The Current Affairs questions are based on sources like ‘The Hindu’, ‘Indian Express’ and ‘PIB’, which are very important sources for UPSC Prelims Exam. The questions are focused on both the concepts and facts. The topics covered here are generally different from what is being covered under ‘Daily Current Affairs/Daily News Analysis (DNA) and Daily Static Quiz’ to avoid duplication. The questions would be published from Monday to Saturday before 2 PM. One should not spend more than 10 minutes on this initiative. Gear up and Make the Best Use of this initiative. Do remember that, “the difference between Ordinary and EXTRA-Ordinary is PRACTICE!!” Important Note: Don’t forget to post your marks in the comment section. Also, let us know if you enjoyed today’s test 🙂 After completing the 5 questions, click on ‘View Questions’ to check your score, time taken, and solutions. .To take the Test Click Here

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Bio-Based Chemicals Category: Science and Technology Context: India has prioritised bio-based chemicals and enzymes as a priority area under the Department of Biotechnology’s BioE3 policy. About Bio-Based Chemicals: Definition: Bio-based chemicals are industrial chemicals produced using biological feedstocks like sugarcane, corn, starch, or biomass residues. Production: These are often produced through fermentation or enzymatic processes. Examples: These include organic acids (such as lactic acid), bio-alcohols, solvents, surfactants, and intermediates used in plastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Difference with conventional chemicals: Unlike conventional chemicals, for which the largely available supplies are obtained through sources of fossil fuel, bio-based alternatives reflect a sustainable solution. Drop-in: These are chemically identical to fossil-based versions (e.g., Bio-PET) and usable in existing infrastructure. Novel: These offer new functionalities not possible with petrochemicals (e.g., certain bioplastics like PLA).  Ecological Benefits: Reduced reliance on fossil fuels: The bio-based industry reduces reliance on fossil fuels by applying renewable feedstocks. Low production of harmful byproducts: Biobased methods generate much lower amounts of hazardous waste than the conventional petroleum-based methodologies. Reduced carbon footprint: The production of biochemicals generally requires less energy than their corresponding petroleum-based equivalents. Waste minimization and circular economy: With bio-based chemicals mostly coming from organic waste resources, development of the circular economy will be based on recycling, efficiency in the use of resources. Challenges and Risks: Cost disadvantage: Higher production cost compared to petrochemical alternatives, which creates an entry level barrier. Feedstock: availability of reliable feedstocks and supporting infrastructure required to produce different categories of bio-based chemicals at scale. Market adoption: Uncertainty about adapting bio-based chemicals as substitutes over fossil fuel-based chemicals. Strategic significance for India: Import substitution: India imported approximately $480 million worth of acetic acid in 2023. Shifting to bio-alternatives reduces reliance on costly petrochemical imports. Climate goals: These chemicals generally have a lower carbon footprint and contribute to a circular bioeconomy by using waste as feedstock. Industrial efficiency: Many bio-based processes use enzymes which operate at lower temperatures and pressures, significantly reducing energy consumption. Rural growth: Creates new markets for agricultural produce and crop residues, potentially boosting rural income. Source: The Hindu White-Bellied Sea Eagle Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Recently, the annual nest monitoring survey of the White-bellied Sea Eagle recorded 17 active nesting sites in Kannur and Kasaragod districts during this season. About White-Bellied Sea Eagle: Nature: It is a large diurnal bird of prey in the family Accipitridae. Scientific name: Its scientific name is Haliaeetus Leucogaster. Other names: It is also known as the white-breasted sea eagle. Appearance: Adults feature a distinctive white head, neck, and underparts with dark grey/brown wings and a short wedge-shaped tail.  Habitat: It lives primarily in terrestrial habitats near the ocean, especially coasts, islands, and estuaries, but also live in forested areas with access to smaller bodies of water. Distribution: It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Andaman Island, southern China, the Philippines, Wallacea, New Guinea, Australia, and Tasmania, among other countries.  Uniqueness: It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females being slightly larger than males (wingspan of females reaching up to 2.2 meters). Communication: The primary form of communication in white-bellied sea eagles is vocalizations. Diet: They are carnivorous and primarily prey on aquatic animals, especially fish, eels, and crustaceans. Behaviour: They are monogamous and territorial and they are known for spectacular aerial courtship displays involving cartwheeling with locked talons. Indicator species: It is an apex predator in coastal ecosystems, and is considered an indicator of marine and coastal environmental health. Conservation Status: It is classified under the category of ‘Least Concern’ as per the IUCN Red Data List. Source: The Hindu African Union Category: International Organisations Context: The