Archives
(PRELIMS Focus)
Subject: Science & Technology / Defence & Internal Security (Indian Coast Guard, Maritime Security, Indigenous Shipbuilding, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Coastal Surveillance)
Why in News?
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) commissioned ICGS Akshay, a new-generation Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV), at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa. The induction marks another milestone in the Coast Guard’s force modernisation programme and reinforces India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.
About ICGS Akshay
- Type: New-generation Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) of the Adamya-class.
- Designed and Built by: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).
- Meaning of “Akshay”: Indestructible, symbolising resilience and steadfast maritime security.
- It is the fourth FPV in the series of eight vessels being constructed by GSL for the Indian Coast Guard.
Key Features
- Developed with over 60% indigenous content, supporting Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- Equipped for:
- Maritime law enforcement
- Coastal and offshore surveillance
- Search and Rescue (SAR)
- Anti-smuggling and anti-poaching operations
- Marine environmental protection
- Assistance to mariners in distress.
- Features modern navigation, communication, and integrated control systems for enhanced operational efficiency.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
- UPSC frequently asks about indigenous defence platforms and their developers, operational roles, and user services. Aspirants should distinguish Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) from Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs)—FPVs are designed for high-speed coastal surveillance, interception, and law enforcement, whereas OPVs have greater endurance for long-range maritime patrols.
- The topic also links with the Indian Coast Guard Act, 1978, maritime security architecture, Blue Economy, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence production.
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2278486®=6&lang=1
Subject: Science & Technology / Governance / Health (Digital Health, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), National Health Authority (NHA), Health Management Information System (HMIS), e-Governance)
Why in News?
The Union Government launched e-Sushrut@Clinic, a plug-and-play digital Health Management Information System (HMIS) designed for small and medium healthcare providers across India. The initiative aims to accelerate digitisation of outpatient clinics and strengthen the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) ecosystem.
About e-Sushrut@Clinic
- A lightweight, cloud-based Health Management Information System (HMIS) developed specifically for outpatient clinics.
- Joint initiative of the National Health Authority (NHA) and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
- It is a lighter version of the flagship e-Sushrut HMIS, already deployed in 17 AIIMS and over 4,000 healthcare facilities across India.
- Supports the objectives of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) by promoting interoperable digital health records.
Key Features
- Enables digital patient registration, electronic health records (EHRs), e-prescriptions, billing, pharmacy, nursing, diagnostics, and telemedicine.
- Integrated with:
- ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account)
- Health Facility Registry (HFR)
- Health Professional Registry (HPR)
- Offers AIIMS Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS) for hypertension and diabetes management.
- Low-cost, cloud-based solution with simple onboarding through web or mobile platforms.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
- Digital health initiatives are a high-probability UPSC area. Aspirants should distinguish e-Sushrut@Clinic (HMIS for healthcare providers) from ABHA (digital health ID for individuals) and eSanjeevani (telemedicine platform).
- UPSC may ask about the implementing agencies (NHA & C-DAC), ABDM ecosystem components (ABHA, HFR, HPR), and the purpose of HMIS. The topic also links with Digital India, National Digital Health Mission, and healthcare interoperability.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Economy / Governance (Cooperative Movement, Gig Economy, Ministry of Cooperation, Digital Governance, Platform Economy)
Why in News?
The Bharat Taxi initiative was formally launched by the Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation in Gujarat, marking the country’s first cooperative-based ride-hailing platform. The initiative seeks to provide a driver-owned alternative to private cab aggregators by promoting the cooperative model in the transport sector under the vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi”.
About Bharat Taxi
- India’s first cooperative-owned ride-hailing platform, operated by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Limited.
- Promoted with support from the Ministry of Cooperation to strengthen the cooperative sector in the digital mobility ecosystem.
- Initially soft-launched in December 2025, followed by commercial expansion in 2026.
Key Features
- Drivers are co-owners of the platform, ensuring profit-sharing instead of commission-based earnings.
- Aims to eliminate surge pricing and reduce intermediary commissions charged by private aggregators.
- Offers services including:
- Taxi services
- Auto-rickshaw services
- Bike taxi services
- Initially launched across 14 cities in Gujarat, with plans for phased expansion to other states.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
- The Bharat Taxi initiative is significant as it combines the cooperative model with the digital platform economy, creating a new approach to the gig economy. UPSC may ask about the nodal ministry, cooperative ownership model, or its distinction from conventional ride-hailing platforms.
