, consider the following statements:
    I. They are man-made proteins.
    II. They stimulate immunological function due to their ability to bind to specific antigens.
    III. They are used in treating viral infections like that of Nipah virus.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] I and II only

    [B] II and III only

    [C] I and III only

    [D] 1, II and III

  • GLP-1 Drugs and Their Effects on Skin, Hair & Nails

    Why in News?

    Growing use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has highlighted their effects on skin, hair, and nails.

    What is GLP-1?

    • GLP-1: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1
    • An incretin hormone that stimulates insulin secretion, reduces glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, and Suppresses appetite, aiding weight loss.
    • Common Drugs: Semaglutide, Liraglutide, Dulaglutide, and Tirzepatide (dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist).
    • Emerging Role: Early studies suggest benefits in: Psoriasis and Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS). However, GLP-1 drugs are not yet approved as standard dermatological treatments.

    Dermatological Effects

    • Skin: Facial fat loss (“Ozempic Face”), loose skin, pigmentation, fungal infections.
    • Hair: Temporary hair shedding (Telogen Effluvium) due to rapid weight loss or nutritional deficiencies.
    • Nails: Brittle, slow-growing or peeling nails linked to nutritional deficiencies.

    Prelims Facts

    • GLP-1: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1
    • T2DM: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
    • GIP: Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide
    • HS: Hidradenitis Suppurativa
    • PCOS: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
    • Telogen Effluvium: Temporary hair shedding triggered by physiological stress or rapid weight loss.

    [2024] Which one of the following is synthesised in human body that dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow

    [A] Nitric oxide

    [B] Nitrous oxide

    [C] Nitrogen dioxide

    [D] Nitrogen pentoxide

  • India’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train

    Why in News?

    Indian Railways is set to launch India’s first Hydrogen Fuel Cell Trainset, marking a major step towards green and sustainable rail transportation.

    Key Highlights

    • First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train in India.
    • Route: Jind–Sonipat section (Northern Railway), Haryana.
    • Train Configuration: 10 coaches
    • Passenger Capacity: Around 2,600 passengers (largest hydrogen passenger train globally in terms of capacity).
    • Operational Speed: 75 km/h
    • Design Speed: 110 km/h
    • Generates electricity onboard using hydrogen and oxygen, eliminating the need for overhead electric lines.
    • By-products: Only water vapour and heat (near-zero emissions at the point of use).

    How Does It Work?

    • Uses a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell.
    • Hydrogen stored in cylinders reacts with oxygen from the atmosphere.
    • The electrochemical reaction generates electricity to power traction motors.
    • The train consists of: 2 Hydrogen Driving Power Cars (DPCs) and 8 Trailer Coaches (TCs)
    • Each DPC produces 1,200 kW (1,600 hp) of power.

    Hydrogen Refuelling Facility

    • Located at Jind, Haryana.
    • India’s largest railway hydrogen refuelling facility.
    • Hydrogen is Produced through electrolysis, Compressed to 500 bar, and Dispensed at 350 bar.
    • Stores nearly 3,000 kg of hydrogen.
    • Approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).

    Safety Features

    • Hydrogen leak detectors.
    • Heat, flame and smoke detection systems.
    • Continuous ventilation.
    • Automatic hydrogen shut-off system.
    • Fire suppression systems.
    • Third-party safety assessment by TÜV SÜD (Germany).
    • Designed according to NFPA-2 and ISO 19880 standards.

    Indigenous Development

    • Developed under Indian Railways.
    • Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) formulated technical specifications.
    • Medha Servo Drives integrated the train.
    • Integral Coach Factory (ICF) designed the train exterior.

    Global Significance

    • Countries operating or testing hydrogen trains include Germany, France, Italy, China, and Japan
    • India’s train is among the largest-capacity hydrogen-powered passenger trains and includes a complete hydrogen ecosystem from production to refuelling.

    Future Plans

    • Hydrogen technology is proposed for heritage railways, including the Kalka–Shimla Railway.
    • Supports the National Green Hydrogen Mission and India’s Net Zero goals

    [2026] Which of the following statements with regard to Green Hydrogen is/are correct ?
    1. It is decarbonized hydrogen obtained from natural gas reforming combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS).
    2. It is produced using electrolysis of water with electricity generated by renewable energy.
    3. National Green Hydrogen Mission of India aims for abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
    Select the answer using the code given below :

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 2 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • PARIVARTAN Scheme

    Why in News?

    The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has approved the operational guidelines for the PARIVARTAN Scheme to replace old, polluting trucks and buses in the National Capital Region (NCR) with cleaner vehicles.

    Key Highlights

    • Full Form: PARIVARTAN – Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions
    • Approved by Union Cabinet: 3 June 2026
    • Total Outlay:₹9,585 crore
      • Central Government Support: ₹5,041 crore
    • Targets replacement of old trucks and buses with Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) compliant vehicles, or Electric Vehicles (EVs).
    • Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
    • Funding Agency: National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB)
    • States Covered: The following have notified 10-year Motor Vehicle Tax concession and registration fee waiver in Delhi (NCT), Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh

    Incentives under the Scheme

    • Motor Vehicle Tax concession.
    • Registration fee waiver.
    • 5% interest subvention on vehicle loans.
    • Minimum 8% Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) discount on eligible vehicles.
    • Monthly fuel voucher support for eligible diesel and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) replacement vehicles.
    • One-time financial assistance for electric replacement vehicles.
    • Support for Certificate of Deposit (CoD) trading.