Thirty-Ninth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) concluded recently at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. About African Union: Nature: The African Union (AU) is a continental organization comprising 55 member states on the African continent. Establishment: Formally launched in 2002 in Durban, South Africa, it succeeded the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was founded in 1963 Objective: It aims to promote unity, cooperation, and development among African nations while advancing the continent’s interests on the global stage. Headquarters: Its headquarters is located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Significance: It promotes the participation of African citizens and civil society through the Pan-African Parliament and the Economic, Social & Cultural Council (ECOSOCC). G20 membership: Under India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20, giving Africa a direct voice in global economic governance. Governance of African Union: Assembly: It is the highest decision-making body, consisting of the heads of state and government of member countries. Executive Council: Made up of foreign affairs ministers, it handles policy matters and makes recommendations to the Assembly. AU Commission: Headquartered in Addis Ababa, it is the administrative arm responsible for implementing the decisions of the Assembly and the Executive Council. The Peace and Security Council: It is responsible for maintaining peace and security on the continent. Strategic Frameworks and Key Projects: Agenda 2063: It is a 50-year strategic framework (adopted in 2015) for Africa’s long-term socio-economic and political transformation. AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area): It is aimed at creating a single market of 1.3 billion people to boost intra-African trade and industrialization. Peacekeeping missions: It includes missions like the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and previously ATMIS. Source: African Union Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Category: Economy Context: Union Minister of Cooperation recently launched a modern Public Distribution System (PDS) based on Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. About Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC): Nature: Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are digital versions of a country’s fiat currency, issued and regulated by the central bank. Objective: These digital currencies aim to modernize financial systems, increase financial inclusion, and improve payment efficiency, offering a government-backed option for everyday transactions. Uses: CBDCs can be used for a variety of purposes, including daily transactions, cross-border payments, and enhancing financial inclusion while providing a more secure and efficient form of digital money. Global adoption: The Bahamas was the first country to launch a nationwide Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), named the Sand Dollar, in 2020. In April 2020, China became the first major economy to pilot its digital currency, the e-CNY or Digital Yuan. Steps taken by India: India has introduced the e-Rupee, a form of digital currency, through the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The e-Rupee aims to modernize the financial infrastructure, ensure financial inclusion, and reduce transaction costs. Types: CBDCs can be divided into two primary categories– wholesale and retail, each serving different functions in the financial system. Wholesale CBDCs: These are designed for use by financial institutions and market participants for large-scale transactions, such as interbank transfers and securities settlement. Retail CBDCs: These are government-backed digital currencies designed for public use, enabling consumers and businesses to make transactions. CBDCs vs Cryptocurrency: Centralization vs Decentralization: CBDCs are issued and controlled by central banks, making them a centralized currency. Cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, operate on decentralized networks, meaning no central authority oversees their creation or distribution. Stability: CBDCs are designed to be stable and maintain their value, as they are backed by the government. Cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, are volatile and can experience significant price fluctuations. Legal Tender: CBDCs are legal tender, meaning they are recognized by governments as an official form of payment. Cryptocurrencies, although accepted by some businesses, are not legally recognized as official currency in most countries. Usage: CBDCs are primarily intended for official use within a national economy, while cryptocurrencies are often used as a store of value or for speculative investment. Significance of CBDCs: Financial inclusion: By providing access to digital money, CBDCs can bring unbanked populations into the formal financial system, improving financial access for all. Reduced transaction costs: CBDCs can lower the costs of transactions by eliminating intermediaries, thus making payments more efficient and affordable. Enhanced monetary policy: With direct control over the digital currency, central banks can more effectively implement monetary policy, such as controlling inflation and managing interest rates. Security: CBDCs offer greater security compared to physical currency, as they are resistant to counterfeiting and fraud, with transactions being traceable. Challenges associated: Privacy Concerns: The digital nature of CBDCs makes it