Subject: Science & Technology / Governance (Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Language Technologies, Digital Inclusion)

Why in News?

The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD) recently signed an MoU with Kathmandu University’s Centre for Digital Public Infrastructure & Artificial Intelligence (DPI-AI), Nepal, to co-create a “Voice-First” language translation platform and strengthen multilingual AI cooperation between India and Nepal. 

What is Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD)?

• Functions under the Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY). 
• It is India’s flagship initiative for AI-driven multilingual digital inclusion and language technology. 
• Operates through the National Hub for Language Technology (NHLT). 
• Enables speech-to-text, text-to-speech, machine translation, transliteration, and multilingual conversational AI services. 

Key Features

• Powers 800+ government websites. 
• Processes over 15 million AI inferences daily. 
• Supports 36 Indian text languages, 23 Indian voice languages, and 35 international languages. 
• Promotes open-source innovation, multilingual AI research, dataset creation, startup support, and academic collaboration. 

Recent Developments

• India–Nepal collaboration for multilingual AI and digital public infrastructure. 
• Development of Nepali language datasets, speech corpora, and AI-based translation tools. 
• Expansion of BHASHINI’s open and interoperable language ecosystem across South Asia. 

Applications of BHASHINI

• E-Governance and citizen services. 
• Banking and financial inclusion. 
• Railways and public service delivery. 
• Education, skilling, healthcare, and grievance redressal. 
• Real-time multilingual communication and translation. 

UPSC Prelims-Oriented Analysis

• BHASHINI represents India’s effort to build language-based Digital Public Infrastructure, similar to how UPI transformed digital payments. 
• Important static–dynamic linkage with Artificial Intelligence, NLP, Digital India Mission, and inclusive governance. 
• Potential UPSC questions may focus on the institution behind BHASHINI, its objectives, supported technologies, and its role in bridging linguistic barriers in digital governance. 
• Also relevant for questions on AI sovereignty, Digital Public Goods, and multilingual technology ecosystems. 

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2269899&reg=48&lang=1

Subject: Environment & Ecology (Wetlands, Ramsar Sites, Migratory Birds, Remote Sensing in Conservation)

Why in News?

A recent study using nearly four decades of satellite data revealed that expanding salt pans, shrinking water levels, and increasing algal blooms are threatening the ecological health of Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan, a critical habitat for migratory flamingos. 

About Sambhar Lake

• Located in Rajasthan, spread across the districts of Jaipur, Ajmer, and Nagaur. 
• It is India’s largest inland saline (saltwater) wetland and one of the country’s largest salt-producing regions. 
• Recognized as a Ramsar Site (Wetland of International Importance). 
• Lies on the Central Asian Flyway, supporting thousands of migratory birds annually. 

Key Findings of the Study

• Analysis covered the period 1984–2023 using remote sensing and machine-learning techniques. 
• Illegal salt mining and excessive groundwater extraction have reduced water levels significantly. 
• Algal blooms covered up to 43% of the lake’s natural water surface in 2022. 
• Salt pans expanded while natural wetland areas declined, altering the lake’s ecology. 
• Changes threaten food sources and breeding habitats of Greater Flamingo and Lesser Flamingo populations. 

Scientific Tools Used

• Landsat-8 Satellite imagery. 
• Random Forest Algorithm for land-use classification. 
• Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) for mapping water bodies. 
• Surface Algal Bloom Index (SABI) for detecting algal growth. 

UPSC Prelims-Oriented Analysis

• Sambhar Lake is an important location for mapping-based questions on Rajasthan wetlands and Ramsar Sites. 
• Demonstrates the application of remote sensing, GIS, and machine learning in environmental monitoring. 
• Important static–dynamic linkage between wetland conservation, migratory bird habitats, climate change, and anthropogenic pressures. 
• UPSC may ask about the characteristics of saline wetlands, causes and impacts of algal blooms, or the significance of the Central Asian Flyway. 