- The topic also links with 97th Constitutional Amendment (Cooperative Societies), National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC), digital governance, and inclusive economic development. It represents an example of applying cooperative principles to emerging digital sectors.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Science & Technology / Defence Technology / International Relations (Cruise Missiles, Indigenous Defence Systems, Missile Guidance, Russia–Ukraine Conflict)
Why in News?
Ukraine claimed that its indigenously developed FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles struck a major Russian defence manufacturing facility in the Volgograd region, demonstrating its growing capability to conduct long-range precision strikes deep inside Russian territory.
About FP-5 Flamingo
- A long-range, ground-launched cruise missile developed by the Ukrainian defence company Fire Point.
- Entered operational service in 2025.
- Designed to conduct deep-strike missions against high-value military and strategic targets.
Key Features
- Maximum Range: Up to 3,000 km.
- Warhead: Up to 1,150 kg payload.
- Cruise Speed: Approximately 850–900 km/h.
- Guidance System: Combines Inertial Navigation System (INS) with GNSS (satellite navigation) and anti-jamming technology.
- Powered by an AI-25TL turbofan engine with a solid-fuel booster for launch.
- Capable of low-altitude terrain-following flight, enhancing survivability against enemy air defence systems.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Missile systems remain a high-probability UPSC topic. Aspirants should distinguish cruise missiles from ballistic missiles:
- Cruise missiles fly within the atmosphere using continuous propulsion, are highly manoeuvrable, and are suited for precision strikes.
- Ballistic missiles follow a ballistic trajectory, travel at much higher speeds, and spend much of their flight outside the atmosphere.
The FP-5 Flamingo illustrates the growing role of indigenous defence innovation, precision-guided munitions, and long-range strike capabilities in modern warfare. It also links with static topics such as missile guidance systems, jet propulsion, and electronic warfare.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Agriculture / Economy / Art & Culture (Geographical Indications (GI), Tribal Agriculture, Minor Millets, Indigenous Crop Varieties, GI Act, 1999)
Why in News?
Four traditional tribal crops of Madhya Pradesh have been granted Geographical Indication (GI) Tags by the GI Registry, Chennai. The recognition aims to protect indigenous crop varieties, preserve traditional farming practices, and improve market access and income for tribal farmers, particularly those belonging to the Baiga and Gond communities.
New GI-Tagged Crops
- Sitahi Kutki – Traditional minor millet from Dindori district.
- Nagdaman Kutki – Indigenous minor millet cultivated in tribal areas of Dindori.
- Baigani Arhar – A unique purple pigeon pea traditionally grown by the Baiga tribe.
- Mahakoshal Chhatriya Dhan (Chhatriya Paddy) – Traditional paddy variety native to Jabalpur and Katni regions.
Significance
- Protects the crops’ regional identity under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
- Promotes biodiversity conservation, climate-resilient agriculture, and nutritional security through traditional millet varieties.
- Enhances export potential, branding, and premium pricing for tribal farmers while preserving indigenous agricultural knowledge.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
- GI-tagged agricultural products are a favourite UPSC Prelims theme. Aspirants should remember the crop–state association, GI registration authority (GI Registry under DPIIT), and the legal framework governing GIs.
- The topic also links with the International Year of Millets (2023), nutri-cereals, tribal livelihoods, and One District One Product (ODOP) initiatives. Questions may also test the distinction between GI, Patent, Trademark, and Plant Variety Protection.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Science & Technology (Space & Astronomy) (Radio Telescopes, Pulsars, Square Kilometre Array (SKA), Radio Astronomy)
Why in News?
Astronomers using the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) have discovered a new 24-millisecond pulsar (PSR J0125−5854) during the Southern-sky MWA Rapid Two-metre (SMART) Survey. Follow-up observations revealed that it is part of a binary system, highlighting MWA’s capability in detecting faint, low-frequency radio sources.
About the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA)
- A low-frequency radio telescope located at the Murchison Radio-astronomy Observatory (MRO), Western Australia.
- Operates in the 70–300 MHz radio frequency range.
- An international collaboration and one of the precursor telescopes for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.