easier for governments to track and monitor transactions, raising concerns about user privacy and surveillance. Cybersecurity: With increased reliance on digital systems, CBDCs are susceptible to cyberattacks, requiring robust security measures to safeguard against potential breaches. Infrastructure and Accessibility: Implementing a CBDC system requires significant digital technological infrastructure, which could be a challenge for developing nations with limited digital infrastructure. Impact on the Banking System: The widespread adoption of CBDCs could disrupt traditional banking models, potentially reducing the role of commercial banks in credit distribution. Source: PIB Urban Challenge Fund Category: Government Schemes Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister of India approved the launch of the Urban Challenge Fund (UCF). About Urban Challenge Fund (UCF): Nodal ministry: It is a new centrally sponsored scheme of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Objective: It aims to build resilient, productive, inclusive and climate-responsive cities, positioning those as key drivers of the country’s next phase of economic growth. Financial outlay: It provides for the total Central assistance of ₹1 lakh crore. Tenure: It will be operational from FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31, with an extendable implementation period up to FY 2033–34. Financing mechanism: A minimum of 50 per cent of project financing has to be mobilised from market sources, including municipal bonds, bank loans and Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs). The remaining share may be contributed by States, Union Territories (UTs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) or other sources. Project selection: Projects will be selected through a transparent and competitive challenge mode, ensuring support to high-impact and reform-oriented proposals. Focus areas: A strong thrust on reforms across Urban Governance, Market & Financial systems, Operational efficiency, and Urban Planning Emphasis on Tier-II and Tier-III cities: A dedicated ₹5,000 crore corpus will enhance the creditworthiness of 4223 cities including Tier- II and Tier-III cities, particularly for first-time access to market finance. Coverage: The Fund will cover All cities with a population of 10 lakh or more (2025 estimates); All State and Union Territory capitals not covered above; and Major industrial cities with a population of 1 lakh or more Additionally, all ULBs in hilly States, North-Eastern States, and smaller ULBs with population below 1 lakh will be eligible for support under the Credit Repayment Guarantee Scheme. Source: PIB (MAINS Focus) Institutionalising Scientific Expertise: The Case for an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) (GS Paper II – Role of Civil Services in a Democracy; Government Policies & Interventions; GS Paper III – Science & Technology- Developments and their Applications in Governance)   Context (Introduction) India’s post-Independence administrative framework was designed around a generalist civil service model suited for nation-building and territorial integration. Over the decades, however, governance has become increasingly shaped by complex scientific, technological, environmental, and public health challenges. Despite the growing centrality of science in policymaking, India lacks a dedicated scientific cadre with institutional safeguards and tailored service rules.    Scientists within government continue to operate under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, originally designed for administrative governance, creating a structural mismatch between scientific inquiry and bureaucratic norms.   The Structural Mismatch: Administrator vs Scientist Different Professional Pathways: Civil servants are recruited through a generalist competitive examination and trained for governance roles, whereas scientists undergo specialised education, peer review, and domain-specific expertise development. Absence of Tailored Career Frameworks: Unlike administrators, scientists often lack structured training, career progression pathways, and clearly aligned institutional authority within governance systems. Reactive Role of Science: Scientific inputs are frequently commissioned for immediate regulatory or legal needs, rather than embedded as continuous policy guidance. Limited Institutional Authority: Government scientists often function in advisory capacities without formal weight in final decision-making processes. Governance Complexity Expansion: Sectors such as climate change, oceans, nuclear safety, AI, biotechnology, and disaster management demand sustained scientific integration into policy design.   Why Administrative Rules Are Not Neutral Service Rules Shape Institutional Culture: Conduct rules emphasising discipline and neutrality may constrain the questioning ethos central to scientific inquiry. Scientific Integrity Requires Transparency: Effective science-based governance demands the ability to formally record uncertainties, risks, and dissenting assessments. Risk of Symbolic Consultation: Without structural safeguards, scientific advice may become decorative rather than determinative. Need for Professional Autonomy: Scientists must be able to flag ecological or technological risks without fear of institutional reprisal. Science vs Policy Distinction: Final decisions rest with elected authorities, but scientific advice must remain independent and documented.   