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Type: Prelims Only

  • Odisha’s Groundwater Revival under ‘Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari’

    Why in News?

    Odisha has emerged as a model for community-led groundwater conservation under the initiative ‘Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari’, transforming monsoon rainfall into a sustainable source of groundwater recharge through rooftop rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge structures.

    What is ‘Jal Sanchay, Jan Bhagidari’?

    • A nationwide approach promoting: Water conservation through people’s participation.
    • Based on the principle of “Whole of Government, Whole of Society.”
    • Encourages Community ownership, Scientific water management, and Rainwater harvesting.

    Objective

    • Recharge groundwater aquifers.
    • Improve water security.
    • Build resilience against future water stress.
    • Promote sustainable use of water resources.

    Odisha’s Groundwater Recharge Strategy

    • The State captures rainwater where it falls and channels it into underground aquifers through Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting
    • Rainwater collected from: Schools, Colleges, Government offices, Institutional buildings, is filtered and directed into recharge wells.
    • Recharge Structures in Water Bodies: Ponds, Tanks, Community water bodies, allowing excess monsoon runoff to percolate underground.

    CHHATA Scheme

    • Focuses on Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Systems (RRHS).
    • Implements recharge systems in institutional buildings.

    Functions

    • Collection of rooftop runoff.
    • Filtration of rainwater.
    • Recharge of groundwater through bore wells.

    Benefits

    • Improves groundwater levels.
    • Reduces seasonal water shortages.
    • Supports urban groundwater revival.

    ARUA Scheme

    • About: Facilitates groundwater recharge through ponds and tanks.
    • Construction of Recharge Shafts.

    Functions

    • Diverts surplus surface runoff.
    • Enhances deep aquifer recharge.
    • Reduces loss of monsoon water.

    [2022] Which one of the following has been constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?

    [A] Central water Commission

    [B] Central Ground Water Board

    [C] Central Ground Water Authority

    [D] National Water Development Agency

  • BIS Releases IS 20201:2026 for Community Seed Bank Management

    Why in the news?

    The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Department of Consumer Affairs has released IS 20201:2026 – Community Seed Bank Management: Requirements, providing the first standardised framework for the management of Community Seed Banks (CSBs) in India.

    What is IS 20201:2026?

    • Title: IS 20201:2026 Community Seed Bank Management – Requirements
    • Released by: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
    • Parent Ministry: Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
    • Developed by: Biodiversity Sectional Committee (EED 06) Under BIS’s Environment and Ecology Department (EED).

    Objective

    The standard seeks to:

    • Conserve indigenous seed varieties.
    • Protect agricultural biodiversity.
    • Promote community-led seed conservation.
    • Enhance climate resilience in agriculture.
    • Ensure long-term food and nutritional security.
    • Empower farmers through decentralised seed systems.

    What are Community Seed Banks (CSBs)?

    Community Seed Banks are Decentralised, community-managed repositories that collect, conserve, multiply, store, and exchange locally adapted seeds.

    Functions

    • Preservation of traditional crop varieties.
    • Seed exchange among farmers.
    • Maintenance of seed diversity.
    • Supply of quality seeds during climatic shocks.
    • Protection of farmers’ knowledge.

    [2017] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes.

    2. AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    A 1 only

    B 2 only

    C Both 1 and 2

    D Neither 1 nor 2

  • SAPLING Dialogue 2026 Concludes

    Why in the news?

    The two-day SAPLING (South Asian Policy Leadership for Improved Nutrition and Growth) Dialogue 2026 concluded on 10 June 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, with a call for a concrete action plan for the holistic development of the food processing sector in South Asia.

    About SAPLING Dialogue 2026

    • Jointly organised by: Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India and World Bank Group
    • Venue: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
    • Duration: 9-10 June 2026
    • Participants: Around 200 delegates.

    Participants Included

    • Policymakers, Industry leaders, International organisations, Development partners, Researchers, Startups, Financial institutions, and Representatives from South Asian countries

    Theme

    “Unlocking Value: Advancing Food Processing for Employment Generation and Sustainable Growth in South Asia”

    Key Objectives

    • Strengthen resilient, inclusive and sustainable food systems in South Asia.
    • Promote regional cooperation in food processing.
    • Encourage value addition in agriculture.
    • Facilitate technology adoption in the sector.
    • Generate employment opportunities.
    • Enhance farmer incomes and rural development.
    • Support MSMEs and women entrepreneurs.

    [2023] Consider the following statements with reference to India:
    1. According to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006, the ‘medium enterprises’ are those with and machinery between is crore and 25 crore.
    2. All bank loans to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector.
    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

  • Axolotl: Mexico City’s Unofficial World Cup Mascot Facing Extinction

    Why in the news?

    Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the axolotl has emerged as Mexico City’s unofficial mascot. However, conservationists have raised concerns that the popularity of the critically endangered amphibian has not translated into meaningful efforts to protect its rapidly disappearing habitat.

    About Axolotl

    • Common name: Axolotl
    • Scientific name: Ambystoma mexicanum
    • Group: Amphibian (salamander).
    • Endemic to: Mexico, particularly the canals of Xochimilco in Mexico City.
    • Name derived from: The Nahuatl word meaning “water monster”.

    Unique Features

    • Exhibits neoteny, retaining larval characteristics throughout its life.
    • Remains aquatic throughout its life cycle.
    • Breathes through External gills and oxygen absorption through its skin.
    • Extraordinary regenerative ability can regrow limbs, Parts of the spinal cord, Heart tissue, and Portions of the brain.

    Conservation Status

    • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered.
    • Wild populations have witnessed a drastic decline.

    [2019] Consider the following statements:
    1. Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only.
    2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only.
    3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 only

    [B] 2 only

    [C] 1 and 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Taiwan Fires HIMARS in Anti-Invasion Drill

    Why in the news?

    Taiwan conducted a live-fire exercise using the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) on its west coast for the first time, simulating strikes against an invading force from China and demonstrating its “shoot-and-scoot” capability.

    HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System)

    • Full form: High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).
    • Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin.
    • Country of origin: United States.
    • Type: Wheeled Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS).
    • Mounted on: A 6×6 military truck chassis.
    • Designed for: Precision long-range strikes.

    Range

    • Approximately 300 km (190 miles) using long-range precision rockets.
    • From western Taiwan, it can potentially strike targets in China’s Fujian Province across the Taiwan Strait.

    What is “Shoot-and-Scoot”?

    • A battlefield tactic used by mobile artillery systems.
    • Involves:
      1. Moving to a firing position.
      2. Launching rockets.
      3. Immediately relocating before enemy counter-attacks.

    [2022] Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?

    a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.

    b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea.
    c) A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities.
    d) Though International Court, of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian countries claim them.

  • Birsa Munda and the Evolution of Adivasi Identity and Rights

    Why in the news?

    On 9 June 2026, the death anniversary of Birsa Munda was observed across Jharkhand. Several tribal organisations pledged to protect his legacy amid renewed debates over the delisting of tribal converts from the Scheduled Tribes list, bringing Birsa’s ideas on Adivasi identity, land rights, and self-rule back into focus.

    Who was Birsa Munda?

    • Born: 15 November 1875, Ulihatu (present-day Jharkhand).
    • Died: 9 June 1900, Ranchi Jail.
    • Belonged to the Munda tribe.
    • Revered as: Dharti Aba (“Father of the Earth”) and “Bhagwan” by followers.
    • Tribal leader, social reformer, religious preacher, and anti-colonial freedom fighter.

    Ulgulan (The Great Tumult)

    • Tribal uprising led by Birsa Munda during 1899-1900.
    • “Ulgulan” means Great Tumult.
    • Centred in the Chotanagpur Plateau.

    Causes

    • Encroachment on tribal lands.
    • Exploitative practices of:
      • British administration,
      • Zamindars,
      • Moneylenders,
      • “Dikus” (non-tribal outsiders).
    • Erosion of traditional tribal institutions.
    • Missionary influence and socio-cultural disruptions.

    Objectives

    • Restoration of traditional land rights.
    • End of British rule.
    • Expulsion of exploitative outsiders.
    • Establishment of tribal self-rule.

    Concept of “Disum”

    • Refers to self-rule or autonomous tribal governance.
    • Reflected Birsa’s vision of Adivasi sovereignty, Community control over resources, and Cultural autonomy.

    Dombari Buru

    • Major centre of the Ulgulan.
    • In January 1899, thousands gathered to assert tribal rights.
    • British troops opened fire on the gathering.
    • Remembered in Adivasi memory as a massacre.
    • Became a symbol of tribal resistance.

    Khuntkatti System

    • Traditional Munda system of collective land ownership.
    • Village lands belonged to descendants of original settlers called Khuntkattidars.
    • Combined land rights with customary governance.

    Chotanagpur Tenancy (CNT) Act, 1908

    Background

    • Enacted following decades of tribal resistance, including Birsa’s movement.

    Objectives

    • Prevent transfer of tribal land to non-tribals.
    • Legally recognise customary tribal land rights.
    • Protect Khuntkatti tenure systems.

    [2020] With reference to the history of India, “Ulgulan” or the Great Trumult is the description of which of the following events?

    (a) The Revolt of 1857
    (b) The Mappila Rebellion of 1921
    (c) The Indigo Revolt of 1859-60
    (d) Birsa Munda’s Revolt of 1899-1900

  • US Court Strikes Down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Fee

    Why in the news?