- Designed to study:
- Epoch of Reionization (EoR)
- Pulsars and fast radio transients
- Solar and heliospheric activity
- Cosmic magnetism and extragalactic radio sources.
SMART Survey
- SMART stands for Southern-sky MWA Rapid Two-metre Survey.
- Surveys the southern sky at 140–170 MHz to discover new pulsars.
- The newly discovered PSR J0125−5854 has:
- Spin period: 24 milliseconds
- Located about 0.5–1 kpc from Earth
- Likely accompanied by a helium white dwarf in a long-period binary system.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
- Radio telescopes and space observatories are frequently tested in UPSC. Aspirants should distinguish radio telescopes (MWA, FAST, GMRT) from optical/infrared space telescopes (Hubble, James Webb, Euclid). Remember that MWA is a ground-based, low-frequency radio telescope and an SKA precursor, whereas SKA will become the world’s largest radio telescope.
- Questions may also test concepts such as pulsars (rapidly rotating neutron stars), millisecond pulsars, radio astronomy, and the Epoch of Reionization. The topic links static astronomy concepts with recent discoveries in observational astrophysics.
Source/Reference:
Subject: International Relations / Defence & Internal Security (Multinational Military Exercises, Indo-Pacific, Maritime Security, Indian Navy, Naval Diplomacy)
Why in News?
Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 commenced in and around the Hawaiian Islands from 24 June to 31 July 2026. The 30th edition of the biennial exercise brings together 31 participating nations, over 30 warships, 5 submarines, around 140–206 aircraft, and more than 25,000 personnel, making it the world’s largest international maritime exercise.
About Exercise RIMPAC
- Full Form: Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).
- Started: 1971; conducted biennially (every two years).
- Hosted by: U.S. Pacific Fleet under the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM).
- Venue: Primarily in and around the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific Ocean.
- Theme (2026): “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.”
Objectives
- Enhance interoperability among allied and partner navies.
- Improve collective maritime security and freedom of navigation.
- Conduct advanced training in:
- Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
- Air defence
- Amphibious operations
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
- Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO)
- Live-fire and SINKEX (Sinking Exercise).
UPSC Prelims Analysis
- Military exercises are a high-frequency UPSC Prelims topic. Aspirants should remember that RIMPAC is the world’s largest biennial multinational maritime exercise, hosted by the U.S. Pacific Fleet since 1971. India has been a regular participant in recent editions through the Indian Navy, reflecting its commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
- UPSC may ask about the host nation, frequency, objectives, participating countries, and unique features such as SINKEX and HADR operations. The topic also links with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), the Quad, and broader maritime security cooperation.
Source/Reference:
(MAINS Focus)
GS II – Governance / GS I – Society
Education, Digital Infrastructure, and Inclusive Development
Introduction
DIKSHA, launched in 2017, is India’s national digital platform for school education, providing curriculum-linked learning resources across multiple languages. With millions of users, extensive digital content, and features such as QR-coded textbooks, offline access, and virtual labs, it has strengthened accessible, inclusive, and technology-enabled learning in line with NEP 2020.