Comparative International Experience Dedicated Scientific Cadres: Countries such as France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US maintain structured scientific services within government. Scientific Integrity Policies: The US framework protects scientists from political interference and mandates transparency in documentation. Institutionalised Evidence Use: Advanced economies embed scientists directly in ministries and regulatory agencies. Professional Safeguards: Separate service rules protect career progression and research independence. Policy Credibility Enhancement: Transparent scientific input strengthens public trust and regulatory legitimacy.   The Case for an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) Permanent All-India Scientific Cadre: The ISS could function alongside existing civil services, ensuring integrated scientific participation in governance. Rigorous Recruitment Model: Selection through peer evaluation and national-level assessment tailored to scientific expertise. Separate Service Rules: Dedicated scientific conduct and appraisal frameworks protecting professional independence. Transparent Documentation: Mandatory recording of scientific assessments and risk evaluations within institutional processes. Complementary Governance Model: Administrators ensure coordination and execution, while scientists provide evidence-based foresight and risk analysis.   Proposed Structural Framework Indian Environmental and Ecological Service: Focused on biodiversity, ecosystems, and environmental regulation. Indian Climate and Atmospheric Service: Dedicated to climate modelling, mitigation, and adaptation policy integration. Indian Water and Hydrological Service: Addressing river basin governance, groundwater, and water security. Indian Public Health and Biomedical Service: Integrating epidemiology and biomedical research into health governance. Indian Disaster Risk and Resilience Service: Embedding scientific risk modelling into disaster preparedness frameworks.   Conclusion India has built strong scientific institutions, but institutional design has not kept pace with governance complexity. As India aspires to global leadership in climate action, technology, and public health, evidence-based policymaking must move from episodic consultation to structural integration. The creation of an Indian Scientific Service would represent a forward-looking reform that strengthens governance resilience, enhances scientific integrity, and aligns administrative systems with 21st-century challenges.   Mains Question Examine how the creation of an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) could strengthen evidence-based policymaking and democratic accountability. (250 words)   Source: The Hindu Rollback of Climate Regulation and Its Global Spillovers (GS Paper III – Environment and Ecology; Conservation; Climate Change; Environmental Pollution and Degradation)   Context (Introduction)  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) revocation of the 2009 ‘endangerment finding’ under President Donald Trump marks a major reversal in American climate governance. The original finding, rooted in the U.S. Supreme Court judgment in Massachusetts vs EPA (2007), classified greenhouse gases (GHGs) as “air pollutants” under the Clean Air Act and required the EPA to regulate them if found harmful to public health and welfare.   In 2009, the EPA concluded that six GHGs, including carbon dioxide and methane, posed such a threat, relying heavily on IPCC assessments and U.S. scientific bodies. This legal foundation enabled federal fuel economy and GHG standards for vehicles from 2012 onward, accelerating a structural shift in the global automobile industry toward fuel efficiency, hybridisation, and electric vehicles (EVs).   The rollback attempts to dilute or dismantle these regulatory standards.   Significance of the ‘Endangerment Finding’ Legal Basis for Climate Regulation: It empowered the EPA to regulate emissions from the transportation sector under the Clean Air Act. Trigger for Federal Vehicle Standards: It led to GHG and fuel efficiency norms for cars and light trucks (2012–2025). Technological Transformation: Manufacturers invested in hybrid systems, lightweight materials, and electric vehicle technologies. Global Market Influence: Regulatory credit systems benefited firms such as Tesla and shaped EV markets worldwide, including in India. Signal Effect in Climate Governance: It reinforced science-based policymaking aligned with international climate commitments.   Implications of the Rollback Weakening of Climate Accountability: Revocation undermines the scientific recognition of GHGs as threats to public health and welfare. Short-Term Political Signalling: The move aligns with narratives of reviving fossil fuel industries and traditional auto manufacturing. Limited Industrial Reversal: Global production lines are already optimised around electrification and emissions control. Geopolitical Realities: China’s dominance in EV supply chains limits the feasibility of reverting to fossil fuel-intensive models. Global Regulatory Uncertainty: It may embolden climate scepticism or regulatory dilution in other jurisdictions.   Why a Return to the ‘Gas-Guzzler’ Era Is Unlikely Structural Investment Lock-in: Automakers have invested heavily in EV and hybrid platforms over multi-decadal horizons. Export-Oriented Strategy: Major markets such as the EU continue to tighten emission norms, shaping global production strategies. Technological Path Dependency: Battery supply chains, charging infrastructure, and emission standards create irreversible momentum. Consumer Preferences Shift: Growing climate awareness and urban pollution concerns favour cleaner vehicles. Global Climate Commitments: International agreements and carbon pricing mechanisms reinforce decarbonisation trends.   