Source/Reference:

https://researchmatters.in/news/expanding-salt-pans-and-algal-booms-are-threatening-indias-iconic-flamingos-sambhar-lake

Subject: Polity & Governance / Science & Technology (E-Governance, Consumer Protection, Digital Justice Delivery, AI in Governance)

Why in News?

The e-Jagriti Platform of the Department of Consumer Affairs received the Silver Award at the National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2026 under the category Government Process Re-engineering by Use of Technology for Digital Transformation. The platform was recognized for revolutionizing consumer grievance redressal through technology-driven service delivery. 

What is e-Jagriti?

• An AI-enabled, paperless unified consumer justice platform launched on 1 January 2025 by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. 
• Integrates four legacy systems: 
  • OCMS (Online Case Monitoring System) 
  • e-Daakhil 
  • NCDRC CMS 
  • CONFONET 

Key Features

• Online complaint filing and digital document exchange. 
• Real-time case tracking. 
• Virtual hearings through video conferencing. 
• AI chatbot assistance and voice-to-text functionality. 
• Multilingual support. 
• Online payment through Bharat Kosh, PayGov, and SBI ePay. 
• Accessibility features for persons with disabilities. 

Major Achievements

• Registered users: 4.15 lakh+ 
• Consumer cases filed: 2.29 lakh+ 
• Cases disposed: 2.07 lakh+ 
• Disposal rate: 90.75% 
• More than 3,300 NRI users registered on the platform. 

Institutional Linkages

• Works across District, State, and National Consumer Commissions. 
• Supports the implementation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. 
• Facilitates digital access to the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC). 

UPSC Prelims-Oriented Analysis

• Important example of e-Governance and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the justice sector. 
• Demonstrates the use of Artificial Intelligence, virtual courts, and paperless governance for citizen-centric service delivery. 
• Possible UPSC questions may focus on: 
  • Consumer dispute redressal mechanisms. 
  • NCDRC and Consumer Protection Act, 2019. 
  • Digital governance initiatives and AI-enabled public service platforms. 
  • Integration of legacy systems into a unified governance architecture. 

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2269994&reg=48&lang=1

Subject: Environment & Ecology / Science & Technology (Marine Biodiversity, Species Discovery, Taxonomy, Coastal Ecosystems)

Why in News?

Marine scientists have discovered a new species of snake eel, Bascanichthys chepakakiensis, from the Bay of Bengal off India’s eastern coast. The discovery was made while examining fishery bycatch from commercial trawlers operating near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, highlighting the rich but understudied marine biodiversity of Indian waters. 

About Bascanichthys chepakakiensis

• A newly identified species belonging to the family Ophichthidae (Snake Eels). 
• First specimen was collected from Kakinada Fishing Harbour (Andhra Pradesh); another specimen was later recorded from Odisha’s coast. 
• The name “chepakakiensis” is derived from Telugu words: 
  • Chepa = Fish 
  • Kaki = Local nickname for Kakinada. 
• Only the second species of the genus Bascanichthys reported from Indian waters, ending a gap of nearly six decades in discoveries from this genus. 

Distinctive Features

• Long, slender, snake-like body. 
• Distinct bicoloured appearance with darker dorsal surface and lighter underside. 
• Shorter snout, unique tooth arrangement, fewer vertebrae, and tiny flap-like pectoral fins. 
• Identification was confirmed through morphological analysis and mitochondrial COI gene sequencing. 

About Snake Eels

• Belong to the order Anguilliformes and family Ophichthidae. 
• Mostly inhabit sandy and muddy sea bottoms, burrowing into sediments using their tails. 
• Found in tropical and temperate marine waters worldwide. 

UPSC Prelims-Oriented Analysis

• Important example of species discovery, a recurring UPSC theme. 
• Links static concepts of taxonomy, marine ecosystems, and biodiversity conservation with current affairs. 
• Potential MCQs may test: 
  • Family and habitat of snake eels. 
  • Meaning of bycatch. 
  • Institutions involved in species identification (ZSI, NBFGR). 
  • Location mapping: Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) and Bay of Bengal. 