    Digital Implementation

    The scheme will operate through an integrated digital platform linked with:

    • VAHAN – National Vehicle Registry
    • V-Scrap – Vehicle scrapping portal
    • DigiELV – Digital End-of-Life Vehicle platform
    • Public Financial Management System (PFMS)
    • Participating lenders and fuel voucher systems.

    About NCRPB

    • Full Form: National Capital Region Planning Board
    • Established: 1985 under the National Capital Region Planning Board Act, 1985
    • Administrative Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
    • Responsible for coordinated planning and development of the National Capital Region (NCR).

    [2025] Consider the following types of vehicles:
    I. Full battery Electric vehicles
    II. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
    III. Fuel cell electric hybrid vehicles
    How many of the above are considered as alternative powertrain vehicles?

    [A] Only one

    [B] Only two

    [C] All the three

    [D] None

  • ICAR Foundation Day 2026

    Why in News?

    The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrated its 98th Foundation Day (16 July 2026), highlighting its achievements in climate resilient agriculture, biofortified crops and technology dissemination.

    Key Highlights

    • Established: 16 July 1928
    • India’s apex organization for agricultural research, education and extension under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
    • During 2025-26, ICAR developed 386 improved varieties across 44 crops: 94% are climate resilient and 29 varieties are biofortified.
    • Released: 43 improved crop varieties, 17 agricultural technologies and 14 publications
    • New technologies include:
      • Climate resilient and salinity/alkalinity tolerant rice varieties
      • Export-oriented mango production technology
      • India’s first indigenous African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine
      • Digital Swine Disease Atlas
      • Affordable cassava harvester for smallholders.
    • 72 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with 51 industry partners for commercialization of ICAR technologies.
    • 18 international MoUs signed to strengthen global agricultural cooperation.
    • ICAR technologies reached: Nearly 1 crore farmers directly. Over 5 crore farmers through media and social media.

    Economic Impact

    • Agriculture, horticulture, livestock and fisheries generated an additional economic value of about ₹1.70 lakh crore in 2025-26.
    • Agricultural research alone contributed an estimated ₹55,000 crore.

    About ICAR

    • Full Form: Indian Council of Agricultural Research
    • Established: 16 July 1928
    • Headquarters: New Delhi
    • Parent Department: Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE)
    • Parent Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
    • Coordinates: Agricultural research, Agricultural education and Extension services through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
    • Played a major role in: Green Revolution, Food and nutritional security, Development of improved crop varieties, Livestock, fisheries and horticulture research, and Climate resilient agriculture

    [2021] In the context of India’s preparation for climate-smart agriculture, consider the following statements:
    1. The ‘Climate-Smart village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the climate change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme.
    2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under consultative group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.
    3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres.
    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1,2 and 3

  • China’s Great Green Wall

    Why in News?

    China’s Three-North Protective Forest Program (TNPFP), popularly known as the Great Green Wall, has significantly reduced desertification, though scientists stress that long-term efforts are still needed.

    Key Highlights

    • Launched in 1978 to combat desertification in northern China.
    • Covers the northeast, north and northwest regions of China.
    • Uses *Straw Checkerboards, a technique in which straw is arranged in square grids to stabilize sand dunes, reduce wind erosion, retain soil moisture and enable saplings to take root.
    • Forests created under the programme now cover about 5,00,000 sq. km.
    • Since 2000, desertified land has reduced by over 1,000 sq. km annually.
    • Overall desertified land has shrunk by around 10%, while severely desertified areas have declined by over 40%.
    • Forest cover in the programme area increased from 5% (1978) to 14% (2022).
    • More than 300 million rural workers have contributed to the programme.

    What is Desertification?

    • Desertification is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas due to climatic variations and human activities such as deforestation, overgrazing and unsustainable farming.

    Significance

    • Reduces sandstorms and soil erosion.
    • Improves ecological restoration and carbon sequestration.
    • Demonstrates the importance of sustained policy support and community participation in combating land degradation.

    UPSC Prelims Value Addition

    • Great Green Wall: Also called the Three-North Protective Forest Program (TNPFP).
    • Launched: 1978.
    • Technique Used: Straw Checkerboards for sand dune stabilization and afforestation.
    • Related Convention: United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

    [2016] What is/are the importance/importances of the ‘United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’?

    1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships.
    2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its Secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to these regions.
    3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification.

    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

  • Kudankulam Nuclear Plant Data Leak

    Why in News?

    A ransomware group allegedly accessed over 19,000 files related to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP) through a contractor’s server, raising cybersecurity concerns.

    Key Highlights

    • The breach reportedly involved engineering documents, vendor details and conventional plant infrastructure files dating from 2016 to 2025.
    • The leak originated from a third-party server (Yotta) used by the plant’s contractor.
    • NPCIL clarified that the leaked data relates only to conventional balance of plant facilities and does not involve nuclear safety or security systems.
    • Investigations are being carried out by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).
    • This follows a similar cybersecurity incident in 2019, when malware affected the plant’s administrative network.