Risks for India Regulatory Spillover: Indian automakers may cite U.S. dilution as a pretext to weaken domestic fuel efficiency norms. Policy Inconsistency: India’s climate targets under the Paris Agreement require progressive decarbonisation of transport. Public Health Concerns: Vehicular emissions significantly contribute to urban air pollution in Indian cities. Missed Industrial Opportunity: Dilution of standards may delay India’s integration into global EV supply chains. Strategic Alignment: Climate-linked industrial policy is increasingly central to trade competitiveness.   Conclusion The revocation of the EPA’s ‘endangerment finding’ represents more than a domestic regulatory rollback; it signals an attempt to turn back the clock on science-based environmental governance. However, structural technological shifts and global market forces make a wholesale fossil fuel revival improbable. For India, the episode underscores the importance of insulating domestic environmental standards from external political oscillations. Climate-linked fuel efficiency norms should function not as external impositions but as strategic anchors guiding sustainable industrial transformation.   Mains Question Discuss the significance of the retreat of USA from global climate consensus. What lessons should India draw from the recent rollback of U.S. environmental regulations? (250 words)   Source: The Hindu  

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) PM RAHAT Scheme Category: Government Schemes Context: Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the launch of the PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) Scheme. About PM RAHAT Scheme: Full form: It stands for PM RAHAT (Road Accident Victim Hospitalisation and Assured Treatment) Scheme. Nature: It has prioritized life-saving intervention, financial certainty for hospitals, and a structured emergency response system for accident victims. Objective: It aims to reduce mortality by ensuring treatment during the “Golden Hour” (the first hour after an accident), which can prevent nearly 50% of road accident deaths. Nodal ministries: It is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).  Coverage period: Treatment is covered for a maximum of 7 days from the date of the accident. Stabilization: It includes stabilization treatment for 24 hours in non-life-threatening cases and up to 48 hours in life-threatening cases. Incentive: To encourage “Good Samaritans” (now termed Rahveers), the government provides a cash reward of ₹25,000 and a certificate for those who transport victims to hospitals.  Integration: It will be integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) enabling victims, Good Samaritans to dial 112 to locate the nearest designated hospital and request ambulance assistance. Cashless treatment: Under the Scheme, every eligible road accident victim on any category of road will be entitled to cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh per victim. Implementation: It is implemented through amalgamating the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) platform of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways with the Transaction Management System (TMS 2.0) of the National Health Authority. Reimbursement: The reimbursement to the hospitals will be made through the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVAF), established under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. Insured and uninsured vehicles: In cases where the offending vehicle is insured, payment will be drawn from contributions made by General Insurance Companies. In uninsured and Hit & Run cases, payment will be made through budgetary allocation by the Government of India. Grievance redressal: Grievances will be addressed by a Grievance Redressal Officer nominated by the District Road Safety Committee chaired by the District Collector or District Magistrate. Source: News on AIR Papikonda National Park Category: Environment and Ecology Context: The adult male tiger, named ‘Explorer’, was reintroduced into the wild in the Papikonda National Park (PNP) in Andhra Pradesh as part of Operation Stripes. About Papikonda National Park: Location: It is located in the East Godavari and West Godavari Districts of Andhra Pradesh. Area: It is the largest national park in Andhra Pradesh, spanning approximately 1,012.86 sq km. Establishment: Initially declared a reserved forest in 1882 and a wildlife sanctuary in 1978, it was upgraded to a National Park in 2008. Associated river: Situated in the northern Eastern Ghats, it is bisected by the Godavari river, which cuts through the Papikonda hill range, creating a rugged landscape of steep slopes and deep valleys. Terrain: It encompasses a rugged landscape with steep slopes, hills, and deep valleys.  