    A US federal judge struck down former President Donald Trump’s controversial $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas, ruling that the measure amounted to an unlawful tax that could not be imposed without Congressional approval.

    What is the H-1B Visa Programme?

    • The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa issued by the United States.
    • It allows US employers to hire foreign workers in speciality occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree and Specialised knowledge.

    Major Sectors

    • Information Technology (IT), Engineering, Healthcare, Finance, Consulting, and Research

    Annual H-1B Cap

    • General Cap: 65,000 visas annually for most private employers.
    • Additional Cap: 20,000 visas reserved for holders of advanced degrees from US institutions.

    Cap Exempt Entities

    • The following can file H-1B petitions throughout the year: Universities, Non-profit research organisations, and government research institutions.

    In the context of India, which of the following factors is/are contributor/contributors to reducing the risk of a currency crisis? (2019)

    1. The foreign currency earnings of India’s IT sector
    2. Increasing the government expenditure
    3. Remittances from Indians abroad

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Coal Exchange Rules, 2026

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of Coal notified the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026 on 4 June 2026, paving the way for the establishment of Coal Exchanges in India. The initiative aims to modernise coal marketing through transparent, competitive, and market-driven trading.

    Background

    • Legal Basis: The concept of Coal Exchanges emerged from the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2025
    • The amendment:
      • Introduced the concept of a Mineral Exchange.
      • Empowered the Central Government to facilitate transparent mineral trading.
    • Covers: Coal, Processed forms of coal, Other notified minerals.

    What is a Coal Exchange?

    A Coal Exchange is an organised electronic marketplace where multiple buyers and sellers can trade coal through transparent mechanisms.

    • Traditional System: One seller → Many buyers to Exchange-Based System: Many sellers ↔ Many buyers
    • Coal Exchanges will be authorised by the Coal Controller Organisation (CCO).
    • Registration validity: 25 years
    • Establish and operate trading platforms.
    • Frame market rules and bye-laws.
    • Facilitate coal transactions.
    • Ensure compliance with regulations.

    Role of Coal Controller Organisation (CCO)

    • Established in 1945.
    • Functions under the Ministry of Coal.
    • Headquarters Kolkata.
    • Functions
      • Regulates coal quality.
      • Collects and disseminates coal statistics.
      • Ensures compliance with coal grading standards.
      • Registers and regulates Coal Exchanges under the 2026 Rules.

    [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

  • First Export of GI-Tagged Tezpur Litchi to Dubai

    Why in the news?

    The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitated the first export consignment of GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi from Assam to Dubai on 7 June 2026, boosting agricultural exports from the North Eastern Region.

    Key Highlights

    • Product Exported: GI-tagged Tezpur Litchi
    • Quantity: 1 metric tonne
    • Export Destination: Dubai
    • State: Assam
    • Facilitating Agency: APEDA
    • Significance: First international shipment of Tezpur Litchi.

    About Tezpur Litchi

    • Tezpur Litchi is renowned for its: Exceptional sweetness, Bright-red appearance, Distinctive aroma, Superior eating quality, High consumer preference
    • Major Varieties: Bombaya, Bilati, Elaichi, Piyaji, and Sahi

    [2018] With reference to organic farming in India, consider the following statements:
    1.‘The National ‘Programme for Organic Production’ (NPOP) is operated under the guidelines and ‘directions of the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
    2.‘The Agricultural and Processed Food Product Export Development Authority ‘(APEDA) functions as the Secretariat for the implementation of NPOP.
    3.Sikkim has become India’s first fully organic State.
    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    [A] 1 and 2 only

    [B] 2 and 3 only

    [C] 3 only

    [D] 1, 2 and 3

  • Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme

    Why in the news?

    The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organised a National Workshop and launched the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme Guidelines (FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31) to accelerate the development of the SHP sector in India.

    About the Small Hydro Power Development Scheme

    • Implementing Ministry: MNRE
    • Scheme Period: FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31
    • Objective:
      • Revival and expansion of the Small Hydro Power sector.
      • Harness untapped hydro potential.
      • Promote renewable energy diversification.
    • Capacity Target: Installation of approximately 1,500 MW of new SHP capacity.
    • Total allocation: ₹2,584.60 crore
    • In India, Small Hydro Power Projects are hydroelectric projects with an installed capacity of up to 25 MW
    • These projects generally involve:
      • Run-of-the-river systems.
      • Minimal reservoir requirements.
      • Lower environmental impacts compared to large dams.

    [2024] Recently, the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?

    [A] Irrigation of terraced crop fields

    [B] Lift irrigation of cereal crops

    [C] Long duration energy storage

    [D] Rainwater harvesting system