Source/Reference:

https://researchmatters.in/news/rare-new-snake-eel-species-discovered-amongst-fishing-bycatch-coast-kakinada

Subject: Science & Technology / Health (Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, Autoimmune Disorders, Dermatology, Medical Diagnostics)

Why in News?

Researchers from Punjabi University, Patiala and PGIMER, Chandigarh have developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based diagnostic tool for identifying Autoimmune Blistering Diseases (AIBDs). The tool was trained using clinically validated patient images and reportedly outperformed dermatologists in classifying different AIBD subtypes, offering significant potential for rural and primary healthcare settings. 

What are Autoimmune Blistering Diseases (AIBDs)?

• A group of rare autoimmune disorders in which the immune system mistakenly attacks proteins responsible for holding skin layers together. 
• Results in painful blisters and erosions on the skin and mucous membranes. 
• Chronic in nature but can be managed through immunosuppressive therapies. 

Major Types of AIBDs

Pemphigus Disorders

• Autoantibodies attack desmosomes (cell-to-cell adhesion structures). 
• Causes fragile blisters that rupture easily, often beginning in the mouth. 

Pemphigoid Disorders

• Autoantibodies target the basement membrane zone between skin layers. 
• Produces relatively tense and deeper blisters. 

Diagnosis and AI Innovation

• Conventional diagnosis relies on: 
  • Direct Immunofluorescence (DIF) – Gold Standard 
  • Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF) 
  • ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) 
• These tests are expensive, time-consuming, and mostly available at tertiary-care centres. 
• Researchers evaluated nearly 240 AI model configurations, enabling faster and more accessible diagnosis. 

UPSC Prelims-Oriented Analysis

• Important example of the application of Artificial Intelligence in public health and medical diagnostics. 
• Links static concepts of autoimmunity, antibodies, and skin biology with current developments in AI-driven healthcare. 
• Potential UPSC questions may focus on: 
  • Meaning of autoimmune diseases. 
  • Difference between pemphigus and pemphigoid. 
  • Role of immunofluorescence techniques. 
  • AI applications in healthcare and disease diagnosis. 

Source/Reference:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/punjabi-university-pgimer-develop-ai-tool-for-rare-skin-disease-diagnosis/articleshow/131572701.cms

Subject: Modern Indian History / Internal Security (Punjab Insurgency, National Security Operations, Post-Independence India)

Why in News?

The 42nd anniversary of Operation Blue Star was observed in June 2026. During commemorative events at the Akal Takht, Sikh religious and political leaders discussed its legacy and contemporary issues related to Punjab. The event brought renewed attention to one of the most significant internal security operations in independent India.

What was Operation Blue Star?

• A military operation launched by the Indian Army between 1–8 June 1984. 
• Ordered by the government led by Indira Gandhi. 
• Objective: To remove armed militants led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and their supporters from the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar. 
• The operation was conducted primarily within the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) complex, including the Akal Takht. 

Background

• During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Punjab witnessed growing militancy associated with the demand for Khalistan, a separate Sikh state. 
• Armed militants had fortified positions inside the Golden Temple complex. 
• The government viewed the situation as a serious challenge to national security and public order. 

Major Consequences

• Death of Bhindranwale and several militants. 
• Significant damage to the Akal Takht building. 
• Widespread resentment among sections of the Sikh community. 
• Assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 31 October 1984 by her Sikh bodyguards. 
• Subsequent 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots in several parts of India. 

UPSC Prelims-Oriented Analysis

• Important for understanding the intersection of internal security, federalism, and post-independence political history. 
• Frequently linked with the Punjab militancy period (1980s–1990s) and subsequent counter-insurgency measures. 
• Potential UPSC questions may focus on: 
  • Timeline and objectives of Operation Blue Star. 
  • Role of the Akal Takht and Golden Temple. 
  • Punjab insurgency and Khalistan movement. 
  • Events leading to and following the operation. 