Mountains: There are 62 named mountains in the park. Devara Konda is the highest point. The most prominent mountain is Verala Konda. Significance: It has been recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. Vegetation: The park is characterized by tropical, moist deciduous forests mixed with patches of semi-evergreen and dry deciduous forests. Flora: The park is home to several types of trees, including teak, rosewood, sandalwood, bamboo, eucalyptus, sal, mahua, pterocarpus, terminalia, and cassia. Fauna:  These include Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, sloth bear, and Indian wild dog (dhole), gaur (Indian bison), sambar deer, spotted deer (chital), mouse deer, barking deer, four-horned antelope, and Indian giant squirrel. Uniqueness: A unique dwarf breed of goat known locally as the “kanchu mekha” originates in this region. Tribes: It is primarily inhabited by the Konda Reddi and Koya tribes, who are recognized as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Concern: The ongoing construction of the Polavaram multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River poses a significant threat, as the reservoir’s backwaters are expected to submerge parts of the park and displace several tribal villages. Source: The Hindu Chennakeshava Temple Category: History and culture Context: The Prime Minister’s new office complex, Seva Teerth has been built in the Indian architectural tradition inspired by the features of the Chennakeshava Temple. About Chennakeshava Temple: Location: The Chennakeshava Temple is a 12th-century temple, situated on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur (ancient Velapura), Hassan district, Karnataka. Other names: It is also referred to as the Keshava, or Vijayanarayana Temple of Belur. Deity: It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Chennakeshava (meaning “Handsome Keshava”). Commissioning: It was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE (after a major military victory in 1116 CE over the Cholas in the great battle of Talakkad), on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur, also known as Velapura.  Construction: The temple was built over three generations and took 103 years to complete. Significance: The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Architecture type: It is a stunning example of Hoysala architecture. Material: It is built using Soapstone (Chlorite Schist), which is soft when quarried and hardens over time, allowing for extremely intricate carvings. Stellate plan: The temple is built on a raised platform called a Jagati that follows a star-shaped layout, providing more exterior surface area for sculptures. Intricate carvings: The exterior walls feature horizontal friezes depicting elephants (strength), lions (courage), horses (speed), and mythological scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas. Madanikas/Salabhanjikas: It is famous for 42 bracket figures portraying graceful women in various poses (e.g., Darpana Sundari or “Lady with a Mirror”), which are hallmarks of Hoysala art. Pillars: It features unique lathe-turned pillars that are highly polished and intricately decorated  Stepped well: One of the unique features of the Chennakeshava Temple is the stepped well, which is located in the temple complex. Source: The Tribune Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 Category: Economy Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister of India approved the establishment of the Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 (Startup India FoF 2.0). About Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0: Nature: It is launched under the Startup India initiative. Building on the foundation laid by the original 2016 scheme, FFS 2.0 introduces a targeted, segmented approach. Objective: It is designed to accelerate the next phase of India’s startup journey by mobilising long-term domestic capital, strengthening the venture capital ecosystem, and supporting innovation-led entrepreneurship across the country. Monitoring Agency: It is monitored by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry and it is operated by Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). Investment model: It is a “Fund of Funds,” meaning it does not invest directly in startups. Instead, it contributes to the corpus of SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), which then invest in startups. Multiplier Effect: Supported AIFs are required to invest at least twice the amount of the FFS contribution into startups. Financial outlay: A total corpus of Rs. 10,000 crores for the purpose of mobilizing venture capital for the startup ecosystem of the country. Innovative manufacturing: It prioritises breakthroughs in high-tech areas that require patient, long-term capital. Empowering early-growth stage founders: It provides a safety net for new and innovative ideas, reducing early-stage failures caused by lack of funding. National reach: It encourages investment beyond major metros so that innovation thrives in every corner of the country. Address high‑risk capital gaps: It directs greater capital to priority areas which are important for self-reliance and boosting economic growth. Boosts investment landscape: It strengthens India’s domestic venture capital base, particularly smaller funds to further boost the domestic investment landscape. Source: PIB Dornier 228 Aircraft Category: Defence and Security Context: Recently, the Defence Ministry signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur, for the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 Aircraft. About Dornier 228 Aircraft: Nature: It is a highly versatile multi-purpose light transport aircraft. Objective: It has been developed specifically to meet the manifold requirements of utility and commuter transport, third level services and air-taxi operations, coast guard duties and maritime surveillance. Manufacturing: Originally developed by