    About Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP)

    • Located in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu.
    • Developed by NPCIL in collaboration with Russia’s Rosatom.
    • Uses VVER (Water-Water Energetic Reactor), a Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR) technology.
    • Two 1,000 MW reactors are operational, while four additional units are under construction.

    Significance

    • Highlights the importance of cybersecurity for critical infrastructure.
    • Reinforces the need for secure third-party vendors and supply chains.
    • Emphasises regular cyber audits and protection of strategic infrastructure.

    Prelims Pointer

    • NPCIL: Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited.
    • CERT-In: Indian Computer Emergency Response Team. It functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
    • VVER: Water-Water Energetic Reactor (Russian Pressurised Water Reactor).
    • Operator: NPCIL under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).

    [2017] In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents?
    1.Service providers
    2.Intermediaries
    3.Corporate bodies
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    [A] .1 and 2 only

    [B] .2 and 3 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3 only

  • Semicon 2.0

    Why in News?

    The Union Cabinet approved Semicon 2.0 with an outlay of ₹1,27,500 crore to strengthen India’s semiconductor design and manufacturing ecosystem after the success of Semicon 1.0.

    Key Highlights

    • Outlay: ₹1,27,500 crore.
    • Objective: Develop a complete semiconductor ecosystem and strengthen India’s position in the global semiconductor value chain.

    Six Pillars

    • Design: Promote indigenous chip design, Intellectual Property (IP) creation and System-on-Chip (SoC) development.
    • Machines & Materials: Support manufacturing of semiconductor equipment, chemicals and materials.
    • Semiconductor Fabs: Encourage Silicon, Compound Semiconductor, Display and Discrete Component fabrication units.
    • ATMP/OSAT: Expand Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) and Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facilities.
    • R&D: Strengthen Research and Development (R&D) for advanced semiconductor technologies.
    • Talent Development: Expand semiconductor education and industry training.

    Progress under Semicon 1.0

    • 12 manufacturing units approved with investment of ₹1.64 lakh crore.
    • Includes 1 Silicon Fab, 1 Silicon Carbide Fab, 1 Gallium Nitride (GaN) Micro LED Fab and 9 packaging units.
    • Micron, Kaynes and CG Semi have started commercial production.
    • 24 design projects supported and 105 startups/MSMEs provided access to Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools.

    Significance

    • Reduces import dependence on semiconductors.
    • Strengthens supply chain resilience and national security.
    • Promotes innovation, high-value manufacturing and technological self-reliance.

    Prelims Pointer

    • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
    • Mission: India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
    • Key Focus: Chip design, fabrication (Fabs), ATMP, OSAT, R&D and skill development.

  • Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Bulletin, June 2026

    Why in News?

    The National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the PLFS Monthly Bulletin for June 2026, showing stable employment indicators with a marginal improvement in urban labour participation.

    Labour Market Indicators (15+ years)

    • Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): 54.4%, unchanged from May 2026 and slightly higher than 54.2% in June 2025.
    • Worker Population Ratio (WPR): 51.4%, unchanged from May 2026 and up from 51.2% a year earlier.
    • Unemployment Rate (UR): 5.5%, unchanged from both May 2026 and June 2025.

    Urban Trends

    • LFPR increased from 49.8% to 50.1%.
    • WPR improved from 46.6% to 46.8%.
    • UR rose slightly from 6.4% to 6.6%, but remained below 7.1% recorded in June 2025.

    Rural Trends

    • LFPR remained stable at 56.6%.
    • WPR remained stable at 53.8%.
    • UR declined marginally from 5.1% to 5.0%.

    Female Labour Force Participation

    • Overall female LFPR stood at 32.7%.
    • Rural female LFPR was 36.6%.
    • Urban female LFPR remained 24.8%.
    • Overall female participation was 0.7 percentage points higher than June 2025.

    About PLFS

    • Conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under MoSPI.
    • India’s primary survey on employment and unemployment.
    • Since January 2025, it provides monthly and quarterly labour market estimates.
    • Monthly estimates follow the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach.

    Key Terms

    • Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Percentage of people who are employed or actively seeking employment.
    • Worker Population Ratio (WPR): Percentage of the population that is employed.
    • Unemployment Rate (UR): Percentage of unemployed persons in the labour force.

    Significance

    • Provides high-frequency employment data for policymaking.
    • Tracks labour market trends across rural and urban India.
    • Supports employment, skill development and social welfare planning.

    [2020] With reference to the Indian economy after the 1991 economic liberalization, consider the following statements:

    1.Worker productivity (Rs. per worker at 2004 — 05 prices) increased in urban areas while it decreased in rural areas.
    2.The percentage share of rural areas in the workforce steadily increased.
    3.In rural areas, the growth in non-farm economy increased.
    4.The growth rate in rural employment decreased.

    Which of the statements given above is/are Correct?
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 3 and 4 only
    c) 3 only
    d) 1, 2 and 4 only