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/operation-bluestar-anniversary-akal-takht-chief-flays-aap-govt-in-punjab-over-anti-sacrilege-law/article71069379.ece#google_vignette

Subject: Environment & Ecology / Science & Technology (Sustainable Food Systems, Nutrition Security, Human Evolution, Alternative Protein Sources)

Why in News?

A recent study published in Science Advances examined the historical roots of entomophagy (insect consumption) using ancient DNA and genomic evidence. The research suggests that insect consumption was relatively rare in ancient European populations but more common in tropical regions and among Neanderthals. The findings have renewed interest in insects as a sustainable food source amid concerns over food security and climate change. 

What is Entomophagy?

• Entomophagy refers to the practice of eating insects. 
• More than 1,600 insect species are known to be edible worldwide. 
• Common edible insects include: 
  • Crickets 
  • Grasshoppers 
  • Mealworms 
  • Termites 
  • Beetle larvae 
• Widely consumed across parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania. 

Key Findings of the Study

• Analysis of 745 ancient dental calculus samples (up to 33,000 years old). 
• Evidence suggests limited insect consumption among ancient northern Eurasian populations. 
• Neanderthals showed comparatively higher traces of insect DNA. 
• Human genes involved in digesting chitin (the main component of insect exoskeletons) vary across populations, reflecting long-term dietary adaptation. 

Why are Insects Considered Important?

• Rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids. 
• Require less land, water, and feed compared to conventional livestock. 
• Produce lower greenhouse gas emissions than cattle. 

UPSC Prelims-Oriented Analysis

• Links human evolution, genetics, and sustainable agriculture. 
• Important static-dynamic connection with nutrition security, climate-resilient food systems, and alternative protein sources. 
• UPSC may ask about: 
  • Entomophagy and edible insects. 
  • Chitin and chitinase enzymes. 
  • Environmental advantages of insect farming. 
  • FAO’s role in promoting sustainable food systems. 

Source/Reference:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c7v9vz1gd76o

GS Paper II – Governance (Social Justice; Welfare) | GS Paper I – Society (Poverty)
Multidimensional Poverty; WASH; Healthcare; Food Security; Financial Inclusion; Tribal Development

Introduction

Over the past decade, targeted welfare interventions have significantly reduced multidimensional poverty and expanded access to basic services such as sanitation, drinking water, clean cooking fuel, healthcare, and food security. With improved service delivery and broader coverage, India’s welfare framework has increasingly shifted from entitlement-based provision to saturation-driven inclusion.

Main Body

Multidimensional Poverty Reduction

Key Metrics:

• Multidimensional poverty declined from 29.17% (2013-14) to 11.28% (2022-23) – a 17.89 percentage-point reduction.
• Nearly 25 crore people lifted out of multidimensional poverty.
• Average inflation declined from 8.1% (2004-2014) to 5.1% (2014-2025) – improved household purchasing power.

Drivers:

• Large-scale expansion of welfare schemes and social protection measures.
• Financial inclusion, affordable healthcare, food security, housing, livelihood support.
• Digital governance reforms enabling last-mile delivery.

Universal Access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

Jal Jeevan Mission (2019):

• Fiscal allocations expanded by approximately 488% between 2020-21 and 2026-27 (reaching ₹67,670 crore).
• Household tap water coverage: 3.23 crore (August 2019) → 15.84 crore (May 2026) – 81.87% of 19.35 crore households.
• 2.77 lakh villages achieved 100% tap water coverage (Har Ghar Jal).
• Schools with tap water: 29,711 (2019) → 9.23 lakh (May 2026).
• Anganwadi Centres with tap water: 15,464 → 9.66 lakh.

Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban:

• Budget outlay increased from ₹62,009 crore (Phase 1, 2014-2021) to ₹1.41 lakh crore (Phase 2, 2021-2026) – 128.3% increase.
• Door-to-door waste collection: 43% (2014) → 98% (2026).
• Waste processing: 16% (2014) → 82% (2026).
• Individual household toilets: 63.74 lakh units completed (108.62% of target).
• Community/public toilets: 6.36 lakh units (125.46% of target).
• 4,692 cities declared ODF; 4,314 ODF+; 1,973 ODF++.

Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen:

• Budget allocations increased from ₹3,929 crore (2014-15) to ₹7,192 crore (2026-27) – 83% increase.
• Over 12.11 crore individual household toilets constructed.
• Sanitation coverage: 39% (2014) → 100% (2019).
• India declared ODF in 2019.
• Over 5 lakh villages attained ODF Plus (Model) status (March 2026).
• Solid waste management active in 5.31 lakh villages; liquid/greywater management in 5.50 lakh villages.
• GOBARdhan: 14 operational biogas plants (FY 2018-19) → over 1,213 (May 2026).

Clean Cooking and Energy Access

Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (2016):

• Over 10.57 crore free LPG connections to BPL women households (May 2026).
• Total LPG connections: 14.52 crore (2014) → 33.39 crore (2026) – 129.9% increase.

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (2024):

• Budget allocation: ₹6,250 crore (2024-25) → ₹22,000 crore (2026-27).
• Benefitted 36.8 lakh households (April 2026).
• Solar rooftop installations: 6.3 lakh (December 2024) → 30 lakh (April 2026).

Universal Village Electrification:

• SAUBHAGYA (2017): 100% of willing households electrified nationwide by March 2019.
• Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (2014): 100% village electrification achieved by 2025.
• Average daily electricity supply in rural areas: 12.5 hours (FY2014) → 22.6 hours (FY2025).
• Average daily electricity supply in urban areas: 22.1 hours (FY2014) → 23.4 hours (FY2025).

Healthcare and Food Security

Ayushman Bharat – PMJAY (2018):

• Annual health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per family for 12.37 crore vulnerable families (bottom 40%).
• 43.93 crore Ayushman Cards issued (May 2026).
• Hospitalizations: 29.96 lakh (June 2019) → 12.03 crore (May 2026) – treatment cost ₹1.80 lakh crore.
• Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission: 88.33 crore ABHA accounts created; 97.81 crore health records linked.
• 1.85 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs facilitated 540 crore visits.
• AIIMS operational: 8 (1947-2014) → 15 (2014-2026).

Maternal and Child Health:

• Maternal Mortality Ratio: 130 (2014-16) → 88 (2021-23) per 100,000 live births.
• First-trimester antenatal care visits: 59% (NFHS-4) → 76.2% (NFHS-6).
• Mission Indradhanush: immunized 5.46 crore children and 1.32 crore pregnant women.

Food Security:

• PMGKAY (2020): free foodgrains to over 81 crore beneficiaries; extended for five years in January 2024.
• Fair Price Shops: 5.50 lakh (99.8%) automated for Aadhaar-based distribution.
• One Nation One Ration Card: over 2.07 billion transactions; nationwide portability.
• SARTHAK-PDS scheme (May 2026): ₹25,530 crore for technology-driven PDS modernisation.

Nutritional Outcomes (NFHS-6 vs NFHS-4):

• Stunting: 38.4% → 29.3%.
• Wasting: 21% → 19%.
• Underweight children: 35.8% → 31.8%.

Education Access and Learning Outcomes

Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (2018-19):

• 4,073 schools upgraded; 1.49 lakh ICT/digital initiatives (smart classrooms).
• 25,000 schools covered under skill education.
• Schools with functional female sanitation facilities: 97.3%.
• Female primary school dropout rate: 4.6% (2013-14) → 0.3% (2024-25).
• Female secondary school dropout rate: 14.5% (2013-14) → 11.5% (2024-25).

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (2015):

• Sex ratio: 943 (Census 2011) → 1,020 females per 1,000 males (2021).
• Secondary school enrolment for girls: 75.51% (2014-15) → 80.2% (2024-25).

Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas:

• Sanctioned KGBVs: 3,609 (2014-15) → 5,639 (2024-25).
• Student enrolment: 3.52 lakh (2014-15) → 7.11 lakh (2024).