Dornier GmbH (Germany); it is now license-produced in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at its Kanpur facility. Engine: It is powered by a pair of Garrett TPE331 turboprop engines and has a supercritical wing that generates large amounts of lift at slow speeds. Special capability: It possesses Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities, allowing it to operate from short, semi-prepared, or grass runways in “hot and high” environments. Capacity: It is typically configured to carry up to 19 passengers or equivalent cargo Specialisation: The STOL capabilities allows it to operate from unprepared, unpaved, and grass surfaces and specialize in hot and high environments. Design: It has the unique design of the TNT wing, capable of generating large amounts of lift at slow speeds. Reliability: It is typically promoted for its versatility, low operational costs, and high levels of dispatch reliability. Source: The Economic Times (MAINS Focus) Institutionalising Scientific Expertise: The Case for an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) (GS Paper II – Role of Civil Services in a Democracy; Government Policies & Interventions; GS Paper III – Science & Technology- Developments and their Applications in Governance)   Context (Introduction) India’s post-Independence administrative framework was designed around a generalist civil service model suited for nation-building and territorial integration. Over the decades, however, governance has become increasingly shaped by complex scientific, technological, environmental, and public health challenges. Despite the growing centrality of science in policymaking, India lacks a dedicated scientific cadre with institutional safeguards and tailored service rules.    Scientists within government continue to operate under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, originally designed for administrative governance, creating a structural mismatch between scientific inquiry and bureaucratic norms.   The Structural Mismatch: Administrator vs Scientist Different Professional Pathways: Civil servants are recruited through a generalist competitive examination and trained for governance roles, whereas scientists undergo specialised education, peer review, and domain-specific expertise development. Absence of Tailored Career Frameworks: Unlike administrators, scientists often lack structured training, career progression pathways, and clearly aligned institutional authority within governance systems. Reactive Role of Science: Scientific inputs are frequently commissioned for immediate regulatory or legal needs, rather than embedded as continuous policy guidance. Limited Institutional Authority: Government scientists often function in advisory capacities without formal weight in final decision-making processes. Governance Complexity Expansion: Sectors such as climate change, oceans, nuclear safety, AI, biotechnology, and disaster management demand sustained scientific integration into policy design.   Why Administrative Rules Are Not Neutral Service Rules Shape Institutional Culture: Conduct rules emphasising discipline and neutrality may constrain the questioning ethos central to scientific inquiry. Scientific Integrity Requires Transparency: Effective science-based governance demands the ability to formally record uncertainties, risks, and dissenting assessments. Risk of Symbolic Consultation: Without structural safeguards, scientific advice may become decorative rather than determinative. Need for Professional Autonomy: Scientists must be able to flag ecological or technological risks without fear of institutional reprisal. Science vs Policy Distinction: Final decisions rest with elected authorities, but scientific advice must remain independent and documented.   Comparative International Experience Dedicated Scientific Cadres: Countries such as France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US maintain structured scientific services within government. Scientific Integrity Policies: The US framework protects scientists from political interference and mandates transparency in documentation. Institutionalised Evidence Use: Advanced economies embed scientists directly in ministries and regulatory agencies. Professional Safeguards: Separate service rules protect career progression and research independence. Policy Credibility Enhancement: Transparent scientific input strengthens public trust and regulatory legitimacy.   The Case for an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) Permanent All-India Scientific Cadre: The ISS could function alongside existing civil services, ensuring integrated scientific participation in governance. Rigorous Recruitment Model: Selection through peer evaluation and national-level assessment tailored to scientific expertise. Separate Service Rules: Dedicated scientific conduct and appraisal frameworks protecting professional independence. Transparent Documentation: Mandatory recording of scientific assessments and risk evaluations within institutional processes. Complementary Governance Model: Administrators ensure coordination and execution, while scientists provide evidence-based foresight and risk analysis.   Proposed Structural Framework Indian Environmental and Ecological Service: Focused on biodiversity, ecosystems, and environmental regulation. Indian Climate and Atmospheric Service: Dedicated to climate modelling, mitigation, and adaptation policy integration. Indian Water and Hydrological Service: Addressing river basin governance, groundwater, and water security. Indian Public Health and Biomedical Service: Integrating epidemiology and biomedical research into health governance. Indian Disaster Risk and Resilience Service: Embedding scientific risk modelling into disaster preparedness frameworks.   