Understanding DIKSHA: Architecture and Content
Platform Structure
- Federated Architecture: Enables each participant (states, UTs, organisations) to upload and manage content independently
- Local Customisation: Content in mother tongue/regional languages; aligned to state curricula and pedagogy
- Content Types: 2D/3D animations, AR experiences, simulations, virtual labs, sign language videos
- Quality Assurance: CIET-NCERT periodically validates content based on prescribed guidelines
- Scope: Complete K–12 digital learning (FLN to senior secondary)
Key Features and Tools
- Energised Textbooks: QR-coded NCERT books linking to videos, interactives, teacher guides
- Inclusive Features: DAISY format, text-to-speech, Indian Sign Language (ISL) videos for differently-abled
- Personalised Learning: Unlimited practice questions, adaptive assessments, competency-based question banks
- Teacher Training: NISHTHA and state-specific TPD modules for self-paced certified training
- Offline Access: Download content in advance; preloaded on Smart Class boards for dependable access
Content and Language Coverage
- Languages Supported: 135 languages (128 Indian, 7 foreign)
- Multilingual Textbooks: NCERT translates textbooks for classes 1, 2, 3, 6 into 22 scheduled languages
- Virtual Laboratories: 614+ created to promote critical thinking and student creativity
- Energised Textbooks: 7,687 available
- Electronic Contents: 3.67 lakh digital resources
Scale and Impact: Key Statistics
User Metrics (as of 27 June 2026)
- Registered Users: 2.25 crore
- Active Users: ~3 lakh daily
- Top States: Uttar Pradesh (26.80 lakh), Gujarat (14.64 lakh), Bihar (12.52 lakh), Rajasthan (11.41 lakh), Maharashtra (10.86 lakh)
Usage Metrics
- Learning Sessions: 575.25 crore
- Learning Minutes: 6,691.82 crore
Content and Course Metrics
- Content: 3.67 lakh electronic contents; 7,687 Energised Textbooks
- Courses: 347 courses
- Enrolments: 18.77 crore
- Completions: 14.82 crore
- Certificates Issued: 12.79 crore
Teacher Professional Development
- NISHTHA Integration: Teacher training modules for self-paced learning
- State TPD Modules: Customised for state-level educator upskilling
- Training: 50 faculty members from State Councils and DIETs trained to develop professional development courses
Challenges
- Digital Divide: Access to devices and internet remains uneven; offline mode partially addresses this
- Quality of Content: Variation across states; need for continuous updating
- Teacher Training: Beyond content creation, teachers need ongoing digital pedagogy training
- Content Localisation: 135 languages covered but quality of translation and contextualisation varies
- Assessment Integration: Need deeper integration with formative and summative assessment systems
- Sustainability: Funding, maintenance, and regular content refreshment require institutional commitment
Way Forward: Strengthening DIKSHA’s Impact
Bridging the Digital Divide
- Expand offline accessibility through pre-loaded content on all smart classrooms
- Partner with Common Service Centres (CSCs) for rural access points
- Develop lightweight, low-bandwidth versions for low-connectivity areas
- Distribute pre-loaded tablets/phones to underserved students
Enhancing Content and Pedagogy
- Regular content refresh and quality review by NCERT and state SCERTs
- Expand virtual labs and experiential learning resources
- Integrate AI for adaptive and personalised learning pathways
- Develop content in more regional dialects and tribal languages
Teacher Empowerment
- Scale NISHTHA and state TPD modules with experiential learning components
- Provide continuous professional development through DIKSHA’s LMS
- Create peer-to-peer learning communities for teachers
- Recognise and reward teacher-led content creation
Assessment and Analytics Integration
- Link DIKSHA with school-based and national assessments
- Use learning analytics to identify student gaps and inform teaching
- Provide actionable insights to teachers, parents, and administrators
- Align with NEP 2020 competency-based education framework
Institutional and Policy Support
- Ensure sustained funding for platform maintenance and content creation
- Strengthen collaboration with states, NGOs, and EdTech partners
- Integrate DIKSHA with other DPI platforms (e.g., APAAR, Vidya Samiksha)
- Develop standard operating procedures for content creation, curation, and validation
Conclusion
DIKSHA has transformed school education by providing accessible, curriculum-linked digital learning resources to millions of students and teachers across India. While it has strengthened inclusive and technology-enabled learning, addressing challenges such as the digital divide, content quality, and teacher capacity will be essential for building a resilient and future-ready education system.
Practice Question
- Examine the role of DIKSHA in promoting inclusive and technology-enabled school education in India. What challenges must be addressed to enhance its effectiveness? (250 words, 15 marks)
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2278569®=3&lang=1
GS III – Environment & Ecology / GS I – Geography
Climate Change, Global Warming, and International Cooperation
Introduction
The 2026 European heatwave, marked by extreme temperatures and widespread disruptions, highlights the growing impact of climate change. While adaptation efforts have expanded, the crisis underscores the need for stronger mitigation measures, greater climate accountability, and fulfillment of global commitments to reduce future climate risks.