EWS Reservation (103rd Amendment, 2019):

• 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections in educational institutions and employment.
• Annual family income limit: ₹8 lakh.

Housing and Infrastructure

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban:

• Budget allocation: ₹4,175 crore (2015-16) → ₹18,625 crore (2026-27) – 346.1% increase.
• Houses completed: 8.04 lakh (2005-2014) → 98.10 lakh (2015-2026).
• 1.25 crore houses sanctioned (outlay ₹8.77 lakh crore).
• 96% of houses under PMAY-U 2.0 registered in name of a woman.

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin:

• Budget allocation: ₹21 crore (2015-16) → ₹54,917 crore (2026-27) – 2.61 lakh% increase.
• 3.91 crore houses sanctioned; 3.03 crore completed (May 2026).
• 75% of beneficiaries are women.

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana:

• Budget allocation: ₹386 crore (2014-15) → ₹19,000 crore (2026-27).
• 99.6% of eligible habitations connected with all-weather roads.
• Road length completed: 3.86 lakh km (2000-2014) → 4.11 lakh km (2014-2026).
• Bridges completed: 484 → 10,256.

Financial Inclusion

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (2014):

• Beneficiaries: 17.9 crore (August 2015) → 58.16 crore (May 2026) – 224.9% increase.
• Total balance: ₹3.02 lakh crore.
• 13.55 lakh Bank Mitras delivering branchless banking services.

Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (2015):

• Cumulative loan accounts: 3.49 crore (2016) → over 57 crore (2026).
• Disbursed loans worth ₹40.07 lakh crore.
• 49% of loans to SC/ST/OBC entrepreneurs.
• 66% of loans (38.29 crore accounts) to women entrepreneurs (₹16.88 lakh crore).

Livelihoods and Skill Development

DAY-NRLM (Rural):

• Women in SHGs: 2.37 crore → 10 crore.
• SHGs: 21.31 lakh → 91.75 lakh.
• Loan disbursement: ₹22,944 crore → ₹1.2 lakh crore.
• Lakhpati Didi (2023): 3.07 crore rural women achieved annual household income over ₹1 lakh.

PM Vishwakarma Yojana (2023):

• 30 lakh+ artisans registered; 23.97 lakh received skill training.
• 5.92 lakh artisans sanctioned credit; 16 lakh equipped with modern toolkits.

PM SVANidhi (2020):

• Beneficiaries: 26.37 lakh (Nov 2021) → 75.27 lakh (May 2026).
• Cumulative loan disbursements: ₹17,710.55 crore.
• Female beneficiaries: 46%.

Skill Development:

• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana: trained 43,038 (2014-15) → 17.71 lakh (2025-26).
• PMKVY: over 1.64 crore youth trained since inception.
• eShram portal: 14.40 crore (Dec 2021) → 31.64 crore (May 2026) unorganized worker registrations.

Social Security

• National Pension System (NPS): 1.05 crore (2016-17) → 2.17 crore (2025-26).
• Atal Pension Yojana (APY): 48.80 lakh (2016-17) → 8.96 crore (2025-26).
• PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana: 27.33 crore beneficiaries (May 2026).
• PM Suraksha Bima Yojana: 57.92 crore beneficiaries (May 2026).
• PM Shram Yogi Maan-dhan: 52.99 lakh registered (May 2026).

Tribal Development

• PM-JANMAN (2023): 2.66 lakh houses, 1,949 km roads, 750 Mobile Medical Units completed.
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools: 129 (2014-15) → 499 (May 2026); enrolment 1.54 lakh students.