Conclusion India has built strong scientific institutions, but institutional design has not kept pace with governance complexity. As India aspires to global leadership in climate action, technology, and public health, evidence-based policymaking must move from episodic consultation to structural integration. The creation of an Indian Scientific Service would represent a forward-looking reform that strengthens governance resilience, enhances scientific integrity, and aligns administrative systems with 21st-century challenges.   Mains Question Examine how the creation of an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) could strengthen evidence-based policymaking and democratic accountability. (250 words)   Source: The Hindu Rollback of Climate Regulation and Its Global Spillovers (GS Paper III – Environment and Ecology; Conservation; Climate Change; Environmental Pollution and Degradation)   Context (Introduction)  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) revocation of the 2009 ‘endangerment finding’ under President Donald Trump marks a major reversal in American climate governance. The original finding, rooted in the U.S. Supreme Court judgment in Massachusetts vs EPA (2007), classified greenhouse gases (GHGs) as “air pollutants” under the Clean Air Act and required the EPA to regulate them if found harmful to public health and welfare.   In 2009, the EPA concluded that six GHGs, including carbon dioxide and methane, posed such a threat, relying heavily on IPCC assessments and U.S. scientific bodies. This legal foundation enabled federal fuel economy and GHG standards for vehicles from 2012 onward, accelerating a structural shift in the global automobile industry toward fuel efficiency, hybridisation, and electric vehicles (EVs).   The rollback attempts to dilute or dismantle these regulatory standards.   Significance of the ‘Endangerment Finding’ Legal Basis for Climate Regulation: It empowered the EPA to regulate emissions from the transportation sector under the Clean Air Act. Trigger for Federal Vehicle Standards: It led to GHG and fuel efficiency norms for cars and light trucks (2012–2025). Technological Transformation: Manufacturers invested in hybrid systems, lightweight materials, and electric vehicle technologies. Global Market Influence: Regulatory credit systems benefited firms such as Tesla and shaped EV markets worldwide, including in India. Signal Effect in Climate Governance: It reinforced science-based policymaking aligned with international climate commitments.   Implications of the Rollback Weakening of Climate Accountability: Revocation undermines the scientific recognition of GHGs as threats to public health and welfare. Short-Term Political Signalling: The move aligns with narratives of reviving fossil fuel industries and traditional auto manufacturing. Limited Industrial Reversal: Global production lines are already optimised around electrification and emissions control. Geopolitical Realities: China’s dominance in EV supply chains limits the feasibility of reverting to fossil fuel-intensive models. Global Regulatory Uncertainty: It may embolden climate scepticism or regulatory dilution in other jurisdictions.   Why a Return to the ‘Gas-Guzzler’ Era Is Unlikely Structural Investment Lock-in: Automakers have invested heavily in EV and hybrid platforms over multi-decadal horizons. Export-Oriented Strategy: Major markets such as the EU continue to tighten emission norms, shaping global production strategies. Technological Path Dependency: Battery supply chains, charging infrastructure, and emission standards create irreversible momentum. Consumer Preferences Shift: Growing climate awareness and urban pollution concerns favour cleaner vehicles. Global Climate Commitments: International agreements and carbon pricing mechanisms reinforce decarbonisation trends.   Risks for India Regulatory Spillover: Indian automakers may cite U.S. dilution as a pretext to weaken domestic fuel efficiency norms. Policy Inconsistency: India’s climate targets under the Paris Agreement require progressive decarbonisation of transport. Public Health Concerns: Vehicular emissions significantly contribute to urban air pollution in Indian cities. Missed Industrial Opportunity: Dilution of standards may delay India’s integration into global EV supply chains. Strategic Alignment: Climate-linked industrial policy is increasingly central to trade competitiveness.   Conclusion The revocation of the EPA’s ‘endangerment finding’ represents more than a domestic regulatory rollback; it signals an attempt to turn back the clock on science-based environmental governance. However, structural technological shifts and global market forces make a wholesale fossil fuel revival improbable. For India, the episode underscores the importance of insulating domestic environmental standards from external political oscillations. Climate-linked fuel efficiency norms should function not as external impositions but as strategic anchors guiding sustainable industrial transformation.   Mains Question Discuss the significance of the retreat of USA from global climate consensus. What lessons should India draw from the recent rollback of U.S. environmental regulations? (250 words)   Source: The Hindu