The European Heat Crisis: Magnitude and Impact
Temperature Extremes
- Record-Breaking: Summers of 2019, 2022, 2023, and now 2026
- UK: Hottest June day on record
- Multiple Countries: Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany experienced highly unusual conditions
- Temperatures: Exceeded 40°C in several countries; red alerts across France and other parts
Socio-Economic Disruption
- School Closures: Disruption to education
- Transport Systems: Severe disruption across the continent
- Health Services: Under immense pressure; heat-related illnesses and deaths
- Tragic Incidents: People drowning in France after jumping into rivers/canals to escape heat
Underlying Causes
- Weather Pattern: Blocked high-pressure system trapping hot air; drawing warm air from Sahara
- Climate Change Impact: Such occurrences have become more frequent and exacting
- Europe’s Vulnerability: Fastest-warming continent; buildings designed to retain warmth
Adaptation vs. Mitigation: The Response Dilemma
Adaptation Measures Being Discussed
- Cooling Centres: Public spaces for heat relief
- Expanding Green Spaces: Urban cooling through vegetation
- Building Redesign: Modifying structures to reduce heat retention
- Heat Action Plans: Emergency response systems
- Early Warning Systems: Better forecasting and public alerts
Limitations of Adaptation
- Symptom Management: Addresses only one side of the problem
- Insufficient: Cannot keep pace with accelerating climate change
- Costly: Adaptation is increasingly expensive
- Temporary: Does not address root causes
Need for Ambitious Mitigation
- Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Cut net GHG emissions to negligible levels
- Near-Term Accountability: Current plans vague on short-term targets
- Policy Gaps: Need for enforceable, time-bound commitments
- Global Implications: Europe’s mitigation delays impact the entire world
Climate Change as an Interconnected Planetary Emergency
Global Nature of Crisis
- Atmospheric Interconnectedness: Emissions anywhere affect everywhere
- Weather System Linkages: European heatwave linked to Sahara; global circulation patterns
- Shared Vulnerability: No country can escape climate impacts
- Cascading Effects: Heatwaves → crop failures → food prices → global instability
Historical Responsibility and Equity
- Developed Countries’ Role: Historical emissions primarily from industrialised nations
- Financial Commitments: Developed countries pledged $100 billion/year for climate finance
- Technology Transfer: Promises to share clean technology remain unfulfilled
- Adaptation Gap: Developing countries most vulnerable but least responsible
Scientific Consensus
- IPCC Findings: Climate change intensifies extreme weather events
- Interconnectedness: Heatwaves, floods, droughts, and storms are linked
- Planetary Emergency: Requires coordinated global action
- Urgency: Delays in mitigation impose greater burdens worldwide
Implications for Developing Countries
- Increased Vulnerability: Extreme weather, crop failures, water scarcity
- Resource Diversion: Funds meant for development redirected to climate adaptation
- Technology Gap: Lack of access to clean technologies
- Loss and Damage: Unaddressed climate-induced losses
- Trust Deficit: Broken promises erode global cooperation
Way Forward: Strengthening Global Climate Action
Europe’s Responsibility
- Ambitious Mitigation: Set binding, short-term emission reduction targets
- Climate Finance: Honour $100 billion/year commitment; increase for loss and damage
- Technology Transfer: Share clean technology with developing countries
- Remove Loopholes: Address carbon leakage and offshoring
Global Cooperation
- Strengthen Paris Agreement: Enhance transparency, accountability, and ambition
- Loss and Damage Fund: Operationalise and adequately fund
- Adaptation Support: Scale up support for vulnerable countries
- Knowledge Sharing: Disseminate best practices and technologies
India’s Role and Priorities
- Ambitious NDCs: Continue renewable expansion and emission reduction
- Climate-Resilient Development: Mainstream adaptation in planning
- International Advocacy: Push for climate justice and equity
- Technology and Innovation: Develop and export clean technologies
Integrating Mitigation and Adaptation
- Co-Benefits: Climate action also improves health, economy, and environment
- Nature-Based Solutions: Protect and restore ecosystems
- Just Transition: Ensure equitable transition for workers and communities
- Long-Term Planning: Align with sustainable development goals
Conclusion
The European heatwave highlights that climate change is a global and escalating crisis affecting even the most developed nations. While adaptation measures are important, lasting solutions require stronger emission reductions, greater climate accountability, and fulfillment of international commitments to build resilience and limit future climate risks.
Practice Question
- The 2026 European heatwave highlights the global nature of the climate crisis. Examine its implications for climate action and discuss measures to strengthen international cooperation on mitigation and adaptation. (250 words, 15 marks)