Conclusion

India’s welfare interventions have significantly reduced multidimensional poverty and expanded access to water, sanitation, healthcare, food security, financial inclusion, and rural connectivity. Improved social indicators and broader coverage reflect a shift from entitlement-based welfare to saturation-driven, inclusive development—from Antyodaya to Sarvodaya.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. Examine the role of major welfare interventions in reducing multidimensional poverty and promoting inclusive development in India. What challenges remain in achieving universal coverage? (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2270144&reg=3&lang=1

GS Paper III – Economy (Growth & Development) | GS Paper III – Agriculture
GDP Growth; Sectoral Performance; Consumption; Investment; Agriculture Slowdown; Services Dominance

Introduction

India’s 2025–26 GDP growth of 7.7% reflects resilience driven by stronger consumption and investment. However, slowing agricultural growth, stagnant manufacturing performance, and global uncertainties raise concerns about sustainability, with growth projected to moderate to 6.6% in 2026–27.

Main Body

Headline Growth: 7.7% in 2025-26

Provisional Estimates:

• GDP growth for 2025-26 pegged at 7.7%.
• Marginally higher than the 7.6% predicted by the government in February.
• March (first full month since West Asia crisis) did not see enough impact to affect full year’s growth.

The Caveat:

• Resilience will be dented in the months ahead.
• Energy supply disruptions from the Iran war will test the entire economy.

Bright Spots: Consumption and Investment

Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE):

• Grew faster in 2025-26 than in the previous year.
• Consumption growth especially welcome given that it had been tepid at 5.8% for the previous two years.
• Indicates some recovery in household demand.

Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF):

• Grew faster in 2025-26 than in the previous year.
• Metric of government and private sector investment activity.

The Question:

• How much of the investment growth was driven by the private sector?
• Even if driven by government spending, it has positive knock-on effects on the rest of the economy.

Sectoral Performance: Double-Digit Growth in Manufacturing and Services

Manufacturing and Services:

• Several key sectors (manufacturing and several services) grew by double digits.
• Over and above a relatively high base.
• Good signs for an economy heading into severe supply-related headwinds.

Rising Dominance of Services:

• Services share in total GVA: 51.9% (2022-23) → 54.3% (2025-26).
• Increasing dominance of services in the economy.

Causes for Concern: Agriculture Slowdown

Agriculture Sector Growth:

• Slowed to 3% in 2025-26 (from 4.2% in 2024-25).
• Despite the 2025 monsoon having concluded at 108% of LPA (normal or above-normal).

Dire News for 2026-27:

• IMD has predicted that this year’s monsoon will only be 90% of LPA (below normal).
• Fertiliser supply constraints will really be felt in the months ahead (West Asia crisis impact).

Agriculture Share in GVA:

• Fell to below 20% (from 22.1% in 2022-23).
• Agriculture continues to employ the largest share of the population by far.

Persistent Concern: Stagnant Manufacturing Share

Manufacturing Share in GVA:

• Remained largely unchanged.
• Another cause for concern.
• India is not growing its value-added manufacturing sector fast enough.

The Challenge:

• Without manufacturing growth, job creation for the large workforce leaving agriculture will be insufficient.
• Services growth alone cannot absorb the low-skilled workforce.

The Outlook for 2026-27: Significant Slowdown Expected

RBI Projection:

• Growth will dip to 6.6% in 2026-27.
• RBI, government, and independent economists are in agreement.

Chief Economic Adviser:

• Saw no need to second-guess this estimate.

The Stressors:

• Below-normal monsoon (90% of LPA).
• Fertiliser supply constraints.
• Energy supply disruptions from West Asia crisis.
• Global slowdown affecting exports.

Historical Comparison: Testing Export and Economic Resilience

Last Year (2025-26):

• Tariff-related disruptions tested India’s export resilience.
• India passed that test (7.7% growth achieved).

This Year (2026-27):

• Energy supply disruptions will test the entire economy.
• Will test the government’s policy agility.

Conclusion

India’s 7.7% GDP growth in 2025–26 was supported by stronger consumption, investment, manufacturing, and services. However, slowing agricultural growth, stagnant manufacturing share, and emerging risks from weaker monsoons, input constraints, and global energy disruptions raise concerns about sustaining growth in the coming years.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

27. India’s recent GDP growth reflects resilience as well as structural weaknesses. Critically examine the key challenges to sustaining growth in 2026–27. (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/testing-times-on-indias-gdp-growth-data/article71073148.ece